November

November, in New Zealand, at least this year, is beautiful spring weather. We have strawberries already, escaping from the raised bed and enough to share with the birds and slugs, though I may try to do something about that...

Joseph is in the midst of big exams; he will be done with all of them in a week, and done with his penultimate year of school. Almost time to really think about college. Almost.

Emily has almost four more weeks of school, which seem to consist mainly of sports and plays and fun things. She is happy at school right now, with two or three good friends who provide solace from the teasing of the boys...and she thinks maybe the teasing is better because they feel sorry for her now, and she is taking advantage of that. She is very open in talking about Manford's illness, and her friends are supportive. She and I went last night to a magic show, which we got tickets to via Rainbow Place, the programme within Hospice for children. The performers were Americans--one traditional magician and one more comic one; they were affiliated with the Lions somehow, doing a series of performances in New Zealand. We both enjoyed it muchly, though it was past our bedtime.

Manford is in hospice this week, enjoying their very kind and thoughtful staff who don't mind his calling in the middle of the night...He was there last week for a few days, then got very homesick and came home over the weekend, then wished he was back there, and his wish was granted. He will probably be there until Friday. He is frustrated with being so tired, but not in pain. He does appreciate the messages he has gotten from people, and knows people are thinking of him.

Last Friday night we had a movie night at Rainbow Place (which has really nice facilities, including a room with lots of beanbag chairs and a TV) for the families of the brain tumor support group; I will post a picture. I managed to convince Joseph to come (there were two other teenaged boys there; Emily took now persuading), and Manford came and sat through the whole movie (How to Train your Dragon).

Meanwhile, we are getting the yard all spruced up, and I am working on Christmas shopping, suddenly realizing that it is coming, though I can't really associate Christmas with summer and so it is still very confusing.

Merry Thanksgiving and stay warm, or cool, or whatever is appropriate.