January 1, 2015 

I was determined to finish reading a novel I had started, and I did. Before that, however, I walked Val in subfreezing weather. It was too cold for Betty and me to walk, but she called and recounted her visit with mom the day before. Mom told her that she loved company, but that she is “not wanted” here. When I asked mom about this today, she denied having said it, or at least couldn’t recall it. She did, however, ask again for her jewelry. So I gathered up what I could find and brought it to her. She has been wearing the watch I gave her. It was one she gave me years ago, and it never made it out of my jewelry box until mom asked for it. She didn’t seem particularly interested in any of the things I showed her. The earrings were too long or too fancy. But she is now wearing her mother’s gold chain and the medallion of the Virgin Mary. Mom gave this to me ages ago. I am happy that seeing it makes her happy. She tried to wear the cocktail ring that dad might have given her, but it’s a bit too large to wear for everyday. The ring sports a gold flower (which I don’t think is real gold). The stamens in the petals end in tiny diamond chips. It’s not likely that anyone will wear this creation any time soon. But it’s in mom’s possession once again. She is remembering things she lost or gave up. Marcy has her wedding ring already, and mom has been asking for it. I might ask Marcy to give it up for a while so that mom can wear it again. We’ll see if mom asks for it again.

Off to make my pork and sauerkraut, a Berks County tradition on New Year’s Day. I only got into it last year. Takes some getting used to. I still prefer ravioli!

Happy New Year to all!