A Meal and a Walk

I will try to get back in the groove of posting in the evenings soon. For now, early morning posts will have to suffice. In a minute, you will understand why.

MaryEleanor had a bit of a rough start yesterday morning. She was a bit stiff and internally irritated. Measures were taken to give her some relief and by late morning she was dressed and up in her chair. Courtesy of the Brassingtons, ME had a little bling bling going on, sporting a new pair of pearl earrings. We trucked down the hallway where we had a room reserved to celebrate the day.

For the next three plus hours, MaryEleanor soaked in thousands of conversations and patiently sat through the rest of us chowing down her favorite meal. It was perfect. Even though everyone brought something to contribute to the feast, a special thanks needs to go to the Milhollands (ME's sister). They took on ME's and my roll this year, no questions asked.

After a big meal, a walk was in order. I signed MaryEleanor "out" and off we went, all thirteen of us. We found two different places to take ME outside for a breath of fresh air. The weather wasn't perfect but ME loved it. A couple of raindrops on the face? Who cared.

While Caitlin and I got an exhausted ME back into bed late in the afternoon, the rest of the crew made short work of cleaning up the leftovers. Leaving ME to rest, we moved the party over to Caitlin and Dayton's home on Capital Hill. The laughter and eating continued well into the evening, interrupted briefly by a really fun game, Apples to Apples.

Paul and I will spend some time this morning with MaryEleanor before grabbing Dayton and heading north to spend time with Mary Alice's clan. Caitlin is driving to Yakima today to meet up with her maid of honor, Olivia. Caitlin's mission is to help Olivia find a dress for her wedding next summer. We'll all meet up this evening and compare notes.

So, rest up MaryEleanor. Even though yesterday and today are holidays at the U, you spent five hours in your chair yesterday. Who knows what regimen you'll see from Paul and I this morning. Your therapists will be back Saturday and Sunday to keep you going for another six hours.

Let the holiday season begin!