Happy New Year!

Cowboy here. Would have updated a few days ago but we had a brief ice storm that knocked out the power to the whole neighborhood. Storm passed in an hour or so but left us on generator to heat the house, a few other things. Computer use was not top priority.

Mia Adora: Sar's hospital stay lasted close to a week more than anticipated. Anesthesia brought on severe migraines for a few days, migraines that were alleviated only by heavy doses of pain killers that left the imp nauseous and wiped out. It didn't help that Violet accused the doc of being illiterate in basic areas of medicine. Glory would have added insult to injury but Max - the diplomat of the trio - ushered the ladies out of Sar's room.

About the time Sar was ready to ingest solid food, nothing stayed down. This, in itself, was unsettling but she finally kept a few bites down only to develop an intestinal infection.

A few more downs than ups until her condition improved. When the imp started to get cranky, demands were made to go home. I considered that a good sign.

On the medic front, as soon as the imp could sit up unassisted, she disconnected all the tubes and needles attached to her body. One minute I was watching her--was out of the room less than 20 minutes. Came back to see various lines tied in knots. Caught Sar trying to climb over the bed rail. That's what I get for teaching her a few knots. I lowered the bed rail so if - more likely when - that move is tried again, she won't fall.

I made various threats as if that would do a hell of a lot of good. The one precaution I took was sleeping in the hospital bed, my arm securely wrapped around mia bambina in case she thought nighttime was a good time to leave. Fortunately I'm an early riser. Was up, properly dressed by the time the day shift arrived. The night shift is bound to have a few comments any time I run into 1 of them.

Each day my wife got stronger, the medics kept a bit more distance from her bed. Sar can easily kick box from a horizontal position. I know the imp wouldn't hesitate if she thought the docs were touching and examining more than they should.

A note about nurses: Sar has considerable admiration for their vocation, especially for the care and concern they show for her. An often expressed sympathy is that they have to deal with medics. I might add each nurse on her floor is known to Sar - their names, their kids' names, personal things about them. Leaving the hospital, I was informed the nurses - in appreciation of their care - were to receive a large basket of flowers, another of fresh fruits and a third consisting of cheeses, crackers, other specialty items. I took care of that. The docs got a thank you note; no food or flowers.

Finally brought the imp home Friday before Christmas. Weak but in good spirits, we enjoyed Christmas Eve with Violet, Glory and Max. The trio wanted alone time. They retired upstairs leaving us on our own. This was fine. We like spending that evening on our own.

The animals were all over her after arriving home. Between you and me, I firmly believe folks recuperate faster in their own homes, even faster when their pets are around. The cat thinks he's a Rottweiler - "screens" who can come close to my wife. The dogs watch her every move. If the imp makes even the softest sound of discomfort, they are right there to make things right. Years ago, when we acquired our first Rottweiler and Bull Mastiff, I never dreamed those 2 as well as the 2 we have now would show such fierce devotion. For that I am a grateful man.

Sar will have more frequent checkups to monitor health. We have been told there is a good chance tumors will grow again but caught in time, will be treated faster and with less turmoil to her system.

We had a light snow Christmas Day. I know the imp wanted to be out in it. Bed rest is the rule around this place. Going out into the snow is currently out of the question. I've warned Bull not to give in to her tears. He returned from his family's home in Arkansas the day after Christmas, brought her a set of muffin tins. Apparently they come in all sizes. Glory immediately made some for the big kid. He brought a few other things as well as did David. The marine stuffed her stocking with "his" favorite chocolates, then demanded they be shared. In true Adora fashion, the imp declined.

Gifts were exchanged Christmas morning. Traditionally we help serve Christmas dinner at a shelter known to us. Sar didn't want to miss that. I agreed to let go if a care was taken for her slowly returning health. David, Bull, Max plus his ladies, Sar and I arrived in time to serve the food. Mia bambina sat on the sidelines reading stories to the kids. From there we went to the base where David traditionally plays Santa for the kids. All in all it was a sweet day. Sweeter was the imp asleep in my arms on the drive home.

Hope all of you have been having a pleasant holiday. Sar and I wish you a New Year filled with a more peaceful world and on a personal note, much joy in the coming year.

Cowboy