I got a big laugh out of an email from friend, colleague and fellow-writer Richard Atwood, former president of the Hemophilia Foundation of North Carolina. He has a helpful suggestion for holiday gifts.

“If you are still searching for the right holiday gift, then let me suggest a jigsaw puzzle of either an MRI, x-ray, or artwork in full color of an osteoarthritic knee or knee joint replacement. There are 19 puzzles of knees, each with 300 pieces available for just under 18 British pounds, as listed in the United Kingdom site of amazon.uk in the toy department (though the puzzles are not listed on the American site of amazon.com – just search using ‘jigsaw osteoarthritic knee’).

“While you may consider these jigsaw puzzles to be a bit pricey, compare them to the actual cost of a real MRI to enjoy the savings. So when the outside temperature falls and your joints stiffen up, then just settle down in a warm room to put together a picture of your pain, piece by piece.”

So I went to amazon.com.uk and he was right! And, they make superb gifts, according to Amazon. Yes, nothing says “Merry Christmas!” quite like a jigsaw puzzle of the knee joint.

I got curious and poked around, and guess what? They actually have jigsaw puzzles of blood clots! I am not making this up. Only $28. And… you guess it. They also make superb gifts!

Not only that but you can even get a jigsaw of blood samples, for that true lab enthusiast. The possibilities for biological recreational activities seem endless. The British really know how to have a good time.

Happy shopping!

Good Book I Just Read