Merry Christmas, 2006

We had quite a lovely day here, spent reading in front of the fire in the living room, with glorious Christmas music playing all through the house. Santa brought me three wonderful books: "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostrova (big print edition so it is HUGE; "Good Poems for Hard Times", edited by Garrison Keillor; and "The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt. The next few weeks promise much enjoyment. I am currently reading "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky. It is an exquisitely drawn picture of the exodus and occupation of France during World War II. Santa brought Jim "and a bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails" by Wayne Curtis; and Nothing Like It In The World by Stephen Ambrose, the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad. So Jim also has good things to read while he waits out recovery.

And speaking of recovery, today was a better day, throat-wise. The pain got so bad last evening that Jim thought he was going to have to take a nip from the elixir of morphine. However, relief comes at such a great cost that he waited it out and the pain subsided. Today was easier. He didn't eat anything but did drink juice and tea. Apple juice may be the culprit. It may be too acid for his raw throat to tolerate. It's back to apricot nectar with aloe juice.

Tomorrow we get ready to welcome Alex, Andrew and Emily for a three-day visit. The fatted calf is ready!