A Missive From the City of Brotherly Love

It's Saturday afternoon, and I just got back from Philadelphia last night. (I decided to leave a day early because I was worried about the weather. I found out what a true Southerner I am over the last few days as I spent most of my time in Philly commenting on the shear number of people in the city, how cold it was and how hard it was to find wine.)

I also wanted to say, that as odd as it may sound, I had a great time in Philadelphia. Susan is in a great mood. She looks awesome for someone in congestive heart failure, and she is surrounded by truly caring, wonderful doctors and nurses. They are taking excellent care of her, and she is taking excellent care of herself. I have no doubt that her new heart will come very soon and that she will be better before we know it.

Freddie also seemed to be doing really well. I think he might have a slightly unnatural love for Bob, Susan and Freddie's new Corgi, but I'd be throwing stones in a glass house if I was to point out anyone else's overzealous adoration of a pet.

- Laurel

Project Philadelphia

Thursday was a good errand-running day here in Philadelphia. (If by "good," one ignores the icy rain and freezing temperatures.) I found my way to the shops not far from the hospital for grippy hairbands, a laundry bag and various other items. (And, thanks to a call from Margaret/Hilton, I knew where not to go when looking for underwear.)

I also offer up a picture of Susan in her hospital room. Don't let the picture fool you - Susan spends most of her time smiling despite the circumstances. In this particular picture, she just chose to express her disdain over one particular problem - hospital fashion.

For those of you who don't know, Susan is a slave to fashion. I, alone, have seen her experiment with newsboy caps and J-Lo style jumpers. (She is nothing if not bold in some of her choices.) Having to spend most of the day in a hospital gown has been ... unfortunate. Plus, after the surgery, Susan is going to have to change most of her closet. There won't be any more v-necks, tubes or cleavage-bearing tops for our Suze. So, if you are still wanting to do something for our girl, she is going to need a lot of boat neck tops.

Susan would never be one to let something like a heart transplant get between her and a chic wardrobe.

- Laurel