Wow! It's been a week since I looked at this. Mom is doing well these days. She is keeping busy with coffee every morning, getting her hair done, chorus and mass once a week, and has gotten involved in a couple of committees. Her spirits have been pretty good and she is very happy to have settled her thanksgiving plans. Mary and Ray are having dinner with her at the restaurant at Fuller Place. Her friend Anna will also be joining them. Mom was invited to both Peter's and my house, but she really wanted to spend the time with Mary and Ray.
Mom now has a new mesh office chair for her computer. She spends a lot of time playing Mahhjong, and was complaining about back pain once too often to me. I found her a great deal on one which she just loves.
Of course it took me a few weeks to even have her let me go look at them and then decided she could make do with what she had. When I brought the chair up she looked at it and immediately didn't like the way it looked so I proceeded to just lounge in it for a while enjoying it so much!! I didn't even ask her to try it, but soon I found her sitting in it while I was busy with something else.
She wouldn't get up for me to put it in her room as she was enjoying it so much. It is a special back support model, so she no longer needs to have a pillow in the chair with her.
John and Mia went with me over the weekend to play some games with her. She and Mia got into a few games of Triominos while John and I did some work around the place. We installed a slide out waste basket for under the sink so she no longer has to hold the basket to get it out. She will not even have to lift it as she can just take the bags right out of it very easily.
Then all 3 of us played Scrabble. Would you believe that John won??!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
November 12, 2009
Back again!! Derek was up for a visit for just about 2 weeks. House was quite full!!
Mom had her followup appt for hearing aides. It is a go! She has gotten used to them and is even changing her own batteries. Yea, Mom!!
She is back in the chorus, having had first performance yesterday for Patriots Day. She is complaining about the director, so we can all know she is feeling better!!
She had a great visit with Paul - his concert raised $2,000 from individual contributions and $1,000 from a company!! It goes to the Milton Food Bank, so she was thrilled with the amount raised. She was also very pleased that Jack Brookins came. He is enjoying his retirement spending lots of time with his grandchildren!
Mom enjoyed visits with Derek while he was here, and Paula helped out as always so that I can do all that I do.
Mom is starting to be affected, I think, by the change in weather, She is having some complaints of pain/dysfunction with a knee, a hip and also her ribs. Nothing needing any medical attention at this point.
As she spends a lot of time at the computer,playing mahhjong, I have just gotten her a new chair. Got a great deal at Staples - Derek had suggested looking at the newer mesh chairs, and upon trying it myself I got it on the spot, and at a great price,(about 60% off!!!!) which she was thrilled to hear!!!
She is still trying to figure out her Thanksgiving plans, hoping to spend it with Mary and Ray.
Have heard that Amby and Linda are in FL! Enjoy the warmth!!
You can all email to Mom directly and I can print them out for her when I am there.
Mom had her followup appt for hearing aides. It is a go! She has gotten used to them and is even changing her own batteries. Yea, Mom!!
She is back in the chorus, having had first performance yesterday for Patriots Day. She is complaining about the director, so we can all know she is feeling better!!
She had a great visit with Paul - his concert raised $2,000 from individual contributions and $1,000 from a company!! It goes to the Milton Food Bank, so she was thrilled with the amount raised. She was also very pleased that Jack Brookins came. He is enjoying his retirement spending lots of time with his grandchildren!
Mom enjoyed visits with Derek while he was here, and Paula helped out as always so that I can do all that I do.
Mom is starting to be affected, I think, by the change in weather, She is having some complaints of pain/dysfunction with a knee, a hip and also her ribs. Nothing needing any medical attention at this point.
As she spends a lot of time at the computer,playing mahhjong, I have just gotten her a new chair. Got a great deal at Staples - Derek had suggested looking at the newer mesh chairs, and upon trying it myself I got it on the spot, and at a great price,(about 60% off!!!!) which she was thrilled to hear!!!
She is still trying to figure out her Thanksgiving plans, hoping to spend it with Mary and Ray.
Have heard that Amby and Linda are in FL! Enjoy the warmth!!
You can all email to Mom directly and I can print them out for her when I am there.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
MOM CAN HEAR!!!!!! YEA!!!!!!!!
Have been so busy lately, just no time to keep this blog updated. But in this case that is a very good thing.
Mom has been doing real well. She goes to coffee most mornings, gets her hair done weekly, gets to Mass most Fridays and gets to boss me around every Tuesday and Thursday for about 8 hours each day!!! She does it in very goo humor, so it is no problem for me.
She is eating much better and usually drinking plenty of water. I can tell when she has not as she becomes cranky and overtired. So I gently remind her that she needs to be drinking, and she usually complies readily. On the days that she doesn't I just let her be, as she usually picks it right up the next day.
I call her early each morning, just to gauge her spirits. So far I have not had to be concerned about her spending the day without family. On the weekends when she will be alone I try to arrange for someone to spend some time with her on one of the days.
She has been keeping me very busy getting things done around her apt. I have been up on a ladder vacuuming out vents, getting down things for her to go through and sorting through lots of stuff. - I know Dad does not like the word stuff, but it fits the need of what I have been going through.
This past week Mom started going back to chorus rehearsals on Monday nights. It took me 2 days to get her music all organized and in order for the upcoming concert season. She wanted a new blouse, which I was able to find, now just need to alter it. She is so short these days!! And I am on my way downward having already lost 2 inches in height!!
We have had lunch with Angie the last 2 Fridays, last week with Lee and this week with Pam. Pam told me that Angie really misses seeing my mom regularly - I did not know that after Dad died Mom had been going to see Angie every day after volunteering. She thought that she would see her more often after moving in there.
When I reminded Mom that she had visited with Angie regularly, she remembered it and decided to call her to get together. You see, Angie had tried to go to Mom's, but got lost trying to find the apt, and never tried again, nor even mentioned it to Mom. And Mom probably thought Angie didn't want to visit. So Mom is going to call her and go down to her place and when I am there next i will make a map for Angie and show her how to get up to Mom's.
So about the hearing aids. She can hear so well that every little noise is annoying her. Her ears are very itching, but other than telling me she hates them the moment I arrived she did a great job of coping until last night, when she took them out before I left.
She will definitely need to get used to them. She has 2 weeks to see if she likes them. They are much bigger than she expected. They are the in ear type, not the behind the ear. The color is close to her skin color, ,so although they are definitely noticeable, they do not shout out - LOOK AT ME!!!
So she ended up spending the day telling me to stop shouting at her! SO it became interesting when she was practicing putting them in and taking them out last night as I was having trouble remembering if I was able to talk in a normal voice or if I had to be speaking louder so she could hear me. We ended up in a laughing fit as we were both having trouble remembering!!
Peter told me that they are much bigger than she expected. If she were to go with smaller ones, they would more than likely be too hard for her to get in and out. As it is, she has a little trouble manipulating them because of her arthritis.
So for those of you out there, when you call, it probably would be a good idea to ask her if she has them in, so you can talk more normally with her. The pamphlet suggest lots of patience and encouragement,. Let her complain if she needs to. It will be a process of her figuring out how loud to have them set, to get the most comfortable listening volume, but that is not going to be worked on until I am there on Tuesday. For now, she is mostly alone in her apt so she is just needing to get used to how they feel to become accustomed to them.
What a pleasure to be there and have the tv on a normal volume, instead of blasting me right out of my mind!!! She has noticed the difference and we talked about how hard it has been for others not knowing if she could even hear what was being said to her. She admitted to me that she really hadn't been hearing much of anything that was being said to her. I knew this early on as she had told me, but it was good to know that she realizes how difficult it has been for those around her.
So Mom is going through all of her belongings, cleaning out drawers and closets. She wants to have it all done before she dies. What a wonderful gift she is giving to all of us who will be having to clear out her place eventually.
She is in no hurry to leave this planet. She so wants to be around to see what kind of adults the younger grandchildren and great grandchildren become. She has been enjoying looking a photos and reminiscing.
We are packing up the things we know will be wanted by family members and labeling boxes. At this stage she just wants to leave it all for us to bicker over when she is gone. I would suggest if there is anything of special meaning to you that you let me know. I am willing to keep a list and if there are more than 1 who want an item it can be dealt with later on. There is not that much, but it will be kept as per her wishes.
She is getting rid of a lot of stuff that she knows is not sentimental. Now there are a lot of small picture frames that if no one wants them she will be donating them to Fuller's annual yard type sale.
Gotta get ready to head out for the day. Will definitely keep you posted on any changes with Mom. If I do not post it is because things are going fine.
Love to all............ Enjoy this fall weekend!!
Mom has been doing real well. She goes to coffee most mornings, gets her hair done weekly, gets to Mass most Fridays and gets to boss me around every Tuesday and Thursday for about 8 hours each day!!! She does it in very goo humor, so it is no problem for me.
She is eating much better and usually drinking plenty of water. I can tell when she has not as she becomes cranky and overtired. So I gently remind her that she needs to be drinking, and she usually complies readily. On the days that she doesn't I just let her be, as she usually picks it right up the next day.
I call her early each morning, just to gauge her spirits. So far I have not had to be concerned about her spending the day without family. On the weekends when she will be alone I try to arrange for someone to spend some time with her on one of the days.
She has been keeping me very busy getting things done around her apt. I have been up on a ladder vacuuming out vents, getting down things for her to go through and sorting through lots of stuff. - I know Dad does not like the word stuff, but it fits the need of what I have been going through.
This past week Mom started going back to chorus rehearsals on Monday nights. It took me 2 days to get her music all organized and in order for the upcoming concert season. She wanted a new blouse, which I was able to find, now just need to alter it. She is so short these days!! And I am on my way downward having already lost 2 inches in height!!
We have had lunch with Angie the last 2 Fridays, last week with Lee and this week with Pam. Pam told me that Angie really misses seeing my mom regularly - I did not know that after Dad died Mom had been going to see Angie every day after volunteering. She thought that she would see her more often after moving in there.
When I reminded Mom that she had visited with Angie regularly, she remembered it and decided to call her to get together. You see, Angie had tried to go to Mom's, but got lost trying to find the apt, and never tried again, nor even mentioned it to Mom. And Mom probably thought Angie didn't want to visit. So Mom is going to call her and go down to her place and when I am there next i will make a map for Angie and show her how to get up to Mom's.
So about the hearing aids. She can hear so well that every little noise is annoying her. Her ears are very itching, but other than telling me she hates them the moment I arrived she did a great job of coping until last night, when she took them out before I left.
She will definitely need to get used to them. She has 2 weeks to see if she likes them. They are much bigger than she expected. They are the in ear type, not the behind the ear. The color is close to her skin color, ,so although they are definitely noticeable, they do not shout out - LOOK AT ME!!!
So she ended up spending the day telling me to stop shouting at her! SO it became interesting when she was practicing putting them in and taking them out last night as I was having trouble remembering if I was able to talk in a normal voice or if I had to be speaking louder so she could hear me. We ended up in a laughing fit as we were both having trouble remembering!!
Peter told me that they are much bigger than she expected. If she were to go with smaller ones, they would more than likely be too hard for her to get in and out. As it is, she has a little trouble manipulating them because of her arthritis.
So for those of you out there, when you call, it probably would be a good idea to ask her if she has them in, so you can talk more normally with her. The pamphlet suggest lots of patience and encouragement,. Let her complain if she needs to. It will be a process of her figuring out how loud to have them set, to get the most comfortable listening volume, but that is not going to be worked on until I am there on Tuesday. For now, she is mostly alone in her apt so she is just needing to get used to how they feel to become accustomed to them.
What a pleasure to be there and have the tv on a normal volume, instead of blasting me right out of my mind!!! She has noticed the difference and we talked about how hard it has been for others not knowing if she could even hear what was being said to her. She admitted to me that she really hadn't been hearing much of anything that was being said to her. I knew this early on as she had told me, but it was good to know that she realizes how difficult it has been for those around her.
So Mom is going through all of her belongings, cleaning out drawers and closets. She wants to have it all done before she dies. What a wonderful gift she is giving to all of us who will be having to clear out her place eventually.
She is in no hurry to leave this planet. She so wants to be around to see what kind of adults the younger grandchildren and great grandchildren become. She has been enjoying looking a photos and reminiscing.
We are packing up the things we know will be wanted by family members and labeling boxes. At this stage she just wants to leave it all for us to bicker over when she is gone. I would suggest if there is anything of special meaning to you that you let me know. I am willing to keep a list and if there are more than 1 who want an item it can be dealt with later on. There is not that much, but it will be kept as per her wishes.
She is getting rid of a lot of stuff that she knows is not sentimental. Now there are a lot of small picture frames that if no one wants them she will be donating them to Fuller's annual yard type sale.
Gotta get ready to head out for the day. Will definitely keep you posted on any changes with Mom. If I do not post it is because things are going fine.
Love to all............ Enjoy this fall weekend!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14, 2009
Mom is on an even keel these days. She goes down for coffee almost daily, goes to mass every Friday, is getting her hair done almost weekly, and doing things around the house.
She is even talking about getting back into the chorus. She is getting ready for her hearing aids, really looking forward to being able to hear again. Her hearing is up and down these days, seems to tie in to her allergies. And she is getting quite feisty. So we know she is feeling much better!!
I have not had time to do the calendar, have been down with bronchitis/asthma.
Derek is arriving next week for a long overdue visit.
Mia and I went over fro dinner Monday - Mom so loves scrabble - not my favorite, but I do seem to have good luck with it some days. She also really enjoys triominos - which is a three sided domino game that is shorter than Scrabble, for those of you not wanting to be stuck at the scrabble board forever!!!
There are also 2 new decks of cards - She does remember rummy.
Katimay is tugging at my arm - Need to sign off!!
She is even talking about getting back into the chorus. She is getting ready for her hearing aids, really looking forward to being able to hear again. Her hearing is up and down these days, seems to tie in to her allergies. And she is getting quite feisty. So we know she is feeling much better!!
I have not had time to do the calendar, have been down with bronchitis/asthma.
Derek is arriving next week for a long overdue visit.
Mia and I went over fro dinner Monday - Mom so loves scrabble - not my favorite, but I do seem to have good luck with it some days. She also really enjoys triominos - which is a three sided domino game that is shorter than Scrabble, for those of you not wanting to be stuck at the scrabble board forever!!!
There are also 2 new decks of cards - She does remember rummy.
Katimay is tugging at my arm - Need to sign off!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Very busy here
Mom has been doing well lately - Just too busy to get to the blog. Sorry. Have had a cold, Paula has pneumonia, trying to finally get my taxes done and also am involved in a pretty intense course that I have gotten involved with for 12 weeks.
Will get caught up with more details.
Mom had checkin with her primary care doctor (PCP) and all is well - She got flu shot and found out that her Thyroid levels are improving. Going back in 8 weeks.
Ears are now clear, ready to get hearing aid - not as large a one as initially anticipated, getting carotid ultrasound next week, appt with Neurologist being made, then eye doctor.
Mom has been getting down to coffee regularly, Mass every Friday and even now getting her hair done and going for walks outside on her own, and without cane.
More later.
Will get caught up with more details.
Mom had checkin with her primary care doctor (PCP) and all is well - She got flu shot and found out that her Thyroid levels are improving. Going back in 8 weeks.
Ears are now clear, ready to get hearing aid - not as large a one as initially anticipated, getting carotid ultrasound next week, appt with Neurologist being made, then eye doctor.
Mom has been getting down to coffee regularly, Mass every Friday and even now getting her hair done and going for walks outside on her own, and without cane.
More later.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Katimay ,Tuesday, 9-29
Tuesday Katelyn and I went over to Mom's. Katimay had been looking forward to swimming there over the summer and it just didn't happen, so she was very excited to finally get into Great Grammie's pool!
Mom came down with us and enjoyed watching her have so much fun. It's a great pool and has a large area that is 3' deep. The deep end is just 5' - so it's great for kids. they have family swimming from 3 to 7,on M-F and 10- 2 on Saturdays, so keep it in mind when you are going for a visit.
I've noticed that as the day wears on Mom's hearing gets worse. The last time I had Katimay with me we were there for lunch and Mom was able to carry on a great conversation with her - Of course, I had to interpret a lot of her words as Katimay has some speech issues. This time Mom had trouble from the get go, but that didn't stop my Katimay!!! While clearing the table after supper Katimay was trying to get Mom to show her where the trash was, and was asking very nicely Where's the trash? - which sounded like ____________ da _________
Totally incomprehensible unless you live with Katimay!!
Then out of frustration she was asking Great Grammie where's the rubbish, again totally in her jargon, so Mom was clueless. She showed her the rumpled napkin to see if she could get an idea of what she was saying - no luck. So rather than just give up, Katimay went in to the tv room and threw it in the waste basket in there!!! LOL!! Mom got quite a laugh out of it after I explained what it was Katimay had been saying!!
Holly was in yesterday - She is the bayada aide. On Tuesday Mom had decided to let her do the laundry and strip her bed. Now that is an accomplishment as she had previously refused to even consider having her do it. I think she is realizing that by not doing it herself it will give her more energy to have for things she would rather be doing.
Peter, Ruth and I have had conversations about Mom's episodes of dizziness and have come up with a plan to let Mom make the decision ahead of time as to how she wants to handle them. I will be discussing it with her on our visit tomorrow.
Google Five Wishes, if you have any interest in end of life issues. Larraine used this for her folks, and I recently got some copies for John and Me. It is more comprehensive than just the standard living will, and gives you all the things you need to be thinking about in this regard.
Tomorrow Jean is meeting us at Mom's for lunch in their restaurant. This was Mom's idea. It is great that she is thinking about people she wants to be seeing. She is trying to work out a visit with Connie Corson also.
As Ruth won't be down this weekend I will be heading over on Saturday - I am driving a group of kids to Boston for a day trip and will spend the day with mom while waiting to pick them up at the end of the day.
I brought a step ladder over on Tuesday and used it to check out all her high cabinets. As we had found bugs in one of the lower ones, I wanted to be sure there weren't any overhead, which there weren't, Thank you God! We are moving things she does not use at all up into these cabinets and reorganizing the others. She has been doing some of the drawers on her own, and I can tell she has great self satisfaction that she is again able to do things around the house herself.
With Katimay with us we did not get to play any games, so I expect a marathon between Friday and Saturday, You know how feisty she can be!
If anyone other than Ruth and Sarah has anything at Mom's that you want, please let me know so that I can be aware of it as we go through this process.
Mom came down with us and enjoyed watching her have so much fun. It's a great pool and has a large area that is 3' deep. The deep end is just 5' - so it's great for kids. they have family swimming from 3 to 7,on M-F and 10- 2 on Saturdays, so keep it in mind when you are going for a visit.
I've noticed that as the day wears on Mom's hearing gets worse. The last time I had Katimay with me we were there for lunch and Mom was able to carry on a great conversation with her - Of course, I had to interpret a lot of her words as Katimay has some speech issues. This time Mom had trouble from the get go, but that didn't stop my Katimay!!! While clearing the table after supper Katimay was trying to get Mom to show her where the trash was, and was asking very nicely Where's the trash? - which sounded like ____________ da _________
Totally incomprehensible unless you live with Katimay!!
Then out of frustration she was asking Great Grammie where's the rubbish, again totally in her jargon, so Mom was clueless. She showed her the rumpled napkin to see if she could get an idea of what she was saying - no luck. So rather than just give up, Katimay went in to the tv room and threw it in the waste basket in there!!! LOL!! Mom got quite a laugh out of it after I explained what it was Katimay had been saying!!
Holly was in yesterday - She is the bayada aide. On Tuesday Mom had decided to let her do the laundry and strip her bed. Now that is an accomplishment as she had previously refused to even consider having her do it. I think she is realizing that by not doing it herself it will give her more energy to have for things she would rather be doing.
Peter, Ruth and I have had conversations about Mom's episodes of dizziness and have come up with a plan to let Mom make the decision ahead of time as to how she wants to handle them. I will be discussing it with her on our visit tomorrow.
Google Five Wishes, if you have any interest in end of life issues. Larraine used this for her folks, and I recently got some copies for John and Me. It is more comprehensive than just the standard living will, and gives you all the things you need to be thinking about in this regard.
Tomorrow Jean is meeting us at Mom's for lunch in their restaurant. This was Mom's idea. It is great that she is thinking about people she wants to be seeing. She is trying to work out a visit with Connie Corson also.
As Ruth won't be down this weekend I will be heading over on Saturday - I am driving a group of kids to Boston for a day trip and will spend the day with mom while waiting to pick them up at the end of the day.
I brought a step ladder over on Tuesday and used it to check out all her high cabinets. As we had found bugs in one of the lower ones, I wanted to be sure there weren't any overhead, which there weren't, Thank you God! We are moving things she does not use at all up into these cabinets and reorganizing the others. She has been doing some of the drawers on her own, and I can tell she has great self satisfaction that she is again able to do things around the house herself.
With Katimay with us we did not get to play any games, so I expect a marathon between Friday and Saturday, You know how feisty she can be!
If anyone other than Ruth and Sarah has anything at Mom's that you want, please let me know so that I can be aware of it as we go through this process.
Monday, September 28, 2009
weekend
Mom had a good weekend. On Saturday she went for a long walk - walked all around the building outside then sat at the front door area with friends for a bit before heading back home. That was a huge accomplishment for her. She also did some work going through some of her drawers. It is so nice to have her interested in doing things again.
On Sunday she was getting ready to go to a birthday brunch for some of her neighbors.
This week I am heading over on Tuesday with Katelyn for swimming and dinner together. ON Friday Jean is meeting us at Mom's for lunch, then I will take care of her shopping needs.
I think I will be heading over again on Saturday as Ruth is not going to be able to get there. Mia has a youth group activity in Boston and I offered to drive. Then I can be at Mom's until I have to drive them home.
Nancy can you go next weekend?
Anyone else planning any visits??
On Sunday she was getting ready to go to a birthday brunch for some of her neighbors.
This week I am heading over on Tuesday with Katelyn for swimming and dinner together. ON Friday Jean is meeting us at Mom's for lunch, then I will take care of her shopping needs.
I think I will be heading over again on Saturday as Ruth is not going to be able to get there. Mia has a youth group activity in Boston and I offered to drive. Then I can be at Mom's until I have to drive them home.
Nancy can you go next weekend?
Anyone else planning any visits??
Saturday, September 26, 2009
a clean oven!
Spent the afternoon and evening with Mom yesterday. She had been to coffee and to mass, and wasn't totally exhausted, which is a very good thing. Other weeks just going to Mass would wipe her out.
One of the first things she did when I arrived was to show me how dirty her oven is and asked me if I thought the homemaker would clean it. I told her I had no idea, but that it might be a self cleaning oven. She said "I don't know what that means." So I emptied the oven, pushed a button and it proceeded to clean itself - She was so amazed and thrilled to be getting right at it.
We took in some of her plants - Does anyone want an orchid? She does not and was going to throw it away - I thought one of you might like to try one - It takes lots of patience, but they are beautiful.
Also Mom told me she got a silver bowl for woman of the year from somewhere. She does not know what she will do with it. Any interest?? She wants to get it polished up - Mia loves doing silver, so I'm sure she will clean it. Then she will put it somewhere in her place so that it can be seen!
So, okay, here's the thing. Now that she has more energy and is thinking clearer she is noticing all sorts of things around her place that she wants to get done!! And she is ready to get rid of things she does not want/need. As she goes through things I will let you know what she does not want anymore in case there is anything that means anything to any of you that you want. If not, we will just get rid of things. It will be totally up to here. I really don't care what she does or does not keep, it will be totally up to her. It is just so great that she is doing this now while she is able to think about what she wants to have around her.
She has a floor lamp on the porch that she doesn't think she wants. I think it matches one in her living room. Things like that I will probably get her to hold on to as they might be a set.
We have agreed to just go slowly so that we can both pace ourselves. We did one cabinet and found it had bugs in it, so that has prompted me to plan to get a step ladder in there and go through all the cabinets to make sure there is no more open food anywhere.
When I spoke with Mom this morning she told me she had already cleaned out one of the drawers and did not find any bugs in that one. Some of her food has been there probably since she arrived, so I will be checking the dates on it all.
We are starting to look closely at what is on bottom shelves as she has trouble getting down to them these days. I have already done the overhead ones as far as moving things she uses to closer to her reach. We are getting rid of her step stool as it just isn't safe. I am bringing the one I have for her to see, not that I want her climbing on anything, but we should have something safe there for others to be able to use.
Nancy and I spoke yesterday and she is going to get onto a regular schedule, as able , to see Mom.
Tried to get a calendar started - it is going to take a little longer for me to get the hang of it.
One of the first things she did when I arrived was to show me how dirty her oven is and asked me if I thought the homemaker would clean it. I told her I had no idea, but that it might be a self cleaning oven. She said "I don't know what that means." So I emptied the oven, pushed a button and it proceeded to clean itself - She was so amazed and thrilled to be getting right at it.
We took in some of her plants - Does anyone want an orchid? She does not and was going to throw it away - I thought one of you might like to try one - It takes lots of patience, but they are beautiful.
Also Mom told me she got a silver bowl for woman of the year from somewhere. She does not know what she will do with it. Any interest?? She wants to get it polished up - Mia loves doing silver, so I'm sure she will clean it. Then she will put it somewhere in her place so that it can be seen!
So, okay, here's the thing. Now that she has more energy and is thinking clearer she is noticing all sorts of things around her place that she wants to get done!! And she is ready to get rid of things she does not want/need. As she goes through things I will let you know what she does not want anymore in case there is anything that means anything to any of you that you want. If not, we will just get rid of things. It will be totally up to here. I really don't care what she does or does not keep, it will be totally up to her. It is just so great that she is doing this now while she is able to think about what she wants to have around her.
She has a floor lamp on the porch that she doesn't think she wants. I think it matches one in her living room. Things like that I will probably get her to hold on to as they might be a set.
We have agreed to just go slowly so that we can both pace ourselves. We did one cabinet and found it had bugs in it, so that has prompted me to plan to get a step ladder in there and go through all the cabinets to make sure there is no more open food anywhere.
When I spoke with Mom this morning she told me she had already cleaned out one of the drawers and did not find any bugs in that one. Some of her food has been there probably since she arrived, so I will be checking the dates on it all.
We are starting to look closely at what is on bottom shelves as she has trouble getting down to them these days. I have already done the overhead ones as far as moving things she uses to closer to her reach. We are getting rid of her step stool as it just isn't safe. I am bringing the one I have for her to see, not that I want her climbing on anything, but we should have something safe there for others to be able to use.
Nancy and I spoke yesterday and she is going to get onto a regular schedule, as able , to see Mom.
Tried to get a calendar started - it is going to take a little longer for me to get the hang of it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday am 9-25
Did not get a chance to post anything yet this week. Had to actually wash my kitchen floor and vacuum - Imagine having to clean my own house??
Tuesday Mom had a good day. She went down for coffee, and I arrived at lunchtime. She ate a great lunch. She so enjoys home cooked food. During my swim I was joined by Lil Kennedy - who also had 8 kids. She was telling me that she had recently decided not to cook any more. She just was tired of cooking and did not want to be bothered any more. That is where Mom is at. She just doesn't want to cook for herself. And you know what, I think she deserves it! Think of how many meals she has cooked in her probably 65+ years of having to do it for others.
Down the road Meals on Wheels would be a natural option, but I am not sure she would want to be a recipient. They can deliver a hot lunch and a cold supper once a day.
For now, me bringing meals, and having those of you who visit also prepare a meal is working just fine.
Mom decided her stove burner ring things needed to be cleaned. She was working on one when I arrived. She quickly decided that she would ask Holly , her home health aide to do it. They are in pretty tough shape, so I told her that you can now buy replacements. She immediately decided that that would be the route to go.
She also called during the week to tell me that she took a close look at her coffee pot and realized that she needs to replace it.
It is great that she is able to now notice things like that. It shows that she is taking an active interest in her surrounding. We are going to be going through cabinets, closets, drawers to see what she does/doesn't need - her decision to do this. I can make suggestions, but it is all up to her to decide what she does and doesn't want to do, and what she does and doesn't want around her.
Don't be surprised if she decides that there are certain things she can live without these days. She has had me prune down several of her plants and remove the trailers that were over the picture window. She is definitely paring down her life. This is a natural process of the aging process. Larraine said they also start withdrawing from people, so that is something we should be getting ready for.
Mom has told me on several occasions that she would like to be around to see what kind of adults all her grandkids and great grandkids become. As Mom's mom died in her 50's there is no reference to how long she could live. Grandpa was in his 80's when he died. But look at our Nangeroni aunts! Mom could be around to see Ryan getting ready to graduate from high school if she lives to 98!!
She wants to die living where she is, so she has started the process of preparing for the future by finally allowing the home health agency in the door. Baby steps ----- but forward ones, indeed.
Terri, the next time you are here be prepared to take home the amethyst. It has now been moved to Ruth's room. Mom is realizing that "things" which clutter her home need to be cleaned, and now that she is paying someone to clean, she wants there to be less to have to be done.
She had me take most of the framed pictures off the bookcase in the dining area and put the pictures in the collage and get rid of the frames. So there are frames also in Ruth's room for anyone who wants some.
We can have an ongoing collage in process for any new photos she gets. When putting together the photos for the new collage we realized that there were family members we had no photos for. As we had a full collage we decided to just finish it up and get it up for her and follow up later.
I don't remember all the photos I used, but I do know there were non of Nancy and Gordene, Derek and no current shots of Mary and Ray. Mom would probably love some updated photos from those of you who haven't sent any.
Tuesday night Larraine came for dinner with us. She brought Mom a loaf of cranberry walnut whole wheat bread which she loved. We froze individual slices for her to be able to enjoy later.
We all enjoyed our time together. Mom got to thank Larraine in person for getting us to up her water intake to 8 cups a day!! She joked about it but agreed that she could see that she is feeling better.
I have noticed a marked improvement in her moods and in her ability to be less confused.
There is a question of why she did not have a carotid ultrasound to see if there is any blockage. Of course, if she found out that there is blockage she would have to decide if she would want surgery. There is lots for Mom to figure out as far as what she wants for treatments, etc. in the future.
It is all a process, one which takes time to go through. We are all taking it one step at a time, as she dictates.
So Wednesday Mom went to have her hair done. She did not go down to coffee as she had slept in a little late - but was in good spirits.
Thursday she was preparing to go down for coffee after I spoke with her. She has decided to go with a purple whistling teapot I have that I don't use. She said she can put it in a cupboard when she is not using it if the color gets on her nerves!! And she is looking forward to the new range things that I have gotten for her.
I will be heading over for lunch and supper again today. Have picked fresh soybeans which we will steam and have with our meals. She loves the beans, but does not like the consistency of the pods at all - They are very furry!!! I had a thought come to mind - but it is definitely x-rated, and not one I am willing to put in writing!!! LOL!! Anyone who has eaten unshelled edamame will get it!!
Have a great weekend - Don't know if anyone is planning on being in Milton. Did I mention before that I am thinking of getting a google calendar set up so we can plug in our visits for all to see when she needs someone in??
Tuesday Mom had a good day. She went down for coffee, and I arrived at lunchtime. She ate a great lunch. She so enjoys home cooked food. During my swim I was joined by Lil Kennedy - who also had 8 kids. She was telling me that she had recently decided not to cook any more. She just was tired of cooking and did not want to be bothered any more. That is where Mom is at. She just doesn't want to cook for herself. And you know what, I think she deserves it! Think of how many meals she has cooked in her probably 65+ years of having to do it for others.
Down the road Meals on Wheels would be a natural option, but I am not sure she would want to be a recipient. They can deliver a hot lunch and a cold supper once a day.
For now, me bringing meals, and having those of you who visit also prepare a meal is working just fine.
Mom decided her stove burner ring things needed to be cleaned. She was working on one when I arrived. She quickly decided that she would ask Holly , her home health aide to do it. They are in pretty tough shape, so I told her that you can now buy replacements. She immediately decided that that would be the route to go.
She also called during the week to tell me that she took a close look at her coffee pot and realized that she needs to replace it.
It is great that she is able to now notice things like that. It shows that she is taking an active interest in her surrounding. We are going to be going through cabinets, closets, drawers to see what she does/doesn't need - her decision to do this. I can make suggestions, but it is all up to her to decide what she does and doesn't want to do, and what she does and doesn't want around her.
Don't be surprised if she decides that there are certain things she can live without these days. She has had me prune down several of her plants and remove the trailers that were over the picture window. She is definitely paring down her life. This is a natural process of the aging process. Larraine said they also start withdrawing from people, so that is something we should be getting ready for.
Mom has told me on several occasions that she would like to be around to see what kind of adults all her grandkids and great grandkids become. As Mom's mom died in her 50's there is no reference to how long she could live. Grandpa was in his 80's when he died. But look at our Nangeroni aunts! Mom could be around to see Ryan getting ready to graduate from high school if she lives to 98!!
She wants to die living where she is, so she has started the process of preparing for the future by finally allowing the home health agency in the door. Baby steps ----- but forward ones, indeed.
Terri, the next time you are here be prepared to take home the amethyst. It has now been moved to Ruth's room. Mom is realizing that "things" which clutter her home need to be cleaned, and now that she is paying someone to clean, she wants there to be less to have to be done.
She had me take most of the framed pictures off the bookcase in the dining area and put the pictures in the collage and get rid of the frames. So there are frames also in Ruth's room for anyone who wants some.
We can have an ongoing collage in process for any new photos she gets. When putting together the photos for the new collage we realized that there were family members we had no photos for. As we had a full collage we decided to just finish it up and get it up for her and follow up later.
I don't remember all the photos I used, but I do know there were non of Nancy and Gordene, Derek and no current shots of Mary and Ray. Mom would probably love some updated photos from those of you who haven't sent any.
Tuesday night Larraine came for dinner with us. She brought Mom a loaf of cranberry walnut whole wheat bread which she loved. We froze individual slices for her to be able to enjoy later.
We all enjoyed our time together. Mom got to thank Larraine in person for getting us to up her water intake to 8 cups a day!! She joked about it but agreed that she could see that she is feeling better.
I have noticed a marked improvement in her moods and in her ability to be less confused.
There is a question of why she did not have a carotid ultrasound to see if there is any blockage. Of course, if she found out that there is blockage she would have to decide if she would want surgery. There is lots for Mom to figure out as far as what she wants for treatments, etc. in the future.
It is all a process, one which takes time to go through. We are all taking it one step at a time, as she dictates.
So Wednesday Mom went to have her hair done. She did not go down to coffee as she had slept in a little late - but was in good spirits.
Thursday she was preparing to go down for coffee after I spoke with her. She has decided to go with a purple whistling teapot I have that I don't use. She said she can put it in a cupboard when she is not using it if the color gets on her nerves!! And she is looking forward to the new range things that I have gotten for her.
I will be heading over for lunch and supper again today. Have picked fresh soybeans which we will steam and have with our meals. She loves the beans, but does not like the consistency of the pods at all - They are very furry!!! I had a thought come to mind - but it is definitely x-rated, and not one I am willing to put in writing!!! LOL!! Anyone who has eaten unshelled edamame will get it!!
Have a great weekend - Don't know if anyone is planning on being in Milton. Did I mention before that I am thinking of getting a google calendar set up so we can plug in our visits for all to see when she needs someone in??
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, 9-21
Ruth is visiting with Mom today, and heading to the U2 concert with the boys tonight! Brings me back many years ago when Derek went to his first U2 concert.
Just spoke with Mom and she has a cough and pain in rib when she coughs. I have suggested, rather strongly, that she get to the dr today - She thought it could wait til she goes next week. I reminded her that I need to take a strong position in matters of her health and well being and that she needs to nip whatever this is in the bud, so as to not end up with another issue, similar to her deafness.
She told me she would write down a note to have Ruth call me when she gets up and I did call Peter to let him know what was going on.
I am grateful that Mom does tell me when there are any changes in anything in her life, as this way we will be able to stay on tops of things.
Just spoke with Mom and she has a cough and pain in rib when she coughs. I have suggested, rather strongly, that she get to the dr today - She thought it could wait til she goes next week. I reminded her that I need to take a strong position in matters of her health and well being and that she needs to nip whatever this is in the bud, so as to not end up with another issue, similar to her deafness.
She told me she would write down a note to have Ruth call me when she gets up and I did call Peter to let him know what was going on.
I am grateful that Mom does tell me when there are any changes in anything in her life, as this way we will be able to stay on tops of things.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A glorious Sunday
It is such a beautiful, sunny fall day here in New England!!
As I have a touch of a bug which include dizziness i am staying away from Milton until it clears - Don't need Mom being any more dizzy than she already is. - Now that could be taken 2 ways!!
I have spoken with her twice today and she is in pretty good spirits. She so enjoyed her visit with Nancy and Gordene, and had a great time feasting on fresh fish they prepared.
So she is planning on taking a walk by herself today. I asked her to ask someone to go with her, but she refused to consider it. So I just asked her to stop at each bench and give herself rests along the way. We shall see how that went.
She has been enjoying movies lately. One of her favorites has become A Beautiful Life. The first time she watched it was a chore as she had to try to catch all the subtitiles. So she watched it again and got to see the storyline. So she watched it again and actually found herself loving it. So she watched it again!!!
Thanks Larraine for bringing that one over. She has been watching The Color Purple, which once I explained the characters and the storyline she was able to enjoy. She started Memoirs of a Geisha, but again had trouble following the storyline.
So if you bring her any movies, perhaps you could write a short bit on the movie so she will know what she is getting in to if it is a long movie. She really enjoys sinking herself into those long movies. When she gets confused with one she just sets it aside to ask me about the next time I am there.
As I have a touch of a bug which include dizziness i am staying away from Milton until it clears - Don't need Mom being any more dizzy than she already is. - Now that could be taken 2 ways!!
I have spoken with her twice today and she is in pretty good spirits. She so enjoyed her visit with Nancy and Gordene, and had a great time feasting on fresh fish they prepared.
So she is planning on taking a walk by herself today. I asked her to ask someone to go with her, but she refused to consider it. So I just asked her to stop at each bench and give herself rests along the way. We shall see how that went.
She has been enjoying movies lately. One of her favorites has become A Beautiful Life. The first time she watched it was a chore as she had to try to catch all the subtitiles. So she watched it again and got to see the storyline. So she watched it again and actually found herself loving it. So she watched it again!!!
Thanks Larraine for bringing that one over. She has been watching The Color Purple, which once I explained the characters and the storyline she was able to enjoy. She started Memoirs of a Geisha, but again had trouble following the storyline.
So if you bring her any movies, perhaps you could write a short bit on the movie so she will know what she is getting in to if it is a long movie. She really enjoys sinking herself into those long movies. When she gets confused with one she just sets it aside to ask me about the next time I am there.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Fresh corn
Mom loves the new collage. We hung it right by the dining room table. She has all of you smiling out at her all at the same time!!!
So, I don't know if any of you know that I am not a big fan of Scrabble - too much thinking involved. Mom has been trying to get me to play with her, and finally got me to cave yesterday. As the game proceeded she kept telling me that she had never seen a board like the one we were facing before - We just couldn't find a way to get words south of the center! Long story short - We were playing while waiting for supper to cook, ........................I WON!!! I beat Mom!!!! She,a s always was very good natured about it.
I still prefer Triominos, a new game for her, but one which she is really enjoying. It doesn't take as long as Scrabble, so it is more my style.
I got her some new playing cards, and we played a regular rummy last week, which she remembered that she knew how to play once we got going.
While eating a fresh veggie saute, Mom recalled having corn as a child. Her mother grew it on the farm, they had hired hands in to help with the harvest. She could recall the corn being taken to a place where they would can it. Her fondest memory was of the pan of water her mother would get started on the stove, so that she could gather a bunch of cobs before they were taken to the cannery and then how great it tasted fresh off the stalks! She has been enjoying having a variety of fresh vegetables this summer from our garden.
She always mentions that she remembers the cherry tomatoes Nancy brought her. They were delicious and tasted different from the ones I have been growing. She didn't realize that there were different varieties for cherry tomatoes these days.
Mom is really looking forward to Nancy and Gordene coming today and preparing a meal. We left the Scrabble in its place of prominence on the table, so that it will be ready for her to do battle with them today!
I have left a journal on the table. I am working on it slowly to add in as much as I am able to .
After Stephen visited her last month she had asked me what he was studying. I told her film, and then she also remembered it. She asked me to write it down so that she could remember it. It gave me the idea that it would be helpful and fun for her, for her to be able to have her visits written down to be able to review them and remember all her visitors and the fun they have had.
In true Nangeroni spirit I started to date the pages of the visits she has been having recently, with who came, planning to get some info to get them filled in as I am able. I was thinking that it should be a chronological thing. Then it dawned on me that she can't remember what day it is, let alone the sequence of days, so the order of entries does not matter. As you visit Mom, if you feel inclined to write down anything of interest to her, prior visits, any memories, etc you want to share with her, please feel free to use it. I don't intend it to be a book of my writings.
I'm just planning on keeping it lighthearted. She is already enjoying it and thought it was a great idea. Mind you, she keeps reminding me that no all my ideas are great, like having to use soap to wash the dishes, having to give up her favorite coffee cup that has decades of filth in the bottom, which I can't reach as it is too small for my hand to get in to, getting a housekeeper in , eating enough protein, drinking enough water, etc, etc. etc!
But the collage and the journal she really likes.
If any of you are concerned about how i am caring for Mom just ask her - She will be honest and blunt about it. Oh, if any of you have complaints about anything I am dong with Mom, please feel free to take over for me!!!
Enough said.
So, I don't know if any of you know that I am not a big fan of Scrabble - too much thinking involved. Mom has been trying to get me to play with her, and finally got me to cave yesterday. As the game proceeded she kept telling me that she had never seen a board like the one we were facing before - We just couldn't find a way to get words south of the center! Long story short - We were playing while waiting for supper to cook, ........................I WON!!! I beat Mom!!!! She,a s always was very good natured about it.
I still prefer Triominos, a new game for her, but one which she is really enjoying. It doesn't take as long as Scrabble, so it is more my style.
I got her some new playing cards, and we played a regular rummy last week, which she remembered that she knew how to play once we got going.
While eating a fresh veggie saute, Mom recalled having corn as a child. Her mother grew it on the farm, they had hired hands in to help with the harvest. She could recall the corn being taken to a place where they would can it. Her fondest memory was of the pan of water her mother would get started on the stove, so that she could gather a bunch of cobs before they were taken to the cannery and then how great it tasted fresh off the stalks! She has been enjoying having a variety of fresh vegetables this summer from our garden.
She always mentions that she remembers the cherry tomatoes Nancy brought her. They were delicious and tasted different from the ones I have been growing. She didn't realize that there were different varieties for cherry tomatoes these days.
Mom is really looking forward to Nancy and Gordene coming today and preparing a meal. We left the Scrabble in its place of prominence on the table, so that it will be ready for her to do battle with them today!
I have left a journal on the table. I am working on it slowly to add in as much as I am able to .
After Stephen visited her last month she had asked me what he was studying. I told her film, and then she also remembered it. She asked me to write it down so that she could remember it. It gave me the idea that it would be helpful and fun for her, for her to be able to have her visits written down to be able to review them and remember all her visitors and the fun they have had.
In true Nangeroni spirit I started to date the pages of the visits she has been having recently, with who came, planning to get some info to get them filled in as I am able. I was thinking that it should be a chronological thing. Then it dawned on me that she can't remember what day it is, let alone the sequence of days, so the order of entries does not matter. As you visit Mom, if you feel inclined to write down anything of interest to her, prior visits, any memories, etc you want to share with her, please feel free to use it. I don't intend it to be a book of my writings.
I'm just planning on keeping it lighthearted. She is already enjoying it and thought it was a great idea. Mind you, she keeps reminding me that no all my ideas are great, like having to use soap to wash the dishes, having to give up her favorite coffee cup that has decades of filth in the bottom, which I can't reach as it is too small for my hand to get in to, getting a housekeeper in , eating enough protein, drinking enough water, etc, etc. etc!
But the collage and the journal she really likes.
If any of you are concerned about how i am caring for Mom just ask her - She will be honest and blunt about it. Oh, if any of you have complaints about anything I am dong with Mom, please feel free to take over for me!!!
Enough said.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, 9-18
Writing from Mom's. Mom looks much better today. She got dressed up for Mass and even felt up to putting on makeup.
We had a nice lunch together, although I wish i could get her to stop feeling like she has to take care of me. She insisted on doing the dishes, but I only agreed if she would let me do the ones after supper. it is good to see her being pesty again. She seemed so defeated on Tuesday after getting home from the hospital.
We spoke about her hydration and now she is making sure she drinks her 8 cups a day. i brought her a 4 cup huge cup tat she only has to fill twice, so it will be easier for her to remember how much she has had.
During lunch she talked about all sorts of things with enthusiasm, which I hadn't see for a bit. I am going to tell on her because she keeps nagging me about doing things for her. She needs to know that it is about time she get waited on for a change!!
Derek loaded up a new computer for me with lots of photos, which we both enjoyed after lunch. She really enjoyed seeing the photos Paul sent of Paul Cifrino's funeral and Mary's first day of preschool as well as some that Derek had emailed
to me.
She wants to try using the email again, mainly so she can see photos you are all sending.
Her back is bothering her today, so she decided not to go down and watch me swim. She wants to cheer me on!!! I am taking advantage of the pool here to get some exercise on long days here.
Nancy has already given me some positive feedback on this blog. Thanks, Nancy.
I will be able to copy and paste any tidbits anyone wants me to add in here.
I will be finishing up the photo collage from the photos Mom had all over here. we had to declutter things for the new housekeeper.
Oh, yea, Mom's now got a housekeeper in every two weeks. That took a very long time to get her to agree to. Holly is very nice and seemed to take to Mom immediately. Holly especially loved her sense of humor. I hear banging in the kitchen - need to see what she is up to!!!
We had a nice lunch together, although I wish i could get her to stop feeling like she has to take care of me. She insisted on doing the dishes, but I only agreed if she would let me do the ones after supper. it is good to see her being pesty again. She seemed so defeated on Tuesday after getting home from the hospital.
We spoke about her hydration and now she is making sure she drinks her 8 cups a day. i brought her a 4 cup huge cup tat she only has to fill twice, so it will be easier for her to remember how much she has had.
During lunch she talked about all sorts of things with enthusiasm, which I hadn't see for a bit. I am going to tell on her because she keeps nagging me about doing things for her. She needs to know that it is about time she get waited on for a change!!
Derek loaded up a new computer for me with lots of photos, which we both enjoyed after lunch. She really enjoyed seeing the photos Paul sent of Paul Cifrino's funeral and Mary's first day of preschool as well as some that Derek had emailed
to me.
She wants to try using the email again, mainly so she can see photos you are all sending.
Her back is bothering her today, so she decided not to go down and watch me swim. She wants to cheer me on!!! I am taking advantage of the pool here to get some exercise on long days here.
Nancy has already given me some positive feedback on this blog. Thanks, Nancy.
I will be able to copy and paste any tidbits anyone wants me to add in here.
I will be finishing up the photo collage from the photos Mom had all over here. we had to declutter things for the new housekeeper.
Oh, yea, Mom's now got a housekeeper in every two weeks. That took a very long time to get her to agree to. Holly is very nice and seemed to take to Mom immediately. Holly especially loved her sense of humor. I hear banging in the kitchen - need to see what she is up to!!!
New blog
This is a new blog primarily for the purpose of journaling about Mom's daily life, from my perspective. It is not intended for her viewing, so that I don't have to worry about what is being written. I'm thinking of setting up something for anyone to add to for her to be able to follow.
We'll see how my time runs. Right now there are too few minutes on any given day for much and I thought this would save me from the emails I try to get out. I know some of you are interested in this and others not. Your choice.
The blue print is for you Mom, as it is your favorite color.
Today I am planning to go over for lunch and supper.
I now call Mom, at her request, first thing each morning, to help her get organized for each day.
If I have the time and inclination I might do some posts on prior days, but for now I will get at this when I am able. I'm thinking that while she is resting when I am with her is going to be a great time to do this. For now I am in Milton on Tuesday and Friday.
This morning Mom sounded very up. She was already getting breakfast ready and was preparing double what she has been normally eating. Usually she has just been having a piece of toast, and often without protein. This past week we discussed better nutrition and hydration. Yesterday she had 2 pieces of toast each with peanut butter and honey. Today she had already prepared the 2 pieces of toast and was adding cottage cheese and some fresh fruit salad that Katimay and I had brought for her.
She is planning to go to Mass at 10:00 then to have her day filled with whatever she wants to be doing with me there. We are working on a poster size collage of all the photos she had in the kitchen, to get them up on the wall for easier cleaning for her new Home Health Aide who started on Wednesday.
I am anticipating a good day as she was in such great spirits during our call.
We'll see how my time runs. Right now there are too few minutes on any given day for much and I thought this would save me from the emails I try to get out. I know some of you are interested in this and others not. Your choice.
The blue print is for you Mom, as it is your favorite color.
Today I am planning to go over for lunch and supper.
I now call Mom, at her request, first thing each morning, to help her get organized for each day.
If I have the time and inclination I might do some posts on prior days, but for now I will get at this when I am able. I'm thinking that while she is resting when I am with her is going to be a great time to do this. For now I am in Milton on Tuesday and Friday.
This morning Mom sounded very up. She was already getting breakfast ready and was preparing double what she has been normally eating. Usually she has just been having a piece of toast, and often without protein. This past week we discussed better nutrition and hydration. Yesterday she had 2 pieces of toast each with peanut butter and honey. Today she had already prepared the 2 pieces of toast and was adding cottage cheese and some fresh fruit salad that Katimay and I had brought for her.
She is planning to go to Mass at 10:00 then to have her day filled with whatever she wants to be doing with me there. We are working on a poster size collage of all the photos she had in the kitchen, to get them up on the wall for easier cleaning for her new Home Health Aide who started on Wednesday.
I am anticipating a good day as she was in such great spirits during our call.
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