Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, September 29, 2011 about 11:05 AM Pacific Time
I have to make a daily menu for October because I am tired of trying to figure out what I want to eat. I have plenty of food in the house, which could be the issue when it concerns fixing something to eat for myself. Mom spends Monday through Friday at the Day Care Center, so she gets two meals there.
Mom can eat four means a day, so I have to find two meals for her during the week and four meals on weekends. Sometimes I can eat four meals a day and sometimes only two. We have pasta and canned vegetables, so most of the meals in October will consist of that. I know that for breakfast, I will eat cereal, but I think I will cook rice for Mom to eat.
There is only one box of Mom’s cereal left and she cannot eat my cereal because of the high fiber content. White rice has little or no dietary, so I will fix that for her breakfast. If she wants something to go with it, I will give her canned fruit or milk. Mom likes milk, she drinks at least one cup of milk in the morning.
Because the hearing aids require a co-pay, the October budget is tight. I only hope that Mom does not lose the new hearing aids. If she does, I do not know what we are going to do.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
My last Doctor’s Appointment
Kamál (Perfection), 19 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Monday, September 26, 2011 about 1:46 PM Pacific Time
At my last appointment, the Doctor said my blood test looked good, so she gave me a 90-day supply of meds with three refills. She said I did not have to make another appointment until August of 2012. This is nice; because that is one thing, I will not have to worry about. In addition, I had lost four pounds.
I turn 65 in December and go on Medicare. I have picked a Medicare Advantage plan and a new Doctor. I have to have my first Medicare physical in December or January. I am going to make an appointment in December with the new Doctor. Even though my present Doctor said I did not need an appointment until next year, there is no use putting off Medicare appointment because I have to have a mammogram in December or January.
I think my last mammogram was in December 2010. Therefore, I need to get one this year. I have my Medicare Advantage card in my purse; the only thing I have to do now is make the appointment. I am looking forward to meeting my new Doctor.
At my last appointment, the Doctor said my blood test looked good, so she gave me a 90-day supply of meds with three refills. She said I did not have to make another appointment until August of 2012. This is nice; because that is one thing, I will not have to worry about. In addition, I had lost four pounds.
I turn 65 in December and go on Medicare. I have picked a Medicare Advantage plan and a new Doctor. I have to have my first Medicare physical in December or January. I am going to make an appointment in December with the new Doctor. Even though my present Doctor said I did not need an appointment until next year, there is no use putting off Medicare appointment because I have to have a mammogram in December or January.
I think my last mammogram was in December 2010. Therefore, I need to get one this year. I have my Medicare Advantage card in my purse; the only thing I have to do now is make the appointment. I am looking forward to meeting my new Doctor.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Beautiful Sunday in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 18 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Sunday, September 25, 2011 about 6:30 PM Pacific Time
Beautiful Sunday
Last night’s rain cleaned Las Vegas
Washed the city air
A new week begins. The rain cleansed the air and the city (at least my part of it) looks fresh and clean. It was a beautiful morning to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee reading the Sunday comics.
Beautiful Sunday
Last night’s rain cleaned Las Vegas
Washed the city air
A new week begins. The rain cleansed the air and the city (at least my part of it) looks fresh and clean. It was a beautiful morning to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee reading the Sunday comics.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Water cold or at room temperature
Jalál (Glory), 17 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Saturday, September 24, 2011 about 4:55 PM Pacific Time
I read somewhere that a person drinks more water at room temperature then when the water is cold. This is not how it works for me. I do not enjoy drinking water at room temperature. I prefer my water cold and I will drink more water if it is cold then if it is at room temperature.
I believe I acquired this habit or perhaps I should say this taste when I was a child. My Mother and Grandmother always kept water in the refrigerator. At that time, when I drink water I always got it out of the fridge or I put ice cubes in it.
Today, I will not drink water at room temperature. Before I take a sip of water, I put ice cubes in the glass. If the ice cubes melt then I go to the refrigerator and get more ice cubes. I am not talking about one or two cubes. I fill my water container full of ice cubes before I pour the water into it. Then when I put the water in the container, I get it out of the pitcher I keep in the refrigerator. I do not like water at room temperature. If I have to drink it because I am thirsty and have no ice, I will drink it, but only as a last resort.
I read somewhere that a person drinks more water at room temperature then when the water is cold. This is not how it works for me. I do not enjoy drinking water at room temperature. I prefer my water cold and I will drink more water if it is cold then if it is at room temperature.
I believe I acquired this habit or perhaps I should say this taste when I was a child. My Mother and Grandmother always kept water in the refrigerator. At that time, when I drink water I always got it out of the fridge or I put ice cubes in it.
Today, I will not drink water at room temperature. Before I take a sip of water, I put ice cubes in the glass. If the ice cubes melt then I go to the refrigerator and get more ice cubes. I am not talking about one or two cubes. I fill my water container full of ice cubes before I pour the water into it. Then when I put the water in the container, I get it out of the pitcher I keep in the refrigerator. I do not like water at room temperature. If I have to drink it because I am thirsty and have no ice, I will drink it, but only as a last resort.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Powdered Milk and Warmed over Coffee in Las Vegas
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Friday, September 23, 2011 about 7:20 AM Pacific Time
Powdered (dry) milk does not taste like the regular milk any more then warming leftover coffee taste like fresh brewed; however, I am getting used to the taste of both. Fortunately, with coffee I can make another carafe fresh coffee when I have drank all the leftover.
It is a little more difficult with the dry milk. I have to mix another pitcher of dry milk today. I can make it taste better by ignoring the directions of the package and mixing it a little stronger. Alternatively, I can follow the directions and pour in a can of condensed milk. Condensed milk tastes more like the milk from the plastic jugs or cardboard containers. Adding chocolate syrup powder also helps the taste, unfortunately I do not have any type of chocolate mix.
Mom does not mind the taste of the powered milk. When it come the milk, the only complaint Mom has is that it is cold. Perhaps I should start warming her milk up in the microwave before I give it to her. I will have to practice warming it in the microwave so that I do not burn the milk.
Eventually I will get used to the taste of the milk. It has taken me longer then I thought, but I just have to be persistent. I will get some chocolate mix next time I go to the store for food and household items. Right now, I am closing this entry so that I can heat up another cup of leftover coffee in the microwave.
Powdered (dry) milk does not taste like the regular milk any more then warming leftover coffee taste like fresh brewed; however, I am getting used to the taste of both. Fortunately, with coffee I can make another carafe fresh coffee when I have drank all the leftover.
It is a little more difficult with the dry milk. I have to mix another pitcher of dry milk today. I can make it taste better by ignoring the directions of the package and mixing it a little stronger. Alternatively, I can follow the directions and pour in a can of condensed milk. Condensed milk tastes more like the milk from the plastic jugs or cardboard containers. Adding chocolate syrup powder also helps the taste, unfortunately I do not have any type of chocolate mix.
Mom does not mind the taste of the powered milk. When it come the milk, the only complaint Mom has is that it is cold. Perhaps I should start warming her milk up in the microwave before I give it to her. I will have to practice warming it in the microwave so that I do not burn the milk.
Eventually I will get used to the taste of the milk. It has taken me longer then I thought, but I just have to be persistent. I will get some chocolate mix next time I go to the store for food and household items. Right now, I am closing this entry so that I can heat up another cup of leftover coffee in the microwave.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
After my Wednesday Doctor’s appointment in Las Vegas
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Thursday, September 22, 2011 about 7:15 AM Pacific Time
I went to the doctor yesterday for the results of my blood test. My thyroid levels are in balance, so she refilled my prescription. I dropped the prescription off at the Smith’s Food & Drug pharmacy. I bought a few items we needed and came home. I will pick the prescription up on Friday because today I have to stay home and make some phone calls.
There is no rush to pick up the thyroid meds because my Doctor did not change the dosage. I still have about three or four tablets left, so I do not need the prescription immediately. I will pick the meds up tomorrow and buy anything else we may need for the weekend.
I went to the doctor yesterday for the results of my blood test. My thyroid levels are in balance, so she refilled my prescription. I dropped the prescription off at the Smith’s Food & Drug pharmacy. I bought a few items we needed and came home. I will pick the prescription up on Friday because today I have to stay home and make some phone calls.
There is no rush to pick up the thyroid meds because my Doctor did not change the dosage. I still have about three or four tablets left, so I do not need the prescription immediately. I will pick the meds up tomorrow and buy anything else we may need for the weekend.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Where oh where have the hearing aids gone
Kamál (Perfection), 12 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Monday, September 19, 2011 about 11:06 AM Pacific Time
I opened the bed in the couch to see if Mom’s hearing aids feel down into the mattress. I did not find the hearing aids, but it was not a total waste of effort. I found a teaspoon and fork that had fallen into the couch. I still have to figure out what Mom did with her hearing aids. I am sure she took them out of her ears at home, but I cannot figure out where she put them.
I looked in her purse a dozen times. I have searched the ground outside along the driveway. I have not found them yet and I do not want to give up looking for them, I just cannot figure out where they could be. It is almost as if the ground or the floor opened and swallowed them. Since we have not had any earthquakes recently I do not think that happen, but it would make a good plot to a story.
I opened the bed in the couch to see if Mom’s hearing aids feel down into the mattress. I did not find the hearing aids, but it was not a total waste of effort. I found a teaspoon and fork that had fallen into the couch. I still have to figure out what Mom did with her hearing aids. I am sure she took them out of her ears at home, but I cannot figure out where she put them.
I looked in her purse a dozen times. I have searched the ground outside along the driveway. I have not found them yet and I do not want to give up looking for them, I just cannot figure out where they could be. It is almost as if the ground or the floor opened and swallowed them. Since we have not had any earthquakes recently I do not think that happen, but it would make a good plot to a story.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Looking for my mother’s hearing aids
Jamál (Beauty), 11 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Sunday, September 18, 2011 about 10:55 AM Pacific Time
My mother lost her hearing aids last week. It occurred on Thursday, after she came home from the daycare center. She had her hearing aids in her ears when she got out of the daycare van. Sometime between the time she got out of the van and went to bed, she took them out of her ears and laid them down or dropped them.
It is possible she took them out of her ears before she got into the house and dropped them on the ground. I have looked and looked, but I cannot find them outside. With some help, I moved the couch and looked under it, but no hearing aids.
Her hearing aids had batteries in them, so I should be able to hear the noise they make. I have not heard that noise, so I am not sure where they are. I am at my wits end and do not know what to do. I am beginning to think it will take a miracle to find them because I do not know where else to look.
Every time I go outside, I look for them; I find nothing. I have to look for them somewhere else, but I think I have exhausted the locations. This is just another one of those things that happen when one is taking care of an Alzheimer sufferer.
My mother lost her hearing aids last week. It occurred on Thursday, after she came home from the daycare center. She had her hearing aids in her ears when she got out of the daycare van. Sometime between the time she got out of the van and went to bed, she took them out of her ears and laid them down or dropped them.
It is possible she took them out of her ears before she got into the house and dropped them on the ground. I have looked and looked, but I cannot find them outside. With some help, I moved the couch and looked under it, but no hearing aids.
Her hearing aids had batteries in them, so I should be able to hear the noise they make. I have not heard that noise, so I am not sure where they are. I am at my wits end and do not know what to do. I am beginning to think it will take a miracle to find them because I do not know where else to look.
Every time I go outside, I look for them; I find nothing. I have to look for them somewhere else, but I think I have exhausted the locations. This is just another one of those things that happen when one is taking care of an Alzheimer sufferer.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Half way through September in Las Vegas
It is half way through September. I downloaded Google Chrome on Monday and enjoying suffering the Internet again. I like the ease with which I can find websites. I also find it easier to tab browse and access e-mail links.
It is half way through September. Today I went to Office Depot and bought cartridges for my printer. I am not sure how long the cartridges will last, so I need to buy another pair by the end of the month. I use my printer to print coupons, as well as everything else. Because I needed print cartridges, I could not print anything for the past couple of weeks.
It is half way through September, my browser is faster and I can print again, even if it is only one page at a time. My printer jams when I attempt to print more then one page at a time. This is frustrating because when I print something off a website it is usually more then one page.
It is half way through September. Today I went to Office Depot and bought cartridges for my printer. I am not sure how long the cartridges will last, so I need to buy another pair by the end of the month. I use my printer to print coupons, as well as everything else. Because I needed print cartridges, I could not print anything for the past couple of weeks.
It is half way through September, my browser is faster and I can print again, even if it is only one page at a time. My printer jams when I attempt to print more then one page at a time. This is frustrating because when I print something off a website it is usually more then one page.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Disclaimer Policy for Poet 999 – A Butterfly Emerges From her Cocoon
Unless otherwise indicated in the post title, the opinions in this blog are my own. If the title contains the words “Guest Post” then that entry is by another author and the opinions are those of the writer of the post. Any products or services I mention in this blog are those I have used, and, therefore, I may or may not receive compensation for writing about them.
A Rainy Wednesday in Las Vegas
‘Idál (Justice), 7 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Wednesday, September 14, 2011 about 8:10 AM Pacific Time
Cold drops of water
Striking my arms face and hair
Invigorating
It is raining. When I took a bag of trash to the garage, the raindrops fell onto my arms, face, and hair. Perhaps I need to buy an umbrella or a raincoat to wear on days like this.
Cold drops of water
Striking my arms face and hair
Invigorating
It is raining. When I took a bag of trash to the garage, the raindrops fell onto my arms, face, and hair. Perhaps I need to buy an umbrella or a raincoat to wear on days like this.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thunder, Lightning, and Rain in Las Vegas
It is a beautiful cloudy day in Las Vegas. I hear thunder and last night I saw lightning. It rained a bit in my neighborhood. It was nice to see the rain because it has been so hot. I am glad it is raining and cool today because I have no air conditioning again. I do not know what the problem is this time, all I do know is that it would not come on yesterday even though the temperature rose to 88 and the thermostat is turned to 82.
I turned the unit off, called the tech, and now I am waiting for someone to come out and check it. Since it is raining off and on I do not need the cool air because it is cold enough for now. At least the temperatures will not get into the triple digits today.
I turned the unit off, called the tech, and now I am waiting for someone to come out and check it. Since it is raining off and on I do not need the cool air because it is cold enough for now. At least the temperatures will not get into the triple digits today.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sweltering in Las Vegas
Fidál (Grace), 6 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Monday, September 12, 2011 about 7:40 PM Pacific Time
It was humid today; I do not think it was very hot because the temperature air conditioner did not come on. It did not get over 82 degrees in the house, but it feels muggy. I prefer a dryer heat; however, I enjoy sitting in the house and watching the rain. I do not enjoy the humidity.
Humid and cloudy
Not a single drop of rain
In my neighborhood
It was humid today; I do not think it was very hot because the temperature air conditioner did not come on. It did not get over 82 degrees in the house, but it feels muggy. I prefer a dryer heat; however, I enjoy sitting in the house and watching the rain. I do not enjoy the humidity.
Humid and cloudy
Not a single drop of rain
In my neighborhood
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Follow the instructions in Las Vegas
Jalál (Glory), 3 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Saturday, September 10, 2011 about 12:45 PM Pacific Time
Yesterday, when I went to the grocery store I bought a package of hotcake mix. The type I bought required me to add water, so I did not make “from scratch” hotcakes. I followed the directions that said it would make eight to twelve pancakes. I got only seven from the batch I mixed.
I suspect the instructions referred to smaller servings of hotcakes then I make. I want good-sized servings when I make hotcakes because the small servings do not fill either Mom or me. This morning, Mom was satisfied with amount she ate. I was happy, but not satisfied. Tomorrow when I make hotcakes, I will also fry eggs to go with them.
Yesterday, when I went to the grocery store I bought a package of hotcake mix. The type I bought required me to add water, so I did not make “from scratch” hotcakes. I followed the directions that said it would make eight to twelve pancakes. I got only seven from the batch I mixed.
I suspect the instructions referred to smaller servings of hotcakes then I make. I want good-sized servings when I make hotcakes because the small servings do not fill either Mom or me. This morning, Mom was satisfied with amount she ate. I was happy, but not satisfied. Tomorrow when I make hotcakes, I will also fry eggs to go with them.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Comparison Shopping in Las Vegas
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Friday, September 9, 2011 about 1:04 PM Pacific Time
I went grocery shopping this morning. I needed to get a few stuff for the weekend. One of the things I bought was crackers, Mom likes peanut butter and crackers. Until today, I thought cracker did not have any dietary fiber in them, I was wrong. Some brands of cracker have it and some do not.
I did find a brand that did not have dietary fiber, but it cost about $4.00. The brand I bought had only 1 gram of fiber and it cost about $2.00. I bought the brand with the 1 gram because could buy two boxes of crackers for what one of the other brand cost.
Since the doctor put Mom on a low fiber diet, life has become much more complicated. There was a time when I did not read the ingredients on the label. I went to the store and bought the item I wanted without checking the label. I spent less time in the grocery store, now it takes me longer to shop because I have to read the labels.
I went grocery shopping this morning. I needed to get a few stuff for the weekend. One of the things I bought was crackers, Mom likes peanut butter and crackers. Until today, I thought cracker did not have any dietary fiber in them, I was wrong. Some brands of cracker have it and some do not.
I did find a brand that did not have dietary fiber, but it cost about $4.00. The brand I bought had only 1 gram of fiber and it cost about $2.00. I bought the brand with the 1 gram because could buy two boxes of crackers for what one of the other brand cost.
Since the doctor put Mom on a low fiber diet, life has become much more complicated. There was a time when I did not read the ingredients on the label. I went to the store and bought the item I wanted without checking the label. I spent less time in the grocery store, now it takes me longer to shop because I have to read the labels.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
A mostly cloudy day in Las Vegas
Mostly cloudy sky
Patches of blue and sunshine
A breeze kisses trees
It is a beautiful afternoon in Las Vegas. White fluffy clouds dance across the sky. The clouds imply humidity, but do not promise rain. All though, just to be on the safe side I think I will make sure my car windows are rolled up.
Patches of blue and sunshine
A breeze kisses trees
It is a beautiful afternoon in Las Vegas. White fluffy clouds dance across the sky. The clouds imply humidity, but do not promise rain. All though, just to be on the safe side I think I will make sure my car windows are rolled up.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Happy Labor Day
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Monday, September 5, 2011 about 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Happy Labor Day, the day we celebrate the contribution of the ordinary working person to civilization and society. I sent one of my brothers a text wishing him a “Happy Labor Day”. He responded with a message that said “Happy” and “Labor” are contradictions in terms.
Perhaps, since I have not worked outside the house in a long time, I am not sure one-way or the other. Anyway, have an enjoyable Labor Day and picnic if it is not raining. It is cloudy here in Las Vegas. When I took a bag of trash to the garage, I felt a drop of rain hit my left arm.
Clouds cover the sky
Promise rain in Las Vegas
The day is cooler
Happy Labor Day, the day we celebrate the contribution of the ordinary working person to civilization and society. I sent one of my brothers a text wishing him a “Happy Labor Day”. He responded with a message that said “Happy” and “Labor” are contradictions in terms.
Perhaps, since I have not worked outside the house in a long time, I am not sure one-way or the other. Anyway, have an enjoyable Labor Day and picnic if it is not raining. It is cloudy here in Las Vegas. When I took a bag of trash to the garage, I felt a drop of rain hit my left arm.
Clouds cover the sky
Promise rain in Las Vegas
The day is cooler
Sunday, September 04, 2011
My mother is looking for something
Jamál (Beauty), 16 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Sunday, September 4, 2011 about Sunset Pacific Time
My mother is looking for something, but she cannot tell me what it is. When ever I ask she holds her hands together forming a round or square shape about an inch around. That could be almost anything.
She gets upset because she cannot find it. She gets angry because she thinks I should know what she is about, so I have to figure out what it is and where she put it. Whatever it is I suspect she placed the item on one of her dresser drawers.
The last time I looked in the drawers, I found her extra shoes. Every one of the drawers is full of stuff, so I will have to go through each one until I find something similar to Mom’s description.
Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, which comes with short-term memory lose and anger. The problem is that Mom knows what she is talking about, but cannot think of the name. I just hope that whatever she is looking for it is easy to find or I can find something that resembles the item. My only option is to find small object and keep showing them to her until she finds one she likes.
My mother is looking for something, but she cannot tell me what it is. When ever I ask she holds her hands together forming a round or square shape about an inch around. That could be almost anything.
She gets upset because she cannot find it. She gets angry because she thinks I should know what she is about, so I have to figure out what it is and where she put it. Whatever it is I suspect she placed the item on one of her dresser drawers.
The last time I looked in the drawers, I found her extra shoes. Every one of the drawers is full of stuff, so I will have to go through each one until I find something similar to Mom’s description.
Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, which comes with short-term memory lose and anger. The problem is that Mom knows what she is talking about, but cannot think of the name. I just hope that whatever she is looking for it is easy to find or I can find something that resembles the item. My only option is to find small object and keep showing them to her until she finds one she likes.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Writing.com is 11 years old this month
Writing.com is eleven years old. This is a wonderful place for writers because of the feedback you get on your work. Another nice thing about writing.com is the encouragement and contests. I encourage writers and readers to check out writing.com.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
An evening in September
The sun has set. It was not a spectacular sunset because there are no clouds. It was a pretty sunset, with the sun descending slowly behind the western peaks. The streetlights are on casting pools of pale light at regular intervals along Las Vegas streets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)