Just need to talk to my friends(201)
Comments
-
Hello! (It's too late for good morning.)
0 -
Hello Porchers,
No Christmas tree decorating here today as DH did not put the cord that connects all the doo-hickeys for the pre-lit tree. So: Walmart for lights. Everything is in the garage waiting for me to start but I have to have DH do the lights - I'm not steady enough to climb the ladder and keep my balance. He's down in the pasture working on fence after going to look at more goats he is going to buy. And probably trade my Ram and Ewe too. Tomorrow is Dr. appointments all morning for DH, so maybe I can get it done after that.
Been in the kitchen all day except for the Walmart run. Made a blueberry lemon cake with crumbles and a lemon glaze, re-engineered the brunswick stew to take to my Aunt, got stuffed bell peppers baking now and made some cornbread.
I did get some stocking stuffers for my girls and 2 gifts for DH's 3 year old great grand. He loves trucks so I got one with a front end loader and blocks to pick up. And, a HUGE barrel of building blocks. I don't much care for his Mother, lol. But I do love the baby and he will enjoy "building" and using his truck like Granddaddy.
I bought strands of 600 lights. DH should have fun with that. But, he does get homemade stuffed peppers for a reward.
0 -
Lorita, that X-ray is a good idea. I used to say I had broken three bones in my life, and only one was mine, but arthritic pains and X-rays have shown me my record was not so good as I thought.
I ought to get one of those alarm things to call for help if I fall and break something. I fell on my left hip Thursday morning and got back up with a bruise, but that could have been fatal if it were broken. Last time I asked my wife to bring me the phone from my desk, she brought a handful of papers. She remembered the "from my desk" part, but not the phone. So, I effectively live alone.
One of my friends fell on his farm and broke his femur and had to crawl to the house to call for help. He fainted at least once from the pain, but he made it. He's a Marine, you have to kill them to stop them, but it wasn't a good time and he limps now.
1 -
Good morning,
It's one of those "I can't sleep" days/nights.
My cake was good, the peppers were just right and the cornbread was MEH. I don't know what happened except I had too many distractions at once.
Not sure what today will bring. DH has allergy testing and a shot. Then a lab appointment after for which he has to remain fasting. We both take sugar in our coffee and cream. 1/2 & 1/2 for me, hazelnut for him. Not today. We'll get thru it.
Yesterday I set up arrangement for 2 RV trips for 2025. January is Port Aransas in Texas (tagging along behind SIL and BIL) and September is the annual Daily & Vincent Music Festival. This will be our 4th year. We will stay at the same campground as this year. DH really liked it. I did too. Got us booked for the same spot, right by the river.
I've started a new book, The Quotidian Mysteries : Laundry, Liturgy and "Women's Work". It's about finding joy in the everyday, from a 1998 Lecture in Spirituality. Only 30 pages in but hopefully more today as we sit in waiting rooms, lol. I'll try to put some of the principles to work.
OK, I gonna go find something I can do quietly. Oh, I can clean/organize the gift wrap closet space which needs to be done anyway. A Quotidian task.
Be well.
0 -
Well, that gift wrap closet is done…. now I'm 2 families in with Christmas gift $ and 10 to go. Writing each a personal message. I'm feeling a little "Christmasy"….
0 -
Good morning
Lorita thinking of you
Carl you are alone for sure. A medical alert is probably a very good idea.
JeriLynn seems as if you never shut down. I get tired and cannot stay awake even though I want to. Now and then if something bothering me and I can’t shut my mind off I will have trouble falling to sleep and wake up early.
1 -
G'morning.
Lorita— You should probably wear the pendant 24/7 rather that decide (and forget) on an activity-based risk. Mom tends to end up in the hospital 2-3 a year and it's freakish how often her roommate is the victim of a fall. She had 2 different ones on the last 10-day stay. One was concussed and the other had a compound wrist/arm fracture. Neither of them was bad as the poor lady from the previous COPD exacerbation who had fallen through the floor of her farmhouse's added-on mudroom. She was trapped for 2 1/2 days..Mom's friend tripped and got herself wedged stepping into the shower last week. She had her pendent on and EMS was quickly dispatched to help her. It took them almost 2 hours to get her extracted. Aside from her pride, she is OK. This could have been so much uglier.
Carl— At a certain point, you should have something not just to summon help for you but also identifying you as a dementia-caregiver for your DW's protection. I couldn't get mom to wear a pendent, but she is happy to wear her Apple Watch which does alert me to falls. Medical Alert bracelets would be a good idea for both you and DW.
Many parts of the country have a service called Smart911 which allows folks to create an in-depth profile of information about them that would appear should a 911 call come in for the address/phone number on file. I created one for mom— her name, the code to her lockbox (so they don't need to break down the door), my contact info, medical history, medications, pets and special considerations (mom sometimes has canister O2 in her house). I even uploaded a picture of her and another of her cat.Smart911
Jerilynn— Wrapping is on my to-do list, too. I have vowed not to let it all go until the very last minute this year._____________________________________________________________________________________
Yesterday was busy. DS's car wouldn't go into gear when it was time to leave for his first class. I have the rare Millennial who drives prefers a manual transmission. Grr. This after 3 weeks and $1800 for the recent clutch. It goes in again this afternoon. I drove DS to mom's to set up her massive tree and get her decorations out for her, then I dropped him at class, did a little shopping and came back for him. The tree will occupy mom for a couple days which will give me time to get my own house in order.
DH scheduled his annual physical and his annual cardiology check-up. The scheduler at the cardiology office warned him that they wouldn't be taking our insurance in 2025. I suspected this. The nearest hospital is in talks with Aetna for a new contract. They sent out letters to those impacted suggesting they get different insurance or lean on Aetna to settle. This impacts mom as her amazing pulmo practices out of the office and DH whose cardiologist practice is owned by the hospital. We can make mom's situation work, although she'd need to go elsewhere for hospitalizations to avoid a hefty copayment, but it's not practical for DH as the testing he does would be out-of-network. Plus, I like mom's cardiologist better and the interventional group with which he's affiliated is supposedly best available. They did mom's TAVR in 2020 and it was seamless. So I scheduled DH with mom's doc. Plus, DH's doc is older and potentially retirement age. When DH called to cancel his other appointment, they acted like he was over-reacting.
Today, DS has a consult with the dentist who is trying to sell him braces. He could use them as he didn't consistently use his retainer. He can't afford this right now and the new dentist is super-pushy. DH and I started with a dentist who was the son of one of DH's project co-workers back in the day; DH tutored "the kid" in P Chem and now he's in semi-retirement as time flies. The new guy wants to sell all the cosmetic stuff. He tried to talk my 76-year-old self into braces. I expect DS will likely have money and even dental insurance in about 3 years at which point, he could opt for more extensive dental work. If it's truly an emergency where he's absolutely going to lose teeth, then DS is going to need to go through one of the dental school clinics with a sliding scale fee. DH wants me to attend the consult which is awkward but we both fear DS taking on debt he can't manage realistically.
Tomorrow, if the planets align, I finally get my new crown from my old dentist. I do hope it is a good match as we took the extra step of visiting the lab and the person who will be making it. He was meticulous. And then next Monday, I get to see the pushy dentist again for my regular check up.
HB1 -
Morning, cold, sunny and calm this morning.. Already got my groceries delivered and have put them away except for cat food and Boost. They got here at 8:20.
Carl, you do need to get a pendant and wear it! I have had one for years and keep it safely in its charger in the bathroom. I need to wear it!
I'm sore in more places this morning . I think I'm favoring the left hip and it's making my leg sore. Hand is bruised and sore along with the knot on my head. I'll get my covid shot, then my doctor's visit and on to pick up meds for the GPs. Wish I didn't have to go. My doctor is an Osteopath so will see what he says about an x-ray. They do those in his clinic.Don't think I need one of my head.
They combined the two herd's of cattle this morning. Will make it easier to feed but the feed area is not close enough for me to observe which I don't like. Billy won't eat with the others. I know with his vision problem it makes him afraid but he will eat hay and looks good Wish I could get him to come up and I would feed him.
Looks like everyone is busy this morning. Back later.
1 -
Went to physical therapy for the first time since moving to the VA am now exhausted but I feel good. For now it will be 2x a week and eventually I will be able to go without a physical therapist with me.
0 -
Lorita…two herds? Did Mike bring in more cows?
David…exercise is so important. That is the one thing that is not close to me. I could, of course, walk….lol
0 -
I didn't see my cat Adam last night before I went to bed. I got dressed and went outside and called for him, no answer. I tossed and turned all night, worrying about him. Once it was light, I went out again and called his name, this time he meowed back and came out from under some bushes. He was covered in twigs, having spent the night outdoors. I'm so glad he wasn't gotten by a coyote or trapped in a neighbor's yard. I asked him why he didn't answer me when I called him last night, he just looked at me. Sammie tried to tell me last night that Adam was missing, because he kept chirping, like a bird. Animals keep you on your toes.
Iris
2 -
Got back home about half an hour ago. Got my Pfizer covid shot at WM. I've had EBV and this time they looked into if I should have the vaccine. You know one question is if you had had Guillian Barre. They decided it was ok since I had had the vaccine before with no reaction.
Then on to the doctor. X-ray didn't show a break or fracture, thank goodness. He didn't think I had but wanted to be sure.
Then on to the vet to get Prednisone and probiotics for the GPs, then home. GPs were so happy I was home; me, too. Glad that is done.
1 -
I intend to not give up.
0 -
Judith, what were my.cows and the heifers he brought when he leased were kept separate until this morning. I wondered why because they had to feed in two places. I kind of like to have them fed closer so I can keep an eye on them. Guess I will have try to drive up there occasionally. But this way all of them can get in the barn when it's really bad. Walking - I need to take the GPs for a daily walk but in the summer it is too hot and in the winter it's too cold plus if I walk down the driveway it is uphill coming home.
0 -
Lorita…got it. Please, do not go out into the fields w/o your GPS on!!!
0 -
I promise! Thanks for caring, Judith.
You know I was thinking - I went into town one way and came home another way. Going in I drove on the highway about eight miles and met three cars. On the way home I was on the highway five miles, met one car just when I was about to turn on the dirt road. Drove seven miles on it and met one truck. He pulled over to let me drive by. People are so good to do that. I had pulled over, too, but drove on when he did.
I see what the traffic is in cities- bumper to bumper, even inTulsa, so just wrote this for comparison. Don't think I could survive. Even when.I drove to work the traffic wasn't bad. The worst was at 4:30 when we got off work going down Honor Heights Drive. Guess that really shows what a country girl I am.
0 -
Lorita, that lack of traffic sounds so good, like the unpaved road to the first home I remember. I drove 100 miles in city traffic yesterday to pick up DS from his RCF, take him to the dentist, and return. I'll do it again Thursday. (sigh)
I agree about the medical alert pendant, when I get one I'll wear it all the time. The fall I just had was in my own bedroom and all I was doing was putting on a shirt. I lost my balance, tried to catch myself by bumping my hip against the dresser, and missed. It has made me realize how often I lose my balance and catch myself on furniture without really thinking about it. A wake up call.
Bracelets are a good idea too. And one of those "The person I am with has Alzheimer's" cards so people like receptionists can understand why I am doing all the talking without me saying the A word in front of DW.
Exercise is major, and I don't get enough of it. It makes you stronger, so you have better balance, and it makes your bones harder, so you are less likely to break if you do fall. I have no excuse. I live in a 2-story house, so I can get a good workout regardless of the weather if I'll just do it.
0 -
Good morning.
23 degrees and clear this morning. No rain. I think 40 degrees today. Yesterday was just bitter with the wind. We saw dusting of snow on rooftops in Lynchburg yesterday.
DH had his second round of allergy testing. I won the bet! He is NOT allergic to lettuce! But he did react for chicken, beef and pork. Not bad enough that they want to add that to his injection or change his diet. Yet. We'll see. I'll keep a log for the next two months and then they will re-test to see if he needs 2 shots instead of one. He has done really well on the one injection so I'm inclined to leave well enough alone, but we'll see.
My exercise today will be decorating the tree, mantle and great room (living room, kitchen, dining room). LOL And 2 more kid gifts to buy. Tomorrow, I pick up a 22 Lever action rifle for DH. A surprise from Santa.
I think DH may be going to pick up some goats today. And take our Ram and ewe to the same man. They worked a trade. My ram and ewe and a little cash for some Nanny goats. 3 of which are pregnant. Our Nanny Betty is expecting. So, babies soon. Goats can drop a kid every 5 months. I need to figure out a spot inside in case we have a bottle baby. The last time resulted in needing to paint the hallway bathroom. I guess I'll put a crate in my office. It will be easier since we don't have inside dogs anymore. It was a 3-ring circus up in this house the last time. Baby goat screaming for his bottle, dogs running around underfoot, and me learning how to put a diaper on a goat. I'm here to tell you that is harder than you may think. Oh, my chicken Speck is better and back with her friends. I still don't know what was wrong but must've done something right. At least I was smart enough this time to put a tarp down on the patio so there's not a big mess to clean up. I believe DH needs to put me a small building in the backyard for an animal hospital. He did not think so.
Coffee's ready. Ya'll have a good day. Lorita, get that pendant off the charger and around your neck where it will do you some use. lol BBL
0 -
Good morning
0 -
Goodmorning just waiting to got to physical therapy.
0 -
Carl, there are exercises to improve balance on YouTube. A simple one is to stand on one leg when brushing teeth. The medic alert is a good idea.
0 -
Good morning………..
0 -
Morning, it's 43 degrees this morning, 20 degrees warmer than yesterday. When I got home yesterday the cats were on the bed and there was some strange picture on the tv. I had left the control on the bed. Couldn't get anything else. Called directv and the tech tried everything with no result. So, another repair man this morning between 8 and 12.
I had just straightened the bed and got dressed when he got here. He had it fixed in ten seconds. The cats had stepped on the input button.
Carl, your fall while getting dressed reminded me of our neighbor probably 15 years ago. He called us on Wednesday saying he needed help. On Sunday he was getting ready for Church and was standing up putt on his pants and fell. He was in the living room and phone was in the next room and he couldn't get to it. He had been in the LR four days in pain but did have water. We hurried over and Charles broke the glass in the door to get in. Called the ambulance and got him to the hospital in Tulsa. He had a broken hip and passed away in a few days. The very sad thing is he had gotten a medical alert but never got it set up, had even called to see if he could our number for help. Another neighbor had his land leased to graze cattle and had been by every day but didn't know anything was wrong. Moral of the story is to get an alert and wear it. Darwin needs one for sure.
I am sore this morning in many places but not my arm where I got the covid shot. I'm going to stop now and put on my medical guardian.
JeriLynn, are you sad to see your ram and ewe leave? Mike has those huge cattle trucks you see on Yellowstone and I am always sad to see the truck and trailer going the drive with the cattle. Going to stop and put on my medical guardian.
1 -
Good morning. I slept for only five hours and was up eight times to the bathroom--not a good night.
Iris
2 -
Lorita…you drove on I40??? Can' believe it.
Alerts systems; after much research I ordered the SOS plan from Bay Medical. Yes, I had to buy some of the equipment but including that it will cost $1.50 a day the first year. It has a "watch with a stretchy band, a neck button (you can add decorative covers to look more like a necklace) and GPS that can be located by persons other then the company and a lock box so emergency does not have to break in.
The system without GPS has a very limited range so do check to see what your range is.
That input thing on TVs has thrown me for a loop more than one time. I think enough times to remember to check when things go south.
JL…did not know there were meat allergies. I think it is very reasonable to be allergic to lettuce.
0 -
Guess I am an oddball I like a little traffic. It feels lonely if I don’t see some traffic.Don’t get me wrong I do not like big city traffic.
Cloudy here, giving a rain snow mix this evening. Turning to snow tonight with the wind chill of around zero. Sort of the same thing for Thursday during the day. Looks like they’re just giving the one to 2 inches of snow. It’s just that it’ll be a wet snow, dry ones are nicer.
Hope you had a nice time in physical therapy David.
Yes, Darwin definitely could use a medical alert device for sure.
J died last night. Her and her husband both were kind neighbors. When my sister bought my house she had the three little children and they loved those children and they were so good to them. They wanted them to feel free to play in the backyard just like they did in their own and they did. Later on her husband became blind, and he would have her to describe things about the children.
One of my sisters went and visited with my mom today. She sent me a message, saying mom was in a very good mood and told her she likes it there, never feels alone and enjoys watching the people. Then she told her that she was getting hungry and looking forward to eating. At home she would tell me I never get hungry. I just eat because I should. I am so thankful that she’s happy there. It’s been a wonderful blessing for her and for my sisters and I.
2 -
Mint, I'm so sorry to hear about J. You were so good to her and know you will miss her. I'm so glad your.mother is adjusting so well. Maybe eating with others is good for her, probably visit s and enjoys talking with other residents.
Iris, sounds like you will need a good nap today. Hope tonight is better.
Just took some mail down to the mailbox and Stormy and I drove up to see the girls. They seem content, just basking in the warm sunshine.
Judith, I have done my time driving on I-40. I was on 266 and 69 which is a out my speed now. I like my car. Can you all believe I've had it almost a year? Still learning new things about it. I was driving over 70 yesterday so it has good acceleration for an old lady. Still think about that Dodge Charger though but I did not need another muscle car.
For sure, if any of you get a medical alert system you need one that will locate you anywhere you might be. Mine has even located me in town when I got something against it and.it went off. You also need one with fall detection - most important. Mine is a Medical Guardian, under $50 a month and equipment is furnished. I have mentioned it to Darwin but I guess he thinks his phone is adequate. Sandy, I always think about what you said - that is if the Gator turned over one of the cows would not come over and dial the phone for help. He and his big old tractor fell through the ice with on his pond three years ago and was able that time to use his phone but it might be different if a tree fell on him. He's down looking for dead trees this morning..
Judith, how did your caladiums do this year and did you keep the bulbs for next year?
0 -
Thete is definitely a good sized animal in the yard or that gets in the yard at night. Yesterday I emptied lots of things out of the freezer into a dish pan and just now it is empty, not one thing left in it. Now I have more locknlock to fill. Going to do.b we get this time..
Judith, the input button is a good thing to remember. No more leaving the remote on the bed for me.
0 -
Had 3 unexpected guests for lunch, my wife and stepdaughter and son in law it really made my day
3 -
Oh David Im happy for you. You are so blessed. I know they miss you too and love you just as you miss them and love them.
I miss my mom. She really enjoyed my sister bringing her supper for Thanksgiving. Maybe I can bring her lunch someday, we will see.
0
Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more
Categories
- All Categories
- 479 Living With Alzheimer's or Dementia
- 241 I Am Living With Alzheimer's or Other Dementia
- 238 I Am Living With Younger Onset Alzheimer's
- 14.2K Supporting Someone Living with Dementia
- 5.2K I Am a Caregiver (General Topics)
- 6.9K Caring For a Spouse or Partner
- 1.9K Caring for a Parent
- 161 Caring Long Distance
- 108 Supporting Those Who Have Lost Someone
- 11 Discusiones en Español
- 2 Vivir con Alzheimer u Otra Demencia
- 1 Vivo con Alzheimer u Otra Demencia
- 1 Vivo con Alzheimer de Inicio Más Joven
- 9 Prestación de Cuidado
- 2 Soy Cuidador (Temas Generales)
- 6 Cuidar de un Padre
- 22 ALZConnected Resources
- View Discussions For People Living with Dementia
- View Discussions for Caregivers
- Discusiones en Español
- Browse All Discussions
- Dementia Resources
- 6 Account Assistance
- 16 Help