Merry Christmas

With Christmas near the end of the year, it is only natural to recall the events of the past year as well as events of past years. Also, this time of the year has us have thoughts and expectations for the coming New Year. We are all in good health. The bank and wallet are empty but there is food in the cupboards and fridge.
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Sean has been at Cal a year and a half with two and a half to go. Brianna’s Freshman year has been successful. And Ryan is hanging in there during his second year of Middle School. Pam has had some minor health concerns but is well. I am lighter though not doing anything in particular. Pam thinks the change in diet with less meat has helped me drop my weight. Also, I’m drinking less soda. (None of that low carb stuff for us with less meat on the table, we’re eating more pasta, cheese, and soy products.)
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Sean has struggled a little this year but seems to have regained his footing and gearing up for the second semester. Sean is a Resident Assistant (RA) in his Dorm. Ryan is on new meds that make him more focused and able to concentrate better. The Concerta also seems to allow Ryan to understand printed material better as well. Ryan can read for longer periods of time. This added ability has kept Ryan busy reading Harry Potter. (If you’re a Simpson fan, we call his new med FOCUSIN, the medicine Bart took awhile back to help Bart with his ADHD.)
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Next January, Ryan will be in a new program that will train him to handle stress better and relax. Something both Pam and I will also be able to do with him. We’ll keep you updated. One of Ryan’s new therapists ,a Canadian intern, Lori did some testing on Ryan. Lori, will be the person training Ryan with this new relaxation technique. Lori trained and learned the technique last year in Canada.
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Brianna made it to her high school’s Come Homing Dance going with several people. And Opal steadily has gotten more white around her muzzle and her coat is steadily graying. (Opal hasn’t been all black since being a puppy though.) Opal had a mole removed from her chest two Summers ago and despite some fleas occasionally is in good health. Our killer watchdog remembered Sean when he returned Wednesday night.
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Recently Opal has taken to seating in Pam’s lap, probably to keep herself warmer, I’ve also seen Opal seating in Brianna’s lap. As of yet Opal doesn’t seem to seat in Ryan’s lap and Opal has never sat in my lap. The lap thing is new, maybe an old dog can learn new tricks. (If only we could get Opal to endorse some Dog product. )
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Grandma Costales celebrated her 90th Birthday in Anaheim with Grace, Manny, Holly, Jesse, Pam, Brianna, Ryan, myself, and Opal (woof). More later. Love and Peace.