Sadly, I do not have a cheerful post this time. My older brother, Pat, was diagnosed last week with terminal esophageal cancer plus diabetes. This along with a failing heart valve that he has been living with for 3 years. So my posts will be far and few between for a while.

I have been in Spokane while he has been hospitalized, and will return tomorrow to move him to a family home north of Spokane. It is sad and stressful, but I find some redeeming moments in all of it. And my other brother, Mike, and I simply want whatever will give Pat comfort and solace. Please keep us in your prayers.

We had reservations to fly to Idaho yesterday to spend a few pre-Christmas days with Brian and Sheila, but cancelled that. And I could end up spending Christmas in Spokane with Pat. I am holding on to the thought that we will have Gary and Carolyn and Jeff and Bev here for a few days after Christmas. After that, we will see if we are able to leave to go south with the Ouseys.

I had completed most of my Christmas shopping, and Ken, Colleen and Craig are perfectly capable of creating a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for themselves.

Last Saturday was fun after I returned from Spokane. Colleen had several of her college friends here for an overnight along with a massage specialist and a foot masseuse. Ummm Ummm. I could get used to a massage once a week.

In case I don't post for a while, a merry and blessed Christmas to all.

Ciao, Helen