Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon

Recipe of the Week: Rice in the slow cooker

2012-02-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 6 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Sunday, February 12, 2012 about 11:55 AM Pacific Time

I am fixing rice in the slow cooker today. The first thing I do before cooking the rice is to put water in the Brita filter pitcher. When the water filters through, I use a 1-quart glass-measuring cup to make sure I have enough water in the cooker to make sure I have enough water to cook the rice. I pour the water into the slow cooker and then turn it on. I let the water get hot before putting the rice in to cook. After the water is hot, I pour a package of rice and let it cook.

Since I am not using the rice as a breakfast food this week, I flavor the rice with shrimp bullion cubes. Once the rice finishes cooking, I will divide it into two microwavable safe casserole dishes. One of the dishes, I will mix with canned vegetables and chicken to make a main dish. The rice in the other casserole dish I will remain shrimp flavored rice for now. Tomorrow I will either freeze it for use as a side dish later or mix a can of beans with it before putting it in the freezer.

I have to check to see how many cans of beans are in the pantry. I also have to see what types of canned beans I have. I know I have green beans in the pantry, but I do not want to mix the rice with green beans, because I may want to use green beans as part of the main dish containing the chicken and vegetables.

Family History Friday: Grocery Shopping with my Grandparents

2012-02-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

I remember going grocery shopping with Grandma and Grandpa. My grandparents went grocery shopping once a week. On Friday, Grandma would make the shopping list and then on Saturday, when Grandpa was off, they would go to the “grocery store”.

On Saturday, morning Grandma would get up and make breakfast. After breakfast, she and Grandpa would go grocery shopping. They always went to Safeway in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I can’t remember for sure, but I think Safeway was the only grocery store in Blackwell at that time. There was another privately owned market in Blackwell, but Safeway (I think) was the only supermarket in town.

When they arrived at the grocery store, Grandpa would push the shopping cart while Grandma picked the items from the shelves and put them into the cart. They would start at one side of the store and go up and down every isle until they had bought every item on Grandma’s shopping list. Since Grandma always wrote a complete list, they didn’t have to buy anything that wasn’t on the list.

The only exception my grandparents ever made was when one or more of their grandchildren went with them. Grandpa always bought something for the kids, even if it wasn’t on the list.

Coupon Epiphany in Las Vegas

2012-02-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Friday, February 10, 2012 about 5:25 AM Pacific Time

I’m attempting to save money by using coupons. I clip my coupons, place them in an expanding coupon-size file and sort the coupons by month. There is only one problem with this method. I can’t remember the types of coupons that I have in the file. If I can’t remember the coupons I have then how can I use them before the expiration date.

I have to make some changes to this method. In 2011, I listed the coupons I had in a spreadsheet and sorted them by expiration date. This method worked all right, I simply did not keep it up. I’m going back to that method, with some slight changes. I’m setting aside an hour or two on Sunday to sort the coupons and make my grocery list for the week. This way I can decide which coupons I need and use them before the expiration date.

Thankful Thursday: The bandage is off my left leg

2012-02-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Thursday, February 9, 2012 about 4:55 PM Pacific Time

I am thankful that the bandage is off my left leg and I am wearing both of my thigh-high compression stockings. I did not know anything could feel so good, but they do.

I am thankful that today’s ultrasound revealed no blood clots. I still have to get up every hour and walk around, but that is easy to do. I have many things to do so it is not a problem to walk for ten minutes every hour. I gave another ultrasound scheduled for March and I am praying that it does not reveal any blood cloths.

I am thankful for KFC. I bought a six-piece dinner before coming home today because I did not want to cook anything. I still have a great deal to do this evening and tomorrow before Mom returns home. I do not have to worry about making Mom’s bed, but I do have to take her clothes off the drying rack and hang them in her closet. I also have one more load of her clothes to do before she gets home tomorrow evening.

I am thankful for chocolate chocolate chip cake; I bought a cake at KFC as well as chicken. I think I will have another piece after while and then save the rest until Mom gets home tomorrow.

Midweek reflections: My online routine

2012-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

‘Idál (Justice), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Wednesday, February 8, 2012 about 10:05 AM Pacific Time

While I waited at the doctor’s office Monday, I read “On the Net” by James Patrick Kelly in the March edition of Asimov’s Science Fiction. Part of the discussion concerned activities on the net. It got me thinking about my online routine.

My routine consists of checking the bank accounts, the ones that belong to my mother and then mine. Then I check the IZEA websites for opportunities, followed by writing.com, and my e-mail accounts. Next, I post to my blogs and do other writing activities. Since my daily activities consist of working online, writing, taking care of my mother, doing the housework, and shopping, I encounter many interruptions when I am online and I don’t always do things in the same order.

I get all the online work accomplished. I get some housework either started or finished. If I am lucky, I get to bed before the virus scan begins running on my computer at 11:30 PM and if I am luckier, I get a little sleep before the alarm goes off at 4:00 AM.

Tuesday Thoughts: Compression Stockings

2012-02-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 1 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Tuesday, February 7, 2012 about 1:55 PM Pacific Time

I bought a pair of therapeutic thigh high compression stocking today. I already have a pair of knee-highs, but they are uncomfortable because they go only to my knees. I used to wear regular knee-highs and I stopped wearing them because they made my leg it just below my knee. The compression knee-highs did the same thing.

I could also have gotten the compression stocking in panty hose style; however, I did not like regular panty hose when I wore them. The problem with panty hose was different then the issues I had with the knee-highs. I never did like the fit of panty hose, so I stopped wearing them when I did stopped having to wear knee length or shorter dresses.

I think I am going to like the way the thigh high compression stocking feel. I know they will be a bit difficult to get on at first, but I expect that with compression stockings. The weird thing is that when I was younger, under twenty-five, I did not expect to have to wear compression stockings when I turned sixty-five. However, that is life. When you start to age situations occur in your life that you never expected when you were young.

Monday Mumblings: Walking at least ten minutes every hour

2012-02-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 19 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Monday, February 6, 2012 about 1:45 PM Pacific Time

I went to the Desert West Surgical Center this morning to have the vein procedure on my left leg. I received a local anesthetic, so there was not very much pain. I arrived home about 11:30 PM.

The doctor said I had to get up and walk at least ten minutes every hour. I will not have trouble walking for ten minutes, all though I may have trouble getting up, but that has nothing to do with the procedure. I always have trouble getting out of chairs, except those in a doctor’s office waiting room. I think that is because those chars have arms I can use to push myself up.

I need to buy some new chairs for the house, but that will have to wait for a while. In the mean time, I will just push myself out of my chairs the best I can and do laundry or some other household chore every time I get up. Most of the things I have to do that does not require lifting anything heavy, if there is something heavy I have to lift it will just have to wait until after Thursday.

Recipe of the Week: I bought a new cookbook

2012-02-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 18 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Sunday, February 5, 2012 about 11:10 AM Pacific Time

I bought a new cookbook a couple of weeks ago, Once-A-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Largerborg. The book contains instructions about cooking enough meals to last once a month or two weeks at a time. I am beginning with the two weeks instructions and work from there.

I like to cook and normally do not mind spending time in the kitchen; however, taking care of Mom and doing housework takes a great deal of time and energy. I can find the time, but energy is the problem now. Maybe I need to eat better or there could be something else wrong. I will have to discuss this with my doctor at my next appointment.

Before I start cooking, I have to check my pantry and make a grocery list. Then I can begin fixing meals for two weeks at a time. I am looking forward to making something new. I am looking forward to the excitement and adventure of try new recipes and doing something new.

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Surprising Discoveries

2012-02-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 17 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Saturday, February 4, 2012 about 11:50 AM Pacific Time

“One of the advantages of being disorganized is that one is always having surprising discoveries.”

~ A.A. Milne

I always knew there was an advantage to disorganization. Until now, I thought it was to increase the bottom-line at stores. If you cannot find an item, you have to buy another one. I have an example of this.

I need to grate some cheese, but I could not find my old cheese/vegetable grater. I decided the best way to handle the situation was to buy a new one. I did not remember where I put the old grater. I bought a new cheese/vegetable grater. After I bought the new grater, I found the old one. Now you may think this was an unnecessary expense, but that is not true. Because the new grater was, a higher quality item and it matched my kitchen décor much better.

A little disorganization is not a bad thing because it leads to surprising discoveries and encourages you to upgrade your equipment. A lot of disorganization is not good a little disorganization has its advantages. What one has to remember in this case is moderation.

Family History Friday: Searching for my roots

2012-02-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Friday, February 3, 2012 about 4:50 PM Pacific Time

I am searching for my roots, so I suppose the first thing to do is to write down what I know and work from there. My mother was born Marie Pearl Newland on a farm in Oklahoma on March 19, 1921. Mom’s dad was Frank S. Newland, I am not sure of his birth date or what the S. stood for. Mom’s mother was Mary Florence Chaplin, I do not remember her birth date or where she was born.

My father’s name is Melvin Fay Darbe and he was born in 1921, somewhere in Oklahoma or Kansas. My grandmother on my father’s side was named Belva and I think her maiden name was Lancaster, but I am not sure and I do not know where she was born.

My father served in World War II in the Army Air Core and was stations at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. My parents lived in Las Vegas right after they were married and Mom was a maid at what is now University Medical Center.

My grandfather on my mother’s side was too young to serve in World War I and too old for World War II. Grandpa Newland’s brother Roy Newland served in World War I. That is all I know at this time, so I will have to do some research to see what I can find.

Thankful Thursday: Grateful for the wind in Las Vegas

2012-02-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Thursday, February 2, 2012 about 1:10 PM Pacific Time

I am thankful for

Wind blowing through winter bare

Tree limbs and white clouds.

It is a beautiful windy day in Las Vegas, while there is no cloud cover there are clouds moving from east to west as the wind blows. I think the wind will blow the rest of the day, so I am staying in the house as much as possible because there is no use aggravating my allergies.

Midweek Reflections on Winter in Las Vegas

2012-02-01T17:50:00.001-08:00

Winter is almost over. Tomorrow, February 2, is Groundhog Day and we will find out if spring is “right around the corner”. It has been a mild winter in Las Vegas. The temperature drop to zero during the first two weeks of December 2011. I think that Mount Charleston had a little bit of snow, but not much.

The first day of spring is March 21. After that, I can wash the winter blankets. I can also start looking for someone to pull the weeds in my yard. Because of the mild winter, the weeds need pulling or cutting right now. This year, I may have to cut them myself, especially the ones in front of the house. Those are tall enough to attract bees and other insects.

I saw a few small bees yesterday flying among the weeds in the front yard. The weeds in front of the living room window are almost tall enough for me to see them when I am inside the house. I will have to begin cutting them down after February 14 or 15. I need to get a pair of gardening gloves before attempting any weeding.

This coming Monday, February 6, I am going in for outpatient surgery on the veins in my left leg. I give the leg about a week to heal and then I have to begin cutting the weeds. It would be nice to have someone else do it, but that is out of the question because I have to save money for tree removal.

The Last Monday in January 2012

2012-01-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

It is the last Monday in January 2012. It seems like only yesterday, I made blackeyed peas for New Year’s Day. The month has sped by and I still have a bandage on my left leg. The bandage will come off on Friday, February 3, when I return to the wound doctor.

Today I bought compression stacking and I will begin wearing them on Friday. The problems with my legs are the veins. The doctor will do the left leg first and then when I have recovered from that, he will do the right leg.

Thankful Thursday: A T.V. Dinners and Apple Juice

2012-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Thursday, January 26, 2012 about 11:15 AM Pacific Time

Today I am thankful for T.V. Dinners and Apple Juice. This morning I went out to pickup some food. When I arrived home, I brought the bags of food in the house and put the cheese in the refrigerator. Then I decided I needed something to eat before I put the canned goods, cereal, and juice away.

I had three T.V. dinners in the freezer and a jug of apple juice in the refrigerator door. I put a pasta and green beans dinner in the Microwave and heated them. After the dinner was done, I poured myself a large glass of apple juice and took my meal into the living room. I turned on the television and sit down to eat my meal.

I know I am not supposed to eat in front of the T.V., but I do anyway. I have eaten in front to the T.V. for years and old habits are hard to break. I know that is not a good excuse. I know I should attempt to break this bad habit. I am not sure that I will attempt that for a while, at least, not until I get my dinning room table moved back into the dinning room.

Tuesday Thoughts on my upcoming outpatient surgery

2012-01-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 6 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Tuesday, January 24, 2012 about 11:40 AM Pacific Time

I finally found out what is wrong with my legs. It turns out that I have a problem with my veins and the blood is pooling in my lower legs. This is what caused the sores on my left leg, which was spreading to my right leg. I have an ultrasound of my legs last week and a follow up this week.

My veins are not working properly, which causes the blood to pool in the lower legs. I have to have an outpatient surgical procedure to correct the issue. I am not sure precisely when this procedure will occur, probably sometime in February.

I know that the procedure will occur on a Monday. I know this because the surgical center that performs these procedures does so on Monday and Thursday. I have chosen the doctor and the day all that is left is the specific date. I will know the date as soon as my insurance approves the procedure.

As I wrote, the procedure will be done on a Monday. The following Thursday, I will go in for an ultrasound. This is to make sure there are no blood clots. As soon as I find out the date, I will update the information by making another blog entry.

Recipe of the Week: A Poem

2012-01-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 4 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Sunday, January 22, 2012 about 3:38 PM Pacific Time

Each ingredient

Combines to create savor

My taste buds singing

Family History Friday: Morning Routines

2012-01-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Friday, January 20, 2012 about 5:45 AM Pacific Time

For about fifty year, my Grandpa Newland worked at the Zink Smelter in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Monday through Friday, Grandpa would get up, shower, eat breakfast, and then go to work. Monday through Friday, the routine was the same.

Jalál (Glory), 3 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Friday, January 20, 2012 about 5:54 PM Pacific Time

As you can see, I started this entry early this morning; unfortunately, I had to stop in the middle of the entry and did not get back to it until now. I had intended to compare my grandparent’s morning routine with mine, but I have forgotten what I was going to write. Therefore, I will post what I have and go on to the next project and interruption.

Thankful Thursday: Today I am thankful that my washing machine does not flood my living room

2012-01-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Sultán (Sovereignty), 168 BE – Thursday, January 19, 2012 about 2:45 PM Pacific Time

All right, perhaps “flood my living room” is an overstatement. The drainpipes overflowed during the spin cycle. It wasn’t enough water to flood the living room, but after two or three loads that’s what it felt like.

A plumber fixed the pipes on Tuesday and now they don’t overflow during the spin cycle. I washed two loads Tuesday evening and four or five loads on Wednesday. Today, I have only managed to wash three loads, but that was because I had a medical appointment this morning.

It is cloudy outside, so I’m hanging the clothes indoors on the drying rack. I have to catch up on the washing, so I have to hang them indoors. The clothes don’t dry as quickly indoors as outside, but I have to do laundry and I can’t wait for the clouds to clear.

I am thankful that the water doesn’t overflow the drainpipes in the spin cycle. Now I can wash my sheets without using them to soak up the water in my living room. It feels good not to have to worry about water in the living room. Since I’m drying my clothes in the house, I have to figure out a way to dry the sheets indoors. It is difficult to dry sheets on a drying rack meant to hold clothes on hangers.

Midweek Reflections on Laundry

2012-01-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

‘Idál (Justice), 19 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Wednesday, January 18, 2012 about 6:45 AM Pacific Time

The plumber worked on the pipes behind the washer yesterday. He fixed them so that they drain properly when the washing machine is in the spin cycle and releasing water. I can now catch up on the laundry.

I’m not sure how long it will take to catch up completely. I have about five baskets of dirty clothes waiting. In addition, several items lay over a chair in Mom’s room I have to check to determine if they are clean or dirty. However, those will have to wait because I want to get the clothes in the laundry baskets washed first.

Since I don’t have a dryer, I have to hang the clothes in the house or on the line. The only clothes I’m hanging on the line are sheets, I like the way sheets smell when they dry outside. The problem is that I can only hang four at a time and these short days that means I can only wash four sheets and I have more then that to catch up.

In the spin cycle

The washer sings morning’s song

A new day begun

Tuesday Thoughts on my change in themes

2012-01-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

My goal is to write a 200-word entry everyday on the theme of the day. If possible, I will post a photo or graphic with the entry. Sometimes this will be possible, but not everyday until I get my digital camera. I still have about 11,000 points before I can order the camera. I have a camera on my phone; unfortunately, I cannot use the phone to send photos to my e-mail account. All right, I did not research the phone before buying it.

I will post an entry between 12:01 AM and 11:59 PM everyday. I am giving myself enough time to deal with interruptions, slow computer, proof reading, and research. The interruptions and the slow computer are the biggest issues I encounter on a daily basis. If the first entry I make does not total 200 words then I will make a second entry for that day.

A change of themes

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have decided to change some of the blog entry themes for this blog. The themes I am using for the rest of 2012 are (1) Recipe of the Week Sunday, (2) Monday Mumblings, (3) Tuesday Thoughts, (4) Midweek Reflections Wednesday, (5) Thankful Thursday, (6) Family History Friday, and (7) Spiritual Quote of the Week Saturday.

Mobile Monday: Driving to my doctor’s appointment

2012-01-16T22:13:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 18 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Monday, January 16, 2012 about 10:00 PM Pacific Time

This morning I had an appointment with my primary care physician. Her office is on West Charleston, a couple of blocks west of Valley View. Traffic was nice and not too thick.

About a block from Valley View, a road crew had Charleston completely closed. I had to turn south on Valley View and go up to Oakey until I could get back on Charleston. Despite the road closure and detour, I finally arrive at doctor’s office about 10:00 AM. It is a good thing I left the house at 9:00 or I would have been late for the appointment.

I decided to take Oakey back home. The city is working on Oakey as well. It was down to two lanes. Anyway, I finally arrived back home at about 1:00 PM. The next time I go to the west side of town I will take Sahara because they have the roadwork finished on that street. Driving in Las Vegas is stressful enough without roadwork and when the city is doing roadwork then traffic and stress increases.

Recipe of the week: Café Mint Mocha

2012-01-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Sunday, January 15, 2012 about 10:15 AM Pacific Time

You like café mocha, but your budget does not allow you to buy it at your favorite coffee shop. The solution to this problem is to make your café mocha at home using an instant hot chocolate mix. This week, I am drinking Café Mint Mocha made from a gourmet hot cocoa mix.

Ingredients:

3 rounded tablespoons of mint flavored gourmet hot cocoa mix (I am using Chocolate Mint Truffle)

¾ cup of hot coffee, freshly brewed

Directions:

Step 1: Spoon the hot cocoa mix into a coffee cup (I know the direction on the can of hot chocolate say to put the hot liquid in the cup first, but I have found that it mixes better when you put the cocoa mix in the cup first.)

Step 2: Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the cocoa powder dissolves in the hot coffee.

Step 3: Enjoy your café mocha.

Note: You can use any type of hot chocolate mix. If you have use the mix that come in individual packages then use 1 pkg. of mix for one cup of café mocha.

On Stay at Home Saturday I want a little red wagon

2012-01-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 15 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Saturday, January 14, 2012 about 6:15 AM Pacific Time

It is stay at home Saturday, January 14, 2012 and I want a little red wagon or some other piece of equipment that will help me get the recyclable bins to the curb. Today is recyclable day in my neighborhood, so I should carry the bins down to the curb for the recyclable trucks. I do not think that will happen this week because I strained my rotator cuff again.

Even with a strained rotator cuff, I can roll the trashcan to the curb without difficulty. The problem is picking up the recyclable bins and carrying them to the curb. You would think that a plastic bin full of empty bottles or cans would be easy; however, picking them up and carrying them to the curb puts more strain on my left shoulder and rotator cuff.

Just thinking about lugging two or three bins full of papers, plastic bottles, and cans makes my shoulder ache. Since the only people in this house are my mother and me, I am the one who carries the bins to the curb. This morning, I will roll the trashcan to the curb and carry the recyclable bin labeled “cans and plastic bottles” to the curb. I am not going to attempt to carry the bin labeled “newspapers” to the curb today.

The recyclable trucks come again in two weeks. Between now and then I should be able to figure out a way to get that bins to the curb. My rotator cuff ought to heal enough by then for me to carry all the recyclable bins to the curb. It is times like these when I wish I had a man or someone around to help carry the bins to the curb.

It is back to the laundromat next week

2012-01-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 13 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Thursday, January 12, 2012 about 1:55 PM Pacific Time

During the rinse cycle, the drainpipes behind the washing machine overflow into the wall between the kitchen and the living room. As a result, the water drains into my living room. I wash small loads so that there is less water overflowing into the wall; however, that get me behind on the washing because I can only do two or three loads in a day. If I do any more then three loads, I have more water in my living room.

Next week, I need to go back to the laundromat to ketch up on the wash. Tomorrow, Friday, I have an appointment to have the bandage on my left leg changed. On Monday, I have a doctor’s appointment, so I will have to go to the laundromat on Tuesday. Tomorrow, on my way back from the wound care, I will stop at the bank and get $20.00 in quarters.

I am not looking forward to going to the laundromat, but I have to catch up on the laundry. I had planned to get my tag next week, but it is not dew until January 27, so I will have to wait until January 25 to get the smog test and then the tag.

On Monday I ate out in Las Vegas

2012-01-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 11 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Tuesday, January 10, 2012 AD about 1:00 PM Pacific Time

On Monday, I ate out by myself for the first time this year. I had to get a blood test and I couldn’t eat anything before getting the test. Afterwards, I went to a restaurant and ordered lunch. I usually don’t like going to a restaurant by myself. Mom and I used to go, so going alone is a big step. I enjoyed eating alone. The next time I do this, I’ll take my journal with me and write poetry.

Recipe of the week: Green Beans & Pasta

2012-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 9 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Sunday, January 8, 2012 AD about 10:02 AM Pacific Time

Ingredients:

1 26.5 oz. can of pasta sauce (any flavor)

1 16 oz. pkg. of elbow macaroni (any type of pasta may be substituted)

8 c. water

2 14.5 oz. cans green beans (any style) drained

¼ c. of grated cheese (any type)

Instructions:

Step 1: I fix my pasta in a slow cooker, so I start this dish the night before. Put 8 cups of water in the slow cooker and turn the cooker onto high. When the water reaches the boiling point, I put in the pasta and let it cook. If you put the pasta into the slow cooker too soon, it gets starchy.

Step 2: Remove pasta from slow cooker and drain. Then place the pasta into microwavable casserole dishes (either 1 or 2 will do depending on the size of the casserole dish). Then place the pasta into the refrigerator (if you cook the pasta the day before making this recipe).

Step 3: Open the can of pasta sauce and mix it with the macaroni. If the macaroni is in two casserole dishes divide the pasta sauce between the two casseroles.

Step 4: Mix the green beans into the macaroni and pasta sauce; if you are using more then one casserole dish divide the green beans between the casseroles.

Step 5: Put the casserole dish into the microwave and heat the mixture. The length of time depends on the microwave, but give this dish at least 2 ½ to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the green bean and pasta mixture. Note: If using two casserole dishes then change ¼ cup of cheese to ½ cup and divide between the casseroles.

This recipe makes enough for several people; therefore, if you want to freeze parts of it go ahead. To do this place the mixture into freezer containers that are also microwave safe, but do not add the grated cheese until you are ready to heat and serve.

Serving suggestions:

Serve this dish with either chicken thighs or breast. If you serve with chicken thighs do not remove the skin before cooking the chicken, especially if you are cooking the chicken in the microwave.

A beautiful day outside in Las Vegas

2012-01-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 8 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Saturday, January 7, 2012 AD about 3:56 PM Pacific Time

It’s Saturday and I’m at home with Mom. I went outside twice today, once to roll the trashcan to the curb and pick-up the newspaper. The second time to take trash out and roll the trashcan back into the garage. The rest of the day I spent in the house with Mom.

This morning it was a bit chilly. This afternoon the wind blew, but it didn’t feel much colder then when I rolled the trashcan to the curb. It’s a beautiful and sunny outside afternoon.

In some ways, Mom is better. This afternoon, she brushed her teeth twice. Because of her short-term memory problems, she forgot she’d already brushed them. I’ve walked her to the bathroom twice to brush her teeth and she did a good job both times. The first time she took her upper plate out to brush it and the second time she brushed it in her mouth. I’m not sure she remembers she wears upper dentures.

Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, so these little memory issues are expected events. I didn’t tell her she’d already brushed her teeth because it’s easier to go along with her in these cases. Mom uses a walker, but I still have to accompany her when she wants to do various things in the house. I’m glad she can brush her own teeth. I’m glad Mom is still capable of doing a number of things by herself, but I still have to keep an eye on her.

Mobile Monday: The day after New Year’s Day

2012-01-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 3 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Monday, January 2, 2012 about 11:40 PM Pacific Time

It is Monday, the day after New Year’s Day and despite the fact that I set Monday aside to do business outside of the house and offline, I am staying home because the Adult Daycare center is close and Mom is home. I would not do me any good to go out today anyway because most of the places I have to go to are closed. Yesterday was New Year’s Day, so almost every place I need to go closed today, so that their employees can have a three-day weekend.

Mom seems to be having a good day. Right now, she is watching Star Trek the Next Generation on the sci-fi channel. I warmed her up some coffee a few minutes ago, so I have to check to see if she drank it. If she let get cold, I will warm it up again. Mom enjoys coffee, but she cannot have it after 5:00 PM because I do not want it to keep her awake.

Since I have to stay home today, I will attempt to do all the business I need to day the next four days. On Wednesday and Friday, I have doctor’s appointments. Wednesday I am getting an ultrasound of my left leg and Friday I see the wound care doctor again. On Tuesday, I have a bill to pay, which I attempt to pay last Friday, but the business closed because they moved. The worker I talked to said they would open again on Tuesday, January 3.

Recipe of the Week: Blackeyed Peas a New Year’s Day treat

2012-01-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Sunday, January 1, 2012 about 6:30 AM Pacific Time

Blackeyed peas and ham
A New Year’s Day requirement
Afternoon delight

Blackeyed Peas and Ham

Ingredients:

1 1-lb. package of blackeyed peas washed, sorted, and soaked overnight
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of pepper
1 small to medium sized hambone (I use a honey baked hambone)

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse and sort beans into a large pot (if you are cooking them on the stove) or other large container (if you are cooking them in a slow cooker).

Step 2: Put the 1 lb. (approximately 2 cups) into the container and pour 8 cups of cold water over them. Let the beans stand overnight (at least six to eight hours).

Step 3: If you are using a slow cooker. Place 8 cups of water into the cooker and turn the cooker on. The water has to be hot when you add the blackeyed peas.

Step 4: Drain the soaking water off the beans and then put the beans into the slow cooker (if you are cooking the beans on the stove then you can put hot water in the pot of beans and turn the stove on).

Step 5: Add the hambone to the slow cooker or the pot of beans and cover with a gently titled lid. Let the beans simmer for about 1-½ to 2 hours (note this will take longer in a slow cooker) until tender. (My grandmother added 1 or 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar while the beans were cooking; she said it cut down on the “gas”).

Step 6: Add the salt and pepper to the cooked beans if desired. (My grandmother always waited until last to add the salt and pepper to the beans.)

Note: You may add any other ingredients you like. For example, you may want to add Jalapeno Peppers.

December 31, 2011 New Years Eve at home

2011-12-31T05:17:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 1 Sharaf (Honor), 168 BE – Friday-Saturday, December 31, 2011 AD about 5:15 AM Pacific Time

This is the first in a series of entries themed “Stay at Home Saturday”. On Saturday, I normally remain at home with Mom. If I leave the house, Mom has to go with me or I have to find someone to stay with her. Any business I do I accomplished Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM because Mom is at an Adult Daycare center.

Sometimes staying home with Mom is exciting and sometimes it is mundane. I never know how the day will go. I am never of Mom’s mood. The one thing I can say about Saturday at home with Mom is that it is a blessing. My mother is 90 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, so sometimes the day getting interesting.

This is Saturday and New Year’s Eve, Mom and I are staying home all day. Tonight, we (or I depending on how early Mom goes to bed) will watch the festivities on television. I am planning to watch all the excitement of the birth of 2012 on Channel 3 KSNV Las Vegas, NV.

The drain behind the washer (again)

2011-12-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Tuesday, December 27, 2011 about 1:45 PM Pacific Time

The drain behind the washer is doing it again. It is overflowing into the wall between my kitchen and living room. Then it is leaking into the living room. I do not know what the problem is this time. I do know I have no desire to go to the laundromat any more.

I called and left a message for the people who fixed the problem. Someone will get back to me. I will call back again tomorrow if I have not heard from anyone by 5:00 PM today. I will have to go back to the laundromat beginning Monday or Tuesday of next week if the issue is not resolved by then.

I have used the machine for several weeks without it overflowing. This is the first time it has overflowed in all the time I have been washing clothes since having it fixed. At least, I think this is the first time; I am sure I would have noticed water in my living room before this. The problem could be the sewer pipes, which are iron and have tree roots in them. I think there is something I can run down the drains to take care of the tree roots.

I have noticed that my kitchen sink is running slow, so the problem with the pipes behind the washer could have something to do with that. Oh well, at least Mom and I have clean clothes for a while.

Perhaps having the last pine tree in the front yard removed would help solve the issue of overflowing drainpipes. It is going to cost, at least, $800.00 to have the pine tree removed. True I had planned to have the tree removed in 2012, I just did not plan to have it removed until March or April, but now I may have to remove it before the end of January.

My Right Knee is Stiff

2011-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 15 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Monday, December 26, 2011 about 1:00 PM Pacific Time

On Friday, December 23, I hurt my right knee (again). I felt a sharp pain and began limping. I don’t know how I hurt my knee, I have osteoarthritis in that knee so almost anything will cause knee pain. Anyway, my knee has been stiff ever since.

As soon, as a finish dealing with the issue of my left leg; I will talk to my doctor about the right knee. At this point, I can deal with only a few things at a time. Today my knee is feeling better.

More Clearly Myself

2011-12-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 13 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Saturday, December 24, 2011 about 2:45 PM Pacific Time

I received this beautiful birthday card from my health care provider a week or so ago. I decided to wait until today, my birthday, to scan the picture on the front of the card and compose an entry. I was born on December 24, 1946 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I lived in Blackwell until I enter high school.

I went to high school in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where I graduated. After Shawnee, we move to Oklahoma City where I worked as a waitress. I moved back to Blackwell to take care of my Grandparents. At the time, I thought I moved back to live with them, but I did help take care of them. My Grandparents were buried in Blackwell. I now live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Inside the card are spaces to list my prescription and over-the-counter medication. In addition, it gives information about the preventive health screenings I need to have. The next time I go to my primary care physician, I will take the card with me and talk to her about those screenings.

More fully myself
This is what is happening
65 years old

“We did not change as we grew older, we just became more clearly ourselves.”
Lynn Hall

Microwaveable Chicken and Rice Casserole

2011-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Friday, December 23, 2011 about 10:30 AM Pacific Time

Today I am making Microwaveable Chicken and Rice Casserole, with plans of dividing it into two portions and freezing half for use later. The recipe makes enough for at least four people, so it is more then Mom and I will eat today.

Ingredients:

4 cups of cooked white or brown rice
1 14 oz. can clear chicken broth
1 14.5 oz. can sliced carrots
1 14.25 oz. can whole kernel sweet corn
1 14.5 oz. can cut green beans
1 12.5 oz. can fully cooked chunked chicken in water
½ cup of your favorite cheese grated (if you want more cheese add 1 cup)

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the rice. You may want to cook the rice the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator over night.

Step 2: In a medium to large microwavable casserole dish combine the rice with the chicken broth. Stir until the well mixed.

Step 3: Open cans of carrots, corn, and green beans. Drain the water off the vegetables. Stir the vegetables into the rice and broth mixture.

Step 4: Open the can of chicken. If you want to drain the water off the chicken, go ahead. Sometime I drain the chicken and at other times, I mix in the chicken without draining off the water.

Step 5: Place the lid on the casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 6: If you are making this dish for one or two people divide the contents for freezing.

Step 7: Place the casserole in the microwave to cook or rather to heat. Since the ingredients have all ready been cooked, the only thing you have to do is heat it up, which takes about five or more minutes depending on the microwave oven and whether or not you add grated cheese to the dish.

Step 8: While the ingredients are still hot, stir in the grated cheese. The cheese should melt into the hot ingredients.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this with a green salad of some type. You can buy salad ingredients already mixed at the grocery store.

A bright and beautiful Monday morning in Las Vegas

2011-12-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 8 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Monday, December 19, 2011 about 9:50 AM Pacific Time

The clouds are gone, the sun is shining, and there is no rain predicted for today. I can hang the bed sheets on the line today instead of draping the wet sheets over furniture to dry in the house. It rained on the weekend, but I still had laundry to do. If I do not wash one or two loads, a day I get behind and I cannot take wet clothes to a laundromat.

I just finish hanging the sheets out and I am out of breath. I remember helping Grandma hang clothes on the line. I do not remember either Grandma or me getting out of breath from hanging four sheets on the line. Of course, when I helped Grandma I was a child and in better health. Apparently, Grandma was in better health at 64 then I am.

Today it was easier walking and carrying a clothesbasket outside then last week, so the meds my doctors prescribed are working. In addition, my leg is feeling better and looking better. However, I need to increase my stamina so that I do not get out of breath easily. Perhaps I need to join a gym to build up my stamina because doing laundry does not appear to be doing the job. I will have to talk to my primary care physician when I see her again in January.

One Week until Christmas Day and another week until New Year’s Day

2011-12-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Sunday, December 18, 2011 about 3:50 PM Pacific Time

I no longer celebrate Christmas. Christmas Eve is my birthday and Christmas day brings back memories of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma. My Grandmother Newland enjoyed Christmas because she could do one of her favorite things. Grandma enjoyed cooking and baking. Every year at this time, she would bake pies, cakes, and cookies.

Grandma began baking a few days before Thanksgiving and continued until after New Year’s Day. In addition to baking, Grandma fixed turkey, ham, and everything else that went along with the holidays. In addition, Grandma cleaned house. Grandma did a through how cleaning twice a year, once in the spring and again before the New Year.

The holiday season was a busy time for Grandma. For several years, she planned and cooked the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s dinners, while she was cleaning the house for the New Year. Thinking about it make me tired, because I am not sure I can do all the things she did.

Where do I begin writing about my Grandmother’s Christmas and New Year’s rituals? I suppose I should begin with her cooking, especially her pumpkin and apple pies. For years, Grandma made her own pastries for the holidays. I cannot bake pies like my Grandmother, I can cook many of the other dishes she made, but not the pies; therefore, when I want a pie I buy it in the store. Grandma Newland also made her own whipped cream.

One week from today

2011-12-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 6 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Saturday, December 17, 2011 about 4:00 PM Pacific Time

One week from today, I will be 65 years old. I will celebrate my birthday at home with my mother. I want a birthday cake, so I will wait until Friday, December 23, to bake the carrot cake I have in the cupboard. I have some chocolate in the refrigerator, so I will use it to make frosting for the carrot cake. That does not sound like an exciting birthday; however, that is my birthday now that I am over 60 years old.

It would be nice to go out for my birthday, but Mom does not go out anymore, except when she goes to the daycare center during the week. I am not sure what else we will have to eat. I have some canned chicken in the cupboard, so I will fix pasta or rice to go with it. What I would like is a piece of prime rib and a baked potato, since we are not going out to eat prime rib is out of the question.

I miss the birthdays my family celebrated as child. Even if my each of siblings did get to open, a Christmas present when I opened my birthday presents. I used to resent that, but now I miss the celebration and the chocolate cake and ice cream.

A poem waiting

2011-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Thursday, December 15, 2011 about 7:15 PM Pacific Time

I stare at the screen
A poem waiting for lines
My muse is laughing

I can’t think. I draw a blank. I’m not tired and even if I were I couldn’t go to bed because Mom has one more pill to take at 8:00. In addition, I have a couple more meds myself. I also have a poem to write, but all I can think of is a title. The title is “Something in the Water”.

The sun finally made an appearance in Las Vegas

2011-12-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Tuesday, December 13, 2011 about 1:25 PM Pacific Time

The sun finally made an appearance. There are still clouds, but I can see sun and blue sky between the clouds. The sun should dry up the puddle in my driveway quickly. I am doing laundry and hanging the clothes on a drying rack.

I do not intend to hang clothes out today. There are still too many clouds for that. I want the clothes to dry and I think they will do that faster in the house then outside. In addition, carrying a laundry basket full of wet clothes outside is no appealing.

I am thankful that I do not have to go to the laundromat any more. At home I can do the wash clothes between writing or doing housework. If I go to the laundromat, I am limited reading, doing puzzles, or dozing while my clothes wash. In addition, I have to do all the dirty clothes at once. At home, I can do small loads between other jobs.

The only thing I want here at home is an electric clothes dryer. At this point, it is difficult to walk to the clothesline carrying a basket full of wet clothes. Lately, the only clothes I have hung on the line is bed linen, the other things I have hung on the drying rack. I suppose by the time I can afford an automatic dryer it will be summer or my leg will be healed and then it will not matter if I hang clothes outside or dry them in the dryer.

Another reason I need an electric dryer

2011-12-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 1 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Monday, December 12, 2011 about 10:45 AM Pacific Time

My first reason is the difficulty I have hanging sheets on the line outside. Rain is the second reason I need an electric clothes dryer. I realized yesterday, when I hung four sheets on the line how difficult it was becoming. I am not sure what causes this problem. I could be issues with my rotator cuff or arthritis, but whichever it is it makes hanging clothes, especially sheets hard.

In order to hang a sheet on the line, I have to stretch my arms over my head to reach the clothesline. I do not know how my Grandmother did it, but she hung clothes on an outside line all the time. Grandma’s clothesline like mine was taller then her, yet she hung sheets neatly on the line. I cannot manage hanging them that way, my sheets always seem to hang lop sided on the clothesline. My sheets look pathetic hanging lopsided on the cloths line and if I am not careful, they drag on the ground when I turn the line.

Grandma did not have to worry about sheets dragging on the ground because her clothesline did not turn. My clothesline turns; I like this feature because I can stand in one place and turn the line instead of dragging a basket full of clothes across the yard.

Today is cloudy and the meteorologist predicted rain, so I cannot hang any of the clothes on the line. Fortunately, I have a drying rack so I can wash and hang the clothes on the rack.

Two AM wake up call

2011-12-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 19 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Sunday, December 11, 2011 about 6:38 AM

Mom woke me up about 2:00 this morning crying. When I went into her bedroom to investigate the problem, she asked, “Where is my husband?” My parents were divorced when I was in grade school and both my parents eventually remarried.

Of course, I am not sure my mother was talking about my father, but considering she has Alzheimer’s disease and is loosing her memory; I doubt she was talking about later husband. Mom remembers things that happened in her young adulthood, but not some of the thing that happened later in her life.

I told Mom that he was called into work because the business was short a person. She did not calm down. In fact, it took me several minutes to get her to listen to what I had to say. Even then, she did not stop crying. I finally had to give her some medication for agitation. Mom finally went back to sleep.

I went back to sleep for a little while myself, however, I did not sleep very long. I have too much work to accomplish today to lay in bed any later then necessary. I am going to let Mom sleep later today then usual, she had a tough night and she need her sleep. This is Sunday and Mom is not going to the Daycare center.

Note: The picture is of my parents when they were first married.

Café Mocha in Las Vegas

2011-12-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 18 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Saturday, December 10, 2011 about 2:35 PM Pacific Time

It’s that time of year again, when I buy instant hot chocolate mix. It’s been a few months since I had hot chocolate mix in the house, but I had a coupon for Swiss Miss mix so when I went to the store on Monday I bought a couple of boxes. I made Mom some hot chocolate this afternoon and I made myself a cup of café mocha. In the morning, I’ll make Mom and I both a cup of café mocha.

The way I make café mocha is to open a package of instant hot coco mix, in this case the Swiss Miss, and empty it into a coffee cup or mug. After the mix is in the cup, I pour the coffee in and stir it with a spoon. It makes great café mocha and I do not have to go out of the house to have a cup.

I feel cut off from the world in Las Vegas

2011-12-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 13 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Monday, December 5, 2011 about 2:05 PM Pacific Time

I cannot make or receive calls on either my landline or cell phone. I e-mailed my cell phone provider this morning. The reply they sent said it would take about 48 hours to solve the problem. The phone connected to my landline does not work. I either need to get a new phone or a cable to fix the phone, in the mean time I am out of contact with the rest of the world.

I need to get a headset and a microphone so that I can download Skype to my computer. I do not like the feeling cut off from the world. I can check my landline voice mail online, but I cannot contact anyone back until I get either the landline phone fixed or cell phone.

One of the blessings of modern life and technology is a connection to the rest of the planet. I have been lax in checking my Facebook page, but no longer. From now on, I will check my Facebook page at least every other day, if not everyday. In addition, I have to get a headset and microphone so that I can use Skype.

The Pine tree is still standing

2011-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 11 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Saturday, December 3, 2011 about 4:20 PM Pacific Time

The pine tree still stands
After the high wind warnings
Birds set in the limbs

I was relieved to wake up this morning and see the pine tree still standing. Perhaps, I should say leaning because that is how it looks. The tree appears to lean toward the street and the power polls. The high winds did not knock it down, so far, this weekend. I can only hope it contuse to stand.

It will cost between $400.00 and $1,000.00 to have that tree removed. I have to find the money to have it removed in 2012. In the mean time, I can only pray that it remains standing. This weekend, there were high wind warnings for the Las Vegas valley and winter storm warning in the mountains.

I think the winds have slowed down for a while, but I do not know for how long. We (Mom and me) still do not have enough money in the savings accounts to pay for tree removal. Therefore, I can only pray and hope that the tree remains standing until we have the money. I think we can have the tree removed sometime in May or June of 2012. I would like to have it removed before that, but the finances are not there yet.

Winter has arrived in Las Vegas

2011-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Thursday, December 1, 2011 about 11:40 AM Pacific Time

Winter has finally arrived in Las Vegas, with High Wind Warnings in the valley and Winter Storm Warning in the mountains. Today is cloudy and chilly. I did not let this prevent me from doing a couple of loads of laundry and hanging them on the line. Since I did not do laundry on Tuesday and Wednesday, I had to do it today. I am behind and I need to catch up this week.

So far, it has not rained, I did hear thunder earlier, but that has stopped. If it rains, I can do nothing about it. I just hope that it holds off until some of the clothes are dry. True it takes longer for cloths to dry on a cloudy day, but the eventually dry. I have to consider getting an electric dryer and then I would not have to worry about the weather and the clothes drying. However, the dryer has to wait a while because other things take priority.

I have a small space heater for the bathroom and a clothes rack. I can always put the cloths rack in the bathroom and turn on the space heater. That will allow me to dry some of the clothes in the house. I would prefer to hang the clothes outside or use an electric dryer. The space heater and the clothes rack will help me catch up on the laundry, which is what I want to do this week.

Hanging Laundry outside in Autumn

2011-11-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 5 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Sunday, November 27, 2011 about 2:05 PM Pacific Time

It’s autumn and I have to hang wet laundry outside. I remember my grandmother hanging cloths outside, I always wondered why she got started doing laundry so early in fall and winter now I know. The days are so short that one is lucky to if the cloths dry.

Saturday and Sunday, I washed bed sheets and hung them out. On Saturday, I hung four sheets out (I am only washing small loads) and they were dry before noon. So today, I hung out eight sheets, which dried before noon. I figure I can wash three or four small loads and they will dry (depending on the cloths) before sunset.

I can use my washing machine at home, so I am finally catching up on the laundry. If I washed larger loads, I could catch up faster if I washed larger loads, but I have to work with my physical condition and other work I have to complete. The three or four small loads allows me do the laundry without wearing myself out. It also allows me to time my work while I am online or writing because I have to stop and add the fabric softener to washing machine.

Saturday afternoon Coffee in Las Vegas

2011-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 4 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Saturday, November 26, 2011 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time

I made a fresh carefree this morning about 5:30 or 6:00 AM, but due to various issues with my mother I am just getting around to drinking a hot cup of coffee. The coffee maker turned off several hours ago, so I had to reheat the coffee up in the microwave. I put the coffee in a large mug and then placed the mug into the microwave and reheated the coffee for 1.25 minutes.

The only way I can reheat coffee in the microwave is by putting the liquid in a mug. I have not taken the trouble to reheat coffee in a small cup, the mug works good and it hold enough coffee for me drink while I am writing or surfing the internet.

As I wrote before, Mom had several issues this morning. Mom spent most of the morning crying for her parents and cousins. Most of the people she wanted to see are probably no longer alive, but there is no use saying that to Mom because she would not believe it and she would be upset. I finally got Mom calmed down and all the morning’s issues resolved or she forgot about them.

Right now, Mom is taking a nap on the couch. The nap probably means she will stay up late or get up early Sunday morning. The problem is that getting upset and crying always wears her out. Mom does not take naps often on the weekend, but when she does, there is no talking her out of it. I have to wake her up about 3:00 PM for a pill. After this morning, I am tired myself; however, I cannot take a nap because there is no one else to take care of Mom. Instead of a nap, I will reheat another mug of coffee.

Black Friday 2011

2011-11-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Friday, November 25, 2011 about 1:50 PM Pacific Time

It is Black Friday and I am at home with my mother because the Adult Daycare Center closed for the holidays. The Daycare will reopen Monday, but in the mean time, I am at home with Mom who is crying. Mom misses her parents and wants to see them.

My grandparents, Mom’s mother and father, died years ago; Mom does not remember attending their funeral. She thinks they are still alive and living in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Mom is upset because she thinks she left them without saying good-bye. I do not know how to help her with this issue. I cannot tell her my grandparents are dead because that would make her cry more.

It is Black Friday 2011. My mother has Alzheimer’s disease and does not remember her parents are dead. Mom still has a Risperidone tablet to take, but I cannot give that to her until 3:00 PM. She takes one tablet three times a day.

It is Black Friday 2011 and my mother is home crying for her parents. No matter what I say, it does not comfort her. Mom wants to see her parents, but they are dead. I cannot tell her they are dead because she would not believe and it would make her even more upset. I am going to attempt to distract Mom with food sometimes that helps. There is one chocolate pudding left in the refrigerator that I can give her, I hope it helps. It might help for a little while.

A Thankful Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

2011-11-24T14:58:00.001-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Thursday, November 24, 2011 about 2:55 PM Pacific Time

It is a Happy and Thankful Thanksgiving in our house. Mom is home because the Adult Daycare center closed for Thanksgiving and Family day (Black Friday). Mom is in a good mood and singing Jingle Bells. We had a delicious Thanksgiving meal, which someone delivered to our home yesterday.

I warmed the turkey, dressing, potatoes, peas, corn, and gravy up in the microwave. In addition, we had dinner rolls, cranberry sauce (fixed with whole cranberries) and pumpkin pie. The Thanksgiving Feast contained enough food for breakfast and lunch, with enough potatoes and dressing left over for two meals tomorrow.

For breakfast on Friday, I will fix potato pancakes. For lunch tomorrow, I will make a green bean salad and warm up the dressing. I still have to fix dinner tonight, but I think it will be fruit or some type of sandwiches. Mom still has pills to take and she has to eat something with the meds. I am not hungry; however, Mom will want more to eat this afternoon.

I finished off the coffee a few minutes ago, so this afternoon I will pour Mom some orange juice or grape juice. Mom does not need any more coffee because I suspect it keeps her awake if she drinks it after 3:00 PM, Mom needs to drink more juice and water. I wish I could get her to drink more water. She wants to drink anything except water; I am going to have to figure out a way to get her to drink more water.

Midweek Reflections: Giving an Alzheimer’s patient medication

2011-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

‘Idál (Justice), 1 Qawl (Speech), 168 BE – Wednesday, November 23, 2011 about 12:55 PM Pacific Time

As I have written before, sometimes Mom doesn’t want to take her medication. Normally, it’s simply a matter of gentle persuasions. At other times, it’s a matter of backing off and waiting a few minutes for Mom to calm down and forget that I attempted to give her the meds. Then there are those times when the only way to get her to take a pill is to hide it in her food.

The doctor recently increased one of Mom’s medications from once a day to three times a day. During the week, the nurse at the Adult Daycare center gives her two of the tablets and I give her the third at home. Since Mom usually goes to bed about 6:00 PM, this requires me to wake Mom and give her the third tablet.

In some ways it’s easier to give Mom the medication and in other ways more difficult. I know that sounds like a paradox, but it’s true. Mom does not argue about taking the medication, therefore, once I have convinced her that she needs to take it and drink water with it she does. However, Mom does not wake up easily from a sound sleep; in fact, none of my family wakes up easily from a sound sleep.

Once I have Mom sitting up in bed. I have to make sure she is awake enough to take the pill and then drink some water. I think tonight, I will use a teaspoon to put the pill in her mouth. I’m not sure how well it will work that time of night, but it may be easier then putting the pill in her hand and then having her put the tablet in her mouth.

2011 a Stress Filled Year

2011-11-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 19 Qudrat (Power), 168 BE – Tuesday, November 22, 2011 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time

2011 a stress filled year, which may explain why I got this Baha’i year (168 BE) confused with last year (167 BE). The stress was so bad that my psoriases got worse instead of better. The situation has calmed down a bit, my psoriasis is getting better and I have got my dates straight again.

What caused all this stress? I think it was a combination of issues. I am my mother’s caregiver and she has Alzheimer’s disease. Then there were the financial issues plus a bunch of other things; everything just pilled up and I stressed out. Even though the stress is still present, my life is becoming calmer.

I am meditating on the prayers revealed by Baha’u’llah, and the Bab, as well as those written by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. I am writing my problems in an offline journal, instead of using the journal as a place to rant. Ranting seems to increase the stress, while free writing about the issue helps find a solution. Prayer and journaling is the best way to alleviate stress and find solutions to my problems.

Happiness is twenty recipes for green beans

2011-11-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

Fidál (Grace), 19 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Monday, November 21, 2011 about 6:10 PM Pacific Time

All right, it doesn’t take much to make me happy any more. For the past few weeks, we’ve eaten a lot of green beans, can chicken, and rice. It’s good, but I think I’ve overdid it because Mom doesn’t eat it very good any more, so I have to find different ways to fix green beans because I have an over abundance of canned green beans in my pantry.

A friend sent me a link to 20 Ways to Cook Green Beans. I glanced through the recipes a few minutes ago and they all sound good. Since I’m making a green bean salad this week, I’ll begin fixing one of the other recipes next week. The first thing I need to do is make a list of the ingredients and then check my pantry to see what I have on hand. I’m looking forward to cooking these new (to me anyway) recipes.

Thanksgiving Week begins

2011-11-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 17 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Sunday, November 20, 2011 about 4:00 PM Pacific Time

Thanksgiving week dawned cloudy and chilly. I fixed Mom the rest of the rice casserole this morning, so she had something hot to eat. However, I have to change the recipe when I make it again to make it more appealing to Mom. I’ll deal with this recipe next week because this week I have Thanksgiving to plan.

I don’t have to plan the Thanksgiving meal because I’m expecting the meal to be delivered. Someone is providing the Thanksgiving day meal for Mom and me, which is a relief because now I can focus on other things. I have to find something for Mom to do at home on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday because Mom will be home all day for four days instead of two.

I plan to remain home Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday because I have laundry to do. I can use my washing machine now; I have to hang the cloths on the line to dry, so I hope the sunshines a little more then it did today. If there are clouds, I still have laundry to do, so I’ll have to hang the cloths indoors to dry.

I found out yesterday, that when Mom’s home I can only get one or two loads of laundry washed and dried. I still have to hang those cloths in the closet, but I can do that this evening after Mom goes to bed. I hope I can get more then two loads of laundry done tomorrow while Mom is at the daycare.

A Recipe in Progress – Microwave rice casserole

2011-11-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

Jalál (Glory), 16 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Saturday, November 19, 2011 about 9:55 AM Pacific Time

At the beginning of the week, I fixed a package of rice in the slow cooker. I fixed the entire package because I wanted the rice to last all week. This time I did not add any bouillon cubes to the rice, but the next time I make it I think I will add some chicken or shrimp bouillon cubes.

On Thursday, I added a can of chicken and a can of green beans to the rice. Thinking about it now, I realize I had too much rice for one can of either item. However, since I did not use a measuring cup when I transferred the rice to the microwave casserole dish, I do not know how much rice I used. When I tasted the rice, I realized I needed more chicken and green beans.

Today, I added the rest of the rice to the casserole dish, but I did not add any other items. I wanted us to finish the casserole this weekend so that I can begin fresh on Monday and keep track of the amount of the ingredients. Right now, the ingredients are rice, chicken, and green beans. Next time I make this recipe I will add corn, peas, and perhaps carrots or switch to cans of mixed vegetables. I have not decided which just yet. I also have to buy some chicken bouillon cubes because I have only shrimp cubes in the refrigerator. Yes, I keep my bouillon cubes in the refrigerator.

A New Week Begins: Hope sees a bright future

2011-11-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

It’s Sunday, November 13, 2011, and a new week begins. I realized today that hope always sees a bright future. Even when clouds hide the sun, hope remembers the warm rays and smiles. I’m just recovering from a bad case of psoriasis brought on by stress and worry.

Ever since Mom lost her hearing aids and I had to pay for a new pair, I’ve worried. I’ve worried over everything and it’s brought on a bout of psoriasis. I know that worry doesn’t cause psoriasis, but it does encourage an outbreak. The psoriasis on my left leg is especially bad, but all I have right now is the topical that I apply once a day. It helps, but it’s slow.

Everyday this week I’ve encountered a situation that cause stress and I can’t afford any more stress. My Medicare kicks in December 1 and I can’t see my new doctor until after that date. This means I have to handle stress differently because worrying about the stressful situation doesn’t make sense when I know the worry will encourage a psoriasis outbreak.

Writing and prayer help alleviate the stress. The problem is that I haven’t been doing a lot of either for a while. I need to get back to my old routine of prayer and writing. In order to do either, I need a little alone time. The situation does not encourage this. I now have my brother-in-law sleeping on a couch and it’s stressing me out.

I’m almost to the point of giving up, but that won’t help. Besides giving up isn’t an option. It’s something I think about when every occurrence in my life causes stress. I need to look at the coming week with the eyes of hope because hope always sees a bright future.

I am Tired in Las Vegas

2011-11-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

Jamál (Beauty), 10 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Sunday, November 12, 2011 about 5:15 PM Pacific Time

It’s Saturday evening sometime after sunset. I’m tired. It’s been a long and weary day. I had to put my plans to go to the bank this morning on hold because of issues with my mother.

Mom had a difficult day. Mom cried all morning, I called the on call nurse and she refilled prescription Mom takes for agitation. I think it helped a little. Mom cried about her grandparents, I don’t know if she meant her maternal or fraternal grandparents. She cried because she thought her grandfather had ran away with another woman. I don’t know the woman’s name or anything, just that she thought he had ran away with someone besides her grandmother.

I finally got Mom calmed down enough to eat. She ate, took her meds, and then went to bed. I went back into her bedroom once to reassure her that I’m still here. I turned out the light in her room and in the hall, so that she could go to sleep. I think she’s asleep now, at least, I don’t hear her crying.

Usually, on Saturday I watch television after Mom goes to bed, but I don’t feel like doing that tonight. I’m tired, but not sleepy. I’ll see what I can get done while Mom’s asleep. She may not stay asleep very long or she may sleep all night.

Feeling like autumn in Las Vegas

2011-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Thursday, November 10, 2011 about 2:20 PM Pacific Time

It’s beginning to feel like autumn in Las Vegas. Today the clouds cover the sky and hide the sun. It feels damp and slightly chilly. The temperature in the house is 75 degrees. It’s a depressing day. It’s a day that hints at the coming of winter.

It’s beginning to feel like fall in Las Vegas. This morning was chilly. Mom complained about the cold this morning. It didn’t feel cold to me. The morning felt damp, which suggested a chilly temperature.

It’s beginning to feel like autumn in Las Vegas. I don’t think we have reached freezing temperatures at night, but the leaves on my next door neighbor’s oak tree are beginning to change colors. It will soon be looking like fall in Las Vegas.

It’s beginning to feel like fall in Las Vegas. Each day I go out and look up at Mount Charleston. I’m looking for snow on the mountain. Every day I expect to see Mount Charleston’s crest covered with a layer of snow. One of these days, I won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to see the Mountain’s snow capped crest.

Laundry Day in Las Vegas

2011-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Kamál (Perfection), 4 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Monday, November 7, 2011 about 3:12 PM Pacific Time

It’s Monday afternoon and the only thing I accomplished this morning was laundry. It took me 2 ½ hours to do three loads of laundry. The only cloths I washed today were mine. I still have some of Mom’s to do, but that will have to wait until Thursday. I still can’t use the washer here at home because it needs a sleeve to prevent the water from over flowing into the wall during the spin cycle.

I could get a lot more accomplished at home if I could do laundry here. I could do one or two loads a day and hang them on the line. I have a wonderful cloths line in my backyard. It’s circular and turns so that I can stand in one spot and hang cloths out.

I like the scent of cloths dried out doors. I remember my grandmother always hung her cloths outside to dry. They smelled so nice and fresh. I use fabric softener; however, I can’t use the fabric softener. When I hang cloths outside they have a nice aroma without using a scented laundry detergent or fabric softener.

Rain in Las Vegas and the environmental unit

2011-11-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Jalál (Glory), 2 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Saturday, November 5, 2011 about 3:40 PM Pacific Time

It rained in Las Vegas last night. This morning, when I looked out my kitchen window the ground was wet. When I went out front to roll the trashcan to the curb there was a small puddle of water in my driveway.

Because it rained yesterday, it is chilly today. My central heat is not working properly because hen the auxiliary heat comes on the temperature in the house moves down and not up. The regular heat seems to work, but I don’t know how well it works. I called the company that does maintenance on our unit and they can’t send someone until Tuesday afternoon. So I guess we’re not the only household dealing with heating problems.

I’m going to a store tomorrow to buy a small heater for the bathroom. The bathroom needs to be warm for Mom to take a bath on Monday and Tuesday morning. I’m not crazy about having a space heater, but I have no choice Mom can’t take a bath unless the room is warm.

I’m tired of having problems with the environmental unit (central air or in our case heat pump). This year we’ve had more problems with that unit then in the past few years. I suspect we may need a new unit and I don’t want to think about that right now. Therefore, I will place this situation in God’s hands and get on with my life.

A Beautiful November afternoon in Las Vegas

2011-11-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Friday, November 4, 2011 about 2:50 PM Pacific Time

It is a beautiful November afternoon in Las Vegas. The wind is blowing and clouds hide blue sky. I went to the car and the wind seemed a bit chilly. It was not cold enough for a coat or jacket, but it was cool enough for a long sleeved blouse or shirt.

I am waiting for Mom to come home, so that I can fix her something to eat. Mom has to take her meds with food, which is nice because it makes it easier to hide her pills in the food. Sometimes Mom does not want to take her medication.

I am not sure what type of mood Mom will be in today. Since the wind is blowing, she will think it is cold. Therefore, I suspect she will not be happy. Mom does not like to go out in the wind. Mom has a nice new coat that keeps her warm, so I think the problem is the wind and the clouds. Mom thinks that clouds mean rain.

In Oklahoma, where Mom grew up, clouds do mean rain. However, this is Nevada and clouds do not always bring rain. Even if the clouds do mean rain, it may not rain in this section of Las Vegas. It would be nice if these beautiful November clouds brought rain, but the only thing we may have is wind and clouds.

Medication and The price of peanut butter

2011-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

‘Idál (Justice), 18 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Wednesday, November 2, 2011 about 7:32 AM Pacific Time

What, you may ask, has the price of peanut butter to do with medication? In our house, a great deal. Peanut butter is one of the foods I use to hide my mother’s medication. Sometimes, because of the Alzheimer’s disease, Mom does not want to take her meds. She fights taking her meds, so rather then argue with her; I hide the tablets in food.

I can always tell how difficult Mom is going to be. Mom has two meds that are capsules rather then tablets. One of these she takes first thing in the morning. Sometimes she takes the capsules without too much of an argument. At other times, she refuses to take it. This med is for her stomach and prevents heartburn, which she has if she does not take the capsule on a regular basis.

The problems with time-released capsules are that she cannot chew them, but must swallow them whole. The capsule (a different medication) she takes of an evening is easier because she is happier in the afternoon then in the morning. As I was writing, I hide the tablets in her peanut butter or ice cream. If peanut butter prices get too high, I will have to find another food to conceal Mom’s meds.

Time to close the books on October

2011-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Fidál (Grace), 17 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 1, 2011 about 3:23 PM Pacific Time

I like to stay home on the first day of the month. This is when I close the books. This morning I couldn’t stay home, so it’s afternoon and I don’t have October’s books closed or November’s books open and this mean a late night bringing everything into balance. Oh well, it is my own fault.

The only financial work I accomplished today was setting up the house payment to come out of the checking account on the seventh. Usually, I close the proceeding month’s books before going to the mortgage website to make the house payment. That way I can put the payment amount in the budget spreadsheet with the confirmation number. I wrote down the confirmation number, so I have it when I set up November’s spreadsheet.

I will close October’s books after Mom goes to bed. I don’t like doing this because I prefer to close the books when I am by myself and don’t have to listen for Mom. Sometimes Mom gets out of bed and walks down the hall. The problem is that she doesn’t always remember to use her walker. It’s difficult to close books when I have to listen for footsteps in the hall.

A rough day in Las Vegas

2011-10-30T16:51:00.001-07:00

Jamál (Beauty), 15 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 30, 2011 about 4:50 PM Pacific Time

I feel like I’ve been riding the rapids, going up and down, down and up all day. Mom woke up in a good mood; in fact, she got up by herself. She used her walker to move safely from her bedroom to the living room. She was a bit upset when she didn’t find me in the living room, but she calmed down as soon as she saw me.

The first pill she takes is a capsule, which means she cannot chew it, but has to swallow it. It was easy to convince her to take that pill. That was the last pill she took easily all day. The rest of the tablets she didn’t want to take, I finally got her to take the last tablet by hiding it in some ice cream. I’m going to have to start giving her the tablets in her food, the problem is the capsules; I don’t think I can hide them in her food because they are capsules.

I didn’t feel very well this morning myself. This afternoon I feel better, but I haven’t eaten very much today. I think I’ll fix me an egg or some other type of sandwich. I did eat some cut okra this afternoon, so perhaps I’ll eat some applesauce or some ice cream. Maybe fix a hot cup of tea and just relax this evening because I’m still a little tired.

Cooking for someone on a low fiber diet

2011-10-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Thursday, October 27, 2011 about 2:52 PM Pacific Time

I am learning to cook again. My mother is on a low fiber diet, this means that she can have 3 grams of fiber or less per meal. The dietitian told us per day, but I have found that it is easier to count the dietary fiber content per meal rather then per day.

According to the information on the vegetable labels, ½ cup of the vegetable counts as a serving, this means if the veggie contains 3 grams of fiber that is per serving. There is not enough fiber in most meats to make the label, so I do not have to worry about the fiber in the meat. While rice (according to the labels I have read) does not contain dietary fiber.

To keep Mom’s dietary fiber within the proper range, I mix rice with meat and veggies. Most of the time I use canned chicken and green beans. Therefore, the ½-cup serving of green beans becomes a serving of rice, chicken, and green beans. I use the same method with carrots, peas, etc.

This works all right unless Mom we have frozen dinners. The problem with the T.V. dinners I have encountered so far is that none of them has less then 2 or 3 grams of fiber. Since this is the case, I cannot fix Mom more then one per day or she exceeds the 3 grams per day limit. This also means that instead of getting a vegetable with her rice, she can have only chicken.

This also means that, since I do not know the fiber content of meals in restaurants, I cannot purchase meals and bring home for Mom. Occasionally I would like a break from cooking and meal planning. I would like to go to a restaurant, order something to go, and bring it home for us to eat. Oh well, such is life.

Rice, Canned Chicken, and Green Beans

2011-10-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Kamál (Perfection), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 24, 2011 about 3:40 PM

Today I fixed rice, canned chicken, and green beans. I mixed the green beans with the other ingredients because it had only 2 grams of dietary fiber. Since Mom is going to eat this for her supper, I had to make sure it had the least amount of dietary fiber.

Mom is on a low fiber diet, which means she can have no more then 3 grams of fiber in a meal. The rice and chicken have very little or no fiber, so this is a good mean for a weekday afternoon.

I mixed one can of chicken and one can of green beans with the rice. I am not sure how many cups of rice because the casserole dish I used already had rice in it. When I cooked the package of rice, I flavored it with one shrimp bullion cube. Since the cube contained a great deal of salt, I did not want to use more then one. I am not sure what size package of rice I used; I had enough rice to fill two medium casserole dishes.

All right, that may not be the best way to cook rice, but that is how I do it. This way I only have to cook rice once a week. I cook the rice and then I decide what to add to it for our meals the rest of the week; it saves time and energy.

At 3:05 AM October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Jamál (Beauty), 8 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 23, 2011 about 11:55 AM Pacific Time

At 3:05 AM, I heard someone walking down the hall. I got up to see if I had left the door unlock, but instead of an intruder, I found Mom in the living room. I managed to convince her to go into the bathroom and change her cloths. Then we went back into the living room so that I could start giving her, her morning medication.

I convinced her to take the first pill and then began my day. After she took the pill, I went into the kitchen. Instead of taking my second pill of the morning, I started a carafe of coffee and then got us each two slices of pound cake. I did not realize until a few minutes ago that I forgot to take my pill. Getting old is not for wimps.

Since Mom got out of bed at 3:05 AM, I did not get my morning shower taken. It is a good thing I took a shower last night before going to bed. I took a shower last night because my psoriasis was itching and burning. I put baking soda on a washcloth and used that on my psoriasis. I did think the baking soda helped much last night, but this morning the psoriasis feels better and itches less.

In fact, Mom got up so early that I did not get a chance to do many things I planned to accomplish this morning. If Mom is going to get up early on the weekends, I have to rearrange my morning chores and activities so that I can do them in the evening.

It is Friday Evening

2011-10-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Jalál (Glory), 7 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Friday, October 21, 2011 about 7:10 PM Pacific Time

It is Friday evening and I have to stay home Saturday and Sunday. Ordinarily, I would find this a problem, but after the last couple of days, it is refreshing. True, I probably will not get everything caught up, but that is all right. I need to learn to relax and chill out. I am going through a horrendous out break of psoriasis and I think the main problem is stress.

I need to learn to accomplish what I can without stressing over everything that I need to accomplish. I need to learn to chill out and stop stressing over a slow computer. Stress will not increase the speed of my computer. Stress will not help me figure out why my computer slows down at the most in opportune times. Stress will only increase the psoriasis outbreak that is starting to cover my body.

I have to call the pharmacy and get another tube of the cream I put on the red itchy patches. I know the prescription helps a little. My doctor suggested I use Vaseline fro the dryness, which helps a little. It does not do anything for the itch. I am going to try a remedy for itch that my grandmother used. She made a paste out of baking powder and spread it over the itchy areas when we had chicken pox. It stopped us from scratching then, I am not sure how well it will work in this case, but it is worth a try.

A busy Morning in Las Vegas

2011-10-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

‘Idál (Justice), 4 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 19, 2011 about 2:50 PM Pacific Time

It was a busy morning. My computer has been running slow so I ran the disk cleanup program followed by the defragmentation program. It took a while, so I sorted cloths and took three baskets to my car. I will be so glad when I can use my machine here at home, then I can do a load of laundry whenever I want to instead of having to wait until I can get to the laundromat.

Tomorrow, after I stop at the bank to get quarters, I will wash the three baskets of Mom’s cloths. I still have sheets and a basket of my cloths, but those can wait until Friday. I am going to the laundromat Thursday and Friday this week. I know I am pushing myself, but I have no other choice because I want to get as many cloths washed this week as possible. I still have one more basket to wash, but those cloths need pretreated before I put them into a washing machine.

I do not like pretreating my cloths at the laundromat because it takes too long and I have to remain standing up longer then is comfortable. I can stand up just so long before I have to sit down and rest. Therefore, I will pretreat the cloths at home and then take them to the laundromat either Monday or Tuesday.

Being a Caregiver Isn’t Easy

2011-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Fidál (Grace), 3 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 18, 2011 about 1:58 PM Pacific Time

As my Mother’s caregiver, I have to make choices for her that she cannot make for herself. This afternoon, I realized that one of the choices concerns my mother’s wardrobe. I was hanging cloths for her to wear and I came across two pairs of my mother’s slacks. Mom does not wear slacks any more, she used to wear them all the time, but now she wears only skirts, blouses, and dresses.

Mom does not wear slacks anymore because dresses and skirts are easier for her to get on and off, especially when someone else is assisting her to dress. Mom does not seem to notice that the only that the only choices presented to her are dresses or skirts. Perhaps it is because she was born and raised in a time when women did not wear slacks. I do not think she began wearing slacks until World War II.

Anyway, as I was hanging Mom’s cloths up I came across two pairs of slacks she used to wear. Since there is no use hanging them where she can find them and want to wear them, I put them in a box I am planning to give away. Because Mom suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, she will get angry if cannot wear them and this would happen if she wanted to wear them and I had to say no.

I miss the woman my mother used to be. The woman I could reason with and discuss issues without her repeating herself or getting angry over a difference of opinion. I pray everyday that medical science will find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

The price of peanut butter

2011-10-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Kamál (Perfection), 2 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 17, 2011 about 3:20 PM Pacific Time

The price of peanut butter is increasing. I don’t suppose it should surprise me because everything, except my income is going up. If the price rises too much, I may have to stop buying peanut butter. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not sure there is anything else I can do. Mom and I live on a fixed income, which means we’re living close to the bone all the time.

The majority of our money goes for other things besides food. Peanut butter is one of Mom’s favorite foods. Mom could make an entire meal of peanut butter and crackers. I don’t know what I’m going to tell Mom if I have to take peanut butter off the menu.

I like peanut butter myself. If I stop eating it then the peanut butter will last longer. That may be one solution. I buy the peanut butter for Mom, instead of buying it for Mom and me. I will miss eating it, but I can get buy with something else. I can eat grape jelly sandwiches, I don’t have to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I will miss them; however, I don’t see any other solution to the problem.

A change of plans for this week

2011-10-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jamál (Beauty), 1 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 16, 2011 about 4:30 PM Pacific Time

I had planned to go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As it turns out, I have to remain home on Monday. If I let it, this will mess up my schedule for the week; however, I do not think I will let it. I have plenty to do here at home both on and off line.

I need to clean out the pantry and move some of the canned goods to another cupboard in the kitchen. I need to clean out Mom’s closet and my closet. We both have dresses that we will never wear, so I need to pack those in a box and give them away. I also need to get the spare room ready to rent. I am not sure the renting idea will work out, but it is worth a try because we need the money and I am tired of using that room as a “catch all”.

I suppose I need to write a “to do list” tonight so that I accomplish something tomorrow. If I can check a job off a list then I know I have accomplished something.

An interesting Saturday in Las Vegas

2011-10-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Jalál (Glory), 19 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 15, 2011 about 5:25 PM Pacific Time

It has been an interesting and frustrating Saturday. The frustrating concerned my computer this morning. I am not sure what caused the problem, but it seems to have cleared this afternoon. This morning the computer slowed down and I had to reboot several times because the CPU kept running at 100%. Because of the frustration I am tired and behind completing online work. This means staying up late tonight and tomorrow night completing work.

The interesting part of the day concerned my mother. This morning Mom was happy and singing or humming. She was singing “Yankee Doodle” and humming a John Philips Sousa piece, but I am not sure of the title. This afternoon Mom was crying. I have no idea why she cried because she never tells me. Actually, she does not know why she is crying.

I ask Mom why she is crying and she always says, “I don’t know” or “I’m not crying.” The reasons concern the Alzheimer’s disease and I suspect she forgets why she is crying. If I have a choice, I would rather she were singing. I suspect the reason Mom cries concerns her belief that her parents are still alive.

My laundromat schedule in Las Vegas

2011-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 13, 2011 about 1:05 PM Pacific Time

Mom’s physical condition requires that I go to the laundromat more then once or twice a week. My physical condition requires a one-day recovery period between trips to the laundromat; therefore, my laundry schedule has to change. Today I have three baskets of laundry ready to go to the laundromat tomorrow morning. I have one more basket to load in the car today.

In addition, I think I am allergic to my fabric softener. I bought a new jug of unscented fabric softener to use in my cloths. I will use the scented softener in Mom’s cloths. Next week, I will go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Monday is going to be a long day because I have to go to the bank and the grocery store before going to the laundromat. I need to get quarters at the bank and more fabric softener for Mom’s cloths. I am almost out of the scented fabric softener and I have to use it when I wash Mom’s cloths.

Thinking about next week’s schedule makes me tired. I have to increase my protein intake this weekend to prepare for next week’s schedule. I hope that helps. Going to the laundromat is strenuous exercise, which means the next time someone ask me if I get strenuous exercise, I can say “Yes, three times a week.”

I Gave the Cats to Becky

2011-10-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

‘Idál (Justice), 16 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 12, 2011 about 6:55 PM

Due to physical and financial, I could not continue to take care of both Mom and the cats. Therefore, with the help of my brother, I took the cats the animal shelter earlier this year. When Mom first noticed that they were gone, I told her I took them to the Vet and they had to stay there for a while. That seemed to satisfy Mom at the time.

Recently Mom asked, “Where are the cats?”

My reply, “I gave them to Becky.” I explained to Mom that Becky wanted some cats to keep her cat company and that satisfied Mom. I do not know a Becky, but apparently, Mom has known someone by that name because it satisfied her.

Because of the Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory issues Mom usually forgets that we had cats. When she does remember it is unwise to tell her that I took them to the Animal Shelter because she will get angry. This forces me to come up with plausible explanations that will satisfy her when she asks the question. Fortunately, she does not ask the question vary often.

How to wear yourself out in Las Vegas

2011-10-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Fidál (Grace), 15 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 11, 2011 about 1:35 PM Pacific Time

How do you wear yourself out in Las Vegas? Go to the store and laundromat in the same day. I bet you thought I was going to write something about going to one of the hotel-casinos to see a show or do something else. I just got back from washing three baskets of cloths. Before I took the baskets to the laundromat, I stopped at Walgreens to pick up a couple of prescriptions for my Mother.

I am tired, worn out and sleepy. As I write this, I am yawning. I still have to go to the grocery store and wash four more baskets of laundry this week. No, the pipes behind my washing machine are not fixed, which means I have to take all my dirty cloths to the laundromat. Up until today, my physical limit was three baskets of cloths. I am changing that, especially if I have to go to a store before or after I go to the laundromat. Since I have rested a little, I will post this entry and bring the clean cloths into the house.

I still have to lug three baskets of clean cloths into the house and fold the sheets. All right, I realized when I folded the towels that I had reached my physical limit and would have to bring the sheets home without folding them. I do not like to do this, but there is a limit to how much laundry I can finish in a single day at the laundromat. Tomorrow, I will wash only two baskets of cloths before going to the grocery store.

I Gave the Chickens to a Farmer

2011-10-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Kamál (Perfection), 14 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Monday, October 10, 2011 about 10:45 AM Pacific Time

This morning Mom asked, “Where are the chickens?”

My response, “What chickens?” I have to remember not to ask the “what” question, when asks me about where animals or people are because sometimes she gets upset. She did not get upset this morning.

Mom said, “I thought we had chickens.”

My response, “We could not get a permit, so I gave the chickens to a farmer.”

When Mom was a child, she lived on a farm in Oklahoma and they had chickens. When my grandparents moved to Blackwell, the also had chickens. I suspect Mom still thinks she lives in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I have not broached the subject because I do not want to get Mom upset. My answer seemed to satisfy her, so I will leave it at that right now.

When dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, you have to put yourself in their world. Mom does not remember attending her parents’ funerals; she thinks they are still alive. Mom does not think she is 90 years old, which is another subject I have no intention of broaching.

If Mom brings up the subject of the chickens again, I will take an egg from the refrigerator, cook it, and tell her the farmer brought us some eggs from the chickens we gave him. It will make Mom happy and I really do not think the store where I buy my eggs cares what I tell Mom about them.

Saturday is Trash pick up day

2011-10-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Jalál (Glory), 12 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 8, 2011 about 4:48 PM Pacific Time

Saturday is trash collection day in my neighborhood and I did not get the trashcan rolled to the curb this morning. This is the second time this week that I missed or forgot to roll the trashcan to the curb. Wednesday was also trash collection day on Bracken Avenue.

It is all right to miss one day, but missing two days is a problem. I now have to make sure that there is no fifty plus pounds of trash in my trashcan. I do not remember why I missed rolling the trash to the curb on Wednesday, but today I was involved in getting Mom up and dressed. I also had breakfast to fix for her. I think the breakfast part of the morning was the issue.

Perhaps the best solution is to roll the can to the curb the night before. This means that Tuesday and Friday evenings I have to roll the can to the curb. I do not like doing this because there is always the chance of a stray dog running loose in the neighborhood.

Normally the only animals that run loose in this neighborhood are the cats. Most people keep their dogs on leashes or behind fences, so it is unlikely that a neighborhood dog would knock over the trashcan, but there is always the possibility of a stray coming into the neighborhood. However, I think I will start taking the trashcan to the curb the night before trash collection day.

Laundry Day in Las Vegas

2011-10-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Istiqlál (Independence), 11 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 6, 2011 about 7:30 PM Pacific Time

Thursday was laundry day. I took three baskets to the laundromat and it took me all morning to wash, dry, and fold them. I had just enough detergent to do the three loads. Tomorrow I have to go to the store for more detergent. Then I have to go to the laundromat again and do three more loads. I should also go to the bank and get some more quarters.

I am tired of going to the laundromat. The only thing I enjoy there is the soda machine because it contains cans of mango juice. Every time I go to the laundromat, I buy a can of mango juice and drink it while I wait for the cloths to wash.

Monday was an interesting rainy day in Las Vegas

2011-10-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Fidál (Grace), 8 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 4, 2011 about 11:05 AM Pacific Time

Interesting days are usually full of excitement or stress. Monday was a stressful day. After Mom left for the Adult Daycare Center, I got ready to leave the house. The lens fell out of my glasses, it turned out that the screw came out. I could not find the screw, so I had to figure another way to fix my glasses.

I used a needle and thread to sow the glasses together. This method is simple. I find a needle small that is enough to go through the screw hole. The eye of the needle must be large enough for me to thread it, which was not easy with one lens missing from my glasses; however, I did find the appropriate sized needle and fixed my glasses.

I went to the bank to get some gas money and a roll of quarter for laundry. The line at the bank was long and slow moving, so I went to the ATM. While waiting in line at the ATM, it began to rain. I did not rain very much, just enough to get my windshield wet. I then went to the gas station before going to pick up my mother’s hearing aids.

After picking up Mom’s hearing aids, I went back to the bank because I still needed money for laundry. The line, with different people in it, was same length as earlier that morning. I had no choice, but to get my quarter. I left the bank and went home because I need to eat something. After I finished eating, it rained again this time with thunder and lightning. A friend came by and took three baskets to the laundromat. So now, I have enough clean cloths and sheets to last until Wednesday or Thursday.

Since I have a technician coming into check the air condition on Wednesday, I will have to go to the laundromat, the pharmacy, and the grocery store on Thursday. Today, I am waiting on a delivery and catching up on writing projects and other stuff.

Upgrading my technology

2011-10-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jamál (Beauty), 6 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Sunday, October 1-2, 2011 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time

I changed browser in September. I am now using Google Chrome. I like this Google Chrome browser because it is easier to use then the browser I used before. It is also faster. I do not know why I did not change browser earlier this year. I am enjoying working online again.

My next project is to upgrade my computer. Until I can get a new computer, I need to clean off my hard drive. I have too much stuff save to it so I have to decide what I need to keep on the hard drive and what I need to move to a back up desk. The problem is I do not know where to start, so I guess I will start with the photos I have saved and work from there.

Keeping a Food Diary for my Mother

2011-10-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jalál (Glory), 5 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 1, 2011 about 4:31 PM Pacific Time

Yesterday, I thought I would create a daily menu for October; however, I have changed my mind. I am going to keep a food diary for Mom and myself. There was an issue with Mom this morning and I am not precisely sure what caused it. I suspect the hot cakes we ate this morning caused the problem. However, I am not sure whether it was the hot cakes or the oil used to cook them.

I did not give her any margarine, but she did have syrup on them. Anyway, I will keep a food diary for the rest of October and see what causes the problem. Since I am keeping a diary for Mom, I may as well keep one for myself.

For lunch, we ate frozen dinners, which contained peas, meat, and potatoes. For dinner, we will have rice (cooked with shrimp bullion) and green beans. I am adding any meat to the rice because we have canned chicken and I do not want to use anything else that has salt.

Mom retains water (which was not the issue this morning) and her feet swell. Since a water pill lowers her blood pressure, she cannot take water pills.

Thoughts on our October’s Menu

2011-09-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

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.

My last Doctor’s Appointment

2011-09-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

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.

A Beautiful Sunday in Las Vegas

2011-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Water cold or at room temperature

2011-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Powdered Milk and Warmed over Coffee in Las Vegas

2011-09-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

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.

After my Wednesday Doctor’s appointment in Las Vegas

2011-09-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Where oh where have the hearing aids gone

2011-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Looking for my mother’s hearing aids

2011-09-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Half way through September in Las Vegas

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Disclaimer Policy for Poet 999 – A Butterfly Emerges From her Cocoon

2011-09-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

‘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.

Thunder, Lightning, and Rain in Las Vegas

2011-09-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Sweltering in Las Vegas

2011-09-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

Follow the instructions in Las Vegas

2011-09-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Comparison Shopping in Las Vegas

2011-09-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

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.

A mostly cloudy day in Las Vegas

2011-09-08T14:55:00.001-07:00

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.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

My mother is looking for something

2011-09-04T19:17:00.001-07:00

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.