What I got for Christmas

G has just gone out of the house to get a hair cut and go to the post office.  He has gone by himself and I am beside myself with glee.  So apparently I am celebrating by writing a blog post.

For those of you who don't check out the other blogs, G has not gone out by himself for many months.  He had lost all initiative and ability to find ways to entertain himself.  He had surgery in mid December and is very much changed and much more like the person he once was.  His memory is pretty iffy.  He does not remember much of the last two years, he sometimes has trouble recalling people or events, and there are days he is sharp and days in which the previous day is already as myth.  But he is entranced by life, observant, and eager to participate.  He loves talking to people and doing things again, and yes, he can go out by himself.  This is indeed the Christmas present I was hoping for.

Also under the tree was a new camera.  

I was really looking forward to this and was determined to buy myself one after Christmas (remember that I said that initiative was not one of G's strong suits a mere two weeks ago).  But the camera came.

For years, until I got this blog, I was not really much of a taker of photos.  I still forget to carry my camera with me, and even if I do have it I forget to take pictures.  But I am getting much more interested in photographs, specifically in taking pictures of things I make and the garden, but hey, a girl's gotta start somewhere.

So I wanted a camera that had more capabilities than  my simple pocket-sized point-and-shoot, but I was not quite ready for full SLR mode.  This camera looks great.  I have already taken photos in auto mode, but haven't yet started learning how to actually set my own lens openings and move into "real" photography.

It is winter and my house has problems with light in the winter either too much or too little, so I know this will be a good training ground.

Those were the big gifts, and the biggest of all is the most intangible.

But I also got:

** A couple of knitting bags

**  A pair of socks and some sock yarn

** A pretty new necklace

But I am starting to ramble.  I have so much to say but  I also  have some sewing to do.  Well actually I have some mending and alterations to do first and then some sewing to do.  But none of that can happen until I do some ironing.  It seems that I have done no ironing since before G's surgery and every piece of clothing I own is piled up on the cutting table waiting to be ironed. 

Gee I guess there are advantages to having generous closets.  

More later.

Comments

[Ann R]

What a wonderful Christmas present Mardel! You have both been in my thoughts recently and I'm so pleased to hear the outcome of your husband's latest surgery.

[materfamilias]

Such good news -- ever since I discovered your other blog and acquainted myself with your situation, I've imagined what it would be like and beyond the grief and anxiety and loss, I kept thinking of loneliness. Losing Pater's intelligence and resourcefulness and comfort at a time I most needed it -- that would be almost unbearably difficult, except that I'd have to bear it for his sake, as you have. I'm so glad you've got his company again, especially at Christmas.
And what a perfect gift -- for you and for your readers -- this camera, in your creative hands and eyes, will surely bring us all some great pictures. Just what you need, another hobby! ;-)

[Carolyn]

Oh Mardel this was a wonderful post!!! I am sooo happy for you that DH is feeling so much better and able to go out by himself...what a relief! Enjoy your time by yourself!!!

[Towanda]

Glad to see things are getting better. It took a long time for DH to recover from his surgery. His memory is better but still not all there. Deep breath. My famous words were "And this too shall pass" Life is different but I am happy because he is still here. Congrads on the new camera.