New Year’s Eve December 31, 2010

Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Sharaf (Honor), 167 BE – Friday, December 31, 2010 about 1:58 PM Pacific Time

It’s Friday, December 31, the last day of 2010. Tomorrow a new Gregorian year begins. Tonight at midnight, fireworks will celebrate the birth of a New Year. A New Year is a new beginning.

A New Year is full of potential. A New Year is full of promise. A New Year is full of hope. A New Year is a time to make changes. A New Year is a time to move things in the house.

"If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home."

Author Unknown

One of the items I am moving is my dining room table. In 2007, when my mother got out of the hospital I moved my dining room table into the living room and it is still in my living room. In 2011, I am moving my dining room table back into the dining room. After I move the table, then I will decide on 26 more items to move.

I hope to complete moving all the items by March 21, 2011. However, moving items from one room to another or from one wall to another takes thought. It may take longer then three months to move everything. It may not take three months when I decided on the other items.

I put a new mattress on my mother’s bed

Fidál (Grace), 17 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Tuesday, December 28, 2010 about 2:12 PM Pacific Time

I put a new mattress on my mother’s bed today. It’s one of those mattress covered with plastic, so that it can be washed off with a wet rag. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought, even with the osteoarthritis in my right knee.

I put the old mattress in Mom’s vanity room temporarily. Eventually, I’ll have to take it out to the curb, but I think I’ll wait until Saturday. I’ll take it out to the garage either this evening or on Wednesday morning.

Mom wasn’t upset about me changing her mattress. I don’t think she even knew I changed the mattress on her bed. When I showed her the mattress, she was upset because the bed wasn’t made, but she didn’t seem to realize she had a different mattress. I think that has to do with her short-term memory issues.

Today my mother is happy

Kamál (Perfection), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Monday, December 27, 2010 about 2:27 PM Pacific Time

Today my mother is happy. All morning she has sang a song from her youth. I am not sure why she is in a good mood, but I am glad she is happy today. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease so there are good days and bad days. I never know when I get up if Mom is going to be in a good or bad mood. This morning she woke up crying, I am not sure why. I am not sure Mom knows why she wakes up crying.

After she got out of bed, got dressed, and went into the breakfast room her mood slowly changed. She started singing about 9:00 AM and sang all morning. I think she is dozing right now. She does not take her afternoon nap in bed. Instead, she dozes on the love seat or the couch. Today she is dozing on the couch in the breakfast room.

I suppose I should check in her room for laundry. We have to go to the laundromat either Tuesday or Wednesday. I already have a basket of sheets in the car waiting; I just need to get two more so that I can have three loads. I am going to post this and then check for more cloths in Mom’s bedroom that I need to put in her basket.

Joyous Christmas from Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 14 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Saturday, December 25, 2010 about 10:27 AM Pacific Time

It is Saturday, December 25; it is the last Saturday in 2010 next Saturday a New Year begins. It is a joyous Christmas because there are music specials on television playing carols and hymns I remember from my childhood. It is a joyous Christmas because my mother is sitting on the love seat watching Channel 10 and listening to Christmas music. It is a joyous Christmas because I heard my mother laugh as she watched the singers and listened to the music.

A joyous Christmas
Echoes from my T.V. set
Mother is happy

Eleven minutes before midnight

Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Friday, December 24, 2010 about 4:39 PM Pacific Time

I was born on December 24, 1946 about eleven minutes before midnight. At that time today I will turn 64 years old. To celebrate my birthday I bought two books. I bought “The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide”, which contains five novels and one story. I also bought “The Dragon Book”. Tonight, instead of looking at the History channel, I’m going to begin reading one of the books.

It Rained all day in Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 11 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Wednesday, December 22, 2010 about 3:32 PM Pacific Time

I remember a song from my childhood. One of the lines went something like this “It rained all night the day I left.” Today it rained all day in Las Vegas and I didn’t go anywhere. I stayed home and watched the rain. Sometimes the rain was gentle. Sometimes it rained hard. Sometimes the rain paused, but the clouds were still there and I knew the rain would soon start again.

This morning, I took a bag of trash to the garage. I decided not to take the trashcan to the curb because of the rain. The only thing I did was wake far enough down the driveway to pick up the morning paper. Even though the delivery guy put the paper in a plastic bag, the paper was wet. It wasn’t completely soaked, it was just wet enough to prevent me from reading it until the paper dried.

I think the paper is sufficiently dry for me to read the comics. The front page didn’t get wet, but the section with the comics got wet. This isn’t the first time this has happened. Every time it rains long or hard enough for the paper to get wet, always the comic section gets wet.

It is still raining in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 10 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Tuesday, December 21, 2010 about 9:50 AM Pacific Time

It rained all day yesterday and it is still raining today. It is a gentle rain, but in Las Vegas, a gentle rain can still cause problems. If it rains long enough it will soak the ground and this being a desert will probably cause flooding. According to this morning’s weather e-mail, a record was set on December 20th with 4” of rain recorded at McCarran airport.

In Mesquite, they expect the Virgin River to flood sometime today, while the meteorologist forecast 2 to 4 feet of snow for the mountains above 7,000 feet. Winter has arrived in the desert. Winter has arrived in Las Vegas and more rain is on the way.

I’m not looking forward to driving in the rain, but I have a prescription to pick up at Smith’s Food and Drug store. When I took the prescriptions in last Friday, the pharmacist had to order one of the meds. It was supposed to be in yesterday, but the only prescription I was able to pick up was for my mother. I’ll call to make sure the prescription is in and then go to the pharmacy this afternoon.

Christmas Week, a Total Lunar Eclipse and clouds in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 9 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Sunday, December 19, 2010 about 5:10 PM Pacific Time

It looks like I won’t be about to watch Monday night’s total lunar eclipse from my front yard. I’ll have to turn on CNN or some other news station and hope they show the eclipse. I’m disappointed, but the weather forecast calls for cloud cover and rain for the rest of the week. I know we need the rain here in Las Vegas; however, I would rather stand in my front yard watching a total eclipse of the moon then seeing it on television.

During this eclipse, the moon is supposed to glow brown or red, rather then its normal orange-yellow eclipse color. This is because of the dust in the atmosphere from volcanic eruptions. I remember seeing a total lunar eclipse in the last century. I stood in a mall parking lot and watched in amazement as the moon moved into the earth’s shadow. It was beautiful it was spectacular.

I’m going to miss seeing this eclipse from my front yard, but there isn’t anything I can do about it because mother nature has her own priorities. Oh well, maybe I’ll write a poem about missing the lunar eclipse of 2010.

Two weeks left in 2010

Jamál (Beauty), 8 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Saturday, December 18, 2010 about 6:28 PM Pacific Time

Two weeks left in 2010. I know they will be two busy weeks because I have laundry and a dozen other things to do before December 31. Tomorrow we’re going to do three baskets of laundry. I have to go to the laundromat, so three baskets are all I can handle and take Mom with me. Mom enjoys folding the dry cloths.

In addition to laundry, I have to clean off my hard drive. Once I’ve cleaned it off then I think I’ll have to uninstall some programs. I uninstalled one today, so my computer may be running a little better; it’s been extremely slow lately.

The End is near

‘Idál (Justice), 4 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Wednesday, December 15, 2010 about 11:20 AM Pacific Time

The end is near, at least the end of the year. As 2010 draws to a close, I am looking at what I need to get out of debt, which is a depressing subject in these economic conditions. I want to set a realistic goal, but at this point, I’m not sure what that would be. I would like to have all my debts paid by the end of 2011; however, I’m not sure that is realistic.

The first step is to get all my mother’s debts and all mine together. The second step is to put the debts into a spreadsheet and compare them with our income (a frightening thought). The third step is figure out a payment schedule (another frightening thought). I have to do this and I can’t let fear’s little demons stop me.

I’ve just thought of a fourth step and fifth step. The fourth step is to list ways we can save money. While the fifth step concerns finding was to make more money. I’ve listed all the steps necessary to achieve this goal. Now I need to set up a spreadsheet and, since I already have 2011 budget books set up I can add another spreadsheet those books.

It’s been a good day

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Masá’il (Questions), 167 BE – Sunday, December 12, 2010 about 4:14 PM Pacific Time

It’s been a good day, I managed to scrape together enough money to get Mom’s Alzheimer’s medication, but I still have six other bottles of meds to get. She is now taking two different tablets for Alzheimer’s disease. Mom takes one Galantamine ER 24 MG Capsule a day and two Namenda 10 MG Tablets a day (one tablet in the morning and one in the evening).

Mom isn’t happy about taking these or any of her other medications, but it’s necessary. Mom seems to have the most difficulty on cloudy days and in winter. If I take her out every day she is in a better mood, most of the time; unfortunately, getting her ready to go is a project in itself. We’re supposed to be getting a new walk-in or roll-in shower in one of the bathrooms, but the funding hasn’t came through yet.

This afternoon Mom is in an in-between mood; that is she is in a good mood for a little while and then her mood changes. One of the issues is a windup alarm clock. The clock that Mom had broke and I had to throw it away. I think getting her a new alarm clock will help. At least, she won’t be upset about the alarm clock any more.

The Feast of Masá’il (Questions) is Tonight

Jalál (Glory), 19 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Saturday, December 11, 2010 about 10:38 AM Pacific Time

The Feast of Masá’il (Questions) is tonight at 7:00 PM. Mom and I are planning to attend. I don’t know what time this afternoon I’m going to have to encourage Mom to start getting ready. If I remind her about the Feast too early, she will get ready and spend the rest of the day impatient to leave or forget that we’re planning to attend Feast and want to go to bed early.

I still have next week’s schedule to set up. If I don’t set the schedule I’ll spend another week spinning my wheels without accomplishing anything. I my last post I discussed working a graveyard shift, I’m having second thoughts about that, but I don’t see any other option. I need to make money online and I need to take care of Mom. I probably need sleep as well. I haven’t been sleeping more then three or four hours at night anyway.

At least, the house is warm now, so I don’t have to shiver while I’m working at night. Being cold is distracting and I get less accomplished when it cold in the house then when it’s warm. I can stand the hot weather much better then the cold weather. It hasn’t gotten very cold in Las Vegas, but the temperature was low enough to cause distractions.

Changing my work schedule

Jalál (Glory), 19 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Friday, December 10, 2010 about 6:37 PM Pacific Time

Despite the fact I don’t like working graveyard, I’m going to have to start that shift. No I’m not taking a job outside the house, I’ll still work online, but I’ll be working nights rather then during the day. I’m attempting to work when Mom’s asleep

Lately, I’ve had difficulty getting online before late afternoon. Mom requires more attention then she used to. She is still capable of doing many things for herself, but she wants more attention. She also doesn’t want to eat anything except peanut butter and cereal. Mom will fix peanut butter and cereal for herself, but nothing else.

Mom will eat what I fix, but she won’t fix anything for herself except peanut butter and cereal. Unfortunately, peanut butter and cereal isn’t a balanced meal. In addition, Mom will not take her meds unless I give them to her. Anyway, I’m going to have to work online when Mom’s asleep and that means graveyard.

A memory from my childhood: Countdown to Christmas

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Thursday, December 9, 2010 about 10:40 AM Pacific Time

When I was a child Christmas preparation began on Black Friday. Grandpa would pile my three siblings and me into the car and we would go Christmas tree shopping. Then on December 1, the Countdown to Christmas would begin. We always knew how many days until Santa Claus came through the window. We did not have a fireplace, so the Jolly Old Elf could not come down our chimney.

Each day in December, we would wake up, look at the calendar and count the days until Christmas. Today there are sixteen days left until Christmas. As a child, the number of days until Christmas was very important because we knew Santa Claus was watching and knew “who was naughty and who was nice”. I never did figure out what scale he used to determine “naughty” or “nice”, I simply knew that getting presents meant being nice.

On December 24, the day before Christmas Mom or Grandma would bake Christmas cookies. We always saved Santa Claus, Snowman, and Reindeer cookies for Santa. We would place the cookies, with a tall glass of milk, on the coffee table close to the tree. The next morning we would have presents under the tree and the cookies and milk were gone.

The Heat Pump is fixed

The heat pump works, so the house is warm. Right now, the thermostat is set at 78 degrees, but I think I’ll turn it down to 75 degrees before I go to bed; that is if I go to bed. I’m not sleepy and I have several things to catch up.

Having heat in the house has energized me. All the time the heat was off I could think of nothing else but keeping warm. Now that the heat pump is working, I can think of all sorts of stuff I need to do and I want to do. At least now, I won’t have to wear three sweaters while I work.

Fall Clouds in Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 16 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Wednesday, December 8, 2010 about 12:52 PM Pacific Time

Bright patches of white
Blankets the desert blue sky
Cold humidity

It didn’t rain last night, but it did get cold. Today the air feels chilly and damp. The sun is shining; however, the clouds prevent it from casting shadows. Patched of blue sky are visible between small rips in the clouds. I’m waiting for a tech to come and fix the heat pump so that the house can be warm.

I’m looking forward to a warm house

Fidál (Grace), 15 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Tuesday, December 7, 2010 about 4:49 PM Pacific Time

I remember having fun in snow. When I was a child, I didn’t notice the cold. I went out and enjoyed the snow. Now, I enjoy sitting inside a warm house and watching the snow accumulate on the ground outside. We haven’t had any snow in Las Vegas, but it has snow on Mount Charleston.

One of the things I enjoy about winter in Las Vegas is looking up to the mountain and seeing snow. I have no desire to drive up there a play in the snow. I enjoy looking up and seeing Mount Charleston’s white crest. I also enjoy being in a warm house, rather I will enjoy this as soon as the heat pump is fixed.

The techs are coming on Wednesday, between 8:00 and 10:00 AM to fix the unit. I am going to enjoy a warm house and taking a bath in a warm house. I may even wash my hair if it gets warm enough. I’ve missed the warmth and it hasn’t been cold in Las Vegas. After the heat pump is fixed I’ll worry about paying the electricity bill this winter, but right now I just want to be warm.

Thoughts on a long day

Jamál (Beauty), 13 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Saturday, December 4, 2010 about 6:53 PM Pacific Time

Despite the fact that the days are growing shorter, it’s been a long day. I spent the morning attempting to get Mom up and into the living room or breakfast room. This morning I wanted to fix eggs and hot dogs, but I couldn’t fix them until Mom got up because they would get cold or be over cooked.

It took two hours to get Mom up and into the breakfast room. Once breakfast was ready and Mom ate, then it took about a hour to convince her to get dressed so we could go to the bank. I had to get twenty dollars in quarters to do laundry. When we got to the bank, Mom waited in the car; she didn’t want to go into the bank. I’m glad it’s winter, but I don’t know what I’m going to do next summer when it gets hot.

Getting Mom out of the car and into a store or bank is difficult. Most of the time I just tell her I’m using her debit card and she has to be with me when I use it; that usually does the trick, but not always. If Mom doesn’t want to do something she can be extremely stubborn and with the Alzheimer’s disease she gets angry.

Tomorrow we have to go to the laundromat and on Monday she has an appointment with her doctor. I’m not looking forward to the process of getting Mom up and ready to go. Mom doesn’t understand why she can’t stay home when I go to the laundromat and she doesn’t think she needs to see a doctor. I have two more long days ahead of me.

I now have heat

Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Thursday, December 2, 2010 about 3:52 PM Pacific Time

The techs came today and fixed the central air unit. I now have heat in my house and it is wonderful. I cannot express just how great it feels to be warm. The heat went out on Thanksgiving, the day the weather in Las Vegas turned cold.

I completed NaNoWriMo in the cold. I washed dishes in the cold. I took a hot bath in the cold and I found out that if you fill a bathtub with hot water and close the bathroom door, the room gets warm. The room gets warm enough to be slightly pleasant when you are in it for a little while.

I did learn something from this experience. I learned that I am much happier in a warm house then a cold house. I learned that I do not like to drink cold juice when the house is cold. I learned that I could write and do dishes even in the cold.

The Christmas Season brings back Memories

Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Wednesday, December 1, 2010 about 8:35 PM Pacific Time

I no longer celebrate Christmas. The gift giving time for me is February 26 to March 1, but the Christmas Season brings back memories. I have both good memories and bad memories of Christmas. I was born on December 24, so I have mixed memories of Christmas because of the accident of my birthday.

Today a couple of things reminded that this is the Christmas Season. I stopped at Smith’s Food and Drug to see if one of my prescriptions was ready and in front of the store, I saw a Salvation Army Bell Ringer. Tonight when I returned to the living room after checking on Mom, I glanced out the window. The neighbors across the street have their house decorated for Christmas.

Mom always enjoyed driving around Las Vegas and looking at the Christmas lights. It’s been a while since we did that, but this year I think I’ll take her out to look at the Christmas lights. I have a full tank of gas and the fluids in my car are all right. The only issues are the cold weather and one of the front tires on my car it looses air. I’m a member of AAA and I have a cell phone, so Mom and I should be all right.

I won NaNoWriMo in 2010

It took a lot of work and some sacrifices, but I won NaNoWriMo in 2010. I finished writing 50,013 on November 29, 2010, one day before the deadline.

Renaming the Cats

‘Idál (Justice), 2 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Wednesday, November 24, 2010 about 2:50 PM Pacific Time

My mother is renaming the cats. She has been renaming them for a couple of months now. She forgot that they already have names and so she had decided they need names. I don’t mind her giving them new names and the cats don’t seem to mind. The only things the cats care about are clean litter boxes, full food dishes, a full water dish, and someone to stroke their fur. As long as they have these things, the cats are happy.

Since I am, the one who makes the appointments with the Vet it doesn’t matter what Mom calls the cats. Mom enjoys petting them and she enjoys thinking up new names. If there is a problem, the cats come to me meowing and I have to figure out what they want. Unusually it isn’t difficult to figure out what they want all I have to do is check their water, food, and litter boxes; if all of those items are in order, then the cats probably want their fur stroked.

Freeze Watch in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 1 Qawl (Speech), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 23, 2010 about 2:48 PM Pacific Time

According to the subject line of today’s weather e-mail there is a freeze watch. Apparently, cold air is moving into the Las Vegas valley early on Wednesday morning and we can expect daytime temperatures 20 degrees below normal. In addition, the wind speed is supposed to increase and there is a chance of rain tonight.

All right, I expected this, but I hoped it would wait until after Thanksgiving. This means I have to start the car sometime tomorrow morning to see if there is a problem. I don’t expect any big problem, but you never know. It doesn’t hurt to start the car and let it run for a little while after the sun comes up. I think I’ll go check in the garage to see if I can drive the car in, the door won’t close, but at least the car will be in the garage.

I have to get gas tomorrow, so I’ll stop at the full service station and have the fluids checked just to be on the safe side. I have to wait until tomorrow because my check doesn’t hit the bank until Wednesday, November 24. I’m a member of Triple A, so if I do have difficulty starting the car, I can call the eight hundred number.

Autumn wind in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 18 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Sunday, November 21, 2010 about 1:40 PM

The wind blew all night. It is still blowing this morning, but not as hard. The sky is mostly cloudy. The sun is shining. The clouds are two toned. Their under parts are a light charcoal gray, the outside rims are bright white. It is a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas.

The wind moves the limbs of the trees and oleanders. It chills me when I go outside. I am not going outside very much or staying very long. I took the trash and the recyclables to the garage; I also went out pick up today’s paper that was lying in the driveway.

Even with the wind chill factor, it is a nice autumn day in Las Vegas. The temperature in the house is a brisk 65 degrees, so we have to wear sweaters. I have to look for my fall and winter sweaters because I am not sure where they were stored. I found two sweater, but I know I have more then that and I know I am going to need to wear more then one sweater as autumn turns into winter.

The leaves on the neighbors oak trees are turning yellow, so it is beginning to look like fall as well as feel like fall. Thanksgiving is Thursday and after that, winter is on its way. Winter in Las Vegas is usually a nice time of year, but it does get a bit cold.

A Dreary Day in Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 17 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Saturday, November 20, 2010 about 3:18 PM Pacific Time

This morning the sun came out from under a cloud for about five minutes. Dirty gray clouds completely hide the desert sky. I think I heard thunder earlier today, but I could have heard a jet flying above the clouds.

This morning Mom and I went out for bread. I know a place that sometimes has day old bread to give away. I got two loaves of bread and two bags of bagels. I got a loaf of white bread, a loaf of wheat bread, plane bagels and onion bagels. Yesterday, I fixed vegetable soup and I thought the onion bagels would go good with the soup.

Today I cooked chicken breast in the slow cooker. After the chicken cooked, I took it out of the cooker and put in rice. While the rice cooked, I took the chicken off the bones. I completed the dish by adding the chicken and some of the vegetable soup to the rice. We will have soup for the next several day.

I knew this was soup weather this morning. When I came home from picking up the bread, I noticed that leaves on one of the neighbor’s oak tree had changed from green to gold. When the leaves change color then it’s time for homemade soup.

Next week is Thanksgiving

‘Idál (Justice), 14 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Wednesday, November 17, 2010 about 4:47 PM Pacific Time

Thanksgiving is next Thursday and I am going to make homemade cranberry sauce. I have the cranberries, the nuts, and the sugar. I have brown sugar, so that is what I am going to use. I know it is not traditional cranberry sauce recipe, but I am not going to buy anything for the recipe unless I absolutely have to buy it or have a coupon.

All right, white sugar is not that expensive, but I do not keep it in the house for one simple reason. If I have it in the house, I will use it on my cereal. I keep brown sugar on hand, because I use it on oatmeal rather then milk. I use milk on my regular cereal, but no sugar.

I am going to make the cranberry sauce on Monday or Tuesday. Someone told me to make the cranberry sauce a few days ahead because it taste better. I, also, remember my grandmother making cranberry sauce on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Now the only thing I need to do is find some recipes for cranberry sauce.

I Wish I Could Work Outside the Home

Fidál (Grace), 13 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 16, 2010 about 10:35 AM Pacific Time

This morning Mom said, “I wish I could work outside the home.” I agree with her, unfortunately, neither of use can work outside the home. Mom cannot work because of her medical problems and me because I am her caregiver.

Mom had Alzheimer’s disease and needs around the clock care. True she suffers from moderate Alzheimer’s disease, but she still needs assistance when it comes to taking her medication and going to doctor’s appointments. Of course, Mom does not think she needs any assistance and I wish she did not.

Thanksgiving is next week, which is one of Mom’s favorite holidays. Mom always enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving dinner. This year I will make cranberry sauce from scratch. I remember Mom making cranberry sauce, when I was growing up. I will fix cranberry sauce here, but we will go out to eat on Thanksgiving Day.

Attempting to fix the pasta soup

Kamál (Perfection), 12 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Monday, November 15, 2010 about 2:11 PM Pacific Time

I am attempting to fix the pasta soup. It did not start out to be pasta soup, when I first made it I intended to make macaroni and cheese. However, after the macaroni finished cooking an interruption occurred. I had to leave the house for some reason, I do not remember why, but at the time, it seemed important.

I sit the macaroni aside and then took care of whatever business called me away. By the time, I returned home, the macaroni was cold. The next day, I mixed some of the macaroni with leftovers and made soup, which tasted bland. Since I have pasta soup, I am going to try to fix it and get it to taste better (not so bland).

Today, I put the soup in the slow cooker and added crushed basil leaves. The basil helped, but the soup still needs something else. I think the next thing I will cut up some cheese and add it to the soup. After that, I may add the rest of the salsa. I have to do something to make it taste better because there is too much pasta to throw away.

A peanut butter and blackberry jam sandwich

Jamál (Beauty), 11 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Sunday, November 14, 2010 about 11:55 AM Pacific Time

I eat breakfast earlier then usual this morning. I had a hot cup of coffee and peanut butter and blackberry jam on toast. I made a sandwich for breakfast and enjoyed it while I read my Sunday paper.

Normally, I do not eat breakfast, but this morning I decided that I wanted a peanut butter sandwich. In fact, I had two sandwiches. I made one sandwich on French bread and another on Italian bread. For both sandwich I used blackberry jam and peanut butter. Today my morning started nicely, very pleasant beginning to the day.

Time for another Doctor’s appointment

Jalál (Glory), 10 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Saturday, November 13, 2010 about 2:13 PM Pacific Time

I noticed that Mom’s Galantamine has zero refills, sot it’s time to make an appointment with her doctor. I’ll have to call for that Monday because the office is closed today. I also have to make an appointment for Mom with a dermatologist.

On Friday, I took Mom into the office to get a Vitamin B12 shot. Mom bumped her leg and it caused a wound. I don’t know how she bumped it, I didn’t even know until she wore skirt at the beginning of the week. Anyway, while we were in to office I asked the nurse to look at it. She said the wound looked infected, so I took Mom to the urgent care.

The doctor prescribed some antibiotics and referred Mom to a dermatologist because. When I called the dermatologist office yesterday, the referral hadn’t arrived; therefore, I have to call the dermatologist office Monday to make an appointment. I think I’ll call the dermatologist first and then her regular doctor.

Mom doesn’t like the idea of going to a dermatologist office because she thinks it’s unnecessary. Mom will be happier seeing her regular doctor, she want to tell him that she doesn’t need any of her medications any more and she wants him to take her off them. Fortunately, most of the time she takes them without a fuss, however, I’m not sure how long that will last.

Thursday, November 11, is Veterans Day

‘Idál (Justice), 7 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Wednesday, November 10, 2010 about 3:01 PM Pacific Time

Tomorrow Thursday, November 11, is Veterans Day. I am posting this entry a day early to remind my readers to say thank you to a Veteran. Look at the following website, Veterans Day - November 11 and watch the video presentation about Veterans Day.

Veterans Day has a special meaning for me because my father served in World War II and Uncle Roy, my grandfather's brother, served in World War I. On November 11, take time to say Thank You to a Veteran.

An autumn morning in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 6 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 9, 2010 abpit8:52 AM Pacific Time

Finally, autumn has arrived in Las Vegas. The trees have not changed from summer green to autumn orange; however, the mornings feel chilly and damp. This morning, when I checked the thermostat it read 69 degrees, so it is still too warm to turn on the heat. I will not turn on the heat yet; I will wait until the temperature in the house drops into the high fifties.

Las Vegas autumn
Mornings feel chilly and damp
I need a sweater

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Jamál (Beauty), 4 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Sunday, November 7, 2010 about 10:32 AM Pacific Time

Daylight savings time ended at 2:00 AM and I got all my clocks set back at 4:00 AM. Normally, it takes me about a week to get all the clocks tuned back, but not this year. It could be that I only have two clocks to take care of because the cell phone and the computer reset the time automatically. Now I have to check all the calendars to see if they either Mom or I tuned from October to November.

All right, I am the one who normally turns the calendars over at the end or beginning of the month. Mom forgets to change them; in fact, Mom forgets she has a calendar in her room. I think I will cut down on the amount of calendars in the house next year. Mom needs a calendar in her room, even if she does not remember she has one she still needs a calendar. I need a calendar at the living room entrance, by the telephone, and at my desk. That is four calendars and that is all we need.

If I receive more then four calendars then I will give some away. There is no use having a calendar in every room if I cannot remember to turn it over at the end of every month.

The First Friday in November

Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Friday, November 5, 2010 about 10:15 AM Pacific Time

It’s the first Friday in November, the month of gratitude, giving thanks, and celebrating Baha’u’llah’s birthday. November an autumn month, when the leaves fall from trees and people began looking for the first snow of winter.

I live in Las Vegas and haven’t witnessed leaves changing color. October was warmer then normal. It’s too early in November to say whether it will be warmer or colder then normal. Not that I’m looking forward to the first freeze because that’s when I have to turn on the heat.

It’s the first Friday in November, I don’t know if it will be a good month or a crappy month. I expect a good month, but I never know precisely how the month went until the last day. It’s best to take a month one day at a time. I know the first four day of November went well for both Mom and me.

Mom had a good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but she is having a crappy Friday. Since Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, I expect her to have a crappy day occasionally. For the past three day, I haven’t heard Mom say “crap” very much. This morning it is every other word coming out of her mouth. For Mom, the first Friday in November is crappy. I’ll be happy just to get through the day without crying.

It’s going to be a long night

Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Qudrat (Power), 167 BE – Thursday, November 4, 2010 about 3:55 PM Pacific Time

It's going to be a long night, probably a long cool night. I haven't turned the heat on yet because we don't really need it. Sometimes it gets a little cold in the mornings, but putting an extra blanket or sheet on the bet takes care solves that little problem.

I don't think I'll have any problems getting cold tonight. I have too much work to do to get cold. It's going to be a long night because I can't do housework during the day. Mom gets upset if I do "her job", but she doesn't seem to want to do anything except set on the couch or the love seat. I think I'm going to have to take to her doctor about this. I don't know if tere is anything he can do except prescribe another medication.

It's going to be a long night. The only thing Mom did today was work in her bedroom. It would be nice if she got some of the cloths hung up, but Mom spends most of her time looking for stuff she has misplaced. Usually the item isn't difficalt to find.

Deviled Egg Day

Fidál (Grace), 18 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 2, 2010 about Sunset Pacific Time

November 2 is deviled egg day. I guess you’re supposed to eat deviled eggs today. I liked deviled eggs. I specifically like the way Grandma Newland made deviled eggs. Unfortunately, I can’t remember her recipe, but I don’t think there are very many different ways to make deviled eggs.

Most recipes call for eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard. I suppose you could use hot or spicy mustard, I’ll have to try making deviled eggs with spicy mustard. Thanksgiving is this month and Grandma always served deviled eggs on Thanksgiving.

Epiphany on All Saints Day

Kamál (Perfection), 17 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, November 1, 2010 about 10:06 AM Pacific Time

I don’t celebrate All Saints Day, but since today is All Saints Day and I experience an epiphany that’s the title I gave this entry. The epiphany concerned my mother, Alzheimer’s disease, the General Election tomorrow, and my mother medication.

I was supposed to work the polls tomorrow, but today I realized that I can’t find anyone I can trust to give Mom her medications. I have divided her medications into morning, noon, and evening. I place the tablets in pill holders with the appropriate label. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, so expecting her to remember to take her meds is unreasonable. I am responsible for making sure she takes her meds at the proper time.

I can find people to stay with Mom, but unless it is a professional caregiver, I can’t trust them to give her the meds at the proper time. It would cost more for a professional to come in and stay with Mom then I would make working the polls. Therefore, I can’t work at the polls tomorrow.

Of course, I didn’t tell Mom that was my reason for not working the polls. I give Mom another reason because if I tell her why I’m not working the polls, she will just get angry. There isn’t any use making her angry or upsetting her. Anyway, that was my epiphany on All Saints Day.

Cloths will dry on a cloudy day

Istijlál (Majesty), 13 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Thursday, October 28, 2010 about 4:20 PM Pacific Time

My grandmother would not hang cloths on the when it was cloudy. The cloths did not dry, of course, she lived in Oklahoma and I live in Nevada. I hung cloth on the line this morning and they dried. I did not rain, but it was mostly cloudy all day.

Most of the cloths I can wash at home and they dry on the line. However, I have to go to the laundromat with the sheets. I do not have a dryer and sheets dry better in an electric dryer then on the line. When I dry my sheets on the line, they look and feel wrinkled. Since I do not intend to iron sheets, I take them to the laundromat.

Grandma ironed her sheets because she did not want to make the bed with wrinkled sheets. I want my sheets unwrinkled when I make the bed, but that does not mean I am going to iron a sheet. I cannot take wet cloths to the laundromat, so I have to wash the items there.

I remember helping Grandma hang her laundry on the line. That was fun I enjoyed the experience.

An oatmeal morning

‘Idál (Justice), 12 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 27, 2010 about 9:46 AM Pacific Time

Considering that, Mom is on a low fiber diet, I am not sure that fixing oatmeal is a good idea. However, I am fixing oatmeal anyway. I woke up this morning wanting oatmeal, so I am going to fix a batch in the slow cooker. It takes the oatmeal longer to cook then on the stovetop, but it will cook.

I am fixing oatmeal this morning. I am fixing enough so that we can have fried oatmeal on Friday or Saturday. I think if I am careful about how much oatmeal Mom eats there will not be too much of an issue. Anyway, I will see how the oatmeal affects her today and in the morning.

The Nutritional Facts on the box indicates that oatmeal has 4g of dietary fiber, which is 2g more then Mom’s diet calls for. According to the label, the dietary fiber in oatmeal contains 2g of soluble fiber and 2g of insoluble fiber, whatever that means. Mom’s doctor did not specify the type of dietary fiber, I did not know there was a difference until I read label.

Since I am on a high fiber diet, the amount of fiber does not matter to me. When Mom fixes her own breakfast, she fixes peanut butter sandwiches. I Mom had her way she would eat peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter and crackers all day. I cannot let her eat the same thing everyday, so I fix most of the meals. As long as she gets at least one meal with peanut butter Mom is happy.

The joy of opening my flatware (silverware) drawer

Kamál (Perfection), 10 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 25, 2010 about 10:53 AM Pacific Time

Opening my silverware (flatware) draw is an adventure and a mystery. Mom washes dishes and puts the spoons, forks, knives, and other items away. The problem is that she does not always put them back in the same drawer they came from. We have five draws in the kitchen. There is a junk drawer, a flatware drawer, and three other drawers. I had the drawers neatly arranged, with slicing and other sharp items in their own drawer.

Whenever I open a kitchen drawer to take a utensil out, I am surprised. I open the junk drawer and find a soup ladle. I open the silverware drawer and find a screwdriver or vegetable peeler. I never know what I am going to find when I open a kitchen drawer. Sometimes I open the draws and find the lids off peanut butter jars or margarine containers. These items are always clean and dry; it just that I put the containers in the recyclables and my mother put the lids in the kitchen drawers.

Mom has short-term memory issues and mild Alzheimer’s disease. She is not going to harm herself with sharp objects; therefore, she does the dishes. I keep a subtle eye on her (because if Mom thinks I am watching her she gets angry) just in case there is a problem, but she washes the dishes and puts what she can away wherever she thinks they go. I am always surprised when I open a kitchen drawer.

A week remains in October 2010

Jamál (Beauty), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 24, 2010 about 12:57 PM Pacific Time

About seven days remain in October. About two months remain in 2010. It seems the month and the year has flown past. October was an interesting and stressful month. Twenty ten has been an interesting and stressful year. It well become even more stressful if I do not put some sort of schedule into action. I know that I have accomplished a great deal during the month and the year. I cannot see what I have accomplished because my efforts are scattered and I do not have a schedule.

When I worked outside the house, I never worried about schedules because I went to work and came home at predetermined times. Since I am home and have to work online, I have to have a schedule. I have struggled with the schedule for the past several years, without much success. Therefore, I think I will take a new approach.

The mistake I made in the past is not including interruptions in the schedule. This time I am including interruptions as part of the schedule. I plan to write in ten or fifteen minute intervals and then do something else. Most of the interruptions I encounter are random, but expected because the interruptions occur as a results of Mom losing her glasses, jewelry, etc. Most of these interruptions occur during the morning.

In addition, I have to set the writing and other activities I want to accomplish during the day. I know I cannot accomplish everything I want to in a single day, but if I work it properly I can accomplish a great deal more then I have accomplished up to this point.

I know what I want for my birthday

Jamál (Beauty), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Saturday, October 23, 2010 about 8:26 PM Pacific Time

On December 24, 2010, I will be 64 years old. I know what I want for my birthday and it is not to be 46 again. Despite the fact that I am living on a fixed income and the economy does not encourage the survival of a person on a fixed income, I would not want to live my life over again. I have lived through good times and I have lived through bad time. I have learned that the old saying “This too shall pass.” is true.

I have learned that happiness and sadness are reoccurring through out a person’s life. I have learned that a person needs to know the things that bring joy into his or her life. One of the things that bring joy into my life is hot sauce.

Hot sauce brings me joy and adds interesting flavors to my recipes. I like hot sauce. I like hot sauce on my eggs. I like hot sauce on my sandwiches. I like to cook with hot sauce because of the flavor it adds to meat recipes.

I want a basket of hot sauce for my birthday. I found a website where I can get a basket of hot sauce. I found a place that has several different baskets of hot sauce. Hot Sauce Vault has a large selection of gift baskets containing this tasty condiment.

My Portable Memory Arrived

Istijlál (Majesty), 6 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Thursday, October 21, 2010 about 4:42 PM Pacific Time

My portable memory arrived today. I ordered it on October 17, 2010 using survey points. I did not expect it to come today, so it was a nice surprise. The postal carrier left it at a neighbor’s house by mistake. The neighbor brought it over after he arrived home from work. The memory is a Dane-Elec 2GB Capless UBS 2.0 Flash Drive.

I am ecstatic. I can now begin backing up my documents and cleaning off my hard drive. The first thing I need to do is decide the names of the folders. I am placing my stories and poems on the flash drives as well as CDs. This way I have two back up copies of the documents.

I am putting the final copies of the novels and poems on the flash drive. The drafts and other items go onto the CDs. I may make an exception sometimes, depending on the items I am composing.

It does not take a lot to make me happy. I get excited over little things, like a new flash drive, a pint of chocolate ice cream, or a piece of medium rare prime rib. Perhaps I should get out more; anyway, I am happy to have my new flash drive.

Spaghetti and Spicy Mustard

‘Idál (Justice), 5 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 19-20, 2010 about 12:53 Pacific Time

Life is like spaghetti and spicy mustard. All right, that does not seem to make much sense. I emptied a bottle of spicy must a few days ago, but there was still some mustard left. Instead of throwing the mustard away I put it in a pot of spaghetti.

I did this for two reasons. First, I needed something to use with the mustard. Second, the flavor sounded intriguing. I am a good cook. I am a creative cook. I do not like to waste anything; therefore, I put the mustard in the spaghetti while it was cooking.

I poured vegetable oil, in addition to some water, into the mustard bottle to rinse out the remaining mustard. Then I emptied the bottle of mustard into the spaghetti. The aroma of the spicy mustard and the spaghetti was tantalizing. After that, I opened a can of spaghetti sauce and put it in the pan.

I prefer to make spaghetti sauce from scratch, but we received the sauce when we picked up our commodities and I needed to use the sauce. The canned spaghetti sauce tastes good; true not like the homemade sauce, but it will do in a pinch. I am cooking for only my mother and myself so the canned sauce works well because it is quick and saves some time when I make lunch or dinner.

I have a cell phone

Fidál (Grace), 4 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 19, 2010 about 11:56 AM Pacific Time

I finally bought a cell phone in May 2010. I don’t know how I lived without one; it’s became invaluable especially when I’m out of the house and someone else is staying with Mom. I kept the landline because I need it when I’m away to call in. I also like the idea of having a phone I don’t have to answer.

My phone has a camera. I used it a couple of days ago to take some pictures of Mom and the cats. I still have to figure out how to sent the pictures to my e-mail so I can upload them to my blogs. I know the process can’t be difficult. I attempted to send one of the pictures to both of my e-mail addresses, but the process failed. I’m going to attempt it again, but not until I have read the instructions thoroughly a couple of times.

If I still can’t send then I’ll call technical support. I don’t like to call technical support unless I have to; however, I need to learn how to send my pictures to one of my e-mail address. I want to post my own pictures to my blog and I remember how to do it if I figure it out myself.

Sunday seems like a lost day

Kamál (Perfection), 3 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 18, 2010 about 11:27 AM Pacific Time

Sunday seems like a lost day because I did not get much writing accomplished. I spent most of the day getting my online accounts in a spreadsheet and figuring out how much money or points were in each account. I wanted to know when I could have the points converted to merchandise or cash and when I could have the cash transferred to PayPal or request a check.

I converted the points in one account to a restaurant gift card, in another request a money transfer to my PayPal account, and from a third ordered a 2GB USB 2.0 GB Flash Drive. In addition, I set up the spreadsheet so that I have the account URLs, my login information, how much I have in the accounts, and the goal (either cash or merchandise) I am working towards.

Most of the accounts in the spreadsheet are survey websites. After due consideration, I have decided to unsubscribe to some of them. I am not sure which at this time. I will make that decision by the end of the year.

Orange Juice

Jalál (Glory), 1 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Saturday, October 16, 2010 about 10:24 AM Pacific Time

Mom doesn’t like to take her medication because she thinks only sick people take medication. I’m not going to get into that issue with Mom. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, but she doesn’t know that is the problem. If I tell her she isn’t going to believe me and will argue or get angry.

Mom will take the pills without too much difficulty; however, Mom takes a powdered medication another problem. She doesn’t like to take the powder, but she has to take at least once a day. I read the directions on the box and it says it’s all right to mix the powder with juice or coffee.

I haven’t gotten up enough nerve to mix the powder with her coffee. Mainly because when I pour her coffee, she is in the room. I mix the powder with her orange juice and she doesn’t protest. Of course, when I mix the two she is in another room; she doesn’t know there is anything except orange juice in cup or glass. I don’t like doing it this way, but I have no other choice because she has to take the medication.

Mom wants a job

Istiqlál (Independence), 19 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Friday, October 15, 2010 about 8:10

Mom wants to go to work again. She keeps talking about finding a job. I wish she could find a job because it would make her happy. Mom worked until she was 84 years old; she stopped working because the hotel-casino went out of business. After that she couldn't find another job.

In 2007, Mom went into the hospital for a bowl resection. In 2008, she went into the hospital because of an infection in her leg. Mom has had cataract surgery on both eyes, a tear duct opened, and been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, she has macular degeneration; I don't think Mom is going to be able to work outside the house.

A Thursday Sunset in Las Vegas

Istijlál (Majesty), 18 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 14, 2010 about 5:49 PM Pacific Time

I look out my living room window and see the clouds reflecting the setting sun. The clouds are shining bright with the sun's reflected light. It is evening like this that I am glad my computer is in the living room. There are disadvantages of having the computer in the same room as the T.V. set, but it is evenings like this that makes up for the disadvantage.

Bright edge clouds glisten
At the end of a long day
October evening

Cool weather is coming to Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 17 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 13, 2010 about 5:34 Pacific Time

Cool weather is coming to Las Vegas, I'm not sure exactly when, but it's coming. I know this because it's October and I've lived in Las Vegas for over twenty years. October begins warm, sometimes even hot, and ends cool. I turned off the cool air on Tuesday and haven't turned on the warm air yet.

Right now, the temperature in Las Vegas is too hot for the heat to be turned on and too cool for the cold air. Therefore, I have my air conditioning unit turned off. I hope I can leave it off until after Thanksgiving, but I will have to wait until November to see how cool this desert will get at night. If the November temperatures don't get below 50 degrees, I will put some extra blankets on the bed at night.

Normally, it doesn't get cold enough before the end of November or the beginning of December to turn on the warm air. However, the weather in this part of the country can get weird sometimes. This year we had a lot of rain in January and February, but not too much rain the rest of the year. I'm not sure what to expect this winter, so I think I'll check our sweaters in the next couple of weeks to see if they need fixing or washing. If the sweaters need fixing, I may use that as an excuse to get new ones. We haven't had new sweaters in several years and Mom will enjoy shopping for them.

An interesting week so far

Fidál (Grace), 16 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 12, 2010 about 6:21 Pacific Time

An interesting week and it's only Tuesday. Yesterday I went to the store and bought a filter for the air conditioner. I know that sounds unexciting, but it wasn't. I managed to get Mom to go in the store with me. Sometimes, Mom wants to stay in the car; however, since we went in the afternoon she thought it was too hot to sit in the car.

Maybe I should take her out in the afternoon more often. Unfortunately, tomorrow we have to go out in the morning. That means it's going to be difficult to get Mom out of the car. I'll just have to be persistent, especially when we go to the doctor's office to get Mom her vitamin shot.

Working on Columbus Day

Kamál (Perfection), 15 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Monday, October 11, 2010 about 10:53 AM Pacific Time

I'm taking a short break to rest and catch my breath. I have cloths hanging on the line drying, which I have to check in a few minutes. I have water heating in the slow cooker for either pasta or rice. I'm not sure which I'm going to put in when the water boils. It depends on how impatient I get because the water has to boil before I put the pasta in, but with the rice it doesn't matter.

Mom did the dishes this morning and cleaned the cat litter. I hope she will sweep her vanity and bathroom this afternoon. They probably need mopping, but I will worry about that tonight after she goes to sleep. I still have to see if Mom has laundry in her bathroom, but I'm going to wait until she is busy in the living room or the breakfast room. Mom gets upset when I take laundry out of her bathroom.

It's a good thing Columbus Day isn't a Holy Day. I don't mind working on national holidays, but I don't like to work on Holy Days. I'm rested, so now I can get back to housecleaning. I think I'll sweep the kitchen floor before I check the cloths on the line.

Plans for the coming week

Jamál (Beauty), 14 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Sunday, October 10, 2010 about 1:26 PM Pacific Time

It's Sunday afternoon and I have a full week ahead. Monday is Columbus Day and I think the schools are closed. I don't know what else will be closed Monday. I had plans to go pick up some free food and a couple of loaves of day old bread; however, I'm not sure if the places I plan to go will be open.

I may just take the chance they will be open and go tomorrow. Mom is usually in a much better mood is she gets out of the house, so it may be worth the trip. I would prefer to make just one trip to the places I'm going, but if they are closed tomorrow then I'll have to go back on Wednesday.

I can't go on Tuesday morning because I'm having someone come in the check the heating system. If we need the heat this winter I'll turn the system on, so I ave to have it checked before November. I'm hoping we can get by without heat this winter. We're still trying to pay off the cooling bill from summer. The biggest part of the electric bill is the cold air in summer and the warm air in winter.

If I can keep the unit off, the electric bill runs less then $100.00, but if we use the unit then the bill is over $200.00. That takes a large chunk of the budget and we're on a fixed income. Living on a fixed income sucks, if I could take a job outside the house it would help. However, Mom can't stay by herself and I can't afford a paid caregiver.

I make a little money online, but that isn't enough to pay the power bill when we use the central air. I think it's central air we have, all though it could be a heat pump. I'll have to ask the tech on Tuesday when he arrives what type of unit we have. Oh well, things will work out, I just have to keep on keeping on.

Neon Thursday

Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 7, 2010 about 11:53 AM Pacific Time

It’s Thursday, the day Neon, the Arts, Entertainment, Culture, and Fashion page, appears in Las Vegas Review-Journal. One of the articles in this section is “Show Us Your Purse”. This article features different local businesswoman and her purse every week. Some of the women featured in this article have designer handbags and others carry non-designer purses. I do not know who writes this feature, but Craig L. Moran is the photographer.

“Show Us Your Purse” asks several interesting questions about the handbag each woman carries. The question I find most intriguing is “What’s the strangest item you’ve carried in your bag?” I can understand this question because I have carried many strange things in my purse, or I should say purses, over the years.

In 2007, when my mother was in the hospital for a bowl resection, I carried her false teeth in my purse. I put them in the night she went into the hospital and took them out of my purse about a week or so later. Then in 2008, I had a potato in my purse. I went to a farmer’s market and bought a small mesh bag of potatoes; the bag broke and so I put the potatoes in my purse because I did not have anything else to carry the potatoes.

In 2009, I carried an empty printer cartridge in my handbag. I have not carried anything extremely strange in my purse in 2010, but the year is not over yet. I still have about 2 ½ months to put odd items in my purse.

Flash Flood Warning and Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Kamál (Perfection), 8 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Monday, October 4, 2010 about 1:35 PM Pacific Time

According to the e-mail in my inbox, there is a flash flood warning for Clark County until 2:15 PM PDT. In addition, The Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Mohave County Arizona, as well as Clark and Lincoln counties in Nevada. I am home for the rest of the day, so I don’t have to get out in the severe weather. I rolled up the car windows before coming into the house. It can rain all it wants now.

I’m glad it didn’t rain this morning. I had a doctor’s appointment at 10:00 AM and had to drive across town to the office. The drive was nice, even if traffic was a bit heavy. I rolled my windows down, so that I could feel the breeze as I drove to the office. I have no air conditioning in my car, besides fall is that in between time of year. It’s too cool for cold air and too warm for the heater.

Driving with the windows down reminds me of my childhood. I remember riding in Grandpa Newland’s car and feeling the breeze coming in the windows. Mom enjoyed the breeze this morning, she commented on it as I drove back from the doctor. She also commented on the dark clouds that were gathering in the east.

It’s a nice day in Las Vegas, even with the warnings, it’s a nice day. I can look out my window and watch beautiful white clouds against the blue sky. It’s too cool to turn on the cold air and too hot to run the warm air. It’s a nice day in Las Vegas.

Mom enjoyed herself at the Baha’i Center in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 7 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Sunday, October 3, 2010 about 2:51 PM Pacific Time

This morning, Mom and I went to the Baha'i Center in Las Vegas. Mom smiled during the spiritual and musical portion of the program, I have not seen Mom smile so much in a long time. She saw several old friends, who live in different communities in the Las Vega valley.

We ate breakfast and lunch. Mom ate more today then she has eaten at two meals in a long time. Mom always eats more when she goes out then at home. I wish I could get her to eat more at home. I wish I could take her out to eat more often.

Thursday was not a lost day

Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Friday, September October 1, 2010 about 5:46 PM Pacific Time

Thursday was not a lost day because I spent most of the day driving across town. I went to the auto shop because I thought something was wrong with the car. There was nothing wrong that I needed fixed right away. I have to take it back the end of October or in November to have some work done.

I spend most of today driving across town as well. It is a good thing my car is easy on gas. Mom enjoyed herself today because we went to the store for some coffee and peanut butter. We also bought two packs of soda and some candy corn.

Some days I just want to sit down and cry

‘Idál (Justice), 3 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Wednesday, September 29, 2010 about 2:22 PM Pacific Time

Some days I just want to sit down and cry. This is one of those days and I'm not sure why. It could be a combination of stresses. Stress is imbalance. Stress is disharmony. I'm under a lot of stress and this morning I encountered one more.

This morning transmission fluid leaked onto the ground. I looked out and saw liquid on the ground by the front wheel on the passenger side. I looked out a few minutes earlier and it wasn't there, but when I looked out after bringing the newspaper in the house there was liquid on the ground. It was a pinkish liquid, so I think it's transmission fluid. I'm going to take the car into the garage in the morning.

The problem is that I have no one to stay with Mom. I'm not sure Mom should go with me because it takes so long to work on the car and Mom gets impatient, but I don't think I can leave her by herself. Mom thinks she would be fine staying by herself, so I haven't mentioned anything about taking the car into the shop. Since I have to take Mom with me tomorrow, I'll wait until tomorrow to tell her.

Renaming the cats

Fidál (Grace), 2 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, September 28, 2010 about 2:45 PM Pacific Time

Mom has memory issues, as a results she forgot that the cats have names; therefore, she has decided to give the cats names. I am going along with this because otherwise Mom would get angry. I suspect this is just another manifestation of the Alzheimer's disease.

The cats' original names are Midnight, Prince, and Beauty, while their new names are Ralf, Henry, and Matilda. Since I am the one who makes the appointments with the veterinarian, it doesn't matter what names Mom gives them. When I make t appointments I give the name or names that are on the records at the Vets. I suppose the next time we go to the Veterinarian clinic, I should inform the office help and the veterinarian about he cats new names.

The cats names are now Ralf Midnight, Prince Henry, and Matilda Beauty or is that Midnight Ralf, Henry Prince, and Beauty Matilda. Those sound like good names for characters, perhaps I should use them in my upcoming NaNoWriMo novel.

The Feast of Will

Kamál (Perfection), 1 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Monday, September 27, 2010 about 9:23 AM Pacific Time

Mom and I attended the Feast of Mashiyyat, the Feast of Will, last night. Mom wore her hearing aid, she wanted me to take it out of her ear before we left the house, but I didn’t. Mom was a bit upset for a little while; however, she got over that once we were out of the house. Mom was interested in the traffic and the lack of wind driving to the Feast.

On the way to the nineteen-day Feast, I picked up some instant potatoes at the 99¢ Only Store. This helped to keep Mom’s mind off her hearing aid. Mom likes to watch the people in parking lots and she likes to comment on the colors of the cars she sees.

Mom didn’t read at the Feast because she doesn’t see very well. When we go to the Feast of ‘Ilm, I have to remember to put Mom’s magnifying glass in her purse. Mom uses the glass to help her read and if she has the glass with her she can read the writings if she is asked and wants to read rather then just listen.

Mom enjoyed listening to the readings last night. Mom always enjoys attending the Feast and she is always in a better mood the following day. The feeling at Feast is spiritual and tranquil. Everyone greets Mom and ask how she is doing. Mom likes to talk to people. Mom especially likes seeing young people at Feast.

The Feast of Mashiyyat (Will) is tonight

Jamál (Beauty), 19 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Sunday, September 26, 2010 about 10:49 AM Pacific Time

The Feast of Mashiyyat (Will) is tonight at 7:30 PM. I made plans for Mom and me to attend, but now I'm not sure. Mom is having an especially difficult morning. The morning didn't start out like this. Mom was in a good mood when she woke up, but her mood suddenly changed. Mom's moods usually swing back and forth all day long, but this morning she seemed much more angry then usual.

When Mom's angry her anger increases if I offer to help, she doesn't want me in her room. Therefore, I check to make sure she is alright. The anger has pass for a little while, but I don't know how long this mood is going to last. Mom takes Alzheimer's medication, I think the medication is working, but I have to do a little more research.

We're going to the Feast tonight. Mom always enjoys feast and her mood is more positive after we attend. It's just getting her ready to attend. Mom likes to wear jewelry and she can't find some of her earrings. She had a couple of pairs yesterday, but I'm not sure where they are today. Mom moves them and then forgets where she puts the earrings.

One-Third can of coffee left

Jalál (Glory), 18 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Saturday, September 25, 2010 about 1:11 PM Pacific Time

I am almost out of coffee. I have one-third of a can left with five days left in September. I bought a large can, which contained 34.5 oz., which seems like lot of coffee. This is not very much coffee to a person to makes two percolators a day.

Making coffee in a percolator is different then making coffee in a drip coffee maker. When I use a percolator, I use 9 or 10 tablespoons of coffee, but when I use a drip machine, I put only 4 or 5 tablespoons in the basket. The amount of coffee I use depends on the grind and the type of coffee I buy. If i grind the beans myself, I use less coffee then if the beans are already ground.

This morning I made fresh coffee and then went out. When I came back home I added the coffee I had leftover from yesterday to the pot. Of course, I removed the used grounds first because a percolator makes coffee stronger if you leave the grounds in the basket.. If I am fortunate, I will have enough coffee for the rest of the month. This month I do not have whole beans as a backup; therefore, when I run out of coffee I have to drink tea. Tea is good, but it is a poor substitute for coffee.

Update on my doctor's appointment

Istijlál (Majesty), 16 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Thursday, September 23, 2010 about 5:13 PM Pacific Time

Mom and I went to Henderson today, I had an appointment for an ultrasound of my left breast. The mass had not grown, so that is good news. Mom lost an earring somewhere between leaving the house the doctor's office, which is bad news.

Mom is extremely upset and angry about the earring. I took her to a restaurant to eat this afternoon. She enjoyed the eating out and forgot about the earring for a little while; however, she remembered the lost earring after we arrived home. She is upset, angry, and crying about the earring. I gave her $20.00 to buy a new pair of earrings, so in a couple of days I will take her shopping for a pair of earrings.

Today was a mixed bag; I am relieved because the mass in my breast has not grown. I am stress because Mom lost the earring and is still angry about it. I hope tomorrow is better for Mom and she does not lose another earring.

Autumn at last

‘Idál (Justice), 15 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Wednesday, September 22, 2010 about 5:52 PM Pacific Time

Autumn at last, I am looking forward to cooler days. I am looking forward to a lower power bill. I am looking forward to turning the cool air off. Today  turned the thermostat up to 85 degrees, it will not have much of an effect on my next power bill, but the one after will be lower.

Today was a difficult day, not for Mom, but for me. I am tired and I have an appointment tomorrow for breast ultrasound. Things are going to be tight for the next few of months, but then our situation has been tight before so this is not anything new. I am tired; therefore, do what work I can tonight and attempt to go to bed early.

Reading poetry at Sunset

Fidál (Grace), 14 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Tuesday, September 21, 2010 about Sunset Pacific Time

Beautiful sunset
Mom sits listening as I read
A poem my brother wrote

My appointment is for Thursday, September 23

Kamál (Perfection), 13 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Monday, September 20, 2010 about 11:32 AM Pacific Time

On Thursday, September 23, at 11:00 AM, I have an appointment for another ultrasound of my left breast. The doctor wants to see if the lump in my breast has grown, I don't think the lump is any larger. I'm not worried about it because I don't feel any pain, at least not in that part of my body. When the doctor fist discovered the lump, it bothered me that I hadn't fond the lump myself.

I don't have health insurance, so I have to go to a clinic that charges a sliding fee. Fortunately, I am a senior citizen so I was able to get into a program for senior women after the doctor found the lump. I have an appointment with the breast specialist next week. All I can do now is pray that the lump is benign.

A good Sunday afternoon

Jamál (Beauty), 12 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Sunday, September 19, 2010 about 3:43 PM Pacific Time

I changed the battery in Mom's hearing aid this morning and then put the hearing aid in her ear. She protested verbally, but let me put it in her right ear. Mom hasn't said anything about the hearing aid this afternoon. Right now, she is setting on the couch dozing.

Mom cleaned, i.e. she sifted the cat litter this morning. I still have to figure out where she put the plastic bag with the used cat litter. Since she didn't put it in the trashcan in the hall, the bag must be in her bedroom or mine. Since she is dozing on the couch, I'll check in her bedroom to see if its in there. Mom gets upset if I go into her bedroom when she is in another part of the house.

You can do research about Alzheimer's disease and the sufferers, but that doesn't prepare you for dealing with a parent who suffers from the disease. I miss the woman my mother was before the disease began. Sometimes Mom is her old, happy self and other times she becomes angry over nothing. The meds help a little, but all medication can do is slow the progress of the disease. Mornings are more difficult for Mom then afternoon.

Battle of the hearing Aid

Jalál (Glory), 11 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Saturday, September 18, 2010 about 11:06 AM Pacific Time

Mom has decided that she does not need a hearing aid. She believes the problem is wax build up not hearing difficulties. Mom will not put the hearing aid in her own ear and she does not want me to put it in her ear. As a result, I have to be extremely careful about putting the hearing aid in her ear.

The hearing aid is one of those that talks when it needs a battery. I change the battery on the first day of every week. Tomorrow is Sunday time to change the battery. I, also, suspect I may have to hide the case when Mom is not wearing the hearing. Mom finds the case, opens it up, and looks inside. When she closes the case, she also manages to close the door to the battery compartment, which causes the battery to wear out sooner then expected.

The hearing aid makes a noise when the battery compartment is closed and the hearing aid is not in Mom's ear. I hear the noise, I open the case, and I open the battery compartment. I have decided to put the hearing aid case on my computer desk, where Mom cannot find it. I hate the idea of hiding it from Mom, but I have no other choice.

I wish Mom would put the hearing aid in her own ear; however, she refuses. I know Mom hears better with the aid in her ear because she hear the fridge running and other background noises. I cannot convince Mom she needs the hearing aid and because she has Alzheimer's disease she gets angry when I try. I put the hearing aid in her ear and go on with my day.

The first college I attended

‘Idál (Justice), 8 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Wednesday, September 15, 2010 about 9:09 AM Pacific Time

I found out yesterday, that the first college I attended celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011. I attended College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in the early 1980s, at that time it was called Clark County Community College (CCCC) and later became the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN). I attended and worked at the College through all three of the name changes. I am looking forward to the celebration. I need to start writing some of my memories and writing some poems about the experience.

Another difficult day Alzheimer’s Day

Fidál (Grace), 7 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Tuesday, September 14, 2010 about 12:06 AM Pacific Time

It’s another difficult day and I’m not sure what caused the problem today. I took Mom to the doctor’s office this morning for a vitamin B shot, she wasn’t angry all the time we were out of the house. Before we left the house, she was angry and after we returned, Mom got angry again. All the time we were out, Mom wasn’t angry.

I suspect part of the problem could be that Mom was off her the Galantamine for a couple of day. However, I don’t think that is the entire issue. I swept and mopped the kitchen floor last night, which Mom has planned to do for a couple of weeks. I made the mistake of doing it while she was awake. I won’t make that mistake again.

I will clean house after Mom goes to bed. That way she can’t get angry with me for doing “her job”. The problem is that Mom wants to clean the entire house, but she wants to do it “tomorrow”. Unfortunately, tomorrow never comes.

Mom did clean the cat litter today, which was nice because now I don’t have to clean it tonight. Since Mom cleaned the cat litter, I can do something else. Perhaps I should sweep the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast room tonight and then mop them tomorrow night.

It would be nice if I could get Mom out of the house during the day, so that I could mop in the daytime instead of at night. The Blind Center is putting together basket in October; if I could get Mom to go there, I could do a good job mopping the floors. I don’t think this is a good time to bring that subject up; I’ll wait until Mom is in a better mood.

An interesting Saturday Morning

Jalál (Glory), 4 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Saturday, September 11, 2010 about 9:46 AM Pacific Time

Saturday started out interesting. I encountered the Blue Screen of Death. Mom had difficulty finding her earrings. I started to make this entry and encountered interruptions. I called one of Mom's meds in and the pharmacy just called me back to inform me that they have to contact her insurance carrier. They are contacting her insurance carrier about the Galantamine.

On the bright side, I was able to tell someone about Baha'u'llah this morning. Two ladies, carrying Bibles came to the door, they never heard about Baha'u'llah before so I told them about him. Saturday looks like it is going to be an interesting day.

Thursday was a relaxing day

Istiqlál (Independence), 3 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Friday, September 10, 2010 about 12:56 PM Pacific Time

I didn't know driving across Las Vegas could be so much fun. I spent five unhurried hours yesterday just relaxing. I went to the bank for a print out of my checking account. I went to Border's to buy writers' magazines. I went to the Baha'i Center on West Oakey. I went to Smith's Food & Drug store for groceries. I went to Panda Express for food. I had an enjoyable five hours away from care giving. I came back home relaxed and ready to take care of Mom.

Today I have to catch up on the things I didn't get done yesterday, but that is all right. I enjoyed myself just driving around Las Vegas. I think I may attempt a mini vacation again next month if I can find the money. This month I had five hours left on a grant I had to use up, so I took the five hours to relax and do some business. Mom didn't like it, but as a results I can take better care of Mom.

I checked my Facebook page today

‘Idál (Justice), 1 ‘Izzat (Might), 167 BE – Wednesday, September 8, 2010 about 1:15 PM Pacific Time

I checked my Facebook page today. This is the first time I've checked in about 30 days and I need to start checking it more often. Maybe I should attempt t check it once every 19 days, at least that way I could stay caught up on the friends request and wall writing. Today I accepted four friends request and ignore a group suggestion. The group suggestion was for a politically motivated group, which I'm not interested in joining. I also posted a message on my own wall.

Writing on the wall
I never did as a child
Now I write on walls

A good beginning on Labor Day

Kamál (Perfection), 18 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Monday, September 6, 2010 about 3:41 PM Pacific Time

Mom woke up in a good mood this morning. She remained in a good mood all day. Mom did get a bit frightened when I went into the backyard. I went out to hang some cloths on the line and did not tell Mom I was going outside. Mom got frightened when she could not find me. I have to remember to tell Mom where I am going, even if it is to the backyard to hang out cloths.

I know the issues is Alzheimer's disease because this issues arose after Mom was diagnosed with the disease. The only time Mom gets frightened is when she doesn't see me go outside. If I take trash to the garage, Mom sees me go out the door so she does not get frightened. Mom was frightened this morning because she thought I left her and was not coming back.

After I came back into the house, Mom calmed down. Mom does not remember being upset because she could not find me. Mom is happy now, she is sitting on the love seat with one of the cats in her lap. It was a good beginning to Labor Day because Mom woke up in a good mood.

A Busy Sunday Morning

Jamál (Beauty), 17 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Sunday, September 5, 2010 about 6:37 AM Pacific Time

This morning, I sifted all four litter pans and carried the used litter to the trashcan in the garage. While I was out there I noticed an old plastic trashcan with a huge hole in the bottom. A trashcan with a hole in it is of no use to me. I have to take that can to the curb on recyclable day with a note attached so the trash collectors will carry it away.

I prepared Mom's meds for the next seven days. I noticed that Mom is out of calcium tablets, so I began grocery list because I don't want to forget anything when I go to the store for he calcium tablets. The doctor recommended that she take two 600 +D tablets per day. Since Mom's insurance won't pay anything on the calcium tablets we have to buy them over the counter. I also changed the battery in Mom's hearing aid; we don't have to worry about hearing aid batteries for about five weeks.

I also wrote about 400 words this morning, I know that isn't very many words, but considering everything else I've accomplished that is good. I think Mom is still asleep, because I don't hear her waking up. I'll check on Mom when I go to get a cup of coffee.

For breakfast, I'm fixing scrabbled eggs and canned chicken. I still have a pound of bacon in the freezer, but we had bacon for breakfast everyday last week; so I want to start this week off with another type of meat.

Saving Money at the end and beginning of the year

Jalál (Glory), 16 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Saturday, September 4, 2010 about 10:18 AM Pacific Time

I sent for my first free 2011 calendar last night. The subject is Women's Health and it will take 4 to 6 weeks for the calendar to arrive. Free calendar offers always indicate the end of a year. Free calendars are a good way to save money. Instead, of buying a calender in the store, I send for calendars that interest me.

Calendars cost any where from $0.99 to $5:00, sometimes more, so a free calendar helps the beginning and end of the year budget. I buy calendars as gifts, but I don't buy them for myself anymore. The money I save by sending for free calendars goes to buy gas, food, or as a donation. Many people don't realize how much they can save simply by getting a couple of free calendars.

It's wise to look at your needs when sending for free calendars. I put a calendar above my desk, by the door in the living room, beside the telephone, and in my writing planner. I know I will probably receive four calendars from local business, so I need to have one more calendar. I may need another calendar for the dining room and the entrance hall. I will decide before the end of September if I'm going to put calendars in those locations in 2011.

I am taking a day off next week

Istiqlál (Independence), 15 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Friday, September 3, 2010 about 5:07 PM Pacific Time

I am taking a day off next week. Mom isn't going to like it because I am leaving here with a paid caregiver, but I need some down time from care giving. I have five hours left on a grant that I have to use this month, so I'm using it. I don't know what I will do yet; perhaps go to the park and write poetry.. I could go to the library or to a coffee shop.

I know five hours isn't an entire day, but it's time enough to recharge my batteries. I think I will take my prayer book, a reading book, and my journal. There is a park close to the house, that seems like a good place to go. I have my cell phone, so whoever is taking care of Mom can get in touch with me.

Thankful Thursday, September 2, 2010

Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Thursday, September 2, 2010 about 7:14 PM Pacific Time

Breakfast tradition
Bagels bacon scrambled eggs
Thankful Thursday joy

Someone gave us some bacon and eggs yesterday. So this morning I fixed bacon and scrambled eggs with toasted bagels. I had forgotten how much I like the taste of bacon.

Tuesday Afternoon in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 12 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Tuesday, August 31, 2010 about 12:36 PM Pacific Time

It's Tuesday afternoon and I'm thinking about lunch. I fixed buttermilk waffles for breakfast, but I didn't make them from scratch. Instead, I used the frozen waffles and the toaster. I toasted two waffles for Mom and two for me. I put peanut butter on Mom's waffles and butter with jelly on mine.

I'm worried about Mom because she doesn't seem to want to do anything for herself. She just sits on the couch or the love seat and talks about cleaning house, but that's all she does. I'm sure it has something to do with the Alzheimer's disease. Mom just sits and waits for me to fix the meals. I know she can fix her own sandwiches, but today she doesn't seem to want to do even that. I'm going to attempt to get her to sift the cat litter this afternoon.

This morning, I ask her to sift the cat litter and she got angry. Mom may think she already sifted it, but I can tell just by looking at the litter boxes that she didn't clean them. If Mom doesn't clean them this afternoon, then I will take care of them after she goes to bed because if I sift them while she is awake she will get angry because "I'm doing her job".

I have to start lunch now because I'm fixing squash and canned chicken. I have some leg quarters in the freezer, but I don't want to fix them until Thursday or Friday. September's budget is going to be bit tight because of the power bill, but we'll get by.

The sun is setting in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 11 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Monday, August 30, 2010 about 6:57 PM Pacific Time

Las Vegas sunset
The blue sky fades to gray-white
Monday already

I'm attempting an 8-hour work day. This morning I worked online 4 hours, I don't think I got very much done; however, I did write a 200-word blog ad. In approximately 30 days the compensation for the ad will hit my PayPal account and I will transfer it to my bank account. I won't receive a huge amount of money, but in this economy every little bit helps.

I'm sitting at my computer, looking out the living room window. I'm watching the blue sky fade to white and then gray. Night is approaching on the last Monday in August. I'm weary and I need a vacation, but the closest I will come to a vacation is five hours by myself. I have some time left on a Senior Care grant, which I have to use by the middle of September. I will use it either this Friday or next Tuesday to go to a park or to a movie. I need a few hours from care giving to recharge my batteries.

The Last Satuday in August 2010

Jalál (Glory), 9 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Saturday, August 28, 2010 about 4:32 PM

It's Saturday and time to review the past week. Since I haven't decided whether it's been a good week or a bad week, I'm going to review the past month. The doctor increased the Galantamine tablets from 8MG to 16MG. I think the increased dose is helping Mom, but I'm not sure. Mom has taken them for about a week, so it's too early to say if they help. I will have to wait about three weeks before I know if the increased dose is helping.

According to the Doctor and the research I've did the standard Galantamine dose is 24MG. I have to take Mom back to the Doctor in about three months. I will know then if he is going to increase her daily tablet of Galantamine to 24MG. In the mean time, Mom seems to have a better day if we say morning prayers together, so when she sit down on the love seat or the couch I'll get my prayer book and read a couple of her favorite prayers.

A Beautiful Friday Afternoon in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 8 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Friday, August 27, 2010 about 12:51 PM Pacific Time

I am making stew this afternoon. I just cut up the roast and put it onto cook; when it is done then I will add some vegetable and other items. I have a package of green bean in the freezer, so that will go into the stew wit the meat later today. I am also going to add some spaghetti or pasta; I am not sure which right now. I have several ears of corn in the freezer, but I do not plan to use those today.

I have to go to the store tomorrow for some groceries. I need to sit down and write a list because I want to make sure I buy everything we need for the next week. Since I no longer work outside the house, I plan to stay home rewrite a novel, unclutter my hard drive and clean house. I should go to the laundromat, but I am not looking forward to the trip. However, if I do not go to the laundromat on Wednesday or Thursday, I will end up doing laundry in a bucket with a plunger.

Organizing My Life

Kamál (Perfection), 4 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Monday, August 23, 2010 about 3:56 PM Pacific Time

I am not an organized person, but at 63, I have to change and become organized. If I don't get a little organization in my life, I'm not going to get continue running in circles. I don't feel I have accomplished anything over the past few days. I seem to perform the same chores over and over without getting anything else done.

I am going to have to organize before the end of the month. At least, partly organized so that I can get my business going. I think I will end this entry here and then write a "to do list". I get the feeling I'm spinning my wheels without making any progress.

The Feast of Names

Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Asmá’ (Names), 167 BE – Friday, August 20, 2010 about 4:47 PM Pacific Time

Last night, Mom and I attended the Feast of Asmá’ (Names). Before we went to the Feast, I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up Mom's medication and a couple of bottles of Arizona Iced Tea. After we left the pharmacy, we went to the Feast. The sun was shining almost directly into my eyes as I drove west on Charleston, so I missed my turn and had to take a slightly different route to the house where the Feast of Names was held, but we arrived safely at the Feast location.

Mom enjoys going to the nineteen-day feast. Her favorite parts of the Feast are the spiritual portion and the social portion. The hostess severed strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream. Mom ate two bowls and drink coffee. I had forgotten how good homemade whipped cream tastes. I am going to have to make some whipped cream myself.

Mom slept well last night; she did not wake up crying because of a bad dream. Mom always sleeps well after we attend the Feast.

It would be easier to do it myself

‘Idál (Justice), 18 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Wednesday, August 18, 2010 about 3:21 PM Pacific Time

Mom likes to do housework wash dishes, sweep and mop floors, etc. Mom has short-term memory problems and forgets to do some of the housework she plans. Mom has Alzheimer's disease and easily angers. Mom becomes angry when she finds me doing the things she considers "her job" because she thinks I am attempting to take "her job" away.

Mom gets in the middle of a chore, such as sweeping and mopping a floor, and forgets what she is doing. For the past three or four days, Mom has planned to sweep and mop her bathroom floor tomorrow. She finally got around to doing it today, but only after I took the mop bucket into the bathroom. Mom is mopping her bathroom because I started to do the job and she thought I was taking "her job".

It would be much easier and faster if I mopped the floor myself. As it is, I may have to mop the floor in her vanity room after she goes to sleep. If she catches me, she is going to be angry, but that is a chance I am going to have to take. I am going to have to start doing housework at night, after Mom is asleep because there is less of a chance she will catch me and get angry because I am doing "her job". I cannot convince her that doing housework is something we should share because Mom wants to do everything herself.

An Afternoon Nap

Kamál (Perfection), 16 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Monday, August 16, 2010 about 2:54 PM Pacific Time

I have begun taking afternoon naps because for the past couple of days I stay up until after midnight. I don't get to bed until 12:30 or 1:00 in the morning and still get up when the alarm goes off at 4:00 AM. I could change the alarm, but I would rather take an afternoon nap. If I sit on the couch and doze, I don't sleep very long and I still wake up refreshed.

An afternoon nap
Dozing in the living room
Comfortable couch

Took Mom to Supercuts today

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Thursday, August 12, 2010 about 4:50 PM Pacific Time

I took Mom to Supercuts today. She got her hair washed and cut, while I only had mine cut. Since I have to use a special shampoo there is no reason for me to have someone else wash my hair. Mom does not have to use a special shampoo, so she can have the beautician wash and cut her hair. Mom enjoys the luxury of having someone else wash her hair.

Mom looks great with her hair short, she feels better as well. I think the next time we go to a beauty parlor; I will have a color put in Mom's hair. She will enjoy having someone else dye her hair, Mom used to dye her own hair, but I think a professional should do dye your hair. Besides, at 89 Mom should not have to put color in her own hair.

Mom’s prescription for her Alzheimer’s medication

‘Idál (Justice), 11 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Wednesday, August 11, 2010 about 6:02 AM Pacific Time

Mom had an appointment with her doctor yesterday. At present, Mom is taking one GALANTAMINE ER 8MG capsule once a day. The doctor is changing the strength to a 16MG capsule once a day. She will take these for about two months and then I take her back to the doctor for a new prescription. I am looking forward to see what effect the new prescription strengtht will have on Mom.

The 8MG capsules have help some of the issues with Alzheimer's symptoms; however, the doctor says that 24MG is the recommended strength. I will see how Mom handles the 16MG capsules for two months and then take her back to the doctor. When Mom begins taking the new prescription strength, I will watch for side effects and the Alzheimer's symptoms. I realize there is no medication that that stop the disease completely, all we can hope for is to slow the progress of the disease.

My mother is 89 years old and wants to live 100. All medical science can hope to do is slow the progress of a disease that will eventually render her completely helpless and unable to recognize her own children, As her daughter, the only thing I can do is give her medication and say healing prayers. Mom's favorite healing prayer is the Long Healing Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah.

My Mother had a dream last night

Kamál (Perfection), 9 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Monday, August 9, 2010 about 7:44 AM Pacific Time

Mom had a difficult night. She woke up about 11:00 PM wanting to call her parents to come and get her. Mom did not remember that Grandma and Grandpa died over twenty years ago. Mom knew her address here in Las Vegas; she just did not know where she was.

Mom wanted her purse and a telephone so that she could call her parents to take her home. This morning, Mom did not remember getting up and coming into the living room. Mom remembers waking up to find me in her room. Mom is not upset about her experience last night, which is good.

I suspect Mom had a dream, but did not realize it was a dream. This is the first time this has happened this year. Mom had a similar experience last year. I will talk to Mom’s doctor about it on Tuesday. I believe this is another Alzheimer’s episode and I have to get used to Mom waking me up at odd hours of the night.

Researching my Mother's medications

Jamál (Beauty), 8 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Sunday, August 8, 2010 about 12:58 PM Pacific Time

My mother has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, August 10, at 8:00 AM; we need to be there by 7:45 AM. This means I have to get everything I need to take with me the night before, because if I do not assemble everything I need then I will forget something important. I also have to write down everything that I want to ask the doctor, so tonight and tomorrow I am researching a couple of Mom's medications.

Mom has Alzheimer's disease and the medication the doctor prescribed is Galantamine. I think the medication is helping, but I am not sure so I have to research to see if I need to ask the doctor any questions about it and other Alzheimer's treatments. Mom has doctor appointments about every three or four months and it is easier to ask the doctor questions at an appointment then between appointments.

The other medications Mom takes are Sertraline (which is due for a refill) Fludrocortisone, an Spironolactone (a water pill). I am researching them in the order listed. The tablets appear to work, but it does not hurt to do a little research before we go to the doctor on Tuesday.

I discovered something about myself today

Jalál (Glory), 7 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Saturday, August 7, 2010 about 1:36 PM Pacific Time

This is one of those special occasions; I talked about in an earlier entry. Writing about a new discovery is always important, but when it is a personal discovery, it is even more important to write about because new discoveries are part of the process of transformation. I do surveys, today I discovered that I can only do a specific amount before I get tired of doing them. This means I have to unsubscribe to some of the survey panels.

I do not need to fill my e-mail boxes with surveys I will not do. The problem is decided which panels to keep and which to drop. I think I will drop them slowly over the next five months. That way I am sure to keep the panels, I like the most. I am going to have to keep a record of the ones I like to work with. Perhaps it would be easier to keep a record of those I do not care to use.

I think the first place to start is to determine how many surveys I want coming to each e-mail address. This is the easiest thing to do and then all I need to do is decide on the ones I want to keep. That will be a bit more difficult.

Food and my mother

Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Friday, August 6, 2010 about 3:52 PM Pacific Time

My mother needs to gain weight, but she does not eat very much at a time. Mom eats more when we go out then when we eat at home; however, it still is no a lot of food. The doctor gives her prescribed something to increase her apatite and it does increase her apatite. She still does not eat very much at a time.

Mom gets full quickly and once her stomach is full she stops eating, which is what people are supposed to do. I suspect the problem is what she eat, I do not think Mom gets enough variety at one meal. I let Mom get her own meals because it helps her to feel independent. Mom is in a much better mood when she feels independent.

I think one of the problems is that Mom does not cook anymore. When she fixes something to eat, she makes a peanut butter sandwich or eats cereal. If I cook eggs, Mom will eat an egg sandwich. In fact yesterday, she ate a peanut butter and egg sandwich. Mom likes peanut butter and puts it on almost anything she eats.

I will weigh Mom in the morning to see how much she weighs, I think she may have gained a few pounds, but she has not gained enough. Tomorrow for lunch, I am fixing orange barbecue steak, with sliced potatoes. Perhaps if I make special recipes she will eat more.

I am planning to post every other day

‘Idál (Justice), 4 Kamál (Perfection), 167 BE – Wednesday, August 4, 2010 about 6:59 AM Pacific Time

After the difficulty posting I had yesterday, I am planning to post every other day to this blog. I am doing this because of a selfish motive. If I plan to post this way, I do not feel guilty when I miss posting to the journal. I intend making exceptions to this policy if the following occurs.

1. A Baha'i Holy or holiday Day
2. A holiday of some other type
3. A special event occurs
4. Mom has an especially good day
5. Mom has an especially bad day
6. Something wonderful or exciting occurs
7. An interesting subject I am researching

Right now, these are the only exception I expect to occur. Of course, other exceptions will occur from time to time. The intriguing thing about life is that it is never static, something is always occurring and sometimes these events affect my life and writing.