"Back in Alaska, new snow on the mountains, colored leaves falling from the trees, fire burning with wood, 46 degrees outside. A Kiska cat purring loudly, curled up at my feet."

"I am so thankful for SO MANY of you who visited, called, sent cards and gifts, and such GREAT encouragement. I am still trying to take all of this love in.... what an experience this has been... and I find that not only can I express it, but even contain it. It's a mystery, a beautiful one!"

"You know, I so enjoyed the beauty at Marla's with the beautiful PNW lush green (BIG) trees.... as she will attest, I loved reacquainting myself with those "old friends", but it's good to be back this Sunday morning with thick fog, and bright yellow and orange leaves standing out in the mist. The characteristic Christmas tree shapes of the spruce contrasted amongst them. Familiar friends, these trees, this changing landscape. My favorite entertainment."

Yesterday as we were leaving the doctor's office, Marla said that I am "Stintless in Seattle". YAY, that's true! 

I am glad that I chose to not worry ahead of time, because Dr. Chapman was quick and skillful, as usual. I loved that while he was reviewing Dr. Precht's work, he was singing his praises. "Dr. Precht is the best surgeon I know". I can't help but be so thankful to have these guys be a part of MY TEAM. I also couldn't help but tell Dr. C that Shelley and I think he is pretty awesome as well. He said, "Isn't that Shelley a delight?" Well yes!!!!!!!!! He said that he loves his job because he gets to be a part of stories like ours. Oh my, how wonderful. I still have to pinch myself.... is this really happening to me? 

Tomorrow more early morning labs and doctor visits.... then the next morning I am getting on a big bird and headed North to Alaska! So meanwhile, will Marla and I finish this 3000 pc puzzle? We have about 1/4 of it done..... yikes!!!!

So excited about Heather getting to go home in a few days!  North to Alaska!

I have been enjoying living life in the slow lane.  But that's soon to end...Monday it's back to work.  Before the transplant I had these exercise dvds I did every morning, and last week I tried one of them and it knocked me on my butt.  Since then I've been trying a little more each day to get through them, and am doing much better.  Even the backache that comes if I've overdone it, is coming less frequently, so I know I'll be ok to go back to work.
I really have to watch my salt intake, which means less eating out in restaurants where you can't control as much the salt they put on things. 

On the instructions they gave me for aftercare was a warning that I am not allowed to participate in jousting.  Darn!  And I was so into it!  What am I going to do with all my jousting paraphanalia? :)

[I am] "heading home to Alaska on Saturday".

"Hopefully I will pass all my tests before hand, they are poking holes in me to test everything. I wonder if there will be any blood left for Sidney and me!"