Home in Vale

We came home a few days early from our beach vacation because our daughter-in-law, Elizabeth's Mom died.  She had been very sick for the past two months or more and her death at that time was expected.  We were not sure about the arrangements in Knoxville, Tenn. and decided we should be in Vale to shorten the drive.  After we were home, we learned that due to a family conflict of travel, it was delayed until October 13.

So it was, that this past Friday, we journed to Knoxville, Tenn. for an overnight to be with her and her Father and two sisters.  After the funeral on Saturday, we were able to enjoy the Fall colors in the Great Smoky Mts and the Blue Ridge as we returned home.

Last evening, daughter Julia and her daughters, Michaela & Lillie with a friend, joined us for supper.  It was good to be with them after our long vacation.  The girls are growing up too fast for this Nana.  Now @ 16 and 14, I feel like I am communicating with adults!  And, I have to remind myself.....they really are!  None-the-less, it was a lovely visit and we enjoyed the short time with them.

This week promises to be filled with many things to do, beginning with Thursday, when my sister's husband, Fred, will have a knee replacement procedure in Hickory.  I plan to stay with her during that time.  Doug & Elizabeth will be here Saturday.  Sunday is the annual Kanipe Reunion, and Todd and Donna will be joining us for that.  On Monday, my brother Jim and wife Judy will come for two overnights. Thursday, Lee and I will leave for his Duke clinic visit.  We will make that a one-day trip because he is doing so well and we do not anticipate any sedation procedures.

As you can guess, I will be busy most of this week preparing for visits, and for planning of meals.  We always enjoy having guests and look forward to that time together.

This is a short, catch-up blog to let you know that all is well here.....in fact, it is very normal.  Lee continues to amaze me with his fortitude and his determination to continue on.  This is because he still has to deal with the consequences of the anti-rejection medication which includes the weakness in his legs.  He has regained much of his upper extremity strength, but the legs are the weakest.  The muscles are returning.....just slowly!
All in all....................Life as we know it now is wonderful!

More Later......................................................Brenda