Hello from New Jersey

It's been kind of a whirlwind here and I haven't had time to post! I left Unalaska on Jan. 5th, flew overnight to Seattle, hung out in the SEA TAC airport for a few hours and then flew on to Newark on the morning of the 6th. Long flights, etc., etc., etc.; by now you know the drill. :) Got to Newark and caught the Amtrak to Philly. You might recall the summer that Aidan and I had our little adventure flying into Newark and trying to catch the train. Click here for the story if you want to review. This time, I am happy to report that I not only found the elevator, I also encountered a very helpful clerk who took care of my ticket with a smile, there were seats available on the train, the conductor was nice, and my suitcase fit in the bin. Whew! My sister Kathi, sister in law Patty and 5 year old nephew Billy met me at the Philadelphia station to bring me to Mom's. Patty said that Billy was standing at the top of the escalator watching for me till someone came along with paper conductor hats and distracted him. For the rest of the night, he wore his hat and let us know that he was "in charge." Trying to make conversation with him in the car, I asked "So what have you been up to?" He replied (as if he wondered what was wrong with me) "Waiting for YOU!" haha

Mom had her surgery on Jan. 3 and was still in the hospital when I arrived. Our days were mostly spent going back and forth to the hospital and checking on her till she finally came home on the evening of the 10th. We thought she'd be coming home lots sooner but they had to deal with a few issues so it took awhile longer. Needless to say, we were glad to bring her home. My sister was supposed to leave on the 10th but she extended her stay a few more days, and my brother Joe flew in from Jackson Hole on the 10th.

One morning, Kathi and I met my brother Bill and his family for breakfast at a diner. I have decided that "diner" is definitely an East Coast word. I have never heard of a diner in Texas or Alaska. That's my niece Abby above, with her little brother, the aforementioned Billy.

And their other two siblings, Becca and Alexandra (Alex)

Billy, my sister in law Patty and my sister Kathi, who lives in San Antonio. Yes, we are all scattered to the four winds.

My brother Bill and his girls

Becca, Alex and Aunt Jane

Awwww, sweet daddy/son love

My brother is an RN and works in the ER. He has a warped sense of humor which keeps us all laughing. Actually, all of us have a similar sense of humor, including my mom. The floor nurses called us "The Giggle Committee" because there was always so much laughter coming out of Mom's room. They all wanted to join us.

We were hit with a big snow while Mom was still in the hospital. My sister, who's lived in San Antonio for the bigger part of her adult life, made me do the driving since "you're from Alaska and are used to snow." I did inform her that I might drive in snow but we sure don't have much traffic back home. Luckily, the NJ road crews did a good job and we didn't end up with any funny stories to tell. This is my Mom's house.

Snow dusted trees

We have mostly stayed close to home but my brother Joe hung out with Mom one afternoon while Kathi and I went sledding with Becca and Alex.

It was FREEZING outside. Kathi and I thought our fingers and toes would break off. Meanwhile, Alex and Becca were having a ball and didn't want to leave.

Yes, I took a turn on the little sled, which barely had room for me. I am happy to report that I made it to the bottom of the hill without wiping out, and I didn't break a hip or an ankle or an arm.

The sun was going down, which made it even colder for us old fogeys.

Snow girls!

Kathi takes her turn and also does very well. We grannies rock!

My brother Joe

Mom is doing better and better every day. She's a little unsteady on her feet and has a visiting nurse and a physical therapist coming in, but she's getting her appetite back and has been up and dressed and feeling pretty well. Kathi left on Thursday and Joe left this morning. I decided to extend my stay another week just to make sure Mom is okay to be by herself. We are having fun and she doesn't let much keep her down. She sees her surgeon on Wed. to get her staples out and then we will see what's next.