"The Ladies"

I spent Easter weekend with my grandmother and great aunt, who I commonly call "my grandparents" but who are referred to by the family as "the Ladies."

Grandma is 86. She is about 4'10" but has more energy than most people half her age. She was the baby of her family, and she loves to be in the spotlight.

Sudie, my great aunt, is 92. She is the opposite of her younger sister. She is quiet, contemplative and a scholar.

Life moves at a much slower pace at the Ladies' house. Coming from my world where I usually have to multitask and never get everything done, it feels like time grinds to a halt. I often find myself fighting sleep at their place, no matter what the time of day.

This is amplified by the heat. The temperature can always be counted on to be very warm in their cottage, and with the cold front that came through last weekend, I knew they would have it cranked up extra high. Sure enough, I ended up in a t-shirt and jeans, nothing on my feet, and put my hair up to try not to overheat. Sudie was alarmed that my feet were bare.

Both of the Ladies are experiencing the effects of macular degeneration, which has deteriorated their eyesight significantly. They both are avid readers, and their dwindling eyesight depresses them. Smaller type faces are impossible to decipher, so Sudie gave me a pile of books that she can't enjoy.

She also asked me if I was interested in a magazine called Farm.
Sudie: "Emily, are you interested in Farm?"
Emily: "No, not really." (I said politely)
Sudie: "It has an interesting article about alternative fuels."
Emily: "You know, I think Anthony (my bro-in-law) would enjoy that."
Sudie: "Oh, that's a good idea."
Grandma, coming down the hall: "What are you talking about?"
Sudie: "I was asking Emily if she was interested in Farm."
Grandma: "Oh! I thought you said 'Porn'! I didn't think we had any, and I couldn't figure out why you were giving it to Emily."

I cracked up. I didn't know my grandmother even KNEW that word! Guess their hearing is going, too.