written by Joan in Sept, 2010:

I asked H, “Is this it? Are we going home?”
Heather: “No, the best is yet to come.”
A moment of thought, then J. said, “We’re getting ice cream?”
“Yes.”
J: “Life is good.”

Ice cream, a game of cards, a compelling jigsaw puzzle with music on the stereo, knitting, sometimes reading a good book…Joan takes pleasure in simple things.

Niilo has often been less awake recently and unable to transfer to the car for trips, but was perkier last night, looking at us with interest and answering, “I don’t know,” when asked if done eating. Even if he didn’t say so, I’m sure he appreciates visits, including a recent visit by Cindy, up from Juneau, and weekly visits by Hospice volunteer DeVonne, whose custom-made quilt (trains and horses) adorns his bed.

So far a mild and late winter, with 2″ snow on the ground and temps into the 30s.
Weatherization work may be complete for the season, (Thanks Gary and Ken for work done) and Chena moved a mountain of model trains back to a room that had been worked on. With 58 and a half years of accumulated stuff, the organizing will go on for quite a while.

Heather