In early October, Mark and I drove to New Mexico to see my mom and Granny. They are 77 & 97. Both suffer from dementia, but are completely different in temperament. Granny can suffer from nightmares all night, but say she slept fine. Her positive attitude is an inspiration.

I finally got to see the turtle they talk about whenever I call. He comes to the patio, they feed him, he wanders off. Much easier to deal with than a dog!

Mark took us on a mini-vacation to the mountains. With the help of the caregivers, we were able to spend 2 days in the mountains where we used to camp with dad. Granny didn’t want to leave — she found the tree-covered mountain vistas relaxing.

The area where we fished and camped was devastated about 5 years ago by wildfires. While the signs said closed, Mark has never let that bother him, so we drove around. (The campgrounds were closed but the U.S. Forest Service still had some primitive camping areas and roads in good shape.)

Since we’ve been home, work has been wide open, including shooting for “The Food Factor.” I brined a turkey one day and roasted it the next — I’m pleased with how pretty it looked! And it was delicious.

I’ve finished all of the blocks for my “Block of the Month Club” and just need to put it together. Here is the last block.

I also took a class from Judy Stokes on a block called “Daybreak.” It’s 4 quadrants turned to make a star — the block is 16.5″! One down, eleven to go.

Next adventure: my sister Kellie and her sons are coming for Thanksgiving! WOOT!