These gray, dreary, rainy days seem to take a higher toll on me in terms of energy and the "push" to get up and go. I don't seem to accomplish as much on those days. In spite of that, I did manage to take most of my mother's plants that I have been babysitting for her to her on Saturday along with several boxes of her stuff. I might even have a garage again soon!
Yesterday, I managed to get this week's cooking done so have lunches and dinners ready. This is very nice when I am trying to leave for work in the morning. I just reach in the fridge and pull out lunch all ready.
The rain has had one very good side benefit - I noticed that a lot of my daffodils are up several inches now. It seems like they just magically appeared.
Today is my/our 51st anniversary. My husband has been gone to me for so long that I don't know what to feel. Our kids wisely chose just to call and say they remember.
therrja, what sorts of meals do you prepare? e-mail is in my profile. I've had to quit work, but home pre-prepared meals would be helpful. Hb is going to daughter's for dinner tonight (he doesn't know it yet) & I'm going w/friends to a dinner meeting. I care nothing about the meeting, but being w/friends for a meal will be nice. I'm sending a cake w/hb to daughter's.
It's a beautiful day here in the Chicago area. Had a nice lunch with my daughter yesterday and got caught up on things. Today I'm going to take my husband out for a nice walk and enjoy our weather until it changes this weekend. 60's today and possible snow on Sunday.
We have a beautiful day here in southern New England too. The lawn care people were at the house this morning doing spring clean-up. This means that I get to work on my garden this weekend (yeah!!!!!). The best part is that since they have done the clean-up part, I get to do gardening without having to clean-up where I want to work first!!!!!
I love the beginning of spring when things just start growing and gradually turn green again after the black, browns, grays and white of winter.
My 18 year old cat is getting spring fever. The daily input of fluids daily are really making her feel much better. She now demands that I take her out in the morning and night and walk with her around the yard. She sits by the door and looks at me - it is very cute. The other cats also have spring fever as they now go out, come in and turn around and demand to go out again. They just love it out there.
I have just come from a caregivers' support group pot-luck lunch. It was lots of fun, but I was the only male with 6 female caregivers and 3 female leaders. I wonder why men don't seek out support groups the way women do?
Marsh, I don't know. They say that many more women than men have AD, so you would think there would be more men at the groups and here.
I just finished our support group where I am the facilitator. We have a good group, but I am the only one with a spouse. They others are children of parents with AD.
One of my sons and his wife were here for a visit, and saw how much my husband has declined since Christmas. They had been camping and it was chilly at night while they were out. It took them a few hours to warm up when they got to the house. We're having warm weather today and tomorrow, then it is supposed to get cold again. It keeps changing.....which is why they got caught camping in cold nights! <grin>
Good afternoon all, blue day today, still in my pjs in Jim's recliner with his blanket. He must have gotten his act together up there in Heaven, because the weather has been unbelievably gorgeous for this time of year! It is sunny and in the mid 60"s. My brother is coming up to do some more work this weekend so as usual I expect it will rain. Ah well....Arms around, Susan
Finally had a day out yesterday. My sister and I went out to lunch and had a terrific time. On the way to her house I asked if she wanted to stop in the furniture store where I had bought some new furniture a couple of weeks ago. I wanted her to see a cocktail table I had an eye on. She loved it told me to get it. I did, and bought another table, and a lamp as well! She then decided to look around and ended up buying herself new living room furniture! I asked her if she was sorry we went out to lunch together because she ended up spending so much money. She said she wasn't sorry and was delighted we had gone. We ended up leaving the store, laughing all the way. All in all, a great day, and the wonderful weather contributed to our wonderful day. It's so good to get away for awhile.
We have finished our beautiful 70 degree weather and I have now begun to have our rain, followed later tonight by our thunderstorms, followed tomorrow with a chance of snow.....just turn around and things change here!!!
My grandson has begun his spring break (he's visiting his parents and siblings) and I'm spending the weekend doing the indoor part of spring cleaning.
Now, if it snows tomorrow, does that mean I get to put off spring cleaning for another week?
Yes, Mary. I don't think it's allowed to do spring cleaning when it's snowing. We're supposed to get sleet or snow later tonight. I prefer snow to sleet.
Busy day today, a bit too much for me, but ever so grateful that my brother is here again to work on our remodeling after the mold PROBLEM..... Tomorrow if I feel up to it I will begin to paint my master bedroom (which I have not slept in since August). I've chosen soft shades of sage green, light pink and cream. It will be my sanctuary. With the exception of the furniture, everything will be fresh and new. This includes my brother's addition of a large window which will look out over the river and our waterfall. New beginnings are necessary, but difficult. God, I miss him so much.
I've been busy cleaning up the grounds after the nasty winter. SO MUCH trimming, brush cutting, fixing up....I'm overwhelmed, but love being able to go outside and be WARM! Even planted some pansies for color around my porch the other day. Went to visit my daughter in Richmond Saturday, ate and shopped for a dress for her to wear for her birthday party Tuesday evening (25....when did THAT happen???).
Tomorrow, I go to my court date where it will be decided whether or not I will be awarded "spousal support" from my husbands benefits (that the nursing home has laid claim to). I'm hoping this is the end of my legal woes, but somehow, I get the feeling its only the beginning of problems. I DID get a letter from a group of docs that have determined that my husband is no longer able to make any decisions for himself about finances, legal issues, health care choices.......duh, ya THINK?? Therefore, the nursing home has decided to acknowledge my position as his agent pursuant to his advance medical directive. I talked to my daughter and asked that she pass the message along to her siblings (who still won't talk to me or call their dad) that maybe they should come to see dad one last time?
Jen, glad the doctors had the courage to finally stand up and speak the truth. Let's pray it is the end of that controversy. Will be thinking the best on the hearing tomorrow. Glad you got to enjoy the sun and working outside. For many of us that is therapy.
I have allergies and asthma and the weather here is really bad. I have been having a tough time all month so the caregiver is sick and I still have to do a lot of things even with me being sick. OH WELL!!!
Spring is finally arriving in Holland, very reluctantly but we've had a couple fairly warm and sunny days lately with only a FEW short showers inbetween. I love being able to get outside and some yard work done. We have a huge pile of wood chips on the driveway to spread on the woodlandy paths at one side of our back yard. I actually got dh to shovel three wheelbarrows full for me today. However, pushing the full wheelbarrow back to the woodsy garden was something that he would only do once. The second time, he said, No, I can't, you do it. Now this guy is still many times stronger than I am. But he did stick around outside cutting twigs (the one job that he seems to like) for quite a while while I was working on the paths. I think I'll be doing most of the gardening this year while he's gone to day care. I don't mind except I miss him for the heavy work. Guess I'll have to hire a kid to come help.
I also kept my dh busy cutting twigs the first two summers. Last summer he did not even venture outside with me to help with yard work. I did have to take over the mowing after he kept mowing our cement slab over and over again. I have found a wonderful daycare closer to home for him and quite affordable. They all loved him there and I guess he entertained them for hours. They have many Alz. patients there as our local Alz. Assc. had to shut down there daycare for lack of funding(sad). So I feel as if a big burden as been lifted and I can take him at least 2 times a week if I so desire. My daughter from Colorado spent last week with us and I really got spoiled coming and going as I pleased. She treated her dad with so much love and respect. She dived in and did the changing and even got him to dance! He has been having more and more argumentative days and tearful days. Is there something the Dr's can prescibe for this? A small shout out to Deb112958-it is what it is! I say that all the time and my sister in law found a shirt for me that even says it.
Well, last night Sandy, my white lab, didn't eat his dinner. Later, he refused his treat. When we went to bed, he refused to get on the bed. I knew something was wrong. I tried to open his mouth, because the big lug chews on my rose bushes and one time got a 3 inch piece stuck in his mouth and the vet had to remove it about 5 years ago. Well, he wouldn't let me and growled when I tried, so I know he's done it again. So, this morning, I get my husband up and cleaned up and dressed; shower and dress myself; pack DH's clothes, put fresh battery in his toothbrush to take with him; put Sandy on the leash, sweater on DH and open the door. I took my purse, briefcase and DH's bag of clothes to the car and came back for the two of them. Anyway, I held on to the leash and held DH's arm and DH took hold of the leash (I still had the leash end) and Sandy walked ahead of Dave. I opened the door to the back seat of the SUV and Sandy jumped in and moved over, DH sat beside Sandy and I tucked him in and shut the door, and wondered how I got so lucky!!!!! <grin>
So, I dropped Sandy at the vets, and due to almost no traffic (spring break), I made it to the Hospice Hospital and got DH settled in the recliner in his room, and left the written instructions in case that they get a new CNA who doesn't know DH. I got to the office ON TIME!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! WOW!
So, tonight I'm just going to have a nice dinner and go home and relax. I've decided to see how it is going to be (staying in the house alone) and read my book! Tomorrow I'm going to the Science Cafe for a lecture, and Wednesday night I'm going to a movie "The Bounty Hunter" with Jennifer Anniston. I am going to be getting a taste of what it will be like living alone....once the newness wears off! This is my first time ALONE in twenty years and that was for ONE night! I'll have four nights alone this week. I will be able to do want I want to do, without seeing if it is okay with anyone, without having to make arrangements for anyone, and without having to plan ahead! We're not too old for new experiences!
My boss asked me if I wanted a day off to enjoy the whole day of freedom! I thanked him, but told him that I needed to save my days off for when I really NEED them! He is so nice!!
After they examined him, and checked his mouth and throat and could not find anything stuck, I asked them to feed him a snack to see if he could eat, and he can, so they are going to observe him for 24 hours...since he can eat, I think he must have dislodged what was in his throat. I'm hoping that is all it is. I'm not wanting to pay for x-rays if the food goes in and comes out okay today.....I'm still reeling from Lady's vet bill last month!
Today I had to take my precious Dennis to the vet for his "final visit". Just a month ago I lost my darling Meeko. I don't have very much more to lose.
I don't have any pets now but before moving to this park I always had dogs. And, yes, they are definitely part of the family. Hope Gracie is still there to keep you company.
I took a little road trip with my sister over the weekend and managed to pick up some sort of bug. Got home Sunday evening, woke up at 3:00 am with stomach ache and vomiting. Missed work, slept most of Monday and woke up at 3:00 am this morning with a fever, sore throat and coughing. Beginning to feel as if I might live now. Will not go to the nursing home until I am sure that I am better. Would not wish this on anyone.
Gosh, it's hard to lose them, Nora. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been through it many times through the years. A difficult time each time. Much love to you.
bluedaze--I'm so sorry. Having lost our Luna at Christmastime after many years of good company, I have a clue how very hard it is for you to now lose Dennis so soon after losing Meeko. I think though from what you've described of Dennis' reaction to Gracie, maybe she provided him an assurance that you'd be in good paws and he'd completed his job. Rest assured he's found Meeko and they'll be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. (((HUGS)))
Nora, Dennis is now with Meeko, and they are going to be there for your husband when he arrives. You have been blessed with active Gracie to bring you smiles and give you love and help you over this very rough patch of our lives. Nothing can replace a pet that we have had for 17 years, but others can take up our time and give us love while we grieve.
Is it just me, or does losing our pets seem to be much harder while we are losing our spouses too?????
Love and hugs to all, and may some of the spring blossoms and blooms give us pleasure and help us to remember the joy life does have to offer even while we grieve.
Nora, I am so sorry for your loss. You took good care of him through his life and he will be at the Bridge with Meeko and the other pets in your life when it is your time. In the meantime while he is waiting he will be running and jumping and looking for those "meals on wheels". You have been so blessed in that he was with you a long time.
ehamilton - get well soon. You are totally correct in not going to the facility while you are not feeling well. There was a bug that went through all 30 patients on one of the floors where my husband is. As it was a stomach thing - it was not pleasant for the workers who also got it too.
Cloudy, windy and cold today. The warmth of the weekend and the rain of the last couple of days have really made my daffodils sprout. I have several early bloomers going and don't think that many of the rest of them will be far behind. The perrenials are also getting their green leaves and starting. I love the rebirth that is spring.
Beautiful day today - the sun is out, probably mid 60s and you can smell all the trees that are blooming - bad for allergies.
Hb's new glasses came a week ago but he doesn't like them. He says reading is blurry -has a fog around the words. He keeps going back to his old ones. We went in today and he was 20/25 with them and the prescription is correct to the exam. The lady tried to tell him it takes a while to get use to progressive lenses but he has worn them for years. I told her if the prescription is correct it could be the manufacturer of the lense. I learned years ago when I tried progressives that the manufacturer makes a difference as to how they read. The ones I had I could only read one letter at a time and had to hold my head back. She told him to hold his head back when reading/doing his word search. Nothing like telling him to get a neck ache! We have an appointment April 26th for them to reexamine his eyes. Wish it wasn't so long. We only went for new glasses because he has glued and wired his current frames so much that they don't stay together for long at a time!!\
Yesterday, DH and I and a woman we met in our local support group went to the state capitol in Springfield (IL) for state-wide Alzheimer's advocacy day. The woman we went with, is in her early 50s and was recently diagnosed with EODA. She suggested taking the train - a wonderful idea. It was so much easier for me than driving and then attempting to find a parking place would have been. The train station is only about three blocks from the capitol.
Before lunch we listened to some speakers outline the state Alzheimer's Association's legislative priorities for the year. Then we divided into groups and tried to visit with state representatives and senators. The procedure was to go by each person's office to see if they were there and to drop off some information. The Assembly was in session, so after not finding anyone in his or her office, we stood outside the doors of the Assembly where we gave notes for the people we wanted see to the doorman. He took the notes in to the representatives. We then stood there a long time waiting for the representatives to emerge and talk to us. We finally talked to our local representative and to several others who agreed to talk to us briefly. We explained the priorities and asked for their support. We also talked briefly to our state senator. He is the Republican nominee for governor and was very willing to see us and pledge his support.
The day was something entirely new for me and was very interesting. For one thing, I learned that I would not have liked working in the capitol. It was entirely to chaotic for me. Also, I met several other "Alzheimer spouses" from our home town. That was best part of the day. They were people I really liked and I think we can be good support for one another. We're planning to go to a fund-raiser for the Alzheimer Association in three weeks, so I will see them again soon.
Glad it's raining today. Hb might not discover I've put a lock on his bicycle. He's unsafe on it at any speed methinks. I tried to explain to him earlier that he doesn't pay attention to surroundings. I held his hand looked him in the eye and said, "Your reasoning button is off kilter." He looked at me and said, "I don't have a reasoning button." Exactly right, I say to myself. One day this week he took his bike into our daughter's living room because he said it isn't safe outside; someone will take it. That because the grandkids had put it in their garage the last time he was there at their mother's instruction. Probably would have been cheaper and perhaps less obvious if I'd just let the air out of one of the tires because we don't have an efficient air pump.
Zibby, you are in the "fun" stage.....not! I am surprised I didn't end up having heart failure during the riding/fix it stages! I hope the lock works!
Janet, great going! I'm so glad that you went, and hopefully did some good too!
Charlotte, sometimes our spouses (spice) start to fail to communicate their vision perception to the opthamologists. Their sight changes and when the drs say "this or that" so fast, our spice say the wrong thing. I asked our dr to slow down and he did, but it finally got to where he couldn't even say he SAW the chart itself on the wall!!! So, we have stopped going to the eye doctor. He just calls in presriptions for the eye drops to keep glaucoma away.
This week Dave is in Hospice Hospital while Drew is on Spring Break so that I can work. My evenings are my own for five days. My bed is all mine for five days. I don't feel guilty for enjoying my time alone. It is a first in my lifetime, except for two separate nights 24 years ago when my husband was on a business trip and the kids were all on sleep-overs! I must admit I have also gotten a lot done too. Including cancelling my husband's cell phone since he can't wander any more nor use it.
We've had beautiful weather for two days but today we have rain again. We're starting to have blooms and color is coming back to the landscape. I enjoy Spring.
Was a beautiful day today in the PNW, now rain starts tomorrow. Today, along with the surprise help of son and dil, we got the canopy up over the motorhome. It is 18 x 40, originally 11 feet center but we added a second set of legs to raise it another 6 ft. It was a real job getting it set up since the company has no screws to hold the horizontal pipes together. The company said the canopy would hold it together - not. We are both exhausted and getting stiff! Art was so tired he couldn't even eat dinner.
Can't believe it is almost April
Yesterday we went into Portland to an area called Lloyd Center. He could not remember how to get there even though he worked across from the mall for years. I hate it when others make light of it. when I told my told he commented 'I get lost to'. Art could not read maps, but he could remember how to get to places. Not any more. This sucks.
Well, I woke up this morning...guess thats a good thing. Housemate didn't come home this weekend and isn't home yet. Good. Maybe she got too stoned and fell off the mountain? Maybe she'll send for her stuff (room piled cieling high with boxes) and get the h--l OUT today.....and drag that gutted camper out with her. I'm going to visit my parents while waiting for word from the nursing home. Going to tell her she can't be here...and I don't know how long I'll be gone. THAT should convince her to go. (I'm afraid I'm stuck with her....and I dont want her to burn my house down or something vengeful like that. I'm paranoid at this point).