Greetings to all,

It has been nearly 3 months since we last posted a note or pictures to mom's blog.  Times have been interesting lately and we apologize if you have been taking a peek every once in a while to check up on mom and not found her.  I will again be making posts to this blog for as long as I am able, but I am thinking about another venue (Facebook) for posting so that I force everyone to pay attention to mom.

On looking at the pictures from 3 months ago (Blog) to a visit last week I had with her, we are believe that mom is, for lack of a better word, aginng faster than the rest of us.  I will post pictures on my next blog.  It should be noted that I took mom to her Kaiser quarterly appointment and Dr. Salo (mom's geriatric Dr.) was very pleased that the progression of mom's condition appears to be moving slowly.  Mom's vitals, continued to be better than most of mine and she weighed in at 141 lbs.  This is where we would like to see her stay. 

As Summer approaches we will attempt to post some pictures of mom outside. 

Happy Belated Valentines Day to all the ladies out there.  Thank you to my wife, Jeannette, for posting the pictures here and below on our visit with mom at her home last week.  Although late to posting this visit we did visit with mom on Valentine's Day.  We caught up with mom at lunch and opened cards from Jim, us and two from Kris.  I also brought my two ladies each a single rose.  A single rose is true love for those of you in the cyberworld. 

We had a little walk around Aegis, however, mom had an accident (numero uno) and we had to cut it short to get her cleaned up.  I don't do that simple act and had to call on Aegis folks to give me a hand.   The smell is quite illuminating if you know what I mean.  Mom does look very good and is in very good spirits the last couple of visits.   She eats healthy and has her share of dessert each meal.  The plate in the above picture was chicken salad on wheat bread, fruit (mostly gone) and some homemade cookies that Jeannette made that were out of this world...

January 2013

Happy 2013 to Everyone in Blogger land.  On January 20th, Jim turned 40.   "Jim, you are only as old as you think you are".  Happy Birthday my brother.  Mom and I sent a Birthday Clip to Jim and it was quite a production.  Chester enjoys the change of pace, but with all the 'delicate' elderly folks and his skidishness (?) it is dynamite in a package. 
Mom is doing well and as every post says 'keeping busy' walking and moving about.  She is relying a bit too much on her undergarments.  Basically, she is forgetting to use the bathroom.  It is sad for us, but mom is happy and does not seem to mind that much.  It is a common problem in assisted living.
This week we 'broke out' again and walked around the neighborhood.  There is a nice 'strip mall' across the street that has recently gone through a retrofit.   The only little problem with taking mom over there, is that she thinks she can just grab whatever she wants.  It was like that in San Jose the last couple of months before we brought mom to Aegis. 
Memory:  Mom still does well with basics and items she brings from childhood.  Cities, States and Countries and basic math to 12x12 in multiplication and division is outstanding.  She remembers her birthday, but not Jim and mine unless 'led' to it.   Margaret and Jerry--Lynne, Amy and Michael are strong, as is Jackson but Ella Grace takes some coaxing.
Physically: mom is in very good shape.  Weight is very good, plenty of sleep etc.   Our last appointment at Kaiser had her vitals as good or better than mine (that is not saying much).
Mom wants to thank Kris Chew for all her nice cards and gifts at Christmas.  As well, a thank you to Susan (formerly Halter) for sending nice comments.  Hope you are in enjoying Europe.

To everyone else, mom hopes you have a great and prosperous 2013.  

Kathy's 70th Birthday and Christmas Bash

Happy Holidays to all Family and Friends,

Spent a good deal of time with mom on her birthday (December 24th) and mixed it in with a combination Christmas Party, as well.  Aegis had a nice acknowledgment for mom's birthday, although I am not sure she gave a damn about it.  Mom wanted me to thank Kris for the wonderful pull-over and lipstick.  Also, she wanted to than Margaret, Barbara Bale and Marilyn Fenneman for thinking of her over the Holidays.  As is usual, mom was entirely more interested in the Tasty Cakes that we brought over rather than all the presents that she received.  Mom took in a good assortment of needed items; sox, shirts, hat, pajamas etc.  That is what it is coming down to needed items for mom.

 As an Eastern Sage once coined:

"Take not gain or loss to Heart.  What man holds high comes to nothing at the End"   .

We truly only need what keeps us safe, warm and well fed.  The rest we make up to pass the time.

As 2012 comes to an end shortly and we all look forward to a prosperous New Year, if you are following this blog learn from Jim and I and make sure you spend as much time as possible with those that you love and cherish as long as you have them.  As the constant 'live here and live there' guy, I am regretful that I did not spend more time with my mother when she could remember me being there.   Happy Holidays to you all.

Be well,

Bill and Jim