The Best Christmas Ever

 Now that the seasonal excitement is winding down, I would say to continue the theme that started when this holiday season rolled around and calling this the best Christmas ever is definitely a no-brainer. The road traveled internally since February with the uncertainty of that time and whether I`d be around here for Christmas makes me stop and think.  Here I sit staring a new year in the face as it waits in the wings a few days away. To be able to sit here putting these words to paper gives me pause to recognize how that makes me a very lucky and grateful man. So much has transpired since the early part of this year.

The fact my wife and I were able to celebrate Christmas this year on Christmas Day added to the special nature of this holiday season. She was able to get out a little early on Christmas Eve so our weekend started ahead of schedule. We talked till the wee hours of the morning that night and when one works 2nd shift that is a somewhat common occurrence though we both managed to stay awake past our typical crash time. 

  Christmas started a three days early for me this year with three phone conversations and an email from four individuals instrumental in keeping my spirits up in their own way throughout this year.  Each individual at different times and in their own unique way gave me such a boost of Spirit I can't put it into words. I will do my best to carry on and carry forward and pass on what they each have given me. We communicated by text, email and phone and the one in person visitor of those four won't see this because he doesn't really do the Interwebs. 

The relationships were created in their own unique ways, two were old friends and two were new this year. One was someone I met through a common connection whose support and good thoughts, whether by phone or email, have been a huge part of helping me navigate through the ups and downs of 2016. The other new friend resulted from a comment online and lead to much laughter and support that I still don't think he really knows how much he helped me this year. We haven`t talked by phone yet. The other two were my oldest friends calendar wise that are still above ground. One managed to make a stop at the house on a quick turnaround trip to Arizona back in the summer; we hadn't seen each other in several years. The best news from him is he will be out here again in January and we'll be able to sit and break bread. The last was my longest time old friend that is bar none  the best wrench I have ever known. I haven't seen him in over a dozen years though we do talk at least 2 to 3 times a month. These four reminded me of a few old friends that are not with us anymore and I think of those folks often, especially at this time of year. 

Christmas day I awoke and told my wife  "I felt better than I have in close to 2 years and for sure a year and a half at least. Not better in the sense I'm going to run outside and paint the house though it needs it. It is different and better than just a body feeling it is a Soul feeling. I still get worn out too fast to suit my taste, most tasks take two to three times longer to complete and I'm not always steady afoot though little improvements in regard to any of those instances are most notable. I do take the time to recognize and celebrate them. 

One goal reached another standing by and a third will be here soon.

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The New Year is almost upon us and I plan on making a few resolutions but those are for another edition of The Hole in the Paper.

I hope everyone's Christmas was as merry as mine.

Have a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

A Three in One Special

     

Update:

I spent yesterday afternoon getting prepped to have the PowerPort in my chest removed. The ridiculous part of it was an hour and a half of prep and an hour recovery for a 15 minute procedure that I don't remember. That little joker looked like a ping pong ball under my skin though it looked smaller recently because I gained some weight. For the past 8 months it made for easier access for chemo and bloodwork and saved me from looking like a pincushion. It definitely feels excellent to have cleared that hurdle. 

                            Cold as a meat locker there per usual




Coming Attractions:

I've let the days get away with me lately and haven't posted anything though I have been writing daily. I realized that some days the email correspondence I've had with a couple of people was taking the place of working on pieces or other ideas. I had to allow myself to be okay with that as those emails showing up in my Inbox had become a big part of my recovery. I am working on a post for something I had promised to a former coworker and friend that needs to be up here pertly. There are actually more things in the works though right now that one has jumped to the head of the line.

Tribute: 

Any basketball fan knows Craig Sager took his step this week and he'll be missed by more than the people in his immediate family. The friendships he created with the athletes he covered were obvious when he did his sideline interviews.  Seeing the reverence from his colleagues when he covered his first NBA Finals game this June was a great example of getting back what you put out there. He was an example for me;  I wondered how he managed to handle being a public figure and going through what he was going through off camera too. Being in the public eye while being a member of that dubious club with a cancer diagnosis; I'm not sure I would have handled it as well as he did. Over the past several years of my sporadic NBA viewing his wild  colorful suits have been the highlight of most NBA games. I do know he's okay where he is. Godspeed Craig.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

Devour These Cookies

 

Not a plug for Betty Crocker just what I had on my shelf.

      This is a great little recipe I've used for many moons. I love its simplicity in addition to the short time it takes to go from bowl to plate. If you need to have a quick 3 dozen cookies for a pot luck or just feel like a treat with afternoon coffee or tea these surely fit the bill.

    I've experimented with this recipe over the years and discovered a few things. First off, these cookies are made to be devoured the day they are made. I've found even with a good sealed container they tend to get really crispy by the next day which I guess makes them perfect for any dunkers out there. See me with my hand raised over here? A half slice of bread tossed into the container with any left over will keep them soft and chewy the next day.

     Your experiments may turn out better than mine have. I've found that making large cookies hasn't produced good results.  Using mini sized chips or chopping up candy bits smaller produces chewier cookies. The main advice I'll share is the recipe works best when the oven is up to temp before baking.

     Enjoy.




Quick Cake Mix Cookies

Prep time: 10 minutes or less

Preheat oven to 350

In a medium sized mixing bowl combine:

1 Boxed Cake Mix

2 eggs

1/2 cup of oil

If desired add extras: nuts, chips, coconut, raisins, etc. Use confectioners sugar for a sweet dusty finish or add your favorite extract to flavor plain yellow or white cake mix.

Drop rounded teaspoons (1.5" or so) onto ungreased cookie sheet about 2" apart

Bake for 8-10 minutes depending on your oven on middle rack. I've found when I can really smell them they are usually done.

Cool enough to prevent burnt fingers before devouring.

Store leftovers in a sealed container.

Makes about 3 dozen