10/19/99 Update from Uncle Gary

10/19/1999

Dear Family,

All is well in Alabama! It is even getting cooler, why it was

only 82 today.

It has been down into the 50,s at night, though. We are all in

fairly good health, considering the condition we are in, Ha! Ha! Monica and

Chris celebrated their first year of wedded "Bliss" a couple of weeks

ago. She has had a sinus condition on and off all summer, and even spent a

night in the hospital because of dehydration. She seems to have that under

control now.

Last week she broke out with a rash, and had to go to a

Dermatologist today for it. He gave her Predisone (?) and some ointment and told her that if it wasn't noticeably better by Friday to call his office. He was

not real sure what was wrong, and did not rule out the possibility of a

reaction to a bug bite. Chris is busy getting ready for Hunting Season in his

Preserve, which keeps him hopping.

Diane and I are still plugging along. She is still doing a "Bang

Up" job at work, and is hopefully going to see a 5 - 10% pay raise this

month. I am working part time with our former Minister, Pastor Mark, in his

new position as Executive Director of the Lutheran Ministries of Alabama.

Mostly just Bookkeeping, and check balancing chores that he doesn't have

time for or doesn't want to cope with.

Grandma Davis is still basically the same, in her own little

world. She recognizes no one and talks virtually incoherently. She is still

in the Assisted Living Facility, Rosewood Terrace, but I don't know for

how much longer. Barbara, her Caregiver, had to raise her monthly fee to

$1,600.00 per month the first of October, and this is eating into her bank

account deeper and deeper. Having to pay for her drugs, at the rate of $450.00

to $600.00 dollars per month, doesn't do her account much good either.

Plus, her portion of the hospital stays at Baptist and at the State Hospital in

July and August look to be a couple of thousand, also. Life goes on, though. It

is so hard to visit with her, because she doesn't understand what you try to

tell her and just rambles on, whether you are through talking or not. She

doesn't want to be touched, hugged, or kissed. To her we are all strangers!

Well, enough of that! So, that's about all from here. I am glad

you are all doing well, and hope you continue to do so.

Love always,

Uncle Gary and Aunt Diane