A very busy day.  

I had to get up at 6AM to be ready to leave at 7:30AM for the annual Gibbsville safari.

Heather, from Embrace, arrived on time and I drove right over to pick Kate up.   We stopped at the Diner on 57 for a breakfast together.   Good one too.   We both got the special.  Two eggs, raisin toast, bacon and fruit.   SO good.

Then the drive out to Gibbsville Cheese.   I spent a "fortune" as usual, but have both Mother and my shopping done.    Now the last thing I have to do is get the candy and ornaments packed and mailed to the "out of Staters".

Kate and I had such a good visit.   Breakfast and the trip back and forth was a nice long time.

We will go to the Christmas Tea on Saturday and then to Mass on Saturday also.

I got home a bit early even.   It was just after 10AM when I walked in the house.   At. 10:30AM exactly Curt from Mike's appliance came to work on the ice maker.   Yes, the ice maker on the refrigerator broke.   We are LOST without ice.  Even Roxie expects ice in her water these days.

I told you that didn't I?    We caught her lapping up Dick's ice water one day and Dick told me to put her own ice water on the desk between us.   It has become "expected."   Somebody we know is quite insistent on her ice water.   (I know, but it amuses us so - so it is good.)

Anyway, Curt came at 10:30AM and got the ice maker working.   He has ordered a new pump and will replace that.   We are not sure but the pump could be leaking which would cause it to freeze up where the water flows in and I would rather that it is RIGHT.

Two ladies came from the VNA to explain Palliative care and Hospice to us.  These programs offer much more aid that is provided by the Medicare program and will provide much relieve for me in the taking care of Dick.   \They will bring in therapy, nurses and other help that will help us to know if and when we need to be thinking of hospice.   The exciting thing to Dick is that Nancy, a nurse from the Home Care we received in the early part of the year will be back.   She is a jewel and I know that she will be there for us.

I am rather beat up these days.  Don't worry, I am trying to get help and the Palliative care is one of the things that I am exploring to make things feasible for me to continue to take care of Dick at home.    He needs to be here with me.   I am way too lonely without him.

Pray for us as we explore these options.

Dia Dhuit

Mary