AN UPDATE ON MY DAD, AND OUR CURRENT WHEREABOUTS

After a short (4 days), pleasant “vacation” to coastal California (10 to 15 degrees cooler than Sacramento), we are back in the Sacramento metro area at Beals Point Campground near Folsom Lake.  We arrived yesterday in 95 degrees and full sunshine, and were happy to find that our site became shaded as the afternoon progressed.  We have 50 amps, water and sewer here, so we can stay comfortable in the heat.

When we made our reservation a week ago (you have to use Reserve America), we gagged a bit on $34/night – but these state park sites are spacious and the location very convenient for us, halfway between my parents’ home and the Sutter Rehabilitation Institute, where my Dad is getting excellent care in recovering from his stroke.  On Monday of this week, two days before we arrived, fees at all the California State Parks went up, substantially.  The new nightly rate here is $45!  Since we had paid in full at the time we made our reservation, we feel like we got a good deal. :)

My Dad has made great progress.  His short term memory is non-existent, and he has significant vision loss, prognosis unknown.  No more driving for him, and he really can’t be left alone for awhile.  He CAN walk (though it is best if someone is very nearby, but that will improve when he is home and can hang on to furniture).  He looks normal, his speech is normal, his longer term memory is unaffected.  His sense of humor is undiminished and he works hard with his various therapists.  Go, Daddy!

He will be discharged from the rehabilitation center (boy, have I learned a lot there!) tomorrow and we finally get to bring him home.  In-home therapy will begin next week.  I’ll be staying with my mom and dad for a few days while we see what potential obstacles need to be worked out. 

If all goes as planned, Odel and I will be able to leave the heat of the Sacramento valley and move a couple of hours away to the Bay area – much cooler, but still close enough to be supportive.  We plan to stay in northern and central California until Thanksgiving – Napa, Petaluma, Calistoga, Santa Cruz, maybe as far south as Santa Barbara.  These are areas we visited many times when we were working folk living in Sacramento, and all are places we enjoy.  Blog posts to follow, once we are underway again.

Thanks for all the comments and personal emails we have received.  What a wonderful community of friends!