Sorry it's taken so long to add to my blog.  I saw my pain control doctor last week and he was amazed that I still have not asked for the pain pump.  The pain pump would deliver the pain medication directly to my spine which would give immediate relief to the pain that I am experiencing.  I am still able to simply rely upon my Fentanyl lollipop that I take about four times a day.   I suck on this lollipop anywhere from ten to forty minutes.  The result of this procedure is that it gives relief from the pain for a short period of time allowing me to complete certain tasks.
     I have been able to get out many days each week with the help of friends and family.  Once again, Great Harvest is a favorite spot.  I feel like I am part of the staff down there because I am there so often.  Currently, I am experiencing a change in my left leg.  It has become weaker and harder to control  which makes it more difficult to use my walker.  I am hoping that my left leg doesn't get any weaker than it already is.  I am trying to avoid using the wheelchair as long as I possibly can.
     We had a great time today with our family as all of our children came to the house and spent much of the day with me.  They went out and bought a Christmas tree while my wife prepared a wonderful brunch.  We watched my daughter-in-law, Amber, and son, Michael, ceremoniously put lights on the tree.  This is the first year we have had lights on the tree since our kids were little.  After that, we all watched my granddaughter,  Rilie (age 22 months), put decorations on the lower one foot of the tree while my other granddaughter, Joss (age 9 months), looked on fascinated.  The rest of the ornaments were put on the higher branches by our kids.  Our kids gave me a wonderful gift today as they started a new tradition for our annual "Tree Day".