I know, it's been awhile, but here I am again.
This summer has so far been a wonderful summer in most respects. Because I
moved in late in August last year, I didn't get much opportunity to play in
mom's house and yard. This year, I have become quite the "yard bird" in that I
bought a new weed eater (18 v. battery operated) and a new reel mower to cut the
grass. The mower provides me good exercise for the little front and back lawns,
no need to buy gas or oil, it pushes easily and I get a good workout at the same
time. I have also planted a bunch of flower baskets and hung them from the
dogwood tree out front, and have some tomatoes and cucumbers started too. Turns
out I really like being outside and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing things grow
and thrive. There are some occupied bird houses out back, and I have
hummingbird feeders out too. I had two brand new fawns dancing through the yard
last week . . . awesome. It appears I am becoming attached to the place - and
am thinking of buying it when the time comes. We'll see. 
OK, as for mom news - I am
still going almost every day to help her with lunch, Mike is there often
visiting as well, and Tom and Julie go too. Ed is still around and takes
Shirley out for a ride almost every Sunday. He's a rock. Shirley seems to be
on a plateau as far as her disease is concerned. She still needs help walking
(two aides at least) and the ultralight wheelchair I got her has been a great
way to get her out and about on nice days. Her appetite is good and she seems
to be pain-free for the most part. She's been getting some physical therapy of
late, and she is able to "pedal" her feet while in the chair with the footrests
out of the way. She talks often, but isn't often understandable. Once in a
while something comes through though - for example, one day when Mike and I were
sitting on her bed and yakking to one another, she looked up at me and said
clear as a bell, "Just shut up!". Mike and I both burst out laughing, when she
suddenly looked Mike in the eye and said, "And you too!"
I understand that mom's
sister Marilyn and her brother Gary will both be in the area next month for a
couple of weeks. I sincerely hope that they will want to see their sister,
though I know it will be shockingly rough for them. I don't imagine that
Shirley will recognize them, but hey, you never know. I'll do whatever I can to
help them through the initial visits if they'll let me. Meantime I continue to
be grateful for all I have, roof over my head, food to eat, car that runs, kitty
who loves me (see my little Butterball below) and family, including mom, all around. I'm sure blessed. I miss
all my far away friends (and my job and my condo and the pool up there in
Amherst!), but I'm in a good spot and will stay here as long as I'm needed.
Thanks for reading and feel free to give me a call or a comment. More to come!
