Photo by Marshal Bradley
 May the Christmas spirit bless you and your family
Mr. Wonderful and I are headed to Albuquerque, NM to spend Christmas with our son and his family. Our daughter will fly from New York to join us. We had the same plan last year that unfortunately did not happen, because Bob had emergency surgery.
Although still recovering from pancreatic surgery in July, Bob was feeling good when he printed our boarding passes the morning of December 24th.
We were packed and ready to fly. However within an hour Bob, screaming from pain, was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a perforated bowel. Surgery was scheduled for 5:30PM, and I was told to wait in radiology. The door could be locked, there was a TV and telephone. I was instructed to answer the phone should it ring.
The hospital was closing.
I am blessed to have many dear friends, one of them, Pat, came (bringing the most delicious turkey sandwich) to be by my side, and stayed until the doctor appeared to say my husband was in recovery.
Christmas Eve 2012 is one we will not forget. It was near midnight when I left the hospital, and hearing the door lock behind me, looked up to enjoy the most beautiful stars in the sky surrounded by silence and crisp clear air.
Yes, we are heading to Albuquerque and though there are no guarantees, are looking forward to spreading lots of cheer. We are extremely grateful to family, friends, and the kindness of strangers. I am especially thankful for all my readers. Thank you for making the time to read my posts, you make a difference in my life.
Merry Christmas,
                                                     Claudia . . . . just saying
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claudiajustsaying 
Merry Christmas to you, too. I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful, and joyous visit with your family!
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harogate 50, Thank you I feel your good will. Claudia
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Xmas wishes and a Healthy happy New Year from Newton NJxxx
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Hey Newton Hope you’re enjoying snow, Happy New Year to you and yours.0x0x
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And you make a difference in my life. Merry Christmas Girlfriend!
Love, Kathe
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Hugs, Hugs and more hugs to you.
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Claudia, Surely hope your trip this year will make up for …last year this time. I am making a visit to Fl. with a very flexible agenda in a 1989 Ford Econoline Van and two dogs. Should be in your area in Jan. sometime. Do you want to refresh updates re: phone/address for a get-together after the holidays? Lunch? Walk on the beach? Any dog parks we could hang out in for a short visit. If not convenient, just say. Nena Jobina…………leaving by the end of this week.
________________________________
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Nena,
Hey friend, would love to see you in Jan, I’m up for all of the above but suggest we exchange phone, etc. in a private email. Safe travel and Merry Christmas, hugs, Claudia
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What a difference a year makes – every day is indeed a gift. Thanks for your inspiration and wit all the year long! It’s me, Betsy-XO
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Thank you! Your accolades feel oh so good. Merry Christmas, Betsy
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Best Christmas card EVER! Enjoy this well deserved holiday. Give my regards to Janine and Tony.
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I will give them your hug and a very Merry Christmas to your gang, Claudia
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Great Pic of a Great Couple.. Great Friends too.. Ejoy your holiday.. Don’t look back to last year!! Just Go and Do!! Have a wonderful time and enjoy it to the fullest.. We love you guys!!
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Love you too and glad you didn’t mention it was you beautiful tree we assumed credit for. Merry Christmas, Claudia
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Wishing you a safe and happy trip and the best holiday season ever! You’ve had a couple of rough years. Here’s hoping for a fantastic 2014 for a great couple that we’re proud to call our friends 🙂
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Christine, Yes we’re looking forward to the happy times and grateful for our new Florida friends, Thanks for your kindness and tech skills. . . just saying
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Claudia,
Wishing you the best Christmas this year!! I am sure an improvement over last year!
Hopefully we can reconnect at some point. I miss you! Working full time again in the corporate world is not really what I want to be doing – but for now it is what it is….
Have a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year.
marsha
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:40:03 +0000 To: safetysmart71@hotmail.com
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Marsha,
Thanks for your warm wishes, been thinking of you and your new grand baby, enjoy your holidays and miss you girlfriend, Claudia
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This may be a little late but I have finally sat and pulled up your Christmas blog. I want you and Bob to know that I wish you both a Happy, Health New Year in 2014. I also hope you both had a wonderful Christmas. I am going to keep this blog not only for its content but for the wonderful picture that you have attached. I know it has been many years since we have seen you but it is no less wonderful to see you both looking so well and wonderfully good together. Bob we all have those great Chianese genes. Keep up the good work. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always. Love, your cousin Margaret Longobardi Collins.
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Margaret,
Such loving wishes can never come late. Thank you. We are looking forward to a healthy and happy New Year and want the same for you and yours. The great Chianese genes are no joke. The doctor indicated that Bob’s genetics kept the cancer contained. Love, Claudia
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