Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Thursday, March 31, 2011 about 5:10 PM Pacific Time
In the past few days, I have had difficulty finding subject to cover in this blog. Therefore, I have decided to focus on a different subject each day of the week. This gives me something to write; the only thing I have to do is find a way to apply that subject to the day’s activities or encounters.
The general topics I want to cover are spiritual subjects (Sunday), living in Las Vegas (Monday), my favorites (Tuesday), midweek reflections (Wednesday), gratitude or giving thanks (Thankful Thursday), memories from my childhood (Friday), and Slices of my Life (Saturday). The minimum word count for each entry is 200 words. The 200 words maybe a bit of a stretch because I have other things to write; however, I am going to attempt that word count.
I know that I have to write and print a daily “To Do List” because I have to have my goals in front of me. In addition, I suspect I need a daily schedule, which should be interesting because I have tried this in the past. I will see how the schedule works out.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
My Clothespins are missing
Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Friday, March 25, 2011 about 6:36 PM Pacific Time
My clothespins are missing. I do not know where the container is located. I have looked everywhere I can think of, but I cannot find them. I hung two light blankets out today without clothespins and the wind blew then off the line. Fortunately, the blankets were dry before they hit the ground; still I need the clothespins because next time I may not be that lucky.
I remember seeing the contain last week; I am not sure which room it was in. I have looked in the kitchen, the living room, the bathrooms, and the bedrooms. I cannot find the clothespins; therefore, I am going have to buy more clothespins. I have more laundry to wash and no way the hang them safely on the line.
I do not need an electric dryer because I have a nice solar dryer in my backyard. All I have to do is hang clothes on it, but I need clothespins to keep the wet clothes on the line. Lately, the wind has blown and the wind blows the clothes off the line without something holding them on.
My clothespins are missing. I do not know where the container is located. I have looked everywhere I can think of, but I cannot find them. I hung two light blankets out today without clothespins and the wind blew then off the line. Fortunately, the blankets were dry before they hit the ground; still I need the clothespins because next time I may not be that lucky.
I remember seeing the contain last week; I am not sure which room it was in. I have looked in the kitchen, the living room, the bathrooms, and the bedrooms. I cannot find the clothespins; therefore, I am going have to buy more clothespins. I have more laundry to wash and no way the hang them safely on the line.
I do not need an electric dryer because I have a nice solar dryer in my backyard. All I have to do is hang clothes on it, but I need clothespins to keep the wet clothes on the line. Lately, the wind has blown and the wind blows the clothes off the line without something holding them on.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mom got up without help today
Fidál (Grace), 2 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Tuesday, March 22, 2011 about 8:36 AM Pacific Time
Last night was difficult for Mom. She got sick because she took some of her medication without eating. It is also possible she ate too many sweets yesterday. I thought I would have a difficult time getting her up this morning, but she got out of bed without any urging from me.
This morning she got up and came into the living room. I pointed out the bouquet of roses Mom received for her 90th birthday. Then we went back into Mom’s bedroom so she could change cloths. I found a pair of slacks that were too big for her; therefore, she decided to wear a dress.
Despite the fact that Mom had a rough night, she is in a good mood this morning. She took her first three meds without any fuss. I give her the meds after she began eating breakfast. I am watching her closely to see is she is still eating because she has three more tablets to take this morning. Then she has three and one-half tablets for lunch and six more with her evening meal. I hope she takes the rest of the meds easily today.
I have to watch what she eats closely today because there is still some birthday cake leftover. This morning she does not seem interested in the cake, but later today, she may ask for a piece.
Last night was difficult for Mom. She got sick because she took some of her medication without eating. It is also possible she ate too many sweets yesterday. I thought I would have a difficult time getting her up this morning, but she got out of bed without any urging from me.
This morning she got up and came into the living room. I pointed out the bouquet of roses Mom received for her 90th birthday. Then we went back into Mom’s bedroom so she could change cloths. I found a pair of slacks that were too big for her; therefore, she decided to wear a dress.
Despite the fact that Mom had a rough night, she is in a good mood this morning. She took her first three meds without any fuss. I give her the meds after she began eating breakfast. I am watching her closely to see is she is still eating because she has three more tablets to take this morning. Then she has three and one-half tablets for lunch and six more with her evening meal. I hope she takes the rest of the meds easily today.
I have to watch what she eats closely today because there is still some birthday cake leftover. This morning she does not seem interested in the cake, but later today, she may ask for a piece.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring and a New Year
Kamál (Perfection), 1 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Monday, March 21, 2011 about 2:33 PM Pacific Time
It is spring. It is a New Year. It is Naw-Ruz. In Las Vegas the wind is blowing. It is a chilly spring wind, with a wind chill factor. I am glad spring has finally arrived. The weeds in my front yard are green. The neighbors’ trees are leafing. The clouds in the sky are white and fluffy. It is a beautiful spring day in Las Vegas.
Since I am celebrating a New Year, I decided to attempt to post to all three of my blogs today. I am doing a good job because the season and the wind make good subjects. Because of the wind chill factor, I feel chilly, it is not as chilly outside or inside as I perceive. It is really a nice day in Las Vegas. The wind causes me to feel colder then it is.
I feel chilly, but I am enjoying watching the clouds move across the blue sky. It rained last night because when I woke up this morning there was a small puddle of water in my driveway. The sun dried up the puddle hours ago. The wind scattered the morning clouds. It is a beautiful day in Las Vegas.
It is spring. It is a New Year. It is Naw-Ruz. In Las Vegas the wind is blowing. It is a chilly spring wind, with a wind chill factor. I am glad spring has finally arrived. The weeds in my front yard are green. The neighbors’ trees are leafing. The clouds in the sky are white and fluffy. It is a beautiful spring day in Las Vegas.
Since I am celebrating a New Year, I decided to attempt to post to all three of my blogs today. I am doing a good job because the season and the wind make good subjects. Because of the wind chill factor, I feel chilly, it is not as chilly outside or inside as I perceive. It is really a nice day in Las Vegas. The wind causes me to feel colder then it is.
I feel chilly, but I am enjoying watching the clouds move across the blue sky. It rained last night because when I woke up this morning there was a small puddle of water in my driveway. The sun dried up the puddle hours ago. The wind scattered the morning clouds. It is a beautiful day in Las Vegas.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Today my mother is 90 years old
Jalál (Glory), 18 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Saturday, March 19, 2011 about 5:31 PM Pacific Time
My mother was born on March 19, 1921 on a farm in Oklahoma. In the years since her birth, Mom has witnessed many changes in the world. When Mom was born, the doctor had a car. In fact, he was the only individual in the town closest to my grandparent’s farm that had a car. My mother witnessed many history-making events.
My mother is 90 years old. Mom witnessed the first television sits come into existence. She witnessed humanity’s first steps into the universe. Mom saw the first human being place his feet on the moon.
My mother was born in the 20th century. My mother now lives in the 21st century. Mom saw medical history made and several diseases conquered. There is one disease that has not been conquered and is still devastating families. That disease is Alzheimer’s disease.
My mother has Alzheimer’s disease. I do not know how much longer I will have my mother with me. I do not know how much longer my mother will remember me. Every morning when I wake up, I do not know if my mother will be angry or in a good mood. I live one day at a time wondering how this disease will manifest itself.
My mother was born on March 19, 1921 on a farm in Oklahoma. In the years since her birth, Mom has witnessed many changes in the world. When Mom was born, the doctor had a car. In fact, he was the only individual in the town closest to my grandparent’s farm that had a car. My mother witnessed many history-making events.
My mother is 90 years old. Mom witnessed the first television sits come into existence. She witnessed humanity’s first steps into the universe. Mom saw the first human being place his feet on the moon.
My mother was born in the 20th century. My mother now lives in the 21st century. Mom saw medical history made and several diseases conquered. There is one disease that has not been conquered and is still devastating families. That disease is Alzheimer’s disease.
My mother has Alzheimer’s disease. I do not know how much longer I will have my mother with me. I do not know how much longer my mother will remember me. Every morning when I wake up, I do not know if my mother will be angry or in a good mood. I live one day at a time wondering how this disease will manifest itself.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
I took the cats to the Animal Shelter today
Istijlál (Majesty), 16 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Wednesday, March 16, 2011 about 7:25 PM Pacific Time
I took my three remaining cats to the Animal Shelter today. It was a long and difficult decision; however, it was the best thing to do under the circumstances. I could not take care of them and my mother. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease; even with assistance Mom takes a great deal of care.
The Animal Shelter is the best place for Midnight, Prince, and Beauty because they have a chance of adoption into good homes. I suppose I should have made this decision long ago, but I had difficulty admitting I could not do everything. In addition, Mom wanted to keep the cats and I was afraid of her reaction.
Right now, Mom does not realize that Beauty, Midnight, and Prince are not here. I still have the litter boxes to empty, their water dishes and empty food dishes to pick up. I am waiting for Mom to go to bed before emptying the litter boxes. I will empty the litter and take the plastic containers to the garage. Eventually, Mom will realize that we no longer have the cats and I will deal with the situation then.
I took my three remaining cats to the Animal Shelter today. It was a long and difficult decision; however, it was the best thing to do under the circumstances. I could not take care of them and my mother. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease; even with assistance Mom takes a great deal of care.
The Animal Shelter is the best place for Midnight, Prince, and Beauty because they have a chance of adoption into good homes. I suppose I should have made this decision long ago, but I had difficulty admitting I could not do everything. In addition, Mom wanted to keep the cats and I was afraid of her reaction.
Right now, Mom does not realize that Beauty, Midnight, and Prince are not here. I still have the litter boxes to empty, their water dishes and empty food dishes to pick up. I am waiting for Mom to go to bed before emptying the litter boxes. I will empty the litter and take the plastic containers to the garage. Eventually, Mom will realize that we no longer have the cats and I will deal with the situation then.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
One tree left in my front yard
Fidál (Grace), 14 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Tuesday, March 15, 2011 about 4:34 PM Pacific Time
I have only one tree left in my front yard. A neighbor had the olive tree cut down yesterday. It is gone and the pigeons are in mourning. The pigeons no longer have a food source in my front yard. I do not think I will miss the pigeons. I can have my car washed without worrying about parking it in my driveway afterwards.
The olive tree is gone. The pigeons are gone. My living room has more light in the afternoon. It is amazing how much brighter my living room is now that the olive tree is gone. Perhaps I will write a poem about the olive tree from a pigeon’s point of view. If I plant any trees in my yard, they will be desert trees. If I plant any type of flora in my front yard, it will be a desert plant.
I took Mom to the doctor yesterday and when we came home, the olive tree was gone. My neighbor asked me on Sunday if he could cut down that tree, I told him yes. I missed the olive tree a bit after I came home, but it was because I had gotten used to seeing it outside. I do not think Mom noticed that the tree was gone.
I have only one tree left in my front yard. A neighbor had the olive tree cut down yesterday. It is gone and the pigeons are in mourning. The pigeons no longer have a food source in my front yard. I do not think I will miss the pigeons. I can have my car washed without worrying about parking it in my driveway afterwards.
The olive tree is gone. The pigeons are gone. My living room has more light in the afternoon. It is amazing how much brighter my living room is now that the olive tree is gone. Perhaps I will write a poem about the olive tree from a pigeon’s point of view. If I plant any trees in my yard, they will be desert trees. If I plant any type of flora in my front yard, it will be a desert plant.
I took Mom to the doctor yesterday and when we came home, the olive tree was gone. My neighbor asked me on Sunday if he could cut down that tree, I told him yes. I missed the olive tree a bit after I came home, but it was because I had gotten used to seeing it outside. I do not think Mom noticed that the tree was gone.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday Afternoon in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 12 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Sunday, March 13, 2011 about 3:46 PM Pacific Time
It is Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. I am sitting at the computer listening to bird song echoing through the house. I have the front and the back doors open with the screen closed. I hear mourning doves cooing and sometimes a nightingale singing. One of the neighborhood dogs is barking, I think at one of the neighborhood cats.
It is a pleasant Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. I have a full week of writing ahead of me. I have a new faucet in the kitchen, so now I have both hot and cold running water. I can now make coffee without having to wait until the water in a pitcher gets cool enough to put in the coffee maker.
It is a cloudy afternoon in Las Vegas. White and gray clouds hide the blue sky. It is not cold outside and I do not see tree limbs waving in the wind. It is a nice day because the temperature is not too hot or too cold. I turned the heat off in the house a day or so ago and have not turned the cool air on.
It is a nice day in Las Vegas. This morning when I went out to pick up the newspaper, I noticed that the neighbor’s oak tree is turning green. Spring has arrived in Las Vegas.
It is Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. I am sitting at the computer listening to bird song echoing through the house. I have the front and the back doors open with the screen closed. I hear mourning doves cooing and sometimes a nightingale singing. One of the neighborhood dogs is barking, I think at one of the neighborhood cats.
It is a pleasant Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. I have a full week of writing ahead of me. I have a new faucet in the kitchen, so now I have both hot and cold running water. I can now make coffee without having to wait until the water in a pitcher gets cool enough to put in the coffee maker.
It is a cloudy afternoon in Las Vegas. White and gray clouds hide the blue sky. It is not cold outside and I do not see tree limbs waving in the wind. It is a nice day because the temperature is not too hot or too cold. I turned the heat off in the house a day or so ago and have not turned the cool air on.
It is a nice day in Las Vegas. This morning when I went out to pick up the newspaper, I noticed that the neighbor’s oak tree is turning green. Spring has arrived in Las Vegas.
Monday, March 07, 2011
After Sunset on Monday, March 07, 2011
Fidál (Grace), 7 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Monday, March 7, 2011 about 7:55 PM Pacific Time
It is after sunset and a new solar day has begun. My life has been so full of stress lately that I cannot focus on writing. I cannot seem to focus on anything except the stress. I need to relax. I need to go to a restaurant by myself and have a huge chocolate desert. I think I would like chocolate ice cream on top of a piece of chocolate cake or brownie and a cup of hot café mocha.
A new solar day has begun and it is the seventh day of the month of fasting. I cannot fast because I take medication. I take three different medications. I take four tables a day plus an eye vitamin or calcium tablet. I took the eye vitamin this morning, so I will take the calcium tablet in the morning. There is a reason for this, which I do not wish to go into at this time, perhaps in a later entry.
I am making this entry after sunset because I could not think of anything to write earlier in the day. The stress seems to be affecting my muse, as well as my memory. I noticed this afternoon that I had trouble finding the words I wanted. I think the problem is stress, but I am not sure. There could be another problem, which is affecting my memory. However, since I can still recite the Tablet of Ahmad without a prayer book in front of me, I suspect the memory issue is more about stress then anything else.
It is after sunset and a new solar day has begun. My life has been so full of stress lately that I cannot focus on writing. I cannot seem to focus on anything except the stress. I need to relax. I need to go to a restaurant by myself and have a huge chocolate desert. I think I would like chocolate ice cream on top of a piece of chocolate cake or brownie and a cup of hot café mocha.
A new solar day has begun and it is the seventh day of the month of fasting. I cannot fast because I take medication. I take three different medications. I take four tables a day plus an eye vitamin or calcium tablet. I took the eye vitamin this morning, so I will take the calcium tablet in the morning. There is a reason for this, which I do not wish to go into at this time, perhaps in a later entry.
I am making this entry after sunset because I could not think of anything to write earlier in the day. The stress seems to be affecting my muse, as well as my memory. I noticed this afternoon that I had trouble finding the words I wanted. I think the problem is stress, but I am not sure. There could be another problem, which is affecting my memory. However, since I can still recite the Tablet of Ahmad without a prayer book in front of me, I suspect the memory issue is more about stress then anything else.
Friday, March 04, 2011
I need more rest
Istiqlál (Independence), 3 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Friday, March 4, 2011 about 5:55 PM Pacific Time
I am not resting well. I do not get enough sleep. I do not sleep in my bed. I sleep on the couch. The reason I sleep on the couch is so that I can hear my mother if she needs me in the middle of the night. If I sleep in my bed, I do not always hear Mom when she calls me, so I sleep on the couch and do not get enough sleep or rest.
I know I am going to have to start getting more rest. I have to figure out a way to get rest and take care of Mom at the same time. I am just not sure how to go about it. The problem is that Mom gets crosswise in bed and then cannot get back into a comfortable sleeping position.
Another problem is she gets up in the middle of the night and will not use her walker. Mom refuses to use the walker, but she needs it for balance. I have to be able to hear when she gets up so that I can check to make sure she is all right. I am seriously considering hospice care for Mom, at least temporarily.
I am not resting well. I do not get enough sleep. I do not sleep in my bed. I sleep on the couch. The reason I sleep on the couch is so that I can hear my mother if she needs me in the middle of the night. If I sleep in my bed, I do not always hear Mom when she calls me, so I sleep on the couch and do not get enough sleep or rest.
I know I am going to have to start getting more rest. I have to figure out a way to get rest and take care of Mom at the same time. I am just not sure how to go about it. The problem is that Mom gets crosswise in bed and then cannot get back into a comfortable sleeping position.
Another problem is she gets up in the middle of the night and will not use her walker. Mom refuses to use the walker, but she needs it for balance. I have to be able to hear when she gets up so that I can check to make sure she is all right. I am seriously considering hospice care for Mom, at least temporarily.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
The Battle of the Walker
My mother does not want to use her walker. However, she needs it to balance herself. This afternoon she had decided that she is not going to bed if she has to use the walker to get to her bedroom. She is sitting on the couch in the breakfast room, so she has decided to lay down on that couch and go to sleep.
I am glad that my computer is in the living room rather then in a separate office. I used to think I wanted a home-office, but now I am glad my computer is in the living room because it is easier to keep an eye on Mom and make sure she uses her walker when she gets up and goes to another part of the house.
My computer is located in a good position. All I have to do is turn around and I can see her in the breakfast room. If Mom is in the living room then it is even easier to keep an eye on her. If Mom gets off the couch then I can go to wherever she is and make sure she uses the walker. I have to be persistent and walk beside or behind her when she goes to another room, but at least I know she is using the walker.
I am glad that my computer is in the living room rather then in a separate office. I used to think I wanted a home-office, but now I am glad my computer is in the living room because it is easier to keep an eye on Mom and make sure she uses her walker when she gets up and goes to another part of the house.
My computer is located in a good position. All I have to do is turn around and I can see her in the breakfast room. If Mom is in the living room then it is even easier to keep an eye on her. If Mom gets off the couch then I can go to wherever she is and make sure she uses the walker. I have to be persistent and walk beside or behind her when she goes to another room, but at least I know she is using the walker.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Three months into 2011
‘Idál (Justice), 1 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 167 BE – Tuesday, March 1, 2011 about 7:07 PM Pacific Time
Three months into 2011 and I have made some significant changes in my life. I now have a cable modem, cable television, a new telephone number, and a new e-mail address. I spent last night and today changing my e-mail on some of the survey panels participate in. I still have others to change before the end of the week.
Other changes concern one of the trees in my front yard. I now have only two trees, a stone pine and an olive tree. Both of those will eventually have to go, but not for a while. It takes time and money to remove trees, but in some cases, it is worth the effort and the expense.
I am looking forward to getting rid of the last two trees. Once they are gone then I can put in some desert plants and trees. I am looking forward to planting trees that do not use much water. I am looking forward to having plants that do not tear up the cement of my driveway or get into my sewer pipes and clog the flow of water.
Three months into 2011 and I have made some significant changes in my life. I now have a cable modem, cable television, a new telephone number, and a new e-mail address. I spent last night and today changing my e-mail on some of the survey panels participate in. I still have others to change before the end of the week.
Other changes concern one of the trees in my front yard. I now have only two trees, a stone pine and an olive tree. Both of those will eventually have to go, but not for a while. It takes time and money to remove trees, but in some cases, it is worth the effort and the expense.
I am looking forward to getting rid of the last two trees. Once they are gone then I can put in some desert plants and trees. I am looking forward to planting trees that do not use much water. I am looking forward to having plants that do not tear up the cement of my driveway or get into my sewer pipes and clog the flow of water.
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