As drunken partygoers at Steven and Karen’s migrate to the bedrooms, look who the roving camera caught!
Leave a comment suggesting what Diane might say…
What Would Diane Say?
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Author Archives: smiling
Before and After
Once Diane regains some or her drug-sapped energy and can stop by, she will be happy to not have to have to negotiate the makeshift stairs that disgraced the approach to our house from our new garage level all Winter and Spring.
As I write, Linda beautifies our new morning-coffee-and-paper view, engrossed in her next favorite passtime (after cooking) — planting Stella Dora Day Lillies, purple Salvia, and Variegated Coreopsis along 
the patio wall (that’s Gracie inspecting her work).
No remodeling result is more impressive than when depicted in
before-and-after shots.
It’s as cool to experience its actualization as it was to design it!
Oh yes, the excellent, meticulous and incredibly fast-working Brazilian craftsman, Miguel, and one of his apprentices, Aljon. “This is my house now; when I’m done I’ll give it back to you”, he proclaimed, just before starting. He truly attended to every detail as if it was his own. Thanks also to Oscar, who went two extra miles and patched the garage siding!
Kudos to Matt Junod, owner of JHS Landscape Construction for a project that exceeded expectations. Matt says what he does, then does what he says — with quality, speed, and a smile. You couldn’t expect anything better than that.
Stay tuned for the patio-warming party!
Christened!
On Dec 13, date of Boston’s record early snowfall (10 inches here), garage doors are on (awesome job Ryan!), and garage is christened!
And, Dave plows our driveway, exactly to plan!
Kenny
Kenney and two of his sons, Rick and Keith, built this garage in 7 days. They showed up at 7am sharp every morning, driving an hour from Manchester NH, which means they rise at 5. This Monday, when it was blistering cold and rainy, they were there, nailing cedar shakes. Amazing workers, proud of their fine worksmanship.
And we get an awesome garage!
(That’s Gracie in the foreground!)
Minding the Gap
As discussed at breakfast with Mike, Adam and Mark this morning, this man’s mission is to change the world by dispelling preconceived notions we hold about WE and THEM (Western World vs. Third World).
He’s doing this by making world demographic data available and giving it life in stunning visual time-sequences, and by teaching through presentations like this one (played during a break at my WOPR software performance testing conference during a break yesterday).
6 @ 7
Six common poses of grandson Conor at 7 weeks.
Pouting.
Smiling.
Sleeping.
Bathing.
Crying.
Eating.
Break A Leg!
Michael: “You’ve got to write a blog post, with pictures. Make sure Linda brings your camera when she picks you upâ€.
Dan: “God’s punishment for not being with you in Indianaâ€.
Beware of black ice on the driveway when you fetch the morning paper—or better yet, train your dog to get it.
I did neither…these pics illustrate the consequences.
(How exactly did this happen? Random interplay of gravity and physics).
In post-op bed at Emerson, having nice lunch before going home.
Ensconced comfortably in bed with Paxie watching over me.
Cast resting and movable wireless office established, thanks to nurse and case manager Linda.
Hardware sure to set off all airport metal detectors. Someone said I’ll need to carry a special medical card to get through.
Day 5: Re-gaining some freedom with my own “scooter libby”.
Big hugs and thank-yous to:
Mark and Adam: That Hendricks Gin Mark brought over is awesome!
Marjie and Freddy: The sunflowers and assorted nuts and chocolates basket was soooo nice.
Jim and Jim: Your get-well cookies arrived – had a couple with morning coffee.
Greg: Your visit and watching another episode of West Wing together was heartwarming.
Kathryn and Ro: For the idea and motivation to find me a leg scooter.
Lil, Cris, Val, Jack, Ilia, Anita, LaRad, Marjie, Becca, Greg, Jim, Polly, Drew, Kathryn, Susan, JimD, JimE, Betsy, Deb, Ruth, Bonnie (who did I forget?): For your calls / email / cards / visits.
Emerson Hospital ER staff (Julie, Nancy, Maureen, Paul): For your TLC, and Dr. Sackwell, for the deft reduction that put my foot back in proper alignment and took away the worst of the pain.
Emerson Hospital pre and post op staff (Judy, Michelle, Glasford, Jo, Sandy, Ariani, Mwaniki, Kathy): For your bedside manner, attentiveness, and for patiently answering all my questions.
Dr. Beyloume: For whisking me off to another planet before surgery.
Dr. Driscoll: For the great ORIF (open reduction & internal fixation) and temporary syndesmostic screw.
Miscellaneous thoughts:
Ginger: A twist on your favorite movie. Linda’s got “The English Patient†(her dad) downstairs. I’m the “Mexican Patientâ€, upstairs.
Sounds from shower after 4 days in bed (with cast in garbage bag): “oooohhhhh….aaaahhhhhh…oooooohhhhh…â€
New-found mobility: Anybody need anything at Costco?
Surprise!
We didn’t quite ring in the New Year, but we sure did surprise Linda, captured on her own new camcorder!
Great food and drink, thanks to Drew, Barb, Polly, Anita, Mark, and all that contributed. We missed you, Mike!