Bhappy

Hi Mary,
I do relate--when the time comes you really need the help, it suddenly is wanted today! Forgive me, but what happens in 8 days? My brain has holes!
Love, Ann

I love your new picture Mary! You girls are gorgeous. Are you having a good Sunday so far? We havn't been up for long so we're just getting started. I hope you're doing well Dear!
Love,
Marta

Hey friends! I finally put a picture of me instead of my last amazing hiking place. Since I'm looking forward to a walker with wheels and a seat next week, I figured it was time to retire the shot of deep into Muir Woods, CA. By the way, that's my daughter Sam and I in Central Park, NYC in March, 2011.

Hi Mary Pie! Just checking on you. You doing okay? Give me a shout! We've had lots of family visiting for the past week. It's been great but it's too quiet now. The walls are still vibrating with laughter and cheer. What's this Ann is talking about you losing a tooth? Fooie on that Dear One! Like I said, let me know how you're doing Sweets.
Love ya!
Marta

Hi Mary, I am sorry you'll lose your tooth, but glad you have confidence in your dentist. And very good that you did well today following the dancing at the reception!

I know many, after having weakened legs for awhile and some tripping, would suddenly just drop--the knee buckles out of the blue, and down you go. I'll say this, as my legs are long gone and now it's arm/hand for me. I can type until I am tired, can hold a small lightweight bowl or a lightweight mug/plastic glass. But, my arms don't raise far...maybe waist height when weak and a bit higher at my peak--so I can't tip a cup or a dixie cup to drink. I have no idea whether the arms or the hands will totally leave first, and both are atrophied.

On reflection, yes...tired legs are definitely becoming more tired while the footdrop increases. Falling is normal throughout! Gentle stretching is always a good idea, Mary.
Hugs! Ann

Oh, Dear Mary--I'm so sorry your cold took longer and your tooth had what my endodontist calls a "Blow-out". And, the infection is next to your sinuses if you're like me (the sensory nerves are very close neighbors)--so I was told there wasn't a second infection, just one angry tooth (root). I hope I'm wrong, but I'm semi sure the swelling will last until after the tooth appointment.

The problem isn't precisely ALS. You've been working hard, though, and following this hard work, illness is more easily picked up. Ann xoxo

Congratulations, Mary! Wonderful to be finished work, moved out, yet having a social event to look forward to. I hope this week you can have some R and R and then have fun on Friday! HUGS!

LOL! Well, you're not on now. I'll catch up with you later Sweets! Have a great day. xoxo

Are you on line Mary?

I'll take pictures and add them to the fam damily album. It will be fun and exhusting I'm sure! Yeah, I think I'll keep working for awhile. I'll be 60 in December and I'll assess my situation then. I already told them I can't do another tax season. I might be able to do a scaled down version of what I usually do. We shall see. I tried to just work 1/2 days but then I'd come home and be bored. I'm not sure what to do with myself yet. I'm not used to being this still. At the same time I can't do a lot of things I'm used to doing. I guess it hasn't sunk in with me either. Shifting gears is tough. Well, I'd better help Brad with dinner. I'll talk to you later my friend! Hope you're having a good weekend!!

I'm doing pretty good Mary. Will have a niece here tomorrow from Montana. She has a class or something in Denver and will be staying with us for the week. Then her husband, my nephew will be here Thursday. My sis (nephew's Mom) and her husband from Michigan will be here Friday. Then nephew and niece will head back to MT on Saturday. Sis and BIL will be here until the 14th. Whew! We'll be busy. Probably do some camping over the next weekend.

I considered semi retiring but I don't think I can do it yet. I can imagine you'd have mixed feelings about ending your career. It's a big step regardless of what's going on with your health. What will you do now? Travel? May I ask how old you are? I'm 59 1/2. LOL! I always like to say the 1/2 part. Like a little kid.

Hullo there Toots! Just checkin in just like I said I would. Happy Friday!! How is everthing in Mary's world? Do tell.
Love ya!
Marta

Great pictures! It's good to see your pretty face Mary. Have a great day Toots! I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Marta

I'm doing pretty well so far. Just trouble walking and my hands are pretty difficult to make do things I'd like them to do. Like I said, Brad is a tremendous help. My family said they'd help him with me if or when the time arises. I have a huge and loving support system. Seems like you're blessed with a good support system too. I often wonder what people do that don't have anyone close.

I've been pretty busy lately with my Mom being here. She just left yesterday to go up to Michigan where we're from originally. I have 3 sisters and their families there still. Then 3 sisters and my brother in Texas. I was just down there at the beginning of the month. So, please excuse my delinquency.

I'll stay closer now so that we don't worry each other. I'm doing great. Happy most of the time.

I apologize if I worried you Toots. I just get so involved in what's going on here. Don't do that to me though, k? LOL!

Love,

Marta

Hi Mary Pie!! It's good to see you. The wind is really gusty out there today and it's in the low 60's. I had hoped to have a picknic this afternoon but the wind is relentless. It's good that your daughter will be there to help out.

Housework really takes it out of me but I manage to do a little laundry and vaccuuming although Brad does help tremendously. I believe he's ADD because he's hardly ever idle or still. Me? I can sloth with the best of them. I love to read and I do meditate and if I feel the need, power naps are great!

I'm glad you're getting your affairs in order. Almost ready for the summer, eh? I started working part days through the summer. We'll see what condition I'm in in the fall. Probably will train someone to take over for me and then continue to work part time if I can. The people I work with and for are wonderful and very concerned and understanding. To be continued...