Mostly I do pretty well, I think. My nights are lonely, but since I have scheduled working evenings, that time is cut down and I do pop in here most nights. But sometimes I just miss conversation - not about work or stroke, just chatting. And then I realize I just miss my sister.

We telephone now weekly, on Saturday mornings when her husband is at work and the girls are either at work or sleeping. I was feeling very low this past week and sure enough, she calls and is coming for the weekend. There is absolutely no question we are genetically joined. Her time span is almost exactly the same as mine.

My new caregiver team is amazing. Mary Beth could care less about the house, just like me. But these caregivers made her bed, vaccumed her room, cleaned her bathroom - clean linens, all the windows opened up for fresh air.

Needless to say, we had an incredible weekend. Bruce said tonight "you are so happy, I wish she could come more."

She got here early on Friday and we always have pizza, since where she lives it is only Greek pizza. Bruce is thrilled, because we don't do pizza or Chinese take-out anymore, unless it is the people from work or Mary Beth.

We were up way too late. Since we both smoke and there is no smoking in the house, we sat on the front stoop in our pj's and just chatted away.

Yesterday she had a lesson in couponing. I needed cat litter. The best and cheapest for us is a 50lb bag at BJ's. Yes, I can do this myself, but if help is coming I plan around that. I cut her coupons, with the things I know, because free afterall is free. So Bruce showed her what to do and we went through the coupon book. Bruce tools off to books and magazines and Mary got a true lesson in how to shop.

We had lunch on the beach at a favorite Hot Dog-Seafood place. All fried, very bad, very delicious and a true treat. Bruce took a nap and Mary and I spent the afternoon working on my list=gutters, raking, some tweaking of the ramp, cleaning out of stuff she needs to take - like mechanical oils that her husband can use. Bruce's college roommate is coming tomorrow for the day, so we cleaned the deck, brought out furniture. Dinner was steaks on the grill. Mary and I back on the front stoop when Bruce went to bed.

This morning, coffee, loading the car. I try not to whine, nor does she. As much as she needs to get away, still is anxious to get home. And that is how it should be. I know it is difficult dividing herself as she has to. And that is why I try so hard not to call her and put her in that position when I can just put on my big girl panties and get through it.

Upstairs still smells of her perfume. I love that in that she is still with me and me with her. So next visit will be the fall and yard will be landscaped, trees all down and maybe a walk on the beach. Debbie