Here we are, another New Year. Seems like they roll around awfully fast lately. We had a great Christmas. Good family fun, superior food, fit for the Fitzgeralds, and lots of joy. We were at Linda's for this feast, with contributions from all. It wouldn't be the same without the shrimp and crab dip, the stuffed mushrooms, the sweet potatos, grits, broccoli casserole, oysters, pies, cakes, cookies and this year our cup (plate) runneth over with ham, beef tenderloin, and a smoked turkey. If I forgot anything believe me it was unintentional.

I left for Florida the Sat. after Christmas to take part in Keith and Angela's celebration also. There was a big glitch on the way down there, I became one of the airline statistics and because of one of their goofs I had to spend the night in Atlanta. An interupted flight. I arrived in Sarasota at noon on Sunday none the worse for wear. I have often enjoyed life's adventures and this one was not as bad or as good as some I've had.

Doc did well without me! Everyone at Klondike told me he was especially well behaved while I was gone. I went to see him Sat. and he was very glad that I was back. He had missed getting the paper and the treat I usually bring him. Just today while I was there one of the therapists came to his door and said,"Do you want to take your walk now,Doc?" I was quite surprised! She got the walker and he walked almost down to the nurse's station. He had been trying to get them to walk him for a few weeks before I left and they didn't seem to be moving in that direction but the PT said they finally got the necessary paper work completed and had been walking each day for a week! I was there Sat. and Sunday both and he never mentioned it.

He is still very wobbly and his right leg got more and more tired as he walked. He said the right leg hurt during the night and felt cold. Maybe if he walks every day his circulation will improve and warm up the leg. We'll see.

Back to school today and I think the kids were glad to be back. My room got a new coat or two of paint while we were not there. It is bright yellow! The kids were shocked to see it and wanted to get sun glasses etc. when they saw it. It really pepped them up. They fell right back into the routine of things and we had a good time.

Keith is running for State Rep. again this year. He was interviewed on the radio Friday morning while I was there. We listened to the interview. He said that the Republicans had told him that they were going all out to beat him this time. They are going to try to raise one million dollars! The most money ever raisled for the seat in that district was $630,000. The same woman that he beat last time is running against him again.

Sign off time. Ciao,ciao,