We are having a dust storm which stretches from just past
Amarillo Texas through the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas,
Nebraska and Iowa. It is not unexpected because of the
drought but so regrettable. We haven't gotten the dust
but I can smell it in the air. The landscape from West
Texas through Oklahoma's panhandle is so flat and uninteresting. We used to drive that way when we went to
Santa Fe and dreaded that stretch of road.

The wind is howling outside and I can hear the neighbors
yard furniture being blown around. The weather has been
so strange this year. Anyone with foresight knew that this
dust would start blowing if we didn't get rain.

On another note, I heard from Susil today. I know it must
have been painful for her to write because one hand is
bandaged and her right hand is numb. She was in
Rehab for two weeks and they are getting her a power wheel
chair. They also prescribed Paxil for depression. She
had physical therapy while she was there.

we are doing well. Ted had the stimulator inserted on
Monday and although the wound is sore, his back isn't
bothering him so it is giving us hope that we will be
able to get out more. The operation took about two hours.
He was entirely too alert afterward and begged to drive and
then critiqued my driving all the way home.

I have been cooking and baking and making candy. Laura
posted the date ball recipe which is my favorite and so
easy to do. I may not share that one with my kids. I
dipped pretzels in white chocolate and made more fudge and
peppermint brittle. I have a lot in Christmas tins to give
to Linda and Sara. Bobby and his family are already
enjoying theirs.

I will post again before Christmas but I am wishing you
all the joys of the holiday season.