As reported earlier, Anne and I have settled into the condo with Mom and Dad.  We are at the end of a first full week that has been a bit more exciting than necessary, but still pleasant and lovely.  January weather is often eventful in January and this week brought a cold front and now unsettled weather.  Still, compared with the weather on South Mountain this week, it has been wonderful. 

Mom fell on Wednesday and fractured her pelvis a bit (hairline fractures of the pubis).  That resulted in a trip to the E.R. and now more limited mobility and doctor's visits.  We can deal with that and try to maintain her mobility as she heals.  She maintains good spirits but is of course frustrated by increasing fragility.  Dad is doing well but increasingly demands little comforts to excess.  His daughters, and now Anne alone, say no when he wants more snacks, desserts, or adult beverages than his allotted portion.  He accepts that, but misses the satisfaction of more treats. 

Anne and I jog each week day and swim laps at the pool most days.  Since one of us should be with parents or parent all of the time, we are mostly at Heritage Cove.  We do have in an aid at least twice a week which should allow us a joint venture out at times, but so far since Mary Helen left, we have not chanced it.  We are not yet comfortable enough with the aids.  We stay busy with Mom and Dad and our own business chores, travel planning, and hobbies.  So far it has been pleasant to be away from the house with its demands and the cold of South Mountain.  We may start getting antsy soon, though. 

The south Florida tourist season is in full swing and this year is better than last.  Even the price of real estate is going up.  That is both good news and bad, good for the economy but bad for those of us who remember south Florida before it turned into an endless series of gated communities.  The wilds of south Florida shrink faster than half-gallon ice cream containers.  Still one finds bits of paradise left and of the wildlife that once was more widespread and abundant.  We have already had the joy of watching  roseate spoonbills and wood storks this year.  I joke that the latter is the most conspicuous rare bird in America.  The pair of bald eagles along A & W Bulb Road have begun nesting again even as the highway department is widening that street to four lanes.  We see one or both of them almost daily from here at Heritage Cove.