Blitzen

 Neighbor Anita dislocated her shoulder - twice.  The local hospital set her up w/ an appointment w/ an orthopedist in College Town.  Only issue is they told her not to drive and her husband Doug had other appointments at the same time.  I got up before sunrise and we started on the way there.  Went slowly to avoid hitting deer until it was light enough that we could at least see the deer coming.  Anita was ushered in to see the doc pretty quickly.  (Like I said, early morning appointments are the way to go.)   I wandered on down the corridor following the smell of fresh brewed coffee.  I would consider giving the Nobel Prize in medicine to whoever came up w/ the idea of switching out vending machines w/ actual coffee shops in hospitals.  (Okay, maybe not a Nobel but certainly a Presidential Citizens Medal.)  The latte was quick, cheap, and excellent.  I sat down and caught up playing WWF. Was just sending a message to one of the guys I'm friends w/ when Anita returned.  She was beaming.  Yes, the doc had made her feel better.  Yes, he had given her workable options.   However, her smile was because the doc said she could drive as long as it felt OK. Big Yes!

During the trip, Anita talked about her plans for the winter.  It occurred to me that people make resolutions for New Years and in spring we make plans for summer.  Does the rest of the country also make plans for winter like we do in the Northwoods?  Projects we can do inside when outside the temps are too cold, the landscape is too snowy, and those dark nights are so long.  Will need to get my list done sooner than later.