December 2021

NEOS LOG December 2021 December was remarkable for rainy weather, doctor appointments and holiday dinners. Rog’s doctors are still trying to investigate the problem he had on the Tahoe Rim Trail. This month he started using a CPAP. After a couple of weeks with a full mask, he moved to the nasal pillow version and found it much more comfortable. He also had an appointment with a cardiologist who recommended an implant heart monitor. He had a LINQ placed in his chest and is now monitored 24/7 for the next 4 years. Everyone just wants to make sure that the palpitations are not a sign of a serious problem. It didn’t stop or slow him down. His projects this month included wiring the van for the AC unit, making frames for my embroidery work, cutting out 3 kanjis for wall art, some model railroad model building, and 3 leaf blowing days, not to mention continuing with karate and aikido. Meanwhile I used up all of my scrap yarn making 6 pairs of slippers (in addition to the 3 I made for Christmas presents. Our first holiday dinner was the Lloyd Lasagna Dinner the first weekend of December. Nita was sick, but we had a great time with Bill, Ed, Bev, Meila, Jasmine and Kavon. Our kids et al rounded it out for a total of 14 people around the table. We gave Meila a bag of goodies and she kept Bev and Ed entertained on the way home with her “clapper”.

The following week we had the Hawkinsons over for dinner. I think it has been more than a year since we saw them and they almost had to cancel due to car trouble. But all was well and only delayed about an hour. Then the next week we had Zauchas here for our usual lunch get together. They are heading to Poland with their son, Ryan and family in January to spend a month.

The neighborhood celebrated Christmas at Rob and Marilyn’s again after COVID canceled last year’s get together. And the next morning, we had breakfast with Michael and Debbie Sipe. Blooms hosted the Solstice and were afraid we would be rained out. But the weather gods were kind and it didn’t start raining until after 8pm. We had the usual bonfire and stew with sun bread and yule log. Michelle is enjoying a more relaxing holiday season with a couple of weeks of vacation which gave her time to prepare for and enjoy the evening.

On Christmas Eve, Rog and I exchanged gifts. I got a Kindle to replace my worn out Nook and I immediately downloaded the latest Outlander book. Rog got model railroad and karate books and stuff. We watched The Christmas Story then hit the sack. Christmas morning Beth made a delicious french toast casserole and we spent a couple of enjoyable hours chatting, eating, and exchanging gifts. Then it was home to prepare for the dinner. We had the usual turkey and prime rib and they came out perfect. Dinner was quite a feast and the grandkids helped us pack up all of the food and clean up dishes afterwards. Then Beth pulled out a game for all of us to play. She had stashed goodies inside saran wrap and made a huge ball. One person unwrapped the ball, collecting the goodies, as fast as possible while the person on their left rolled a pair of dice. As soon as the roller got doubles, he passed the dice and got the ball to unwrap. Added to this, Beth had stickers that reversed the play or passed players. It was absolutely hilarious and great fun was had by all. We then spent a long time sorting through our piles of goodies. An absolutely perfect Christmas Day.

A final dinner was planned with Joanne Geist and her friend , Roger. She is an old friend from Colfax days and we were looking forward to seeing her. But Colfax got 18 inches of snow the day before our plans and she was busy trying to get things sorted out. We will try again after the weather clears a bit. Speaking of weather, it has been a pretty wet month. Feels like more rainy days than dry ones. But we do need it so no complaints. In between all of the entertaining, we did get to attend Max’s band concert at the school gym. Quite impressive! Rog came from karate and got there just as Max’s band group were playing.

Karissa came for a day while her mom and Max were on a field trip. She helped decorate cookie ornaments for place settings and made a gingerbread house. She has been extremely busy making lots of solstice gifts as well as making more earrings.

We joined the Bloom Family for a gift exchange the day after Solstice. They haven’t decided what their group family gift will be…glass blowing class?? Whale watching?? They made gorgeous chimes for us that we have already hung off the back patio. On the 28th, Rog drove the Blooms to the airport for their 10 day trip to Virginia. We had them bring Scout here so we didn’t have to go back and forth to take care of him. With the cold temps we have had, I am glad he isn’t spending his days in his backyard. He has been on his best behavior and is a pleasure to have around. He did get a little spooked on New Year’s Eve with loud poppers going off just as he was heading outside for his final run before bed. It took him a few days to trust the backyard in the dark.