Welcome March, Spring is just around the corner, right????
Was woken at 3 am by a little voice saying, "Gramma???? I need you" Into my little twin bed climbed a wiggly little boy. So sweet, who could resist. Busy day today, 1st a mtg with DD case mgr, then a mtg to discuss the long term placement for Dylan, then Taxes, aghhh.
Hope you all have a day full of love and little bits of unexpected joy. Arms around, Susan
Which corner is spring around Susan, I want to go that way.
Snowy, cold and cloudy, that's March 1st around here. No big plans in the works. I usually do the taxes the middle of March when the office isn't busy and I can get out to dinner with my tax person. I worked with her for twenty years before I retired and now I let her do mine just to see her and everyone in the office again.
At least it's March and the weather has got to start getting better.
Well, it IS March. All is sunny here, but COLD. My neighbor swears we're to have one more big snow before Spring finally arrives. He's usually right about the weather here. Ice and snow has melted along the lanes here enough that I can be safe to start walking again. I don't mean a "nice stroll"....power walking. MUST get some strength and stamina back before I get my Spring Fever! Just wish I had the oomph to boot my tail out the door when I'm all cozy in here, drinking tea or coffee. Lately, I find it hard to get it together to go anywhere at all (I AM taking my meds and I'm not all that moody all the time....just don't seem to care much). I got a word from an old high school buddy of mine that has business this weekend near Charlottesville. I may have a weekend visitor!! Have to go buy a new coffee pot today....mine just sort of "leaks" coffee flavored liquid into the pot over a period of half an hour or more. Figure it needs replacing? Have a good day.
Goodmorning. Well DH got up right away this morning so I took him for his hair cut. We stopped at the store for a few things and came home. DH has gone back to bed. He sleeps a lot anymore.
I am so tired of the cold weather here. Tomorrow there 100% chance of rain with maybe some snow mixed in. I don't know if spring is around the corner or not. It had better be a really short corner and not a long bend!
Another "beautiful" day here in Maine - mix of rain and snow, temp 34°. DW continues to deteriorate. Last week she escaped twice from our apartment. One time, I mentioned before, she turned up in another resident's apartment. Then on Friday, I thought she was watching the Olympics while I did some paper work. I heard someone call my name. One of the staff members had found her wandering around on the first floor (we live on the 2nd floor). On the happy side, our older daughter is visiting for a few days - got in on Saturday, leaves on Wednesday. She is always fun to have around and is lots of help. It's just too bad she lives so far away - Illinois.
Marsh, I can just picture her slipping away and going downstairs by herself! It is amazing what they can do - just like a 2 year old! You have to watch them all of the time! <grin> I know you are enjoying your daughter's visit. I wish she lived closer for your sake.
We have cold and sunny weather in the 40s today. After getting back from the caregiver cruise (wherein I got to hug bluedaze, phranque, Joan, briegull, NancyB, Lmohr, Janet and Dorothy - and had wonderful visits with them, and got some much needed rest), I unpacked, and the next day I found out I had weekend guests coming, so I've been busy getting ready for them. I enjoyed their visit so much. They said after the last visit that they couldn't imagine my husband getting much worse, but when they saw him this time, they had to admit that he is much worse. And I told them that being bedridden will be next, so be prepared on their next visit. But I'm so glad that they love us enough to continue to visit and be here for me. It means so very much to me.
Graciegirl brought a leaf in the house from the front porch. Never saw a cat have so much fun with a toy-she keeps pouncing on it like it is a mouse and carrying it around like a trophy. There is nothing like a young happy animal to brighten a house. Stay tuned for more adventures of Gracie.
It is a windy March day here in Connecticut - something about March roars in like a lion?
Two of the residents on my husband's floor passed last week. Many of the residents reacted in some way to their passing. It is amazing that as far gone as many of them are, they still know or sense something.
The alarm did not wake me on Friday morning so one of the cats thought she would help. She started softly tapping my nose with her paw. It did take a bit before I figured out what that was that I was feeling. Better her paw than the dogs - they just don't have the same finesse with their paws that she does.
I am coping, it was a month on Wed., since hubby passed. I think that some of the numbness is wearing off as I am having more emotional moments now. I am supposed to start the hospice grief support group tomorrow night if its not snowed out. I am not sleeping real well yet, I fall asleep but don't remember going to bed. But I look at the clock and its only been a couple of hours since I remember looking at it. I try to stay busy and I am still working on his Celebration of Life which is going to be on April 3rd. My nieces are going to be here for it we hope. Right now I have my kitty for company and shes a handful. Happy March to you all!
Hi Magnoliarose: it is almost 5 weeks since Dario passed away...doing like you..not sleeping well...still feeling numb; it all takes time..keeping busy with the paper work.getting that all in order. The children have been wonderful, but there is that empty feeling all the time. need to get out more, even if its just for a walk.. To-day in Jax, Fl..it has warmed up a bit...but rain tomorrow, and then more cold weather the end of the week...At least March did not roll in with a Roar..maybe thats a good sign....I have seen a lot of Robins and Blue birds...sign of Spring!! love to you all....Rosalie
Still cold and dreary here in southwestern PA. The weather is a little milder and the snow has finally stopped (for now) but have not seen the sun in so long I have forgotten what it looks like. I too am hearing that there will be one more "big one" before the end of the season. Hope that forecast is wrong. Charlie remains stable. He tried to feed himself for the first time in months last evening. Got the spoon and the food to his mouth, just couldn't figure out how to get the spoon back out of his mouth. He did enjoy a glazed donut for dessert though.
It's cloudy here in central Illinois, but the temperature is in the low 40s. I know that doesn't sound like much to many of you, but for us, it's pretty warm. I hope it's the beginning of a trend. I keep trying to get my house organized, but I don't make much progress. I did made an appointment with our lawyer for next Monday. There are a few details I want to talk to him about related to our will and whether to transfer the house to my name only. He is also going to do our taxes, and said I could bring the stuff for them on Monday, but I don't think I'll have it ready by then, though.
Janet, I hope your lawyer is an Elder Law Attorney. We went to one last year and she had me get the savings and the condo in my name, which I did. I didn't do anything about Medicaid paying for a NH because if I remember correctly Jane said you have 30 days to do that. I couldn't see paying for the lawyer to take care of that now and it may not be needed if DH doesn't go into a NH.
I am just checking in to update on what is going on with my husband. He is still in the hospital. They have found the cause of the diarrhea & fever. He has "Clostridium Difficle" common name C diff. This happens when a person is on a lot of antibiotics...which he was about 3 weeks ago when he was last in the hospital. It is very contagious, so he is isolated. And being treated with another type of antibiotic that can fight this virus. The doctor has also ordered a X-Ray of his colon, there could be a perforation. He is not really eating or drinking very well. He had his 1st shot of antibiotics this evening & will start having a shot 3 times a day. I have been staying with him through the day & coming home in the evenings. He sleeps most of the time. Also forgot, he had a EEG this morning, normal is 8-9, his was a 4. Not surprised.
Kadee, OMG, C difficile toxin is really really bad stuff. I suffered this after a RX of Augmentin. I should have been in hospital and was not. I had to take Flagyl then Flagyl again for longer period of time followed by Cholestriamine (sp). It was terrible. It took me a long time to recover from this ugly condition. Now I make sure whenever I have anything that requires any kind of antibiotic I mention this reaction to that med and I wear a medic alert bracelet. There are other antibiotics that are more likely to cause this though any of them can AND the condition can present itself weeks following the conclusion for the round of antibiotics. Please make sure that this is noted in your husband's medical records so that the contributing medication can be avoided in future. I also take Communion to the hospital in our area and when there is one of those Precaution signs on a room I do not go in under any circumstances. I hope you husband recovers from this nasty condition quickly. Things are tough enough without this added to the mix. God Bless you.
Love the Gracie stories! She would love our Peanut Butter and Jelly, they are DOUBLE TROUBLE!! Our year old Puppy still thinks they are her toys, yikes!
Meetings all went well. Jim enjoyed his day with Sarah here to sit with him and Mom. Quiet day today, sun is shining, we dodged the storm that Marsh mentioned.
Jim continues to sleep alot, increased his pain meds (Tramadol/Ultram) from every 6 hrs to every 4 hrs and that seems to keep most pain at bay.
11 degrees this morning. I have been trudging thru knee high snow in the 5:15am darkness, looking for one of my dogs dressed in my flannel doggie pjs. I found her! I am thankful for that as the dogs keep me sane, even if they do occasionally mis-behave!
The sun is shining!!!!! Most of the snow is gone except where it drifted or was piled by snowplows. No sign of robins in yard yet, but I'm ready. We're going to visit hb's sister in FL next week. Hb's thinks it's *now*. For first time in traveling, I have to decide what clothes he'll take. Kadee, I think antibiotics are dangerous even tho' we have to take them sometimes. A former co-worker had a real battle with thrush that was attributed to antibiotics. Hope everyone has a good day!
No sun this morning, except that my neighbor called early, as always, to ask if I've had breakfast, taken my meds, etc.! Cold here, too, but not as bad as usual. Might go back out to the grocer today and get the makings for my special lasagna. A friend is coming for the weekend (taking his dog to a special eye doc in C-ville, over the mountain) and so, asked to stay here. Yesterday, I succumbed to an attack of Spring Fever while I was in Lowes. Bought three simple finch feeders to replace John's old and fractured ones. Bright colors (red, green, yellow). Now, I just have to go fill them. I see LOTS of blue birds all over the place. They like open spaces where they can perch (lots of fence lines here) and I think they must nest in the cedar and spruce thickets nearby. I love them. An occasional cardinal, but no robins yet. THAT will say "Spring". Hope to accomplish SOMETHING today, even though I'm feeling lost in this land of limbo. Jen.
I now officially have snowdrops and they are beautiful. The first breath of spring. Other stuff is starting to poke its way up but don't expect any daffodils or hyacinths to flower for a few weeks yet. As for crocus - I did have some but may not anymore. There are a couple of squirrels around here that adore crocus. I hope I fixed the problem by planting some in the back yard where the dogs and cats often are.
I am ready for spring and getting into my garden. The green growing things are very healing for me. I love the results too of lots of flowers and have fun making flower arrangements to take to work.
I took my 10 year old baby (cat) to the vet this morning. He will be losing the last of his teeth today. Cats can have genetic flaws too and mine has one in his mouth. He just always had very poor teeth. So my normally very quiet baby let me know all the way to the vets in a loud clear meows that he was not happy. He weighed in at 16.2 pounds so bad teeth or not, it does not seem to have affected his appetite.
Tonight I get to pick him up and take one of the dogs for her check-up along with two additional cats. Somehow the word chaos comes to mind with that picture.
Fairly good day here today, still cold,some snow flurries - but warmer weather predicted for the weekend!
Took DH to Walmart this morning and he saw the upside down tomato kit and wanted it. He doesn't remember we've done this before - with good results - but this one you start from seeds (I hate that!). He insisted so we bought it and I told him it was HIS project. He said he would do it - so we shall see! He also bought a new bird feeder and it's so pretty so hope it draws many birds to our backyard. He does love the birds.
therrja-I once took a Basset on a leash, a cat in a carrier and one I thought docile cat in my arms-all at one time thinking it would be easier. Won't do that again. I do take two cats in separate carriers to the vet. Aren't vet costs getting outrageous? I think as many people can't afford vet care the vets are tying to make up their shortfall on us.
Proper vetting IS expensive. That's one of the things I point out to my daughter when she voices her need to rescue a kitten from the SPCA. It snowed again last night, but only about an inch, maybe two. Enough to cover the ugly brown stuff on the sides of the lanes. Guess we'll have a very muddy Spring - if it ever really arrives. A grey day is breaking and I don't see any improvement on the horizon. I could use some sunshine. Last night, I had dreams of a more restful and less worrisome time in my life (when WAS that?). Woke up talking and calling out again. Doesn't even startle my cat anymore. I'm having a house guest this weekend. Even with my bedroom door closed, I'll bet I wake him up SEVERAL times a night with all the noise and crying I do in my sleep. Gotta go....coffee is ready and things need me to feed them. Jen
Vickie - my husband went through a stage where he loved watching the birds and butterflies. I just made sure that he could comfortably watch them from inside the house. He and his companion used to sit and watch them for hours.
bluedaze - last night's bill was just about what I expected - $$$$$. I have 4 cat carriers so am usually okay with keeping them in their separate carriers when taking them to the vet. The dog behaved fabulously. They were able to have her do everything that they needed and she did not cause any problems at all. As we were there just over an hour, that was a lot - funny thing is that she slept very well all night long. I did come home with antibiotics for the dental treated cat along with a pain killer that had to be put in his mouth. The antibiotics are not a problem but getting the other in his mouth so he can swish it around his teeth and it gets absorbed that way....that was a more interesting experience. Good thing I only have to do that for 4 days.
One of the vet's Mom has AD so we often compare notes. He used to live right around the corner from us so knows my husband too.
My snowdrops are truly snowdrops as we have light snow here today. They still made me smile as they peeked up from under the snow.
Nice and sunny here in the Chicago area. Dropped my husband off at day care this morning and went off to the doctor to have blood work done. Then took myself out for a nice breakfast since it was a fasting blood test and I really needed a cup of coffee :) Relaxing by myself at home right now and will probably do a little window shopping before I pick my husband up at 3:00. A good day so far. My husband is usually a bit tired on his day care days, so when he comes home he is quiet and naps on and off in his recliner till bedtime.
bluedaze - you keep saying those words as your cats make off with pens, keys, jewelry and anything else of a size they can move, roll or carry.
The vet called and my 18 year old has kidney problems (no unexpected due to her weight loss). He said it is a matter of weeks or a few months for her. I can help keep her more comfortable by giving her fluids under the skin. Doing this is way outside of my comfort zone.
Anyone have any input/thoughts?
deb112958 - enjoy the "me" time. It really does help and make a difference for some of the demands placed on us by this horrible disease.
My old lady cat (20) I'm sure has kidney problems - she's skin and bones but eats well, drinks and pees normally with some blood showing occasionally. She doesn't hurt, so she's staying here until she does. I wouldn't do anything to prolong it - yes, you can give her subcu fluids but I don't think she'd like it.. At this age, it's probably just TIME.
It's quite nice here today in Northern Illinois. The sun is out, the wind is calm, but the snow is still on the ground. I know I should be doing other things today but just don't feel like it. Maybe it's spring fever?
I've been taking more time for myself lately, but I still feel exhausted. My husband seems to be having a good day, but did not remember whether he had eaten breakfast or not. I had made his oatmeal and had it ready for him. I went downstairs and saw the dishes were empty. He's been pretty good this past week, no anger outbursts, but his short-term memory is getting very bad. I must admit it scares me a lot. Today, while I was showering, he spilled his orange juice, didn't tell me and I walked on it, with my shoes squeaking like crazy. I was very calm, asked him what happened, and he told me. He said, "I'll wash it." He went downstairs to get the bucket and mop, but now he's upstairs doing God knows what and the floor is waiting. I guess I'll fill the bucket and bring up the mop and we'll see if he remembers why it's in the kitchen....
Therrja my senior cat is 18 and he is losing weight. He is eating, purring and happy. I will love him and let him be in peace. I won't do anything that will cause him stress and tell him it's good for him.
Have just had a great 5 day visit from our older daughter from Illinois. She just called from the airport in Boston where she is getting a plane back to Milwaukee. I'm glad to hear from Deb and Bev that the weather in that area is good. DD said it was snowing when she got to Boston. My wife has basically been sleeping all day in her chair. I did get her to take a walk down the halls of the Inn, but it was a struggle. Even TV did not interest her. About all she does now is eat and sleep.
Marsh, I am glad your daughter made her visit so enjoyable for you and I am sure your wife.
I cannot wait for Saturday, it is supposed to get to 60 and then Sunday and Monday about 64. We have been below normal for December, January and February. I will keep my eye out for robins!
Today, in anticipation of Spring, the boys and I covered Pine Cones with peanut butter and rolled them in birdseed. We tied them to the branches of the trees out front. Sort of a welcome home present for the birds :o)
Here in Lake Charles, La. it is cold and sunny. Some wind. It is a beautiful day to get outside but better cover up,the wind will blow you away. My dh has the weight to keep him grounded and loves to go walking. Can't wait for the spring to officially begin with the sun and beauty that it brings. New growth, new hopes and dreams.
We now have a cat and he is named Grey Grey. He was adopted from the Animal Shelter. He is a blessing and has created many smiles in his short time with us. My dh loves him even when he calls the cat a dog the cat comes running to him. Sure Grey Grey has his moments but he is worth the extra time and effort. He is warm when he cuddles up to us at bedtime also....... preparing for later......
I am praying for all of us to have a great spring and many answered prayers. God Bless and Keep all of you until......
Beautiful here in the PNW - the cherry trees are in blossom, the forsythia is in bloom, daffodils are blooming. I picked some today, put them in red water and told my granddaughter to watch them as the red water moves up into the flower. Tomorrow they should have red veins. HB spent all afternoon 'helping' our son change the water pump on his car. Anyone that has seen under the hood of any car the last ten years know they leave very little room to work. I finally told him at 7 that he needed to quit and come eat dinner, especially since he ate no lunch.
4 year old granddaughter is spending the night again. Right now she is cuddled up with Papa on our bed watching hockey. She promised to go to sleep but I doubt she will. Oh well!
Had a good discussion with my sister and nephew today. We got to talking about the difference between what my hb has and our my mom and grandmother. What they had was senile dementia and I differentiate it from AD in that they had memory loss but was still able to function, especially my grandmother. She was still quilting, gardening and reading her Bible every day, but she didn't know who we were and lived in her childhood. She was 94 when she died. My mom had many other medical issues, so how bad she would have gotten - who knows. This led to me describing LBD, FTD, and AD and the differences. And the difference between my sister's memory loss from the stroke and hb's from plaque. I think I may finally my sister may have some understanding of what is going on in hb's brain and how it is different than what she jokes about. A couple days ago she was outside and hb said something to her and she commented 'you are speaking to an Alzheimer brain'. She thought it funny, but neither of us did.
Colorado is finally seeing the promise of spring, mid-fifties and sunny with beautiful new snow on the mountains. I took an hour long walk at lunch yesterday and it felt great, I have not done a good job of taking care of myself lately so that was a good treat.
DH has turned downward since Sunday (first time I have noticed coincidence with full moon), we are having lots of sleep interruptions with charley horse pains that make him jump out of bed and more daytime confusion, he is sleeping a lot, sometimes he thinks I'm one of the "cleaning women". I suspect he is dehydrated despite our best efforts.
Starting to think about summer now. We have 3 family weddings in 3 months starting in May and I am wondering how DH will do. My SIL said last year she didn't expect us to travel anymore, but I plan to keep at it as long as possible. I will need to review the travel tips I have read on these pages.
DH has been sleeping in chair for over 2 hours, it was almost like being home alone! I relished it.
Thanks for the input on the cat and fluids. I read something this morning about someone who gave their cat with kidney problems a bit of cranberry juice every morning. Have to ask the vet about that one. As far as doing/not doing the fluids under the skin. I am willing to give it a try if it will make her more comfortable. This one is not life prolonging. I did get an expalnation about the kidneys, them drinking more water, etc. Because the kidney's are not fuctioning properly, she thinks she is thirsty so drinks more water and has to go more often. She used to sleep on my lap for hours (as long as I was sitting still, she would sleep there) and now she will stay for a while but has to leave drink, go and then comes back for the next round. She can't be getting enough of the right kind of rest under these conditions.
So, I had an interesting morning. Started with the audiologist. I need better hearing aids to enable me to hear better at work and in meetings. So, yesterday I did some research on the net and talked with a friend that is an audiologist. There are so many new advances in technology for hearing aids and the devices that work with them, that things that used to be a problem (meetings, television, resturants, church etc.) have much more practical solutions. So, I had a hearing test this morning - it was meant to see if I really did need new hearing aids - it was one of the few tests that it was good to fail on. I failed. I am going through Rehabilitative Services on this so have to follow their protocol but the next step is for them to approve the funding. Hopefully this will work out. I cannot begin to describe the frustration, difficulties and loneliness I have been feeling due to not being able to hear. It is right up there with the stress of dealing with our AD spouses.
Sunny day today and my mood matches that. Snow drops are blooming and I am seeing other stuff starting to push up through the soil. Spring is a rebirth and I love seeing it all happen.
Busy morning, quiet afternoon. Our neighbor came over for his weekly visit with Jim. Jim enjoyed this. I spent the time quietly puttering. Cold here, lightly snowing, not accumulating.
therrja...in all my experience with animals....those that live inside with me as companions and dearest of friends, as well as livestock (a 'product', so to speak), I have sworn that I would never let another of my dear friends live one more day of suffering from some unfixable disorder just to keep them near me longer. They don't understand their suffering and neither do they understand our efforts to comfort them with our 'medical procedures'. It's hard to accept when it is "time" for them to be let go.....and to have them humanely put down. I'm so sorry for any of us that faces loosing a beloved pet. Especially hard for us that are already experiencing the gradual loss of someone we love. But, the kindest thing we can do for our animal friends is to let them pass with the same dignity that we wish for our human counterparts.....and is so often challenged and denied them (humans, that is. I'm experiencing this with my husband. The health decisions I'm trying to make for him are being challenged by the NH and others that have a hand in his care).
Aside from all that heavy stuff, my day has been okay. Semi-productive. The attorney's office called needing ever more financial information that I can't seem to provide in order to prepare for my hearing date of March 22nd. VERY frustrated and tearful today. My neighbor is such a supportive friend. He's taken me all over town today to banks, etc. We went to Cracker Barrel to eat....and eat and eat. I won't be having anything else to eat for another day or two, I think! The tears came streaming down later today, along with so many stories that haven't seen the light of day for so many years. Like, when I was in an adjacent room and heard my husband giving 'advice' to his oldest son, during the first year of our marriage. John was saying, "Michael, be sure you marry someone that needs YOU more than you need THEM". It broke my heart. Another indicator I should have left SO long ago. But, I'm a sticker. And, a sucker.
Good friday morning! gray and gloomy out today after rare week of blue skies and sunshine. been a long week as DH was having abdominal pain and hospice brought in the troops and we had xrays/bloodwork and urine tests done here at home. how wonderful it is to have them come here and not have to run to the ER. so much less stressful. maybe the dread uti. cipro was started and i can see an improvement within 3 days. as we know uti is an ongoing issue and can strike silently and without much warnings. still doing home therapy on shoulder and its painful as all getout. some improvement so will keep at it. no sign of squirrley in 2 days. but the last time she showed for pb/grape jelly sammich she still had a huge belly. no bingo as of yet. her new boyfriend also has succumbed to the pleasures of pb/jelly sandwich. (G)
Jen, I agree if an animal is suffering, it is time to let them go. Callie isn't. She is alert, happy, still looking for my lap and sleeping on me in bed. The fluids are for her comfort not to prolong her life. I have asked several people I know who have done this and all of them thought it helped their animal. She needs 100 ml a day and it takes about 2 minutes to do. As long as I do it right, it is a small pinch that she will feel. I trust that she will tell me when it is time to let her go and as I have done with other animals, I will listen and let her go. At 18 she has had a good long life filled with lots of love, some hunting, lots of play and plenty of lap time. She was even my supervisor when gardening as she had to be right there watching and checking everything I was doing.
Divvi, I never knew there were so many things available as "mobile" until my husband was in a facility. The mobile x-rays is so cool. I keep waiting for science to actually invent those machines that you can step in and they will do full readings or the sensors that the doctors use on Star Trek would be good too.
I was able to get a quick look around at some of my garden today. There are lots of little green things starting to push their way through the soil. I even saw some crocus that the squirrells missed - no flowers on them yet but they were up and green. The dogs loved their walk this morning and were very frisky - all the rain and unsettled weather we have had over the last couple of weeks have really played havoc with their exercise routine. While walking around with them, I could even see where the grass is starting to turn green again.
Movie tomorrow with my girlfriend followed by a meal. The movie is Percy Lightening - it is an appeal to fanasy and the kid in me - I definitely need to escape for a short while. My girlfrend and I have been friends since junior high school - we no longer tell anyone how long we have been friends as it is a dead give away of our age.