We had a very nice overnight visit with Marjie and Ed Hinton yesterday. They arrived just after 3:30 and left this morning around 9:30. Everything went smoothly. It was like old times with Marjie who was a close friend when we lived in Madison 1965-68. Although she has remarried, we still feel close to her as well as her new (31 years) husband, Ed.
I doubt that either of them suspected Kate’s AD. A number of things were apparent to me but were probably not noticeable to them. When we were driving near the University after dinner last night, Kate commented that basketball was really the big thing around here. She is right that basketball is popular, but football is king. There were also a couple of times that she either repeated something she had said before or something I had said.
In addition, one of the things that has emerged during her “illness” is a greater interest in family. I don’t know that this is caused in any way by AD, but her jumping into conversations with people to talk about her family has increased tremendously over the past few years. It often comes out in talking over other people who are speaking. She seems eager to tell people about her family.
She really enjoyed showing the Hintons her yard. They both took a good bit of interest, and I must say that things look beautiful. The beauty was enhanced by two beautifully sunny days. I am sure she took great satisfaction in seeing her efforts being recognized and appreciated.
I should add that although she had been talking about and making preparations for their visit all week, she had forgotten about their coming yesterday until I mentioned something in passing. That was about 4 hours before their arrival. It was as though she had never known about it. That and a problem getting ready in time for a hair appointment led her to suggest that we get a calendar to post on the refrigerator door. I think that may be a good idea as well although I think I need to continue to enter things on my calendar with reminders to jog memory.
The good news is that even this far into her AD, Kate is able to enjoy life, and that together we are making the most of the time we have.
