First off, I apologize for the long absence. It's been a crazy couple 18 months here. In summary:
• Jim and I moved his mom from Minnesota to Wisconsin into a memory care facility this summer. Within a month of her arrival, she fell and broke her hip, requiring extensive surgery and a stay in rehab. Unfortunately, the trauma has accelerated her decline. We don't know if she'll walk again long term. It's impossible to explain things to a dementia patient, and unfortunately, she has fallen twice already. We are grateful she is less than two miles from our house, and can visit and keep tabs on her care.
This is a cake I made to celebrate her 88th birthday in September. She really liked it.
• My dad fell and broke his hip and femur in early July, then a few months later, the rod in his hip broke, requiring a second surgery in Milwaukee. There were days I drove from one hospital or rehab center (for mother-in-law) to another for my dad. He is healing (again) back home, but as an 80 year old, it's a long road ahead. I've spent a number of weekends driving to their house (2.5 hour drive) to help with chores.
• In May 2024, my employer sold our brands to another company. It hasn't gone well, and I spent 20 months looking for a new job. If any of you have tried to search for a job in 2026, you likely know how difficult and disparaging it can be. However, by the time you read this, I will have given notice to my employer. I've found a new position in a different industry, and I'm excited about it. It's very close to home and will allow two days working from home, so I can still be with the kitties.
Speaking of the kitties. . .here are updates:
• Jules is now two years old, and a total mama's boy. He's quite a big personality in a wobbly body (he has cerebellum hyperplasia). He likes to play with Ringo, and will sometimes bother Lucy, but Lucy has figured out she can easily outrun him.
• Lucy and Ringo are both 12 and, overall, doing well. Lucy had lost some weight, but her bloodwork and urine sample were clear. I've started giving her wet kitten food, and she's gained a bit of weight, so I cross my fingers and hope it continues. They love to cuddle together in our ancient wicker cat bed.
