Mary left for Houston. She’ll be visiting our cousin on the Ellis side, Libby Watkins. Mary loves Tex-Mex and has a favorite spot. On Friday she leaves for LAX where she boards Singapore Air.

She spent almost exactly three months. Cleaning the whole house one room at a time, then collaborating with Robin, helping with the move to Elk Run and general house clearing. Not to mention acting as a foster mom to Shadow. I’ll miss her.

By the time she returns to Melbourne in two weeks spring will be underway. If the weather gods grant us mercy, we’ll be feeling like fall.

By some paradox I’m stronger now than when Mary came. I had a tough time starting in April just before my trial infusion. It continued into May and early June when Mary arrived. Now, after pneumonia and the ICU, I’m mentally clear, exercising, and looking forward to the move. Go figure.

A summer of constant guests, friends, family. Busiest this house has been since we moved here. Played a role I imagine in helping my recovery. I also think the physical struggles of July: pneumonia and rehab forced me into a get better or really sink place.

Those struggles also cracked open my attitude about living alone. Even though I feel better than I have most of this year, I’m still very weak. Need a walker. Tire quickly. Can’t cook or move around the house. Not driving. Realized I wouldn’t feel safe on my own any longer. A bitter conclusion, yet true.

So… Elk Run.