Chaos: My Imp

Cowboy here: Didn't realize it had been so long since one of us touched base. We've been occupied almost 24/7 these last few weeks and now that the house is almost empty - about 8 of us left - there's a bit of time in the day to sit, think, write a bit.

Catching up: Once Max and his ladies were settled at David's house - nurse, physical therapist/speech therapist arranged, medical details, etc., Sar flew to DC to join me for official retirement ceremonies. I caught her up in my arms the minute she deplaned. I missed her; she missed enjoying Greece. Will have to make that up somehow.

I am officially retired from the U.S. Navy. Going to be an adjustment. Not going to the base or flying all over the world at the drop of a hat will be a new experience. Not being at sea will be the hardest I think. I always hated to leave my wife but I admit I was always at home at sea. Might have to take the imp on a cruise or 2.

There were ceremonies, lots of fancy meals followed by speeches, a Navy/Marine ball that blew everyone away. Wonderful entertainment, food, beautiful women. NONE were as beautiful as my wife. Sar wore a ball gown, upswept hair (I think that's what it's called.) and every man in the room wanted to dance with her. I cut that out before it got out of hand.

The imp promised a more private celebration when we got back to our hotel. Intimacies, late night food. I was ready to leave immediately. I got the caterer to make up a basket of sweet things for my bambina.

Flew home to Washington, ferried on to the San Juan Islands to David's house. That's when the chaos began. Thanksgiving preparations were in full swing. In a matter of days we had close to 20 folks spending the night, eating turkey and extras. 4 dogs, 4 cats, a tortoise, 30 or more for dinner. We have a few sailors/marines over every year. Sar's a good hostess, making everyone comfortable. Unfortunately the imp was busy with the meal, other things; she didn't eat as much as I would have liked.

The imp spends a great deal of time in Max's room. We have a male nurse for him. Max is making very slow progress but any progress is a good sign. Sar is encouraged. What makes her happy makes me happy. However the lack of a fair quantity of food has its repercussions. I warned her for every meal she eats that wouldn't keep a body going for long, a not so gentle spanking; for every meal she skips, a bottom warming to beat the band. The imp rolled her eyes.

The imp's eating more now that I've delivered the retribution.

David has been a good sport about having all of us here. He's got something planned about every day - games, walks on the beach, a sleigh ride today, a giant Christmas tree and a new menorah for Sar who likes the idea of 8 days of Hanukah (8 days of presents) plus all the Christmas festivities.

Patrick is here. Brought his dog. When he's not with Max he's shadowing Bull. He's growing up to be a special boy. Sar says the best part is that he still believes in Santa. (Come to think of it, so does Sar.) We're doing our best to keep him a kid as long as we can.

I'm glad to announce Sar is writing again. The imp has had some dark times lately. The writing outlet is a good thing. Helps those stress levels, helps cut down on the insomnia. She's lost a bit of weight but if she continues to eat as she has the last few days, it will be back in no time.

Christmas happenings are in full swing. All the ladies have decorated David's house. The tree is up, the dogs and cats have red bows. Stockings are hung and getting filled. The tortoise got her nails painted. Don't ask; I don't know who did that. It's a Sar thing to do but in this case I think she's not the guilty one.

My wife is in the fast lane, doing, feeding, taking care of, fixing. I yell; she laughs. I deliver a swat; she runs or turns, faces me, dares me to catch her. I do, deliver a few well-placed swats, toss her in the air, hurry to our bed. As my wife often says, the band plays on. I love how that woman loves me.

Sar has promised to update next. Soon, she said.

Wishing you all the joys of the season.

Cowboy