The Fam Has Arrived

October 31st . Happy Halloween! Today’s blog is being written by Karen’s sister: Bonita. Karen is enjoying an evening of calories, shopping and laughter. Bonita and their mom: Patty, drove to Boise from Salt Lake City and presented Karen with a wonderful gift: a bright pink ukulele with big white flowers! Karen has been challenged to learn to play a new song each day. With this new talent, she will delight friends and grandchildren alike in no time at all. Bonita has a banjo and Patty plays the piano – imagine what we will have ready in time for Christmas!  Before we left the care center, Karen accompanied us as we sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” We had to hold a few notes longer than is comfortable during the chord changes, but she’ll improve. 

We enjoyed a visit with Bruce who looks handsome and optimistic, if a bit tired. Earlier today, he  enjoyed his first food by mouth in over a month. Karen said he shed a few tears as he savored the taste of chocolate pudding and some applesauce. He whispers, but is clear in his speech. (Sounds  like Batman – I rather liked it..). He spoke of the challenge of being able to keep his throat clear – he coughs well, and needs to do better. I think he’ll enjoy the ukulele lessons; he has a great appreciation for good music, I happen to know that.

We left him looking peaceful with his eyes closed and headed off to the Olive Garden. We ate way too much and had a waitress who kept referring to us as “My ladies.” It was charming the first two times she said it.  Mom had soup and salad. Karen had the shrimp Alfredo and I had the Italian sampler. We all agreed we don’t need to eat for several days. We took the two leftover bread sticks; hate to waste good food. We might leave them for the housekeeper at the hotel.

By the way, we are staying at the Hampton Inn. What a lovely place! I’m used to this kind of a hotel when I travel – (generally someone else is paying for it…). They had cookies fresh from the oven waiting for us at check in. Is that class or what!

After we wobbled out of the Olive Garden we found a Best Buy and purchased a CD player (yes! They still make those) for Karen and Bruce to listen to books on CD. (I brought a lovely romance novel on CD – looks like I’ll take it back to SLC – my feelings aren’t hurt. Some people don’t know about these hidden gems in the world of fine literature). Karen also bought an electric razor – Bruce is looking a little shaggy. If he were a bit younger, it would be a “dangerous” look. He’ll be back in a tie soon enough. The beard has to go.

Two different young men told us to go straight home and not party too long. I think they thought we are old enough to be flirted with. I felt like telling them all my grandchildren are under four-years-old pal! 

Back at the hotel – we’ll settle in for a good night’s sleep and look forward to a wonderful morning tomorrow. Patty is saying she is ready for the party to start.... She and Bonita will head back to Salt Lake just after noon on Saturday. Hoping to leave smiles in our wake. Looking forward to our next visit.

Karen wants me to say she is the quiet one in the family. There I’ve said it. Those who know her, run with it, if you will…..  

Thank you to all of her friends. She has been steadied by the prayers, the cards, calls, gifts and visits. She and Bruce are in for a bit of an adventure still – but they are going to make it and will have quite a story to tell. When the time comes, Karen wants Jane Seymour to play her in the movie. We agree Tom Hanks will be Bruce. Our mom has long since chosen Angela Lansbury and I believe Bette Midler will capture my personality adequate.

Thank you for listening! It’s been a wonderful trip and we look forward to coming back soon!

Sent from my iPad