So the wild Italians have all returned to New Hampshire. I finally got a well-deserved two hour nap this afternoon, in quiet - no TV and after some quality sister time, am back on track.

Mary and I talked of the long winter, lack of sunshine and the new moon. She was delayed coming in due to nine more inches of snow Thursday into Friday, Saturday and Sunday sunny and warm - 50 degrees. Hoping Spring has arrived in New England. Its been a long month. We were on such a nice roll in getting the house cleaned out, donations made. Then medical problems with both Bruce and Kira, so redirection. And with the major changes, Bruce is off routine, always trouble. Any down time I had last two weeks was phone calls, follow ups, shoveling snow.

Kira: her calcium levels are in fact elevated. This is not good for a cat. Vet has her on a specific diet that has helped other hypercalcmic cats. Kira is a fussy eater - grazer at best. But four days in and she is holding her own. My fear is that she is so stubborn, will just refuse to eat. But so far, so good.

Bruce's oral surgery went well. In true Bruce fashion, he was back on solid foods in 48 hours. He was able to get to Botox the next day. It was pouring rain and Botox is no fun deal, so I was quite proud that he insisted we go. It is the constant reminders of what he needs to do every single day that gets tiring. One thinks an issue is just routine - like flossing, and then it isn't. We just spent $1100. on your mouth, what don't you get about that? Part of the frustration is just that important, every day basics require constant reinforcing. Sometimes it seems that when Bruce feels I am letting up, he just lets stuff go. My point is that this is your responsibility. You must get it done and I am not the police!

Am getting some great advice and help with the new menu planning and when I told friends, they too have stepped up. We are still working at healthy eating, getting the caregivers on board and working on a stockpile so that I can spend a little less time in the kitchen. Microwave blew last week - have to replace that. And my pro here suggests a small food processor, so that is on the list. And I have scheduled in a hair cut - much needed. Two of Bruce's friends are coming for a day so I am going to forego working and get some things off the list.

Bruce is dealing with the new grocery list. No more M&M coupons. I try to plan the meals for the week with the new ingredients. And now after a couple of weeks, am learning what works, we were ready for a big shop. I try to get the list to Bruce by Thursday, when the sales brochure comes, so he has more time to absorb and understand the new ingredients. Then when the coupon brochures arrive on Sunday, he is centered. Our pro here also warned that we would be looking for things we had no clue where they were. And she was right. Me pushing Bruce pushing a grocery cart involves no mistakes. You miss an item and have to recircle is time-consuming and frustrating. Fortunately Bruce has no problem going to the magazine aisle especially when the new Car magazines come out. In the past, I could socialize a bit - lots of neighbors, friends and ex-patients. Now I just have eyes on where I am and what I need - LOL. Ran into a co-worker today - Bruce cuts coupons for her - and she had to call my name three times before I realized what was happening.

Interesting thing today. Bruce, since he is in a WC, is pretty noticeable and we always shop on Sundays. People come up to him and and say "you are the Coupon guy" so this was unexpected. We did have a major shop for us and the computer made several errors that we caught. But I was amazed at the response from both the staff and the shoppers behind us. I realized later that we did not have a camera crew or an aisle cleared just for us. I sent him back off to look at the Diabetes magazine for this month while I battled it out. Floor manager was a young kid and just wonderful. But $242.00 to $5.00 was important. This took us hours and you Rock Bruce!

Interesting week ahead. Our Pema is back on Wednesday and there are not appointments or service people due in. I am looking forward for a cooler week, but only rain. And again with Pema's return another change in the schedule. And am just looking to some quiet time. Debbie