Another wrinkle with Mom.  

On her way back from the shower one of the nurses noticed a serious rash on her legs/ankles/feet.  According to Mom she's "had that a long time", but the aides had been calling it dry skin and just putting lotion on it.  The nurse called the doctor and now a steroid cream has been prescribed. (The pharmacy didn't have it in stock though it should be in by tomorrow.)  In the meantime, Mom's been instructed to wear cotton socks instead of her nylon ones just in case she's developed some sort of allergy.  (Once back at Mink Hollow Dr. Bobbi searched rashes, and feels that the pix/descriptions seem to indicate stasis dermatitis.)

Andy & Sandy joined us for a lovely lunch at Overlook, and walking over there (Mom rode in a wheelchair) from Arbor Ridge we got to see places we'd never seen before - and also got to see all the new construction that's causing the road closure/detour.  While the food is okay in rehab, Mom definitely enjoyed "getting out" and ordering off a real menu.  She ordered soup, salad, and chicken - and to my surprise ate most of it. 

Back at her room, Mom opened her presents and then we enjoyed chocolate birthday cake - though barely made a dent in the huge cake.  Andy & Sandy did bring candles, but of course we realized that with oxygen in use we couldn't light them.

Thoroughly stuffed, we relocated down the hall to a little sun room (no sun, of course... it's a slimy rainy day) where we played 3 games of Rummikub.  Andy won the first game, Sandy won the second, and I won the third.  I stayed a little longer after they headed home, and Mom and I played one more game... which happily she won.

Tom called shortly after I got back to Mink Hollow.  He was hoping I was still at Riderwood so he could wish Mom a happy birthday in person.  Everything at home is fine, and Brownie is behaving himself - though of course Tom reports that it's quite toasty there.  Not here...  Andy got a fire going for the evening!