How Do You Start The Washing Machine?

Monday October 14, 1991

I have slept so well every night. I am so lucky. The bleeding has almost stopped but the boil or cyst under my left eye is awful looking. I first noticed it Saturday evening. It has really come to a head and is red and swollen around it. I guess it is from the anesthesia or the morphine.

Valerie and Spencer come to visit. Frank does the laundry. These simple housekeeping tasks seem so difficult for him. I must realize they are second nature to me but strange to him. Be patient, Dolores.

Shirley and Jim Turner come by before dancing to bring me books. Frank later goes square dancing. I insist--I think he needs time out, away from me and the house.

Hah! Finally a chink in Frank's armor! Mr. Wonderful is having trouble doing laundry. I don't think my husband has ever done laundry or cleaned a bathroom. I think he has vacuumed once or twice. This morning I asked if he could get me a roll of paper towels and he did not know where we keep them after living in this house for 7 years! Come to think of it, I think I am the only one in the house who knows how to replace the papers towels or toilet paper on the holders!

Square Dancing Club

Monday May 20, 1991

Ready to walk again but too busy with lots of wash to do. Big mistake, I brush Daisy in the house and fur flies averywhere. Big vacuum job.

My appetite seems to be getting back to normal, just in time. I've gained back 2 pounds. No more!

Sally arrives for an impromptu visit and helps me put the spread on my bed. We have a 2 hour visit during which Frank arrives home.

My chest doesn't hurt today so maybe that was from vomiting but my back and legs have started to hurt again like before my stay in the hospital. A few stomach pains but no problem.

After a taco dinner we dress for square dancing. Last class. We do well at class. Then go to Hudson's Grill with 16 for chocolate malt.

Mom was blessed to be able to retire from a stressful job when she was 52. Even though she had a busy social life, after her retirement, she wanted to expand their circle of friends, so she and Frank took up square dancing. They took classes, they joined a club and danced several times a week. They went camping with their square dancing club several times every year. After mom died, the ladies from her square dancing club came into her home during the funeral and set up food for the reception after the graveside service. I really appreciated their helpfulness.