Update from Van for Sun Mar 27

It's Sunday morning, March 27 as I write this. "Renaissance" is not precisely the right word, but for the last few days, it feels something like that. There have been longer and longer periods of lucidity, engagement, and expressions of that loving, positive spirit Barbara so embodies. Very little pain or other discomfort. Even some slight return of appetite and the sweet feel of flavor on her tongue. She's slept well the last two nights and naps during the day, but often, when apparently asleep, she's hearing almost everything we say, opening her eyes and murmuring, "No, you're not remembering that right."

The formidable Laurel (webmaster for this blog, and much else beside) calculated that yesterday, March 26, was exactly Barbara's 79.5 birthday, a factoid none of the rest of us would have ever thought to calculate. A lovely, lively birthday party ensued--eight of us and Barbara beaming at the center. The pictures don't say it all but they say a lot. In additional serendipity, one of our dearest, oldest friends, Paul Ivory, called from Australia, and the edges of long separation were drawn once again closer together. Her harpsichord teacher, Kathy Perl, will play for her later today.