Betty

One primary goal in this trip is to visit with Betty, Gail's sister.  Since the last time we saw her she has moved from her home in Florida to a memory care community close to her daughter Nancy in Texas.  we have n=met that goal.  We spent a short hour with her Sunday afternoon and another this morning with a third visit planned for tomorrow.  Another big change since we last saw her is her memory; it very difficult for her to remember much or to formulate thoughts into sentences.  It was a delight to know that she remembered us.  Gail often says I was one of her favorites.  And she's one of mine.

It's hard to accept the idea that this vibrant healthy beautiful caring woman can't put together a full thought or remember her children.  During the first visit we sat outside and were graciously offered some very stale pretzels and water by the staff.  She noticed the flowers needed watering.  We love her dearly and struggled to just nod when we couldn't clearly understand her.

This morning Gail and I stopped by alone without Betty's daughter.  We were told she was playing dominoes which meant that a set of tiles were lying on the table before three residents.  It appeared that the best they could do was put the tiles back in the box.  We chatted for awhile and excused ourselves as the noon meal was about to be served.  We'll return for one more visit tomorrow.

Terry, Nancy and we went out to a Texas BBQ brisket this evening.  We were forewarned that there were both excellent and not so good reviews.  As we entered the restaurant we were greeted with a young lady on a mic, "Table for three?"  They were having karaoke night.  It was very loud inside and the selected song was not of our era so we asked for a table outside but the settings outside were all tall with stools with hard small seats.  The food was so-so and we left for softer seats in the car.

Now there are 4 seconds remaining in the final March Madness game with leading team leading by 3 points but the other team has the ball.  It's over.   Kansas won!  Thanks for the big screen and great company.