Home again

I went to Weyburn with Clare yesterday afternoon and spent the night with them.  This morning Laurel and Kirk came in and we all met with Dr. Suberu at 10:00.  The scan taken last week in Regina really didn't show anything significant - no tumor, stroke or much change from the one he had five years ago.  That's good news in some ways, but makes it harder for the doctor to treat him.  Howard is off the anti depressant for now and is on a low dose of Seroquel, a mood stabilizer.  They also give him valium when needed to calm him down as he can get irritable at times. The urine test was clear, no infection.  His legs are still swelling so he will be seeing Dr. Fong on Thursday, is on a fluid pill for that.  He could possibly come home for a night or so to see how he handles that, but I think we'll give him a week or two before we decide on that.  He doesn't ask to come home so maybe realizes that he's not quite ready yet.  It will work out better when we will be house sitting in Weyburn.  I'm not ready to be alone at the farm with him but could give it a try when in the city.  If that doesn't work out, we will have to consider long term care for him.

I took a picture of Howard in his room when he was reading Kirk's Christmas letter.  It really bothers him that the staff keep his closet locked!  I guess he was changing clothes too often so that's the reason for that.  It also upsets him that he isn't allowed in the kitchen.  He's used to clearing the table at home, putting dishes in the dishwasher and then putting the clean ones away.  So he is out of a job there!

The other day there were three or four inches of snow here so the red pickup became white, as you can see in this picture.  Howard thinks we should sell it now.  Anyone interested?

This morning I went with Abbey to her school and took in their Advent assembly as she was the leader today.  She did a very good job.  It was good to see the grade four class busy with their assigned jobs - playing Oh Canada, moving the Advent wreath and Christmas tree into place and playing "Drummer Boy" on the "drums" - big white pails turned upside down.  Here they are.  Abbey is wearing a pink sweater, mike in hand.

Carter played in a hockey tournament in Brandon, Manitoba last weekend so that was an outing for their family.  I'll have to ask Shauna to forward some pictures so I can add them to my blog.

Christmas is soon here!!  Ashley and Eric visited Santa last Saturday in Milestone.  Last year Ashley didn't want anything to do with Santa.  This year she consented to sit on his lap, but didn't look at him!  Eric looks a bit reluctant too.  Our current plans are to have our family Christmas here on Dec. 22nd as Clare's leave for Phoenix the next day.  We aren't sure if Howard will be able to join us or not at this point.  We'll keep you posted!  Time to get at that Christmas mail so bye for now.