Starting to renovate

Monday, January 30   I haven't written lately as there really hasn't been much new news. Actually there isn't much new today either so you can skip reading this.   Gary is continuing to try to adjust to his new life at home. Unfortunately he got sick after being home for about a week - I swear it wasn't my cooking. He claimed it was a really "weird" experience. He can't feel anything from the chest down so all the signs in the midsection that might accompany illness were not there; i.e. pain, cramping, etc. Although this may sound like a blessing it actually serves to mask any helpful hints to Gary or health care folks as to what is wrong. There are so many things about this paralysis that neither Gary nor I imagined which can be confusing and overwhelming.  After a visit to the VA in Gainesville and some antibiotics Gary is beginning to feel better. Whew.   Daily activities such as dressing and bathing still take up quite a bit of time but we managed to enjoy a new adventure...we went to the movies with my dad and his wife. It was fun for Gary to get out of the house and we even got there in time! Gary was so hapy he didn't run over or back into anyone in the darkened theater. We laughed our way through "One for the Money" and it was wonderful to see Gary laugh! (I love the Stephanie Plum novels on which this movie is based - probably because I can relate to her as she sort of incompetently and hilariously stumbles her way along.)   We are still quite preoccupied with modifications to the house to make things easier for Gary. One thing we don't have to worry about is the floor in his room. Our good friend Jay Tucker came out twice to our house and with his brother Will put new flooring down for us. They run a business doing this (and recently have added other handyman services to their repertoire). They did a wonderful job, so professional, competent and quick. These two unbelievable friends then would not let us pay them, no matter how hard I tried. "This is a gift" was all they would say. We are so blessed, and now Gary can freely wheel about, practicing his wheelies in his room - thank you Tucker Brothers!!!   I hope everyone who is reading this - both of you - are well and happy. Judi and Gary