Family Christmas party

We were able to go to my family Christmas party at my Dad's house yesterday. The oncologist said my neutrophils were high enough that I could go, and I was feeling well. We stacked the front seat of the van with enough pillows to support my arms and head, and reclined the seat. We had a winter weather advisory at home but decided to make the 2 hour drive to Toronto anyway, as it was important to me to go. There were whiteouts for the first 15 minutes until we reached Niagara Falls on the QEW and then it stopped blowing and was clear sailing the rest of the way.

It was lovely to see everyone who came. My 16 month old niece Keira entertained us all with her antics and ability to bow and to stand on one foot. We played a rousing game of Jenga in which most everyone but me participated. Wikipedia defines Jenga as "a game of physical and mental skill in which players remove blocks from a tower and put them on top".


We have a hilarious generic gift exchange that allows gifts to be chosen from the tree and then stolen several times before they are opened. It's interesting to see people analyzing packages to steal based on size and shape and the colour of the wrapping paper only.

Thanks to Donna who made me a beautiful quilt for my afternoon naps, in muted fall colours to match my house decor (you can see it in the photo). At a time like this in my life when I am under stress from the cancer diagnosis and chemo treatments, it's wonderful to be able to spend time with people who care about me.