Saturday is a Good Day for a Parade

Early this morning, Larry and Noriko left to go back to Montana. They had a great visit, and now understand the true benefit of Ceil being home for her recovery. I want to thank Noriko for weeding Ceil's flower beds. What a great job she did. We wish them a safe journey and continued health and success.

You know summer is here when the parades start. Today, Ceil and Linda had planned to go to the parade, that just so happens to go down 31st avenue. The weather cleared up just in time for the parade. Kevin and Colleen came to be with Ceil for the parade as well. We walked down about three or four blocks and found a nice area to sit. Denise, Bill, and Ian showed up to join the fun. The parade began and we were all yelling for candy. Most of it landed right in Ceil's lap. Pretty slick. Scott and Bretton stopped by to say hello, and we went over and visited with Stepahanie, Kenzie, and baby Levi. That baby is so cute!

We did get one full tune from a marching band, which Ceil really enjoyed. After a while, Ceil was ready to head home for lunch and a nap. It was a nice morning for a parade.

Fantastic Friday and the Cake Plate

Ceil had speech therapy this morning with Jane. Larry and Noriko were observers of the session. Ceil did very good on item ID and reading.

Looking in on Ceil's PT session.

Down the hallway with Steve and Larry. Larry and Noriko also assisted Steve with PT as she walked the entire hallway! Good job Ceil!

Brian stopped by during lunch for a visit and up went the volume.

And just when you thought the day was over. In came Lee, Maxine, and Doris to visit Ceil. Ceil was so happy to see her sisters and Lee. They came with a lovely pineapple upside-down bundt cake they picked up in Pequot Lakes at a Methodist church cake sale.

Lee told some great stories.

We had a lovely dinner, with lots of great

conversation, and afterward Linda put the candles on the cake and brought it out to the birthday boy, Larry.

When we were done, Maxine and Doris were talking about the cake and how it was on a nice plate, (as seen above) that Larry could keep for a gift. However, upon further inspection, it was found that the person who made the cake taped their name and address on the bottom of the plate and requested that it be returned! Boy, did we laugh.

Larry will write them and request return postage! ;^)

Ceil was so happy to see her sisters. We look forward to more visit from family and friends. It was a fantastic Friday for Ceil.

Oh, by the way. We got stuck with the plate! :^()

Lemonade Festival

The big event of the day for Ceil was going to the lemonade Festival. Linda took the day off just to spend the day with her mom and enjoy the festival. It was warm, but not too hot as we made our way through the maze of booths and people looking for that special something. We stopped by Daryl and Mary's booth to visit and look at Daryl's artwork. While we never found that special something, Ceil enjoyed getting out and people watching.

A Walk After the Rain and Visitors Arrive

We started off the day with a nice walk after the rains of last night. It was so nice to see all of the green and flowering plants. Ceil was very engaged and looked carefully at her surroundings. which is a good sign of continued healing and recovery.

Such a lovely flower.

Ceil admires a really nice garden

Ceil looked at the kiddie pool and said, "oh, water!"

Larry and Noriko arrived this evening from Bemidji. Ceil was so surprised and happy to see them!

Denise also came bearing gifts. What a great evening for Ceil.

Don't Be A Stranger

It's been pretty quiet here lately. I would encourage you to call, or stop by to say hello to Ceil when you have the time. It is so good for her to interact with her family and friends. The best time to reach Ceil is after 3:30 pm weekdays. Longer visit are welcomed, and encouraged on weekends.
"The journal Stroke says that increased "levels of social support were found to be predictive of a more rapid rate of recovery and a greater amount of overall improvement in functioning, even among patients with more severe stroke." What if you are not a member of the family, and still want to be an integral part of the healing process? Keep in mind that your regular visits alone are a great healing tool for your friend. Spend good time together, perhaps inviting the patient out with you to some of your favorite spots.Yes, friends who are supportive really can actually "rescue" a stroke patient from the isolation that can come from such a situation and which often times than not does result with most victims of stroke. No matter how much the person has changed, always affirm their worth in your own eyes and those of others around them. Make sure you are making every effort to talk to them and spend time with them. This is a long road to recovery, but it can be a successful one if friends and family are a big part of the process!" Taken from the The Stroke Foundation webpage.
Thanks.
Linda and Rob

Getting Better All The Time

Ceil continues to improve in her speech and item recognition. Ceil matched all of the objects correctly, and even drew the line before Jane could finish her directions. Ceil got an A for today's effort. Steve worked with Ceil on transferring herself from the bed to the chair. In the video, you can see that Ceil is getting stronger every day and her right leg is also functioning better as well.

Claude came over for his birthday dinner and Ceil sang happy birthday loud and clear. Claude was all smiles,

Time with Kevin

Ceil spent some quality time with Kevin today. They went to beaver Island trail, the dam, and then met up with Brian and Mickie for lunch at Wilson park. Kevin told me that Ceil really enjoyed herself and being outside in the sun. It was a nice day for being outside.