20071208

Some progress since last post. Dad is able to swallow now - a bit of applesauce is a realistic option. We're all a bit tired - more than a bit, in some cases. The progress is slow, but welcome, comparing to how things looked a month ago.

Flurry of music activity this weekend, then focus shifts to study mode for a while.

A year ago at this time there was high uncertainty surrounding work - gave some appreciation for what so many go through, and how quickly things can change.

Thanks for checking back here. Time to get ready for the evening performances, and later looking forward to a good night's rest.

20071116

When someone close to you gets a severe hit on the head with resulting loss of ability to much besides moan, well, you can imagine. Really can't do anything for themselves. Slowly, the lights come back on, and the emerging images confuse and disturb.

"Why can't I have a cup of tea?"

"In a few days. We have to work at swallowing first, or you'll choke."

"What is this place? It's so small and pokey."

"It's a place where they are helping you get better. We have to be here now so that we can get you better and get you home."

"I'd like that."

"Yes."

We all get tired, so it's important to take breaks and do something nice from time to time. Tonight I pulled out the violin and just sat and played. And read a few blogs to catch up a bit. Important to take time like this.

Thank you for the visit. Life is quite short, isn't it? I went to a funeral this week for an 84-year old man, who in 1945 had written a song to his then young wife, about coming home to her from the army. And now he was going home to her in another way, and his daughter arranged for a musician friend to do the song. It was quite wonderful in a sad way. And then we went to the cemetery, and from there to a place where we often play music, and had something to eat, and talked about life.

20071103

The rollercoaster ride continues with uncertainty of my dad's health. Not so great yesterday, but some hopeful signs today. It's like that for now.

Got out and put on the storm windows today. Read a bit about the world's water situation, we seem to be going through a lot of it, especially considering how it gets used in providing the many other things that we consume. Could get fairly dry in places.

20071031

Surprisingly nice day. Couple of work parties based on Halloween, ended up winning a couple of contests and probably ate too much. Time to get the last stuff out of the garage to make room for the car, as the winter parking rules go into effect tonight. Will go out walking with my son for annual trick-or-treat, then help others with homework and college applications. Busy, but glad to be able to do it.

20071029

Nearly 7 AM and still quiet dark. One of the projects over the weekend has been to solve the Rubik's cube puzzle, my son and I have been going through websites that show how and now he is actually pretty quick, at least by my standard, since I still get stuck, while he is able to hold up the solved cube and beam proudly.

I'll get it though :)

20071015

Drove to see my dad in hospital yesterday. Not a lot of change there. Stayed up helping with homework. Trying to help now, but we're all a bit too tired. For which, an obvious solution.

20071012

Friday evenings are good for being quiet and still for a while, recovering from the daylong push.

Very quiet this evening.