We are expriencing warm and rainy weather now. The magnolia trees have bloomed and the forsythia, pear trees, redbud trees, and cherry blossoms are out. The grass is also getting high! Someone said we will have more mosquitos this year due to the early warm weather. Yikes! Maybe they will eat the Japanese Beetles that come in the summer.

Larry had his appointment with the phsyiatrist for another round of Botox. He did not have as much this time, and only in arm an and. His hand has seemed more flexible before this, but still clenches. He only has a little movement in his left arm. I asked the Dr. if he could get "hand therapy" as he has never had this before, and E-Stim therapy again. He will probablly end up with the OT. She recommended PT for a short time to work on his balance and walking. He seems to have trouble at times getting himself up from the bed, although he uses a bed cane. I wonder if the bed cane is working against him since he relies on it so much and pulls himself up with his good arm. If he doesn't get the left arm over his body, he cannot get up. I hope the PT will help him go over this again. He seems to cooperate with the therapists more than with me.

Last night was Larry's son's 40th Birthday Party. My son came with us and drove, and I was ever so grateful! I do not like driving to unfamiliar areas, and we had a torrential downpour going over with lightning all around. The party was at a restaurant 30 miles away and we all gathered in the back waiting for the BD boy. He and his wife came in and he seemed surprised. He gave a nice speech later thanking everyone for coming and helping him in his life. He has settled down with his wife and daughter and things are going well. It is hard for Larry in situations like this to socialize and interact. We sat at tables and the room was pretty crowded. Larry had to get up after a while and walk around as he cannot sit on the hard chairs too long. I should remember to bring a cushion for these events. We both had corned beef and cabbage and it was good. We left a little earlier than most as Larry was tiring and my son worked the next day. At least we came.

We have a couple more social events coming up. One is at a country club for a reunion of his group of retirees. It would do him good to see some of his fellow workers, and I have encouraged him to go. We will see what he decides as it is up to him. Our social life sure has changed!

One holiday gone and Easter is fast approaching. I usually don't have the kids over for Easter dinner as I have them Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, my son wants to go to brunch again, and bring his girlfriend, so we shall see. All these holidays seem to run into each other.

Happy spring everyone,

Julie