Latest posts
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Maki, World-Traveller
Another corner of our busy season is turned. Maki took off for Christmas in New Zealand last night. Every time he flies, it strikes me what a savvy kid he really is. He’s so relaxed about traveling, having lived between countries from the time he was a baby. His mom and dad are savvy at this kind…
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Table and Chairs
Because our anniversary falls so close to my birthday, we decided a few years ago that the only way we would remember to celebrate it annually is to buy something we both like for the home. We’ve never gone big, but at least there is a little story behind those few pieces we picked up.…
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The Paperchase
First, I want to thank everyone who has lifted up prayers and hopes for my meeting with Social Security today. Even though my driving and paper-chasing started at 7 am and I didn’t get home till about 6 (when the REAL work began. Hello, JUSTINE!) I felt so grounded and peaceful, like a little boat flowing…
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Hope and a Haircut
It has been a couple of months since Maila, Vernon’s hairdresser came for a visit. He was in dire need of a trim. I don’t think Vernon spends much time looking in the mirror in this nursing home, but I know he sill loves the process of having his hair cut. He seemed very tired…
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Chocolate, Meat, and Potatoes
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” ~Ernestine Ulmer When Chris, his grandfather, the kids and I wheeled Vernon out to the courtyard for this morning’s visit, we were told: “Make sure he comes back for lunch at noon.” We looked at each other curiously, but also as if to say: “Okaaaaay. We all know he can’t…
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The Craft Market
“Community is a sign that love is possible in a materialistic world where people so often either ignore or fight each other. It is a sign that we don’t need a lot of money to be happy–in fact, the opposite.” Jean Vanier Oh! How can I express how wonderful the fundraiser for Vernon was this…
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Right Brain/Left Brain
Before I talk about Vernon, I want to make one last little plug for his fundraiser this weekend. I think it will be a great community get-together and a lot of talented people have donated their handmade goodness. San Clemente Art Supply —1531 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, California—Fri: 6-9 Fri party with music…
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Karaoke
“He who sings scares away his woes.” Cervantes Karaoke. That was the ‘activity’ in the rec room/dining hall of the subacute today. Vernon and I thought, why not? Its not like we had anything better to do. I don’t know if its a bi-monthly thing or what, but the sweet Activity Director that runs the microphone…
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Tis The Season
December has always been my favorite month because….CHRISTMAS! And here we are—it’s already Dec. 1st. Charles Dickens famously wrote: “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” Words I try to live by, particularly in December. Unfortunately, in our commercialized society, it feels like the Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping weekend has…
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Bedside Manner
Dr. Justine paid her dad a visit today. She turns into such a mini-grownup around him, in his state, calling him by his first name and giving him advice. Today’s bedside manner included hair-brushing, silly jokes, dancing, singing, and summersaults. And an original painting that he said was the most beautiful picture he’d ever seen.