Iona went in to see Isobel this afternoon and reported her as being well.

I did not go in until much later than usual as I was having some breathing difficulties as a result of the dust during work in the living room. I found Isobel already prepared for bed and almost ready to have her last tablets at a quarter to nine. As I came into the building one of the staff mentioned that she had been with Isobel a couple of minutes earlier and that she was half asleep. She was on her side as if sleeping but was at once fully awake and cheerful. Her speech was as good as it has been for months and we had a good chat with very few of the usual misunderstandings. I had spoken to Jane on the 'phone earlier. Jane is planning a visit for Tuesday morning and mentioned how fluent Isobel's conversation had been at the time of her previous visit, I said that I was somewhat concerned over the difficulty in conversation in the past few days, it cheered me up a lot to find her so much better tonight. Despite the lateness of the hour there was no trace of tiredness. I was able to show Isobel a picture of the state of chaos to which I have reduced the living room, she seemed unconcerned - if she had been in the house it would I am sure have been a source of worry to her.

It is Isobel's birthday on Wednesday. I must admit that last year we never expected her to be alive for her fifty seventh birthday. We have abandoned ideas for taking her out of the centre as it seems certain that the disturbance would outweigh any pleasure Isobel would get. I discussed this with her this evening and she confirmed she did not want anything done that involved moving her. I think the children will organise a low intensity pizza party in the room. It is really difficult to arrange anything for Isobel that will add to her quality of life. I went home at a quarter past nine.