My DW age 73 has Alz. she was diagnosed with this last year although I felt she has had it for several years. It runs in her family. Her mother, brother passed with it. Another brother has it. So it became obvious that it got her. She has progressed to stage middle 5 and I am lost. Her mood changes were becoming unbearable, so I contacted her Neurologist. and he arranged for her to see a psychologist once a week for several weeks and is to see a psychiatrist next week for one visit for Med prescription. I ,after 54 years have become a husband and wife and I really don''t know how to do it. I am learning to cook, do laundry, shop baby sit etc. I have several kids many grown grand kids, but nobody that will except the fact that she has a major problem. The only one that truly understands what I'm going through Is my SIL. and I hope she realizes why I can't involve her.You all know her and she should be a alz. adviser. I'm 76 and I don't have the capacity to handle all this. DW can no longer read, understand how to use the phone, even load a dishwasher, everything she does I have to redo.
I guess I don't even know what I'm saying anymore. She is able to handle all her own personal needs, and is still smart enough to be on her best behavior when anyone comes to visit and that's why nobody realizes how bad she really is. and the fact that most, not all very seldom come by to see her. they prefer to call once a week on their way home from work. I'm sorry for venting, but I have nobody to talk to and won't know what to say if i did. She has become very anti-social. Doesn't want to go to restaurants, and If I do get her in one she orders her food by the pictures, If we go to one of the kids house were good for about 2 hours and shew gone.
Sorry for ranting but I only type with one finger and it takes me forever. Thanks for listening ,
Welcome harvey. I am glad you have found this site. It will be a great comfort to you. I read, then reread your post. I truly don't understand why your wife's neurologist would suggest or refer your wife to a psychologist. This is not a time for "talk therapy." There is really nothing a psychologist can do for you wife at this point, that is my opinion. I wonder if your wife's neurologist specializes in dementia.
Family denial is not unusual. Often others do see the one with dementia at their best. I'm not sure what you meant about your SIL. Why can't you involve her if she is the only one who understands?
I just happened to be up, but tomorrow others will welcome you. You never have to apologize for venting, it's expected with all the frustration.
Dear Harvey, welcome to the site. You have come to a good place where there is always someone to read, understand and usually respond. Hopefully with something that helps. For many of us who are lonely in one way or another this site has been such a wonderful resource, once I found it and started reading and contributing it has been much easier to cope. Stay with us and tell us more. Vent all you like!
Harvey--I agree with Kitty--if your SIL is knowledgeable about AD, you have a tremendous asset in your corner. Why can't you involve her? Also, not being able to order in a restaurant is very common and started with my husband early in the disease. Perhaps her anxiety over that is what is causing her to want to avoid eating out? I just go ahead and order for my husband, have told anyone who takes him out to do the same--it works fine. After cooking for him all these years, I certainly know his food preferences.
Things like cooking, cleaning and laundry can seem like foreign lands if you haven't been involved in them. Fortunately, it is possible to hire help to do all those things and it will reduce your stress level.
Finally, again I agree with Kitty on the talk therapy. However, my husband went to a therapist when he was misdiagnosed with depression, and she did convince him to stop looking for a job and to have his memory tested, things I couldn't do. If there is something in particular you want the therapy sessions to accomplish, I would speak with or email the psychologist/psychiatrist prior to her sessions. If she is only being referred to them to get psychiatric medications--which certainly can be a huge help in controlling/improving behavior--it seems like a lot of trouble to just get a prescription. Why doesn't her neuro give you one directly?
welcome harvey, Just being here helps a lot, knowing that there are people that understand and really care helps. Everyone here is going through, has been through, or will be going through the same things you're going through right now. It isn't easy watching the love of your life gradually fade away. As you said you have changed from being a husband to being husband, wife and even mother/father. As hard as it is at times just keep telling her how much you love her and will take care of her. Even when/if she forgets you, I think that somewhere inside she will know you are there for her.
I agree with kitty about the psychologist/psychiatrist, I don't understand why she was referred to see them, a neurologist who specializes in dementia seems the better choice.
Those weekly calls are to be expected and maybe not much more. It's not just friends that start to disappear, it's also relatives....Someone will always be here to offer suggestions and be willing to listen. It isn't venting, it's a means of survival.
Welcome Harvey. A great book for male caregivers is Coach Broyles play book. It was written by a football coach after his wife developed AD. It is available at no cost. www.alzheimersplaybook.com
kitty: thanks for the quick response. Her Nerou. is qualified in Alz. I had called because of her constant temper outburst and up to 24 hour silent temper outbursts up to 3 times a week and acquisitions, I wanted something to calm her down to made her controllable. He called to get my approval to sent her and I made him talk to her, she agreed to it and really looks forward to it. He said he is treating her, but is also treating me. Her as a alz. patient and me as caregiver. She does not understand whats shes doing and therefore they both look to me to answer for her as do all her doctors. She can't remember much anymore so now I'm her mouthpiece.Lately she starts to talk about something and after the first sentence she can't remember what she wanted to say, so most conversation become 40 questions.
Welcome to this site where there is help, friendship, and understanding. My hb has vascular dementia and can take care of personal needs. Restaurant ordering is usually, "I want what you ordered." His food tastes have changed; so one day he likes/wants one thing, the next another. Conversations are often 40 questions, but if I asked many ?s trying to understand, he gets upset--& it's my fault I don't understand. Does fantastic monologues that one one understands; no sentences lead coherently to another--if there are really complete sentences. Last visit to neurologist, I kept quiet and made him answer--or not--her questions; so she could see exactly where he was. She told him I wasn't his secretary or mouthpiece, he needed to answer. He couldn't answer most of them.
I understand your accepting new "jobs" you aren't used to around the house. Some of us wives have to accept new "jobs," too. There is usually help someplace, but we may have to pay for it.
Do talk to an elder law attorney and get all legal/financial/medical papers in order if you haven't already done that. Again, welcome to the roller coaster.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how fast the comments are coming in. To answer some of the fast questions coming at me. Her nerou does specialize in dementia, she was hospitalized 5 times in one year under his care and she had the cat scans, mri's cardio and many other test including heart surgery. he sent her to U. of Mich for Cognitive testing and after one hour said no reason to subject her to all that. The Nerou is well qualified but has absolutely no bed side manners. i had to tell him to quit being a strict, no nonsense Dr. or she would refuse to see him and have had no problems since.
Joyce 43, you mentioned about even relatives will turn their back on me, I learned this the hard way when I turned my back on someone I now look up to and wonder if maybe this is my punishment or paybacks for poor behavior.
Zibby, I have all financial, legal, and medical papers in order, because I also have a brother and SIL (now deceased with Alz)., and he had me set up a book with all pertinent medical and financial information in one book that I take to all Drs. Appointments and if someone else has to take her they will have all paper work available.
Marilymin MD: The question about the Sil. She is knowledgeably because she went through it for almost 1 years years, before the end. My DW figures every time I talk to anyone on the phone I'm talking in code about her,and our kids didn't know why our business was anyone else' s business. It just became to complicated and I was better off just crawl back into my hole and don't tell anybody nothing. So now I am 35 miles from any of them and mind my own business.
I do thank you all for the input and guess I had just reached an all time low last night when I posted.
harvey, you're very welcome. I am perplexed as to why a neurologist who is "qualified" in Alz. would refer your wife to a psychologist. They are not medical doctors and can't prescribe medication, which seemed to be the reason you contacted the neurologist in the first place. If she can't remember what she wanted to say after the first sentence, then it is pointless. I am beginning to wonder how much your wife's neurologist knows about treating Alz. patients. Did he/she give you a reason for this referral? I am sorry you will have to wait until the psychiatrist visit next week. Many on this site have neurologists who will prescribe medications for the reason you described. I personally would be looking for a better neurologist. You shouldn't have had to wait these weeks to get a prescription for her "constant temper outbursts." You already have a diagnosis, so I really don't see the purpose in this, especially with your wife's inability to express herself.
It is understandable that you are feeling alone and overwhelmed. I hope when your wife's moods are improved with medication, you yourself will feel better.
If your wife really looks forward to seeing the psychologist, perhaps there is some other activity that she would also enjoy as an outing. I understand that art and music appreciation/participation are among the last things to be lost. May I ask what you had to pay for your sessions with the psychologist? Perhaps individual art "therapy" would be a better choice, if it is affordable.
Welcome to my website. As you can see, I edited the title of this discussion to alert everyone that you are a male caregiver. We have many guys, but they tend to be quieter than the women. If they know they have a new comrade, I am sure they will jump in here.
We are all challenged when thrust into the caregiving role, but the men have more of a challenge - cooking is a biggie, along with the personal hygiene issues, which you say your wife can still handle. However, I have a handy little guide for male caregivers on the home page of this website - log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and look on the left side where all the resources are. Scroll down to Male Caregiver Tips.
For cooking advice - I see you have already found the Easy Favorite Recipe topic on this board.
You have come to a place of comfort for spouses who are trying to cope with the Alzheimer's/dementia of their husband/wife. The issues we face in dealing with a spouse with this disease are so different from the issues faced by children and grandchildren caregivers. We discuss all of those issues here - loss of intimacy; social contact; conversation; anger; resentment; stress; and pain of living with the stranger that Alzheimer's Disease has put in place of our beloved spouse.
The message boards are only part of this website. Please be sure to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read all of the resources on the left side. I recommend starting with "Newly Diagnosed/New Member" and "Understanding the Dementia Experience".
Do not miss the "previous blog" section. It is there you will find a huge array of topics with which you can relate. There is a new "search" feature on the home page that allows you to look up different topics that may have been explored in a previous blog. Log onto the home page daily for new blogs; news updates; important information.
I hope you will visit often and join in on the discussions.
Harvey, welcome and as you have already seen, there is lots of help and support here for you. My husband's name is Harvey, but everyone calls him Buzz. He is Jr. - his son is Harvey III and his grandson is Harvey IV. Lots of Harvey's in our family.
Harvey: You have found the best (in my opinion) forum in the world for exactly what you are going thru. I could (and can) have written your same story and I have experienced the same things that you describe. So, suffice it to say, that I don't have the answers either.
I can especially relate to socialization. We cannot have any of our friends in our home anymore and I know that some people don't feel comfortable around this situation. I still take my DW out to eat, but, she can't read and understand the menu so I have to order for her. I try to discuss(?) it with her for her self esteem and in case something hits the spot at that moment, but, I usually decide for her. So far, she doesn't mind that.
Harvey, all of a sudden, you have a lot of friends who know exactly what you are talking about.
Harvey, learning to respond to an Alzheimer's spouse is the hardest thing I've ever done. After I finally convinced myself that my husband was no longer in control of his brain (that his reason button was broken) and that he was behaving more like a self-centered teenager who thought only of himself and his wants and that things had to be done his way (which was in total contrast to my husband), I learned how to redirect, to not argue, to stop trying to convince him of anything. In restaurants, as he regressed, he went from ordering his favorite, to me asking would you like A or B and he would respond (usually B), to me just asking is A okay with you? and he would say "Yes." Now, I just order for him, and cut up his food before giving him his plate.
I'm telling you this in hopes that seeing how I handled this situation could be used by you, maybe in a different way, but still it is a way to continue to take them out to dinner as long as they can feed themselves and behave. I have never had a behavior problem, thank goodness!
Each of us has learned from each other, and that is what we are here for. The fact that your neuro has not offered medication for Alzheimer's (Razadyne and Namenda later on) makes me curious about how he calls himself an ALZ neuro. It may be time to find a new one. A neuro is very rarely helpful to the caregiver unless he/she is giving prescription to help the AD patient.
As far as doing things around the house that she used to do, try getting cars serviced; doing plumbing repair; mowing; taking the trash out, etc. Just the reverse of you -- we've all had to compensate....I pay to have the yard done - you might want to hire Molly Maids to clean the house for you every other week.
You also need to make sure you have at least one morning alone, away from the house - for you. It helps you refresh and face the rest of the week!
Keep your head up Harvey. I'm a newbie here (joined today) and am also a male caregiver. Not sure about all the abbreviations used but my wife has been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. Am just now learning the ropes and how to try and deal with this. Try to find a support group close to you, I'm sure they can help. That's what I'm trying.. Mike
Welcome to all you guys who have recently joined this wonderful group of loving, compassionate caregivers! Sorry you have to be here, but it's a great place to find comfort, advice and friendship. Ask your questions, vent when needed - someone will be here for you.
Welcome, Harvey, from one who also types with one finger. This is a great web site and I don't know what I would do without it. There is nothing you can't discuss (except politics) that someone else has not already experienced and will be glad to answer you. There are tears as well as humor on this site and we are glad you are here.
Welcome to my website. Please see above for the welcome information I gave to Harvey. There are a lot of resources on my home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com for you to look through. Since you mentioned abbreviations, I will direct you to the left side of the home page. Scroll down and you will come to a section on abbreviations. Not everything is in there, but it is a pretty extensive list.
We are all in the same boat and understand spousal issues as no one but spouses can.
Mike, WELCOME! We're here to offer you and Harvey support, comfort, advice, and sometimes we throw in humor to keep us going! I normally welcome newcomers with big hugs....we all need them every day!!! ((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))) to both Mike and Harvey!
If you have questions or comments, on a subject, just go to the top of discussions and click on "Start a new discussion" and write about the topic you need help with...
Welcome Harvey, the asterisk beside our name informs you that our spouse has died. We stay on the forum to help when we can and to keep in touch with the dear friends we have had during our caregiving years. I was a caregiver for 10 yrs. and married for 58 yrs. You have been welcomed and advised by wonderful people who have collectively vast knowledge and wisdom in AD. WHat you are now encountering has been experienced by us so we empathize completely with you. Glad you have found this place.
Welcome, Mike, Are you from the South? I live in North Alabama and there are very few here from Alabama. You will find this site a blessing as you travel down this road. It's almost like a road map that helps you get to your destination with helpful tips along the way.
I have introduced myself in a few other threads but this seems a good place to add another hello. My wife Sharon and I have a mixed marriage... She is a Southern Belle and I am an Irish Yankee Rogue. I turn 56 in two days and Sharon is 58. I am feeling at home here already.
Welcome Mike and Harvey. As another male caregiver on this site I know what you are going through. My wife was diagnosed with AD about 5 years ago and is now in stage 6. I have to do just about everything for her, including cleaning up messes (see the "Incontinence" thread). When I found I needed to start doing the cooking, something I had never done, I found a magazine called "Cooking for 2". In every issue I would fine 5-10 recipes I wanted to try. Unfortunately, the magazine no longer exists, but you might be able to find copies in your library. As Joang said, there are several other male caregivers on this site, but we don't post as often as the ladies. I have found that when I have a specific problem related to female issues (such as getting panty hose on her) I get lots of help from the ladies. If you want to discuss issues outside of this forum, my e-mail address is in my profile.
Wow, what a lot of new men on the site. Welcome, guys, glad to have you here. My teaching experience taught me that the presence of guys in the group helps keep the girls from getting too silly. Do your best! (Although we like the silly guys too.)
Welcome Harvey and Mike to this amazing site. I hope you find as much support here as I do and you will definitely find answers to your questions. Harvey, let us know how the medication issue works out with your wife and try to make it as easy as possible for yourself by having one qualifies Alz MD prescribe whatever she needs at this point. We all learn how to do many new things in the process of dealing with this disease, some we do not want to know and some show us how capable we really are. Hugs to you both! Susan
Hi Harvey. My wife is moving rapidly into stage #7 and just two weeks ago, we (kids & I) made the hard decision to move Carol to an Alz Care Facility. So far so good. I found the visit to the pshycologist to be one of the worst days for Carol. I would never take her to another as it really seemed to hurt her pride byt not being able to answer any of the memory questions. With our wifes, I think we have to be espefdillly careful about taking away any of her lady like living. Bathing was always a problem and she hated me to help her but she could not do it herself so she just wanted to skip it. She is 73 and I am 77 next week. She has signs of AD since 1996 but real affected about 6 years ago. Carol loves to go out anywhere. Just riding around made her happy. She liked to eat out but did not order herself. I learned that it was best for us to have the same thing because she would always look at my plate and like my food better than her own if it was deifferent. Had trouble with GK's cause they usually had french fries which she really liked. They decided it was fun to let Carol eat some of theirs.
Hang in there. It is not easy and I'm sure you know that it does not get any easier. bill
Hi Harvey and Mike, Welcome! This site is like a safe place you can go to find answers to questions you thought you'd never have to ask. It's a site for comfort because all of the people here (male and female) are going through similar issues. It is excellent for venting. You can say whatever you want and not be afraid you'll be judged. Don't be afraid to say or ask anything. As you can see, there is always someone here to give advice and to help. There is even humor here, and I'm sure right now you don't find much to be humorous about. But, there will be, and you'll laugh out loud sometimes, which some days is the only time you laugh. So, welcome, and be glad you found this terrific place.
Welcome Harvey and Mike ! surely you are feeling the love on this site from so many welcomes! we have so many informed, helpful, handson caregivers here with inthetrench knowledge when its needed. i hope you find all your support and questions answered here. you have more than enough mother hens willing to help! ha.. divvi
Harvey and Mike-welcome. It is indeed better to laugh than cry. Sometimes we get so caught up with this monster of a disease that we lose ourselves. Depression comes without warning. We are here with you to help all we can.
Welcome Mike and Harvey.. I am so glad that you found this fantastic site, since it will guide you through this tremendous journey. The caregivers here are unique, and each has their strong points, great advice, and sweet comforting and supporting thoughts. This team will help you carry this burden with grace and dignity, and will always be there to help you when you think you can't make it another minute.. Welcome.
Welcome Mike and Harvey .. is it not amazing what you can find on the internet if you just google it. There are several men on this site and we are all learning more about being the caregiver and doing it on our own. My DW did most of the stuff around the house and I worked and she spent it. Now I have a better understanding of what she did as now I have taken over all the task that she did and take care of her too. This is a great site to ask the questions. Welcome
Yes indeed, welcome Mike and Harvey -- and I think Thunder -- you may have gotten lost in the middle there. You have all come to a wonderfully supportive place. Look forward to hearing from you often.
Welcome Mike, Firstly, i posted early this morning not only knowing what to do or say having many question and no answers. Thats why It took me so long to come out of the closet. FEAR of the unknown. I did a poor job of explaining myself. When DW was released from the hospital the last time, her Nerou. did put her on Aricept twice daily, she began having trouble tolerating it and put her on 2 Nemenda daily and stopped th Aricept. When I called to see about a Med for her behavior he suggested to put her on Seroquel starting 25 Mil and if needed later increase to 50 Mil. He also mentioned possibly Ativan. When I see a Alz medication mentioned I always look it up on MEDLINE PLUS. COM. Our PCP told me thats the website she used. I didn't like what I read and told him I would not give them to Her. Thats how the Psychologist came into the picture.He, after 3 sessions with DW. The psychologist contacted her Nerou. and It was decided to put her on Razidyne (Galantamine). They asked if she would agree to 1 Psychiatrist visit and she agreed. I am fortunate that my insurance co. Has pre-approved her visits until I deem them no longer needed. Tomorrow is the day she goes so I will post the results soon.
I can see now why I have been reading the info on the different caregiver sites instead of posting. I really don't know much about Alz. I got more questions in the last 20 hours, from a very super knowledgeable group of new friends. I commend all of you for being there for all of us. But when all is said I feel like I have been Spanked. I didn't know how to post so didn't really know what everyone wanted to know , therefore, diffenently was not prepared for the barrage of question. I really appreciate all you question, and next time I post i will use fewer words.
Harvey, don't worry about the words or the questions, just ease into it, say whatever you like and (only) when you like. Nothing is obligatory. Everyone is just trying to help, as you understand. Don't worry about being too wordy. Sometimes it helps just to write it out. Hang in there, and sorry if we barraged you with questions!!
You said you did not know much about Alzheimer's Disease - please take my suggestion in my welcome message and read "Understanding the Dementia Experience". It is on the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - on the left side. It is simple, straightforward, and comprehensive. Also, read the section - New Member/Newly Diagnosed. That will also help you quite a bit. Check out these 4 short videos - http://www.aboutalz.org/
Learning about Alzheimer's Disease is a process - it takes a long time. Especially the emotions involved in having a spouse with the disease. We are here for you. Write as much as you need to.
Hello Harvey, My name is Jim and I have been coming to this website for about a year now I think. I don’t think that I will ever stop being a newbie. Everyday I have doubts and fears about where this disease is heading and what will happen next. The ladies and gentlemen on here are very helpful and patient. Lord knows they need to be.
My wife Kathryn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s on April 30, 2008. She lost her job because of it on Sept 30, 2006. Instead of giving us a reason they simply said they didn’t need to have a reason because she was appointed and they could just make changes whenever they wanted to without cause. Only after noticing that she was having problems with telling time and changing the TV stations on the remote and other things did I think there was something wrong mentally. The doctor said she had it for sometime before I realized there was something wrong. She is now in full stage 5 and a little stage 6. Some days it is harder to deal with than others. Some days I hurt so much for her that she has to live with this. It is very hard for me to accept that there is nothing I can do to make it better.
Here are some things I have figured out over the last year and a half that may be of some help.
1. Laundry: Not really all that hard. I do it every day or so. If you think about all you really need to do is get soap that works in cold water for everything. I think your colors don’t fade as fast in it and you only need one kind. It will also help keep the heating bill down too. Takes about 5 minutes to put a load in and start it. Take another 5 minutes to move from the washer to the dryer and about 10 minutes to hang or fold and put away. Just don’t let it overwhelm you is all. 2. Cooking: You can still get cook books for two at Books-a-million in the cooking lane. But I don’t cook for two. I got one of those vacuum seal machines and I cook a regular meal. I store the extra in them and all I have to do to make supper when I use them is boil water and drop them in the pan. Very little clean up. Just plates and silver on those days. 3. I have to redo everything Kathryn does too. Just remember that she is trying to help. This is the only thing that may make her feel like she is carrying some part of the load. I think that it is important that we allow our spouses to do anything they can as long as it doesn’t hurt them or anyone else. It took me awhile to understand this. Only after being in the hospital for a knee replacement did I get it. I hated having to let everybody do everything for me. I felt useless. That’s very hard for any person to take I think. 4. Above all else always remember she is innocent no matter what even if she did it.
The social part I really have no input about. I have been very lucky. Kathryn still loves to go out to dinner and to see friends. Our friends are all great and give her hugs and kisses. She has a great time. I think this is the only thing that gives her any quality of life right now and I dread the day when it doesn’t anymore.
There doesn’t appear to be a direct path for this disease and it seems that while we are all here for the same reason sometimes it seems like we may be in the same stage as someone else it is not always the same issue we are dealing with.
Jim--you've given good advice, especially point #3 above. You guys may have an advantage in that your wives can still do a tiny portion of some of the things they used to. Good examples would be folding laundry, perhaps stirring something that needs to be blended, etc. I really try to search for things for my husband to help with that will seem like part of what he used to do, but he never did cooking or laundry. I just can't find a way he can help me with things like our finances, which he used to handle exclusively (was a CPA); driving--he was the main driver; doing household repairs, etc. The things he used to do involve more cognition that he currently has. One of the main things I call on him for is to reach high things--since he's much taller than I--and praise him extravagantly for helping. I also give him the tableware to set out for meals--it's done all wrong, but who cares. He constantly asks if he can help me, and I agree that they need to feel useful for their own self-worth.
Anchor 20- Sounds like you are truly the "Anchor". I enjoyed your post, and glad to see another male coping with this fascinating disease. I have been freezing my meals, and microwaving them , but I think I will try sealing like you do and boiling,. Sometimes the microwave tends to destroy the taste and texture of the meals.....Great idea and thanks... Sometimes it seems that the more I learn of ad, the less I know..
Anchor, thanks for the pointers. I loved number 2 and 3. Think I'll get one of those sealers and save food for later. Some days I detest trying to find something to cook..
I will sit down when I get time and write down what I have learned and how I deal with some things that are knew to me. Maybe it will be of some help to someone that is just starting to have to deal with this. I am sure that a lot of things have already been said on here but there may be one or two things that are different and could be useful.
Anchor, you wife is a lucky woman to have you for a husband. I also LOVE your idea about the sealers. I don't know why I didn't think of it. I've just been doing what Phranque does.
I've used the sealer the same as Anchor and i think the food tastes better by boiling it than nukeing it. You can nuke the bag also just remember to snip off a corner of the bag to let the steam escape. The boiling works great when reheating pasta or rice.
I also have a Food Saver Vacuum Sealer. I had the gallom size, (it gave out) and now have the Qt. size. I talked to the meat Mgr of local chain store and he told me that every morning around 9AM, he comes out and reduces the cost of any meat that is to expire in 2 days 35%. I buy beef and pork roasts, hamberger, steaks, and pork chops, etc. come home get my foodsealer, bag it, mark it (date & what it is) in portions for 2 people. I also do the same with Spagetti sauce, soup, etc. name it and I have tried to bag it. I then freeze it until I'm ready to use it. I think all these food comments should probable be in the food section, but I don't know where it is.
Welcome all you MEN! So I suppose Phranqe will be organizing a men's drum circle soon? Okay, confession, I attend a full moon women's drum circle every month.
I'll be glad to give you all pointers on laundry. Although my husband and son early on started doing their own when I was very INTO purple and not one to separate colors from whites. Hint: separate unless you don't mind pink briefs. In exchange for laundry pointers I'd like help on fixing plumbing leaks, tightening the faucets, fixing my computer, repairing the kitchen sink sprayer, weed wacking the steep slope which is our wild yard, dragging boulders from around the property to construct a bog garden to control the runoff, change the heater filters, the water filters, and......well I'll spare you the rest for now. I've been learning from scratch over the past three years and just barely have my head above water. But hey, I could be drowning!