Terry called me yesterday from the hospital in Salida (where, she reported, it was only 35 degrees) to give me an update with some details regarding Hilda's Wednesday fall.  Though it had occurred quite early, Terry was awake that morning (with a headache) and actually heard the thump of the fall.  Of course she immediately ran to check on Hilda, and found her on the floor of the bathroom.  

As soon as Terry tried to help up her mom from the floor

 it was abundantly clear that something was very wrong...

Of course all surgery entails some risk, but at age 97 those risks are substantial.  Hilda, in on the discussions of how to deal with her broken hip, voted for surgery in hopes of regaining as much mobility as possible.  Unfortunately there were no 'perfect' options, and the three sisters agreed it was the best choice.

Karen, tasked with keeping me in the loop, sent me this e-mail later:

Meanwhile the important news is that Mom made it through surgery and was just awake enough to recognize me and then Terry when we went in separately to wish her good night. The team said she had gotten through the surgery very well, and they will monitor her closely through the night.

Since we have to visit one at a time due to Covid restrictions, Terry will go in the morning, then maybe Elinor at midday as she and Richard are going to pick up their new dryer in Canyon City, then me in the afternoon. 

Terry had contacted Cheryl right away, and she is now at the house to help out with Neil "until whenever".  And while I of course prefer not to 'do' winter any more, I made it clear to Terry that (as always) if she needs me I WILL head back up there.  She assured me she knows that, and in the event that things change, she wouldn't hesitate to call.

But the good news is that (at least for the moment) I'm not needed!

During our morning chat Terry had mentioned that Karen's plans had included an imminent trip back home to NYC for a week or two to "visit" with hubby Mark, but that was up in the air until after the surgery.  If things continue to go well, Hilda will only stay in the hospital for a couple of days  and then (instead of having to go to a rehab facility with all the risks that would entail!) will go home where Terry (and Cheryl?) will be able to care for her.  With Neil basically bed-ridden for several years now they have the tools, knowledge, and practice to take care of Hilda as well as anyone!

I continued working on the driveway cracks yesterday in fits and starts -

(and expect to continue with that chore later today.)

During one of yesterday's rest periods I watched Bowfinger, 

a movie with Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy.  

On the verge of bankruptcy and desperate for his big break, aspiring filmmaker Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) concocts a crazy plan to make his ultimate dream movie. Rallying a ragtag team that includes a starry-eyed ingenue (Heather Graham), a has-been diva (Christine Baranski) and a film studio gofer (Jamie Kennedy), he sets out to shoot a blockbuster featuring the biggest star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) -- only without letting Ramsey know he's in the picture.

It was as absurd (and entertaining) as expected.

Watched more British Baking before bed, and the two episodes (one on tarts, the other on desserts) had me seriously considering falling off the diet wagon!

But I didn't - and was rewarded with a happy number on the scale this morning.

This morning's "agenda" includes a dog walk with Mary.  

Today I'll be putting her to work since Vera is joining us.