It has been a terrible day so far. I have cried so much today. Mom had trouble coming down the stairs, she refused to which started the crying off. Every once in a while she has trouble and I know it. Usually I do much better at handling it. I go back up the stairs and pretty much hold her all the way down. Today I just cried. She wanted to talk to someone else, several someone elses, like the manager, the other lady, the commissioner, everyone but me so that made me cry harder. Finally, I stopped and then she was fine, like nothing happened. She got in and out of the car fine and we went to our usual. She didn't eat much of her donut though, which is unusual for her because she loves her donuts. I am fine now. I don't really know what caused the major meltdowns, I am not in any more pain than usual so who knows. We all have our bad days, I am just glad hers isn't too bad too, that would be a nightmare. She is in the living room right now resting. I don't know if she is sleeping, she might be. She was so tired yesterday. Last night, it was kind of cute, she wouldn't go to bed when she was falling asleep at the table, just like a little kid. We finally did go to bed around 9:30 which is normal for us. It takes me about 20 or so minutes to get her ready and then we sit on her bed for a few minutes. I tell her I am going to move her, when I do she gets a bit upset like she does every night. If I don't move her though she moves her legs over the edge of the bed and that causes back pains for her, so that is why I move her to the middle of the bed. She doesn't like being moved into bed or out of bed, but I know that and it doesn't bother me one bit she says, oh, oh, oh. I just move her like I need to and that is that.
Things should improve by 4 pm because I have 1 lesson today. Mom is getting her bath today too. I can't wait until next week when Angela comes back. This new one is nice, but she doesn't do a very good job with Mom's hair. I don't even think she did anything to it on Monday. We use some no rinse stuff that is much better for Mom because she doesn't like being cold when I wash her hair in the sink. We got it from the hospital and it works really well. I like it a lot. I plan to use it with her for a very long time because it does work so well for her. The trick is you have to wipe her hair with a wet wash cloth to get the dirt and oil out of her hair and I don't think the new girl does that very well. I also don't think she dampens Mom's hair enough to get a good foam for it. But I am not too worried, because Angela does a great job and she will be back on Monday from her Honeymoon.
Other than the lesson and Mom's bath (which will happen right near each other) there isn't anything going on in the house. I may go out for a quick trip to the store to get some milk and bread with Mom, depending on how tired she is. We don't need much, but there is no milk in the house or bread and with the trouble she had today, a home breakfast might have been the best way to go. I had no choice but to take her to our usual because we had no food in the house for me to eat breakfast. I don't like cereal with ensure, it upsets my stomach.
It is going to thunderstorm soon, I can already hear the thunder. I guess that fits my mood. I am very worn out from the meltdowns this late morning/early afternoon. It all happened around 12 noon. I am going to join Mom in the living room for a nap, I hope I feel much better when I wake up. Right now, I am exhausted from crying so hard. I guess sometimes you just need a good cry and I haven't had one in a long while, not since Mom was in the nursing home in June.
I hope this finds you doing much better than me. Have a great day!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
I have been stressing for about a month now about fitting in a hair cut for Mom. She, I thought, just needed a trim. Well, I asked her today if she wanted to get her hair trimmed. She said no. All this time I have been worrying for nothing. She doesn't want her hair cut. Okay, no haircut for Mom. Sigh. Sigh. It would have saved me a lot of worrying and stressing if I asked her in the first place, but I didn't. Sigh. What can I possibly say to this new revelation? Mom doesn't want her hair cut. Okay, so now that worry is over, on to others?
I don't have any right now except that she is sleeping a lot more than she used to. I did expect it, but when it happens it kind of slips right past you at first. She also had physical therapy. The therapist asked to talk to me. If Mom doesn't show an improvement in Fridays session then that will be it. Quite frankly, the fact she can do any is great for me. What do they want? What type of improvements do they want? She has Alzheimer's for goodness sake! She is in stage 6, slowly slipping into stage 7. I mean, really, what can you possibly expect from her. I would say that fact she can follow any direction at this stage is a good thing. Really, an improvement? She forgets what she is doing in the middle of doing it now, that is normal. I have to remind her to continue down the stairs at times or up the stairs. It isn't that she can't do it, because she can, it is just she forgets what she is doing about midway. That is a normal thing for her. That is why every step I remind her "one foot up". That is how we say going up the stairs. To tell her to go up the stairs is pointless because she doesn't know what that means. However, she does know how to move one foot up at a time so that is what I use. I tell people to talk to her with short commands, she can follow short ones. She did great when she had to get a CT scan and X-rays at the hospital. The technicians did exactly what I asked and they were able to get her to do what they wanted. I just don't know what some others want from her. She can't improve too much, she is too far gone for that. I need her to keep the little muscle she has left going. If the physical therapist does end the sessions, that is actually going to be okay because I bought ankle weights for Mom and we will do them together. My complaint is trying to understand what type of improvement she is looking for with Mom. I don't understand that. I know she is going downhill. I see it daily. I know she doesn't have much time left but let's make what time she has fun for her as best as possible.
Anyways, that is the rant of the day, I am over it now.
On a good note, Mom got some new Curious George books, Corduroy books, and Clifford the Red Dog books from our friend, Donna. Mom loved them. She has flipped through them a couple of times since we just got them. I am going to fix her son's jeans for her. They have a hole in the butt and need a patch of some sort. I may have to get an iron on patch because I don't know if my machine will be able to go through the old iron on material. We shall see. I haven't really looked at them too much yet. I will tonight or tomorrow. I am kind of tired right now so I might take a nap too. I hope that is what Mom is doing.
Nothing too exciting over here this afternoon. I don't have any lessons, but I do think I will change the tablecloth to the fall one. I just have to move 2 piles of bills and stuff and my computer to put the new one on. We got 2 of them the other day. I also have one for Halloween. I hope to see my big brother, Richard by then. I miss him a lot and I know Mom does. Although since she has talked to him on the phone, she has only asked for him once, so my theory worked. If she talks to him, she doesn't miss him as much. The fixation she has disappears! He may call again this week if he can fit it into his schedule with everything he has to do and the time difference. That is the biggest challenge, is the time difference between here and Seattle. I wonder how the kids are doing with school? hm, I think I will drop them an email and see.
I don't have any right now except that she is sleeping a lot more than she used to. I did expect it, but when it happens it kind of slips right past you at first. She also had physical therapy. The therapist asked to talk to me. If Mom doesn't show an improvement in Fridays session then that will be it. Quite frankly, the fact she can do any is great for me. What do they want? What type of improvements do they want? She has Alzheimer's for goodness sake! She is in stage 6, slowly slipping into stage 7. I mean, really, what can you possibly expect from her. I would say that fact she can follow any direction at this stage is a good thing. Really, an improvement? She forgets what she is doing in the middle of doing it now, that is normal. I have to remind her to continue down the stairs at times or up the stairs. It isn't that she can't do it, because she can, it is just she forgets what she is doing about midway. That is a normal thing for her. That is why every step I remind her "one foot up". That is how we say going up the stairs. To tell her to go up the stairs is pointless because she doesn't know what that means. However, she does know how to move one foot up at a time so that is what I use. I tell people to talk to her with short commands, she can follow short ones. She did great when she had to get a CT scan and X-rays at the hospital. The technicians did exactly what I asked and they were able to get her to do what they wanted. I just don't know what some others want from her. She can't improve too much, she is too far gone for that. I need her to keep the little muscle she has left going. If the physical therapist does end the sessions, that is actually going to be okay because I bought ankle weights for Mom and we will do them together. My complaint is trying to understand what type of improvement she is looking for with Mom. I don't understand that. I know she is going downhill. I see it daily. I know she doesn't have much time left but let's make what time she has fun for her as best as possible.
Anyways, that is the rant of the day, I am over it now.
On a good note, Mom got some new Curious George books, Corduroy books, and Clifford the Red Dog books from our friend, Donna. Mom loved them. She has flipped through them a couple of times since we just got them. I am going to fix her son's jeans for her. They have a hole in the butt and need a patch of some sort. I may have to get an iron on patch because I don't know if my machine will be able to go through the old iron on material. We shall see. I haven't really looked at them too much yet. I will tonight or tomorrow. I am kind of tired right now so I might take a nap too. I hope that is what Mom is doing.
Nothing too exciting over here this afternoon. I don't have any lessons, but I do think I will change the tablecloth to the fall one. I just have to move 2 piles of bills and stuff and my computer to put the new one on. We got 2 of them the other day. I also have one for Halloween. I hope to see my big brother, Richard by then. I miss him a lot and I know Mom does. Although since she has talked to him on the phone, she has only asked for him once, so my theory worked. If she talks to him, she doesn't miss him as much. The fixation she has disappears! He may call again this week if he can fit it into his schedule with everything he has to do and the time difference. That is the biggest challenge, is the time difference between here and Seattle. I wonder how the kids are doing with school? hm, I think I will drop them an email and see.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
We were supposed to have an association meeting tonight, but apparently, there wasn't because no one mentioned it to the lady's whose house it was going to be at. Oh well, I don't mind. I was having a hard time getting Mom in and out today. She is just tired, that's all, nothing wrong, just a bit tired. She gets more tired easier than before, which is to be expected as the disease progresses. She is fine now. Looking cute in her little hoodie with the fleece jacket on top. Her friend stopped by and I thought he was going to cut her hair, but he didn't stay very long, so I will be taking Mom to get her hair cut. We actually had the time this afternoon had I known, but it isn't that much of a big deal. Another time will present itself.
The social worker came today from the Home Health Care Company. She wasn't that helpful. She did give me the names of 2 people that may be able to help me, but overall, she got the same info I did when I did it myself.
The hospital bed is still here. I am getting rather annoyed. I will be calling them again tomorrow. I want it gone by the weekend. It really is in the way as it moves the princess table in the middle of the floor. Now fortunately, all my students navigate around it well, but still, to me, it is the way. I definitely need it gone by Christmas because I need the area for the Christmas Tree. We haven't really had a good tree for the last few years and I want Mom to have a nice Christmas this year. It could be the last one she remembers, well, sort of remembers, how about enjoys, that works. It could be the last one she could enjoy. Right now, the disease seems to be at a standstill, which is great, I hope it stays for a while. Last year, between Thanksgiving and February, she went downhill fast. It seems that her disease takes giant steps down, she stays at one level for a long, long time, and then giant step down, and repeat. I want her to stay her for a long while because the next stage is stage 7 and that is the end stage. I don't want to see that stage for an extremely long time.
Today has been a good day for us. The only glitch was that I thought Mom had an appointment with Dr. Gradolph and as it turned out, they cancelled the appointment because he wants her to try the pain patch first and then see him in a few weeks. So we sat there for a few minutes before we found that out so all in all, we didn't wait too long before I found out. We went to our usual after that and low and behold, Rosemary arrived shortly after! So how cool is that? Pretty cool, if you ask me. So we sat and visited with her while we ate our brunch. We haven't seen much of her this summer because her uncle, who she takes care of, has been rather ill. He is 90 and is not doing too well. It is very sad and I know she is sad about it. He lives in assisted living and she is with him quite a bit. She also belongs to a garden club and a doll club as she collects dolls. I have a few dolls (collectible types, not antique) to donate to her for the doll club raffle. I just have to pull them out and then give them to her. I am not sure exactly where the dolls are right now, but I know they are not far.
After our usual, we headed to Walmart to fill Mom's prescription. We were going to go and pick up some milk, but as we got to the clothes department, I noticed she was getting a bit tired. We turned around and headed back to the pharmacy department. As soon as we got into the department, the phone rang and her prescription was filled so we picked it up and headed home. When we got home we took naps. I was tired and I knew she was. I put her new pain patch on her shoulder that is bothering her and went and sat in my chair. I love that chair. It is the only one I can sit on with my feet up that doesn't bother my legs or hips. You can see why I love that chair plus it is so comfy.
I had one lesson after the social worker left. Charlie is doing really well for his lessons. He has been practicing which is good. We also laugh a lot during his lesson. At the conclusion of his lesson I put Mom in her fleece jacket to head for the association meeting. I just got Mom in the car when Irv (Rosemary's husband - really nice guy) pulled up to tell me there was no meeting. So I got Mom back out of the car and we went back into the house. I asked her if she wanted some ice cream and she said no, so back in we went.
We are now watching HGTV
It is, once again, a beautiful day out and I am loving this weather! I hope this finds you doing well.
The social worker came today from the Home Health Care Company. She wasn't that helpful. She did give me the names of 2 people that may be able to help me, but overall, she got the same info I did when I did it myself.
The hospital bed is still here. I am getting rather annoyed. I will be calling them again tomorrow. I want it gone by the weekend. It really is in the way as it moves the princess table in the middle of the floor. Now fortunately, all my students navigate around it well, but still, to me, it is the way. I definitely need it gone by Christmas because I need the area for the Christmas Tree. We haven't really had a good tree for the last few years and I want Mom to have a nice Christmas this year. It could be the last one she remembers, well, sort of remembers, how about enjoys, that works. It could be the last one she could enjoy. Right now, the disease seems to be at a standstill, which is great, I hope it stays for a while. Last year, between Thanksgiving and February, she went downhill fast. It seems that her disease takes giant steps down, she stays at one level for a long, long time, and then giant step down, and repeat. I want her to stay her for a long while because the next stage is stage 7 and that is the end stage. I don't want to see that stage for an extremely long time.
Today has been a good day for us. The only glitch was that I thought Mom had an appointment with Dr. Gradolph and as it turned out, they cancelled the appointment because he wants her to try the pain patch first and then see him in a few weeks. So we sat there for a few minutes before we found that out so all in all, we didn't wait too long before I found out. We went to our usual after that and low and behold, Rosemary arrived shortly after! So how cool is that? Pretty cool, if you ask me. So we sat and visited with her while we ate our brunch. We haven't seen much of her this summer because her uncle, who she takes care of, has been rather ill. He is 90 and is not doing too well. It is very sad and I know she is sad about it. He lives in assisted living and she is with him quite a bit. She also belongs to a garden club and a doll club as she collects dolls. I have a few dolls (collectible types, not antique) to donate to her for the doll club raffle. I just have to pull them out and then give them to her. I am not sure exactly where the dolls are right now, but I know they are not far.
After our usual, we headed to Walmart to fill Mom's prescription. We were going to go and pick up some milk, but as we got to the clothes department, I noticed she was getting a bit tired. We turned around and headed back to the pharmacy department. As soon as we got into the department, the phone rang and her prescription was filled so we picked it up and headed home. When we got home we took naps. I was tired and I knew she was. I put her new pain patch on her shoulder that is bothering her and went and sat in my chair. I love that chair. It is the only one I can sit on with my feet up that doesn't bother my legs or hips. You can see why I love that chair plus it is so comfy.
I had one lesson after the social worker left. Charlie is doing really well for his lessons. He has been practicing which is good. We also laugh a lot during his lesson. At the conclusion of his lesson I put Mom in her fleece jacket to head for the association meeting. I just got Mom in the car when Irv (Rosemary's husband - really nice guy) pulled up to tell me there was no meeting. So I got Mom back out of the car and we went back into the house. I asked her if she wanted some ice cream and she said no, so back in we went.
We are now watching HGTV
It is, once again, a beautiful day out and I am loving this weather! I hope this finds you doing well.
Monday, September 13, 2010
You wouldn't believe the weather we are having! It is spectacular! I mean, totally awesome. I have the dining room drapes open, the front door open, and we just got back from Timmy's and Walmart. Even Mom wasn't cold or too hot! Talk about a shocker! It is simply gorgeous out and I hope it stays this way all month. I need weather I can breathe in and this is it.
Yesterday, I really had a hankering for some Chinese food after a friend of mine mentioned on face book he was getting some. Well, I should have picked something else. I had a tummy ache for the rest of the night from it! I was having second thoughts about it because Mom was sleeping upstairs and I really didn't want to have to get her back down and into the car, but I did. Should have passed on it. I tried something I haven't had in years and now I know why I don't eat that particular entree. Will have something else next time because I love Chinese food. We used to go out to eat about once a week until this summer when Mom really stopped eating a lot of food. I mean, a chicken breast (and only the chicken breast) is getting to big for her and it is only 3 oz cooked. I don't take her out to eat much because she doesn't eat enough and I end up eating it (which makes me gain the weight) or throw it away. I miss her being able to enjoy food more. But overall, it is to be expected with this disease and I am thankful she can still enjoy her donut and milk at Timmy's in the noon time. She actually wanted some of the chili I got today. I usually get bagels, but today sounded like a chili and sandwich day, so that is what I did. She wanted some so I gave her a few spoonfuls and then she was happy. I mean, it was weird, she really wanted some chili and was starting to get upset because she didn't have any. I asked her if she wanted to share mine and her answer was, I thought I was getting some too. So I shared. I knew getting her own would have been pointless because after about 4 spoonfuls she was done and then we would have practically an entire bowl of chili to take home.
I got the adorable ones, Calli and Acer, some Timbits today. I was going to get them on Thursday, but we need to rearrange our timings on the visiting day because of what time the kids get home from school and the fact that Heather B-T must pick up Acer from school. I hope they like the kinds I picked. They aren't picky eaters which is nice.
Our neighbor stopped me this afternoon. He had received a phone call from another neighbor concerning us. Usually, we get complaints about something from this neighbor, but it wasn't. She wanted to be able to get a hold of me about some books she has. Well, I thought, wow, no complaints? Hey, I will talk to her about books. So she may call me. We shall see. I didn't know she is an avid reader like I am and she now knows the situation with the little Mom so maybe she will stop being so hard on us about the yard. I know it isn't the greatest, but the lawn is cut regularly and trimmed nicely. Yes, we have a totally empty space in front of the house from where the bushes were, but Andrew moved before he fixed it up. I don't have the money or energy to deal with it. I didn't inherit the green thumb that Mom, Andrew, and Richard all have. Mine is black. I can kill a plant just by looking at it. I have tried gardening, and well, I grow weeds very well. Of course, that is what is in the gardens in the back yard, all weeds, but nobody but us can really see them, so no complaints. I think we have 1 bush left of the carpet roses that Mom put in 9 years ago for my graduation party. Anyways, I have 2 choices, I can either work on the yard or take care of mom, and we all know who wins in that competition, Mom. Got to take care of the little lady, even when she says, i don't know who you are and I am not going with you. She said that this morning when we arrived at Timmy's. Fortunately, I knew it wouldn't last and it didn't and she finally got out of the car for us to go in. I think perhaps it is time to have some milk and bread in the house regularly for moments like this when she won't get in the car or out of the car in this case. Right now, we don't have any milk or bread in the house because they usually go bad before we finish them. Hm, we shall see how the rest of the week goes. We can get some really good bread from Panera's. They have such yummy stuff! i also want a bread maker to make my own bread.
Well, this turned out to be rather long. Bob should be here in a few minutes for his lesson. I hope your day is good too. Ours is so far. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We got the septic tank cleaned. 3 years until the next cleaning! That means I take good care of the tank! Yeah! I learned from Mom! Have a great afternoon and evening!
Yesterday, I really had a hankering for some Chinese food after a friend of mine mentioned on face book he was getting some. Well, I should have picked something else. I had a tummy ache for the rest of the night from it! I was having second thoughts about it because Mom was sleeping upstairs and I really didn't want to have to get her back down and into the car, but I did. Should have passed on it. I tried something I haven't had in years and now I know why I don't eat that particular entree. Will have something else next time because I love Chinese food. We used to go out to eat about once a week until this summer when Mom really stopped eating a lot of food. I mean, a chicken breast (and only the chicken breast) is getting to big for her and it is only 3 oz cooked. I don't take her out to eat much because she doesn't eat enough and I end up eating it (which makes me gain the weight) or throw it away. I miss her being able to enjoy food more. But overall, it is to be expected with this disease and I am thankful she can still enjoy her donut and milk at Timmy's in the noon time. She actually wanted some of the chili I got today. I usually get bagels, but today sounded like a chili and sandwich day, so that is what I did. She wanted some so I gave her a few spoonfuls and then she was happy. I mean, it was weird, she really wanted some chili and was starting to get upset because she didn't have any. I asked her if she wanted to share mine and her answer was, I thought I was getting some too. So I shared. I knew getting her own would have been pointless because after about 4 spoonfuls she was done and then we would have practically an entire bowl of chili to take home.
I got the adorable ones, Calli and Acer, some Timbits today. I was going to get them on Thursday, but we need to rearrange our timings on the visiting day because of what time the kids get home from school and the fact that Heather B-T must pick up Acer from school. I hope they like the kinds I picked. They aren't picky eaters which is nice.
Our neighbor stopped me this afternoon. He had received a phone call from another neighbor concerning us. Usually, we get complaints about something from this neighbor, but it wasn't. She wanted to be able to get a hold of me about some books she has. Well, I thought, wow, no complaints? Hey, I will talk to her about books. So she may call me. We shall see. I didn't know she is an avid reader like I am and she now knows the situation with the little Mom so maybe she will stop being so hard on us about the yard. I know it isn't the greatest, but the lawn is cut regularly and trimmed nicely. Yes, we have a totally empty space in front of the house from where the bushes were, but Andrew moved before he fixed it up. I don't have the money or energy to deal with it. I didn't inherit the green thumb that Mom, Andrew, and Richard all have. Mine is black. I can kill a plant just by looking at it. I have tried gardening, and well, I grow weeds very well. Of course, that is what is in the gardens in the back yard, all weeds, but nobody but us can really see them, so no complaints. I think we have 1 bush left of the carpet roses that Mom put in 9 years ago for my graduation party. Anyways, I have 2 choices, I can either work on the yard or take care of mom, and we all know who wins in that competition, Mom. Got to take care of the little lady, even when she says, i don't know who you are and I am not going with you. She said that this morning when we arrived at Timmy's. Fortunately, I knew it wouldn't last and it didn't and she finally got out of the car for us to go in. I think perhaps it is time to have some milk and bread in the house regularly for moments like this when she won't get in the car or out of the car in this case. Right now, we don't have any milk or bread in the house because they usually go bad before we finish them. Hm, we shall see how the rest of the week goes. We can get some really good bread from Panera's. They have such yummy stuff! i also want a bread maker to make my own bread.
Well, this turned out to be rather long. Bob should be here in a few minutes for his lesson. I hope your day is good too. Ours is so far. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We got the septic tank cleaned. 3 years until the next cleaning! That means I take good care of the tank! Yeah! I learned from Mom! Have a great afternoon and evening!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Richard called back to talk to Mom. He is my older brother who lives very far away. He is the only one of us three who has children too, William and Abigail. He is married to Jennifer. The best part? Mom hasn't asked for him since she spoke to him on the phone. I talked to him a bit after Mom did and he was shocked at how out of it she sounded. Well, that is her now. I don't know if that will encourage him to come and see her sooner or frighten him into not coming. Hard to say.
It has been a pretty good day today. Mom's friend, Jose, came up to Tim Horton's while we were there and stayed and visited with Mom for a bit. He is very nice. We had some errands to run but Mom was getting really tired so he said he would take Mom home and watch her for me. Wasn't that nice? I leaped at the chance of having some alone time to run errands. I had to go to my friend's house to pick up some stuff and then to Sam's Club to pick up some Ensure for Mom. She was practically out of the Ensure. I think we opened the last bottle this morning. She is upstairs sleeping right now. I checked on her a bit ago and she was asleep. She sure says some funny things today, had me laughing.
Pain level is pretty okay today too, not too high. My head is a bit high right now, but only a tiny bit. I think I need to eat dinner and then it would be fine. I am thinking maybe some Chinese. We haven't had any in a long time. I will get the dinner and share with Mom as she won't eat a full dinner anymore. If Mom is still asleep then I will wake her up because it is getting late and I don't want her not to sleep tonight. That would not be good for the little lady.
It is really beautiful out today, the sun is shining and the sky has white puffs of clouds. It is just simply gorgeous. The one thing I have noticed about this disease, is that I have slowed down, like so many have. I have the time to look at the area around me and notice when it is beautiful out and when it isn't. I have a great view of lots of trees when the dining room drapes are open. My neighbor has so many trees in there backyard. (We are a corner lot so I look into their backyard from our house) We have a hedge of bushes that are so tall it is unbelievable. They should be cut down, but I can't do it and neither can Mom. I am not worried about them. They aren't big enough to be in the electrical wires yet. The neighbor's trees are in the wires, and that does worry me because it can cause a fire. Overall, I have a very pretty view that a few years ago I might not have noticed as much.
Definitely a better day today than yesterday and most of the week too. I am happy today again. Life is good, not the one I planned, but a decent life nonetheless. The leaves are starting to change color in my back yard already. Wow, fall really is here! yeah for that! Soon will be Christmas, my favorite holiday. I do hope we are in Seattle for it with my older brother, Richard and his family, but I don't know for sure. We shall see.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a beautiful day too.
It has been a pretty good day today. Mom's friend, Jose, came up to Tim Horton's while we were there and stayed and visited with Mom for a bit. He is very nice. We had some errands to run but Mom was getting really tired so he said he would take Mom home and watch her for me. Wasn't that nice? I leaped at the chance of having some alone time to run errands. I had to go to my friend's house to pick up some stuff and then to Sam's Club to pick up some Ensure for Mom. She was practically out of the Ensure. I think we opened the last bottle this morning. She is upstairs sleeping right now. I checked on her a bit ago and she was asleep. She sure says some funny things today, had me laughing.
Pain level is pretty okay today too, not too high. My head is a bit high right now, but only a tiny bit. I think I need to eat dinner and then it would be fine. I am thinking maybe some Chinese. We haven't had any in a long time. I will get the dinner and share with Mom as she won't eat a full dinner anymore. If Mom is still asleep then I will wake her up because it is getting late and I don't want her not to sleep tonight. That would not be good for the little lady.
It is really beautiful out today, the sun is shining and the sky has white puffs of clouds. It is just simply gorgeous. The one thing I have noticed about this disease, is that I have slowed down, like so many have. I have the time to look at the area around me and notice when it is beautiful out and when it isn't. I have a great view of lots of trees when the dining room drapes are open. My neighbor has so many trees in there backyard. (We are a corner lot so I look into their backyard from our house) We have a hedge of bushes that are so tall it is unbelievable. They should be cut down, but I can't do it and neither can Mom. I am not worried about them. They aren't big enough to be in the electrical wires yet. The neighbor's trees are in the wires, and that does worry me because it can cause a fire. Overall, I have a very pretty view that a few years ago I might not have noticed as much.
Definitely a better day today than yesterday and most of the week too. I am happy today again. Life is good, not the one I planned, but a decent life nonetheless. The leaves are starting to change color in my back yard already. Wow, fall really is here! yeah for that! Soon will be Christmas, my favorite holiday. I do hope we are in Seattle for it with my older brother, Richard and his family, but I don't know for sure. We shall see.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a beautiful day too.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Here we go again, I accidentally erased the post. I didn't mean too, but I did and of course, right after I did that, it automatically saved.
We had book club today! At first I was afraid we wouldn't but Maggie was just late, which was fine. We talked about so many things. It was wonderful! I really enjoy book club a lot. It is fun once a month getting together and chatting. I gave her the scoop on Debbie, Katie, and Aggie, as the three of them no longer can join us. I miss them, but since, outside of Debbie, I see them, I don't mind too much.
One thing that has been getting to me is Mom asking for Richard. She asks for him a lot, and I mean, a lot. When I can't produce Richard, she cries. When I tell her he is in Seattle, she cries. It is really starting to upset me. I can't help that I am not Richard. I do the best that I can do by her and at times it doesn't seem to matter to her because I am not Richard and that upsets me. Sometimes I make sarcastic comments to her like sorry I am not good enough which make her cry but usually I just ignore it. It is getting harder to ignore that. I was telling Maggie about it because Mom started to cry after she asked where Richard was this afternoon. I called Richard and asked him to call me back to talk to Mom. She can still talk a bit on the phone and I think if she hears his voice maybe she won't be so upset all the time. She spoke to Andrew on the phone on Monday and she really enjoyed it. I don't know what she remembers, what she doesn't about the phone call, but I do know she calmed down asking about him. I am hoping the same thing happens when she talks to Richard.
Anyways, I hope he calls me back this evening. Mom will really like talking to him and I am hoping she will stop asking me where he is because it is really bothering me. Maggie said when she comes back from vacation she and I will go and have a chat about it. She has some ideas. Maggie is a great help with things like that. I will have Carolyn come and sit with Mom while we go out.
I have read great posts about 9/11 and where people were when it happened. All I can say is I will never forget what happened nor will I ever not be thankful and grateful to the people who serve our country in the Armed Services. Thanks to them, we are free. So if you or a family member serve, I thank you everyday, not just today.
We had book club today! At first I was afraid we wouldn't but Maggie was just late, which was fine. We talked about so many things. It was wonderful! I really enjoy book club a lot. It is fun once a month getting together and chatting. I gave her the scoop on Debbie, Katie, and Aggie, as the three of them no longer can join us. I miss them, but since, outside of Debbie, I see them, I don't mind too much.
One thing that has been getting to me is Mom asking for Richard. She asks for him a lot, and I mean, a lot. When I can't produce Richard, she cries. When I tell her he is in Seattle, she cries. It is really starting to upset me. I can't help that I am not Richard. I do the best that I can do by her and at times it doesn't seem to matter to her because I am not Richard and that upsets me. Sometimes I make sarcastic comments to her like sorry I am not good enough which make her cry but usually I just ignore it. It is getting harder to ignore that. I was telling Maggie about it because Mom started to cry after she asked where Richard was this afternoon. I called Richard and asked him to call me back to talk to Mom. She can still talk a bit on the phone and I think if she hears his voice maybe she won't be so upset all the time. She spoke to Andrew on the phone on Monday and she really enjoyed it. I don't know what she remembers, what she doesn't about the phone call, but I do know she calmed down asking about him. I am hoping the same thing happens when she talks to Richard.
Anyways, I hope he calls me back this evening. Mom will really like talking to him and I am hoping she will stop asking me where he is because it is really bothering me. Maggie said when she comes back from vacation she and I will go and have a chat about it. She has some ideas. Maggie is a great help with things like that. I will have Carolyn come and sit with Mom while we go out.
I have read great posts about 9/11 and where people were when it happened. All I can say is I will never forget what happened nor will I ever not be thankful and grateful to the people who serve our country in the Armed Services. Thanks to them, we are free. So if you or a family member serve, I thank you everyday, not just today.
Friday, September 10, 2010
It's Friday! I don't know why that would excite me except it brings me 1 day closer to Book Club!!! I just love book club. Even thought it will be just Maggie and me, I haven't seen her since July and boy do I want to hear about the rest of her summer. I am so glad summer is over. We are doing alright now and I aim to have us stay that way!
My project of the season is going to be Mom's room. I am going to have the room redone in some ways. I am not going to do crazy redecorating, just some simple things that Mom will like (I think). Now that she doesn't know what is hers and what isn't, it is finally safe to declutter her room. One of the effects of Alzheimer's is hoarding and Mom is a pack rat to begin with, it isn't quite like the people on the hoarding shows, but it is still rather dangerous for the little person. I want to put the bed frame in the garage for now because someday, it will go back in her room, when she is no longer mobile. then I will put the bed back together. It is a high bed and it will be easier to change her with a high bed so I don't want to sell her bed at all. Not when I plan to use it again someday. For right now though, it is in the way and I manage to step on the railings quite frequently when helping Mom in or out of bed. Then I need to go to the storage unit and get her Mickey Mouse snow globe out. I hope I didn't ruin it by putting it in storage. I thought we were moving, but it turns out we weren't. I plan to do that this weekend, I think. I just have to find the right box it is in. I am not sure which box it is in, and I also want to get the other snow globe (Beauty and the Beast) out too. I do hope they are in good condition. I would like to have her room painted pink. She likes that color and with the white curtains, I think pink would look nice. The boxes at the end of her bed will be removed and those clothes will go in the empty drawers and closet. It would be nice to be able to get into her closet. Right now, I have to move a couple of boxes in order to open her closet door and you can only open the right door because there is a big box in front of the left door. Anyways, by Christmas, I want her room looking spiffy. I want it to be a haven when she goes in to bed and very calming for her. She needs calming things around her at all times because I can only imagine having Alzheimer's is NOT calming.
The winter project is my room. I am not repainting it as I like the color of the walls. I don't necessarily like the curtains, but I will price some to see if I can afford 2 pairs as I have 2 windows in my room. I want them lined though because my room does get quite cold. It is the coldest room of the upstairs, which is great for sleeping, but not for anything else. I want to get my pictures and stuff back from storage and put them back out on my dresser again. I also want to hang up some pictures on the walls. I need my stuffed animal collection back out on my chest of drawers. I want my books back in the bookcase and then my Anne of Green Gables Figurines on my dresser. I want my room to be my haven when I go to bed instead of the empty room with piles it is right now. I don't know what to do with some of the stuff I have, I am going to get rid of some, but not all. I just have to decide what I really want. I will move the rest of the Winnie the Pooh beanie babies down to the piano because that is where most of them are right now, so the collection needs to be complete.
I hope to pace myself very carefully so that I can do these projects. I will probably need some help as I can't really lift anything that is over about 5 pounds because of the rods in my back. I figure in the next week or two I will make a list for Mom's room and then divide and conquer! I really want a nice looking room for her. It has been cluttered up for too long and she has some nice pieces that are hidden. I may move some of her paintings from other rooms into her room. I don't know, we shall see.
My knee seems to be improving a bit. It isn't quite back to normal yet, but I am hopeful it will soon. I hope the knee flare up goes away soon. Several people I know are in flare ups right now, there must be something in the weather. Ugh, hope they all feel better soon.
I hope this finds you doing well.
My project of the season is going to be Mom's room. I am going to have the room redone in some ways. I am not going to do crazy redecorating, just some simple things that Mom will like (I think). Now that she doesn't know what is hers and what isn't, it is finally safe to declutter her room. One of the effects of Alzheimer's is hoarding and Mom is a pack rat to begin with, it isn't quite like the people on the hoarding shows, but it is still rather dangerous for the little person. I want to put the bed frame in the garage for now because someday, it will go back in her room, when she is no longer mobile. then I will put the bed back together. It is a high bed and it will be easier to change her with a high bed so I don't want to sell her bed at all. Not when I plan to use it again someday. For right now though, it is in the way and I manage to step on the railings quite frequently when helping Mom in or out of bed. Then I need to go to the storage unit and get her Mickey Mouse snow globe out. I hope I didn't ruin it by putting it in storage. I thought we were moving, but it turns out we weren't. I plan to do that this weekend, I think. I just have to find the right box it is in. I am not sure which box it is in, and I also want to get the other snow globe (Beauty and the Beast) out too. I do hope they are in good condition. I would like to have her room painted pink. She likes that color and with the white curtains, I think pink would look nice. The boxes at the end of her bed will be removed and those clothes will go in the empty drawers and closet. It would be nice to be able to get into her closet. Right now, I have to move a couple of boxes in order to open her closet door and you can only open the right door because there is a big box in front of the left door. Anyways, by Christmas, I want her room looking spiffy. I want it to be a haven when she goes in to bed and very calming for her. She needs calming things around her at all times because I can only imagine having Alzheimer's is NOT calming.
The winter project is my room. I am not repainting it as I like the color of the walls. I don't necessarily like the curtains, but I will price some to see if I can afford 2 pairs as I have 2 windows in my room. I want them lined though because my room does get quite cold. It is the coldest room of the upstairs, which is great for sleeping, but not for anything else. I want to get my pictures and stuff back from storage and put them back out on my dresser again. I also want to hang up some pictures on the walls. I need my stuffed animal collection back out on my chest of drawers. I want my books back in the bookcase and then my Anne of Green Gables Figurines on my dresser. I want my room to be my haven when I go to bed instead of the empty room with piles it is right now. I don't know what to do with some of the stuff I have, I am going to get rid of some, but not all. I just have to decide what I really want. I will move the rest of the Winnie the Pooh beanie babies down to the piano because that is where most of them are right now, so the collection needs to be complete.
I hope to pace myself very carefully so that I can do these projects. I will probably need some help as I can't really lift anything that is over about 5 pounds because of the rods in my back. I figure in the next week or two I will make a list for Mom's room and then divide and conquer! I really want a nice looking room for her. It has been cluttered up for too long and she has some nice pieces that are hidden. I may move some of her paintings from other rooms into her room. I don't know, we shall see.
My knee seems to be improving a bit. It isn't quite back to normal yet, but I am hopeful it will soon. I hope the knee flare up goes away soon. Several people I know are in flare ups right now, there must be something in the weather. Ugh, hope they all feel better soon.
I hope this finds you doing well.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
We ran into Lily and her mom, Julie at Tim Horton's this afternoon. I saw Lily enter and I thought, I must be seeing things as she is supposed to be in school. Unfortunately, she hurt her foot and had to go to the doctors. It was so nice to talk to them. I haven't seen them much this summer. We both have been busy, but mostly they have been very busy.
I am waiting for the lady to come and give Mom a bath. She should be here any minute now. It has been a week since she has had a good one and I want her hair washed. It should be okay to do today because it has been over a week since she fell so I want it done well today. It has been rather confusing getting the home aide here because our usual one is on vacation for 2 weeks. It should be all taken care of now, I hope. I can't wait until Angela is back and we are back on schedule.
Not much happening today because I have no lessons and we aren't visiting because of the bath and the new schedule for the young children at the B-T's house. With the start of a new school year comes many changes to schedules as most of you know. I am not sure what time we will be visiting, but we will get it in somewhere because I really do enjoy it and so does Mom.
I had my boring blood test again. I missed the appointment two weeks ago and before the office calls me to tell me I forgot, I thought I better make an appointment. The nurse found the vein right away and it went fine for a change. My veins are very hard to find at times and they don't always behave nicely for nurses. I can clear a room of nurses just by signing my name.
Pain level is normal for me. It is beautiful outside, not to hot, not to cold, just perfect. Mom is chatting away right now. It is really cute to see her do this. I wish that she would do this when certain people are around, but she clams up around them because they make her nervous so she doesn't speak. Maybe I should video this. Hm, I will think about that.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a good day. We have had a great one so far!
I am waiting for the lady to come and give Mom a bath. She should be here any minute now. It has been a week since she has had a good one and I want her hair washed. It should be okay to do today because it has been over a week since she fell so I want it done well today. It has been rather confusing getting the home aide here because our usual one is on vacation for 2 weeks. It should be all taken care of now, I hope. I can't wait until Angela is back and we are back on schedule.
Not much happening today because I have no lessons and we aren't visiting because of the bath and the new schedule for the young children at the B-T's house. With the start of a new school year comes many changes to schedules as most of you know. I am not sure what time we will be visiting, but we will get it in somewhere because I really do enjoy it and so does Mom.
I had my boring blood test again. I missed the appointment two weeks ago and before the office calls me to tell me I forgot, I thought I better make an appointment. The nurse found the vein right away and it went fine for a change. My veins are very hard to find at times and they don't always behave nicely for nurses. I can clear a room of nurses just by signing my name.
Pain level is normal for me. It is beautiful outside, not to hot, not to cold, just perfect. Mom is chatting away right now. It is really cute to see her do this. I wish that she would do this when certain people are around, but she clams up around them because they make her nervous so she doesn't speak. Maybe I should video this. Hm, I will think about that.
I hope this finds you doing well and having a good day. We have had a great one so far!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Once again it is beautiful weather outside. I am really loving this so far this fall. I know fall doesn't officially start for another few weeks, but hey, kids are in school so to me it is fall.
It isn't too bad of a pain day for a nice change. The head is its normal pain level (I have a headache everyday and have had one for 6 years straight now) so I am thrilled and my knee seems to be behaving. It isn't back to normal, but it is getting there.
Mom did wonderful at physical therapy today. Lori came earlier than usual, but that was alright and fit great into our schedule. She called and by the time she got here, Mom was dressed and brushing her teeth. (She is back to doing them on her own again) I brought her downstairs, gave her her medicines, and then put her shoes on her. After that, Lori took over and I went to get dressed. I was so pleased that Mom did well even without me cheering her on like I usually do. I am trying not to interfere with Lori's work, but sometimes I can get Mom to do better by cheering her on. Lori now cheers her own the same way I do and that seems to help quite a bit. I will miss the physical therapy when it is over next month. I bought ankle weights that mom and I will use to give us both strength. I just pray she doesn't go into the hospital again.
Tomorrow Mom gets her bath. It won't be done by Angela because she is on vacation (honeymoon! how cool is that?!) but by a new worker for us. She wanted to come at 8 to 8:30 am. Now, we all now I am NOT a morning person, but Mom isn't either. So I had to tell her that wouldn't work. She said that she has 2 people in our area, Mom and another lady, but still, I am NOT getting Mom up any earlier than I usually do because she would be exhausted all day long and that would NOT be good. So we compromised and said about 10 to 10:30 am. I can do that. No way I can do the other, absolutely not happening. I like that Angela always came around 12:30 to 1:00 pm, but we can use this new time to our advantage as I will wake Mom right as soon as she arrives. She can get ready and I will get Mom and then she will have her bath and be all ready for the day, so it will work out for us. Mom usually sleeps until 10 to 10:30 am anyways. I know because I check in on her.
I took a wee nap today and had some strange dreams. Sometimes dreams are really weird when I take naps. I wonder why? Hm, something to ponder in the future.
Bob had his lesson and he is learning his songs quite well. He is playing his first piano invention by J. S. Bach. He is putting his hands together for the first time on the new part and it was really good, slow, but good. My saying always is, if you can't play it slow, you can't play it fast. Of course, a problem is once you learn it fast, you really can't always play it slow. But when learning, you need to play the song slowly and then speed up as you practice more. That has always worked for me and my students.
Acer, Calli, and Charlie all had lessons yesterday. It was quite a busy afternoon for a bit. I loved every minute of it. Acer showed me his new jazz piece he composed. He composes often and I wouldn't be surprise that when he is older he will be a composer. Calli is doing super well on her jazz piece. I simply love the song she is playing and the next song she will play is also a cool jazz piece. She will be starting to sing in the next week or two too so that will be fun. I have some of the books out now and I need to copy some songs for her and put the piano parts on a CD for her to practice. Katie wants to have a chat with her on the virtues of going to competition and singing in the ensemble as we are one short for an ensemble this year and with Calli we would have enough. I don't know if that will happen, but Katie is a determined teenager and I think she will just love Calli. I also know that Acer could participate in the ensemble if he chose too. It is entirely up to them, I will not make anyone do anything but I do understand how much Katie loves singing in an ensemble and I have some cute music for one. Katie is a character for sure. Charlie is also doing pretty well with his lessons. He got a couple of exercises marked off because he sight read them perfect. I actually expected this, but he didn't know that. The book reviews a bit from the previous book so that is why I expected it. Charlie also plays the drums which thrills Acer. I told Acer that Charlie played the tenor drums in marching band, but I wasn't sure if he played the 5 (apparently it is 6) or 1 drum in the band. We waited for Charlie for the answer. Charlie thought it was really cool that Acer is very interested in drums. He thinks he is a neat little man, which he is.
I hope you are enjoying the fall weather. It is supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow and by the weekend, but I don't mind, it won't get too hot for me.
Also, I just received a phone call from a different worker (the one who called yesterday) and she is coming for Mom at about 4:30 tomorrow. I had to call the office and let them know so this time is better for us because we won't have to wake up earlier than usual. I hope they get this straightened out. I missed the phone call yesterday by about 5 minutes and they were worried they wouldn't get a hold of me. So, the bottom line is, the timing for the other woman is much better than the first so we are going with the second lady (who in fact was the first to call me). As long as Mom gets a bath, that is all that matters to me.
Enjoy your day and have a great evening!!!
It isn't too bad of a pain day for a nice change. The head is its normal pain level (I have a headache everyday and have had one for 6 years straight now) so I am thrilled and my knee seems to be behaving. It isn't back to normal, but it is getting there.
Mom did wonderful at physical therapy today. Lori came earlier than usual, but that was alright and fit great into our schedule. She called and by the time she got here, Mom was dressed and brushing her teeth. (She is back to doing them on her own again) I brought her downstairs, gave her her medicines, and then put her shoes on her. After that, Lori took over and I went to get dressed. I was so pleased that Mom did well even without me cheering her on like I usually do. I am trying not to interfere with Lori's work, but sometimes I can get Mom to do better by cheering her on. Lori now cheers her own the same way I do and that seems to help quite a bit. I will miss the physical therapy when it is over next month. I bought ankle weights that mom and I will use to give us both strength. I just pray she doesn't go into the hospital again.
Tomorrow Mom gets her bath. It won't be done by Angela because she is on vacation (honeymoon! how cool is that?!) but by a new worker for us. She wanted to come at 8 to 8:30 am. Now, we all now I am NOT a morning person, but Mom isn't either. So I had to tell her that wouldn't work. She said that she has 2 people in our area, Mom and another lady, but still, I am NOT getting Mom up any earlier than I usually do because she would be exhausted all day long and that would NOT be good. So we compromised and said about 10 to 10:30 am. I can do that. No way I can do the other, absolutely not happening. I like that Angela always came around 12:30 to 1:00 pm, but we can use this new time to our advantage as I will wake Mom right as soon as she arrives. She can get ready and I will get Mom and then she will have her bath and be all ready for the day, so it will work out for us. Mom usually sleeps until 10 to 10:30 am anyways. I know because I check in on her.
I took a wee nap today and had some strange dreams. Sometimes dreams are really weird when I take naps. I wonder why? Hm, something to ponder in the future.
Bob had his lesson and he is learning his songs quite well. He is playing his first piano invention by J. S. Bach. He is putting his hands together for the first time on the new part and it was really good, slow, but good. My saying always is, if you can't play it slow, you can't play it fast. Of course, a problem is once you learn it fast, you really can't always play it slow. But when learning, you need to play the song slowly and then speed up as you practice more. That has always worked for me and my students.
Acer, Calli, and Charlie all had lessons yesterday. It was quite a busy afternoon for a bit. I loved every minute of it. Acer showed me his new jazz piece he composed. He composes often and I wouldn't be surprise that when he is older he will be a composer. Calli is doing super well on her jazz piece. I simply love the song she is playing and the next song she will play is also a cool jazz piece. She will be starting to sing in the next week or two too so that will be fun. I have some of the books out now and I need to copy some songs for her and put the piano parts on a CD for her to practice. Katie wants to have a chat with her on the virtues of going to competition and singing in the ensemble as we are one short for an ensemble this year and with Calli we would have enough. I don't know if that will happen, but Katie is a determined teenager and I think she will just love Calli. I also know that Acer could participate in the ensemble if he chose too. It is entirely up to them, I will not make anyone do anything but I do understand how much Katie loves singing in an ensemble and I have some cute music for one. Katie is a character for sure. Charlie is also doing pretty well with his lessons. He got a couple of exercises marked off because he sight read them perfect. I actually expected this, but he didn't know that. The book reviews a bit from the previous book so that is why I expected it. Charlie also plays the drums which thrills Acer. I told Acer that Charlie played the tenor drums in marching band, but I wasn't sure if he played the 5 (apparently it is 6) or 1 drum in the band. We waited for Charlie for the answer. Charlie thought it was really cool that Acer is very interested in drums. He thinks he is a neat little man, which he is.
I hope you are enjoying the fall weather. It is supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow and by the weekend, but I don't mind, it won't get too hot for me.
Also, I just received a phone call from a different worker (the one who called yesterday) and she is coming for Mom at about 4:30 tomorrow. I had to call the office and let them know so this time is better for us because we won't have to wake up earlier than usual. I hope they get this straightened out. I missed the phone call yesterday by about 5 minutes and they were worried they wouldn't get a hold of me. So, the bottom line is, the timing for the other woman is much better than the first so we are going with the second lady (who in fact was the first to call me). As long as Mom gets a bath, that is all that matters to me.
Enjoy your day and have a great evening!!!
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