We enjoyed Hamburger Soup at church last evening and then we all gathered in the Sanctuary to put up the Chrismon tree. The men got it leveled, the star on top, the lights on, and then the kids decorated it - they had a little help with ladders as some of the decorations needed to be put up high. The Christmas boxes under the tree are all presents for children here in Merced that will be distributed by our local Salvation Army. They so appreciate the help this gives them and it benefits our local children who need them. I believe this is the third year we have done this and it is growing, as we had 60 boxes to fill this year, the plastic shoe boxes are donated by Thrivent Financial.

Benji hugging Gary with his paws around Gary's neck - this is blurry as I think I moved. The first night Gary came over for dinner after his surgery Benji jumped up on his lap and put both paws around his neck and hugged him! It was an awesome sight!  Amazing what animals can feel and know about a person. This picture isn't the true image but gives you the idea anyway.

We're taking Gary over to the Sleep Clinic tonight at 10 p.m. for an overnight sleep study. We pick him up in the morning at 6 a.m.- maybe a good time to go out for breakfast!! He's feeling better each day - amazing recovery! I checked with emergency today and the Dr. who ordered the CAT scan that found the tumor will be in next Wednesday after 10 a.m. so we're going to take her a box of Sees candy and tell her how much we appreciate her insight in ordering that CAT scan. The tumor was a separate issue from the stroke - but wouldn't have been found until he had seizures, etc. So we are VERY THANKFUL for Dr. G, a female Dr. who made the discovery!

Harvest Dinner at church tonight was a great pre-Thanksgiving meal - very delicious!  Gary enjoyed thanking everyone for all their prayers and they were all so surprised to see him - he's more like his old self again - what a miracle!  Now on Wednesday night, he has the sleep apenea test - we have to take him to the sleep clinic at 10 p.m. and pick him up the next morning at 6 a.m. so that will be interesting!  We are getting more typical November weather in the 50's during the day and 40's at night.  It makes us feel more like it should be for this time of year.  Lots of laundry to do after a week away - so working away at it - still about 2 more loads to do.  Hung out the sheets from the 3 beds the German girls had on Saturday night but they didn't dry so ended up putting them in the dryer after all. Looking forward to another good night's sleep - nothing like your own bed!!

Visiting Philip at St. Mary's College near Moraga, California on Sunday, November 4th before heading to Stanford for Gary's Surgery.
What a beautiful campus!  We were so impressed as the surroundings are so beautiful! Philip seems so very happy there and has lots of friends. It's a joy to seem him so content with his new surroundings!