I've always enjoyed baking but noticed lately that I'm just not doing it much anymore. Our kitchen isn't big and I find it hard to be cooking in there if hubby comes along----which he often does because he's forever wanting a snack or to plug the kettle in to make tea or coffee. And making a "cuppa" takes him a long time. (And there may be a bit of shadowing going on sometimes because he wants to be near me??)
Well, the other day, I needed to make some cupcakes for a meeting. Got them in the oven and decided that as we were expecting overnight visitors, I'd make some muffins too. Had everything out anyhow so why not? Needed to melt the honey which had crystallized . . . put it in the microwave . . . hubby came into kitchen to make a cup of coffee and I had to move out of his way (and away from the microwave). Bad mistake! Checked on the honey as soon as I could and it had overflowed-----what a mess!!! Told poor hubby to go and sit and wait in the living room. He looked rather bewildered (I didn't tell him why in case he volunteered to clean it up which would have taken a long time). Cleaned it up and got on with making the muffins.
But as I mixed up the batter, I reflected on how working in the kitchen has changed because of what is happening cognitively with hubby. I often used to mix something up as I was preparing a meal (or right afterwards) and clean up everything all at once. It just doesn't work to do that now. It's a bit like living with a toddler or preschooler who still naps and I'd wait to do certain tasks until the child was sleeping because it was much easier. Only problem now is that there are often other things I need to get done whilst DH is sleeping. Oh well, this is a season/stage and maybe I just need to figure out a time to bake on a regular basis (not frequently but at least occasionally).
I understand the problem. We have recently moved and we still have Many boxes not put up yet. I have to keep dh occupied and can't get away long enough to put every thing up. Since his attention span is about 3 minutes long, that doesn't leave much time to get started on anything. It makes life real interesting......
I am constantly tripping over DH in the kitchen. He will stand in the narrowest part and not move as I try to get in the refrigerator or cupboard behind him. He seems oblivious to the fact that I can't get passed him. I've tried giving him little jobs to do and it is always a major mistake as he takes forever to anything and I have to explain to him over and over how to do something. I wonder why I don't like to cook anymore................
Ah the kitchen..I used to love my kitchen and at night when it is all cleaned up find I still like it.BUT..the never ending wiping up, sweeping up, drying things...gets to me. And the kitchen table? well it is piled with paper work, mail, magazines he dwells over. I am tossing more and more out before he even gets to see it..most mail now is a few bills and junk. I am about crazy with all the crap coming from organizations wanting donations..but don't get me started on that one.....the funds that are wasted on the mail outs and calls made by the various organizatons...grrrrrr
I just can't keep up with the kitchen and the rest of the house and it makes me crazy but I am still at the point that if I have to spend time directing someone else on what to do or where to put something that is no help either. I want out!
You know the essay nccargiver posted last week? I printed it out, as the author gave to ok to share it, and I have. To those who have email I sent it to them..one called and said " I have never taken care of someone with AD or known anyone with AD so I didn't know how much it involves." then this same person went on to relate how he and some pals are planning this reunion in SOCAL ( the one that got cancelled by them due to weather)...as if I really want to spend 4 hours driving down there. And to the one who does not have email I sent a copy with the parts of the letter that apply to my situation and said the reunion is a wonderful idea but consideration has got to be give to me as well as I shoulder this cross alone. I intend to share that wonderful essay with others so maybe they will see what we do endure and what one day they might face as well.