5/18/2010: New chapter, aquatic therapy, storm doors, Science Times ... hospital change

Dad's physical therapy work-up on the 4th floor of the Wilmington Hospital's Joint Replacement and therapist Christy, who was thorough and went through a series of questions and then talked about exercises, which dad paid passing attention to. He was honest. Haven't done the exercises since leaving Manor Care a couple of months ago, but he did well according to her guidelines, but he was a little downtrodden to learn that bilateral arthroplasty is rare and recovery, complete that is, takes from 6 mos. to a year before your back to your old self, whatever that was.

Cromwell's Tavern in Greenville, a few minutes after 11 a.m. (appt. @ Wilmington Hospital was at 10 a.m. - we made good time)... Mairzi (she recognized and warmly welcomed dad), who use to work at the Kennett Square Inn ... and then moved onto Cromwell's and was asked to join their serving force without even applying. She was engaging and didn't charge dad for his vodka martini. We enjoyed, together for the first real time, a fantastic dessert ... a huge strawberry shortcake ("traditional pound cake soaked in simple syrup, layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream $5.50") that was absolutely delicious.

Dinners from Bachetti's (Teriyaki London Broil and meatloaf, brought out as I made a choice from limited selections -- i.e., only the London Broil -- "do you want a meatloaf," the woman asked, which needed to be wrapped in plastic) and then a stop at the place where dad will hope to do his aquatic therapy, Dynamic, just down from the the food store and meals' provider.

Got a stunning letter, forwarded from North Augusta, from Rev. Margaret Beard

who announced her resignation from the pulpit after less than 2 years as our spiritual head. "My last day of work will be Augusta 9, 2010," she wrote. I felt there were issues but as usual, did not get involved in the politics. She made changes and there were upset people, but I've been away for so long. I did feel as though she made little effort to connect with me during my absence. She sent one e-mail regarding the start-up of a caring group for aging parents.