It's another year almost gone and here we are, the day before Christmas and we are just getting around to doing our Christmas obligations. The gifts are purchased, the tree is decorated, the ham is in the fridge not knowing that it will be baked within the next few hours and there is a hint that there is going to be snow here in Dallas later today. Now's the time to light a fire in the fireplace, pull up the computer keyboard and reflect on the past year.
With just hours left in 2008, the Lovely Miss Carol had a name transplant and became Carol Harrell. The alliteration has been amusing to most people concerned. The move was mostly good for us as it settles both of us down and eases some of the uncertainty which had been a part of our lives. It was either that or we have found in each other a decent companion with which to play Scrabble.
Carol continues as a visiting nurse with Golden Pond Home Health. She likes it well enough except for the driving and the area tollways. I'm still with Lowe's and am thankful that I am to the point where I get 3 weeks of paid vacation per year.
We put some of that vacation to good use this past summer with a trip back East. For Carol, it was her first trip in that direction since the 1960s; for Carol's son Warren, it was the first time he had ever been out of Texas and Oklahoma ever. His biggest concern was whether or not Dr. Pepper was sold east of the Mississippi. Most assuredly, it was. Stuart was with us and his biggest concern was being able to eat at a Bob Evans. He was indulged several times.
A long weekend was spent in Chillicothe with the obligatory trips to The Crosskeys, Tecumseh and Adena, along with long overdue visits in person with family and friends. Could have spent a fortnight there and still not have seen everyone we wanted to see. The trip continued to Canaan Valley resort in West Virginia, with caves, mountaintops, swimming and lots of clean mountain air. The trip back to Allen was a bit of a letdown as we had quickly become used to terrain which varied... hills in North Texas seemingly being wherever a freeway overpass is needed.
Carol and I had a further adventure in October. My cousin Stephanie remarried. We went down for a couple of days, visited with family and took a quick side trip to Galveston.
Our children continue to prosper for the most part. Jimmy got off the road, so to speak, and is working in Amarillo. Jaclyn and her husband, Juan, are still in Wilmer, wrapping up degrees and wondering where to go from where they are. Mary has been unsettled and has been bouncing around this past year. Warren has discovered the joys of being in a High School marching band. Sarah is still at Collin College and working at Starbuck's - she just turned 21 if you can believe it! Stuart is about ready to pass me in height and just loves to run. Stuart and Warren are at the Allen School District's Freshman Center this year. Next year, the big time in the big building!
So, here we are, poised to start 2010 in little over a week - with a challenge. This coming Wednesday, The Lovely Miss Carol will have surgery to help rid her of the cancer which was found in her breasts this past Fall. The good news is that the disease is at a stage where treatment is close to 100% effective. The better news is that Carol has lots and lots of people praying for her. We anticipate a full recovery by this time next year.
Well, the fire is dying, the cat and the mighty Chihuahua (Chee-hooah-hooah, a Hawaiian dog) are getting restless and there's still lots to do be done before we can turn in for the proverbial long winter's nap. Carol, the rest of the cast and crew at Rants and Raves and I wish each and every one of you the very merriest of Christmases (or happy Hannukah for some) and the happiest of New Years!
Bruce and Carol Harrell
Be Seeing You!
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