Moose on the loose, or nearly so

As we enter the afternoon hours of April Fools Day I can, without chicanery, report that Mr. Saul is doing better. Much better.  Glenn Sims'/Carol Ostrom's declaration that he is one $#@!*$!!! strong moose can be confirmed. Yesterday's battle's are being won today. I know better than to declare unqualified victory, but all signs are good. John B. even ate Cream of Wheat this morning. He actually likes it! He had some yogurt, too. Except for an orange and a little yogurt Wednesday, this is the only real food he's managed.
So, this is very good. Kidneys also holding up their end. Whew!
It's looking good enough that there is talk of trying to sit him up in a chair and possibly even walk a bit. Literally, though, this is a one-step-at-a-time affair. So we shall see. I'll report later tonight.
Meanwhile, another round of thanks is in order, first to all of you sending comments and other messages of good will. Second to the cadre of old pals propping me up (Fred and Trish and Taz stalwart) and to the crew here in the ICU, esp the nursing staff including YenPei, the Sarahs, Bridget and Kris). Also to you, Mich, for the ever solid words of wisdom, and to my boys in Seattle and California for your love and affection. Sounds corny, and of course I can go there easily, but we do feel incredibly blessed by all of you.
I thought it would be a good time to share with you a few of the stupid questions (mostly from the ever-inquisitive John) that have been asked and, amazingly, answered:
,Q: What color was Raymond?
A: Reddish where he was invading soft tissue (sheath covering brain); bone-whitish everywhere else.
Q: Did you save some I can have, and how big were the pieces?
A: Uh, no.....It went to the lab for further analysis to make sure it was a meningioma rather than fibrous displasia (the other idea about Massey's true identity). Final answer will not be known til those tests are completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Pieces varied in size, but some were a little bigger than a thumbnail.
Q: Can I play rugby again?
A: Not for a year, but maybe after that (Kathy is shaking her head "nooooo" wildly in the background, to no apparent avail.)
And yes, John B. is nuts.
I'm taking a break while John snoozes, resting up for the tricks he must perform next. If he continues to please his masters, he may be moved up a floor to the general prison population. From there, escape may be possible by early next week.
Meanwhile, I've enjoyed a delicious lunch of some kind of quiche-like thing with puff pastry, feta, eggs, fennel and dill, served with a side of fresh chopped kale tossed in a yummy vinaigrette. Thank you Robin Updike for some QUALITY grub.
I'm heading back to the unit now to keep my eye on John B.....speaking of eyes, his right one still sticks out farther than the left one, but it looks to me like he's gonna look pretty fine when the swelling goes down. Then again, he's always looked pretty fine to me.
Have a great day, all, and cherish the good stuff while you have it.
Kathleen Ann