Morellen's Thoughts sent to Susan's e-mail

From the wonderful Morellen in Arlington:

Hey Suki,

I went to blog but wasn't sure how to post so I'll just email you
here. If you think it's useful to paste and post feel free. Sounds
like folks there are already doing a great job of supporting Katie
B. It's 'cause she's so wonderful.

A couple things that we learned that might be useful and I'm sure
much of the below is pretty obvious -

FOOD: gift cards to restaurants (you all @ CAI sent us one) were
really great too and it's a nice way for folks who aren't in the
cooking/delivery area to help out. Rich will probably need food
support while Kate's in hospital - and just after she gets home he's
going to be the one eating. Gift cards can help out then, especially
to places that are both in Falmouth and Boston area.

Right after surgery the household tends to be on high alert for any
infections that can come along so visitors, even beloved smiling
ones, can cause concern. It's a dicey time because you really want
to see people and you don't want to offend all the lovely folks who
are helping you. A porch drop off sounds good as long as it's a
large enough cooler with fresh ice packs plus a secure critter-proof
storage for non-cooled items (though, if it's January, it's all
frozen). Also, spacing deliveries so that there isn't a lot of food
pile-up is a good idea. Having one Food Captain for folks to contact
and for Rich to turn to when the Stuffed Zucchini Casserole Surprise
is overwhelming the freezer makes it really easy.

You wouldn't believe the number of great recipes we got out of John's
surgery.

ENTERTAINMENT: Kate asked me, and I'm sure she's asked others, for
movie ideas. You wouldn't believe how important fun, light movies
were to us! Do they have netflicks? If they don't, having some
folks help them with an account would be a great idea as are movie
suggestions. If there's a way to post movie ideas to the blog I
could put up the list I sent her and everyone could pile on their
suggestions with her requirements (something like: no one dies, no
violence, no onions - can't remember).

HOUSEKEEPING: Groundskeeping, actually. If it's snowing around
surgery time or post-op check up time it is great to know that
someone can help shovel driveway.

POSITIVE THOUGHTS: John and I are pretty sure that the reason he's
around today is because everyone sent and gave such palpable support,
love, energy, prayers. The more Kate can hear those thoughts the
better. Some folks will be more comfortable sending them directly to
Kate and not posting them on the blog - unless Kate and Rich are
checking the blog each day. Rich might want to think about what will
work best for him when Kate's laid low - does he want to check her
emails? Would they prefer cards? Just let us know.

That's what comes to mind now. Hugs to you for all you're doing Miss
Suki.