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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

A few more photos

Sorry the photo is so dark but it was difficult adjusting for the brightness coming through the windows. Gabe and Manny had a great time opening their presents while Grandma Lynn, Lisa, and Noah look on. One of their aunties got them Crayola toys which they immediately got busy playing with, freeing up the adults to open their presents. This was our second go-around with present opening as Lori, David, Dustin, and Kerry weren't able to make it on Eve for the first batch. Jamie and his family weren't able to come to Manitowoc at all this CHRISTmas because of complications with visitation for Hunter's biological father. Jill is on her way today to see them and take the rest of the presents to Brodhead for a third go-around of present opening!!!!

We got to spend some time with my Auntie Marie at her house on the day before leaving Manitowoc, and then Lynn took the two ladies to lunch at Perkins. We ran into them there when we showed up with Mona! Mom is a couple years younger than Auntie Marie, who I believe is 86 year old. I want to look and act like her when and if I'm ever that age!!! She is lively and still enjoys a good time. She is the lady standing behind my mom, in the rocker chair.

Justin and I visited Grandpa Arno at his assisted-living home, finding out later the same day that he has been asked to move to a memory care center. I guess the staff wasn't able to dedicate all the help he needed to adapt to his new surroundings. Mona can't believe that they wouldn't be more patient with him, and half-way suspects the management wants him out because they feel guilty about him hurting his back and they not knowing about it. Arno should be moving this week, if not already done.

My sister, Kerry, takes great delight in getting "boy kisses" from Gabe and Manny, and now she's getting a big smooch from Gabe. Dusty is too old for this game, but doesn't mind looking on at this display. Lynn and Lisa are looking at something but I can't tell exactly what. Lisa's home is an older one, and features the double doors entry, with a lovely stained-glass window in the hallway. Having the double door entry sort of helps with keeping the cold air from immediately blowing into the rooms, but the concept is lost when a stream of people are trying to come in!!!

This is the second big snowstorm we experienced during the visit, this one taking place after Justin got into town. I just love the look of snow draped on the evergreen branches just outside Mom's patio doors, and you can see the high snowbanks edging the parking area. Across the street from Mom's house is the local public utility and they were quick to remove their snow. We, on the other hand, had to wait and wait for the snow removal truck to come, and only one time did the management come to shovel our walks. Alayna used the house broom to make a path so Mom could get out to her car.....don't get me started on that management again!! Mom's daughters and grands really wish she'd move to another facility where this wouldn't be such an issue....Mom doesn't want to go through the effort of moving. I always remind her that Justin and I could have her whole unit packed up in one weekend---we're good at this!





2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great pictures! Looks like you had fun!

Kim Lahaie Day said...

Hi Jami!
Notice that none of my photos show people in swimsuits or snorkling!

Hugs,

Kim