We had that let down feeling after Fredo and Mike left. We
enjoyed them immensely and tried to do one special thing
every day. Then home for lunch and happy hour. Mike and
I cooked and he left us with some excellent recipes. Our
Italian restaurant proved satisfactory and Bobby took me
there yesterday for lunch. Rex really misses them because
he had two extra people to spoil him. Mike did a tremendous amount of work in the back yard, for which I
am extremely grateful.

The storms are persistent as is the rain. Flooding is all
around us and one of our skylights is leaking. I am hesitant
to complain because so many other people are in far worse
shape but it is like being bombed constantly with the
hail and the rain.

After the V.A. being so stingy with Ted, now they are
heaping him with benefits. He is getting a ramp for the
backyard and a lift to put in the Suburban. The occupational therapist loaded him down with grabbers, a
shower chair and other goodies. I suspect that their
recent evaluation had something to do with the increased
service.

Ted's cognition is beginning to deteriorate noticeably.
Bobby's cancer has invaded his lungs and liver. I grieve
every day and spend as much time as I can with Bobby,
without making a nuisance of myself. We have always
been so close and he seems to need me more than
Linda does. He looks hale and hearty but he never feels
well. The only way that I know how to cope is by taking
it one day at a time and wresting whatever small pleasures
that I can from living. Working helps a lot so I try to
stay busy.

Two of Ted's doctors have told me not to let Ted drive
anymore and the dread car key removal day is coming.
I don't want to do it but it is almost time.