This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Mark down this date, February 28, 2010...

This morning, I woke up and let Izzy out of her crate.  We usually walk into the living room, where my husband is usually relaxed on the couch, watching TV.  Izzy ALWAYS jumps up on the couch and begins barking at him. She has been doing it for four months and 2 days....

Today, she went up on the couch, walked right up to him, licked him on the face and rolled over on her back for him to rub her tummy!!!  He could pet her all he wanted, any place he wanted.  He looked at me with total shock on his face and I was crying.  We don't know what happened, especially after the rough day we had with her yesterday!

Usually on the weekends, she MIGHT let him pet under her chin,  after many treats, but she continually barks at him.  Every time she would bark at him, I would have to catch her, and then I put her in her crate for a "time out".  I only leave her in there for a few minutes, and it usually calms her down.  Not yesterday.  She would run right back to him, barking and nipping.  Back in the crate she went, for a longer period.  She spent most of the day in the crate yesterday, because she was driving us both crazy!!

We had plans with friends last night, so she was in the crate for a good six hours while we had dinner and played cards at our friend's home.  We got home late, almost midnight, so she basically went outside to do her business and then we went to bed, she in her crate again.

After she was so friendly with him this morning, we decided to all go for a walk.  Izzy kept turning around and SMILING!!  I swear, she was smiling!!  It was wonderful, walking arm in arm with my husband as Izzy pranced in front of us, bright eyed with her pink tongue hanging from her ear to ear smile...

My husband does not want to get too excited...he is so accustom to "50 First Dates" with her...a little friendly on the weekend, and then when he is off to work with his suit, tie and dress shoes, she barks and wants nothing to do with him.  So I suppose the true test will come tomorrow morning...

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Changes in Dad's medication...

The nursing home called me today, to inform me the Psychiatrist had been to visit Dad.  He will be increasing his anti-depressive medication.  He was taking Lexapro 15 mg one time a day, and now he will be getting 10mg two times a day.

Apparently after lunch he was yelling and having a tough time.  I wanted to speak with him, but he was sleeping.

His primary care doctor was in visiting Dad, checking on his leg.  He is going to order another Dopler test next week.

Can't believe next week is March already!!

I will try again tomorrow morning to talk with him...

Difficult decisions...

I have had a full week of highs and lows. I wanted to write about it last night, but was too tired, and felt any attempts at trying, were forced.

I had a wonderful lunch today at Brios in Town Square with two gals I met  blogging.   
Linda, from http://vegaslindalou.blogspot.com/
and Lisa from http://gioiachronicles.blogspot.com/
It was so good to have some girlfriend time.   

What would we do without our girlfriends, ladies?

Its been a rough couple of weeks. We have so much on our plates.  Our indecision to stay here in Nevada, or move back to California has been keeping us both on edge. I think my husband and I have pretty much made up our minds to put the house up for sale in April and when it sells, he'll retire and we will move back to California. I am looking in Hemet and Cherry Valley (mainly because that is the only area we can afford to buy, so we won't have a mortgage) to find something before we move, so when the house sells, we can move into the new place. 

Despite the fact we are spoiled here, in that, we are close to everything and have anything we could possibly want to do at our finger tips. We can be as busy or as entertained as we want to be.  Living back in California, particularly the remote areas we are considering, is NOT the most convenient area to live.  We will have to travel to do many of the things we like to do, but bottom line, we will live a more fuller life, being closer to those we love and hold dear.

Been having a challenging time with our adopted dog, Izzy.  She still barks at my husband.  Now, I am not sure if she is really afraid of him, or she senses he is weak, because he is so tired and stressed and does not interact much. With my husband's new position, he is working longer hours and one day on the weekends.  The last thing we both need is her constant barking when he gets home.  I have been crating her just before he comes home for a minimum of two hours.  That way, he can relax, we can talk and have a quiet, uninterrupted dinner.

I called my sister crying earlier in the week.  My husband and I had an argument over the frustration of her barking, and fear of my husband.  I can't allow her to come between us.  I was considering taking her to the SPCA.  It is a no kill facility, but are full and only take emergencies.  We can't give her back to the Animal Shelter, we are her 4th family, so they may euthanize her.  My sister supported me and encouraged me, that giving her up was not terrible because we had done more than what she or her husband could have coped with, in half the time!!

My sister, my friends dianne, Linda, Lisa and Marylinn have all been so patient in sharing their advise and suggestions, on what to try with Izzy. Our Vet suggested a Trainer, who would charge $75 an hour...
We are at our wits end...

Does anyone  else have any suggestions????

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dad's Care Conference...

Today Mom and I attended Dad's Care Conference.  Mom in person, me via conference call.  My first question was to ask how Dad's head was.  Apparently, he did not need antibiotics after all.  The steri-strip they "butterflied" over his eyebrow, did the trick.

His eyeglasses have not been delivered yet, so the suggestion was to get Dad some magnifying glasses for reading and for Mom to get him one of those chains to keep his glasses around his neck.  His hearing aid has been approved, but Medi-Cal has not paid for it yet.  Doesn't look like they will fill Dad's cavity.  If he complains, they will pull it.  Next time I visit, I will look at Dad's tooth.  Maybe I can pay a Dentist to fill it for him.

Dad has gained 26 pounds since August.  He weighs 148. His health status and medication has not changed, except they are considering lowering his anti-depressant medication.  Dad's doctor will have the final say, but the nursing home is vigilant about not over-medicating.

Dad will be moved back to his old bed by the window today, since his room mate is infection free. I know he will be happy to look out his window and have his "wall of love" again.

Shortly after the conference, I got a call from the charge nurse.  When Dad acted up the other day, they took a urinalysis and found out today, he has a urinary tract infection.  She explained to me that often a patient can get unruly and angry from not feeling well.  Dad will be on antibiotics for a week. I feel they really stay on top of the details the majority of the time...

Mom went to visit Dad after the Conference and found him finishing his lunch, enjoying some cake and coffee.  I think Dad thinks he is 18 again, the way his conversations are all about sex lately... Mom listened and joked with him...

Mom needed help getting Dad back to his room, so they paged the male attendant.  Dad's Angel, doctor-doctor heard the room number paged, and recognized it as Dad's.  Mom noticed she looked tired and she admitted she was.  Mom explained to Dad that his Angel was tired and needed to go home and rest. Dad agreed, being very concerned for her, but wanted to follow her home.

Before Mom could open her mouth, Angel caught Mom's eye and shook her head, letting Mom know not to worry.  She would handle it.

The movie for the afternoon was GONE WITH THE WIND...and you all know how Dad would look forward to that!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Update on Dad...

I called this morning to check on Dad and he was snoozing in his bed.  The nurse assured me he was much calmer and wanted to rest in bed.  His Angel, Doctor-Doctor is working today and will be assigned to him.  I know he will perk up when he sees her...

She also told me they put a note in his chart about the names Dad calls his Angel, so everyone knows what he is talking about.  One would think they all know what he means, but most of the staff, English is not there first language, and Dad really does not make much sense when he talks.  We, his family, have a vested interest in Dad and he is our only focus, where as the staff have many patients to care for.  I totally see how no one knew what he was talking about.... The important thing is, from now on, they will...

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Dad went on a rampage...

Mom got a phone call from the nursing home.  The nurse said Dad was upset and being un-co-operative. Dad got on the phone and yelled at Mom, telling her they were all cheaters.  He could not find doctor-doctor (his Angel), and sounding like he was crying.  He told her he loved his Angel and wanted to marry her. 

Mom tried to change the subject asking about his visit with my sister yesterday.  He yelled  at her again telling her he did not want to talk to her anymore, saying she did not understand, and hung up.

Mom called the nursing home back and spoke with the charge nurse.  She told Mom they were dispensing medication, and Dad was refusing to take his. The nurse reassured Mom they would try again.  Mom is upset and afraid they will send him back to the Psych Ward.

When I got Mom's email, once again, I was upset they did not call me first.  THIS IS ONE MAJOR ISSUE I INTEND TO DISCUSS AT THE CARE CONFERENCE!!! I called the nursing home after reading Mom's email. The nurse told me she was just getting ready to call Mom again. Dad was so upset, they had him in his wheel chair, sitting in front of the nursing station, to keep an eye on him. Dad stood up suddenly from his wheel chair, lost his balance and fell. His head hit the counter of the nursing station and cut him above his eyebrow. It bled, but they had stopped the bleeding.  She had called his primary doctor and would be putting him on antibiotics for the next fourteen days.  I reminded her I am to be the first contact and she told me it said "next of kin" on his chart.  I told her to put me as first contact.  WHAT IS IT WITH THESE PEOPLE!!??


I just called the nursing home back at 9pm and Dad is sleeping comfortably. I spoke with a different charge nurse, so she related the entire story to me again.  She explained the reason they called Mom first, was because Dad had demanded to speak to his wife.  Of course, they had to call Mom first.  She told me shortly after he cut his forehead, he calmed down. He cooperated and took his medication.  He ate dinner and gave them no further problems. I told her Dad refers to his Angel as doctor-doctor.  She said that is why he may have gotten so upset, because they thought he meant his primary care doctor.  She promised she would make a notation for the staff.

Thank God he is calmed down and OK...

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Through the eyes of my sister...

I tried twice to call Dad today...the first time, he was in Bible Study and the second time he was napping.  I had talked to my sister this morning and among other things, told her how frustrated I was at not being able to reach Dad....

I took Izzy for a walk and when we returned, had an email from my sister, sharing her visit with Dad...

She found him looking out the window, listening to the Pastor during Bible Study.  She said he looked like he was listening, but enjoying the beautiful day outside.  Typical of Dad, he would rather be out of doors on any given day.  To him, the out of doors, the sky, trees, plants and flowers are all of God's glory...

The nurse came over to my sister and asked if she was there to see Dad.  There was still a half hour left of Bible Study, but she decided to see if he wanted to come visit with her.  He did, so they went to his room.  Dad had shorts on, so she took the opportunity to check out his legs and they looked good.  She noted they have feet pads on his wheel chair now, so he can rest his feet.

Dad chatted endlessly, not giving my sister much chance to fit in any words sideways, as he described how "horny" he was because the women there were so beautiful!  Dad was in excellent spirits and even belly laughed a couple of times.  One of the nurses, (not his Angel) came in and told them she would give Dad a shower when their visit was over.

My sister wheeled Dad outside so he could enjoy some fresh air.  She patiently listened to his "womanly adventures" for almost a half hour.  Dad began to get chilly, so she started to wheel him back through the dining area.  They were preparing for lunch and playing music.  Dad began to "be-bop" and sway to the appropriate beat of the song, "Love Shack". (LOL, how apropos!)

One of the aides came over and told him it was time for lunch.  My sister hugged and kissed him good bye, and threw her traditional kiss to him as she walked out the door.  Dad caught her kiss and blew her one back, smiling happily as he waved her good-bye.

Through the eyes of my sister, I am so happy to hear of their visit.  It is so frustrating, when I don't know how Dad is, or I can't reach him by phone...Sounds like it was a great visit...

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Circle of Friends...

I received this CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AWARD from my new blogging friend, Rayna
over at http://coffeeringseverywhere.blogspot.com/ . 
She and I share the torment of Fathers with Alzheimer's.  She has been so kind and supportive, sharing her gentle memories of  her journey with her Father, when she walked that lonely road...

That kind of a bond is strong, and for us, is a foundation for friendship.  Thank you so much Rayna!

I am to pass this Award onto five fellow Bloggers.  I am having a very difficult time narrowing it down to only five. It has been a couple of weeks since Rayna graciously gave this to me, so I apologize Rayna, for taking so long to post this. There is so much talent out there, so that alone makes it impossible.  I have decided to bestow this onto my five newest blogger friends, whose generous and supportive comments have given me so much comfort with my Dad...

Gayle at http://gramme2006.blogspot.com/

Jeanie at http://jvlivingconsciously.blogspot.com/

Mari at http://mari365days.blogspot.com/

Marylinn at http://marylinnmlkelly.blogspot.com/

Darlene at http://george-cat.blogspot.com/

I greatly appreciate all your comments and concerns. All your kindness touches my heart in ways I can never adequately express.  Many thanks to:

Linda at http://wandertothewayside.blogspot.com/,

Linda Lou at http://vegaslindalou.blogspot.com/,  

Donna at http://grannygrampsplace.blogspot.com/,  

Marsella at http://marcella-gemini.blogspot.com/

and Lily at http://www.lillianrobinson.com/ (Becoming an Author My Journey)

Please check out these ladies blogs, if you are not familiar with them. 

Thank you again everyone, for your constant visits and caring concerns.  I am so honored and Blessed to have your support and friendship.
 

Another one bites the dust...

Remember the sad news from my February 9th post, Sad news for Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas?
The news last night reported The Montelago is now shutting down March 14, 2010.  177 more jobs will be lost. The Montelago is the only gaming facility at Lake Las Vegas and in my opinion, the two best restaurants.

The word is 91% of the retail shops are still open and doing well.  Let's hope the Loews Hotel survives, so visitors can still come to relax and enjoy Lake Las Vegas. The locals visit Lake Las Vegas, because it is a nice way to spend the day.  They also sponsor several events that bring in business and visitors.

Personally, this is so sad.  We have such great memories of special celebrations with friends and family at the restaurants at Montelago.  They gave out some really great gifts for playing in the Casino. The staff were so friendly and the service was always excellent.

We have company coming the end of the month and we will make sure to take them there, to enjoy it one last time...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

"Sausage Girls?"

Mom went to see Dad yesterday afternoon.  She found him in bed and thought he was asleep.  He opened his eyes and told her he was just closing his eyes. She gave him his Valentine from his sister.  He was either too tired or could not read the card, so Mom read it to him.

Dad smiled and kind of laughed and told her he had five wives, but his Angel was still #1.  I am so proud of Mom for not taking these kind of comments, personally.  She just smiled back and agreed that his Angel was wonderful...

Dad began mumbling something about danger, and it was not good for her to travel alone at night.  He told her she could go home now if she liked... Mom had not been there more than five minutes! She tried telling him the family news, but he seemed distracted and kept interrupting her.  She changed the subject and asked how his feet were doing.  He told her he didn't know, because he does not have a doctor...

Mom told him about the breakfast my second to the oldest brother made for his soccer girls (my brother coaches a female soccer team) and Dad perked up with , "Sausage Girls?" That made them both laugh, including the nurse who came in to say "Hi" to Mom...

Dad seemed distracted and aloof, and began telling her it was dangerous for her to drive alone and she should leave.  It dawned on Mom that it was late afternoon, and Dad generally is in a negative Sundowners state in the afternoons, so at least that assured her, it was the time of day, and not her...

On her way out, the nurse asked her to sign permission for Dad to have the Flu shot.  The nurse told Mom she had spoken with me earlier in the day and re-explained the procedures they are following with Dad.  Mom asked if he was watching the Olympics, and the nurse said he was not interested.

The Director of Nursing came down the hall and greeted Mom.  She reminded her about Dad's care conference meeting next Tuesday.  I plan on attending via conference call.  I want to make sure I have a current list of his medications and what they perceive to be his medical problems...

Hang in there Daddy...Spring is coming...

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

One day at a time...

I called the nursing home and spoke with the charge nurse.  We discussed Dad's poor leg circulation and his poor blood flow.  They had to verify the reason when his feet were so purple and his wound on his left foot was not healing.  We discussed Dad's vascular surgeon telling us this back last May.  She said they get him up every couple of hours to socialize in his wheel chair, or if he wishes to stay in bed, they change his position so he won't get bed sores.  They put some padded booties on his feet and ankles with a pillow under the back of his legs, to keep his legs elevated.

I told her I was concerned with him being in bed so much, he might get pneumonia again, like he did when he first went into the nursing home.  At the time, we did not know if elderly people lay around a lot, they can easily contract pneumonia.  She reassured me they monitor him and check for all symptoms.

His heart condition contributes to his poor circulation.  We have to take one day at a time with Dad and be grateful for the time we have with him.  At this point in his life and health, each day is a gift...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

What a beautiful day...






What a great Valentines Day we had today, despite being "on the road" and away from home....

The morning started with me getting up at 7:30am and making french toast for our grandsons, my husband, my daughter and her husband.  We played some more games with the boys, gave them each time on my iTouch, to play games, and enjoyed the youngest grandson singing, Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

We had to meet our Realtor at 11am, and while driving there, my husband passed me my Valentine card.  This is an example of why I am so Blessed to have the husband I do.  He is so thoughtful and sentimental. He always selects the best cards, which always make me cry.  My card for him was back in my suitcase, so I had to give him his, later on after we went back to my daughter's house...

We met at one of the manufactured homes, we saw yesterday, and one we first found last August.  It was listed a lot higher last summer, and it was a mess.  Now, it has been cleaned up and the price has dropped considerably, but still needs a lot of work.  I particularly like it because it has a sun room with great light, which would be wonderful for my art studio.  The breakfast nook looks out on the first hole of the golf course.  I had "a moment" looking out the window, imagining myself sitting there in the morning, having a cup of tea or coffee...

My husband is not too excited with it, mainly because of all the work it will take to get in back into shape. The only thing he agrees with me, is that NOW, it is priced a lot more realistically!

The second manufactured home we went to see, is one I found on the MLS.  It is in a gated community, and is across the street from the Community Center.  The home itself is slightly smaller than the home we have now, but is absolutely turnkey.  The woman is a widower, who not only just lost her husband, but also their dog, after nineteen years!  The husband apparently was quite the handyman and Gardner.  The yard is completely fenced and looks like something out of Sunset magazine! He did a beautiful job designing it.  He has a workshop that is immaculate with a place for E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!! It also has a nice sun room. The woman was so kind and offered to take us over to the Community Center. What a tribute to her. She and her husband lived there 23 years, and it looks like she just moved in.  The Realtor, my husband and myself, all commented on the love and good energy in the home.

I am not sure if we can work a deal, because if we pay what she is asking, we will be hard pressed to sell our home we have now.  And as we all know, now, is not the best time to be selling a home, and expecting it to be sold quickly. Surprisingly, she has had it on the market for almost two years!

We saw one other home, a cozy little Artist cottage type manufactured home, but although cute, it was too small.  We saw the majority of the homes yesterday... Talk about a marathon!!!!

So we are waiting to hear from our Agent, who is going to talk to her Agent...

We had a really nice "country homemade lunch" at a restaurant in Banning, which was delicious.  Then, back to my daughter's home to spend some more time with the grandsons... My daughter is making a candlelight dinner for her husband and the boys tonight, so we left and checked into our hotel.

My husband is taking a nap and I am high on Diet Pepsi, so I figured I would do my Blog, while he rests... We have 7:30 pm reservations at an Italian restaurant.... but I am still full from lunch!

The weather has been gorgeous all day.  Clear blue skies, warm with only a slight breeze.  The mountains are capped with snow and look absolutely spectacular!! We return home tomorrow morning.

Happy Valentines Day everyone....

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Results on Dad's Doppler...

Mom received a phone call today from the nursing home.  The results of the tests showed Dad has poor circulation and blood flow.... HELLO! We already knew that!!!

I will have to call the doctor Tuesday after we get back.

We looked all day, from 9am to 5:30pm.  Came back to my daughters and my husband went to sleep. He is still sleeping at 8pm.  I have been playing games with the boys, while my daughter and her husband, "go out on a date".

We had pizza for dinner....

When the boys finally fall asleep, I am doing a triple somersault, with a full layout, and a half-twist onto my sofa bed.  I am sooooooooo tired.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Updates...

No word on Dad yet, the primary doc has to conference with the vascular surgeon.

Tomorrow night hubby and I leave for California to check out some properties.  We'll rough it on the kid's couch for two nights, while we are house hunting...then on Sunday...Valentines, we'll stay at a hotel.  We'll come back home on Monday...

Taking the laptop...so I will keep in touch...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Doppler for Dad tomorrow...

I missed another phone call from the nursing home. My stupid phone was down to two bars at 4pm, after being fully charged this morning. I called Verizon and raised such a fuss, they are sending me another phone charger. 

The nurse called to let me know Dad's feet are all swollen and purple again.  The wound on his left foot keeps breaking open and is not healing, probably due to poor circulation. They called Dad's doctor and they will do a Doppler reading on him tomorrow.  The Doppler ultrasound will test his circulation in his legs and find if he has any blocked arteries or veins.

Before Dad went into the nursing home, he was seeing a vascular surgeon weekly.  Both the surgeon and his primary care physician said he had very poor circulation in both his legs.  His primary doctor told us his veins were collapsed and he should constantly move his feet like he was barefoot and standing on a hot sidewalk.
Course, Dad could not remember nor would he accept his doctor's diagnosis.

He was suppose to wear his compression stockings to keep the blood flowing in his veins and he was to elevate his legs to reduce the swelling.  Dad would ignore the doctor's advise and would walk and work in the yard.  His legs would get swollen and he would cut off his stockings because they had gotten so tight from the swelling, being on his feet all day.

When I gave Dad a stern talking to, he listened, and he was putting his legs up...then he got pneumonia.  That is what started his Dementia journey in the nursing home last May...

Mom went to visit him today and to her credit, she listened patiently smiling as Dad went on and on about how much he loves his Angel attendant, and how passionate he feels towards her.  Mom said Dad seems very happy, which is such a huge relieve to all of us.

He told Mom he had to go to Washington DC for important, secret business.  Mom did not miss a beat, telling him it had stormed heavily in Washington, so he might want to hold off a few days to see if the snow melts.... Dad hesitated a minute, and then told her he thought he could probably do just that...

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Sad news for Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas...

Yesterday I read the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa at Lake Las Vegas is shutting down May 2, 2010.  That really shocked me. It really shows how affected the town has become from lack of tourism and conventions. This is a AAA Five Diamond Award winning Hotel people! Loews Hotel, the other premier hotel next to the Ritz-Carlton, will still remain open.

 
Not too many people know about Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas. It is out Lake Mead Blvd on the way to Lake Mead.  It is 17 miles from the Strip which is about a half hour drive.

Its like a mini trip to Europe...visiting a small Italian Village on a lake.  The  Montelago Hotel hosts the friendliest and most hospitable Casinos you will find. One of our friends was the only player at a poker table.  She was on a winning streak, and when someone else approached to play, the dealer politely asked them to wait while she finished her streak!  Our friend could not believe her ears.

                                                                                    

You can rent power boats to go out on the lake,  take a romantic gondola ride..or play golf on a 36-hole course.

There are many weddings held here, and beautiful pictures taken from the inside of the bridge, over looking the lake...



Often, I enjoy going there on a Sunday or special occasions.  Its a favorite destination when family or friends come to visit. Its one of my favorite places to celebrate my birthday. It is like being transported to Italy.  It has such an old world Tuscan charm...

If you are not a gambler, and like to shop, you would find the one of a kind shops a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Stop in the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a bag of your favorite chocolates as you stroll down the cobblestone streets of Montelago Village.  There have several interesting jewelry, clothing, and  art galleries to explore...


 
Andrea Bocelli has had several outdoor concerts held out of doors, by the lake.








The Village hosts wine tastings, craft and art fairs.  They have movie nights, where everyone brings blankets & beach chairs, gathering to watch the movie projected up on a huge screen...

I sound like a tour guide, for Pete's sake, but I really do love the area out there and find it such sad news about the Ritz. If you are traveling to Vegas and want a unique experience apart from the craziness of the Strip....do yourself a favor and try it before it closes.  I think I will suggest to my husband that we find a special reason to stay there, one last time...

Monday, February 8, 2010

I need feedback please....

Hello friends out there in the Blogsphere... I have a favor to ask.  Does anybody else have problems with this phone not holding a charge? I have had the above Verizon LG env 3 phone since last June.  My cell number is the first contact number for Dad's nursing home to call if there are any problems with Dad.

As a rule, I have been very happy with all the LG phones I have had.  This one has been nothing but trouble as far as holding a charge, since I got it.  I actually like the phone, the camera and it is wonderful for texting.

I have replaced the battery and the charger and still had problems not holding the charge.  I could charge it all night, take it off the charger in the morning, and by 2pm, it is beeping for low battery, and I have to charge it again.  By 7pm to 9pm, I hear it turning itself off because there is no battery life left!!

And I am not even on it...for maybe one or two  short calls.  

Today my replacement device (cell phone) arrived.  It was not new...it was a Certified Like-New Replacement.  I was assured it had been "tested like new" and if I had any problems, they would replace the device with something similar in the LG family. I think that was a detail, the previous Tech should have told me...what a shock getting a used phone!!!

The Tech told me it was NOT the battery, NOT the charger, that the device was defective and not reading the battery of charger properly.  HUH???  That makes no sense to me...but if he says so...at least they will replace it.  I have no problems with the customer service with Verizon either.  I have been a customer of Verizon, when they bought out LA Cellular and Air Touch....

My question to you all is, has anyone else had problems with the battery life on this phone?

Friday, February 5, 2010

Its top secret...I have to get my clearance...


Despite the rain in California, Mom drove valiantly to visit Dad.  She found him eating his lunch.  They had some "toe tappin"  music playing in the dining room.  Mom said he looked like an orchestra conductor the way he was bobbing his head and swinging his fork to the beat of the music.

After she greeted him, he informed her he had written the music that was playing, and asked her how she liked it.  She complimented him and told him it was very "catchy".  Before Mom could figure out what he was having for lunch, Dad had sucked it up like a powerful vacuum.  All she saw were some peaches and some cold slaw.  When she tried to feed him the cold slaw, he made a face and told her "he did not care for it". So she fed him the peaches and he made yum yum noises showing his enjoyment...

In between bites, he told her "Mrs. Ronald Reagan had stopped in to visit him, along with Dr. Martin Luther King, trailing behind".  Mom just nodded her head...

Dad went on to say,  "Yes, and they want me to come to the White House" 

"Oh Really"? Mom responded, "How nice, and what will you be doing there"? 

"Oh, I can't say", he said, "Its top secret.  I have to get my clearance."

They began to clean up the dining room, so Mom asked if he would like to go to his room and put his foot up.  Dad told her he "was not sure where his room was."..  Mom told him not to worry, that she knew where it was and off they went.  Mom stopped at the nursing station to verify she had the right room...which she did.  Room 30, bed 2.

Mom said the "wall of love" is now above the head of his bed instead on the wall at the foot of his bed.  He used to have the bed near the window, which had a wall.  Now Dad is in the middle and faces his cherry wood closet, and they frown on taping any pictures on that...

Dad's favorite Angel saw them, and came over to give Mom a hug.  Smiling, she told Mom, "Watch this", then she made a gesture with her fingers from her eyes to Dad, and Dad convulsed into a roaring belly laugh, almost falling out of his wheelchair!  She told Mom the gesture was between them, and it meant she has her eyes on him, so he better eat all his food.  She said Dad really gets a charge out of it when she does that to him...

She did it again, and Dad burst into another belly jiggling laugh.  She told Mom they were having a Super Bowl Party this weekend, and Dad was really looking forward to it.

Dad looked at Mom and nodded toward the phone, telling her he "could call his daughters whenever he felt like it."  Mom reminded him that my sister works and I am taking Izzy on a lot of walks.  When she saw Dad's blank look, she realized he had forgotten who Izzy was, and he could not dial either of our phone numbers if he wanted to....so she changed the subject back to the Super Bowl...

Dad began to close his eyes and appeared very tired, so she called the male attendant to come and tuck Dad into bed.  She told us how gentle and sweet he is with Dad.  We are so Blessed to have the staff they do, to care for Dad.

Mom kissed him good-bye and he told her to "drive carefully in the rain".  Mom smiled and told him she would, waving good-bye and blowing him another kiss. She was so pleased to see he did not seem upset in any way over the move and was happy to have another great visit...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

I do understand the power of a good nap....

I called Dad at 2:30pm.  He told me, he was in the hospital, but he is doing as well as can be expected...  He asked when I was coming to visit and I told him probably next month.

He said my sister was there.  I know she was at work, so I went with it, and asked if they had a nice visit.  They did, and he likes visiting with me too on the patio...

He sounds drugged or like he just woke up.  He confirmed he had just woke up. His voice sounded dry, like his lips were sticking to his teeth, and he needed a drink of water...  I ask, but he did not hear me or understood what I said.

I inquired if he had a good nap, and he corrected me, saying, it was morning, and he just woke up...telling me he did not nap in the morning...

Changing the subject, I asked how his Angel-Doctor-Doctor was...and I could tell he was smiling when he began to say how wonderful she was, and how much he loved her.  He chuckled as he remembered, she likes to pull fast ones on him...and how much he loves it.

I asked him how he liked his new room but I could tell he was confused and did not understand what I was asking. Probably too sleepy... I had spoken to the nurse prior to talking with him, and she said he had not complained or seemed agitated.  She told me they transferred his "wall of love".  I think as long as his Angel is there, he does not care...She assured me my name is on the "first to call list"...and it nothing to do with long distance...(yeah, right...)

I asked him how he was foot was feeling...and he told me, "he just woke up"... (Obviously, this conversation is going no where fast...he is just too groggy.) He started to say something, then I heard a "fumble noise" and could hear him talking faintly... I could hear background noise, but despite my repeated and LOUD, " Hello? Hell-o ? Helloooo???" ....no one responded.

I called back to the nurses station, to check on him, and to hang up the phone, so someone else could use it. Dad  had fallen back asleep....no doubt dreaming sweet dreams of his Angel...

I do understand the power of a good nap...sweet dreams Papa-doots.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A change is gonna come and he may not like it...

The nursing home called Mom (NOT me AGAIN!!) to let her know Dad's room mate has some kind of an infection.  Since Dad has open sores on his ear and his left foot, for safety sake, they will have to move him.  Dad may not like that...he hated change BEFORE he had dementia/Alzheimer's, and hates it even worse NOW.

The Social Worker told Mom they could probably move him back, once the room mate's infection is gone. The next Care Conference for Dad is scheduled for February 23, 2010 at 11:30am.  I will be in my primary care physician's office finding out how my cholesterol and triglycerides have been doing these last four months walking Izzy and giving up cheese...

Dad has horn-like (hard and crusty) things that pop up on his ears, elbows, hands and face.  He will scratch himself, making it bleed. He has always had dry skin and used to itch constantly.  I also noticed prior to the nursing home, he would itch out of nervousness. Since coming to the nursing home, the wound care nurse has worked wonders with his skin.  None of us have ever seen it so smooth and soft!! The wound care nurse also called, and spoke to Mom (not me) telling her Dad's ear had opened up again, so she was medicating it.

She told Mom how much she missed seeing her, and Mom told her that her work schedule had changed.  Mom used to work in the afternoon, so she could visit in the morning.  Now, she works in the morning and is generally too pooped to visit in the afternoon, especially with her Caregivers Support Group...

I have tried several times to call to check on Dad, but I can't even get the nursing station!  No doubt everyone is bustling around moving him, and unless his Angel is there, Dad is going to let every one know how unhappy he is about moving!!  He has his wall of love we made him, with all my paintings, various cards, pictures of the great-grand kids...he will have a fit if that is left behind...

I HATE not being able to talk with Dad to calm him down...I want to know he is OK...

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Purple sunsets...

Tonight, as Izzy and I went out to get the mail, the sky was a spectacular purple color.  Quickly, I ran back in the house for my camera.  Izzy and I jogged to the end of the block in order to get a better glimpse of the setting sun...



Really beautiful... wish it showed up better in the photos....

Monday, February 1, 2010

Something from Mom...

Mom emailed this to me today...and I thought I would share it:                                     

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!

I Believe....
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other..
 
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.
I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while 
and you must forgive them for that...

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life...

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them..

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe....
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe...'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.
Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life...
 May Angels guard you and guide you