Sorry I got behind on the Heatherly blog. We've been so busy and time just slipped up on me. So here we go:
November 1 we attended the AFL (My Company) picnic and family day. The food was pretty good and the company really went all out for the kids. Susan and I rode the old Cleveland Park train that we use to ride as kids. That old train is still going strong but you could tell it was as old as I am. It was a true sentimental journey remembering my childhood in that park and on that train. And, remembering bringing my own kids to ride the same train. I'll be bringing my grandchild to ride that old train next year. Can't wait.
November 7th was the day of Kristen's third and final baby shower. This took place at our house and all the family and friend attended. Kristen was thrilled and Kelly and Johanna did a great job with all the preparations. Don and Ben took off the Chief's Wings and Firewater for beer and football. The beer and wings were great but the Gamecocks got beat. That's OK, we ended the season good with a bowl bid and a victory over Clemson.
13th - 15th: We took off the Gatlinburg with our good friends the Crouts. We spent Saturday all day in Dollywood. If you haven't been there at Christmas you are missing a treat. You pay one price and see one show after the other. The decorations are the best thing next to Disney and there is a parade and light show. Gatlinburg is very nice at Christmas. It is the only time of year we enjoy going there.
The next week was not too fun as Susan had to undergo her fourth back operation. They removed what was left of her L5/S1 disk. They replaced it with a cadaver knee cap. Weird I know but that's what they do. She is doing good but still will have pain for a year or so until the nerve heals. There will always be some arthritis pain. She has to wear a back brace for three months.
Thanksgiving Day: Kelly, Travis and I had to take care of Thanksgiving this year since Susan was on the mend from surgery. That was quite a challenge but we pulled it off. Boy you just don't realize how much work goes into a Thanksgiving meal until you do it yourself. Travis deep fried a turkey, which was very good, and cooked up a mac and cheese. Kelly and I handled the rest. Dressing really takes a lot of work. My version was different from Susan's but it was pretty good. Mom came over and we had our traditional meal around 1:00 PM. Kristen and Ben couldn't come of course and missed having them here.
That's all for November folks. Thanks for reading the Heatherly family blog. December update coming soon. Big news is in store.
