Winter Respite

Siesta Beach, Florida

Since the New Year, Jeff has been feeling well with only a minor bout of conjunctivitis requiring medical attention.  I noticed that he naps less frequently and his days, therefore, seem longer.  This allowed us to squeeze more fun into the last few weeks than we’d had in a while.  We enjoyed a weekend in the Poconos with family, indoor biergarten at the Cannstatter on several Friday nights, a day in the city with Daughter Kim.  We spent a week in Sarasota, Florida, visiting friends and seeing a play directed by Friend Kathy.  We saw a performance artist at Rider University.  And, of course, we spent a lot of time with our granddaughters, including an impromptu sleepover!  Whether or not this pace continues, I must say that it was really nice to put more than doctors’ appointments on the calendar.

Another fun day was spent at the Philadelphia Car Show.  This would usually be a Guys’ Day Out for Jeff and our sons, Kerry and Keith, but this year we had a particular mission which involved the ladies as well.  We were on the lookout for minivans for Son Kerry and Daughter-in-law Theresa’s expanding family.  By July, only a car that will fit three car seats will do!  Kim teased her brother, “I bet you never thought you’d say, ‘I’m going to the Car Show to look at minivans!’”

An email came to me at work last week that pleased Jeff and me immensely!  Rushit, Rider University’s Campus Ambassador for Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, said that Rider had just approved a campus organization called Rider Bone Marrow Registry.  It was Rushit’s hope that this worthwhile work would continue after he graduates.  We look forward to helping with the swab station at Rider’s Relay for Life next month as well as helping the club in any way we can.  The potential good that can come of this is humbling.  Lives may be saved!

Although Jeff has had only one doctor visit since the first of the year, he has had labs done twice.  And so it all gears up again…  Coming Soon!  Appointments with the kidney specialist, oncologist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist and dentist.