March 26- April 2

Day 411-418
I'm sure spring is around the corner, but it is sure being reluctant ! I went out to make some water run, and it snowed on me! The wind still bites too, so it will be very nice when it gets over 10 degrees. Glenn didn't go out today, but stood at the sink and watched the birds come and go at the feeders. I have quite a variety there, with chickadees, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red polls, sparrows, and now the junkos have shown up. Chickadees are bossy little birds, but back off when the big woodpeckers show up. Crows are cawing, but don't come close to the house. I know spring is around the corner!
We continue to carry on, and therapy is back on schedule after the ladies took some time off over the Easter Break. We went to the doctor on Monday, and she was happy with Glenn's progress. She is always surprised, and we are ahead of what the swallow assessment is saying. She was very surprised when I told her Glenn had a hamburger for lunch! She checked his lungs, as that is where any problems will show from aspiration, and she said they are clear. She told Glenn she expects that in a year he will be walking around on his own, and Glenn still shrugged, but it was good to hear her say that. Of course, time will tell, but a positive outlook can't hurt.
My dad had the flu bug and is getting over it. Mom said he needs to get outside now, and get some project going, and that is a good sign. He still has a bit of stomach upset, and his sinuses were infected, so he was feeling pretty glum. The good news is that the hospital ran tests for heart attack and stroke and other things and all came back negative, so he just got the wind knocked out of him by the bug. Not that that is anything to take lightly, after all he is 80!
April is here and with it come another batch of birthdays. My older friend turns older on the 7th, and she loves that I remember that and tell as many people as I can. That is what friends are for, right? We have other friends who turn over another number, and I have to admit that mine is also looming. They come faster and faster. When I was a kid, my birthdays were ages apart, and were over too fast. My, how perspective changes.
Glenn's botox is working well, and his right hand is relaxing more all the time. We got 3 of 4 fingers into his glove last Thursday, and that is the best we've done this winter. It is so much easier to get around in the warmer weather, although the carpet is getting dirty from the wheelchair's tracks through mud. Glenn seems to get stuck in it pretty easily, but it will soon be gone. I knew I needed cement at the bottom of the ramp!
We went out for supper 2 times last week and Glenn had good meals. It is a nice thing to be able to do again, and although he was with family and friends, it was a good start. He was relaxed and so I relaxed. As long as we keep to softer foods, he does well. One thing at a time, but we are doing them!
'Til next time,
Louise