It's that time of the year

Merry Christmas to you and me!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas ….

I am so happy to still be around for Christmas 2013 and seeing in the New Year 2014. I was never sure what to expect about being present for these holidays. My goal is to be around for several more.

Merry Christmas to me because it has been wonderful. This year we are hosting Schrag Christmas in Pennsylvania and enjoying the heck out of it!!!

Of course grandson Owen - who turned three months old on Sunday - is the center of our attention. Who cares about shoofly pie or horses and buggies or other Lancaster County traditions? We have the cutest, smartest baby in our midst. I am looking for a bumper sticker that says: "My 3-month-old grandson is an honor student". He will be going to Harvard University in just a few years. Right now, in fact, he is helping grandma Barb play Scrabble against uncle Charles while his mom and dad are in the kitchen cooking up a wild rice dish for Christmas dinner.

We've had alot of fun mixing cultures such as having scrapple McMuffins for breakfast; a new blending of Dutch and "English" (muffins). And Barb and Charles made yummy lefsa for a nice Scandinavian touch.

Grandma and Owen "conversing"

The Family is Happy!

Ricky's dome. Off chemo for five weeks,  I gave my Gillette Mach 3 a rest
and presented myself as a gift to my family as a Chia Pet: Chia Ricky.

With no chemo infusions for the past five weeks I am feeling great. My appetite is very good. I have no diet restrictions and just keep popping the Creon enzyme pills to help with digestion. My weight is stable. I attribute my avoidance of any colds and flu largely to the fact that I get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. As someone with pancreatic cancer I couldn't ask to be feeling any better. I will start chemo again on Thursday, December 26. :-(    Oh well, I have to keep on top of fighting this unwelcome guest.

I have been posting less than I probably should but am very aware of the importance of letting you know my status. In an earlier post I mentioned that writing a blog is not my favorite activity, but am so thankful that I can connect with you this way and will not abandon it. I realize how much I am blessed by it and how important it is to me on several levels.

Next to God Incarnate the greatest gift I have this Christmas is your encouragement, prayers and expressions of concern and love. Come to think of it … your gifts ARE God Incarnate!!!! What was I thinking? I only wish there was some way to give you all gifts as meaningful and special in return!

My wish is that each of you are having as great a sleigh ride as I am.

For now Barb and I and family wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Peace in the New Year.