[NeuroNixed Craig]

I know it's been too long, but as you know, we all must "go with the flow," to make it through each day. Let's just say my flow has been like swimming up the Amazon River, if you know what I mean?

I'm dealing with a great deal of chronic weakness and fatigue. On top of that, I was very close to being hospitalized upon my return from our cruise with an upper respiratory infection developing into severe acute bronchitis. My PCP strongly suspected pneumonia, but emergency xrays showed it hadn't gotten that far yet, so no hospital.

We can't believe it's Christmas time already as we were gone most of November. It feels like we were in a time warp from Halloween past Thanksgiving. We are going to have the whole family together for the Christmas holidays, which will be very special for me.

Now I'm working on trying to establish a new "normal baseline" for me to get the most out of the holidays and have everyone else enjoy the experience at the same time.

Bottom line is I've completed my first post on my personal blog regarding an experience on our cruise. Yes, there are pictures too. I believe many of you will find it interesting, fun, and may just shake your heads.

The link to my blog is in my signature file at the bottom. Feel free to leave whatever comments you would like or even post back here, which ever you feel most comfortable.

I will do my best to get back into visiting more regularly as there is so much going on with you guys I would like to respond to. The strength is just not there yet.

I hope you all have great plans for the holidays and I look forward to experiencing them vicariously here, so keep us informed. Watch my blog for more posts and best of all, pictures.

[Kitty]

I should know better than to read one of your posts if I'm going to try and be online "just a second" and then go back to bed. That was almost an hour ago and here I still sit!

The pics you posted on your blog are just breathtaking. I am so impressed that you made it up that mountain! I know both you and Joyce will treasure those pictures and the memories you made while on that vacation.

I'm glad to know you're slowly regaining your strength and are beating the URI. Those infections can be horrible even for the healthiest of us. Please continue to take care of yourself and get the rest you need. You'll thank yourself later when you're able to enjoy your family throughout the holidays.

Thanks for the update......we've all been worried about you but hopeful that you were just resting and regaining your strength. Now......I'm going to attempt to go back to bed!

[Dejibo]

You are loved Craig. I am glad you checked in. I will read the blog when I have a few minutes to sit. I am looking forward to it.

[SallyC]

Wow Craig, there you are on top of the world. Beautiful!!! I hope you get your strength back so you can enjoy Christmas with your Family.

I realize that my SSon, Chris and his Wife, Dawn are neighbors of yours in Richmond, VA..they live on first or Third or a numbered street? ...Anyway, small world.

[kicker]

DD is at VCU in Richmond but I say hi from Maryland. Missed you.

[PolarExpress]

Glad you're doing a bit better ~ Thanks for checking in!

[lefthanded]

Ok, you have given me the incentive to hike back up to Snow Lake in the Tatoosh Range by Rainier . . . my "heaven on Earth." I am not sure I will make it up and back, as it is about a 2 hour hike for a decent hiker, but I just have to see it again!

[NurseNancy]

hi craig,

it's good to hear from you. i'm glad you're coming out the other side and feeling better.

you have a good holiday too.