Well here we are...it is midnight here on the Central Coast of the Left Coast ( as you look from south to north), it is clear and cold...hubby is in bed as of 3 hours ago and I am on my way... Hope 2013 will hold some good things for us...maybe even a few miracles.
Happy New Year all. Is this our check-in? Jeff's brother and sister were in town for Christmas, and were able to catch him alert enough to sort of interact with them a little...so they had a satisfying time with him. He's spent the last couple days day-sleeping, making rattly noises, and not being very responsive. It seems like another little slide, but time will tell.
Happy New Year to all! DH has had no coception of Christmas or New Years, although he has enjoyed all the food! LOL Since it's a dark,gloomy, rainy day, I have a lot of lights on in the house. He keeps going around and turning them off. Can't win.
Happy New Year to my family on this site. I never would have survived 2012 without you. I was invited out to a party(???) here with all the old folks. It was nice and I have made some new friends. The problem was everyone was yawning and ready to call it a night. Was home by nine and had to watch the ball drop at midnight in Times Square by myself. I do have lots of things to be thankful for and I am looking forward to 2013. God's Blessings to all of you.
The snow is here and temperatures are where they usually are. Last year at this time it was very unusually mild.
This is the place I didn't ever want to come to which became the place when I had nothing else, was always there and now is the place I don't particularly want to leave.
I agree with Bama in a different way. I'm not ready to look forward to anything in the normal way but I do know that if I were to die and be asked what I thought of all this, I won't hesitate to give the experience of life two thumbs up and I will mean that with all my heart. And my opinion about the question 'is there such a thing as an alzheimer's (dementia) survivor?' is yes there is. You have to relearn to want it though and find the path to let things be and that's different for everyone.
Yes this is our Jan Check in...AND AT MIDNIGHT WHEN WE HAD OUR NIGHTCAPS ON SOME IDIOT CALLED AND WOKE US UP... Scared the well hell out of me thinking someone died or something..just an old friend of my bil who had too much to drink and called the wrong party..sheesh.
Happy New Year all. Send me some snow.....we are melting down under, broke all heat wave records Brought Dh home for the day, he was really calm and good, if only he was like this before he went into the NH...oh well!
Wishing you all some peace and happiness in the 2013
Julia, I wish I could send you some snow. We had 2 storms in the past 5 days, each with 9-10 inches of snow. The spruce forests are beautiful.
My wife had no idea it was Christmas, or New Year's. Last night, after she went to bed, my daughter and husband, my sister, and I played one game of Quirkle ( I won't try to explain it) and then went to bed.
I went through the same thing here. Christmas was always a big day for dh. This year it didn't mean a thing to him. Tomorrow I am putting all the decorations away. DH doesn't either remember or he doesn't care. I kept asking myself if it was worth all the trouble. Drove to areas that were all decorated and it didn't affect him one way or another. Instead of cheering myself up, I ended being depressed. One daughter came from Grand Rapids with hubby, one son and fiance the week before Christmas. They were here a total of 2 hours. On Christmas Day we went to single daughter for lunch because dh doesn't do a big meal too well. New Year's Eve, dh went to bed at 9 and I watched the ball drop in NY on tv by my lonesome self.
What's going to happen this year? More of the same and I know things will get worse. This spring I will try day care for dh. I am screaming inside for a little time to myself.
DH has gotten to the point where every evening he wants to go "home". I have yet to figure out if he means our previous home or his childhood home. He can't express himself well. Most of the time he doesn't use any nouns in his speech.
Adding insult to injury, my dishwasher stopped working. Tomorrow I call the repair service.
I looked at my stovetop and it didn't look right...the tea kettle was missing. Found it in the drawer with the pots and pans. Full of water too.
Dr. says I can double up on the Paxil for dh but I hesitate. Don't want him too medicated if I can help it.
Things will work out, I'm sure. Can I wait that long?
Gray, drizzle of rain all day ;) in middle Tenn. doesn't lift the spirits any. Finally through the holidays - first without dh. Major leak in bathroom $$. to a plumber a fine New Years Eve that was. Car with dead battery as the least of its ails. Guess a new car is in my future or it better be near future. Anyway my wishes for all of you to be able to cope with whatever is in your future.
Well my 10 month old kittens took the tree down today..well almost. It was a small table top thing that one kitten tried to climb...silly girl she is bigger than the little tree! They got the garland off and the ornaments, all non breakable...but the tree was taped to the tv tray it was sitting on..so all I have left to do is wind up the lights...I'll leave the wreath on the door a few more days...otherwise it is clean up, dust and hoover... Like others said, my DH is just flat..oh he was aware of Christmas and wanted to make sure I had a little something for Christmas and also my birthday. Today he enjoyed the Rose Parade but doesn't really get it that it is now 2013...and frankly neither do I..was not excited about the turn of the year...bleak days ahead...
At least Gracie is happy. My much loved lap top died on me. I bought an all in one machine which is great. Keyboard is once again on a pull out tray so Gracie now sits on my desk and can't get into too much trouble. I am hoping that she can teach me W8. Microsoft pulled a doozie on that one. They pulled all W7 machines from the stores. Anyone else trying to learn the new system?
Bluedaze,I am in the market for a new computer. Did not like the comments about W8 but seems to be the only thing you can get now. What brand of computer did you get?,I want to put things on etsy but grand daughter said my computer is not good enough.Anyone else treating themselves to a new PC?I've decided to leave all the inside decorations and tree up for awhile,shame to take every thing down,looks so festive and DH seems to like them.Got a live balled tree this year,so don't have all those dropped needles. Happy New Year to everyone(including myself).
I put all the Christmas stuff away this morning except a few candle rings. I never put much up so I had it all done in 30 minutes. Yesterday I was dreading the job so decided this am to get over with. I surprised myself with how quickly it went. DH asked what I was doing but didn't seem to care one way or the other. Anyway I'm glad that's done.
yhouniey I got an HP All In One. Brick behind the monitor has all the innards. Very little depth which is good. Wired mouse connects to the monitor as does the key board. I chose to position the keyboard on the pull out drawer. As I'm small this makes for better body mechanics and less cramped shoulders. Love the machine but hate W8.
I have a MAC and never have to worry about antivirus. It is not hard to switch from PC to MAC. I did a few years ago and will never go beck to a Windows system..course we should never say never but after learning a MAC and having next to now problems ever, I am staying with MACs.
I also have the HP all in one and love it. I had an old student desk and I placed the screen/computer on top of the desk and I pulled out the center draw and WOW...my keyboard just fit perfectly on the side draw carriers or what ever they are called (side edges)...most anyone that comes to the house thinks it is so cool. I would never buy another computer with a big box again. It was so cheap too compared to the computers with a box. Next time I need a computer...I am just going to hook a larger screen to my lap top and use it as my computer.
My son-in-law is a computer engineer and he has hooked my computer to his so if I have any problems he can just fix them by remote. Love it.
Woke up to -26C today. Man it was cold getting the car started and going to work. We've had 52 inches of snow so far this winter...compacted down to about 3 feet. But sunny and beautiful. Saw a moose on my way into work.
The weather man said in a couple of days we will be up to +1C...sure does change fast.
It's raining up here. Six inches of snow so far and it's all gone. The jet stream is usually well below us by now but it is stubbornly staying up there so we're not getting the artic air flows. Last year at this time I could go out in a t-shirt which was bizarre - not this year so far.
I saw three deer in a field by the highway last week. Haven't been out enough to see deer last few years and it was a welcome sight.
I've been cleaning things I haven't noticed in years but I haven't faced going to a restaurant alone yet where getting comfortable with that is going to be a big step in opening future experiences for me. I want to enjoy eating out again and I'm going to have to learn how to do that table for one.
Wolf, if you have a restaurant that you have gone to before, start with that one. I remember years ago when my first DH died, I couldn't even eat alone in a McDonald's. Now I can laugh about that. Of course, I don't go to "upscale" places alone, but I'm getting pretty good at most of them. Try it.
It was a big first step for me to go alone to eat. Just a few weeks before dh died he wanted to go to Wendys and we did often so going there was hard. But now I see a group of women I know there sometimes and it has become a real "social" outing for me. So far tho I haven't ventured to an "upscale" as Carolyn* said alone I usually invite my son. I do have a reader now so could take it along and easily read while I eat. Warm and rainy here in mid Tenn. So much rain in winter days are dreary.
I am just sick, got a call tonight that my FIL has had a bad stroke. Not sure right now if he will make it or not. I am not sure if I should tell DH. He has had a bad few weeks. He is going to the bathroom every 15 to 30 mins (I had him checked up on and no infection) But for now I am not able to take him out of the house. He is very distressed and confused most of the day. So many changes in the last two weeks. FIL live in PA and we are in KY. I can't even drive DH across town with out one or two bathroom stops, how in the world would we make it to PA. I am so depressed, I am ready to give up. I don't even know how to get in touch with our DD who is in Afghanistan. Oh my goodness the more I think about all this, the sicker I become.
Blue, re: your DD., can you call the Red Cross for help in reaching her if she doesn't have access to a computer or cell phone. Soldiers now have a different lifestyle, with Skype and cellphones. If she doesn't have one, maybe the Red Cross can get a message to her.
I'm so sorry about your father in law. Perhaps a miracle will save him if it was meant to be. I understand that you are in a state of shock right now, ... tomorrow, I pray things will seem a bit more clear and you can reach your daughter.
Blue, it's very understandable that you feel duress right now. There's nothing you can do about travelling with your DH and if he's already distressed and confused consider getting trying to get through these hours as calmly as you can and get a sleep in. You're bound to be in a somewhat better state tomorrow and may have more information from whoever called you tonight.
If your husband reacts badly it will add to feelings of anxiety you may have now and there may not be a benefit to that for anyone. I wish your FIL well. Can you take a brandy or a sherry? (Perhaps a double scotch straight up.) It might calm your nerves. Or better make a cup of hot cocoa or tea. Try to calm down a bit. You already have your hands full and need to take a bit of care with extra real stress.
dearest blue, it really sounds so familiar. it does seem that the younger ones move along swiftly. Dado's peeing issues have been such a large part of this disease. How I wish there was something I could do. But you have to do what is best, and moving your dh does not sound good. Hugs to you dear friend.
So sorry blue. If it were me, and my husband couldn't travel and was unable to process the information, I wouldn't tell him about his father's stroke. It will only confuse him more and put more stress on you. Like Nancy said, the Red Cross should be able to get you in touch with your daughter. You have a lot of friends here on Joan's in your corner, so remember "You are not alone". Feel free to write me if you want. My email is in my profile.
blue, my DH was in Korea when his father passed away. They would not give him a leave for the funeral but did give him a leave to be with family after the funeral. I don't know what the policy is concerning a grandfather but the Red Cross is the way to get the message to her. I agree about not telling your DH. I will be thinking about you and hoping for the best.
Still no new news on our FIL. He is unresponsive and my BIL has asked for a DNR. I told him that we are ok with that. He is the one there and talking with the doctors and knows best what to do.
Well while in the middle of that last line DH fell in the bathroom. O the fun never stops, DH is ok.
blue, you know your DH best, if you think he would be better off not knowing then make that choice. many of us have had to tell fiblets about lost family members to save our spouses from further stress and grief. do whats best for you both. i know how stressful it can be during these trying times. divvi
Just wanted to give you an update. FIL starting on Hospice. And we are not going to tell DH about all of this. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. I could of not made it through the past few days without you.
blue, I've been following your posts and I do think you've made a good choice not to tell your DH. He may not even understand and would soon forget it. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
I have learned another lesson - watch the feet. January has been a colder than normal month here in Fernley. 17 of 23 (Jan 30 & 31) days have been single digits at night with one of at zero. On the floor in the the front of the MH it is 32 in the mornings. That is where we sit. I wrap my feet in the evenings in a blanket to keep them warm. Silly me believed hb when he said his feet were warm. Last Thursday he showed me one toe that was black and blue - could not remember dropping anything on it. Friday morning he came out after his shower and 3 toes on one foot, two on the other were b/b and blistering. Took him into the VA in Reno - total time in and out was only 3 hours: enroll as visitor, wait in ER, wait for RX - not bad. It is frostbite. Doctor figures it probably happened on Monday -Sunday night was the night it got to zero and he was out walking the park at 10am while I worked. They probably got cold then he sat in the MH with them cold and not warming up until he went to bed.
He can't go out walking until the heal which can be a week, 2 weeks or as slow as he seems to heal now - could be longer. He is upset he can't go walking. Told the doctor he had to walk to keep his cardio vascular system working (big words for him not sure where they came from). Doctor told him his cardio vascular system is great - it will not suffer any with him not walking for a couple weeks. So today and yesterday he has decided he will stay in bed all day since I am working. Last night he got up and ate breakfast and didn't get up until 6 when dinner was ready.
Also the last month have had to deal with water freezing of which he was at a lost of what to do. I had to guide him through helping me. The hot water froze twice and almost a third time. Can not figure out where since it is in an area where heating ducts go. Talking to another RVer and he said he freezes at the outdoor shower - never thought of that cause we have never used it. That area behind our water panel in the bay is also where the cold froze that night. Therefore, I do not sleep well when it gets below 10 which is when the freezing happens. We now leave the water running at night. I tried the hot water but that meant the tank was lighting all the time burning up valuable propane. So, because I am worried about it my subconcious wakes me ever two hours to check the hot water.
Day before yesterday one of the heaters quit working - it kept tripping the GFI. I went to the store to buy another one yesterday and on the way home it dawned on me that the plug was different. The plug was bad and he replaced it with - wrong.
Charlotte, I admire your pioneer spirit living in an RV even in winter when you have a husband with dementia. I cannot imagine the stress you must be under worrying about water freezing, using too much propane and making sure your dh is ok, warm and not subject to frost bite again. Hope it warms up soon so you have less to worry about!
Wanted to let you know that my FIL passed away this morning. Am not telling DH. I truly hate AD. It takes so much from a person. I feel like I am in a hell on earth. Yet we go on.........
Sorry, Blue. I agree with not telling your husband. When my Dad died in 2011, I didn't tell my husband. It would have made him sad, and then he'd forget about it anyway. It was strange, though, not to have him help me mourn my Dad's passing.
When my eldest brother died, I told my husband. They had both been in the air force together and had that extra bond. To my surprise, he responded with sympathy towards me and then forgot about it. (He was in a mellow stage at this particular time.)
condolences to you and family Blue. i think its also a good move not to rock the boat. they can manifest a tendancy to dwell on things too and then you will be in hell for months. its sad we must go this route but for the best.
Feeling better today. Just wanted to let you know that yesterday out of no where I got flowers. From a lady at church. It was for "all the care I am giving DH". We have not been to church in a few weeks. So sweet and just at the right time.
Love and prayers are all around us, we just need to look.
yipes. full moon tonight the 26th ofjan!! if your loved one is having issues or acting out, could be the moon. :) mine has already had a couple days of worse myoclonus jerking! divvi
Mine too, divvi, as well as repeating, repeating, repeating! Had to go to the grocery today since yesterday was an awful icy day and couldn't go out. He usually can drive the elec. cart and he did today, but didn't stop once when I motioned to him and ran into one of those garden columns- broke into a million pieces. When I checked out I told the cashier and she said not to worry - it shouldn't have been sitting there anyway. So...I didn't have to buy it! LOL Guess we'll all have to hang on for the ride.