A Visit from Nancy

Your sister arrived Monday for a two day visit. First we visited with my mom who didn’t know her but she thrilled Nancy by immediately noticing her new eyelashes. My mom no longer uses her hearing aids but she is able to enjoy our conversations anyway and we walked outside with her for 15 minutes or so.

We had a great time talking, walking, eating out and visiting children. We saw Taylor, McKenna and Colton and babysat for Miles and Lucas. We forgot to take a photo of Colton but while searching through my mom’s things I found a close future approximation of him in primary school.

Nancy selected some of my mom’s old photos and has a large one of Grandma’s family in about 1900. If anyone would like a copy they can contact Nancy as she is going to have it restored.

We did try to generate enthusiasm for Memorial Day since no one seems to want to drive to Vernonia, OR. I predict we’ll get a huge turnout after all the initial whining. These new mothers have to remember that when they get over the long drive others will watch their children for them for three days. You can’t really beat that.

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One of our biannual phone visits is imminent so I made up a list of topics we should hit upon.

Plans for Memorial Day Arrival and Departure
Activities for Memorial Day
Judy’s Traditional Memorial Day Wine Donation
Judy’s sister, Nancy’s recent activities
Lincoln Park Zoo’s activities from Docent Judy’s Perspective
Judy’s dog, Fume’ s typical day and park activities
Judy’s African experience and advice
Judy’s recent pattern making jobs
Judy’s recent Cheap Eats group outings
Hank’s, Judy’s SO, recent projects and visits
Chicago Opera outings

There, that should give us a good start. We can make it a conference call if anyone else wants to join in. I don’t think much changes from year to year but we are always wise and witty.

Sixty-six is not an exciting birthday. The early dementia signs have been creeping up. In the past month or so I have left my Costco and debit card lying on the ground near Costco’s gas pumps, left my military ID at a check-out counter, taken a stain out of what I later determined to be a new shirt after pulling the what I thought was the stainless shirt from the drawer and finding the exact coffee stain had returned, bought a non-refundable airline ticket for the wrong return date, and these are only the things I can remember doing.

My only hope is to bond with my grandsons who will be able to take charge of my needs as I age. Lucas is already demonstrating his capabilities. This is our conversation after tumbling class last night.

Me: Lucas you are getting to be so smart.

Lucas: Yes, I already know everything.

Me: Well, not everything yet because you don’t know 100 x 100 x 100.

Lucas: One Million! (Dad is whispering to him but I couldn’t prove him wrong no matter what he said) See, I do know everything.

My mom’s living group holds six residents and one of them is Murray McDowell’s mother. Her name is Viola and yesterday Murray’s sister and I had a nice discussion about Murray, Jill and times past. She had even met Jill. My mom was also excited about this connection though we only got as far as Ron is her brother.

I need to stop as I have a faulty space bar. Walker was helping me last week and by chance pulled it off. You wouldn’t really think a space bar was that necessary but it is tedioustypingwithoutit.

Three On The List

Hmmm, three volunteers…. Wonder who they might be? Oh, Mary Ellen had to give you a big clue however it is nice to know there will be at least five of us. It might be more up my alley to volunteer at the school although that will require school supplies along with the camouflage clothing. Nancy laughed hysterically when I began reading the diseases and immunizations listed. She has an odd sense of humor but I must admit I was laughing with her. I am just happy I can travel somewhere.

Cyd is now 42 years old so we had a little celebration in Sumner over the weekend. Here she is with Walker who wanted to cooperate with the photographer. Peyton likes to do his own thing. The twins love being outside and cry in unison when we bring them in and close the door behind them.

The good news is that Raymond now has an interview with the University of Washington transplant center. He is eager for a new liver so nothing could be better at this moment. We just have to keep our fingers crossed.

You did forget to mention the Carlos from your past. I am reminded of a Carlos who kept Jane, you and me company one night on the Sand Dunes. There might be too many Carlos’ in our past to keep straight. Can Jane help us with details from 1959?

Ides of March?

Your last comment was hilarious and I only hope your humor continues on through September 23rd. I do wonder why only three have signed up for the trip. I should mention that my former student, David, monitors this site and makes frequent comments so remember to stay on his good side. David is a straight arrow Republican who works at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle.

These days have been spent trying to give practical help to the sick and infirm as Brett tore his Achilles tendon in Judo so now in addition to surgery he also has a six month rehabilitation regime. The physical therapist instructed him in the use of crutches but she didn’t really know how to work his long, white cane into his walking. Next Miles contracted rotovirus at his daycare and they therefore do not want him back until he is well. He’s been through a stack of diapers a day for the past 8 days but this week should be better.

Finally Bill’s bff Raymond ended up in the hospital for a few days as he faces end stage liver disease. He is able to be back at home but we’re all hoping he soon elects to get on a transplant list. Lucas says hugs will help him get better too and Claire is taking such good care of him.

My mom by comparison is very healthy. We were coming home from her doctor’s appointment and she was asking about my children and grandchildren. I gave her the grandson run-down.
Mother: And then you have a husband at home?
Me: No, my husband died several years ago.
Mother: I’m so sorry and you’ve never remarried?
Me: No, and you never remarried either but I think we’re both getting along just fine.
Mother: Oh, look at the birds.

I hear someone named Carlos who was a former employee of Hogue Cellars remembers you. It’s amazing what an impact you make on people. Unforgettable. Anyway it would be nice if you could stop by Prosser after Memorial Day as Nancy is coming this way so we can babysit for Taylor and Colton while their parents are in Greece. It is only for three days as Diana is doing the major amount. Still Nancy and I will have to hit all our grandchildren for babysitting next to make it fair you know. Aren’t you glad you live in Chicago?