As my Gramma became older, and her back considerably less forgiving, she would ask me to do things to help her. “Caryle, could you please pick that up for me?” “Caryle, would you please carry that downstairs?” And most of the time, I was glad to do it. Even when answering her voice meant jarring my mind and nose reluctantly away from whatever make- ( Read more... )

I keep having snippets of blog posts float through my head. But sitting down and writing them was impossible while in Illinois and yesterday I was laying low and avoiding the world.  It's been an emotional, whirlwind few days - geez, it's been almost a whole week, hasn't it? Ugh.

Last Wednesday was just what I needed. Jeff had made plans with amazoniowan , dancpharmd , ( Read more... )

she's gone.  I'll miss you Nancy Alice Wilcox Monroe; you were an amazing woman.

I wanted to take some time today to talk about the fun things I did when we got back from Michigan last week (retirement party for a co-worker, drinks with the girls, surprise birthday party for a friend, trip to Kansas City on the 4th), but instead I'm going to provide an update regarding my Gramma.

I said a few weeks ago that Gramma broke her hip ( Read more... )

I’m having a fun hangover.  The past two work weeks have been shortened by at least one day; so, the idea of working five whole days this week makes me feel like a sad panda.

Let’s see, what’s going on?

I have new glasses, and I keep meaning to post a picture of myself in them, but when I actually look decent enough to memorialize it, I tend to ( Read more... )

Some good news would be most excellent and very welcome.  Because the news from the home-front continues to suck ass ( Read more... )

I’m not sure I ever thanked all of you for the very kind comments you left for me last week. They meant a great deal, so hugs to you all. Big hugs, big squishy hugs.

**
As predicted, it’s a flooded mess all around the state of Iowa right now. I’m very glad, right now, that I don’t live near any of the rivers. If I did, Chloe and I would probably be ( Read more... )

Mom called me, apparently Gramma isn't eating, and hasn't been for about five days now.  They asked my uncle if they should start a feeding tube and he said no.  We don't think she has more than two weeks left.  I think reality is really hitting my mom today, and I don't blame her ( Read more... )

Mom called with an update.  Gramma officially has congestive pneumonia.  If she shows no improvement in the next few days, they're talking hospice.  That word makes this all very real.  I'm alternately relieved that the balance seems to have shifted, and sad.

Dad is out of town on business right now, so I may be taking mom down to see Gramma some ( Read more... )

• It is so cold outside this morning (-11 F, -34 C), that I reeeeeeaaaaally don't want to go anywhere.  If it wouldn't be so irresponsible, I think I'd call in sick to work today.  Apparently this is the coldest it's been in the Des Moines area since the year 2000 - meaning it's the coldest it's been since I've lived here.  I have food.  I have ( Read more... )