Let's hope this will be a short month (I'm pretty safe there) and one that gives some inkling of spring. I' m pretty safe there, too, because we certainly have the longer and lighter days to rejoice in. I have the jump on most of you because I'm six hours ahead of EST. Almost time to get DH up and give him his breakfast and medicine so that he is mellow before the home health aide arrives to give him his weekly shower. (He has been in the bathtub a couple times.) Then we are expecting a visit from a former trusted senior employee. A bookkeeper who worked closely with Siem. I'm sure Siem won't know her but she emailed me a picture that I have printed out and can show him before she gets here. I am sure she will be shocked to see him and I hope she doesn't cry.
I just received a birthday card from my estranged daugher in Sweden, made by her 4-year old. She even had her return address on the envelope. When I e-mailed to thank her she replied with the birth announcement for her #3 baby, born in September, included, I'd mentioned that I'd celebrated my b'day with a childhood best friend whose b'day is the day before mine. She then asked why I hadn't been with DH on that day. She knew he had Alzheimers and wondered if he was worse, so I told her about placement and the downhill slide. Maybe now she can forgive him for the scene he made at her wedding reception where he had a nasty encounter with her father-in-law. His wife was taking a picture of us and he put his arm around my waist. At that point DH screamed at him to "get your hands off my wife." The poor man was so surprised and DH kept yelling at him. This was the very first psychotic episode and took me so by surprise that I stood up for him, hence the cold shoulder for 6-1/2 years from DD. Looking back, I can see so many things that just didn't fit in with normal social behavior.
No sign of spring, I woke to snow. This is the first time this year, it always snows here in Dallas for a day or two and the whole place shuts down as a freak of nature cripples the system in the south.
Ah...update. Crunchy icy snow about--hope it melts soon. Jeff is definitely slipping at a slightly more noticeable velocity this winter, but I still can barely imagine it reaching a point of changing my life any time soon.
I know what you folks always say though--plan early and often, so I'm thinking about just what it might be that I ought to be planning, but I'm sure I'll be like most of you and start taking measures later than I should.
Meanwhile...Mom and I are planning a XC Amtrak trip with Jeff for April, and the looming question is: Will his status hold? Stay tuned. I have until a week prior to cancel our train reservations.
Snow and ice here in NW PA today. Glad I don't have to go out and can hibernate another day. Getting tired of winter and February is usually much worse. Realized yesterday that DH has been in stage 6 for at least 4 years now - maybe longer. Not looking forward to next stage. But God will provide me with the strength to make it through that as well.
PrisR I can relate to you because my DH caused my DIL to tell us not to come around them anymore. Her DH, my Son, doesn't think the dementia caused his behavior even though they were told of his dx 5 yrs ago. We have not been in touch with each other in over a year and a half. How can some people be so uncareing about the feelings of the caregiver.
Some wind and snow last night, but we're waiting for the BIG one starting this afternoon. Newspaper says we may have drifts to 10 ft.; we'll be burrowed in for a few days. We live in the country; so our road isn't a priority. A neighbor has large tractor and blade; expect he'll scoop us out as he has in the past. Support group for today canceled. Optometrist says no more exams as hb is much worse mentally and physically than a year ago and unable to cooperate. Will maintain opthamologist appts. Sad when kids cut family ties; rejoicing when they "return."
Moorsb We live near Dallas also and I was startled awake around 2:30 this morning by thunder. It's raining and windy with the tempeture dropping fast so icy roads will follow. This is the begenning of the Super-Bowl week celebrations and with this "Winter Blast" you can just guess what this will cause.
We have plenty of wood stored in the utility room for the wood stove and there is plenty of food on hand so DH and I will have full bellies and warm bodies for the duration. Hope the power stays on so we can watch the game on TV.
NOTE::: I posted a long post earlier to You, PrissR and JeanetteB. It dissapeared somehow. If this is a repeat, forgive the blunder.
Windy and cold here in the Chicago area. We are waiting for a blizzard to hit this afternoon through tomorrow. They are comparing it to Chicago's blizzard of 1967 but at least the city is now better at cleaning up snow. Have stocked up on food and have movies to watch. The worst part about this storm (for me) is that I know he won't be going to day care tomorrow and I so look forward to those quiet hours. Plus our snowblower stopped working--will have to shovel in spurts.
Everyone who is in the path of this storm, stay safe.
Here in Iowa we are waiting for the storm to hit. We also live in the country and it drifts bad here.good thing we have no where to go for a few days. Everyone stay safe.
PrisR, hopefully this will be the beginning of many conversations in the future. I am smiling for you and I know you are smiling. I am a firm believer in forgetting hurts of the past and accepting the blessings of today.
I'm also in the Chicago area and I think the "big one" is arriving as I write -- the wind is picking up -- I should go out and shovel, but am dreading it. DH is watching TV as usual -- I told him he will have to help me tomorrow -- he is perfectly capable of shoveling, just doesn't want to (neither do I!!). Earlier today we talked about the big snow of '67 -- he said he doesn't remember it -- I've seen photos he took during that time -- makes me sad he doesn't remember. Actually, I think he should be watching the Weather Channel -- it's a favorite topic repeated often during the day -- everyone in the path of this storm, stay safe, don't go out unless you really need to.
Did I ever make a better decision than moving to Florida? I have shoveled more snow, and driven in more blizzards and ice storms than I care to count - I'm done with it. My sister lives in the Chicago area, and I have friends in the Boston area. I'm going to call them now to make sure everyone is home and hunkered down.
I live around the corner from Bluedaze, so we're enjoying the same weather.
Snowing and blowing here in central Illinois. Yep, it'd definitely a blizzard. I'm happy as long as there's no freezing rain and ice. I'm eager to hear what the groundhog says tomorrow. DH says he won't be able to get out of his hole!
Snowing and blowing here too in New Mexico. It is so cold! I am in the process of trying to figure out how to buy groceries without getting out in it. haha! Swan's...
Many grocery stores have delivery services. Order online, and they deliver to your house. Although I'm sure not in a blizzard. Maybe a couple of days after the blizzard.
So sorry for all who are in the path of the storm. I hope all of you will be safe and that you don't lose your power. Don't even think of going outside unless it is an absolute emergency. Forget shoveling snow until the storm has passed. Take care and God Bless.
Good day - Thank you Turbo Tax - e-filed my taxes today! Bad day - Finally received all my son's (killed Christmas day) mail. In process of going through it,separating it, preparing questions for attorney. Not a pleasant thing to do - and the killer ran up all kinds of credit card charges.
So...a mixed blessing sort of day. At least DH has been in a good mood and didn't bother me all day! And...no snow - only rain and wind.
Our little corner of the world here in southwest PA has been spared from the storm. Got a little freezing rain overnight but had changed to all rain by 7:00 a.m. Calling for wind and snow showers tomorrow afternoon but nothing major. Hope all of you have gotten hit with it come through ok. I am soooooooo ready for some sunshine and warm temps.
Here in the Heart of Texas, we have had rain and a lot of sleet...plus very cold. Around here to get a Blizzard we have to go to Dairy Queen...in the north, God delivers them. Hmmm
I invited two other couples here for dinner on Saturday night -- something that I haven't done in ages. One of the couples was new to DH. I've been reluctant to impose on new friends, but it was really a fine evening. The size of the group was perfect- no burden on DH to contribute to every topic. The friends were kind and gentle and DH rallied. He has maintained some social skills- laughs when others laugh, although I was certain that he had no clue what we were laughing about. It bolstered my spirits and reminded me of dozens of happy evenings around our dining room table over the years. Far better than a restaurant: quieter,familiar, less confusing, low key. Will try it again soon.
Survived the blizzardy night and didn't lose electricity. Heavy snow still falling. Drifts in yard and across the driveway in several places. We're in for the count. Hb doesn't seem fazed by it all, which is good. Continues to roam the house. I've locked rooms I don't want him in. Just stopped by to ask "Are you working today"? I quit working to stay home w/him two years ago.
I just checked my email. Had a message that I had won $850,000. Need to check into that later<g>. Sure could use the money. If only it was that easy:) No snow or ice. Just very, very cold. We are in SW part of KY. Stay warm and safe everyone.
Iced over during the night but the temp has risen to 39 so it is wet and slushy here in NW PA. Haven't heard if Punxytawney Phil saw his shadow or not but I'm ready to shoot the little rodent over the forecast here.....going down to 12 later with high winds......Florida is looking better every day!
I can't estimate how much snow we got, because the wind has been so strong that it's in drifts all over the yard. We didn't get a newspaper, because the trucks couldn't get through on the many unplowed streets to deliver them to the carriers. We're not going anywhere soon. We live on a short cul-de-sac that will be one of the last they get to. Our only car is a Prius that won't clear more than six inches of snow, so we definitely have to stay home until the plowing is finished. In addition, our front door and garage door both have large drifts in front of them. I hope DH clears them, so I don't have to. I don't mind staying home when the weather is like this, but DH was going to day care today, and I was looking forward to that. Day Care and almost everything else here is closed for the second day in a row.
Still snowing here in Chicago. Why is it that I can do everything else without my husband's help but this snow has sent me over the edge into tears I can't stop. I went out to shovel and all I was able to do was the short walk to the garage door and one shovel length to the street before I had to rest. We don't have a snowblower and neither do either of my neighbors. My husband is able to shovel but refuses to do so. There's 16 inches of snow across the driveway and about twice that at the bottom where the plow put all the snow. He has a test scheduled at the hospital tomorrow and I don't know if I'm going to be able to get him there.
I'm much happier now. My neighbor noticed a man plowing a driveway down the street and ran over and asked if he would plow mine. So for a minimal (worth every penny) cost, he did my driveway. It would have taken me days to clear the driveway out.
Rain snow mix here in sw pa. School was cancelled. Since I work in a school I had the day off. Ran errands with my shadow. Bumped into him everytime I turned around. Getting ready for the Super Bowl. GO STEELERS!
Snow, sleet and rain here. DH wants to hibernate in bedroom until noon, hates feeling cold. So I had a phone visit with our daughter and discussed her newborn baby. She sends us photos of our granddaughter on Facebook. I then can show them to DH on the television. He enjoys the moment, however fleeting. I miss going to our daughter's home less than an hour away. When the weather is bad, I don't drive there and the home aide doesn't come because of the bad roads. I get resentful and feel trapped, but then I come to this site and feel hopeful that things will change, count my blessings. get some advice and support from others who have been there. Thanks, friends.
I bought this a few years ago and LOVE IT! http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1953130801P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
It is small, lightweight, easy to use, and effective. And best part is, it is safe! We used to use a gas powered beast that some neighbors pooled money to buy. The year it took off 1/2 a finger and an entire thumb of one neighbor - I decided it was not for us. The little electric Toro was the best investment I ever made.
Can't believe what I was doing today. I was taking DD to school and feeling really sorry for myself. And started in on how she does not help, and how hard things are and so on. I dropped her at school and then it hit me. I was talking to her like I would have to my DH in years past. You know the stuff you never talk about to others. Unloading on my DD. Thank goodness I can see that now. I will never let that happen again. Oh I hate all of this. Poor little girl she has to much on her plate and here I was heaping more on. (Need to get us both paper plates). Thanks for letting me talk. Love you guys, I think a good dose of spring would do us all good!
blue, She's probably the only (almost) adult you get to talk to. I don't know who of us would have done any better. Kudo's for being such a good Mom. This is hard enough on those of us who have children who are grown and out of the house but to have teens watching their Dad deteriorate in front of them must be heartbreaking. Keeping you in my prayers. <<<hugs>>>
Sun is up but it is cold. Took Ebonie to the Vet for her check up and dental cleaning if needed..( will be a bundle of $$) Yesterday picked up new toilet seats but have to take one back..color not right....ho humm Changed some doctor appointments for DH. Bringing them sooner rather than the later scheduled appointment. His hospital stay in Dec I think has caused some changes as well as having a hard time with the eating and glucose levels..so...next week will be busy.
Just ended a meeting with the hospice nurse. She was checking to see if my wife would qualify to be back on hospice. Unfortunately, by medicare criteria she does not.
Survived the blizzard but now the temp is in the single digits. Took my husband for his swallow test this morning and everything was fine. Afterwards we stopped and had a nice breakfast. We're staying in the rest of the day :)
This is a sad day for me. I received a call yesterday, that my husband's older brother passed away, he was 63. He had a kidney stone that was too large to pass, he had surgery on Tuesday, was doing great & was to come home today. He stood up to take a walk,collapsed & died of a blood clot. This so unexpected, we are all in shock. Then, I just received a call that my daughter-in-law's grandfather passed away. This is almost more than I can handle at this time. My husband is at a stage where he would not understand, so we will not tell him. I am trying my best, to compose myself enough to go the the ALF to see him this afternoon. I can not let him see me upset, however, due to the weather I have not seen him in 2 days.
A little update on my Feb. check in, we have been two days without water because of the freezing temps. Try taking care of spouse without water......YUCK!!!!! Called manager and can't do anything about it until pipes thaw. At least we still have power....so far!!!