Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Time was spent with both Mike's family and mine. Of course Muddear was with us at both events.

Muddear was dressed in one of her new outfits - eggplant colored velour sweatsuit with a festive silver turtleneck. She was adorable! In addition Muddear was carrying her new purse - I think she has forgotten that it is not real leather. If you recall she wasn't so happy about that when we were purse shopping a few weeks ago.  Everyone commented on how good Muddear looked and she was simply beaming!

Check out her photos...

More Easter Sunday Pictures

The post would not be complete without pictures of the rest of the family. By the way, did you notice that Muddear is not wearing a wig or bonnet? She NEVER leaves the house without one or the other. It was great to see her beautiful face. Enjoy!

Easter Sunday

What a great day of celebration - to acknowledge the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

We decided as a family to go out to dinner. Additionally, the kids had to research a scripture about Easter aka Resurrection Sunday to discuss over dinner. We all had a GREAT time - even Muddear. I assume that Muddear's daily confinement to the house is what makes our monthly excursions so enjoyable. This month we had three if you include our Easter dinner at Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel is not a restaurant where we dine often. However, its "triple threat quality" makes Cracker Barrel a success every time.

1. A wide selection of home cooked meals;
2. Large portions; and
3. Economically priced.

Who could ask for more? Oh yeah - the kids love it and Muddear does too after this first dining experience. I was amazed by the amount of food she ate - which further confirms my theory that Muddear hates my cooking! It's okay, as Muddear says..."not everybody loves everything."

Muddear had dinner, dessert, and hot chocolate! I could not have asked for a better day -not to mention the brief reprieve from Muddear's Dementia induced insanity!

Muddear and Phil

The Power of Family

After lunch on Sunday at TGI Friday's we headed for Glencare Nursing Home to visit Muddear's oldest son Phil. Muddear was really excited about seeing him, I had not taken her for a visit since early Spring.

As soon as we exited the elevator on Phil's floor we saw Philip. He was sitting in his wheelchair right outside the elevator waiting to go on a smoke break! Initially, he did not see Muddear as we exited the elevator. Enthusiastically, I waved saying "Hi Philip!" He was full of smiles yet lacked the recognition of who I was. But my next words were like music to his ears...

"Philip, do you see you mother? Do you see Muddear right here?"

Phillips eyes lit up with recognition and immediately he began to reach for Muddear. It was like witnessing the prodigal son (or mother in this case) come home! We could separate them!

The staff recommended sitting in the dining area so we could talk and visit for a while. Muddear was simply glowing. I on the other hand felt a little saddened. Muddear only has two remaining relatives that we are aware of and I was not doing a good job of making sure that she spent time with him on a consistent basis. I made a promise to myself that I would make sure she was able to see Phil at least once a month.

It was so obvious that Muddear missed her son and Phil missed his mother. During the entire visit they held hands and touched while "oohing and aahhing" over one another. I needed to make this happen more often. And Muddear was so cute...the excitement of it all caused her to become short of breath and every 10 minutes she would say to Phil...

"Stand up and let me see how tall you are." or "Stand up and let me see how much weight you have gained."

Muddear was ready to leave within the hour. At the elevators, Muddear promised to be back while Phil waved and smiled. Julia and both caught the sadness in his eyes as he rounded the corner to return to either his room or the television area.

That's It!

Saturday night, I told Muddear that on Sunday we were going out to lunch and then to visit Philip, her oldest son. As I have explained previously, Philip has been in a nursing home for over 25 years, initially due to a stroke that left him unable to care for himself.

I woke Muddear up a little earlier than normal, a fact she was not happy about, until I reminded her that we were going to see Phil. She became really excited and cooperative. By 12:30, we both had eaten breakfast, bathed, dressed, hair styled, and for Muddear medicated. My friend Julia was going to join us today - she has graciously been a granny-sitter for us in times of desperate need.

At about 1:00 p.m. the three of us were packed into the car and on the way to TGI Fridays, Muddear really enjoys their baby back ribs. I continue to marvel at the impacts of Dementia on the brains ability to function properly. Thankfully, I have a relatively good idea about what Muddear likes to eat, because it was very difficult for her to make the decision without assistance. I couldn't help but laugh when our food arrived. Muddear was overwhelmed by the food portions she simply stopped and stared. I then asked her to bless the food as we bowed our heads.

"Gracious Lord, we thank you for this food we are about to eat...."

Muddear said a few additional words that I could barely hear because she prayed at almost a whisper. I don't think I have ever heard Muddear whisper. Then as our heads are still bowed, Muddear suddenly says...

"Okay, that's it!"

I didn't hear an "Amen" or anything! I just chuckled to myself and started to eat.

Flossie's Step-By-Step Hair Instructions

1. Just getting starting.

2. Oiling Muddear's scalp.

3. Using the flat iron to press Muddear's hair.

4. Four plaits - two in the front and two in the back.

See post dated Monday, September 10, 2007 Day of Beauty, for the finished product.

Day of Beauty

Twice a month, the aide washes Muddear's hair. The following Sunday, I spend time oiling Muddear's scalp and pressing her hair. This Sunday was Muddear's day of beauty. She always seems to enjoy being pampered. Whenever, I start working on Muddear's hair, she begins giving me instructions.

"Make sure you touch the scalp when you comb my hair."

"Okay Muddear."

"Now, brush it harder."

"No problem."

"When you finish, pull some of my hair to the front."

"I didn't forget."

You would think I have never done this before! As always, once I am finished, Muddear preens in front of the mirror and says, "It looks and feels good." I always give Muddear the same style - either plaits or braids. She refused to wear her hair down and always covers her head with a bonnet. I was lucky to get a photograph of the finished product before she put on the bonnet.

This Year's Fashion...

Muddear shows great style as she models this year's gowns. The designs, especially the pink ones, sport very sexy splits on each side. The fashion world will never be the same.

A Weekend Getaway - Respite Again

It's respite time again...Mike and I are going on a weekend rendezvous! That means Muddear must go back to Brookwood Retirement Community for another respite stay.

I don't feel guilty this time. Perhaps because she will only be there for three nights, I really don't know. Nevertheless, today is my day to leave work early to relieve Sharon (the aide), so instead I plan to go home and prepare Muddear for her respite stay. This time I even told Muddear in advance; once last week and a true reminder last night. Perhaps another reason why I am not burdened by extreme guilt.

Packing is always a joy, okay I am just kidding, but I laugh at myself every time. I always pack Muddear entirely too many outfits, too many gowns, too many of everything. I then type a list detailing everything I have packed to ensure she returns from the respite stay with everything I packed. Speaking of gowns, I have included pictures of the new "sexy" gowns purchased in preparation for Muddear's last respite stay.

Let's Go Walking Muddear

Who knew that taking a walk could be such an adventure!

These Boots Are Made For Walking...

Last Friday, July 13, 2007, Mike coerced Muddear into taking a walk. As I am sure you can guess this was a major ordeal. Muddear has developed an unnatural attachment to her bedroom. She never wants to leave it - not for dinner, not to socialize, not for any reason whatsoever. (Except using the bathroom and at times even that is questionable.) I do not understand this attachment or why she has it. Perhaps there is comfort in the known environment and fear of the unknown world outside of her room. Perhaps it is the journey down the stairs from her second floor bedroom to the main floor - she is afraid of the stairs. I have even wondered if at times Muddear becomes a little depressed - a common effect of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Needless to say, while preparing dinner, I was so excited to hear Mike tell Muddear...

"Remember our conversation earlier today?"
"Yes, I do." (Whether she did or did not we will never know.)
"Good, because it is time for our walk."

Of course, Muddear began protesting this outing by detailing the usual objections - "It's too hot. I'm allergic to the sun. I'm allergic to grass. I don't like outside." However, Mike was determined to win this battle and within minutes, he whisked Muddear out the front door.

Amazingly, Muddear turned into "Chatty Patty" and was full of smiles. Upon entering the house, it was great to hear Muddear thank Mike for taking her on such a nice walk.

Unpleasant Surprises...

I have been holding onto this post for weeks now, because I did not think anyone would believe me unless I had the pictures to prove it!

Incident #1

Prior to going on vacation in May, I had to pack Muddear a suitcase to take with her to Brookwood Retirement Community for the respite stay. After gathering together Muddear's clothes, I opened one of her drawers to pull out several pairs of socks. Can you imagine my surprise when I wrapped my hand around a hard sock? Initially I thought, "What in the world is this?" Carefully, I began to unroll the sock ball (I fold all socks into a sock ball after removing them from the dryer) and became immediately disgusted. At some point in the recent past, Muddear pretended to eat dinner by stuffing her food into a pair of socks then hiding them in the drawer. Fortunately, this surprise bundle of sock and food did not stink. Unfortunately, it was molding. Check out the pictures...

Incident #2

One night last month during dinner, I went to check on Muddear to see if she needed anything. Muddear prefers to eat in her room - sometimes we join her and sometimes we do not, it just depends on what is going on that evening. Anyway, I initially notice that Muddear's dinner plate is surprisingly clean. However, the second thing I notice is that she has a pair of socks in her hand. After Incident #1 above, I immediately knew what was going on.

"Muddear let me see what you have in your hands."
"No."
"Muddear, why won't you give me that sock? I really need to see it."
"No, it's mine!"
"Muddear, what are you doing? You never keep anything from me." I reach for the sock and Muddear finally relinquishes her hold. Guess what I found inside of the sock?
"Muddear why have you stuffed your chicken and vegetables inside this sock?"
"I was saving it for dinner for tomorrow."
"Now you know that is not how you save food."
"I do!"
"Muddear, no you do not. Please don't ever do that again. It is not safe or sanitary."
"That's what I do. I always do that."
"Muddear, don't ever do that again."
"Okay."

4th of July - More Pictures

Another Dermatologist Appointment

Yesterday Muddear had another dermatologist appointment. It appears that the skin infection that has plagued "us" for months is healing nicely. Check out the pictures - the darkness in the pigmentation was caused by excessive scratching; the scaling (which you cannot see) and puffiness (lower part of the leg where skin is the most discolored) are both due to the infection. This is a remarkable improvement from when we started going to Dr. Barich for treatment.

The dermatologist runs on a different schedule than the rest of the world. Muddear's appointment was at 3:00 p.m., but Dr. Barich did not see her until 3:45. You can read about "our" last Dermatologist Appointment in post dated Wednesday, May 30, 2007. As you can imagine, Muddear was not pleased about the wait, but neither was I.

Nevertheless, our next appointment is in July for a follow-up visit. We will continue the current medication schedule: Wash twice a day, apply Aquaphor (prescription strength Vaseline like cream) and Topicort (medicated ointment) twice a day as well. I hope that in next month’s pictures Muddear's skin will look even better. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Sunday Errands - The Mall - Pictures

If you thought Muddear's selections were cute. Check out the gown she helped me select during our Sunday Errands - The Mall. There was no fussing about too short, too tight, or too dark!

Sunday Errands - The Mall - Pictures

The fun did not stop at Walgreen's. The next leg of our Sunday outing was the mall, see post dated Thursday, June 7, 2007 Sunday Errands - The Mall for all the fun details. Check out Muddear in the height of glory...shopping!

Sunday Errands - Going to Walgreens - Pictures

Our Sunday errands were a lot of fun. See Sunday Errands - Going to Walgreens post dated Tuesday, June 5, 2007. This first picture is right before the "lock/unlock" lesson.

Various Pictures of Muddear