Back to writing.

It's been a whole month with Kirstin and Yura AND Hunter and Maximus. We've settled into somewhat of a routine. Tom and I continue to be very grateful to be here. I especially have enjoyed getting to spend more time with grandboys. For some reason it's been harder for me to write--not sure what that's all about. Here are some things I have learned over the last few weeks.

For 40 years Tom and I have willingly done what was important to the other person. If one of us really wanted to do something, the other went along unless there was a really good reason. That has changed and it's taking some adjusting attitude. One night our flock group was getting together and I had REALLY been looking forward to it but Tom said he didn't feel well and didn't want to go. To my way of thinking he was using how he felt as an excuse and just didn't want to go. I called our friends to say we wouldn't be there and that Tom as being a "crabby old man". As soon as the words were out of my mouth I regretted them but it took several days of seeking God's help and wisdom to understand what was going on between us and within myself. I've been spoiled. Tom has always taken such good care of me and I miss it. But then the very next day I was sitting in the porch swing rocking a sleeping Maximus. I reached for a pillow to put behind my head but it fell to the floor and I couldn't get it without disturbing M. Tom must have been watching through the window because here he came with a pillow and gently put it behind my head and gave me a gentle touch on my cheek. I know that Tom has all he can deal with and have decided that I will continue to invite him to participate and do things but the choice is his and I WILL NOT resent his saying "no". My goal right now is to be as supportive as I can be and allow him to make his own decisions--to be his wife and not his mother.

Last weekend we took the RV for an overnight to Oak Harbor to visit longtime friends. One of the best things was the way Norm spent talking with Tom one on one. He got Tom to communicate more than he's done in a long time. They both have health issues and were able to speak very openly with each other. It was a rare time and we left feeling very thankful for our time with them.

Last week Tom and I took Maximus to the zoo with our daughter Kylisa and he two boys. We were on the go for 2 hours and walking much of that time. Tom amazes me. He says he doesn't think he can walk very far and then he surprises us both. He enjoyed the animals. The giraffes were being very affectionate with each other rubbing their necks against each other and their faces. Tom wrote on his board: "They're necking!" Made us both laugh.

I've been on a 3 game winning streak in cribbage but today Tom is back in the winning circle. He's also back to doing jigsaw puzzles.

His biggest challenge continues to be managing saliva. We're hopeful that the doctor we're seeing in September will be able to help--wish it was sooner.

Kirstin and Yura took the boys to Lopez Island for the weekend with friends. While they were gone I had a great time tearing the kitchen apart and reorganizing all the cupboards. Kirstin is amazing at organizing other people but, like most of us, has found it hard to organize herself. She had given me permission to do whatever I wanted with it. I kept thinking I should stop but once I got going I just kept going. I said they would either love me or say that they would never leave me home alone again. They liked it! What a fun gift to give them.

I kept hoping that their chickens would be gone while they were gone but each day I got up and they had survived the night--phooey! I am still jealous of the real estate they have been given. I have to laugh when I think of growing up on a chicken farm where we had thousands of chickens and now here I am living with 2 more. I'm sure there's humor in there somewhere.

Other big treats were baking cookies with Hunter and his friend Grady and spending an evening with grandboys Jackson and Grayson. The funniest line of the night was 3 year old Jackson telling his grandmother that we couldn't play air hockey because it would be too loud for sleeping Grayson! While I thought that our move to Seattle was more for Tom to be near "action" I know now that it has been important for me, too. I love being with the grandchildren and how they make me feel.

God is good and I praise Him daily for His faithfulness and provision. I love seeing Him in the little things of life and don't want to miss any of it. I know there are many who uphold us in prayer and I know it's making a difference. It feels good to write again.