Thanks Gloria - I am of a generation that much prefers to make everything from scratch. I usually do my stuff in big batches, as the various seasons come and go. Never thought to just cook up a few apples for hubby's meds though. I'll add some cooked pears, for variety. He gets everything in a thin puree, but his taste buds are still sharp - so I try to prepare things he's always liked. I do have to admit pureed lasagne didn't quite measure up.

As for the speech ... I'm sure we'll be working on it for a long time to come. After the 1st hemiglossectomy, it was several months before anyone but me could sort out what he was saying. He does practice a lot, and I have to be careful to be sure I get it. It would be so easy to just nod my head, but he needs to be understood - so I ask him to repeat till I understand.

Thanks again for all the information. This is already a place I look forward to checking every day.