Saturday Snow and Sunday Sunshine

Yesterday I had so much to do. Jumped out of bed bright and early and we began taking down the Christmas tree. When we finished with that we made a trip to the mall where we picked up a few gifts and had lunch. My childhood best friend's daughter just had a baby herself. It seems like not so long ago I got the call from her mother's delivery room telling me she just gave birth to a baby girl. She had a son and was so thrilled to be having a daughter. Her daughter had the most beautiful pictures taken and a video done. What a treasure that will be for years to come. Yesterday I was able to purchase some really cute clothing for her baby and it was fun. The snow began really falling and sticking and we cut our shopping short and came home. We continued putting away so many little decorations. Each year I receive more as gifts and at times I find it overwhelming what to keep and what to get rid of. I have many ornaments from friends and family members over the years that each inspire a memory. My favorites are the ones my grandmother made for me. They contain a silver coin from our birth year and she pained our names on the plastic cases. It was so hard not to have her this year. I still miss her terribly and feel the void left by her passing. Ironically, in my garage, I found the tiny pinafore apron she had made for me which matched hers. It had Santa coming out of the chimney.

I have struggled with my breathing this week. Most mornings I am coughing up blood when I initially wake up. I have an appointment to see my regular lung doctor on Thursday. I saw her associate ten days ago and the antibiotics he gave me did nothing. I am still coughing and feeling tired. I have also learned that the heart infection I had in my vitral valve last year has damaged it, causing a thickening which is causing valve regurgitation. I see the cardiologist later in the month and we will discuss this further. Apparently the problem with the heart not pumping well is causing the lungs to remain wet and vulnerable to illness. It's like a puzzle, with so many people trying to assemble the pieces and see the overall picture.

Well, I need to go grocery shopping. I am thinking a bit pot of chicken soup might be in order. It's really cold out the but sun is shining brightly. My New Years Resolution is to try to see the good, even on the cloudy days.