If you noticed the absence of posts in the last couple of days, that is because Fred and I were in Boston to see a cancer specialist at Tufts Medical Center.  Long story short, Fred will go there in January for an operation.  This is not totally unexpected - the chemo treatments were to reduce as much of the cancer as possible to make it possible to surgically remove all or most of the remainder.  We were impressed with the surgeon at Tufts, and feel confident about this.
     Going to Boston was a bit daunting - neither of us had been there in about three decades, and we certainly aren't used to driving in lots of traffic.  However, all went very well, thanks to steady nerves and GPS.  We had parking next to the hotel which was across the street from the hospital, and everything else we needed was handy by.  The weather was very good, and everything went as scheduled, and we had a good trip, lots of good food, a lovely hotel (with warm chocolate chip cookies as we checked in!), and met some very nice people.  We were home yesterday at around 4 p.m.
     When we go for the operation in January, we will probably stay at a special housing unit within the hospital, especially for cancer patients and their families.  The rates are very reasonable, and there are all sorts of support services.  
     Now we're back and doing some catching up on news and answering e-mails today, but I also want to share with you the Ernie Thurston is arriving home today after a short stay in hospital for a mild heart attack.  He is doing fine, and there was no damage, but he now has a couple new stents, from what I've been told.  We're glad everything is ok.
     I need to get busy this afternoon to prepare for my meeting on Monday with the West Danville History committee.  Writing new material has taken a back seat these past few days - however, I did get some editing done.  Trouble is, every time I read a section I have "finished," I begin changing things.  Some sections have been rewritten at least four times, maybe more.  We are all having the same problem - but there comes a point in this process when one has to declare it "done" and let someone else do the editing.  We review each other's work, but still - there needs to be someone less involved who will look at it objectively and let us know what needs to be changed, and then we can move on to something new.  
     Have a safe, fun weekend - mild weather and not too much snow makes it a great time to get outside and visit Christmas sales or go find your Christmas tree.