We have had a most wonderful Easter and I hope it has been the same for all of you as well. We have also enjoyed Spring Break this week. Jenna and I were both really sad to have to return to the daily grind today.
AUNT MAR'S BIRTHDAY. We celebrated Aunt Mar's 90th birthday last Monday and I must say that Judy, my cousin, gets the Mary Poppins award for masterminding a most wonderful party. She reserved the conference room at the nursing home for the occasion. Then, around midnight Sunday night/Monday morning she slipped into Aunt Mar's room with 90 balloons. Aunt Mar would have awakened to a helium filled surprise but one of the balloons popped while Judy was getting things situated.
That evening we all (Judy and her family, Mom, Pauline, and all of my family) gathered for cake, ice cream and cookies. Judy had brought little presents for all the kids to give to Aunt Mar (simple items that would be handy for her stay at the nursing home) and then pulled out coloring pages and crayons for all the kids to color for Aunt Mar's room. It was a really fun time.
VICKI COMES HOME. Jenna, Ben and I left Aunt Mar's party a bit early to meet Vicki at the airport and it sure was good to see her again. The kids really were excited about seeing Vicki but when she came down the escalator to meet us they were both more interested in the baggage claim conveyor and simply said, "Hi," without hardly looking her way. She got a better reception from me. They warmed up to her after her luggage arrived.
AUNT MAR COMES HOME. I must say that I deeply admire Aunt Mar's spirit and determination. Once her mind is set to do something she will get it done and she didn't want to stay at the nursing home any longer than this week. I really can't blame her. Take Mrs. Isola Payne, her roommate, for example. She was my third grade teacher and is about my mom's age. About six years ago she suffered from a massive stroke. Since then she has not responded to any stimulus and is kept alive by a feeding tube. It breaks my heart to think about her.
Anyway, come 10:30 Saturday morning Aunt Mar was ready to leave. She was at the door as soon as we had the last of her belongings in the car and even set their alarm off on her way out. She didn't even stop to sign her release papers. We did, of course, have to pay a visit to Ann Sloan, her hair stylist, before leaving town.
A TRIP TO THE ZOO. We went to the Nashville Zoo on Thursday and had a really good time. Unfortunately, we picked a chilly day to go. Ben said he couldn't remember going to a zoo before and was really excited. It was so funny watching him right after we entered the gate. He was walking down the pavement with his map unfolded in front of him and asking, "Where are all the animals?"
YOU ARE MY VICTORY was the title of the Easter musical our choir performed this weekend and they did an outstanding job. We had rehearsals several evenings this week and then performed it Saturday night and Sunday morning. We had a 50 voice choir and 17 piece orchestra. Did I say they did an outstanding job?
One thing Aunt Mar had set her sights on was getting to the Saturday night performance. Since we were all involved in the production Kenny brought Aunt Mar to church. I had put a wheelchair near the back door for her to use but she would have NOTHING to do with it. We were all touched by the reception she got from all the people there. She was worn out when I took her home but I don't think she would have missed the evening for anything.
EASTER ACTIVITIES. Part of our traditional Easter activities is to hold joint Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services with Cross Plains United Methodist Church. We me at their church on Thursday evening and at Mt. Carmel on Friday at noon. Both services make Easter a really special time for me.
SURPRISE GUESTS. Aunt Mar was surprised yesterday with the arrival of Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob. They got here in time for our Easter dinner at Pauline's house. Another surprise came today as the Yergler family (except Daryle who had to work) arrived from New Jersey.
RELEASING HER AGGRESSION. Vicki has joined our church volleyball team. They are in the White House league. Vicki is sore but really enjoying herself.
A SAD CLOSING. Thomas Drugs in Cross Plains operates an old fashioned soda fountain and serves lunch. Mom and I have traditionally eaten lunch there after the Good Friday service. Unless things change this is the last year for that as they will be closing their grill after April 8. Their soda fountain will still be open but they will no longer serve any food. We are all very sad about that.
Joe
