Happy October 2025! I miss being able to drive down with a mailbox decoration from the shop and my husband and I changing out the one there for the new one twice a month. It was particularly wonderful when someone would start to drive by, stop, and get out of the car to tell us what a kick they got out of our decorations. Several people told us they drove by often just to see if we had changed the decoration yet. How wonderful is that! 🤗
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This morning I was up at 1am wringing out towels from my leaking windows with a hard storm from Typhoon Regasa. I got back to sleep, back up again at 5 in order to check the towels again and get ready for the gym. I had to wring them out again, but that has been it for the day. I got the towels on my drying rack out on the balcony, and everything is almost dry now. I have rolled up towels in the window sills again, in case we’re not finished with the remnants of the typhoon, but hopefully, it has passed us now.
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This is the latest painted sketch.
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We went to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning. This is a 3 hour round trip we make three times a week to show him we love him and make sure he’s getting the care he needs. At first we thought he wasn’t going to talk to us at all. I had almost given up after about 25 minutes of our asking questions or making statements with no reaction from him at all when he suddenly said, “I’m trying to remember where I got your engagement ring. I want to get you a “better” wedding ring.” I sat there with tears running down my face.
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Today has turned out to be a beautiful day with lots of sunshine. Dark clouds are looming, but they haven’t won yet. I’ll take it! 👍
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When we got home, Brian walked me to my door. A couple of minutes later he was back with a small package in his hand that had arrived downstairs. I opened it and found two new squeeze balls! When he ordered the original for Harvey, two came in the package. He gave one to Harvey and the other to me. I have to admit I keep it on my computer desk, reaching for it and squeezing it whenever I’m here. It’s mesmerizing. Sadly, about 3 weeks ago I punctured mine inadvertently with a fingernail. I told Harvey about it when I was handing him the ball, encouraging him to practice with his weaker left hand. Brian quietly ordered another set. I’m thrilled! I have my toy back! We’ll take the other one to swap out for the original one the next time we visit Harvey. This new one is actually better than the old one.
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I hope your day/evening is filled with giggles and grins..
creativeartworksblog 
I am sure you and the people who saw your mailbox decorations miss them. Those were amazing and required a great deal of skill and talent. I enjoyed seeing them this Wednesday morning, as I am at home on PTO this week.
That was sweet yet sad about your Harvey. That was a nugget for sure to treasure. I had tears reading about him and what he said as well as your reaction. That has to be so hard to see him this way, but you are also very strong and making the most of the life you now have. And, just like the mailbox decorations, you are still sharing what you have with us. Thank you for your generosity. (Donna)
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You are such a nice lady, Donna. I really appreciate you. Thanks for your kind words.
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Oh yes, I figured I had missed reading one of your posts about Harvey. I’m thrilled for the new squeeze balls too! Yay, Brian! (Such a wonderful son.)
I hear you, Linda, about the mailbox artworks and how you miss the routine of that and the lovely comments from people who would drive by. I know it’s all just a matter of focus (whether we miss anything or not). And you sure have your hands full there in Thailand with all the towel wringing! But you’re handling all of this with grace. Even the super special words from Harvey about getting you a better wedding ring. Somewhere in there, Harvey still exists.
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We are going to visit Harvey today. We will take the new squeeze ball and swap it for the old one, plus take a sack of meds. Every once in a while, he reminds me he IS still in there somewhere. I live for those moments. Agreed that Brian is THE most wonderful son. 🙂
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I love hearing this, Linda.
The new squeeze ball should please Harvey. I hope so anyway!
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We ended up deferring giving it to him until another time. He was almost totally unresponsive this time. He was eating breakfast (or I should say ‘playing at eating’ ) the whole time we were there. He didn’t respond to questions or things we told him. He just continued to play with his food and trying to make a mess. I told him I loved him before I left. He mumbled something. I bent down and asked him to repeat. He said, “I love you too, indeed”
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Aww! At least he told you , I love you. That’s enough. ❤️
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It’s everything.
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