Good early morning GH. It is just past 12:00 AM in "The City," and all is well. Our current temperature is 19 degrees under cloudy skies, with a National Weather Service "snow advisory" beginning at 2:00 AM and continuing until 5:00 PM. Much like Chicago, if you don't like the weather, wait a few hours. Sugar the Weather Dog is okay with snow, as long as it isn't cold.

I had my first visit with the physical therapist yesterday. I will be going twice per week for the next several weeks, with the therapist doing most of the work. I have exercises to do five to eight times daily as homework. They consist of letting my arm dangle and allowing it to move in both circular and straight line motions. I have to keep using my sling and not doing any lifting until the doctor okays it. I guess that the snow removal will have to wait.

Since it is now Christmas, I wrote a verse for the occasion.

The Day Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, the only thing stirring was me, not a mouse.


The dog was asleep on the couch without care. It didn't seem to matter that I was still there.


My wife was nestled all snug in her bed, Cause when Mary sleeps, she's just like the dead.


I'm wearing my sling and my shoulder still aches, I guess you could say that them are the breaks.


While out in the street there was nary a clatter, and if there had been, what would it matter?


I looked out the window and what did I see, more than enough snow, than anyone needs.


The streetlight reflected off that new fallen snow, which is okay by me, as I've nowhere to go.


When what to my wondering ears did I hear, the sound of my dog snoring that's all that was near.


There wasn't a sleigh, there was no St. Nick, just the sound of no traffic as the roads were too slick.


No traffic was coming, not a truck to be seen, just new fallen snow, it was all so serene.


On Chevys, on Hondas, on plow trucks so quick, on Kias, on Buicks, the roads aren’t so slick,

There should be some Lincolns, there there should be some Fords at least some VW's to add to the horde.


But since it is snowing, I guess that it's cool; and since it is Christmas, no kids off to school.


No sleigh on the rooftop, no toys in a bag, at twelve in the morning, life can be a drag.


Our chimney is too small, our door is locked tight, ain't nobody coming in this house tonight.


Sugar is brave and I am awake, no one gets in at our house near the lake.


Our tree is all darkened, the lights are not on, Mary had doused them before she was gone.


No jolly old elf with a pipe in his cheek, our roof is too new it won't ever leak.

The presents are present, just where they should be, just where we had put them, there under the tree.


Our cards are in place right there on the shelf,

They came in the mail; Thanks to USPS, not some jolly old elf.


All is in ready, our sleigh it awaits, for Mary to drive before we are late.


The P/T appointments are all that we need, out in the garage waits our trusty new steed.


When Mary gets ready, as soon she must, then I will join her, in Mary I trust..


I don't miss the shoveling, I don't miss the snow, I do miss the walking, as most people know.



So get yourselves ready and now listen here, Happy Holidays to you, and to those you hold dear!

So, that's my verse and that's the way it is on this Christmas Day in 2013. We await sunrise at 8:15 AM followed by...Tea time. Ciao.