Summer ending

It was an uneventful and quick ride home to NYC. We stopped to see Dad and talked about a few more of the many cards he received. He particularly liked one from a calligraphy friend. He was urgent to tell us that the woman, Florence, who moved in during the past year at 103 years of age had passed away. She was 104. We lost one of our group, he said. Though he doesn't appear to pay much attention to anyone he does seem to like the routine of eating with the same people and has learned something about each person.

It is blistering hot in NYC and everywhere. We watched the temperature outside climb from the high 70's up into the 90's by the time we reached NYC. Emma wants to take the kids into the city on the subway tomorrow and I can't even imagine setting foot underground right now.

Felicity talked a lot of the last hours of the trip today and we noted how much of her language has changed and deeloped since early July. She asks us to sing Mary Chip (May Had a Little Lamb) over and over again and doesn't seem to care that we make up verses just to keep the tune going. She said "my turn" today and still uses "I'm fine." when she wants you to ignore her.

Henry has become increasingly discontent with the car rides and cried his way home for the last hour or so. And yet, when he is fed and awake he is always cheerful and pleasant. He has taken to nesting in Pat's arms to watch sports.

Today was Ruby's first day of First Grade. She rode the bus to school by herself. I love that her new backpack is about as big as she is.