Not signed in (Sign In)

Vanilla 1.1.2 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

    •  
      CommentAuthorSusan L*
    • CommentTimeJun 13th 2010
     
    Back from Massachusetts. Whirlwind weekend. Started with my great-nieces 2nd birthday, onto pizza with my best friends, then Mom, boys and I crashed at my "aquired" daughters condo, where we had a wonderful time. I was very emotional, missing Jim sooooo much. Stopped and bought the boys new bikes at Walmart, then splurged on lobster rolls. OMG they were so good. Now home and my back is toast. I'm tired, but it is a good tired. Trying to psyche myself up to get this house back in shape. Mom and I had a good talk about all the work that needs to be done. She is feeling overwhelmed by my lack of interest in getting things done, but totally understands my grief and lack of initiative. Just getting out of bed seems to be getting harder and harder. Will talk with my therapist Tuesday. Had some awful stomach aches the past few days, I think my ulcer may be rearing its ugly head. aghhhhhh
  1.  
    Kathie37 I am so sorry for what you are going through. "special" days are the pits. My husband and I were married in 1959 and he never missed sending me flowers. I miss that so much.
    •  
      CommentAuthorJeanetteB
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Susan, so glad you had a great weekend!
    •  
      CommentAuthorJeanetteB
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010 edited
     
    I'm packing for a week's vacation; we're leaving this afternoon. It's simply a stay at a hotel with natural pool and along a river where there's good bicycling. This vacation is sponsored by the Dutch Alzheimer Ass. It is NOT free, in fact not even particularly cheap, but what they are offering is support in the care of our spouses (10 couples). I don't really know much about it and have not received a program of any kind, but we are just going, taking bathing suit, Kindle and mobile phone and lots of Depends and I'm planning to eat good food, do lots of swimming and have a good time. We're expecting nice weather, in the 70s.
    ANother good thing, I was rather dreading the drive (less than an hour) because part of the road is a busy highway but I have decided to leave this afternoon shortly after the Dutch team starts playing its first soccer match in South Africa. There will be NOBODY on the highway, except maybe some foreigners!
    By the way, they have a clever name for these vacations (I chose 1 of about 10 vacations in the brochure); they are called "TochUit" vacations which translates to something like "Away Anyway" (=we're on vacation in spite of AD). I think it gives an appropriate feel to the whole thing. I've been looking forward to it for months. I'll be back on Sunday and report on how it was!
    • CommentAuthoryhouniey
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Been so hot and humid here in Lanc.Pa,unbearable.Makes my arthritis so bad. However,my grand daughter is doing well at the anorexia rehab.she must earn any privleges and last evening she called me,I really feel positive she will be home soon.My husbands back surgery has been moved back to July 7,he asks me several times a day why he is having surgery,of course he asks me all the same things all day,sometimes I think I can't take it anymore but I think how strong my Mom was and all she went thru but never faltered.So I know I will be able to hang in there.
    • CommentAuthordivvi*
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Good morning from Tx. hot and extreme humidity. it was a very nice weekend. our local girls weejun and sherry here got together with mary (Red) and we had a delicous leisurely lunch at a mex restaurant complete with margaritas!
    its a great thing to be able to hug a cyber friend in 'person'. we then came here for desserts and marys DH and mine met and we thoroughly enjoyed a bit of interaction among the guys. scooby finally showed and marys grandson fed him his PB sammich. (G) squirrley was no-show! wouldnt you know the day company comes! haha.

    hoping everyone has a really good week!
    divvi
  2.  
    divvi-you are so correct. It is wonderful when we can meet our cyber friends. We really do get to care about each other.
  3.  
    Checking in from the Central section of the Left Coast as it is called out this way..It was supposed to be sunny and nice..as of yesterday fog rolled in and today is more of the same..need jackets.
    33RD anniversary came and went on the 11th with DH giving no notice of it even after DD mentioned it several times, presented a card etc..I had planned to go out for dinner but then just said why bother. We had gone out the evening before and DD treated us to an anniversary dinner.
    It is the first time he has not thought about this date..I saw it coming too as before, even last year, he would chirp away about doing something special to mark the day.

    Celebrating the holidays this year will be a challenge..he will enjoy the decorations and that will be it.
    • CommentAuthorphil4:13*
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Surprising my DH tomorrow with a trip to see his relatives. Everyday he asks if we can go to Chicago - no matter what time of day. Doesn't dawn on him that it is a 10 hour drive from here! If I had told him before tomorrow morning he would have me up at 2 AM telling me it is time to go! We are always at least 2 hours early for appointments. Our son will take him to dinner tonight so that I can pack and load the car. At least when I ask him in the morning what he wants to do I can give him a positive response.
    • CommentAuthorehamilton*
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Hot and humid here is PA. Thursday would have been my 44th anniversary (with my first husband). Charlie get to meet his newest grand daughter yesterday. She is 3 weeks old and was the hit of the nursing home. Charlie didn't pay too much attention at first. He kept his eyes closed. After we went to his room for some private time he did open his eyes and patted her leg as I held her on his lap. Daughter told him that he would need to play "borey borey" with her. This was a game he played with all the kids that resulted in a belly tickle. He moved his index finger in the circle that he always made just before the tickle. They stayed for nearly 3 hours and it was one of the best visits we have had with any of the family in a long time. I think it was because Charlie does not have a room mate at the moment and we were able to have some private time.
    • CommentAuthorKadee*
    • CommentTimeJun 14th 2010
     
    Also, hot,humid & stormy in Indiana. I met with the Directors of Well Being & Nursing today for my husband Service Report. Since he returned from the Behavior Hospital after a 3 week stay it needed to be done again. His functioning level is a 18 month to 2 year old. Some of the staff, do not think he belongs there, however, management told me they decide who belongs, not the aides. I agree, he is very hard to handle when it comes to changing , toileting & showering, but, they knew that from the first day he came there. I was told unless he hits a resident or visitor he was no problem...the staff has been told that they will be hit in this job, they mostly deal with 70, 80 & 90 year old women & men, he is 59, hasn't lost very much muscle tone, so he is strong.I don't want him to hurt anyone. I hope he will be able to stay at this facility, they are so good to me, I pay about $3400 less a month than the normal rate.
    We discussed the fact he is suppose to be on finger foods...which have not been provided to him or another resident. He can eat finger foods himself, he cannot use utensils. Unless, I am there to feed him or an Aide he doesn't eat or food is all over him & the floor. Today, he had meat, rice & peas....does that sound like finger foods? Not! The aide was feeding him until I arrived. We all decided a meeting was needed next Monday with whomever is suppose to be in charge of the kitchen...she was invited today, however, never showed up.
    I was going to attend my granddaughters softball game, however, the storm spoiled it. Maybe, tomorrow night.
    • CommentAuthorJean21*
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2010
     
    It is going to be another hot and humid day on the SC coast. Yesterday the heat index was 107 and it is supposed to be the same today.
    I was waking DH up at 8.00am to take his pills but he acted like he didn't want to get up so we talked about it yesterday and he decided on 9.00am. I have just been in to wake him up and so far there is no movement!!! I think I will just forget it and let him get up when he is ready. I was trying to keep him on a schedule for his pills but it isn't going to work.
    I hope everyone has a good day.
  4.  
    Having complications from last week's surgery. Going back to hospital this afternoon. Hope everyone else's day goes without incident. And, I'm keeping you ALL in my own prayers, as I know you do me. Much love, Jen
    •  
      CommentAuthorCarolyn*
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2010
     
    Sorry to hear that, Jen. Hope they get you all fixed up without too much trouble. I'll be thinking of you.
  5.  
    So sorry, Jen, for the complications. Hope it can be resolved soon. Hugs to you!
  6.  
    Jen, you are in my prayers.

    I must say that spending time in person with Divvi, Weejun and Sherry was a highlight of my year! It was wonderful! I've been fortunate to have met Nora, Nancy, Janet, Briegull, Joan, Phranque and Dot and Country Girl in person as well, and that was also great! When I see them, I see friends! It is so special, how much of our true personalities come through here, and all are just like I imagined! I can't tell you what a privilege it was and how grateful I am that I have all of you as part of my family.

    I couldn't have gotten through these last three years without you - the advice, the venting, the jokes, the hugs and the prayers have kept us going. I am known by my dearest friends as "mushymary" - <grin>
    • CommentAuthorJanet
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2010
     
    Jen, I'm sorry to hear you have to go back to the hospital. Hope everything gets taken care of.

    Aww, Mary. Now why would we call you mushy?

    Love you both!
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2010
     
    took hb to dentist today for some fillings. While sitting there was a man who obviously had AD. It looked like maybe a daughter was caregiver. This man was so confused and kept asking where they were. She kept telling him and of course it didn't register. I am surprised he did well with the xrays and exam. The dental office is one in Portland that is a non-profit that specializes in geriatric dental. Dh went there 5 years ago - their prices are 1/3 to 1/2 lower than regular dental, but they especially know how to deal with the older generation. We tried a local Vancouver dentist but they wanted to cap all three teeth - did not understand why we didn't want to do it for someone dying. Here they fully understand, plus, since they are non-profit it is not about making money. They recommend the best way but are willing to do a less expensive way whenever possible without arguing.
  7.  
    HEY! I'm back home!! They actually removed my cast and took out fifty-some staples from arm and hip! Taped me back together. Saw that I am cut from my wrist to my armpit...didn't know. Had had a HUGE piece of pelvic bone harvested (which also involved cutting muscle tissue, etc.) and cadaver bone added. I didn't realize the extent of my surgery last week. Geez, no wonder I was hurting....also had a fever which was alarming combined with such pain. Doc thinks I'm a miracle, anyway! Also....I have almost normal feeling in my right hand!! You don't know how great that is! I'm told that I can even DRIVE now, as long as I'm not on pain meds.....that may be a while. Meanwhile, Elder Law attorney called. I have even MORE info to find and hand over to Social Services to get John qualified for Medicaid. I CAN'T FIND ANY PAPERWORK ABOUT WHO BUILT MY BARN, HOW MUCH HE CHARGED!!! John never kept any records of ANYTHING, its just NOT HERE. The company is out of business. Geez. Guess I have more work cut out for me.....can't seem to get any closure to this mess. Have a better day than I'm gonna have!!
    • CommentAuthorZibby*
    • CommentTimeJun 16th 2010
     
    Whoa! You did take a serious hit, Jen. Can't imagine your doing anything but lying about since the accident and surgeries. That's what I think I'd want to do. Glad your recovery seems to be going well. My observation through everyone's trials and cares is that it's better to be barely scraping by financially or "over the top" well to do as the straits of dementia are navigated so far as financial matters are concerned.
    •  
      CommentAuthorBama* 2/12
    • CommentTimeJun 16th 2010
     
    Jen, will you please slow down and take care of yourself. I don't want to hear any posts about you doing manual labor again.
  8.  
    Bama, I'll be good. I let my neighbor use the J.Deere to mow for me today. Had a therapeutic VENT earlier, did a lot of dragon slaying (finding answers for Social Services) and now, I'm going upstairs to take a bubble bath and cry some more. Night, Night (where are my pain pills???)
    •  
      CommentAuthordeb112958
    • CommentTimeJun 17th 2010
     
    Sunny day here in Chicago area. We are supposed to start to heat up and get more humid over the next few days. Glad I have ac in the house but not so happy about not having ac in the car. I don't have time to take it in to the shop, so I'll suffer until I can.

    Really looking forward to tomorrow. Our son returns home from South Korea where he has been teaching for the last year. I'm picking him up at the airport in the morning after I drop his dad off at his day center. I've told my husband that Nick is coming home and he smiles everytime I say it but I don't think he really understands that he is coming back to our house. I hope having our son here doesn't upset his routine too much. I'll deal with whatever happens because I'm just so happy to have my son back :D
  9.  
    Oh, deb, how joyful you must be that your son is coming home! We'll hope and pray having your son there doesn't upset your DH and he will be happy with it!
    • CommentAuthorZibby*
    • CommentTimeJun 17th 2010
     
    Warm (hot) and sunny in NW IN today. Black raspberries are ripe for the picking--yummy. Took hb to a Circle of Art program this a.m. for folks w/dementia. It meets once a week for 2 1/2 hrs. 45' from our house. They visit, do a craft project or whatever and have lunch. Wasn't sure how hb would take to meeting new folks; I shouldn't have worried. He's always been an outgoing social kinda guy making jokes about any and everything. I stayed awhile and all seemed to be going well; so I left. Only 5 men and one was on vacation; 4 "staff or volunteers." When I came back, one gentlemen said, "I'm glad your husband was here; he talks." Staff said they were glad as well because not only did he talk, but he joked with everyone and seemed to brighten everyone. Well, whadya know. I know he has that kind of personality, but just being around home, it doesn't show so much anymore. So, I hope he'll agree to go back.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeJun 17th 2010
     
    Deb - you can send some of that heat back west. I am so tired of cool and rain.

    Took hb to get last tooth filled today. While I was waiting a man obviously with dementia came in. He was asking the lady about getting copies of all his dental work for the year so he can make sure he gets the $250 the government is sending to medicare recipients. She wasn't sure about the $250 so I explained it but he still wanted to turn in all the dental to make sure he gets credit for the Novocaine they used!! She finally told him she would get copies mailed to him.

    Then he says "I am only 21 you know!" She says 'you don't look a day over 19" at which he gave a big smile.
    • CommentAuthortherrja*
    • CommentTimeJun 18th 2010
     
    It is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. It has been a long week (workwise). The weather is supposed to be the 3 HHH's (hazy, hot, humid) but I am looking forward to getting in some outside time. There is something so relaxing to being able to sit outside in the shade reading with the fountain bubbling and my dogs and cats outside with me sleeping somewhere cool close by. Think I will get the doggie pool out and fill it - my golden loves go lay down it it. The other dog isn't quite so sure it is a good thing.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2010 edited
     
    A cloudy but mild temp day. Hb is finally changing the toilet - of course being in an RV there is not a lot of room. He is getting it done but a 1/2 job has now turned to 2 1/2 hours - at least he is getting it figured out.

    We have accepted a Workamper job for July - September. It will be groundskeepers at a small fairgrounds in Eastern Washington. Will be watering and cutting the grass - should be no problem just physical labor. Am looking forward to having something to do (may loose weight too!) and sunshine. They only have two scheduled events this summer when the grounds have to be spruced up good - a blues festival and the county fair. No bathrooms to clean either!!! HB is looking forward to it too - just having a reason to get up in the morning. Then I think in the fall, depending on how he is, we will head to Nevada to visit.

    Haven't decided what to do about internet yet.
    • CommentAuthordivvi*
    • CommentTimeJun 20th 2010
     
    Evening everyone. happy fathers day to all our guys and our spouses. i have been battling severe tooth pain and off to see the dentist in the morning. dental pain is no less than child birthing in my book!
    i will more than likely need a root canal done. but i am resolved even to that if it relieves the pain. DH had a visit today from his daughter after a long time and the younger son sent him a fruit basket which he enjoyed with a balloon attached. so all in all it was a pretty good fathers day for him this time for a change. scooby and squirrley have come daily for their handouts and much to the amusement of any visitors. with the extra nutrition of peanut butter and goodies scooby has a really gorgeous shiny coat now. and growning fast. hes got quite a temper though and continues to persist in throwing himself on the screen to hasten my handing him his sammich. :) squirrley on the other hand is quite polite and waits patiently for hers. i hope everyone has a pleasant sunday and a new week ahead.
    divvi
  10.  
    Divvi, I'm glad your husband had his daughter visit and enjoyed the fruit basket from his son. I'm always awaiting updates on Squirrely and Scooby! I love those squirrels!

    One more day and Debbie arrives from England for the summer!!! I'm SO looking forward to having her with me.

    The temperature here has been between 98-100 for days and will be all this next week. My electric bill will double, but it will be worth every penny. I MELT in the heat. If it was literal, I would be outside now! <grin>
    •  
      CommentAuthorBama* 2/12
    • CommentTimeJun 21st 2010
     
    Divvi...My DH and squirrley must be soul mates. He has insisted on a Smart Balance chunky peanut butter sammich with raisins on toasted bread for lunch everyday for over a year. Don't start toasting the bread or scooby will want his toasted. I have gradually phased out the Pecan pie and ice cream and substitued an apple. Sometimes it's a blessing when they can't remember what happened yesterday. Now, I am beginning to worry about me as I find myself eating the peanut butter sandwich everyday.
    • CommentAuthortherrja*
    • CommentTimeJun 21st 2010
     
    Bama - the peanut butter on toast sounds good - but don't want the raisins. At least it is reasonablly nutritious!

    It was a very busy weekend going from one thing to the next for me. I got a bit of gardening in, walked the dogs, trimmed the wisteria and swept the sidewalk and patio - they really needed it. The bumper crop of weeds that we have makes it very easy to fill a bucket or barrel. I limit myself to one barrel when I am out and when that is full, it is time to go in and take a break.

    I did get to see "Karate Kid". I liked it. The movie starts off a bit slow as lots of background information is needed to understand later parts of the movie. The interplay between Jaden Smit and Jackie Chan was phenomenal - loved it. There was some gorgeous scenery of China and the movie did a great job depicting the "rabbit warrens" of some of the living areas in China.

    I have convinced my girlfriend that we should go see "A Team" so that is on the schedule for next weekend. Though she is a lot taller than me and a lot stronger than me, she tells me that I twisted her arm.......

    The dogs had a great time in the doggie pool over the weekend. My golden found lots of dirt to roll in after being in the water so had to really rinse her off. The lovely thick tail was down to a strip after that. I've been working on teaching them to shake their bodies on command and she is doing pretty good at it so she got lots of practice.

    DH has progressed to the point where I am scraping the fork off on his top teeth instead of his taking the food off of it. Yesterday when I was feeding him, there were times when he refused to open his mouth. This is a new development and a sign of what is to come but it is so sad to see. He is also loosing the ability to kiss and I miss that. I need to send out the regular e-mail on his condition and still haven't come up with words for those who aren't living this life to begin to understand. I do have faith that something will come to me though.
    • CommentAuthordivvi*
    • CommentTimeJun 21st 2010 edited
     
    Bama if they are soulmates your DH is quite the looker and very cute! and does he also through little temper tantrums when his sammich is late ?? haha. oh no worries i wont be toasting it by any means. its tedious enough to have to run to the kitchen and whip up a sammich cut into halfs and give it to them! i bet your Dh is getting pretty good nourishment from it too!! i like the raisin idea myself!

    Therrja i also scrape the food off with the top teeth alot lately. i do find if i put the food in touching the lower lips and tongue he closes the mouth better.
    • CommentAuthortherrja*
    • CommentTimeJun 22nd 2010
     
    Thanks for sharing divvi, one of the best blessings of this site is to know that you are not alone in what we are going through. Someone out there is having a similar experience or has had it.

    Another gorgeous day today. I woke up with lots of energy so put it to good use getting the house clean before coming to work this morning. I may pay for that later with a bit of sorenss and being tired but it is so nice to walk around a reasonably clean house I think it was worth it.

    Last night was hot but I got home a bit early and managed to fill a barrel of weeds from the garden. I even got to a place that I have wanted to for a while and got a lot of it cleaned out. Looking at the garden you can't see all the work that I have been doing but isn't that the point. You are not seeing a garden overgrown with weeds and it looks beautiful.
  11.  
    therrja,

    Now that you have your house clean and your garden weeded, can you come do mine? My "get up and go" got up and went....and Debbie's coming tonight!

    I've been having a few PB&J sandwiches lately. I hadn't had them in years. They hit the spot! So I brought a banana and a jar of peanut butter to work....a bite of banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, a bite of banana, etc. Brings back back teen years!!!! <grin>
  12.  
    STILL can't walk very well and using a cane. Incredible charlie horses in my buttocks and down to my calf. Didn't expect this surgery to be such a big deal. Welll, missing out on another beautiful day. I make lists every day of stuff I should be able to do. Very little gets done as I have lost my will to DO. Overwhelmed by worry and anxiety over Medicaid approval process and the Social Service's "Inquisition". Just can't get going. I feel like I'm impotent and helpless to do anything. This can't get any worse, can it?? Well, figure I'll be on the computer most of the day, placing horses for sale, trying to set up a webpage for my work, arranging a local exhibition. IT'S HOT outside. Wish I could be out there, doing something physical.....that is always healing for me. Sweat and hard work....at the end of the day, looking and being able to see what I've been able to accomplish. Going to hire someone to come clean my house from top to bottom....someone that cleans like my Honduran Grandmother used to (on her hands and knees, getting into all the corners, and that smell of AMMONIA)!!!! Everybody have a good and happy (if only uneventful) Tuesday. Love, Jen
  13.  
    DW and I have just spent the weekend with our 2 daughters and families. DW seemed to enjoy them, but not much interaction. The 2 girls were a big help last night when DW refused to go down the steps at older daughter's mobile home at night. They stood on each side and helped her down so she could get to the car to drive back to our house.

    Mary, regarding getting your house clean, couldn't Debbie do it when she arrives? She'll have more time than you do.
    Our younger daughter and her husband have been doing a lot of work around our house (not the retirement Inn, but our "home".)
  14.  
    Marsh, it is so hard when they refuse to move! We try talking about something else and have someone else get beside him so that he will loosen up and let us move him. Sometimes now, I honestly think that his muscles are not obeying his brain.

    I am one of those people who LOVES a clean house and keeps it that way, but when someone else comes to stay, I see other things that I haven't done in a while, and family coming is my way of getting the "get up and go" to get them done. Sort of forced Spring cleaning. Debbie is going to help me clean out the storage room and rearrange the plastic tubs after sorting through them in the basement. And she'll take over the cleaning of the house now that she is here. She's a great blessing to me!

    Debbie got here safe and sound last night!!! I am so happy to have her!
    • CommentAuthorJean21*
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2010
     
    It is another hot and humid day on the SC coast. The temps are supposed to be in the triple digits AGAIN with no relief in sight. I am trying to get rid of stuff from my sewing room have decide what to keep, what to ditch and what to donate somewhere. I would like to sell my Pfaff sewing/embroidery machine with all accesories and embroidery cards. I am keeping my Brother and serger. If all else fails I might be able to donate the Pfaff to Habitat for Humanity and take a break on taxes.

    I hope the weather is cooler and more pleasant where you are. Have a good day.
    • CommentAuthordeb42657
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2010
     
    It took me a while to check in but here goes(sigh) It is horribly hot here and has been all month without a break. Thank you whoever created central air. Now if I could just get it in my car. Anyway, my DH is now having more physical symptoms in the last month and I expect it well just keep getting worse. The upside(if there is ever an upside) would be that I can finally get some outside help from home health care. I can't believe that they were no help unless he needed physical assistance. Oh Well! I am still here and doing the best I can, the biggest challenge being stress.
    • CommentAuthorZibby*
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2010
     
    Well, the storm is here that we've been waiting for:) Thanks NE IL, been following it on the TV. Now, I'll need to shut down my computer. Tomorrow we see the neurologist--again--wasn't expecting to do this as saw her a month ago. HB has been complaining that his legs aren't working right. Is this how physical stuff begins: gradually? Doesn't take walks as he had been, but I thought it was just because it's hot. Doesn't walk around the house so much either. That may keep him out of mischief.
  15.  
    Seems like we're all getting hot and humid weather! It was 99 deg. on my back porch at 6:00. And no rain in sight.

    It's been a good day here today. DH has seemed almost "normal" all day. Not as much repeating as usual. And Kevin arrived home safe and sound from Emory. He sounded good, just tired.

    Hope you all have a peaceful evening.
    •  
      CommentAuthorJeanetteB
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2010
     
    Another beautiful day here in Holland: Daniel is coming this afternoon to mow the lawn but it doesn't really need it (we haven't had any rain) so I'm going to make a list of other yard jobs he can do instead. I'm expecting company on Sunday so want the place to look nice. It does anyway, with all the roses and other flowers.
    A great week for sports on TV: not only the soccer games all afternoon and evening every day (well that's what it seems like), the other network thoughtfully puts on lots of detective reruns for those who don't watch soccer. I don't normally watch it, but the England game yesterday was rivetting. And today Holland plays, so of course we ALLwatch that (all meetings are cancelled). And on top of that WIMBLEDON with a record-breaking marathon last night that still isn't over. It's great because I can almost always find something to keep DH interested. And I record a couple Federer matches for future use.
    I love day care days but am also happy today on a non-daycare day because I can let him sleep in. While I have my coffee, read these boards and then my book. What more could anybody want ? (well, besides a healthy husband of course)
  16.  
    Yesterday was cold and rainy, but today is just cloudy. DW will be kept somewhat busy today. We just had the social worker from Hospice here for a nice visit. She said that I should mention to you that DW is on Hospice as "General Debility", not Alzheimer's. This, apparently, is more flexible as to deterioration. This afternoon the Hospice massage therapist will be here to give her a massage. I don't qualify for getting a massage through Hospice, even though I need it more than she does, so I had to pay for mine yesterday. Then this evening we will be joined for dinner here at our retirement Inn by 3 couples who are friends of ours. We have been having dinners at various places off and on for the past 5-6 years. It's really nice that they have not deserted us.

    Our older daughter and her husband are here in Maine, from Chicago, for the summer, so we will be seeing a lot of them. They have their own seasonal home across the road from ours.
    • CommentAuthorCharlotte
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2010
     
    Yesterday dh said he would rather go to Alaska than take the summer job. I reminded him I was ready to book a last minute discounted cruise when he decided he wanted to go to the funeral. Now what to do?? I can put it on the card in anticipation of the money from his dad's retirement. I emailed bil to ask what the process now is regarding the estate including house. He emailed back about the IRA but not about the house. I know it has to go thru probate, but what else after that since their names are on the deed too. I have a feeling he will drag his feet on selling the house because he has so much stored there (his collection of old jaguars he plans to restore someday).

    Today hb was saying he hopes he does well with the test the neuro will do on Monday. I asked why? he didn't answer so I asked 'cause if you do well you might not have alzheimer's? He said yes. Don't we all wish we could get a change of diagnosis in our favor!
    •  
      CommentAuthorJeanetteB
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2010
     
    Charlotte, my experience is that probate can take a long time. Don't get yourself into debt (just my advice!)
    Your DH sounds really with it. SIem would not have a clue about what the test meant. Just more people bothering him with hard questions!
    Well I didn't get to my book club this morning. BIL had volunteered to take Siem out on these days (every two months) but we forgot that it can sometimes coincide with the weekends that his Downs syndrome son is home for the weekend. We are celebrating BIL's birthday tonight; the son always gets a huge kick out of a birthday party.
    The book club is going to be discussing whether we can change the meetings to a day care day, now that most of the gals are retired. That would really make things easier for me. Hate to miss the meeting. We are reading "What is the what" by Eggers. I got discouraged when I found out I wouldn't be able to go to the meeting, and so I haven't finished it. It is a discouraging book, too. The misery goes on too long. I don't need that right now.
    • CommentAuthorZibby*
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2010
     
    My experience is probate - at least here (IN) - takes at least a year especially if property is involved even in basically, simple cases. Mother's was less; she owned nothing on her own and died before dad. My dad's house took months to sell, but that always depends on location, financial state of the area, etc. So I share Jeanette's advice: "don't get yourself into debt."
    •  
      CommentAuthorSusan L*
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2010
     
    Hi all, just read eveyones post. Lots going on! Jen, take it easy, you are expecting tooooo much of yourself after such extensive surgery! Marsh, the massage sounds wonderful!.......Therrja, the dogs stories had me laughing! I'd love to sit and read in the shade near your bubbling fountain! I'm just out of the hospital for the 2nd time this month. I fell at our Grandparents weekend last Friday and by Sunday had to be admitted again. Aghhhh. I'll be glad to get over this and get going again. I've lost 22 lbs so far. Feeling good about that. It's been tough dieting while away from home. We got word yesterday that we were selected to spend a week at Sunday River Ski Resorts Condos up in Bethel Maine. The local Grandparents Organization take week long donations of condos for families taking care of family members childen. So we are getting away for a Whole Week! There are hiking/nature trails, outdoor pools, a really cute village, etc. Really looking forward to it. The boys have been awful lately. I need to call their dr/therapist and see what we can do for med adjustments. My Mom at 77 seems to be failing a bit. She is constantly on the go, and then sleeps all afternoon. I worry. Ah well, such is life. Thank goodness the weather here in Western Maine, has been beautiful, so the boys play outdoors a lot. Arms around, Susan
  17.  
    ...and its morning again. I got up, checked in here. Checked my e-mail and Facebook. Going to get haircut, go back to bed. Have a nice day. Still lame.
  18.  
    Today is our 56th wedding anniversary. DW had no idea what was going on. Our daughter and her husband, and my sister, joined us for dinner. A nice time for me, but DW didn't get it.