A new era.

This past week or so has been different physically. Last Monday I woke up and was suddenly extremely weak and could hardly move. I was unable to get to the bathroom, or get out to my recliner chair in the livingroom. Fortunately we had an easy fix for the toilet issue - a port-a-potty that can be placed right next to the bed. Similarly, I can brush my teeth and use the water pic with a pan sitting on the edge of the bed. Eventually I was able to get out to my chair. But even though I'm better now, it feels like a new phase of the illness - more terminal. My PCP wants to test for a UTI, but we are also going to apply for Hospice care. The main change is that it makes "going out" sort of problematic. So I've mostly been home. I've had a lot of visitors and calls and texts, expressing support. My granddaughter, Katie, is here right now - she flew out from St. Louis last Thursday. I've had two "small choir" visits from Guilford Church - that has been wonderful. And it has also cracked me open more - I've been talking a lot more about dying with Ellen, John and others. I've also been sleeping more during the day. All this has affected my sense of time - especially of free time. and that has had an effect on this blog. So here we are! I have no idea what the future holds, especially whether I'll be alive. That makes living very interesting. Every day is a gift, for sure. Here are some photos - I'll organize and label them later.

This year's rhododendron crop - some winter-kill is evident when you compare this photo with last year.

Dummerston Center cemetery has been un-mowed all spring leaving a profusion of wild flowers which enhance but also almost hide Betsey and Shirley's grave flowers.

A new development! We've moved the TV downstairs to the livingroom so I don't have to use stairs to watch TV.

Katie Shay, visitng for a few days and thus here when a small choir came from the Guilford Church.