It’s been a kinda of up and down type of week+.

Last Thursday was a lovely evening of visiting a multi-display train garden and dinner out with a friend. Dinner was at this little hole-in-the-wall Hawaiian place that was really fantastic. It was a perfectly wholesome evening of holiday fun – a great way to kick off the Christmas weekend.

But then Friday saw us at Patient First. Eli’s arm has been bothering him on and off and it had gotten to the point where he was having trouble putting his socks on. So four hours later poor guy left in a splint and a sling with instructions to see an orthopedist after the holiday because they were worried they might see a bone chip on the X-ray. We followed that up with the incredibly stupid decision to go get Starbucks at the nearby shopping center. Two days before Christmas. It took us nearly an hour to get back ***out of the parking lot***. I nearly had a panic attack more than once.

Saturday we were back on the upswing with a fun evening hanging out with friends and Eli spending the night with their son. It’s always nice when we get the chance to hang out with old friends. Prior to covid we used to see each other so much, and now it’s a lot less common, so every opportunity is extra special. And an unexpected Steelers win was just the icing on the cake.

Sunday, Christmas Eve, wasn’t really a “down” day so much as an unexpected one. Eli was supposed to be home in the morning and we were supposed to have a special dinner at home. But Eli got invited to our friends’ family Christmas celebration, and we knew he’d have fun, so it ended up being just Dave and I chilling out and eating delivery-Mexican food.

Christmas was a nice low key day. Presents at home, followed by brunch and presents at Mom’s, then later dinner there as well.

Tuesday saw us at the orthopedist where we got the great news that Eli’s bones look fine and he probably just needs an anti-inflammatory and some PT, and the splint and sling could come off. So not perfect news, but better than we were expecting for sure.

Wednesday was a little bittersweet. We went up to Hershey to see the Little Pens (minor league team) play hockey, which was fun except they really played terribly, which somewhat puts a damper on how enjoyable the game can be.

Then the big downer of the week. On Friday we need to put our beloved cat, Alton, to sleep. He’d been diagnosed with untreatable cancer about a month ago, so we knew it was coming at some point, but that honestly only helps so much. 😔🌈

Now we’re in Pittsburgh visiting family. Yesterday was a fun day of good food and presents and today we’re just watching football and waiting to ring in the New Year at the party tonight. I plan on drinking a few margaritas and chilling out, because Tuesday and a return to the post-holiday real world is coming way too quickly.

Happy New Year, everyone!