I’m baaaa aaack —

Yes, I did go to the Today.com blog site for a couple of months.  It was a site that promised to pay you, however, I could not get the Google Analynics OR social networking to report.  So I made a decision to return here to WordPress.com until I get my own WordPress.org site together and tracking. 

Today was a busy day.  Lately I have been reporting less about Dad and the family because lets face it…I had a regular mutany on my hands.  No body wants their personal information on the blog.  Okay.  It was entertaining, it was fun.  But now I’ve got to stop.  So I’ve been trying to figure out a good angle for my blog – in order to keep it entertaining.  Anywho, I’ll just tell you about Dad’s appointment today with the Neurologist/Geriatric Doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s Disorder. 

We haven’t had Dad to a specialist since we lived in Chicago back in 2003.  The last neurologist that saw Dad was at Loyola Hospital.  And at that time they said they believe that Dad had Alzheimers for about seven years.  The nerologiest today said she thought it had been going on for nine (9) years. 

After the appointment with the Neurologist, Dad was really quiet.  I suspect he realizes what the appointment was all about.  We went to lunch afterwards at the Sunset Grill and Bar.  Had a fabulous lunch, very, very relaxing.  I needed the relaxing, it was my first day off from McDonald’s.  I was very stressed out. 

As we chatted over lunch and fed the catfish off the board walk I said.  If I ever have Alzheimer’s I hope I don’t lose my ability to read.  Because I love to read.  Dad jumped in the conversation and said; Oh, you don’t have to worry about that.  That’s one of the last things to go.  I was kind of surprized that Dad was aware of what had been going on around him.  That is the weird thing about Dad having alzheimer’s.  Some times he is very aware.  And sometimes he is clueless about what’s going on. 

We don’t want to hurt Dad’s feelings, and we want to treat Dad with diginity.  So for a while, we just let Dad talk and explain to us what it was like having Alzheimer’s Disorder (AD).  Dad is very fortunate because most AD patients cannot even articulate their wants and needs.  Dad does seem to have the ability to articulate at this point in time.  And for that I’m grateful. 

Anyway, the Doctor’s appointment lasted two (2) hours.  We discussed Dad’s care in great detail and it seemed like we were doing everything right for the most part.  It was good to have a neurologist to discuss this matter with and insure we are giving Dad the best treatment possible.  Until  I see you again!

McCain: Bring The Budget to Balance by 2013

These words are music to my ears!  Is it possible??  Well it will require super human strength.  We are 55 trillion dollars in debt as a nation. 

How does John McCain propose he’ll do this? 

1) Reasonable economic growth. Growth is an imperative – historically the greatest success in reducing deficits (late 1980s; late 1990s) took place in the context of economic growth.

2)  Comprehensive spending controls. Bringing the budget to balance will require across-the-board scrutiny of spending and making tough choices on new spending proposals.

3)  Bi-partisanship in budget efforts. Much as the late 1990s witnessed bipartisan efforts to put the fiscal house in order, bi-partisan efforts will be the key to undoing the recent spending binge.

To learn more about how John McCain intends to Reform Washington to Regain the Trust of Taxpayers go to:  http://www.johnmccain.com/Issues/JobsforAmerica/reform.htm

More about Dad
How Dad is doing?  Dad is still fighting off the chest cold.  Today, he stayed in bed all day.  Tomorrow, I’ll be taking him to the doctor’s again.  Dad and I took a little ride in the car today, just to get out of the house.  We stopped by the Optical store to pick-up some glasses we ordered about a week ago.  They look really great on Dad.   We also stopped by this great produce market on the way home and picked-up a large bag of Florida oranges.  To help Dad fight off his cold. 

Oh!  I almost forgot to tell you.  I play in this local community band and Sunday I went to a band concert for another local band.  At the concert I ran into a lady that also plays in the community band with me.  She showed a lot of interest in Dad.  Dad didn’t really seem to notice.

Dad takes us for a ride

Dad recuperating in the Sun outside by the pool.  Nothing like the warm sun to chase away a bad cold.

Last Night, at 4:27 AM Dad’s dog, Caitlyn woke me up because Dad had left the house!!  I got the whole family up and we were running around in the dark looking for Dad.  We found him in one of the cars on the passenger side.  He was sound asleep. 

I was grateful we found him safe and sound.  From now on we’re going to turn on the house alarm, so that if a door opens an alarm will sound. 

We’re all a little tired today, Dad included.  Dad sits outside in the warm Sun for a couple of hours everyday to help with his cold. 

Local News
In central Florida the news is filled daily for the last three months with the case of Casey Anthony.  Casey Anthony the mother of Caylee Anthony born August 9, 2005.  Caylee went missing and was last seen June 9, 2008.  Her mother never reported her daughter missing.  Casey’s family reported the missing granddaughter under protest of the mother.  The missing three year old was reported missing July 15, 2008 under protest of the mother Casey Anthony. 

First of all, this case does not show the media at it’s finest.  Desperate for news, the media plays out the drama in the news on a daily basis or sometimes hourly basis.  Yes, it is shocking, it shouldn’t have taken the law this much time to arrive at the conclusion that little Caylee is dead. 

Secondly, why hasn’t Casey been referred to a psychiatrist??  Casey’s own mother thinks she is a sociopath.  Why is she being allowed to coerce law enforcement into giving her extra time to find Caylee??  This is really baffling.  Additionally, the public is so outraged by this case they are actually showing up at the Anthony residence demonstrating their outrage of the case.  The Anthony family has actually been forced to take this to the courts as they have been assaulted by demonstrators outside their home. 

Is this a demonstration of Florida’s confidence in mental health care?? 

This may be the way the law worked one hundred years ago, but it certainly shouldn’t be working this way now.  I am amazed that this is playing out on the local news in this manner.

Boy, I’m really rung out emotionally.  I’ve been spending a lot of time in the hospital with my Dad and that can really wear you out at times.  Dad was released from the hospital today.  He is tired, but seems to be doing better on the antibiotics. 

I’ve been dealing with a lot of concerns about my Dad and that he may not be around forever.  I hate the thought of losing him.  Although I do realize that I may not have a choice. 

I pray that I might be strong if anything were to happen to dad.

Movie Day

Hi!  Saw a few movies today.  First I saw “An American Carol” by Dave Zucker which I have no comment about.  I hardly knew what to think about that movie.  I’ll need to see it again before I say anything.  Then I went to see “Eagle Eye” with Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan.  And I must say, this was a good movie.  How do I describe it??  I believe it would fall under the category of Techno Thriller.  The story has been told before.  It was fun and exciting to watch.  Definitely a four out of five stars.  Especially when you figure out who the culprit was in the movie.  Don’t worry, I’m not giving it away.  The most impressive part was my Dad (with Alzheimer’s) was able to follow the movie.  Which is saying quite a lot.  I kept checking Dad through out the movie and he was truly engaged.  If he had not been, we would have left and saw a different film. 

Note:  to my regular readers.  Our latest challenge was in discovering what caused Dad’s blood sugar to spike, was His walking pneumonia.  Now that he’s on the mend.  His blood sugar is much more stable.  Additionally, his doctor instructed us to check his blood sugar in the evening and give him a slow acting insulin at that time as well.  This seems to help quite a bit.  Dad has been holding his own quite a bit more lately.  And those of you who care for people with Alzheimer’s know it is quite a feat for someone with Alzheimer’s to be able to follow a fast action movie. 

Lastly, I also watched “The Brave One” with Jodie Foster on HBO tonight (I know, I’m a movie hound). 

I’m also reading a really good book right now “Edgar Sawtelle” by Dave W. Roblewski.  Just so you know, I do other things than watch good movies. 

” The Brave One” with Jodie Foster was truly intense.  And I would say it’s definitely five out of five stars.  Through out the movie, you find yourself rooting for the vigilante, hoping she gets her guy.  There is a lot of violence in the movie.  The movie is portrayed in New York City. 

Most of all in watching the movie, if you’re someone like me, you wonder how people are able to tolerate the violence in the world today.  The Brave One portrays the world as a dark and dangerous place.  Jodie Foster does an excellent job with her character, and so does Terrence Howard, the detective in the story.

Pardon me, but did I leave my family behind in Chicago?

Last night, Dad woke me up at 2:30 am to ask me if I knew that he left his family all alone in Chicago with no food or money.  Dad was in a state of panic and was crying.  When I last saw Dad before I went to bed he was happily watching the Monday night football game.  I wondered how he got to this state.  Must have been a night mare. 

Dad and I sat down at the kitchen counter both savoring a glass of milk.  I asked Dad who he left behind in Chicago?  He said, Sharon, Ds, Ds, DB.  I looked at Dad and said I’m Sharon.  You didn’t leave me behind in Chicago, I’m right here and I’m okay!  Dad wasn’t going to be that easily dissuaded.  But what about your sisters and brother, there all little kids, they can’t fend for themselves. 

Dad,… were all grown up.  I’m 50 years old!  How old?  50 years 5 – 0 years old.  We’re all fine.  All grown up, there was absolutely nothing I could say to help Dad feel better.  I stayed up talking to Dad for over an hour before he would go back to bed. 

Then about 4:30 am, Dad was calling me from the kitchen again!  I was tired and yelled, Dad it’s in the middle of the night, please go back to bed.  I heard Dad as he made his way back to his bedroom.  I felt bad, but I was so tired and in the middle of a good dream. 

The next morning, I asked Dad about last night and he started crying again.  I gave Dad a big hug and told him, don’t worry things will look much better in the daylight.  That was the last time we spoke of his nightmare, he had forgotten about it by dinner.

18 million voters and no where to call home.

TGIF!!!  Today went smoothly, Dad went to the Senior Center and had a good time.  We still have Doozer visiting us.  And I got slimed again tonight.  (He drools a lot.)  

Caitlyn, had her hair done today and we even have a pic to show you!!  

Dad and Caitlyn watching the Presidential Debate together….

Actually all the dogs watched the presidential debate with Dad and I.  Dad and I played “Keep Away” from the pups.  When they caught the toy we were playing with, they got a treat.  Everyone was trying to get in on the game but our big winner was Hanna.  Hanna was on top of her game.  But Doozer did catch the toy a few times too.  It was a good exercise for Dad, it helped him to stay alert.  When I debrief the dogs  (most of whom are older females, I might add) they had very good comments on the debate.  I asked Maggie what she thought of McCain and she gave a big yawn and rolled over.  Hanna (Pic, above), after I mentioned the name McCain, she said rooser, rooser (rhymes with boozer and starts with an L).  I raised my eyebrows and said REALLY, very interesting.  Then, I asked Caitlyn (Pic above right w/ Dad) what she thought about the debate and she said she thought both candidate had good groomers.  Is that so Caitlyn.  Caitlyn also thinks Marilyn did a great rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President…”  
 

Well, I asked my Dad what he thought and he said he loved McCain.  I asked why and Dad went on about how he was in WWII fighting for the US ….?  Note to self:  hm, mmmm. 

To me for the first time I had a chance to hear Obama and I liked his presentation.  McCain came off as being a little pompous.  

All I know is I CANNOT wait to read this Other blog tomorrow.  It is the best political blog ever!!!   

Post Debate Thread: Beautiful theories destroyed by Ugly facts

This blog has a very good ideas and I usually agree with most of them.  (The blog has a number of contributing writers, Most of whom….liked Hillary. )  I mean catch the vision…. imagine our country being run by a seasoned, intelligent, women.  Well, what’s 18 million votes suppose to do, after their candidate loses the Democratic nomination??  We’re homeless now, that’s all I know.  What’s a girl to do.

Alone again, naturally

Now looking back over the years
It’s one of those days where it’s gray outside and it’s raining most of the day.  Dad, DBL and DS went out to breakfast.  I needed my space and stayed in.  Later DBL and DS sister started to reclaim the lawn and made a run to the gym.  Dad was cranky.  I made him lunch and he wasn’t happy with it.  So I offered to take him to see a movie. 

And whatever else that appears
I looked up the top movie this week and it was “Tropic Thunder”.  It was rated R so I thought Dad might enjoy the movie.  We headed out to the Movie theater at the local Shopping Mall.  And wouldn’t you know that it started raining in torrents.  We couldn’t see the road for the rain.  No reason to panic as we were just blocks from the theater.  I turned on my hazards and drove carefully.   The rest of the traffic behaved in the same manner. 

I remember I cried when my father died
Well we arrived at the Theater and I dropped Dad off at the front door.  I begged him to wait for me there and to not wander off.  Usually, he is pretty good about this.  I quickly found a parking space and headed towards the movies.  We purchased the tickets to “Tropic Thunder” and entered the Theater. 

Never wishing to hide the tears
With a movie and a Alzheimer’s Disorder (AD) patient, the primary concern is that a movie might be more confusing than enjoyable.  And I had my concerns that the movie would be too confusing for Dad.  We endured the movie for five (5) or ten (10) minutes and both of us wanted to leave the movie.  Why:  The best way I can explain it is this…Sophomoric humor.  Some things cannot be looked at in the light of comedy without disrespecting some one who deeply deserves our respect for their wounds of war.  I’ve never been able to understand it, nor do I hope to. 

And at sixty-five years old
We left the movie and headed to another show down the aisle, “House Bunny”.  Yes, we’ve seen it before, but to Dad, it would be like the first time.  And since I know he liked it, it was a sure thing.  And Dad did enjoy the movie the second time round.  He laughed at all the raunchy jokes. 

My mother, God rest her soul,
Why is that??  How can someone who forgets where his bedroom is, or how to turn on the lights; know when to laugh at raunchy jokes??  All’s I can gander is that it is a universal thing?  I’m think one of the last faculties that my Dad will lose is what he feels for the opposite sex.  I dunno, I could be wrong. 

Couldn’t understand why the only man
One of my greatest fears is that my Dad will start to think that I’m his former wife Mary Anne.  People say I look a lot like her.  And it’s a well known phenomenon that this kind of thing does happen.  I asked my therapist what I should do to prevent this and she says to keep reminding Dad, who I am.  And so I do this.  But I have my doubts that my therapist really has the end-all solution.  If I head due West all of a sudden with no good bye, you’ll know why…It’s not that I don’t love my Dad, but we all have to draw the line somewhere. 

She had ever loved had been taken
I was just in the kitchen warming-up some left overs for dinner, when I heard Dad’s cell phone ring.  I called out, “Dad answer your phone.”  Dad called back, “which button do I push?”  I call back, “Dad bring me your phone and I’ll show you.”  Dad brings me his TV remote and his land line phone.  Now, let remind you this is not a stupid man.  I’ve noticed that Dad’s memory is slipping somewhat more lately.  When Dad brought me the TV remote, I asked him where his cell phone was.  He didn’t know.  I said, check your pockets.  And he found his cell phone.  I did an immediate call back to my DS #2 in Washington State.  Dad was thrilled to hear from her. 

Leaving her to start with a heart so badly broken
This latest loss of memory really scares me.  I’ve had hospice patients with AD who have lost the ability to speak.  And I wonder how far off Dad is from this stage.  That will be a tough cross to bear.  For Dad and for us. 

Despite encouragement from me
I’ve been meaning to pick up the book “Kitchen Table Wisdom” by Rachel Naomi Remen M.D.  I’ve heard it speaks to the caretaker caring for the person locked inside a body that is unresponsive.  And teaches that there is still a living soul within.   I really want to read this book I think I can learn something from it.

No words were ever spoken
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
Alone again, naturally
Alone again, naturally

Many Thanks to Gilbert O’Sullivan for the use of his lyrics.

Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon…

Dinner tonight was Kabobs at the VFW.  We had a lovely time.  A local fisher man caught a Cobia (large saltwater fish) and donated it to the VFW.  So we had for dinner fish and steak Kabobs at the VFW.  Very good! 

I try not to eat pork or beef, so I gave my steak kabob to one of the guys to eat.  I was trying to be a vegan for a while.  But I fell off the wagon – with all  the stress my son was putting me through.  When the time is right I’ll give the Vegan thing another shot. 

We pumped up the Juke box with our favorite songs; like “Sweet Home Alabama” (Lynrd Skynrd), “My kind of Town” (Sinatra), “Does anyone Know what time it is?” (Chicago), “Crazy” by Patsy Kline, “Miss you” (Rolling Stones), Fly me to the Moon (Sinatra) and many more of our favorite tunes.   This lasted at least an hour or so.  We sat around and chatted for a long while.  Dad enjoyed the camaraderie. 

After wards, some of us went off to another drinking establishment.  Dad, myself and DS headed home, with a pit stop at Dairy Queen.    Dad asked several times if we had gotten Mom a treat to bring home with us.  Yes, Dad.  Good – What did you get Mom?  A hot fudge sunday.  Oh, Good, good; Mom will like that.  DS looked at me nervously.  Again, Dad asked and I responded in the same matter.  Hoping this wouldn’t backfire on us in the end.  We arrive home.  And Dad was off to his room and was asleep in no time. 

Fortunately the conversation about Mom came to an end and we didn’t need to address the fact that Mom had already passed on to a better place.   Big sigh of relief!

The next day I heard the Harry Chapin Song today “Cats in the Cradle”.  I can remember hearing this song when I was just a little girl riding in the backseat of my parent’s car.  And at that time I wondered what it was all about.  In my innocence I asked my daddy to explain the song to me.  My dad said it was about growing up and doing the same thing that your parents did when you were older.  I remember feeling sorry for the Father in Harry Chapin’s song.  

Now looking back, and having lost the innocence of my youth.  I think on how prosperity in this country has changed the people of this country.   And how we can be challenged as families to recognize how we can help each other when it counts most.  

The irony of the song and life itself.   We’ve drifted so far apart and our lives have become so separate from our core families and beliefs.  I count myself in this crowd.  When my DS was shouting for help.  It was hard for me to see the forest for the trees.  It was only after a series of unfortunate events that I saw a path open up allowing me to move closer to my family.

My point being, if I knew what I know now I would have moved even more quickly than I did.  I see a lot of positives with my move here to Florida.  I think it has been good for my Dad and DS and DBL agree it has be helpful to them.    Most importantly I’m enjoying being here.

(Verse 3)
Well he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man I just had to say
Son I’m proud of you, can ya sit for a while?
He shook his head, and he said with a smile
What Id really like Dad, is to borrow the car keys .
See ya later, can I have them please?

(Chorus)
And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little Boy Blue and The Man In The Moon.
When ya comin home son?
I don’t know when, well get together then, Dad,
ya know well have a good time then.  

 

 

 

 

 (Verse 4)
Well Ive long since retired, my sons moved away,
I called him up just the other day.
I said Id like to see you, if you don’t mind.
He said I’d  Love to, Dad, if I could find the time
You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu,
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad.
It’s been sure nice talking to You.”
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to Me,
He’d grown up just like me,
My boy was just like me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From a Distance

Well, I’ve been telling you all about my family and how we each pitch in to help with my Dad who has Alzheimer’s Disorder (AD).  There is one more person in my immediate family I need to tell you about.  And that person is my DS#2.  DS#2 and DBL#2 (her husband) live in Washington. 

[From Left:  DS#2, Dad]My DS#2 and her family settled  in Washington  State, as that is where DBL#2’s family lives.  DBL#2 is DS’s husband and they have been married to each other for twenty-two years.  [To the Right and above:  DBL#2 is the family clown]Their two (2) children, David and Erin are in college currently.  DS#2 and DBL#2 help out with Dad when ever they can.  In the past when DS and DBL needed a break (and before I moved here), DS#2 and DBL#2 would take dad in for a week at a time- to give DS and DBL a much needed break from Dad.  DS#2 and DBL#2 are both school teachers (DS-Music Teacher, DBL#2-Science & PE).  Last year DS#2 won the honor of “teacher of the year” in her school district.  She has been a music teacher for about 30 years (give or take).  DS#2 has always seen her job working with the children as a ministry in itself.  Music is such a good cure for so many things.  Here is a verse from a song that reminds me of my DS#2.  Her heart is directed on the right path….Thanks to Bette Midler for this beautiful song.

From a distance we are instruments
marching in a common band.
Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace.
They’re the songs of every man.
God is watching us. God is watching us.
God is watching us from a distance.

While DS#2 and their family do watch us from a distance at times.  They join all of us for family vacations.  Last year we went on a family vacation to the Caribbean, all of us. It was a really nice time where we all got to know each other all over again.  Even though DS#2 and her family are so far apart from us, they still reside in our hearts.