Almost the end of 2010. It's been a pretty good year for us, all in all. Jessica seems happy -- she and Stephen consider themselves engaged, although there is no fixed date for a wedding.

I just found out, however, that I have obstructive sleep apnea, a problem with my airway collapsing during sleep which means I don't sleep well, thus am tired a lot of the time, particularly in the afternoons. The solution is to wear a mask forcing air into the airway to keep it from collapsing. I understand it's very difficult to get used to this, not to mention it does take away from a comfy bedtime routine. After 39 years of marriage (Dec. 17!) neither of us likes the idea of this at all, but the other therapies out there have their own risks (surgery --painful, doesn't always work; dental appliance -- doesn't always work, not recommended for people with TMJ, which I have as well (jaw problem).

Waiting to see the dentist and ENT doc first before trying the sleep mask therapy.

All this makes me feel old. The company that makes the sleep therapy equipment allowed me to have an online consultation with the sleep doctor who read the test did at home, and that was very helpful. But the waiting room for this company was filled with the paraphenalia of infirmity and old age -- walkers, chairs that help the sitter arise, wheelchairs, etc. Not a pleasant place to wait.

Still, I must put this in perspective. A friend of mine, same age as me, found out a couple of months ago that he has pancreatic cancer. He's fighting bravely, with good humor, but it's a tough battle to win, and not many do it. I hope he can.