It is a beautiful night. Tuesday night we had our first dusting of snow for 2012. Tonight another! I realize that no matter how difficult weather may be now, due to the stroke and mobility issues, I love living in the Northeast. We have the best of all worlds.

Right now the backyard is lit up-everyone walking and toileting their dogs before settling for the night. Makes the snowfall even more calming and pretty. Little Kira is here beside me, napping. This week has not been good for her. I did not realize the upset the change in routine would cause her. Shortly she will be up, toiletted and asking to get to bed with "Mister."

Big difference from last year! An old farmer here in Connecticut wrote recently one has to look at the acorns. He goes by the accumulation in his gutters. 2010-tons of acorns, really bad winter, as you all know. This fall, no acorns. Mother Nature knows better than anyone! Unfortunately I do not have any Oak trees in my yard-hard to believe, with my stories of limbs and trees down. But Bruce's Rehab has tons of them. And I remember the number in the bed of the truck in 2010. Of course, we weren't up there this fall, but I am figuring the farmer is right.

The October Nor'easter was a fluke. And we all prepped early after that in getting ready for winter. But Mother Nature had another plan in place. Gentle transition into winter. Temps slowly dropping, we have had some quick drops, but kind of a gentle, slow downward trend; rather than the immediate drop. It is almost like we have been handed a "transition" card. Get ready, here I come, but you have time to prep-lol.

I know Bruce will not get much more PT this go round.OT was stopped this week. But there is not the pressure for me to get him out and up to Rehab. I think we have only cancelled once over the past 2 1/2 years, but this requires me shoveling, salting early and this year there has been none of that yet. He will be decerted before we get to that this winter.

Yes, this gives me great peace. Also the fact that he has improved cognitively so much over the past four months. And is actually taking an active part in his recovery. We talked tonight that I have had four showers this week-a new record-lol! Finally knowing that he is safe, understands that he needs to have his ducks in a row for a half hour. And yes, he still needs time to adjust and consider-I give him a heads up at about 1/2 hour before. You all know this is for toiletting and yes, it works, for now.

I was in computer up-date all week. I loved it. Nothing like getting that brain fired-up and having nothing to do with stroke! I called in all favors and was able to make all the sessions. Seems like we have achieved a comfortable plateau-and yes, I know it is only a plateau. But it is wonderful to finally be able to breathe, take a quick nap, do girlie grooming and now not have to run to figure out what the sound I just heard was! As you all advised, it will sort itself out. And all of this is working towards Bruce being more independent, safe and able to stay at home, alone for a bit.

So I am pouring myself a glass of wine, going to sit on the front porch, watching the snow and then off to bed. It has been an exhausting, but so rewarding week. Love to all, Debbie