A delightul Thanksgiving

Hope your thanksgiving was a blissful event!  We were happily surprised by Michael with a delicious turkey dinner, all ready and cooked to perfection!  It consisted of quite a plump turkey, scrumptious mashed potatoes, delightful creamed corn, lip-smacking cranberry relish, delectable gravy and delish stuffing.  Anna put everything in the oven and microwave, while Michael cooked some flavorsome green beans and Florence tossed  a very appetizing salad she brought.  Roberto gave us a mouthwatering pecan pie to add to our tasty cherry pie.  After a bit of aromatic Café Santo Domingo, we all took turns watching Michael’s latest project on his phone: a local artist has painted eye-catching designs, striking faces, pretty flowers and charming animals on the fence around his yard; all quite colorful and fun.  As the scooter was fixed, Sela was able to sit with us during the preparations in the kitchen while we sipped chilled champagne, and then sat at the table for dinner.  She wore a long kaftan and she looked quite fantastic for her age.  We heard of Michael and Anna's forthcoming trip to the Big Apple. Then we also found out that Brian and Florence are planning another trip to the south of France to visit her family.

Today, Sela is a bit tired but happy.  We did not take too many photos to share with all of you, but here are some from Florence's phone.  Today I thought of starting Christmas decorations, but first I had to take off some of the ivy along the yard fence so that Renny can have a little path to run to, and chat with the neighbor’s dogs.  See, the ivy irritates his chest, which hangs lower to the ground than most dogs, which has caused him to lose most of his hair and triggered a rather nasty rash.  Just forcefully pulling the ivy and vigorously raking the leaves on a path no longer than 6 feet, took me a good hour.   These timeworn knees and thighs surely couldn’t take that vicious abuse for long.   So, don’t know if I’m going to bring down Christmas stuff from the attic to start on decorations just yet, perhaps tomorrow.   On that quite tiring note, I shall leave you until the next time.  Perhaps I can then add photos of a beautifully decorated house.  Ciao! 

Michael carves while Anna organizes...

Anna approves!

Brian, Jacqueline & Renny
Florence and Sela

Same people and Renny trying to get away.

A very simple table was set.

Sela's latest news

November 12^th 2016

I’ve decided to continue these entries so that you all can read about Sela without me having to call, text or email you.  So feel free to comment, suggest, advise, praise, criticize…whatever!  This is for us all!

Today, Brian from Silver Cross, finally came to fix the Scooter which had been out of commission since last month.  As her legs no longer sustain her, this is the only way that Sela can transfer from her bed as painlessly as possible, and without us breaking our backs.  So Brian, found the problem, fixed it and recommended a lift to get her in and out of bed –a very expensive proposition.  He also checked the chair lift which was a bit cranky… the battery had somehow, disconnected.  Every time he comes, and there are no parts, $110 fly out of the window, but he gets the job done.  Oh well…

So, you all probably know by now that Sela’s front tooth fell of and we’re off to the dentist for a root canal next week.  Then, on the 30^th for a crown.  So that’s another expense that insurance does not cover.   She is devastated because she cannot chew or smile without show that big gap.  When Ipe was here this week for a short visit, we gave her a handkerchief to cover her smile!

We got a new CNA –certified nurse assistant.  Elizabeth, was replaced by María from Mexico.  She is very sweet, kind, soft spoken, organized, smart and diligent.  Everything one could ever wish for.  She spends four hours each day with Sela, feeds and bathes her, and keeps her comfortable.   Kati, our afternoon helper, from Venezuela, comes three hours each day, and every other Saturday.  She’s wonderful as well, with a good sense of humor and kind, very kind to Sela.  So in that respect, things are going quite well.

Apart from arthritic pain, Sela is feeling well and has a good appetite.  We are going to give her a natural sleeping aid called Somnapure, recommended by Ipe, so she has a more peaceful sleep.   Since she’s off the heavy narcotics, hallucinations have stopped, her mind seems clearer, and her wit as sharp as ever.  Thanks for reading!

Con Ipe la tarde que vino a visitarnos.