tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361301872012-01-28T20:53:35.241-05:00After living in Southern California for 20 years, I returned home in May 2005 to watch over my mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. My brother and I did everything we could to avoid a nursing home for her. We were successful until June 2009, two weeks short of her 80th birthday. These Alzheimer's Moments will be a small attempt to document those experiences.Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.comBlogger3691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-26532772770289197462012-01-02T16:19:00.005-05:002012-01-04T20:16:58.639-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share with my readers that Mother Dear passed away last week.When last I wrote, she had fallen ill and was in the hospital. She went from there to a Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home. The idea was to get her back up to speed and back to the assisted living facility where she had been. The diagnosis ended up being a bad case of the flu. An illness from

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-72147312100424368292011-04-24T11:19:00.004-05:002011-04-24T11:30:07.402-05:00

On this Christian day of observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I bring you the story of the Phoenix Rising!Mom was doing very well on our visit yesterday.She drifted between states of awake and sleep, showing signs of awareness when her eyes were open. She is eating and the nursing staff reports that she's able to feed herself if the food is put in little bowls that she can manage.Next

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-88663024416121692692011-04-09T21:57:00.003-05:002011-04-09T22:24:13.714-05:00

The past week has been dominated with my kidney surgery.I made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. That, itself, was pretty uneventful on Monday. Tuesday was fine although I noted that when I sat in an upright position, I had quite a bit of pain that was relieved by lying down. It seemed like the stent they placed through the ureter from the kidney to the bladder was poking me on the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-60753886102724336982011-04-01T20:38:00.003-05:002011-04-01T20:58:18.850-05:00

Today's been a three ring circus.The latest x-rays show no bowel obstruction, her white cell count is back to normal, and now they suspect it may have been some other type of flu since the assisted care facility is now rife with gastro-intestinal issues. That's the good news.The bad news is that she is refusing to eat. When we were there on Thursday night, my brother tried to feed her some

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-46041219826373596632011-04-01T09:27:00.003-05:002011-04-01T09:51:53.662-05:00

Mom is currently in the hospital.I received a call at 4 a.m. on Wednesday that they were sending Mother Dear to the hospital. On a bed check, they found her sitting on the edge of her bed and she'd been throwing up. When they tried to give her a shower to clean her up, she passed out several times. She was cold and clammy so they called the rescue squad.The flu has been racing through her

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-81323680205646727902011-03-18T12:32:00.002-05:002011-03-18T12:50:16.783-05:00

Another holiday, another party.Mom's Activities Directors (ADs) were hard at work again yesterday. Home made Irish soda bread with butter, a horseradish dip spread atop Ritz crackers, and the usual selection of diet sodas and water were the refreshments. Mom had her eyes open and seemed aware of what was going on although I don't think she understood it was St. Patrick's Day. Mid-way through,

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-72194790803750572072011-03-09T21:13:00.004-05:002011-03-09T22:12:34.594-05:00

I'm still here and she's still there.Tuesday was Mardi Gras, and that meant there was an opportunity for the Activities Department to celebrate! A CD filled the room with the upbeat jazzy sounds of New Orleans. Purple, green, and gold paper masks were held in place with a thin string of elastic, hiding the residents faces from the nose up. They had cut outs for the eyes and jester-style hats.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-6094693824198921322010-12-25T11:11:00.004-05:002010-12-25T11:28:03.665-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings and all that jazz.My brother and I visited Mom 10 days ago for the facility's Christmas party. They served a buffet and the residents could invite two guests. The spread was similar to last year: beef stroganoff, lemon chicken, stuffing w/ broccoli, cheese mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, berry jello, and white layer cake.When we arrived, Mom

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-31330629153607941582010-12-09T18:13:00.002-05:002010-12-09T18:56:20.723-05:00

"Lady Godiva was a freedom rider, she didn't care if the whole world looked..."Well, how quickly we can go from having a really great day to one that isn't so good.I found Mom sitting in the lobby asleep in a chair. She was next to a card table that had been set up so Activities Director 1 (AD1) could clip, file, and paint some of the ladies fingernails. I pulled up a chair and sat next to

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-3397570511853109002010-12-07T22:00:00.006-05:002010-12-07T22:22:48.021-05:00

Gosh, time flies. I can't believe it was almost two months ago that I wrote about Picasso!I've been continuing my efforts to go through Mom's stuff. I go back and forth between clothes, collectibles, and paperwork.Today, I dropped off 20 pocketbooks (purses for those of you on the West Coast) and 10 pair of shoes to Dress for Success. It is a local charity that helps needy women with

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-34703851979419508182010-10-21T16:13:00.006-05:002010-10-21T17:31:00.254-05:00

Part 12 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. In the last installment, I wrote about The Bugaboo. Today I introduce you to Picasso.Picasso came to the assisted care facility over the summer. She had been in a couple of places before where they said she stayed in bed and resisted all efforts to get her up and

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-4412141436036544822010-09-17T13:00:00.004-05:002010-09-17T13:29:41.398-05:00

In a previous post, I wrote about the game of Dementia Twister organized by one of the Activities Directors (AD) at my Mom's place.Well, they were at it again yesterday with a different twist.Dementia Bocce!This wasn't as popular with the residents as Twister had been but pretty ingenious nonetheless.Four residents participated, each with moderate dementia. One in a wheelchair, one that uses a

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-57925718312948841802010-08-28T16:17:00.005-05:002010-08-28T17:08:26.047-05:00

At the end of summer, Mom's place puts on a clam steam for the residents and they can invite two guests.My brother and I went up yesterday to participate. Last year, we didn't go because things were still new and we didn't know any of the other residents or the staff. Now it seems we know everyone, including some of the other families, so we're social butterflies!We drove up and parked in the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-68765000796286523722010-08-24T12:51:00.003-05:002010-08-24T13:03:11.706-05:00

Some places are more sophisticated in how they deal with folks with dementia "escaping" the facility. I toured a couple that have these residents on a separate floor accessible by a password-controlled elevator.At my Mom's place, where there is a mix of dementia and non-dementia residents, those that need to be monitored have a bracelet on their right wrist that sets off alarms at all the exits.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-77816166862569936762010-08-20T11:09:00.007-05:002010-08-20T12:05:44.087-05:00

A few tidbits I overhead at the old folks' home yesterday:==================================================Resident 1 is walking through the lobby and passes Resident 2 who has her sweater over the arm of the chair in which she is sitting.Resident 1 (Severe Dementia): [Reaching towards Resident 2's sweater.] Is that my sweater?Resident 2 (Mild Dementia): [Brushing Resident 1's hand away.] No.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-70574811395524380552010-08-18T09:15:00.008-05:002010-08-19T11:57:51.484-05:00

After arriving at my mother's assisted living center yesterday, I started my usual search for her in the Activities Room, and walked into a luau!They were celebrating Hawaii's admission to the U.S. as the 50th state.I've written before that I am always impressed with the creativity of the Activities Directors given that they operate with a near-zero budget. Hardly an opportunity goes by for them

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-35061253460725826552010-07-21T14:58:00.003-05:002010-07-21T15:02:01.097-05:00

Rachel D. tipped me to a blog post "Top 50 Online Resources For Families Coping With Alzheimer's" that mentions this blog.I am really, really honored. Thank you.For my readers, bop on over and see if any of the other links interest you!

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-9042903060183435622010-07-19T16:37:00.005-05:002010-07-20T09:46:15.105-05:00

Here's an update on the characters previously mentioned here on the blog:The KleptoThe Klepto fell and was hospitalized. She isn't able to feed herself any longer so she has been moved somewhere else. I asked the staff how much loot they found when she was moved out. Surprisingly little!The SlapperSlapper went downhill fast back in January. After falling, she died in the hospital shortly

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-8343214179979582782010-07-17T11:08:00.008-05:002010-07-19T16:35:41.538-05:00

Thursday was Mother Dear's 81st birthday.I've given up bringing anything of sentimental value since the concept would be lost on her. I used to bring fresh flowers every week until I realized that she doesn't spend much time in her room and generally doesn't even know she has a room.Same thing for birthday cards. She doesn't understand them, and once placed in her room, are never acknowledged

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-68763050712443551272010-07-06T10:50:00.003-05:002010-07-19T16:36:09.075-05:00

I spotted this link over at A Single Man. The story of dementia really tugs at the social norms we've been taught over the years. More and more of us will be personally affected.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-89524295236145609472010-04-24T17:28:00.006-05:002010-04-24T17:43:42.509-05:00

I arrived to quite a spectacle.Plopped square in the middle of the lobby was a mat from the Twister game surrounded by a bunch of people in wheelchairs. WTF? I thought, "Now this is going to be interesting."Mother Dear was seated against the far wall so I grabbed a spare chair from the chapel and took it over so I could sit next to her. She was about the same, sleeping sideways in the chair,

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-70456244768811057272010-04-14T15:15:00.008-05:002010-04-14T16:12:43.874-05:00

Part 11 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. In the last installment, I wrote about The Imp, The Lesbian Haircut, and The Bitch. Today I introduce you to The Bugaboo.The Bugaboo moved in around Thanksgiving of last year. She gets along well with my Mom. She's suffering from dementia; she gets the gist of what's

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-27696016946382244152010-04-07T16:35:00.003-05:002010-04-07T16:38:52.891-05:00

I just found out that Where's my Wanda?'s roommate died last week. (See previous post.) Apparently all of her yelling and chanting never really bothered the roommate; the staff wonders who they'll ever find that can put up with it.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-80752706166849928992010-04-04T10:38:00.004-05:002010-04-04T10:47:33.707-05:00

Happy Easter to those that celebrate it.The woman in the room across the hall from my Mom's has a constant chant that she yells:"I love my God, and He loves me! Yes He does!"Then she blurts out the name and address of the church she's attending in her mind. I have a feeling this must be something she used to say a lot in worship services. I hope that her faith is giving her some strength

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-44016561654901734382010-03-14T18:38:00.006-05:002010-03-14T19:04:34.969-05:00

When last I told you about The Bitch, we were left to wonder if she deserved sympathy from being ignored or scorn for her nastiness.The picture is becoming clearer.Nurse: I gave her a piece of gum and she called me a tramp!My brother had an episode with her today.The setup was the same as my experience. The Bitch was in a wheel chair by the courtyard windows in the lobby. My brother was against

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-16138369183884066972010-03-06T09:34:00.013-05:002010-04-14T16:15:56.059-05:00

Part 10 In A SeriesAfter losing three residents in January, three new residents have arrived. Two with severe dementia, one with a shitty attitude!Newbie #1: The ImpShe is in the last stages of Alzheimer's. Her husband was taking care of her at home and their family had come to the conclusion that he couldn't do it anymore. Both were going to move in, where he could still watch over her, but

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-22411158381603385372010-02-20T13:29:00.002-05:002010-02-20T13:34:48.370-05:00

The administrator of the facility bought a Schnoodle (Schnauzer x Poodle) puppy just before Christmas. It is the cutest little thing you ever did see!She brings it into the assisted living center a couple times a week and the residents get to hold it on their laps, pet, and cuddle it. It's amazing how everyone, including me, perks up when the dog is around.I know that pet therapy is a good

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-48592822550929761342010-02-10T09:33:00.003-05:002010-02-10T09:40:47.614-05:00

Yesterday was a pretty good day with Mom, although she slept almost the entire time I was there. She was sitting alone on a love seat when I arrived so I sat down beside her. Now, on my way to visit, I stop at the local convenience mart and pick up a USA Today newspaper and do the Sudoku and crossword puzzles during my visit.My brother reported that one of the residents we've come to know and

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-11871704566544084192010-02-03T11:42:00.003-05:002010-02-03T11:53:59.964-05:00

I've been out of commission for the better part of three weeks. A sinus infection has taken hold, causing constant headaches and fatigue.In the interest of resting and keeping the contagion under wraps, I stayed away from Mom's place and missed three of my regularly scheduled visits. All the residents are coughing and sniffing, and it's likely that I picked up my illness from them.Last Friday

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-33738061232849902692010-01-08T11:01:00.003-05:002010-01-08T11:20:43.072-05:00

Not sure if this title translates overseas or not since y'all use "Mum" as we use "Mom.""Mum's the word" is similar to "tick a lock" and "don't spill the beans." In other words, don't say anything in order to keep a secret.Mother Dear has been very quiet the last few times I've visited. She's having more and more difficulty finding appropriate words and forming sentences. I think it's less

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-54057579449883748282010-01-05T06:42:00.004-05:002010-01-05T06:42:00.451-05:00

I wanted to do something special and personal for the staff at Mom's assisted living center for the holidays.I had so many ideas. A $15 gift certificate so the ladies could get a manicure/pedicure to pamper themselves; the same for the men to get a haircut. I spoke with the administrator who said that cookies or doughnuts in the break room would be appreciated and sufficient. I didn't think

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-85448006453251041562010-01-03T18:22:00.003-05:002010-01-03T18:36:20.907-05:00

Things have been pretty uneventful on the Mommy front. It has been snowing here so I missed going up on New Year's Eve.Last Tuesday provided a couple of nice events, although one was kinda creepy.When I arrived, "UConn" the attendant (so nicknamed because she wears a University of Connecticut sweatshirt) told me that Mom was sitting on the loveseat in the corridor by her room. She does seem to

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-58355439537718246032009-12-17T19:03:00.007-05:002009-12-17T21:35:46.756-05:00

Yesterday was the family Christmas shindig at the old folks home. My brother and I both went; families were encouraged to attend. A lot of people showed up. On Thanksgiving, the dining room was half full mostly because it was on the holiday itself. Families were doing their own thing and some came to pick up their relatives to take them home. For this party, the dining room was full and

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-27534486095829443512009-12-13T06:36:00.002-05:002009-12-13T06:36:00.671-05:00

This probably isn't something I should joke about because it is a serious problem. However, I just couldn't resist.The Baby Mama had peed her pants in the recreation room and she was soaked. An aide was trying to persuade her to go into the bathroom so she could change her undergarment. She's a fiesty old woman, though, and resists everything. I've seen her hit the aides in the chest — like

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-74580686503692043202009-12-10T17:26:00.003-05:002009-12-10T17:35:11.311-05:00

Gosh, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. I've been busy with work stuff and a couple of creative endeavors to make some money.When I arrived at Mom's place this afternoon, I found out that she was just leaving to go on a trip to see a large Christmas display in the area. A local company, Quick Response Restoration, has been growing its festivities each year.It's a good outing for

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-84090460182670437482009-11-26T17:49:00.006-05:002009-11-26T18:08:44.497-05:00

Today went very well. I arrived about 11 a.m. and Mom was in the recreation room watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. They started seating at 11:30. I actually sat at the head of Mom's table to her left, she sitting in her regular seat. Two of her regular dinner mates had been picked up by their families and gone with them for dinner.Mom wasn't feeling too well and complained of a

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-56958540103275678382009-11-26T08:59:00.005-05:002009-11-26T09:10:56.302-05:00

I've been battling an upper respiratory infection that's been going around. Starts with a sore throat, moves to the sinuses, and ends up in your chest. I've had the seasonal flu shot, and been using Purell whenever I've come in contact with a door handle, money, shopping cart, etc. but I still caught something. Lucky it wasn't the swine flu. I guess that's something extra for which to give

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-51474849898225875392009-11-11T09:46:00.005-05:002009-11-11T10:10:08.486-05:00

I've noticed a woman on my last couple of visits. Not sure if she's been there all along and our paths haven't crossed up to this point or if she's new.She's pretty far along in dementia. Like my mother, though, she can communicate. She can talk, form complete sentences, etc. It's just that what she says isn't rooted in reality. At least today's reality.Yesterday, while I was talking to the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-43426289213951720642009-11-08T14:10:00.008-05:002009-11-09T20:59:31.198-05:00

Autumn is in full stride, with the leaves on our maple trees both front and back dropping, each leaf floating delicately to the grass below.I hurt my back two years ago holding up a gas-powered blower in an effort to corral the leaves. I'd blow them into a pile, put on the vacuum attachment, and grind them up as they were sucked into the bag. All that weight, however, put my lower back muscles

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-1412723778229376702009-11-06T10:02:00.003-05:002009-11-06T10:06:39.555-05:00

The other afternoon, the floor attendants went through my mom's assisted care facility to check all the rooms to make sure everything and everyone was in order.They found my mom in bed, with the covers pulled up under her chin, sleeping away.Attendant: [Mother dear], what are you doing in here?Mom wakes up with a grin from ear to ear.Mom: Snoozing.Yeah, in someone else's room in someone else's

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-7875624310435507882009-10-24T16:08:00.003-05:002009-10-24T16:26:17.155-05:00

Have you recently asked any children what they want to be when they grow up?"I wanna be Paris. I wanna be Britney!"They all want to be a pop star of some sort. Do they want to sing? Um, no. Do they want to act? Um, not really. So what is it that they want? Fame! There's plenty of opportunity to sing, dance, and act if you want to get up in front of people and hear applause.A singing group

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-36622783076745545332009-10-16T20:49:00.005-05:002009-10-16T20:55:32.866-05:00

My brother mentioned that Mother Dear asked for me by name when I was away. I hadn't seen her in almost a week. I wonder if she noticed I hadn't been around or if it was just something that crossed her mind like when she says she needs to find her parents.I guess she was good last Friday but not so good on Sunday when my brother visited. When I saw her on Wednesday, she still wasn't good and

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-81583661556999552872009-10-13T14:22:00.005-05:002009-10-15T19:12:10.992-05:00

I'm back and couldn't have had a more fantastic time in Washington, DC. I've posted tons of photos and several recaps on my other blog if you're interested in some travelogue type blogging.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-12892907802692437722009-10-09T11:24:00.002-05:002009-10-09T11:28:15.212-05:00

I had my first appointment with the new counselor last night. It went well and I left thinking that I can turn things around in my life.I leave today for vacation. I've been feeling quite a bit of anxiety but I'm going to go anyway. When the situation here at home was different and I couldn't go, I did nothing but dream of the time I could travel whenever I wished. Now that I can, I seem to

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-63089090089292829802009-10-04T11:59:00.003-05:002009-10-04T12:08:48.342-05:00

Mom was good this week.Now that she is among folks with similar problems, I can compare how she is relative to others. • First is that she is still able to read. She hardly gets any practice but she was reading aloud the text on the television the other day.• Second, she can still talk. What she says doesn't always make sense because she mis-remembers, but she can communicate and carry on

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-27872978907854472952009-09-27T17:03:00.004-05:002009-09-27T17:17:29.286-05:00

Longtime reader Lacey reminded me on my other blog that I've been absent for a while so I wanted to give you all an update.Mom is doing well, and there have been many stories I could have written. I've been depressed and just haven't felt like it. I'm back to sleeping a lot — I thought it might be a cold but it's gone on too long without any other symptoms. I thought things would get better

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-82382987545683051342009-09-16T11:34:00.002-05:002009-09-16T17:09:24.770-05:00

Here's a look at my Mom's private room. Nice but basic. We've chosen not to decorate the walls, etc. because she spends so little time in there and it would just be more clutter. The rooms of some residents are packed full of stuff. I assume it's because they sold their previous living space and tried to take as much with them as they could. In our case, I live in Mom's house so all of her

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-45664011820321108012009-09-12T08:39:00.006-05:002010-04-14T16:23:39.840-05:00

Part 9 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, there was the object of my affection during the early 90's that I would always see at a certain bar. I referred to him as Piston's Boy — even though he was all man. The sad end of that story is that he never gave me the time of day despite a couple of

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-29583010223383700612009-09-07T09:01:00.003-05:002010-04-14T16:23:21.156-05:00

Part 8 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, there was the single mother living below me with her daughter and sister. The sister liked to entertain men but she isn't going to be the subject described here. The mother was Roseanne Barr-ish: short, heavy set, and loud mouth, with a rotten disposition to

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-53045007477558788022009-09-02T11:37:00.005-05:002010-04-14T16:23:04.362-05:00

Part 7 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, there's the elderly woman that lived with her extended Vietnamese family. It was her, one of her children and their spouse, and boy and girl grandchildren. Every afternoon she'd do a lap around her apartment building, shuffling along the sidewalk, I assumed

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-13694633192478242432009-08-31T08:39:00.005-05:002010-04-14T16:22:46.326-05:00

Part 6 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, there's the man that visited my apartment for some afternoon delight. He wasn't a step inside the door when his delight came prematurely in his pants. Later I would ignore him when I spotted him at fundraising events and referred to him as Quick Draw

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-60863728859752677132009-08-29T06:20:00.006-05:002010-04-14T16:22:29.726-05:00

Part 5 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, there's a local attorney that runs television commercials with a striking resemblance to a certain rodent so he's known as The Woodchuck.There are a number of characters at my mother's assisted care facility. Today I will tell you about The Jackrabbit.The

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-86923432617147520492009-08-28T08:01:00.008-05:002010-04-14T16:22:14.640-05:00

Part 4 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, an irritating woman that used to work with me was known as Douchelina.There are a number of characters at my mother's assisted care facility. Today I will tell you about Socks.Socks is forever shoeless. I'm sure she has shoes but apparently prefers not to wear

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-1963220225667328402009-08-26T09:34:00.010-05:002010-04-14T16:21:58.375-05:00

Part 3 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, the female neighbor that is a thick girl with masculine traits is know as Butchie Girl.There are a number of characters at my mother's assisted care facility. Today I will tell you about The Baby Mama.The Baby Mama roams the halls clutching a baby doll at all

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-3737977720647558442009-08-23T10:24:00.018-05:002010-04-14T16:21:41.970-05:00

Part 2 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, the neighbor that came home with a dog that wasn't his, and didn't follow up on missing posters for the pooch, is now known as The Dognapper.There are a number of characters at my mother's assisted care facility. Today I will tell you about The Slapper. Reader

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-44071410566679339052009-08-19T17:21:00.021-05:002010-04-14T16:21:17.800-05:00

Part 1 In A SeriesAll my life I've come up with nicknames for people — mostly for those who I don't know their real names. For instance, the woman that used to leave our apartment complex at 4 a.m. was The Donut Lady because I imagined that's where she'd have to be going to make the donuts before the morning rush.There are a number of characters at my mother's assisted care facility. Today I

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-47355079077518440382009-08-14T15:40:00.005-05:002009-08-14T16:43:34.480-05:00

I don't think I wrote about finding my Mom's waste basket full of tinkle a couple of weeks ago.I went out and alerted the staff. What I thought was going to be a big deal barely made a blip on their radar. They were in the room in two seconds cleaning things up but things like this are a common occurrence. People pee in their chairs, and by "their" I mean the staff's desk chairs, pee in the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-70689291229895397532009-08-13T16:25:00.003-05:002009-08-13T16:36:20.227-05:00

Today's visit to see Mom was pretty uneventful. I had brought up some nail polish and remover to do her finger and toe nails. She likes to have them painted red.I discovered her on one of the swings in the courtyard which is her usual haunt. A crazy woman was on the swing with her and three others sitting nearby, making up the peanut gallery.Crazy Woman: How long have you had that mustache?Me:

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-62998929586071840442009-08-11T20:01:00.002-05:002009-08-11T20:07:14.570-05:00

I checked in with the nurse today to make sure everything was going fine with Mother Dear. She told me there had been "an incident."Apparently Mom slapped two attendants and tried to bite a third a couple of weeks ago. They were trying to get her to go to bed. They called the doctor on call and he prescribed some drug to calm her down. She's been fine since. In my discussion with the nurse,

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-69420804942440991252009-08-05T07:52:00.006-05:002009-08-05T09:25:37.678-05:00

I visited Mother Dear yesterday afternoon. I brought up two bouquets of flowers, since it takes two to fill up her large vase, and a bunch of clothes hangers.When I entered the door, I rounded the corner and a woman said, "Someone is getting flowers!" I looked at her and she was walking with elbows interlocked with...my mother! Mom recognized me and I discovered that the lady wasn't another

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-39070245458632066642009-08-03T08:14:00.002-05:002009-08-03T08:17:09.044-05:00

Last week I wrote about how Mom recognized her car in the parking lot.I went up last Thursday and she spotted the car again.On Friday, my brother visited. She mentioned me by name that I had visited yesterday and that I had driven her car. She said she considered going out and getting in to drive home but thought better of it.The information is there in her mind, she just has trouble accessing

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-39096652600641025892009-07-26T09:36:00.003-05:002009-07-26T09:38:05.549-05:00

Mother Dear used to be a convenient excuse. I caught myself blaming her this morning!"My glasses. Where the eff are my glasses?" Then my mind went to Mom and wondering where she'd "hidden" or misplaced them. Uh, except she isn't here.Damn!

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-69423024034491042302009-07-25T09:56:00.011-05:002009-07-25T16:43:31.497-05:00

The Orkin Exterminator man came by yesterday. The story of Terry is an interesting one.When I first arrived here full time over four years ago, Mom had several services in place. • Paula, a gal across the street, had been cleaning house for over 25 years. Although I've since told her I didn't need her for the house anymore, we go way back to the time before I moved so we still chat and go on

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-79076940136381030342009-07-22T16:19:00.002-05:002009-07-22T16:49:38.922-05:00

mother said, pointing out the window to a car in the parking lot. And she was right!

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-29716013421328557122009-07-20T11:26:00.005-05:002009-07-20T11:31:12.424-05:00

Watching the lunar landing is one of my earliest memories. Hard to believe it was 40 years ago today!I was 5 years old, going on 6, and my whole family was watching the large television in the den."Come here, come here," they all shouted to me. "This is something you'll remember for the rest of your life!"I ran out and sat on the floor about 3 feet in front of the set and watched as the craft

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-14865039032448202192009-07-19T09:56:00.005-05:002009-07-19T15:35:30.499-05:00

I went to see my mother yesterday afternoon and I witnessed my first resident escape!We were in her room and the alarm sounded. Residents that are prone to wander and not know where they are, like my mom, are fitted with a device on their wrist that looks a bit like a watch. The staff tells the residents it's something to monitor their blood pressure which I think is a pretty clever idea.I

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-90921099476411583312009-07-18T10:36:00.003-05:002009-07-18T19:35:51.880-05:00

I've been selling my mother's VHS tapes and CDs on Amazon since December. When you buy something on Amazon, there is a button you can choose for 'New and Used' that are sold by individuals and small businesses, and that's where these appear. Every week, I put a bunch more on, and I'm up to 175 items.I started with the VHS tapes that were brand new and still in the shrink wrap. Last weekend,

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-44045955845283136062009-07-17T12:14:00.004-05:002009-07-18T08:48:14.859-05:00

An article on Science Daily talks about a new Alzheimer's drug.A drug similar to one used in clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis has been found to rescue memory in mice exhibiting Alzheimer's symptoms. The discovery by UC Irvine scientists offers hope that a new treatment may be on the horizon for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's, the leading cause of

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-11737358009436054222009-07-16T09:50:00.003-05:002009-07-16T10:22:24.208-05:00

From a story by Mary Brophy Marcus in the July 14, 2009 issue of USA Today:A new gene has been identified that may predict the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, according to scientists at Duke University Medical Center, who presented their findings on Sunday at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Vienna, Austria. The gene, TOMM40, alo may help pinpoint the approximate

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-72975175924949891362009-07-15T09:01:00.003-05:002009-07-15T09:05:39.990-05:00

Mother Dear is 80 years old today!I have to be available for a conference call today, so I went up yesterday with a whole bunch of stuff. A card, two bouquets of flowers, a little palm plant, some jelly candy orange slices, and a big box of Russell Stover chocolates (thanks for the idea, Greg!)!She was in a great mood, recognized me immediately, and gave me a big ol' kiss! The staff reports

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-62863399514004582522009-07-11T12:48:00.004-05:002009-07-15T09:01:01.009-05:00

I left this comment over on Greg's Wits' End blog and thought it would be worthwhile to repeat here.My physical health is pretty good with increased energy although the mental stuff has brought back the stomach aches.I've noticed that I'm still stressed but for different reasons. I used to be worried about the 24/7 commitment to watching over Mom. Now I'm worried because I can't watch over her 24

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-25670601065350430212009-07-09T20:05:00.009-05:002009-07-09T20:48:12.718-05:00

The first time I saw my mother after the initial drop off at the assisted living center was last Tuesday when I took her to a doctor's appointment. It was her first meeting with the new doctor and I wanted to be there to fill him in on her medical history and to get a sense of the new guy.She was fine the entire time. A bit zombie-like, but she knew who I was when the doctor asked. He

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-11349813533268361622009-07-06T19:09:00.002-05:002009-07-06T19:12:16.085-05:00

I'm sleeping a lot, but I'm also finding that I have a lot of energy during the day. I'm cleaning. I'm organizing. I'm gardening. I'm so used to feeling defeated, tired, and burned out that this seems really different. Let's hope it keeps up!

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-82539479072216848632009-07-05T18:16:00.003-05:002009-07-05T18:21:18.706-05:00

A couple of things I've noticed:As I've left the house to run errands over the past week, I found myself in a rush because I always wanted to get back home to Mom as quickly as possible and before it was time for the aide to leave.This morning, I woke up and listened to see if Mom was awake yet. She'd probably been up and had breakfast already — just in a different place.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-23778569539568872782009-07-02T20:07:00.003-05:002009-07-03T14:46:29.837-05:00

I suppose it has crossed some of my readers' minds as to why I call my mother "Mother Dear."Well, it's by request!My brother and I always called her "Ma." On a trip to visit relatives in California, she discovered that our cousins called our Aunt "Mother Dear" and that's what she wanted for herself upon her return. Apparently she had always felt that "Ma" was uncaring and disrespectful.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-81963728494222643732009-06-30T13:43:00.000-05:002009-06-30T14:05:17.396-05:00

Eight days ago was the day that Mother Dear went to the assisted living facility. It all went rather smoothly, and both my brother and I did a good job being calm and keeping our emotions in check. It wasn't until I arrived back home to an empty house that I started to cry.So many emotions and thoughts have crossed my mind over the first 24 hours alone, some causing me to sob, others to just

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-84083144997354636572009-06-24T17:46:00.002-05:002009-06-24T17:49:42.158-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that we all survived Monday's events.I have a long post written but I don't have time to do final edits due to a work project that was dropped on me at the last minute. I'll try to get it posted tomorrow; if not, it will be early next week since I'm going to New York City for the weekend. I have plans to be in the Pride Parade on Sunday and to see a couple of

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-18253523652923863872009-06-17T19:33:00.009-05:002009-06-23T15:22:12.966-05:00

A few minutes ago...Mom: Would you help me with something?Me: Sure, what can I do for you?She's holding a Kleenex.Mom: Would you get me one of these?I turn in my chair to the right a pull another from the box next to me and hand it to her.Me: There you go!She takes it and places it on the one already in her hand and leaves.Uh-oh, she came back.Mom: Would you help me with something?Me: Sure, what

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-91724888728004973132009-06-17T09:41:00.002-05:002009-06-17T09:42:28.501-05:00

I just set Monday as the day Mom will be admitted to the assisted living center. I have a terrible stomach ache.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-30393274650199960562009-06-09T10:53:00.004-05:002009-06-09T11:00:58.708-05:00

Another interesting evening last night.Mom started asking when we were going home about 8 p.m. I kept telling her that we were home but she would scoff. After a couple of times, she asked, "Why do you keep saying that?" Interesting that she remembered our previous conversations since her short term memory is shot.After several rounds of explaining that we were home with no success, I decided

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-89651746274894495342009-06-08T17:08:00.002-05:002009-06-08T17:12:51.567-05:00

Don't panic! The post title is meant to be provocative, but not indicative of anything bad!I wrote a few posts back that Mom has issues with the remote control for the television. I went to sleep last night and she was awake in front of the tv. The remote control was on the tray table in front of her.This morning, I found the remote and portable phone on the kitchen counter. And the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-75197122746366208532009-06-02T11:35:00.010-05:002009-06-02T21:01:22.571-05:00

[UPDATE: After I read this post, I realized that I hadn't described my medical incident from April on this blog. It will add some important additional background. Click on the new links in the italicized text below for more info.I've tried to keep this blog upbeat and funny. You can read about how hard and terrible it is to be a caregiver in just about any place that discusses the topic.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-79074507237464899322009-06-02T11:31:00.003-05:002009-06-02T11:35:40.033-05:00

I was in the living room watching television. About 9 p.m. I had left Mom asleep out in the den in front of the tv out there.She awoke and was ready for bed. She always tries to turn off the television but can't figure out the remote. Sometimes she gets lucky and hits the power button and it's mission accomplished.I heard the television go off and in a couple of minutes, mom was behind me

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-48720248710244367062009-05-10T11:55:00.002-05:002009-05-10T11:57:29.263-05:00

Nothing special planned today. My brother is vacationing in Florida so he won't be stopping by.The day will consist of me keeping track of mother dear to make sure she doesn't wander away. I gave her a card already and we'll have baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans for dinner.I hope you all have special times with your mothers today!

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-66896913790431507632009-05-04T11:15:00.002-05:002009-05-04T11:17:34.276-05:00

Mother dear was exasperated by the offerings on television last night.She didn't like 60 Minutes.She didn't like Funniest Home Videos.She didn't like The Amazing Race.I suppose there aren't very many folks in Hollywood producing content for the 80-year-old Alzheimer's patient demographic.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-30713119004137240922009-04-19T19:38:00.005-05:002009-04-20T17:42:08.314-05:00

Mother Dear, my brother and I are sitting in the den. The television is off and mom is sitting in a chair directly across from it.[POST WRITING BREAK: Mom just summoned me into the bedroom because "there's a girl in there" that she "can't do anything with...she won't talk or anything." No girl, of course, and Mother is perplexed when I turned on the light and showed her no one was there. She

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-89467165004003008212009-04-14T09:38:00.003-05:002009-04-14T10:22:56.676-05:00

There was a lot of commotion in the kitchen last night about 11 o'clock. Shuffle, shuffle. Faucet on, faucet off. Refrigerator opened, refrigerator closed. Not a drawer, cupboard, or countertop went untouched.I thought it might be the Easter Bunny, but it would have been a day late. The results, however, are like an Easter egg hunt as Mother Dear moved things here, there, and just about

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-50930669636823618532009-03-01T15:08:00.003-05:002009-03-01T15:36:45.134-05:00

After Mom wandered last week, I've been considering my options.Two years ago, I said I was going to fence in the yard to keep her from getting away and getting lost. Then I discovered the porch swing last year and that kept her busy. Problem solved with a better, more enjoyable, and less expensive solution.Now I'm back to the fence idea since it's winter and the swing put away down in the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-28929022485470155402009-02-27T11:46:00.002-05:002009-02-27T11:54:38.719-05:00

My mom's aide left today for a cruise along the Mexican riviera. She'll be gone for 10 days. I hope she has a great time. I, on the other hand, will be stuck here relatively alone.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-84477493088722404082009-02-24T11:44:00.007-05:002009-02-24T16:14:33.608-05:00

Once a year, the insurance company that holds my mother's long term healthcare policy sends a letter to her primary care physician asking for her current medical status. They also contract with an independent nurse to make a house call and ask general questions about her physical and mental capabilities, assess her needs, and then provide them with a report. The interview takes about an

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-2410652373237263792009-02-14T06:54:00.005-05:002009-02-14T14:44:46.527-05:00

I heard the front door open and saw mother dear head down the sidewalk. She'd just been sitting in the chair next to me in the front room, watching television, when she got up without saying a word and made her way through the house and out the door she went.I thought that she may be headed to the mailbox or to get the newspaper since you can see them from where she was sitting. It would seem

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-11210067401859412632009-02-11T16:54:00.004-05:002009-02-11T17:20:06.817-05:00

Mom can't prepare anything to eat for herself. Before I moved home, she was still able to heat frozen dinners in the microwave. But that knowledge is gone.Now she "makes" pudding by peeling off the foil cover. She also unwraps the candy on the counter, such as Hershey's Kisses, and eats that. Her favorite is ice cream and she isn't able to get a dish for herself. She doesn't even know that

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-4184412897095201002009-02-05T22:03:00.004-05:002009-02-24T17:24:20.474-05:00

Mom is becoming increasingly confused between reality and what is happening on television. She is certain that weather reporters and anyone in a close-up shot are real, in the room, looking at her, and speaking to her.There's a commercial airing here (not sure if it is national) for Barber's frozen chicken. They've disabled embedding so you'll have to click over and watch it on YouTube.Mom is

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-38011453662325609652009-01-31T20:59:00.002-05:002009-01-31T21:02:56.268-05:00

I come here, she comes here. I go there, she goes there.Mother dear has been very needy lately which means no alone time for me.

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-21216232758037950482009-01-21T09:23:00.003-05:002009-01-21T09:39:18.095-05:00

During lent, the local grocery carries Polish confections called Paczki (Germans call them Berliners and Austrians call them Krapfen). We have a rather large Polish and Ukranian community here that settled around the turn of the 20th century.Essentially, Paczki are jelly doughnuts. Most are covered with confectioners sugar or glaze, and they are filled with fruit jams or cremes.This morning

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-46494185976983141812009-01-12T22:55:00.010-05:002009-01-12T23:30:05.205-05:00

Mother dear has taken to "organizing" any paperwork that isn't nailed down. She does it during the night while she's up and I'm asleep. (That's a separate post I owe y'all.)If you'll pardon the pun, now to the meat of this post. I received an unsolicited(!) mailing to subscribe to some porn mag. I don't get any X-rated material here...I suspect they rented their mailing list from The Advocate

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-59758357391728216282009-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:002009-01-01T00:01:00.804-05:00

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-22702114915768570552008-12-30T15:59:00.003-05:002008-12-31T20:47:34.082-05:00

I accidently upgraded my template to the new Blogger format and lost all of the customization I'd done on the old one.Luckily, I have the old HTML code saved in a Word document so all is not lost. It's just going to be a hassle to get things back to the way I liked them.Update: I realize it isn't going to look exactly like it did before. But, I'm going to continue to tweak things. I think I

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-19227304445925609662008-12-30T11:53:00.002-05:002008-12-30T12:01:45.719-05:00

I believe in karma. I also believe that the more self aware you are, the quicker you realize that karma when it comes back to haunt you.We have an "atomic clock" that syncs up automatically with a satellite. Besides the time, it has the date, internal temperature, the phase of the moon, etc. When you replace the batteries, it takes a while for it to receive the time signal and reset the

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36130187.post-25471729501973474642008-12-26T21:10:00.015-05:002008-12-27T20:47:16.593-05:00

Remember we were going to the oral surgeon a couple of weeks ago to have mother dear's sore tooth removed? The appointment came and went with minimal disruption. The worst part was that the temperature outside was about 10˚F. I was happy that my brother joined us. He was the chauffeur so we were able to get out of the car right in front of the building. That minimized the amount of walking

Y | O | Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11529817984024909175noreply@blogger.com0