I think I am just avoiding going down to clean the kitchen as a prelude to the rest of the house but I so enjoyed seeing some new blogs...they are so fun to read ...Tom, I appreciate the spilling out of your thoughts!!! (and David, too!)

I just got a call from Treven that Kim was out of surgery. She had to get tubes put into her right ear (I think I have the right one) as she is continuing to have problems with it. They also removed a lot of scar tissue that developed from her other surgeries. She is fine and they are on their way home from the surgery center.

We have been searching out alternatives for Grandma's care. We probably won't make the change for several months but she is getting more and more confused..and difficult and I anticipate that in a few months it may be risky leaving her alone. There is a pretty nice place close to us..just on the other side of the freeway..that looks promising. It is pretty home-like and personal...it is called a foster adult care center and consists of 6 houses that each house 6 people. Each house has a caretaker that cooks meals and helps the residents out. They each have their own rooms. It is a little more expensive but she would have enough money to carry her through until she is 102...If she lives that long, we would then have to subsidize her or put her on medicaid. We are still checking out a few other places including Ellery's company's place here in Vancouver. In speaking to Ellery, though, I'm not sure I am comfortable with Grandma being in her own apartment trying to function.

I was invited to a Bunco party (all women, so it doesn't matter that Dad doesn't like to play it) tonight which sounds really fun so I'm going to go. It will be nice to get out for something fun.

On Monday night, we went to Parker House ( a very nice restaurant on the Columbia) for Parker's birthday. David and Adina hosted it and it was a great dinner. Parker was the only child there and was VERY well behaved. It is so fun having family near. Grandma made me laugh when she keeps commenting that she was so surprised to see Brooke there because she didn't know that she knew David and Adina. Not to speak of the many, many times we've been here at our house together since she arrived. She is also convinced that this is her house and Dad and I are visiting. Shouldn't irritate me so much but it does. I'm trying to be a little more mature about it but it is unnerving to be given her permission to have some ice cream out of our own freezer.

Well, I'd better face the kitchen. I bought a new little electic gadget on a whim that scrubs grout, sinks etc so I am trying it out today.

Love you all,

Mom