Beth arrived in Kansas City on Saturday, July 30, 2011.
She traveled alone, with support from the airline. The trip was from Columbus to Milwaukee, where she had to change planes, and then catch another flight to Kansas City. She left very early from Columbus.
She was the last one off the plane, looking tired and downcast, a little befuddled. She stood swaying, eyes down, next to an airline employee who was looking for -- me. I was frantically waving at them from outside the secure area.
Finally the airline worker saw me, and after a brief check of my ID, turned Beth over to me. She hugged me, but it took a couple of minutes to really recognize me.
We collected luggage and headed for home. I cooked Bethie a nice omelet for breakfast. We got her unpacked and chattered a bit before running errands -- to the farmer's market, the grocery, the bank, the post office. We tried to make it to Curves, but we were too late.
We had dinner at home and turned in early.
Sunday, July 31
Up early, I help her clean up and dress, then a nice breakfast -- omlet, toast, peaches.
I enlisted her help in sweeping, then it was time for swimming. She was slow to enter the water and slow to exit, but happy in the water. She didn't remember how to dive and was frightened to try. She was also frightened by the pool sweeper, even when it was off and away from her.
At some point, she went upstairs and packed to go home.
We had family dinner at our house that evening: Erin and Drew, their kids Graham, Lily, Poppy and Margo; and Patsy. We had a vegetarian lasagne, mac & cheese for the little ones, a Ceasar salad, fresh Italian bread and I made two Key Lime Pies for dessert. After dinner, we played with the kids. (Inside only, it was very hot.)
After everybody left, Beth goes up for a shower and getting ready for bed. I'm with her at every step, as she forgets from moment to moment what she's doing. But she goes to bed happy.
Monday, Aug. 1
Momentous day -- Nancy has to go to work early, and Beth is discouraged and very confused. I wrote out notes for her, gave her a calendar, and made some worksheets for her. She read the information but didn't absorb it and remained confused.
She again packed to go home -- everything mashed into the suitcase. She is not functioning on her own at all, she just wanders from room to room talking to herself.
I came home early to help Tom go to rehab; we then went to get set up at Curves. The owner remembered her and welcomed her with a big hug. Beth responded, but uncertainly. She showed no interest in working out. That's OK, as it was hot and we had to get back to Tom, but it was surprising.
We had dinner at home, and I helped Beth get ready for bed again. Trying to establish a routine.
Tuesday, Aug. 2
Again, I have to go to work and she is completely dismayed. She forgets about Tom because he has to rest more and isn't always right in the room with her. She is talking about some "other people" all the time, not clear at all. She rarely uses the correct words to explain what she wants.
Today, Tom takes her to lunch with some of his friends. They go to one of Beth's favorite restaurants, and she's happy while eating but afterwards is dazed. Later, Tom goes to the doctor for his post-surgery wound check, they remove the staples and authorize him to drive. Yay! That should help.
Later, Beth and I go to the hospital to a farewell party for a friend there. Beth is pleasant to everyone and enjoys some cake.
We have dinner at home -- today it's salmon burgers, with Tzatziki sauce and my Asian cole slaw on it, on skinny buns. She is really impressed and really, really enjoys it.
Again I unpack her suitcase. I have hidden it in a closet in the other room. We've posted a sign with her return travel date and practice saying the date, hoping to help her remember it. We look at the calendar.
Wednesday, Aug. 3
Same routine as yesterday -- I get her up early, cleaned and dressed and downstairs for breakfast and some time together before I go to work. She is disappointed, even with notes and worksheets and chores to do. She shows no interest in her art work or in playing music. She eats well and then just wanders from room to room.
Tom took her swimming but it took her an extremely long time to figure out her swimsuit and change clothes. She finally came down and loved the pool.
They went on some errands and then to Tom's rehab session. Beth was listless and unresponsive, even when people tried to engage her. It was discouraging.
After work, we all went to Aixois for dinner. I had to go to the Apple store (I drowned my iPhone by accident) so left them at dinner early. They had a wonderful time; she loved dinner and all the attention and dessert!
Back home, the nightly routine and reinforcements. (She had found the suitcase and packed again.) (I hid it better this time.)
Thursday, Aug. 4
Beth up early in the routine, starting to get accustomed to it but not happy. "It's not supposed to be like this," she said once. She does do her chores when prompted enough -- she sweeps the kitchen floor -- but not on her own, even with the list.
Tom tried to get her to come to his workroom with him, they could both work and listen to music together. She wouldn't, instead just wandered from room to room.
After work, we went out to Aixois again to meet some friends, Sally and John. When she is prompted, she will say hello and welcome a hug from Sally. When I point to John, she says, yes I know JohnDonnelly (she says it like it's all one word). She enjoys being out and chatters along.
Dinner at home, left overs, but she loves it. Nightime routine again. (She didn't find the suitcase but did pile everything together -- all her stuff from the bathroom, clothes off hangers, etc. ) Before bed, I remind her about Rotary tomorrow morning and she seems excited about it.
Friday, Aug. 5
She remembers that it's Rotary day when I go to get her up. That's a good sign. She's excited and gets ready quickly. We practice how to say "Good Morning!" bright and cheerfully and shaking hands. She's a big hit at Rotary, where everybody knows her and greets her by name. She's a little overwhelmed but she really likes it.
When she's introduced during the program, she solemnly stands up and waves at the crowd, to great applause!
She seems OK when I go to work, since we're going to meet for lunch in just a couple of hours. She and Tom come to visit me at the office, and then we all go across the street to the art gallery. There's a full house at the gallery, it's the closing days of a rare exhibit of all three panels of Monet's Water Lilies. We get to see it, and then run over to Winstead's for lunch, a favorite spot.
After work, again we go to Aixois, this time to meet Jason. She's happy there. Back at home, we order a pizza and get ready for bed in the usual routine.
Saturday, Aug. 6
She gets up early, same as most days. I let her do as much on her own as she can this morning, taking her time. She calls for me every few minutes, uncertain of what to do.
We have breakfast and I do some work in the kitchen. She gets her art work out but doesn't do anything -- she wanders from room to room. I bring her back and give her tasks -- worksheets, writing, ask her to play music. It doesn't work much.
We go on chores -- bank, post office, shopping and grocery. Then I help her get ready for the pool. She loves that, she's cheering and chattering nonstop in the water. Not much swimming, but a little. She's having fun and laughing and joking.
Late afternoon, we go to visit our friend Max at his house. She likes that because he has snacks around the house and homemade lemonade. She's comfortable there and really likes Max's tiny black kitty named Audrey.
Back at home, I make dinner and then it's upstairs for the nighttime routine.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Week 7: Beth's Winter Holiday
Sunday, January 2 -- Beth is up and refreshed and cheerful. Today's special breakfast is spinach and feta omelet. Ummm, good, she says!
After breakfast and reading the paper, we ran a couple of shopping errands. Then back to do some chores around the house -- sweeping, laundry, setting the table and starting on the desserts for family dinner.
We're having an almond torte with spicy poached pears for dessert. Beth helps with the torte and, of course, with peeling the pears. She's so good at that! We're having my own chinese chicken, which is basically a bunch of different vegetables stir fried with bits of chicken in a peanut-based sauce, served with rice. We also had a cruchy sweet cucumber salad to go along.
Dinner was fun. Simon loves to be around "Beff," he always asks for her and runs to check on her if she's not in the same room.
Beth is so helpful at dinner! She's quick to help with cleanup after everyone left, and goes up to get ready for bed happily.
Monday, January 3 -- No, it can't be! Already?
It's back to the regular work week for Nancy (and her clients), so no more fiddling around. Beth went with Tom to the shop while Nancy was at work.
Later, it was time to get the laundry done and start getting Beth ready for her journey. Packing up all her new clothes, shoes and jewelry and stuff took all my packing skills -- it was stuffed full! But we got almost everything in -- we couldn't fit the lapdesk, so that will stay here for Beth to use next time.
Soon, we were off to the airport. When we got there, we learned that the flight was delayed. OK, no problem! That just gave us time to have some dinner.
After we got the bag checked and got boarding passes, we stopped at a restaurant there and had a relaxing meal. Then we moved into the boarding area and amused ourselves looking at photos from Beth's stay on my iPad. It was really fun.
The plane was late because they had to wait for the cabin crew, which came in suddenly and then all in rush, the plane was boarding! We barely got to say goodbye and she marched off, turning for a quick wave to me!
I felt like I could barely breathe until I got the call from Ken later, that she was at his side, safe and sound.
After breakfast and reading the paper, we ran a couple of shopping errands. Then back to do some chores around the house -- sweeping, laundry, setting the table and starting on the desserts for family dinner.
We're having an almond torte with spicy poached pears for dessert. Beth helps with the torte and, of course, with peeling the pears. She's so good at that! We're having my own chinese chicken, which is basically a bunch of different vegetables stir fried with bits of chicken in a peanut-based sauce, served with rice. We also had a cruchy sweet cucumber salad to go along.
Dinner was fun. Simon loves to be around "Beff," he always asks for her and runs to check on her if she's not in the same room.
Beth is so helpful at dinner! She's quick to help with cleanup after everyone left, and goes up to get ready for bed happily.
Monday, January 3 -- No, it can't be! Already?
It's back to the regular work week for Nancy (and her clients), so no more fiddling around. Beth went with Tom to the shop while Nancy was at work.
Later, it was time to get the laundry done and start getting Beth ready for her journey. Packing up all her new clothes, shoes and jewelry and stuff took all my packing skills -- it was stuffed full! But we got almost everything in -- we couldn't fit the lapdesk, so that will stay here for Beth to use next time.
Soon, we were off to the airport. When we got there, we learned that the flight was delayed. OK, no problem! That just gave us time to have some dinner.
After we got the bag checked and got boarding passes, we stopped at a restaurant there and had a relaxing meal. Then we moved into the boarding area and amused ourselves looking at photos from Beth's stay on my iPad. It was really fun.
The plane was late because they had to wait for the cabin crew, which came in suddenly and then all in rush, the plane was boarding! We barely got to say goodbye and she marched off, turning for a quick wave to me!
I felt like I could barely breathe until I got the call from Ken later, that she was at his side, safe and sound.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Week 6: Beth's Winter Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 26 -- Beth woke up excited. "Is it that Christmas?" she asked when she came downstairs. No, that was yesterday. "Oops!" she said, then "That's right, yesterday." It was still a good day.
A tiny bit of snow fluttering around. A very lazy day. Beth did some work in her new workbook, and did some artwork and helped clean up around the house. We watched the Chiefs game (well, Beth and Tom did -- Pan and I took a nap). We talked to Ken and called Scott but missed him.
A light dinner and early out!
Monday, Dec. 27 -- Back to the regular routine, or at least trying to get back into the swing of working hard. Nancy worked from home; Beth was quite chatty and cheerful. She went to Curves in the afternoon and wanted to stand around and talk with her friends there instead of doing vigorous exercising. Can't say I blame her! They're very nice to her, always greeting her with hugs and big welcomes. She had a good exercise, too. We had dinner at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 28 -- Another work day! Today Beth and I also ran some errands; Beth is steadily working on her cursive workbook. We have a little spelling bee almost everyday -- it's a great indicator of how sharp she is feeling. Some days, she's just perfect; other days, she's quite slow and gets frustrated. We stop on those days and she goes back to coloring. When she's fresh, we also practice numbers but this is consistently slow. We go through little drills about the day and date and what's coming ahead.
Another day at Curves, too. Then dinner at home, and now to bed!
Wednesday, Dec. 29 -- Oatmeal for breakfast, brown sugar, raisins and apples -- yummy! More practicing with cursive and spelling. In the afternoon, Beth went to Curves again for a good workout. In the evening, we went over to Pam and Brian's house to babysit Simon. He was so funny! Beth took along her workbook and Simon kept coming in the dining room to check on her. "Beff?" he'd ask, and then go find her. "Beff!" We had pizza for dinner at their house. Kind of a late night for Beth, not in bed till after 9 p.m. Practice for new year's eve!
Thursday, Dec. 30 -- Nancy had to go in to work in the afternoon, so Beth and Tom stayed home. Chores for Beth: sweeping up, setting the table, cleaning up her desk. Later, Beth went to Curves for her afternoon exercise.
Friday, Dec. 31 -- Some errands in the daytime; Beth practicing her handwriting and drawing, too. Beth and I go shopping; Beth gets a pair of shoes. Then in the afternoon, we get ready for our evening out. Beth wears a sparkly top that she really likes. It looks very fancy! We also fix her hair a bit and she's ready! We go to Max's house for a nice time with many of our bookstore friends -- John Donnelly, Kent, Dennis and Peggy Farney, Bill Russell, Bill Byrne and Kathy. It's a nice time and Beth monopolizes Peggy just chatting away, telling her all about everything. After that, we go for a late dinner at Aixois (nearly 9 p.m.). Emmanuel and Pascal and all the crew give Beth a big welcome and compliment her. We have oysters before dinner. The place is very full and very inviting. We have a great dinner and then get bundled up to head for home in the cold. Happy New Year!
Saturday, Jan. 1 -- Beth was disappointed that Curves wasn't open today, but glad to remember that it's a holiday so it's good for everyone to be with their families instead of at work. We ran a few errands, getting groceries for the family dinner tomorrow, and talked with Ken in the afternoon. We were babysitting Simon in the evening while Brian and Pam used the hot tub. Then we had a nice dinner made of a variety of leftovers. Beth stayed up a little later than usual because of our later dinner. She was enjoying working and using her new lap desk for drawing and dinner in the TV room.
A tiny bit of snow fluttering around. A very lazy day. Beth did some work in her new workbook, and did some artwork and helped clean up around the house. We watched the Chiefs game (well, Beth and Tom did -- Pan and I took a nap). We talked to Ken and called Scott but missed him.
A light dinner and early out!
Monday, Dec. 27 -- Back to the regular routine, or at least trying to get back into the swing of working hard. Nancy worked from home; Beth was quite chatty and cheerful. She went to Curves in the afternoon and wanted to stand around and talk with her friends there instead of doing vigorous exercising. Can't say I blame her! They're very nice to her, always greeting her with hugs and big welcomes. She had a good exercise, too. We had dinner at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 28 -- Another work day! Today Beth and I also ran some errands; Beth is steadily working on her cursive workbook. We have a little spelling bee almost everyday -- it's a great indicator of how sharp she is feeling. Some days, she's just perfect; other days, she's quite slow and gets frustrated. We stop on those days and she goes back to coloring. When she's fresh, we also practice numbers but this is consistently slow. We go through little drills about the day and date and what's coming ahead.
Another day at Curves, too. Then dinner at home, and now to bed!
Wednesday, Dec. 29 -- Oatmeal for breakfast, brown sugar, raisins and apples -- yummy! More practicing with cursive and spelling. In the afternoon, Beth went to Curves again for a good workout. In the evening, we went over to Pam and Brian's house to babysit Simon. He was so funny! Beth took along her workbook and Simon kept coming in the dining room to check on her. "Beff?" he'd ask, and then go find her. "Beff!" We had pizza for dinner at their house. Kind of a late night for Beth, not in bed till after 9 p.m. Practice for new year's eve!
Thursday, Dec. 30 -- Nancy had to go in to work in the afternoon, so Beth and Tom stayed home. Chores for Beth: sweeping up, setting the table, cleaning up her desk. Later, Beth went to Curves for her afternoon exercise.
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
Friday, Dec. 31 -- Some errands in the daytime; Beth practicing her handwriting and drawing, too. Beth and I go shopping; Beth gets a pair of shoes. Then in the afternoon, we get ready for our evening out. Beth wears a sparkly top that she really likes. It looks very fancy! We also fix her hair a bit and she's ready! We go to Max's house for a nice time with many of our bookstore friends -- John Donnelly, Kent, Dennis and Peggy Farney, Bill Russell, Bill Byrne and Kathy. It's a nice time and Beth monopolizes Peggy just chatting away, telling her all about everything. After that, we go for a late dinner at Aixois (nearly 9 p.m.). Emmanuel and Pascal and all the crew give Beth a big welcome and compliment her. We have oysters before dinner. The place is very full and very inviting. We have a great dinner and then get bundled up to head for home in the cold. Happy New Year!
Saturday, Jan. 1 -- Beth was disappointed that Curves wasn't open today, but glad to remember that it's a holiday so it's good for everyone to be with their families instead of at work. We ran a few errands, getting groceries for the family dinner tomorrow, and talked with Ken in the afternoon. We were babysitting Simon in the evening while Brian and Pam used the hot tub. Then we had a nice dinner made of a variety of leftovers. Beth stayed up a little later than usual because of our later dinner. She was enjoying working and using her new lap desk for drawing and dinner in the TV room.
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
Friday, December 24, 2010
Week 5: Beth's Winter Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 19 -- Sleepy morning! We had omelets for breakfast (mushroom & feta) and then we got ready for a little more shopping. Family dinner in the afternoon was at Patsy's house. Beth likes the clam dip that she serves, and we all got a good laugh when Brian accidentally put barbecue sauce on his ice cream!
Monday, Dec. 20 -- Back to the routine! Nancy had a few meetings and worked from home the rest of the day. We started in on wrapping presents. Beth visited Curves in the afternoon; we took along a set of copies of four pieces of her art for Halley, the gal who gave Beth the nice present. Dinner at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 21 -- Beth was having a slow day -- slow to respond, difficulty in thinking. She had a good workout at Curves and we straightened out everything there, so she's paid up for her exercising. I'm amazed at how many people there know her. She gets hugs when she comes and goes there; very sweet. After the workout, I had to go to the KU Hospital to do some work (stuff that came up quickly and I couldn't do from home) so I took Beth with me. She sat at a desk and practiced her handwriting while I worked. She was very good and did a nice job of shaking hands when she met one of my colleagues there. We had dinner at home -- a nice tortellini with italian sausage and a salad. Cookie sampler for dessert!
Wednesday, Dec. 22 -- Nancy had to be away most of the day, so Beth was with Tom. They did some shopping and went to the bookshop for some work. Late in the afternoon, over to Curves. Dinner at home. Beth now has become reluctant to go up and get ready for bed by herself. She waits for me, calls out for me and generally won't do anything unless I'm there to guide her along and help out.
Thursday, Dec. 23 -- In the mornings when I hear Beth get up, I remind her to take a shower and help her pick out what to wear, and then I leave her alone. Today, she forgot to turn off the shower. I can't imagine how much water was wasted. After breakfast, she helped with sweeping up and wrapping presents. Beth is good at wrapping presents, a great helper! Getting some work done, then we decide to go last-minute shopping but Beth would rather go to Curves. OK, that's what we do. Then back at home, we start in on baking. Beth again does a great job, very patiently mixing stuff and helping out. We make a batch of nut rolls -- the little nut-filled crescents, one loaf and several nut rolls (pinwheels). We'll be sharing these with our brothers. Dinner at home -- made bread while we were baking, also a macaroni & cheese.
Friday, Dec. 24 -- We woke up to a White Christmas (eve)! Just a nice little flurry of big soft snowflakes, enough to cover everything but too wet to stick for long. Today we will go to our regular Christmas eve lunch with Andrea, Vince and Mary Lynn, and then tonight we go to Patsy's house for her Christmas Eve party.
The lunch was very nice. Andrea presented Beth with a cute and Christmas-y pin, which looked great on Beth. (There are photos.) Lunch was fun.
Later, for the party, Beth got dressed up in sparkly top and black pants -- everyone commented on how pretty she looked. She liked it very much, got to hug a lot of people!
Saturday, Dec. 25 -- Christmas Day! We got up a little early to be all ready! We were at Erin's at 9 a.m. Beth enjoyed a breakfast there, and then it was time to dive into the gift giving. The kids had loads of fun with all their new toys and stuff.
Beth got some candles, soaps and lip gloss, pens, a lap desk, a drawing book and a photo album. I'll have to work on getting some prints to fill it up. After all that ruckus, we went home and opened our own presents by our Christmas tree. Beth got a sweater, a couple of shirts, some pants, some pens, a travel pen kit, some paper, socks and such. It was quite nice!
We relaxed a bit then, and later went back to Erin's for Christmas dinner. We had fun with the kids and their new toys, and then sat down to a turkey dinner. Beth had an ice cream truffle for dessert along with warm apple cake. She was nearly falling asleep at the table by the end of it all!
A joyous Noel.
Monday, Dec. 20 -- Back to the routine! Nancy had a few meetings and worked from home the rest of the day. We started in on wrapping presents. Beth visited Curves in the afternoon; we took along a set of copies of four pieces of her art for Halley, the gal who gave Beth the nice present. Dinner at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 21 -- Beth was having a slow day -- slow to respond, difficulty in thinking. She had a good workout at Curves and we straightened out everything there, so she's paid up for her exercising. I'm amazed at how many people there know her. She gets hugs when she comes and goes there; very sweet. After the workout, I had to go to the KU Hospital to do some work (stuff that came up quickly and I couldn't do from home) so I took Beth with me. She sat at a desk and practiced her handwriting while I worked. She was very good and did a nice job of shaking hands when she met one of my colleagues there. We had dinner at home -- a nice tortellini with italian sausage and a salad. Cookie sampler for dessert!
Wednesday, Dec. 22 -- Nancy had to be away most of the day, so Beth was with Tom. They did some shopping and went to the bookshop for some work. Late in the afternoon, over to Curves. Dinner at home. Beth now has become reluctant to go up and get ready for bed by herself. She waits for me, calls out for me and generally won't do anything unless I'm there to guide her along and help out.
Thursday, Dec. 23 -- In the mornings when I hear Beth get up, I remind her to take a shower and help her pick out what to wear, and then I leave her alone. Today, she forgot to turn off the shower. I can't imagine how much water was wasted. After breakfast, she helped with sweeping up and wrapping presents. Beth is good at wrapping presents, a great helper! Getting some work done, then we decide to go last-minute shopping but Beth would rather go to Curves. OK, that's what we do. Then back at home, we start in on baking. Beth again does a great job, very patiently mixing stuff and helping out. We make a batch of nut rolls -- the little nut-filled crescents, one loaf and several nut rolls (pinwheels). We'll be sharing these with our brothers. Dinner at home -- made bread while we were baking, also a macaroni & cheese.
Friday, Dec. 24 -- We woke up to a White Christmas (eve)! Just a nice little flurry of big soft snowflakes, enough to cover everything but too wet to stick for long. Today we will go to our regular Christmas eve lunch with Andrea, Vince and Mary Lynn, and then tonight we go to Patsy's house for her Christmas Eve party.
The lunch was very nice. Andrea presented Beth with a cute and Christmas-y pin, which looked great on Beth. (There are photos.) Lunch was fun.
Later, for the party, Beth got dressed up in sparkly top and black pants -- everyone commented on how pretty she looked. She liked it very much, got to hug a lot of people!
Saturday, Dec. 25 -- Christmas Day! We got up a little early to be all ready! We were at Erin's at 9 a.m. Beth enjoyed a breakfast there, and then it was time to dive into the gift giving. The kids had loads of fun with all their new toys and stuff.
Beth got some candles, soaps and lip gloss, pens, a lap desk, a drawing book and a photo album. I'll have to work on getting some prints to fill it up. After all that ruckus, we went home and opened our own presents by our Christmas tree. Beth got a sweater, a couple of shirts, some pants, some pens, a travel pen kit, some paper, socks and such. It was quite nice!
We relaxed a bit then, and later went back to Erin's for Christmas dinner. We had fun with the kids and their new toys, and then sat down to a turkey dinner. Beth had an ice cream truffle for dessert along with warm apple cake. She was nearly falling asleep at the table by the end of it all!
A joyous Noel.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Week 4: Beth's Winter Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 12 -- What a cold day! Snow on the ground, and blowing, so we stay inside all day. We decide to rearrange our bedroom upstairs and it takes most of the afternoon. Beth is very helpful, moving books and chattering. We get a call from Scott -- we hadn't seen him online so hadn't been able to talk with him on the video. We tried calling Ken, but missed him. We had family dinner at Erin's house. Beth really enjoyed it!
Monday, Dec. 13 -- Beth is getting slower and slower in the mornings. I barely get to see her when I have to go to work. I was able to work from home in the afternoon. Beth is practicing her printing and writing everyday now. Today she worked on her Christmas cards, selecting each one individually and writing out a little note on each. You should get them soon. We had dinner at home, and then went out for a little shopping -- a couple of quick errands -- and then we went to a local school for a play, put on by our dear friend Sylvia. Beth, as you know, can't resist a darkened theater and was snoring within minutes of the start of the first act. We left early so she could get a proper sleep in her little bed.
Tuesday, Dec. 14 -- Still cold here, but Beth is convinced the snow is melting. "Look, look, the grass is comin' back," she'll say. Today, after I got home from work in the morning, our friends Sarah and Lucy came over to help us bake and decorate cookies. (See the photos.) This was loads of fun -- from rolling out the dough, using the cookie cutters, then mixing the frosting, decorating the cookies and finishing them off with sprinkles. We learned that Sarah's birthday is the same as Ken's, and that we all have three big brothers. There was even some singing... Loads of fun.
Later in the evening, we babysit Simon at our house. What fun!
Wednesday, Dec. 15 -- Nancy was working most of the day, so Beth was with Tom. She went to Curves in the afternoon. Then we had a quick dinner, and it was off to an event at Union Station, at the Irish Center. A friend of our was putting on a show about "Nelly Don," the Kansas City business woman and fascinating historical figure. There was a fashion show with it. A lot of our friends came, so it was nice to see everyone. (Beth fell asleep during the talk, but it was OK, our friend understood!)
Thursday, Dec. 16 -- Another busy day! We're working on xmas cards, laundry, baking and work, of course. Beth is doing a good job of sweeping the floors most days. She went to Curves in the afternoon again, and then we went out to have dinner with our friends Jason and Angela. We had a very nice dinner downtown at Bo Lings -- I think this counts as a new restaurant for Beth! It was great fun, and then home!
Friday, Dec. 17 -- We started the day at Rotary, Beth and me. It was the annual Christmas event, with singing and everybody wearing goofy Santa hats. Beth was so happy to be there, and stood up and waved at everybody when she was introduced. She did a good job on the Pledge of Allegiance, too. And the singing! It was really fun. The rest of the day was working for Nancy; but Beth and Tom went out to visit Andrea for Happy Hour in the afternoon. Then, for Beth, a workout at Curves. We took a sample of her artwork to share with the gals there, and as it turned out, Halley, one of the workers, had a Christmas present for Beth! It was so sweet. She says Beth is the hardest-working member of Curves! When we got home, Beth opened the present. Then, finally, a night at home! We had dinner in and then to bed.
Saturday, Dec. 18 -- We talked with Ken and Scott. We tried a video conference with Scott but technical difficulties kept dropping the video, so we had an old-fashioned phone call. Great to catch up with everybody! After that, Beth and I went shopping. I've been trying to find some clothes for her, but we've really had a hard time finding pants. We got a few things, but they will be a surprise for Christmas for her. Later, in the afternoon, we went to Aixois (our favorite restaurant) where a friend was autographing his new book, a history of the Beech (Aircraft) family. Lots of our friends from the bookshop came for the party: Kent, John Donnelly, Aften, Bill, Sally, her Mom Kay, Heather, Jason, Steve, Max, his son Steve, Diane and Marc,Kevin and Miriam, and I'm sure I'm forgetting others. Beth enjoyed it, mostly because she sat in front of the snacks and got to try several kinds of cheese and pate. (Yes, she liked it.) After the party, we decided to stay there for dinner. It was great! We had oysters (a special treat!) and Beth had the rotisserie chicken and chocolate mousse for dessert. She loved it so much, she was so happy!
Monday, Dec. 13 -- Beth is getting slower and slower in the mornings. I barely get to see her when I have to go to work. I was able to work from home in the afternoon. Beth is practicing her printing and writing everyday now. Today she worked on her Christmas cards, selecting each one individually and writing out a little note on each. You should get them soon. We had dinner at home, and then went out for a little shopping -- a couple of quick errands -- and then we went to a local school for a play, put on by our dear friend Sylvia. Beth, as you know, can't resist a darkened theater and was snoring within minutes of the start of the first act. We left early so she could get a proper sleep in her little bed.
Tuesday, Dec. 14 -- Still cold here, but Beth is convinced the snow is melting. "Look, look, the grass is comin' back," she'll say. Today, after I got home from work in the morning, our friends Sarah and Lucy came over to help us bake and decorate cookies. (See the photos.) This was loads of fun -- from rolling out the dough, using the cookie cutters, then mixing the frosting, decorating the cookies and finishing them off with sprinkles. We learned that Sarah's birthday is the same as Ken's, and that we all have three big brothers. There was even some singing... Loads of fun.
Later in the evening, we babysit Simon at our house. What fun!
Wednesday, Dec. 15 -- Nancy was working most of the day, so Beth was with Tom. She went to Curves in the afternoon. Then we had a quick dinner, and it was off to an event at Union Station, at the Irish Center. A friend of our was putting on a show about "Nelly Don," the Kansas City business woman and fascinating historical figure. There was a fashion show with it. A lot of our friends came, so it was nice to see everyone. (Beth fell asleep during the talk, but it was OK, our friend understood!)
Thursday, Dec. 16 -- Another busy day! We're working on xmas cards, laundry, baking and work, of course. Beth is doing a good job of sweeping the floors most days. She went to Curves in the afternoon again, and then we went out to have dinner with our friends Jason and Angela. We had a very nice dinner downtown at Bo Lings -- I think this counts as a new restaurant for Beth! It was great fun, and then home!
Friday, Dec. 17 -- We started the day at Rotary, Beth and me. It was the annual Christmas event, with singing and everybody wearing goofy Santa hats. Beth was so happy to be there, and stood up and waved at everybody when she was introduced. She did a good job on the Pledge of Allegiance, too. And the singing! It was really fun. The rest of the day was working for Nancy; but Beth and Tom went out to visit Andrea for Happy Hour in the afternoon. Then, for Beth, a workout at Curves. We took a sample of her artwork to share with the gals there, and as it turned out, Halley, one of the workers, had a Christmas present for Beth! It was so sweet. She says Beth is the hardest-working member of Curves! When we got home, Beth opened the present. Then, finally, a night at home! We had dinner in and then to bed.
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
Saturday, Dec. 18 -- We talked with Ken and Scott. We tried a video conference with Scott but technical difficulties kept dropping the video, so we had an old-fashioned phone call. Great to catch up with everybody! After that, Beth and I went shopping. I've been trying to find some clothes for her, but we've really had a hard time finding pants. We got a few things, but they will be a surprise for Christmas for her. Later, in the afternoon, we went to Aixois (our favorite restaurant) where a friend was autographing his new book, a history of the Beech (Aircraft) family. Lots of our friends from the bookshop came for the party: Kent, John Donnelly, Aften, Bill, Sally, her Mom Kay, Heather, Jason, Steve, Max, his son Steve, Diane and Marc,Kevin and Miriam, and I'm sure I'm forgetting others. Beth enjoyed it, mostly because she sat in front of the snacks and got to try several kinds of cheese and pate. (Yes, she liked it.) After the party, we decided to stay there for dinner. It was great! We had oysters (a special treat!) and Beth had the rotisserie chicken and chocolate mousse for dessert. She loved it so much, she was so happy!
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Week 3: Beth's Winter Holiday 2010
Sunday, Dec. 5 -- A leisurely morning, Nancy's famous omelets for breakfast -- today's flavor was spinach and feta cheese. Then we went shopping for Beth, with some success: a winter coat, slippers, a turtleneck shirt, a sweater, undies and socks. We looked for shoes but no success. (Everyday, Beth looks for her black shoes and has to be reminded that she didn't bring them.) Oh well. We'll keep looking. After that, time for family dinner, this week at Brian and Pam's house. And what fun! Pam had gingerbread cookies for the kids to decorate. Beth did a couple very nicely!
Monday, Dec. 6 -- We mostly stayed around the house, but had to run some errands too. Beth came along, of course. She had a good workout at Curves. We had dinner at home -- chicken with rice and veggies, and a cookie for dessert.
Tuesday, Dec. 7 -- Nancy had several meetings, but took Beth to Curves in between them. At Curves, the gals there gave her a piece of fudge to sample. What's with that? She loved it! They have a little card up with her name and they're keeping track of everyday that she's been there. It's a good list already. They all know her! Today the two gals ran to give her hugs when she was ready to go. We had dinner at home and then got started on some cookies. It was great to talk with Mike today!
Wednesday, Dec. 8 -- We've started some new exercises in writing, both printing and script, and adding. It's surprising how she has lost so much of her previous skill, but she enjoys the exercises and I think it gives her a different sense of accomplishment. After the exercises, she can color and play music. Another day at Curves. Dinner at home and then we made cookies; tomorrow we bake them.
Thursday, Dec. 9 -- Another busy day for Nancy, with a lot of meetings away. It makes Beth anxious, so I try to explain as much as I can, over and over. Sometimes it helps to write a note to her, but other times she forgets the note. In the afternoon, Beth and Tom went to visit Andrea and then she went to Curves. Dinner at home again. Tom and Beth also raked leaves.
Friday, Dec. 10 -- Up early, early, early for the Rotary meeting. We were there at 7 a.m. We practiced saying "Good Morning!" and "How are you?" and other conversation. Everybody welcomes her and calls her by name. She loves going to the meetings and talks about it all day afterward. This afternoon, we went Xmas shopping. Beth liked it. Then, it was off to Curves and the grocery store. In the evening, we went to Lily's basketball game. Beth liked that too, clapping and cheering -- and she got to nap in the car!
Saturday, Dec. 11 -- French toast for breakfast! We go shopping in the afternoon, and then in the evening, we go to our neighborhood party.
Monday, Dec. 6 -- We mostly stayed around the house, but had to run some errands too. Beth came along, of course. She had a good workout at Curves. We had dinner at home -- chicken with rice and veggies, and a cookie for dessert.
Tuesday, Dec. 7 -- Nancy had several meetings, but took Beth to Curves in between them. At Curves, the gals there gave her a piece of fudge to sample. What's with that? She loved it! They have a little card up with her name and they're keeping track of everyday that she's been there. It's a good list already. They all know her! Today the two gals ran to give her hugs when she was ready to go. We had dinner at home and then got started on some cookies. It was great to talk with Mike today!
Wednesday, Dec. 8 -- We've started some new exercises in writing, both printing and script, and adding. It's surprising how she has lost so much of her previous skill, but she enjoys the exercises and I think it gives her a different sense of accomplishment. After the exercises, she can color and play music. Another day at Curves. Dinner at home and then we made cookies; tomorrow we bake them.
Thursday, Dec. 9 -- Another busy day for Nancy, with a lot of meetings away. It makes Beth anxious, so I try to explain as much as I can, over and over. Sometimes it helps to write a note to her, but other times she forgets the note. In the afternoon, Beth and Tom went to visit Andrea and then she went to Curves. Dinner at home again. Tom and Beth also raked leaves.
Friday, Dec. 10 -- Up early, early, early for the Rotary meeting. We were there at 7 a.m. We practiced saying "Good Morning!" and "How are you?" and other conversation. Everybody welcomes her and calls her by name. She loves going to the meetings and talks about it all day afterward. This afternoon, we went Xmas shopping. Beth liked it. Then, it was off to Curves and the grocery store. In the evening, we went to Lily's basketball game. Beth liked that too, clapping and cheering -- and she got to nap in the car!
Saturday, Dec. 11 -- French toast for breakfast! We go shopping in the afternoon, and then in the evening, we go to our neighborhood party.
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| From 2010-12 Beth's Winter Holiday |
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week 2: Beth's Winter Holiday 2010
Sunday, Nov. 28 -- we had breakfast at home, asparagus, tomato and feta omelet -- yummy. We started out with a little shopping, not much luck, and then it was outdoors to rake leaves. We finished the other half of the yard that was left over from last weekend!
We had leftovers for dinner, including pie!
Monday, Nov. 29 -- Nancy was working, so Beth was with Tom part of the day. She has been practicing writing and numbers, and also working on her art. In the afternoon, she went with us to visit our accountant. Beth had a good workout at Curves and helped with dinner.
Tuesday, Nov. 30 -- Beth and Nancy went to meet a friend for coffee. Beth had a vanilla latte and she REALLY like it. Also a piece of blueberry coffeecake. She liked going out, but didn't like it when Nancy had to go to work after that. She went to Curves again in the afternoon.
Wednesday, Dec. 1 -- Nancy was gone much of the day, so Beth and Tom went to the shop. Beth was coloring there. Another Curves day. The gal working at Curves remembered Beth from previous trips and told me that they sang together throughout the whole workout!
Thursday, Dec. 2 -- Another fun meeting today -- Beth and Nancy went to lunch with a friend at a favorite cookie shop/restaurant. Really good! Later, Tom took Beth to Curves while Nancy went to work late. We had pizza for dinner.
Friday, Dec. 3 -- One of Beth's favorite things is to go to the Rotary meeting. Everyone knows her and welcomes her, and she stands up and waves at everyone when she is introduced. She forgot some of the Pledge of Allegiance this morning, though, so we will have to practice that again. After breakfast, Beth and Tom went to Brian's house to babysit for Simon. And in the evening, Simon came over here to stay with us -- what fun!
Five days in a row at Curves. Good job!
Saturday, Dec. 4 -- Today we all went to see the Missouri Rep's production of "A Christmas Carol" -- Beth, Lily, Graham, Poppy, Tom and me. We started out with lunch at Winstead's, then on to the show. We got a couple of pictures of us goofing off, including the kids in costume (photos coming soon). Then on to the show. Everyone really liked it. It was scary (but not too bad) and there was singing and dancing and of course, all the ghosts. It was a great show. We sang Christmas carols as loud as we could all the way home.
We had leftovers for dinner, including pie!
Monday, Nov. 29 -- Nancy was working, so Beth was with Tom part of the day. She has been practicing writing and numbers, and also working on her art. In the afternoon, she went with us to visit our accountant. Beth had a good workout at Curves and helped with dinner.
Tuesday, Nov. 30 -- Beth and Nancy went to meet a friend for coffee. Beth had a vanilla latte and she REALLY like it. Also a piece of blueberry coffeecake. She liked going out, but didn't like it when Nancy had to go to work after that. She went to Curves again in the afternoon.
Wednesday, Dec. 1 -- Nancy was gone much of the day, so Beth and Tom went to the shop. Beth was coloring there. Another Curves day. The gal working at Curves remembered Beth from previous trips and told me that they sang together throughout the whole workout!
Thursday, Dec. 2 -- Another fun meeting today -- Beth and Nancy went to lunch with a friend at a favorite cookie shop/restaurant. Really good! Later, Tom took Beth to Curves while Nancy went to work late. We had pizza for dinner.
Friday, Dec. 3 -- One of Beth's favorite things is to go to the Rotary meeting. Everyone knows her and welcomes her, and she stands up and waves at everyone when she is introduced. She forgot some of the Pledge of Allegiance this morning, though, so we will have to practice that again. After breakfast, Beth and Tom went to Brian's house to babysit for Simon. And in the evening, Simon came over here to stay with us -- what fun!
Five days in a row at Curves. Good job!
Saturday, Dec. 4 -- Today we all went to see the Missouri Rep's production of "A Christmas Carol" -- Beth, Lily, Graham, Poppy, Tom and me. We started out with lunch at Winstead's, then on to the show. We got a couple of pictures of us goofing off, including the kids in costume (photos coming soon). Then on to the show. Everyone really liked it. It was scary (but not too bad) and there was singing and dancing and of course, all the ghosts. It was a great show. We sang Christmas carols as loud as we could all the way home.
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