January 13-February 1

Day 340-357
Yikes, where did the time go? Oh, I know, moved Grandma, 50th birthday, therapy, etc., etc. It's February, and we are closing in on one year since we started this journey. The time dragged and the time flew, and that is how life is. I need to say that Glenn has decided to really get independent, and is trying all sorts of ways to take care of himself. I don't help much with bath-rooming anymore, and we had an OT here on Wednesday to help place a couple more poles to make it easier for Glenn to transfer himself. We are now working on getting into and out of bed, so more and more he is shedding his limitations, and is improving daily. When he tries something new, we have to go over it a few times, and find out what works and what doesn't. He thinks things through, and sometimes even listens to my suggestions! It's great! His speech is getting clearer, and I have to get him to slow down and enunciate , because he is anxious to get the story out.
Grandma is now living in Walsh Acres Manor, and is, so far, happy with the move. Chris really did a good job checking the place out and moving her. She was so alone at the other home, she was going down hill. The new place has 3 other residents right now, and has room for 4 more. It is a newly renovated home, and has a fireplace and closed in deck. One of the other residents also plays organ and piano, so Shirley was having a ball playing again. The caregiver is a journeyman cook, and Chris said the food smelled pretty good! It is a relief to have her there, as I know she wasn't very happy where she was.
I also went to visit Uncle Bob and feel that he knew who I was. He laughed at a few of the remarks I made and was happy to hold my hand while we visited. I asked him where his teeth were, and he opened his mouth. I said they weren't there, and he had a good laugh. I still don't know where his teeth were, but I guess it doesn't matter. He actually said "yes" and "no" to a couple of questions I asked, and he hadn't done that before. I don't think he would have been able to recall may name, but I do think he knew he knew me. That was a bit of a relief, because he really wasn't with it the last time I saw him.
I did go ahead with a party for Glenn, and cooked a turkey and had the kids bring some dips and things. Glenn really enjoyed having people here, and played with a couple of the small ones, who were fascinated with the horn on Uncle Glenn's chair. Chris and Aryn brought their dog, who kept the rabbit on his toes. Ultimately, the rabbit hid out in our bedroom. I don't think he enjoyed the party!
The cold weather this past week gave me a day off. Ray didn't take the truck out on Tuesday, so I got to stay home, and so did Helen. It was miserably cold, so I didn't argue. We didn't go for massage this week, but will go again next week. I have to make a few appointments this morning, but thought I had better catch up on some of the events and happenings around here. I think it will just get busier and busier, as we are perhaps going to put in a few quarters of crop ourselves this spring. Jackie took me to a wedding Expo in Regina, and that kind of brought home that my baby is really getting married next year! Boy, I should start a business, there is a killing to be made with wedding crap. I can't believe how much money people spend on one day! The most useless thing were the chair cover rentals. My gosh, you pay to have chairs covered and decorated with an organza bow! That really floored me. I had no idea. The fashion shows didn't do much for Jackie, who has her heart set on a certain style, but we did get the card of the fellow who designed and made Aryn's dress, so that is a possibility. I told Jackie she will have to start saving her pennies if she goes that route. She continues to do well at school, and is looking forward to getting a job. She is really watching her money right now, and is bothered by not having more "fundage". It is a good lesson in budgeting!
I'm about done, Glenn was looking at trips to the coast online, and I said I wasn't sure about that. He just shrugged and said they were for March, so that goes to show how his thinking has changed. I don't think we'll go, but he is looking forward, and that is the main thing. We still have a spare computer for sale, so if anyone is interested, let us know!
'Til next time,
Louise