Good News!!  Carol was transferred to a "regular" room.  Her condition is about the same, but they feel that she's stable and doesn't really need the constant attention offered in the "Step Down" unit.  While technically she can receive visitors, I think it would be better if we let her rest and heal a bit more before doing that.  ...anyway, she still has the tracheotomy, so she can't talk yet.  I would guess it will be at least a week before she'll be able to have visitors (or want to).
   She is getting better though: she's joking around and, I'm sorry to say, she seems to be suffering from my sense of humor (poor girl).  She is amusing herself by making a list of foods she will want when she's able to eat again.  Among the the more interesting: Spaghetti with (Kenny's) red sauce, Devil's Food Cake- with white frosting and Thai Coconut Soup.  Sometimes she invites people to suggest additions to the list; might any of you have any suggestions?
    That will do it for today.  I believe the speech therapist will be visiting to test her swallowing today; hopefully they'll conclude that they can install a valve that will allow her to talk and eventually eat.  [Where's that List?]