My Dad is better. He cannot stand or walk yet, but I got him a pillow that lets him sit at an angle in the bed. Now he can feed himself, write letters, and read. His quality of life took a quantum leap forward. The doctor gave him hope of a full recovery, but it will take time to heal.

When I went shopping for the pillow, I also went shopping for myself. I have not been able to find a summer dress that I like at home. I was hoping that the stores where my parents live would offer a wider selection.

Today's dresses are shapeless. They are straight up and down - no waist, no curves. Last year dresses didn't have shape either, but they had a tailored look with short jackets, so they were relatively flattering on a tall woman. This year the dresses are made of filmy floral fabric. I look like I am wearing a potato sack made of voile with a ruffle at the bottom. I must have tried on a dozen dresses and didn't find one that didn't look ridiculous.

There are shapely dresses for young girls - thin straps, low cut, decidedly curvy. However they would also look ridiculous on a woman my age. Many of my friends have abandoned dresses and are wearing pant suits. They are much too warm for me to wear in the summer. The worst part is knowing that after two years on the BTD I am in the best shape of my life and I can't find a dress that is attractive.

I suppose I will wear my old dresses one more year. The pre-BTD dresses are a bit baggy, but I can take them up. Fortunately styles change. When dresses with waists come back in style, I will go on a major shopping spree.