Merry Christmas, gentle readers. The time before Christmas was busy, even here in a house preoccupied with other matters. I managed to run the rehearsal for Lessons and Carols and attended the annual choir party. Though it was not held here for the first time ever (I think I have been doing the UCC choir for about 30 years), everyone had a great time. Our son, who arrived that evening with our son-in-law, noted "it was like one big family." Indeed we are, and an irreverent chuch family as well.
Yesterday, our "boys" spent the entire day (having put in a long night before) working on our computers, finishing the installation of high speed cable, installing a new wireless router, and putting a "Roku" device on our living room TV. This allows Netflix subscribers (a present from our daughter) to access a huge catalog of free movies. Including a lot of TV series. This all comes over our new high speed, can be paused, restarted, replayed--great! That is good as we cannot usually stay awake long enough to do a full-length movie in the evening. While we were at it, we replaced the world's largest (and heaviest) 36" tube television with a 32" flat screen. Simplified the wiring between the set, the DVD player, and the tuner, and pulled the VCR out. Technology marches on!
Today we are alone, with the entire family now gathering at Andy's Frankfurt house. But weep not, we have Skype. Today, we have already seen many of the gifts at Beth's, the baby in her Christmas outfit, and Andy in his Santa hat. As they gather for snacks and presents this afternoon, Skype will let us be a part of the celebration. We would love to be there, but as that is impossible, this is a pretty darn good substitute.
As you can surely tell by by topics this morning, I am feeling pretty good on day 12. Appetite is good, particularly until late afternoon, can get out and move around well, but tire quickly. Worked in some sitting time last night at the service when others stood, am inclined to take a couple of naps during the day, and just need to pace myself. But I have enjoyed these days.
Peace and joy, love and health, to you and to your loved ones.
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Dear Richard and Emily: We are spending a quiet afternoon in our condo, it's a wet, 72 degrees, cloudy. Sammy has come down with strep, Tracy, Sam and I spent an interesting hour last night at Pediatrics after Dark...no kidding, that's the name of the place... we'll have dinner together at Rich's later today.... Are your son's for rent?? I think not having Andy and Wally at our beck and call keeps us from coming into the new century, electronically speaking!! May you continue to have good days, M
ReplyDeletePoppy! i already saw you once on Skype, looking forward to seeing you again in a while. We miss you and we wish you were here but Skype is a good alternative like you said. Im glad youre in good spirits and feeling ok. love you both, Bear.
ReplyDeleteWhat time do the movies start? I'll bring the popcorn.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and Emily are having a wonderful Christmas - very well deserved!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great Christmas gift for you to be "there" with your kids and grandkids!
Merry Christmas to you and Emily and your family!
Aaah, the "Golden Age of Technology" has arrived to stay at the Stroede residence. We could always take requests for programming on the Arts and Media website.
ReplyDeleteSally Myers & Marilyn Mallott led us to your blog. Wow! Blindsided is too gentle a word. Our best wishes come to you from snowy Iowa (which we will be leaving shortly to move near our daughter in Washington, D.C.).
ReplyDeleteMimi and Harold Kuester