We are mostly ok and happy, but this has been a year of medical issues. In February Dan tripped on uneven pavement in Coolidge Corner, hitting his head on some curbing surrounding a tree. After some six hours in the Beth Israel emergency room and fifteen stitches later we finally returned home to a late supper. Apparently some nerve damage resulted in neck pain and scalp itch -- annoying but bearable.

In May, Betts suffered a stroke affecting the language area of her brain. A quick trip to the the Beth Israel emergency room minimized the damage, but she was weeks in the hospital, more weeks in Spaulding Rehab, back to the hospital for meds adjustments, and then home with multiple visits from visiting nurses and speech therapists -- now done. All this has been upsetting, of course, but we're thankful for where we are and what we have.

Son Stephen came in February for a nice visit, and then Cori and Pat in November. We're looking forward to seeing Sean in February coming and going on his visit to the cousins in Ireland. Annie continues fine in her upstairs cat hideout, and Michael provides indipensible help to us here below.

Fifing and drumming continues on a reduced scale, but it continues. Friend Carmin Calabrese has taken over the major duties of running the Bostonia Allarum Companie, which is welcome.

We did have a major renovation project in October when Boston Budget Plumbing demolished the tub in our downstairs bath, installing a copper pan and new plumbing for a shower. Lockwood Carpentry did the tile work and we find the result much better and safer.

All in all, we have nothing to complain about and are looking forward to the holidays.

In the spirit,
Sweet Betts/Ole Dan