For Crying Out Loud

We ended up having it at their house, which was a very good thing. We had plenty of room for socializing and all the comforts of home -- their home. They installed a very nice pool earlier this summer. I really think that neither Grampa nor Aunt Marcy could have managed if we had been at the park. Neither came off the deck around the pool. Poor Grampa went inside and slept most of the day. We had to wake him up to take him home and he was so disoriented. When we got home, he was all dizzy and lost his lunch. Poor thing. I felt so bad for him. We did manage to take a group photo, though neither Grampa (asleep in the chair) nor Cousin Johnny (had to go to work) were in it. I will post as soon as a) Dave and Candy send it to me and b) I figure out how to do it. (This is everyone's hint to send me tips. Mara told me once, but I couldn't get it to work. The photo took too long to load -- like hours?)

Not too many of the next generation (yours) were able to make it. Mendon brought Kristen -- brave girl. Nadine and John's 3 kids were all there and of course, Scotty's two and Thom's two, but that was it. Neither of Dave and Candy's and no sign of any of Karen's crew.

Uncle Gene called and we passed around the phone. It looks like maybe he won't be coming with the girls after all, though he might come alone. It has been a real bureaucratic nightmare (worthy of the French?!) getting them visas to visit. And, frankly, with Gramma and Grampa in their current conditions, it just isn't the wise thing to do.

Now, this brings me to a totally different place and subject. End of life. If any of you have any issues with me that you want clear up before I die, this is the time to do it. No, I am not planning on dying soon, but I would rather get these things out of the way now while I have energy to deal with them and can devote the necessary attention. Same goes for any issues between you guys (yes, in Dornbrook lingo that include females).

I think there was something else, but I have forgotten. I guess I do need to tell you that Gramma is going to have back surgery. We are not quite sure what this is going to mean or who it will play out. We are looking at how to care for Grampa while Gramma is recovering. I will keep you posted.