Thank goodness for my family.

I have been having horrible back problems for awhile now, and today my daughter made a huge pot of chili, as well as cooking a bunch of chicken to put away in the freezer for future use. My hubby and her ran errands, and took care of some things around the house... and it was wonderful.

We are a great team.... and I am so thankful for them.

Most of my focus recently, has been on taking care of my mom, who is having worsening memory issues... (as well as physical problems). Interestingly, she can remember every song from the 30s and 40s... but has no recollection of much of anything that has happened in the last 20years or so. Bits and pieces here and there are still intact... but there are definitely chunks missing. Some days she is pleasant about it all... some days she is much more frustrated -- which I can certainly understand. There are obvious changes in both her habits and personality. It is what it is. And so I try to make her as comfortable as I can... which includes keeping a fire in the fireplace (she is always cold)... having old movies or music on all the time (which she enjoys)... and finding things for her to do that she can do to give her more confidence and feelings of accomplishment/ contributing.

This weekend, I was able to make some sets of envelopes. I make them from recycled/ salvaged pages of old books, maps and papers. Using my own templates, I make them in a variety of sizes as the papers allow. I hate to throw out old books... and this is a neat way to keep them alive and useful. Soon.... I hope to be able to get back into the studio and work on some art and jewelry as well. But for now... I wish you peace.

See you all tomorrow.