Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

We had a very sweet visit from 3 young raccoons a couple of days ago. Mom spotted them in a tree out front and we went out on the porch and enjoyed them for an hour or more. I fed them a bowl of dog food and they really chowed it down. I took pictures of them and they let me get pretty close. Seemed to have very little fear of me. They figured out how to flip themselves over into the bird bath for some water. I haven’t seen a trace of them since, even though I have food set out for them. *pout*

The bath thing at the VA with Mom is essentially a bust. The bottom line is Mom won’t agree and they don’t have the staff to spend hours a day trying to coerce her. Although the plan failing is very disappointing to me; I certainly don’t expect anyone to go through what I do to bathe her. However, Kendra called me this week and offered for Mom to have a free overnight, since the one time she will cooperate with a shower is in that setting where everyone is taking one. It’s too bad they only have the overnight respites twice a month. I do greatly appreciate Kendra’s compassion and caring and her desire to help me. Sometimes it feels like I’m sinking and there is a boat full of people right by me, but no one will throw out a lifeline. Well, today someone threw out a life boat and I am kicked back relaxing in it at the moment. *smile*

Return of the Mice
Yes, we now have mice once again. *scream* It took me months to get rid of them, but I wasn’t able to prevent another invasion. Maybe it’s because Mom puts out food for them all over the place. Mostly she hides salami. I find slices of salami behind the microwave, behind knickknacks on top of the TV, wrapped in tissues hidden in out of the way places. All the traps, Decon, and sonic rodent repellents just aren’t going to be successful if Mom doesn’t quit playing hide the salami all the time. For now I have stashed the salami in the vegetable bin, but she does hide other food, too. Who will win? The mice or the maid? Stay tuned.

For months now I have been walking around the perimeter of the VA on the days Mom goes there. Just yesterday Annette told me that all the building are connected and it’s possible to walk inside in the mostly air conditioned space. Since the heat has been sweltering, I decided to try it. I must say, I enjoyed the break from the heat along with seeing quite a different perspective of the VA facility. Some of the long, narrow connecting walkways are kinda creepy, though. With the loud booming of the ac units and other machinery there, I wondered if anyone would hear someone yelling for help in the more secluded areas. I met a man leaning on a drink machine who said to me, “How do I know Eisenhower?” I smiled and he repeated the question, so I answered, “Because he was president?” He nodded, seeming to be happy that I knew the answer and then continued, “How do I know Eisenhower?” Trying to divert his attention, I motioned to the drink machine and said, “Boy, those drinks sure look good!” and quickly made my way out. I could hear him yelling for me to come back. He even resorted to, “Help me, please help me!” I felt terrible leaving, but I left anyway. I saw the same man today sitting outside alone in a chair, mumbling to himself, about Eisenhower, no doubt. At any rate, I’m happy to have a conditioned place to walk through all kinds of weather now. Mall walking just didn’t work out for me. Every time I went to walk, I ended up going shopping instead. Hmmmm.... I did see a small retail store inside the VA today. I think I’ll stop in there next time.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. .