A good day

Today, I was an outdoor therapy patient for the first time. It was great. In the morning, first I enjoyed a lovely swim, then had a brief chat with a nurse about the daycare (where outpatients can take a rest between appointments). I also took some time to find my pal Kristel and invite her to lunch tomorrow. I can't wait to catch up with her on our respective holiday weeks.

In the afternoon, I had my first archery lesson and, you might not believe it, but not only did I get a chance to shoot a few arrows, but also hit the target... a few times. I would have been happy to just get some instruction, learn how to hold a bow properly or pull back the string. I had decent first instruction from a seasoned archer who is also a patient (the regular teacher is still on holiday). I can't say I enjoyed myself exactly but I can imagine that if I could ever send an arrow in the direction I intended time after time, I could get into that.

Lastly, I joined the loopgroep (walking group) to maneuver an indoor obstacle course and then went to fitness to get in a good 45 minute workout. The obstacle course looked easier than it was - I had a therapist walking on either side of me for support (way more support than usual). The biggest obstacle was my own foot which turned against me a few times. Fitness was fabulous as usual, the one place where I can just breath in and out, push my physical envelope gently, and grow my strength.

Tomorrow, I go back to the klinik for one appointment plus fitness. Then it's almost time to ring in the new year.

Progress... painting
The hallway has one layer of lipstick red on one wall and blue sky blue on the other. The den is completely white, as well. Bravo, Nico.

Goodies and good people
Yesterday, I had a surprise visit from a work colleague, Andrew, who came by the apartment for coffee and catch-up. And after polyklinik today, we had a nice time with one of Nico's loyal clients to visit and pick up his annual Christmas package. Then, sweetest surprise of all, I opened a box that arrived by FedEx, full of homemade goodies for people... and dogs! This scrumptious delight came courtesy of the Atlanta design group.

Ringing in 2009 with cheese and chocolate
For many years, I have spent the New Year's evening (and morning) with friends (aka the RFD) in the outskirts of Hotlanta. These parties always had a theme which required a costume which, thus, required me to recruit my grandmother for seamstress assistance. Though I will miss the annual costume making with Gram, I won't miss dressing up but I will miss my pals and the special feeling I get as we welcome the new year together.

So, tomorrow night, I'll be spending a mild evening with my honey being as merry as two people can be together on New Year's Eve. We'll be dining on fondue, first cheese then chocolate, then shooting off fireworks. Today, we bought all kinds of veggies and fruits, bread and meats for dipping. Last night, Nico went on a fireworks run.

And, of course, on January 1, we'll be having beans and cornbread courtesy of mom and pop.

If I don't have a chance to write tomorrow, I wish you all good things in 2009!