It takes a village

Sandra and Marian are returning from PEI today. Adam's driving. Mike will be here in a while to build a ramp leading to the house from the driveway, making it accessible for MRM's wheelchair. Yesterday, grandsons Michael, Matt, and Joe helped me move furniture from and to the in-law apartment. Lynn, Krista, and Tess made one couch available to us and found a place for another.
We weren't able to get the fold-out couch through the front door at M&L's. Michael was trying to turn the couch on edge to see if it would make it through that way. It was a struggle. "You need to work out some more," Cassie said to Michael. "Do some push-ups."
For about $10 less a month than what we're now paying, we can get phone service through the cable company, Charter. They'll be here on Monday to set up the phone for Marian. Last year I was trying to figure out the telephone wiring in the house. (At one point 10 years ago, we'd had as many as four land-line numbers.) I found out which of the supposedly low-voltage lines are still live. I concluded that I'd better stop fixing things before they got even worse. A short while later, Sandra and I discontinued the land-lines and just use our mobile phones.
This is a big change for everyone, mostly for Marian. She has lost her companion of 66+ years. She'll have lots of family and friends around, in this town where she's lived since the 50s. But, it's not the same and we all know it. We'll do what we can, welcome ideas, and try to have a sense of humility and humor.
The air-conditioner is working well. I might move it to a different window for better circulation around the room. Space is tight in a few places and I think we'll have to remove a door or two. Mobility is more important than modesty this time around.
Marley will glad for Marian's company as she will be for his. He'll also like the ramp. Those back legs of his aren't fond of stairs.