Recuperation journey: Turning the page on a new year

Ah, 2017. It was a remarkable year for me. In May I received a healthy kidney from an altruistic donor who turned out to be Robin Gilmartin of West Hartford. 
I couldn't be more grateful to Robin for her selfless act. 

I'm also grateful for all of my readers here on this rather disjointed blog. It's therapeutic for me to write about myself, my family, and life in general. My hope is to bring awareness to the importance of organ donation, among other health-related topics.

I enjoy sharing photos of sunsets and sunrises and the wildlife outside my door.

I also enjoy sharing the good news of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, of which there is plenty. There are always positive events happening that highlight the community's heart. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue to do so in 2018. 

Wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Recuperation journey: Birthday cake for two

Allegra and I had our birthday cake tonight, two days late but better late than never. 
She and her brother went to Boston to see The Mighty Mighty Bosstones in concert - Friday and Saturday. It was their annual holiday week trip to Beantown. 
So consequently I had to wait for my cake! 

Just kidding. I'm happy they enjoy their tradition.

Note to self: Don't let Cameron or anyone take your photo when you have a cold and have been hanging around the house and haven't brushed your hair.

Recuperation journey: Looking up at today's moonrise

The color from the sunset was reflected in the sky giving it a purplish tint. The moon will be full on New Year's Day.

Location of mystery photo revealed

One friend said he knew where the tired snowman was, but he didn't reveal his answer in the comments.

I saw the snowman Dec. 19 at Sardo's Automotive on Main Street in Ansonia and snapped a pic. I like the creativity.

Klarides-Ditria of Seymour lists new state laws effective Jan. 1

Dear Neighbors, As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018.  These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our communities. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here. I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws. AN ACT PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE - Public Act No. 17-131 - requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduces the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allows patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed. Summary AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT - Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans' benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans' cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver's license or identity card. Summary Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut. New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns relating to state government at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or at (800) 842-1423. Sincerely, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Recuperation journey: Morning visitors through the window

Why visit if you're going to hide? Ha! 
If I can capture better pics of these guys I'll post them.

Have a great Sunday.

Recuperation journey: Village people, or in this case, cat

I didn't get around to putting up a Christmas village this year, but I do have pictures to remind me. Here's Linus "terrorizing" villagers in his younger days, 2010.