I left the hospital around 9:00 this morning, when my cousin Marsha came to sit with Grandma. Grandma says that she slept better last night than she did Saturday night and seemed stronger. She’s still unsteady on her feet and feels more confident getting up and down with someone by her side, but seems to […]
Back to Woodthrush, I go Read More »
You know why people in the hospital are exhausted? Because someone comes by every two hours to take blood, or blood pressure or just check in. I’m not complaining. I’m delighted that they take such good care of Grandma, but I don’t see how anyone could sleep through the night even if nothing else were
5:30 a.m. at the hospital Read More »
The technician has just come in to do a routine blood pressure check on Grandma and take her temperature. We were both awake when she came in. Grandma and I have been chatting for the last hour or so. It turns out that we have something unexpected in common. Our family never tells us anything.
5 a.m. at the hospital Read More »
Dad just stopped in, on his way home from a pickin’ session. Grandma only dozes sort of fitfully, so it was a fair guess that she might be awake and, indeed, she was. He asked her if she remembered chestnut trees before the blight. She said that they used to have them in their yard
My family is taking turns sitting in the hospital room with Grandma, in case she needs anything. Tonight is my turn. The plan now is for her to go home tomorrow evening, but it’s hard to believe that at the moment. Her mind is as sharp as ever, but lying in the hospital bed makes
Sitting with Grandma Read More »
Today I got a request to build a wounded dog for a show. A springer spaniel this time, and wounded, not dead. This will be more of a challenge in some ways because it has to move, but also easier. I’m waffling, because I only have 13 days free in July. Mom is encouraging me
Balancing freelance and family Read More »
Mom just called from the hospital. One of the staples didn’t take, so they are going to have to send Grandma back in to surgery.
Grandma update: staples Read More »
We saw Grandma briefly as they were taking her to her room. She was awake and cracked a small joke. “I’m awake, so don’t ya’ll talk about me.” As they were wheeling her on, she said, “You all go on home and go to bed. I’m sorry I was an inconvenience.” That’s my Grandma.
Have seen Grandma. She’s fine. Read More »
My grandmother, who still lives alone, is 103 today. Granted, her kids take turns coming over to help with housecleaning, but she still cooks for herself. When I was home in the summer, she wanted to talk politics. She votes every election and is very adamant about doing so. It makes sense, I mean, she
Happy Birthday, Grandma! Read More »
My palm pilot has a very discreet little camera on it. This is handy because it means that when Grandma is telling a story I can record her without her feeling self-conscious. This is great, except when said palm pilot freezes dumping ten minutes of really interesting stuff about the school wagon she rode. I
Oh, the agony of gadgets Read More »
I think it is extremely unlikely that Grandma will read this, as she doesn’t have a computer at her house, but I’m so proud of her that I like to brag. What might I brag about, you ask? She is 102 years old today, and still lives by herself. She’s still sharp and fun to
Happy Birthday, Grandma! Read More »
I’m cleaning out my bookshelves and finding that there are books to which I’m no longer attached, so those are going in “away” pile. But there are also books, which I love, that are in terrible shape. I have a copy of Louisa May Alcott’s The Old-Fashioned Girl (long one of my favorites) which is
The Old-Fashioned Girl Read More »
“When I can’t sleep of a night, I count my blessings. I’d rather do that than count sheep.” –Grandma Jackson, Christmas Day 2006 101 years old
Christmas thought for the day Read More »
This is one of Grandma’s recipes. I’m putting together recipe cards as party favors for her 101st birthday party this weekend. We’re having it at her house–yes, my grandmother lives by herself and she can still thread a needle. She’s pretty remarkable. This is one of my favorites at Christmas. They’re like miniature pecan pies.
And now, in honor of my mother’s birthday, here’s a picture of us with her mother. (From left)My brother Steve, Dad, Mom, Me, Rob. Grandma in front