24th of Kislev, 5774

<Lisa here. I spoke with Chris a couple nights ago and am just now getting around to posting this to his blog, with a bit more helping of sistah-humor than usual.>

It’s been nine weeks since brain surgery. The changes are coming slower, and the improvement curve has flattened out. I still have my never-ending headache, my super-duper hearing, and my cane. Oh, and now I have the itchies on the inside of my skull (gee, I can’t get my finger in my ear that far).

I am soooo looking forward to working on my inner ear exercises with my inner ear physical therapist (why yes, Virginia, there is such a thing).

And look! I have hair! It’s now about 1.314159 inches long, and accompanied by a rather distinctive part if I may say so m’self…

hair

Nicole is back to work, and working a lot. Me? Oh, I’m just a lazy guy, lazing around the house. My sleep schedule is rather unsleepful. I find that I’m either still awake at 3 and 4 in the morning, or I’m waking up at 3 and 4 in the morning. I never know from day-to-day or night-to-night if I’m going to be asleep or awake. (Oh, it’s 1am in Alaska? Sorry Mom, go back to sleep and I’ll talk with you later.)

I’m almost through all the seasons of Voyager, and expect to start on Deep Space Nine very soon. I tried watching the TV show “Falling Bad” but just couldn’t quite slip into it, if you know what I mean (ta dum dum). I’ve read all the Harry Potter books, Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow, a variety of books from our various bookshelves. And, I might just be ready to read In Search of Lost Time. Eh, maybe when I finish that book I’ll be able to drive again.

I do get to play lots of games with those who come by to babysit visit. We play poker, cribbage, other card games and board games. CJ and I played the board game “Dread Pirate” with Mike and Pam a couple of weekends ago, and we had a blast. In our version of the game, whomever makes it to Dread Island gets to wear an actual pirate hat. <At this point, I recommended The Princess Bride to Chris, both the movie and the book.>

Nicole and I do go for walks every day. Well, actually Astro takes us for his walk. He’s got his own routes, which aren’t the same any day. He’s gotten very stubborn as he’s gotten on in years. It’s his way or, well, his way.

ihpp

Thanksgiving will be held here at the house, and you’re all invited! Oh wait, le’me check… Uh, well, actually, the house isn’t that big.  Nicole and CJ are making plenty of turkey and stuffing for family that will be arriving soon. Did you know CJ’s been making stuffing since he was six?! And it’s darned delicious too. All our guests are bringing the rest of the yummy goodies for this fancy feast (or else they’re not allowed in the door) and they’ll be welcomed through the door. I expect to partake of the plenty and then promptly fall asleep. At least until the first lighting.

Did you know? It’s not just any day that you can say “Happy Thanksgivukkuh”. Well, at least not for another 28.6 million days (give or take a few).

But seriously.

I wish you all the bounty and beauty that is this life, and the love and good company of family and friends. On this day, and every day. Take it from me, cuz, you know, I just had brain surgery.

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3 thoughts on “24th of Kislev, 5774

  1. David Gardner/Miriam Rusch

    Hi family! Sorry I’ve been so incognito lately. Lots of work coming our way all of a sudden, which is good for the pocketbook but horrible on the time. Don’t know whether we’re coming or going sometimes. Anyway, Miriam and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Eat lots of turkey, etc. Chris, I do not envy you the headache you will have when you awake after playing too many hours of Dread Pirate Roberts. But for now, rest well and dream of large women. Oh, and that ‘do makes you look a bit like Moss. Have you tried turning it off and on again? (ob. The IT Crowd. Catch it on Netflix today!)

  2. Debbie Levin Jardot

    Happy Happy Thanksgiving Gardner Family. I know this Thanksgiving must be especially fantastic. So many blessings and boy are we keeping good thoughts and many prayers for you. CJ, how about sharing that stuffing recipe? Love, The Jardots