2011 Off To Auspicious Start

2010 ended on a sad note, and 2011 has had an auspicious beginning.
Christmas 2010 ended with the death of a good friend and fellow worker. Richard was 54 years old. I have known and worked with him for 25 years. He suffered a heart attack on 12/22, at work, and either ignored the symptoms or didn't recognize them. Three days later, after multiple procedures, including stints and a bypass he was dead. A real shocker to his family, friends, and co-workers.
2011 began for me with both of my hands beset by carpel tunnel syndrome. It started gradually in November, beginning in the left hand. By the end of December, both hands were affected. 2011 began with Dr. appointments and testing the first week in January.  The first surgery, on my left hand is scheduled for 01/19/2011.
On January 10th, we received a call from a very dear friend, whom we've known for about 32 years.
He called to tell us that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, which has invaded his lungs and liver.  Jeff, who takes pretty good care of himself is 59 years old. He turns 60 on March 4th, (3 days after my wife turns 60).  We are shocked and very saddened by this news.....
We are hoping that the first two weeks of January are not a harbinger for what 2011 has in store for us.