Story Updates

Previously written posts cry out for updates, bringing riveting news to the forefront. Stop reading now if you're not interested, otherwise here we go.

My Best Friend Still Has Cancer, but she is slowly progressing and slowly feeling better. Though she needs to pack on the weight that was lost along the way, she eats well, just not often. Able to now leave the house for up to four hour excursions, she lays down on the floor, rug or couch, when she needs to take 10 or even 15 minutes to regroup. Short trips to Costco, Trader Joe's, Sak's, and a few holiday gatherings have made the list. She will return to her team of physicians in January for the next step in this dance. While her clothes fit very loosely she is able to wear them well, with grace and flair. She looks good and her heart continues to be joyous. In her own words, "Each day is a gift."

Not My Daughter's Jeans are still the best jeans available in multiple sizes to hide a multitude of sins. They fit better after washing, and drying them slightly in the dryer, then allowing them to air dry the rest of the way seems to work well. Since they do stretch, always purchase them tight but breathable.

I still hate ragweed but the upside of winter in Chicagoland is death to the ragweed plant, until next August, when it returns in earnest and the whole cycle of sneezing, choking and snorting begins anew.

Blogger Boy and Law School Boy have arrived for the holidays. Rooms were in order; slippers were waiting. Cut-out Christmas cookies had been made by Milly, frosted and hidden to assure they would remain until BB and LSB arrived. They will be slowly eaten to cherish every morsel.

The black Mary Frances purse has received several compliments since it became part of this wardrobe. It is versatile and can highlight formal wear as well as jeans. A beautiful bag to own, several purses are available in the collection and each is unique.

Milly is still here, still smiling, and still helpful. In case you're wondering, we have not had any negative words, only pleasant ones. While this seems strange to many, it is common to us since she has a cheerful upbeat nature that adds warmth to every room. Milly has gone to several holiday parties, lunches and events and has done more each day in Chicagoland then on her long and lonely days in Minnesota. Soon she will venture to Los Angeles for a seven day holiday with another daughter, a holiday tradition as my Christmas gift to her each year. Everyone needs to spend time with their children and Milly will warm a bit in LA before returning to the cold damp air of Chicagoland on New Year's Day. I'll miss her while she is on break but my sister and niece will benefit from her cheery face. Life continues in Chicagoland. More updates on previously reported news will follow at a later date.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus