I made it to WV, I'm two hours out, had to stop. Easy drive tomorrow, the tough part is behind me.
Thanks Susie, I'm doing okay, I'm sad, of course. There are things that put it in perspective, she lived a good, long life and at the end, she didn't suffer long and was peaceful when she went. That's what keeps me going. It's also nice to see my family, I've missed them, especially the little ones. Sad time, but part of life. I still thank you for thinking of me, that was nice.
Well today, dinner was a success and that's no small feat. My father was diagnosed with dementia four years ago and he's been angry ever since. His initial anger came because he no longer has access to his car, his guns and his money, the three things that were key to his happiness. He does still bring that up occasionally, but for the most part, all he remembers is that he's angry. He complains all the time and is never happy about a meal, nobody cooks anything the way he likes it and that's his go to bitch fest. Last night I made split pea soup, salad, a cheese plate and served warm bread. He started by asking if I was sure I put enough onion in the soup and ended up bitching because the bread wasn't crispy or hot enough, which I took as a compliment, considering that was his only real complaint. Today, I made strip steak, sauted mushrooms, grilled onions, salad, Italian green beans and, of course hot bread. When he asked what I was making, he was sure to let me know he likes his steak rare, which, of course, I know, that's how I like mine too. I seared the steaks on the stove top, sliced and pre-buttered the bread and put it under the broiler while I flashed the steaks in the pan and had him at the table, so everything was really hot, right off the flame. Well, he dug in and didn't come up for air until his plate was clean. Half way through, I asked him how it was and he grumbled, "Okay.". He made not one complaint and when he finished he said, " That was good!"! Then he went into the living room, sat down and started to whistle! You have no idea what an accomplishment that was, I did good!! :)
