You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130


Den's appointment with the gastroenterologist on Monday didn't tell us a whole lot. The next step, a CT Scan scheduled for January 13, may reveal more. The trip to the specialist was a parade. Kim, Aaron, Chris, and I went with Den and had a two-hour wait before getting into see the guy. The day was very rough for Den. It was bitter cold here, and he was totally exhausted. It wasn't a cakewalk for the rest of us either.

Since Monday, Den is 'some better.' Yesterday was probably his best day in about three weeks. Last evening his kids and their families came for the Christmas get-together. I didn't stay for the occasion because I had already made three trips there and was exhausted for reasons explained below.

Yesterday, the facility announced at one in the afternoon that word from the insurance company had arrived: NO MORE PAYMENT. Of course, that set off a huge alarm because these places are extremely expensive. Rose and I met with the facility social worker who is in charge of such things and arranged to have Den moved to a less expensive floor. Less expensive translates to $140 per day from the $300 per day where he has been. Of course, we enlisted Catrina's help because it seemed unseemly that all this could happen two days before Christmas. Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the new Scrooge? Anyway, we may have a reprieve for a short time. THANK YOU, CATRINA!

Meanwhile, the facility is leaving Den in the room where he is until BC & BS reviews his case. Even with another week (and that's still a question), the problem of longer-term care is a pressing one. Den is unable to stay by himself. I can't take care of him, and there is no good alternative to one of these expensive facilities. The title to this story: "Back to Poverty Flats" or "Return to Turnbow." We're laughing here only to keep from crying.

On a different topic, I had a wonderful weekend with Chris and Shelly, then with Margaret and Norm. They all treated me royally. Chris ferried me all over town. Shelly cooked her special stuffed shells. Norm was at Charm Level 10, and Margaret her usual caring, loving self. She fried chicken and served it up with all the trimmings. Margaret planned to make eight pounds of fudge on Sunday but didn't get around to it. On Tuesday I called to see how the fudge was coming. Margaret said, "I cooked, and I ate it ALL." Den and I have been looking forward to that fudge. Den asked if it was taking so long because Margaret was 'fermenting' it like Norm does his wine.

Shirley came home on Monday. Chris picked her up at the airport then he came and got me at the Facility. Shirley and I went to Applebee's for dinner on Monday. Rose returned on Tuesday, again calling on the Christopher Taxi Service. What would we all do without Chris? [By the way, Chris, isn't it time for you to post an editorial here? We've been hearing popular demand for input from you. And, Anyone Else, please post comments!]

We heard from Scott yesterday. Louisville is in the middle of that big snow storm that is just east of us here in St. Louis. Brayden, when he saw the snow, ran to the window and said, "Cool!!!" Today is Jalen's Seventh Birthday. Yesterday Scott had a Super Jalen Birthday Celebration, going sledding with Jalen and letting him open his gifts. When Rose talked with Jalen, she said, "Oh, Jalen, I am so glad your birthday didn't get lost in Christmas." Jalen's response indicated he was bewildered that a birthday could 'get lost.' Scott assured us that the whole week was one big birthday-Christmas celebration in Louisville. Scott, Sherry, and the two boys will arrive here Christmas evening.