What do you do on a Sunday afternoon?

Well, it finally worked out. One day I stopped in at the butcher shop, bought some pigs feet, told Carol about it, she got some suturing material, and we made a date to do some sewing of a different kind. Months ago Carol had heard about one of my long time goals to learn to give stitches. It hadn't actually occurred to me to ask Carol to teach me how to give stitches but what better teacher than a surgeon? The invitation for the stitches lesson had been offered over dinner. Joe and Dreya wanted to get in on the learning experience. Dreya wasn't able to make it but Joe showed up and Carol sat down with us and finally satisfied my desire to learn how to give stitches. She went through knot tying, various suturing thread and when to use them, tools, everything. It was a very in depth and thorough lesson, totally fascinating. We tied knots, sliced little piggy feet and did all sorts of Frankenstein-ish things. It was fantastic. Thank you so much Dr. Shores. Another goal checked off my list even though knowing what it involves I don't actually want to need to give stitches. If the opportunity ever arises I'll be calling Carol. She's one of those people that drops everything to help someone, and she has the qualifications to back it up. It was so amazing of her to acquire our supplies and really put together a coherent lesson. She says they have a suturing workshop for the residents every year.

Joe and handiwork

Big news. Two weeks ago we got two whole inches of snow. It was fantastic. The way Southerners react to even the word snow is incredible. People were canceling their doctor's appointments when they heard the forecast. Only 20 people showed up for the clinic that day, we closed the clinic down 2 hours early and opened it 2 hrs late the next day. I walked the two miles to work to fully appreciate oncoming snow and it was a beautiful sunny day when I got out of work at 2:00. Jason picked me up from work and we helped his friend move, then his friends went and lost their keys in the snow. The snow! Of all the days to unknowingly drop your keys you do it with snow on the ground. I was just happy to have it feel like winter finally, and it stayed around long enough for me to get pictures.

I finally took some pictures of my place, so all those that can't stop by for a visit can get an idea. First up is the art area. All crafts and projects go here. The hall to the left passes the washer, fridge, and goes into the kitchen. The hall on the right passes the door that opens to the dryer on the right, the closet under the stairs, the bathroom on the left, the stairs to the right, kitchen to the left and finally the front door. I'm standing at our sliding door to take this picture. The desk on the left we picked up along side the road.

Our living room, see our white free book shelf we found along side the road? Dreya has 30 some plants. I don't know if you can see it but Dreya hung up antique glass ornaments that I got at a junk sale.

Tiny kitchen!

My boss gave me the wok that's hanging up. For those that are familiar with my religious practices, the snow covered sticks one of the earlier photos is the remains of the booth I built this fall. It was cozy when it had all the leaves.

I'm now officially full time employed at the hospital. My free health benefits start February. I got new hand-me-downs from Dreya's sister. Dreya was gone for a week to her sister's wedding in PA. Dreya had to put her cat down when she got back. It was a sad surprise. I didn't find out till I got home from work. All in all, I think that's about it. I went cantra dancing finally. I'll keep you posted.