Keeping Busy

Hey, everyone! Just thought I'd log on and let you know I haven't disappeared! Everything is okay, just been really busy and then really tired at the end of the day.First we were cleaning up around here....our patio was a real mess, hadn't been properly cleaned and set up for two years (last year we just did a partial cleaning and didn't set up our table and benches), and we had a barbecue planned for my parents so we had a deadline!We made it...both the boys got out there cleaning, although I have to say that Andrew really got very involved in everything from scrubbing to fixing up the BBQ to planning the meal (he even did all the shopping!). We had a great time. My Dad and Andrew did the cooking, I did the kitchen prep and Jeffrey got enlisted for cleanup. My Mom got to sit and enjoy because she has a bad knee and can't go back and forth on our outside stairs.We all sat around our table outside (Sarah too!) enjoying a first class meal of steak and burgers and lots of fun was had by all! We hadn't done that since 2 years ago due to assorted issues last summer so this was especially special.We were on a time deadline to have this BBQ as my Mom was going in for knee surgery last Monday (July 28) and we knew she wouldn't be able to visit here for quite some time due to all our stairs.All went well...she had a partial knee replacement...came home on Wednesday and I've been busy visiting her in hospital and at home. Also I've been trying to give my Dad some added support since she can't be left alone yet, so if he needs to go out for anything, or even to have a shower in the first couple days, he felt better if I was there. Last week was busy as a result, (they live about 20 minutes away from me) and I'll be offering assistance again this week although it's not quite as crucial - Dad feels he can leave her alone for a few moments at a time now. She is not to move around without someone else close by in case she gets in trouble but the danger last week was in that she is on blood thinners because of a clotting issue after surgery like this one and that puts her at risk for stroke, etc. therefore the need for company. My Dad is a little over protective at times but I'm with him on this one... she means too much to both of us so a little extra TLC is OK.If anyone is wondering I am an only child so it is only me to help out and I don't have any slacker siblings! tehe! So thank you to all who check in to see how I am doing... there is nothing new to report on Sarah....a couple of cancelled appointments have slowed things down.....oh well, what can you do?!Hope you are all having a wonderful and safe summer! I look forward to talking soon!love Deb