The other December side

I hinted that there was more to December than Advent and Christmas time. That part started on December 3 when we were only home two days after having had a marvelous trip.

James fainted on Tuesday during the bible study at our church. I took him to our walk-in clinic (affiliated with our GPs) and that doctor was very thorough and nice. He finally decided James should get a heart monitor for two weeks and sent us to James' GP. The nurse did it right away and told us, if he has another episode like that to immediately go to an emergency center. As soon as we were in the car, James felt things happening in his head again and I followed the orders.

The closest to where we were was Bon Secours. They were very nice and thorough, did a lot of tests and ruled a stroke out but they didn't have the equipment for another test he should have and transported him by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital. 

There he had that test (and others) and spent two nights on observation. 

Hospital food is not the gratest but the nurses spoiled him with sweet things.

Yes, we played our card game.

They came to the conclusion that he had an irregular heart beat and most likely needed a pacemaker. He was discharged. The heart monitor was absolute the right thing and we were instructed what to do when the two weeks were up. That day was December 17 and then we had to wait for the results. 

If you read the previous December blog you know all about our lovely Christmas time, Helen and William's visit and spending time together ... all 9 of us! Oh, we felt so blessed.

This winter the weather was/is like a yoyo. For some days we could take nice walks in the neighborhood. These two photos were taken on December 30.

Yes, my walking sandals felt just perfect.

But then we had other days were the wind blew so cold and mercyless that we rather stayed inside.

December 31 we had our "local" boys for a while. Amazing the things they come up with. Colin had a remote car and they built a "street" with dominos to maneuver it through. 

Yes, New Year's Eve! No photos but we cracked a bottle of bubblies. After all, that day is when we had our church wedding - 49 years ago.

January 6: Snow outside. Good day to have a "real" breakfast day with soft-boiled eggs etc.

Very cold, snowy or icy days continued. It looked really pretty. I tried to catch the silvery glimmer (ice) on the trees etc but don't thing I succeeded. 

A few times we could even go on short walks around the blocks. Not so much fun though.

James had seen the cardiologist (or: heart electrician how he introduced himself) on 12-30 and he explained everything to us. The results from the monitor was in and Wednesday January 15 was scheduled to give James a pacemaker. It was an outpatient precidure at St. Francis and we were very impressed how orderly everything was done and the nurses were so friendly and helpful. I could be with him before ...

... and after. 

We were home at 2 pm. 

It is now 2 days later. All seems well. Of course healing has to happen and he has to be very careful right now with movements of his left arm until that has happened. But after two good nights' sleeps and no scary things happening during the day we are both thankful. Prayers have been heard. Thanks be to God!

The 2 sides of December 2024

December didn't start out too well and since I didn't know how to write about it, I didn't write a blog at all. But I do want to write about the wonderful Advent and Christmas time. So I write about that first.

As soon as we were back (and unpacked etc) we started decorating the house. The first Christmas card had arrived too and was put on the proper display.

The new stars which were bought on the Christmas markets in Germany had to be hang up. Fun.

Every evening while watching tv I had to make a few more Chrismons. This year’s symbol was the Chi Rho. I didn’t have enough yet and the giving date at the church came closer and closer. No panic though. I love doing them.

Helen’s Christmas present to us was actually an Advent present. The puzzle Adventcalendar was a big success. Last year it had been one large picture in 24 little boxes. This year 24 little pictures hanging together. So much fun.

Saturday the 14th in the morning we had an ECW (church ladies) Christmas party at our church and that was very nice as always.

I had a lot of planning to do for that day because in the afternoon I also had the Chrismon workshop for that year. I had 4 participants who learned how to make this year's Chrismon by making a large version for our church tree. As always, when we are done, we go into the sanctuary to hang them up. Deacon Dawn is holding my Chrismon so that I can take the selfie.

Betty had to leave before we were finished. She finished hers at home and hung it on Sunday morning.

Sunday afternoon James and I participated for the first time in the caroling. We went to 5 home-bound church members and had a wonderful time. We had always thought that it was mainly a choir event but were persuaded this year that it was not so. James and I really enjoyed it because somehow you could feel the love.

Friday Dec.20 - William had only a half-day of school until school break started and they were on their way to visit us. The future pilot (that's what he would like to be) was lucky again and was invited into the cockpit before take-off.

No matter what time of day or night, it is always great to be able to pick them up from the airport (this photo is marked 23:44).

Sunday Dec.22 - in the afternoon William and his cousins had a good time playing outside in the yard. 

Yeah! Cousin time!

Monday Dec.23 - William stayed the night and I picked all 4 boys up at around 8 am from Sarah's workplace because the parents of course had to work. Helen was off too and didn't have to work on this visit. She had to miss seeing the National Museum of the Marine Corps at the last visit. So that is were we went. 

Our 7-seating (hybrid) car can be very helpful. 

Tuesday Dec.24 - Helen and William had spent the night with us again and we slept in a bit. When we were ready for the day it was the perfect time (9:30ish) to have more of a brunch than breakfast. Soft-boiled eggs had been on Helen's wish list. Of course, mine are not always as good as her Opa Heinz' but we had a good time. 

And of course even William good-natured plays the "can you please open my egg for me" like we have for many years ... oh, the memories.

The day before we had bought a larger TV for our living room. Our eyes are getting older too. Could not pass up this smart gadget for $200. But it needed a new stand. When Wade dropped off his boys he was nice to assembled that for us. 

We played a bagatelle tournament upstairs in the loft. We are not quite sure how old this wooden board actually is but we think it is older than James. It was in James' father's house when our girls were children and we all loved to play it when we visited. It is one of our treasures now in our house ... even if it is not an electronic game (ha-ha).

Caleb could not resist to help Papa with the Advent calendar puzzle.

The family Christmas service was like always at 5 pm at our church and the 9 of us met there. This photo is from the children's sermon. The photos are from Sarah.

After the service we met at Sarah's house for a little while. Helen and William stayed for the night. They knew they would be woken early by the three younger boys but I think they were looking forward to it.

Wednesday Dec.25 - Of course gift-giving was starting. I decided not to add the photo from Sarah with all the wrapping paper covering the carpet, ha-ha.

James and I arrived there about 9 or 10 am I think and we had a leisurely day.

Sarah volunteeres every year to make the Christmas meal and it is always very nice and appreciated. The beef tenderloin is always done to perfection with home-made twice baked potatoes etc etc.

And of course at the end the crackers have to be part of it. Jokes and riddles are being read. Years have changed. Now all boys are excellent readers. That adds to the fun.

Thursday December 26 - Yes, somebody has a birthday. Of course I always have to think of my parents and especially of my father. It was his birthday too. Happy birthday in heaven, Vati!

The finished puzzle from Helen and William.

Our Five Crowns pouch and scrore book from Sarah and Co.

Helen took care of my birthday cookie this morning (for later).

We decided it would be easiest to have dinner in a restaurant since Sarah and Wade had to work. We decided on Lola's Farmhouse Bistro and Helen made a reservation to be sure. My wish had been to have a family picture and the girls arranged that. 

Oh, a thought how the grandkids have already so grown up. No more kids menu. We are proud how they like almost everything. 

Afterwards everybody came to our house for the birthday cookie/cake. 

Thank you, my sweet family!

Friday December 27 - Next day still no school so we had to have another bagatelle tournament. Helen won. But later Papa tried again and just couldn't do anything wrong. Or was it the downstairs table which is so much sturdier?

Helen and William had to pack (well, mostly Helen). The boys were watching a movie. Had to try out the new TV ha-ha.

Wade came to pick the boys up. He too had to try his luck at bagatelle.

Good-byes again. 

William had just a little time to show James and me what he could do with the yoyo. One of his cousins was always playing with it when they were here but without success.

And then we had to leave for the airport.

And there they are going through security. 

They arrived safely at home and we are grateful that we all could be together for Christmas.

Thanks be the God!