still alive...

There is an old saying that what you do on New Years' Eve you will do throughout the next year.  I'm not much for those old sayings, but I was out of town for New Years' Eve...

I've been here 3 weeks as of yesterday.  In CO, though the location keeps changing.  Son is doing well.  His PT should start sometime next week, but civilian medicine is being stupid... His next doc. appt. is the 24th, two days before Thanksgiving.  It doesn't matter what the doc says that day, I'm NOT flying home that week - I may be crazy, but I'm not insane!  So, it looks like I'll be here until Dec. unless the PT people say Son can drive sooner. 

I had the Turkey feast menu set, grocery list made, good estimate of people numbers (always add 3 or 4 cuz that's what happens at my house).  So, OIL could be cooking at my house - he was planning on bringing 12 pies.  Yes, you read that right, 12!!!  Uhm, OIL, even with the extra 3 or 4 that's about a pie a person.(I don't eat dessert)  I'll go to my sisters or L's parents. 

So I'm back in COS for the weekend.  Fish chowder on Sun. for mom and her friends.  L (Son's girlfriend) doesn't like fish (or mushrooms or fresh tomatoes - what am I going to do with that girl?!?) so I have to make it here.  I left the fridge full in Denver with leftovers.  Yup, I cook.  That's what I do. 

Anyone know of a good beginner Korean cookbook?  I'm looking for one, or will be when I have room in my luggage. 

What I learned:  L's dad and I have the same birthday.  Also, Denver was founded on that day.  (all different years, of course)

...

Stealing Son's computer for a minute - I'm checking his snail-mail.

Surgery went well.  Civilian medicine is a pain!!!  I'm headed over to the hospital after I fill up the truck to see where the damn paperwork we requested is!!!  Nobody likes to answer the phones.  Sure, the city was closed yesterday due to snow, but they are there today - I can smell them.

Oh, we got a foot of snow.  50° today so it's wet.  Son is getting cranky - that means he's feeling fine but wants to be able to, uhm, walk...

What I know:  When Denver smells like cow poop, it will snow within 12 hours.  (Greeley, 'cow town' is north of here)  Local mythology - there is always some fact in myth. 

I'll be driving back up to Denver later today.  Surgery tomorrow.  L has had a change in her work schedule.  She'll be working regular hours for the next 5 weeks.  If all goes well, I could be home earlier than expected!  'Expected' was Thanksgiving-ish.  Now I'm hoping for mid-Nov.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed!!!  (Really, I can't afford to pack any more books or yarn.  I already bought new luggage.)  If Son recovers like me, he'll probably be ready for me to leave this week.

Oh, another 'blizzard' is headed this way.  I think the weather people are 'rocky mountain high.' 

quickie...

* more info on the MIA/POW table.

Back in COS for a few days.  The blizzard never hit.  Son's dinner was nice.  He won the academic award for ALS (military thing). 

At every military dinner I have been to in the past, well, 30 years, there has been a tribute to 'those not with us tonight.'  The MIA/POW table, whose definition is expanded during a time of active 'armed conflict.' (correct me if I'm wrong!!!) The small table, placed in an area of honor, is round (symbolizing the world).  The table cloth is white (purity).  A single red rose (love of country).  One place setting with the wine glass turned upside down (for absence).  A white candle is lit (home fires).  There is a moment of silence and a water toast.  It always gets to me.  Son gave the toast. 

I hope to read subs tomorrow, though I'm a slug about commenting as you know. 

What I know:  Getting 'directionally challenged' in a mountain state is fun.  Just know where the mountains are supposed to be and you'll be fine!

* I didn't get it quite right.  BTW, my mom is out to dinner right now with friends.  Two of (tonights) friends had husbands MIA - still not 'home.'  I also know a family who the 'Henry Blake' final episode could have been based on.  The twin girls (my age) stayed home with their grandmother while their mom flew to Hawaii to meet their dad, who was flying home from 'southeast Asia.'  His plane was shot down...there were no survivors... 

http://www.minot.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123116456 

Something I would very much like to see:  http://www.nvvam.org/aboveandbeyond/index.htm  I'm guessing it's a two hankie kind of place.

I love my country.  I love those who serve even more. 

...

Still in Colorado Springs.  I was standing on the deck having a smoke, the temp. dropped 10° and the snow clouds started coming over the mountains.  A blizzard is expected tonight/tomorrow.  6 to 16 inches of snow at elevations above 7000 ft. (COS is higher than 'the mile high' city, and the house is higher than most - that didn't come out right [i see you, sue])  *

I made a pot roast the other day.  My mom broke a tooth eating the mashed potatoes?!?  Who knew a new crown was $1200!!!!!!!!  (she's going to 'sell' the broken crown because it's gold)

Yesterday we hit the bookstore and yarnstore.  Guess where I picked up those habits!  We got back and my mom gave me three huge notebooks with knitting patterns.  She said she won't/can't use them (carpal tunnel) and wanted to give them to someone who would.  She talked to her sister, another rabid (ok, avid) knitter and Aunt M wants to give me her yarn, looms, spinning wheels...  Of the 10 living first cousins, I'm the only one who 'does yarn.'  (mom must be there when aunt hands over the 'goods' - it must be a sister thing)

Funny being back in the house I lived in from age 10 to 20. I don't turn on the lights when I go in the basement because I know instinctively how many steps to take before turning down the hall . I don't have to stick my hand out in the dark because I know where the walls are.  I don't have to think about where the odd-shaped serving bowl is because it hasn't moved .  If I want to 'lock' the bathroom door, I still have to open the drawer.  Maybe it's because this visit just 'is.'  I'm not 'home' for a reason. 

*30 minutes later (the damn phone keeps ringing and I am the 'social secretary' with the steno pad...) Oh, my point, it's dropped another 15°. 

Will try to respond soon, but who knows...