Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011

Jamál (Beauty), 16 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Sunday, April 24, 2011 about 5:31 PM Pacific Time

It is Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011; I am sitting in front of my computer attempting to write. I have a newsletter to finish this evening; the problem is that I am tired. I cannot seem to think of anything to write. I am having difficulty making this entry. The subject for today’s entry is “Spiritual Subjects” and Easter Sunday is a holy day, but that is as far as I can get.

As a child, we celebrated Easter. Grandma and Grandpa would take us to church every Sunday, but Easter Sunday was special because we always received new Easter cloths. My sister and I would get pretty, new dresses and my brothers’ new suits for Easter. On Easter Sunday, we would put on our new cloths and go to Easter Services.

Today, the only thing my mother and I do to commemorate Easter is to eat chocolate Easter bunnies with our coffee. Usually, we eat the entire Easter bunny in one day; however, this year we will spread the bunnies out over the next week. I think it has something to do with age.

The last time Mom eat a lot of chocolate in one setting was on her birthday March 19 and Mom got sick. I have to admit that I was not feeling very good my self, but I did not get sick. Therefore, to prevent either of us from getting sick, we ate only the bunnies’ ears. We will eat the rest of the chocolate rabbits over the next week or so.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday

Jalál (Glory), 15 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Saturday, April 23, 2011 about Sunset Pacific Time

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and we are out of bread again. This means I have to go to the store tomorrow and get bread. Someone will be here in the morning to stay with Mom, so I will go to the store about 8:30 or 9:00 AM. Mom has a prescription to pick up at the pharmacy, but they do not open until 10:00 AM. The prescription is for a tablet she takes once a week and she has one for tomorrow, so I do not have to pick that prescription up until Monday.

I do not like to drive in Las Vegas on holidays, so I will buy the bread and come home. Either I can go to a dollar store or to a grocery store; both are close to the house. I do not want to go very far because I do not like dealing with holiday traffic. Since tomorrow is Easter, people will be going out to eat or to Sunday services. I will probably go to the grocery store because it is open 24/7 and I can find the bread easily. The disorganization of some of the dollar stores makes it difficult to find what I am looking for.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday Memories

Istiqlál (Independence), 14 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Friday, April 22, 2011 about 4:15 PM Pacific Time

I remember Good Friday as a time of preparation and anticipation. It was time to prepare for Easter Sunday and anticipate what the Easter bunny would leave in our Easter baskets. Every year we received a new Easter outfit.

A beautiful dress
Pink and white Easter bonnet
Decorating eggs

Every year my siblings and I decorated Easter eggs. We anticipated the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. We looked forward Easter Sunday when we found the Easter baskets left by the Easter bunny and then went to Sunday church services and the retelling of the Easter story.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

My Grandmother was a founding member of N. L. W. A. A. M.

Istijlál (Majesty), 13 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Thursday, April 21, 2011 about 3:10 PM Pacific Time

This is Thankful Thursday and today I am grateful for the comic Freshly Squeezed by Ed Stein because it brought back memories of my Grandmother Newland. Grandma was a founding member of the National League of Women Awake After Midnight (N. L. W. A. A. M). My siblings and I can remember getting up in the middle of the night and finding Grandma awake.

When we woke up, we found Grandma doing one of two things. She would either be cleaning house or playing solitary. When my brother asked her what she was doing when she played solitary, she said she was playing cards with the devil.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

I am going paperless

‘Idál (Justice), 12 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Wednesday, April 20, 2011 about 11:23 AM Pacific Time

It is Wednesday and time for midweek reflections. I am considering going paperless. This week, I realized there is too much mail coming to my house. Most of the mail is junk or flyers, which I cannot control. I can control the amount of bills that come through the mail slot.

Since I pay most of the bills online, a hard copy of the bill is not necessary. I can go paperless and a bill will come to my e-mail box instead of through the front door. I can find the bill easier that way. Since Earth Day is coming up, I will give Mother Earth a birthday present and go paperless.

If I need a hard copy of a power bill or water bill, then I can print a copy. My printer works, after a fashion. It jams if I attempt to print more then one page at a time, but I can deal with that issue. Therefore, in the next seven days I will log into the websites and indicate that I want to go paperless, so that the bills come to the e-mail box instead of the house.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Tears and songs: Show me the way to go home

Jalál (Glory), 8 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Saturday, April 16, 2011 about 1:53 PM Pacific Time

Mom is happy. She is singing, “Show me the way to go home”. Mom has a beautiful voice and I enjoy hearing her sing. Mom usually sings this song when she is happy. I suspect it may have a meaning to her, but I do not know what because she will not tell me.

This morning Mom was unhappy. Mom cried and said everyone hated her, which seems to be normal with Alzheimer’s patients. Mom also wanted to see her parents. Mom’s parents, my grandparents, are dead. We buried them in Blackwell, Oklahoma, years ago. Mom does not remember they died. Instead, she thinks they are traveling somewhere.

Mom cries because she misses her mother and father. She always says that her father went east and her mother went north or west. I am not sure what she is referring to, but I would like to know; unfortunately, Mom cannot tell me what she means. Since Mom cannot tell me, because she does not remember, I will continue to wonder about that. The only thing I can do when Mom brings up Grandma and Grandpa is change the subject so that Mom does not cry.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Remembering Grandpa’s House

Istiqlál (Independence), 7 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Friday, April 15, 2011 about 5:30 PM Pacific Time

Today the contractor called and they will arrive on Monday to redo the bathroom. This brought back a memory from my childhood. I remember Grandpa Newland adding a storage room to his house in the Smelter Heights. He built the room along the side of the house, so that it we could enter it from either the living room or one of the bedrooms. In addition, he put a door in that entered the room from the outside.

I think some of the neighbors helped him, but he did most of the work himself. Once the spare room was finished, he put a deep freeze in plus some shelves. I know Grandma used the shelves to store winter quilts. I cannot remember what else she stored in that room.

I would like to go back to Blackwell for a visit some day. I know my grandparents’ house is no longer there; however, I would like to see what the city is like. I would also like to visit their grave; perhaps lay some flowers there. Grandma always liked roses; I do not remember what type of flowers Grandpa liked.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas

Istijlál (Majesty), 6 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Thursday, April 14, 2011 about 12:27 PM Pacific Time

It is another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas. The wind is blowing through the pine tree casting dancing shadows on my garage roof. I am thankful that the wind did not blow the tree down last night.

It is another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas. There are two pigeons in my driveway looking for olives leftover from the missing olive tree. I am thankful that the olive tree is gone because I no longer have olives dropping on my driveway or car.

It is another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas. There are purple flags and roses blooming in the neighbors’ yards. I am thankful that I live in a community where people can grow plants in their yards.

It is another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas. The weather is nice; it is not too hot or too cold. I am thankful that I do not have to have the hot or cold air on to be comfortable in the house.

It is another Thankful Thursday in Las Vegas. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the wind is gently blowing. I am thankful for the beauty of nature.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Half way through the week

‘Idál (Justice), 5 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Wednesday, April 13, 2011 about 3:21 PM Pacific Time

It is Wednesday. It is hump day. The week is half over. The wind is blowing and a haze conceals the blue sky. As I look across my front yard, I realize I have to have the weeds pulled before they dry up completely. I will have that done the end of April or the beginning of May.

Yesterday I Mom had her hearing tested, it has gotten worse since she got the last hearing aid; therefore, she needs two new hearing aids. I will know in about two weeks the status of the hearing aids. In the mean time, I put Mom’s hearing aid in her right ear every day. Mom resists having it in her ear, but if I am persistent in my encouragement, she relents. Eventually, Mom forgets she has the hearing aid in her ear.

I am attempting to get some help with Mom; I also want to get her into adult day care. I think it would help if she gets out of the house and among other people. When we go to the store or the bank, Mom is in a better mood the rest of the day. Mom does not want to leave the house; however, once she is out of the house and in the car, her mood improves. Therefore, I believe getting her into adult day care would improve her mood.

Monday, April 11, 2011

It is spring in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 3 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Monday, April 11, 2011 about 4:02 PM Pacific Time

It is spring in Las Vegas. The purple flags in my neighbor’s yard are blooming. The oak trees have leaves. It is not as warm this year as last year; that, however, is all right with me because when the temperatures reach triple digits, I have to turn on the cool air.

My front yard is full of weeds, which I need to have pulled. I do not have grass I have weeds. The weeds are getting high and I will soon have to have them pulled. As soon as the temperatures go into the triple digits, the weeds will die and turn brown. I think I will have the weeds removed the end of April unless they begin to turn brown before that.

I would like to plant cactus in the front yard. I like cactus because I can grow them without much trouble. I cannot grow flowers, unless the flowers are part of a weed. I have no difficulty growing weeds or cactus. Since I have a choice, I prefer the cactus to the weeds. Cacti are beautiful and some of them have flowers.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Spiritual Silence

Jamál (Beauty), 2 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Sunday, April 10, 2011 about 5:18 PM Pacific Time

Have you ever noticed how spiritual and tranquil silence feels? This is especially true at midnight or in the morning when you are the only person awake. The normal house noises are hushed, while the outside noises are distant echoes that your mind can ignore.

At these times, you are alone perhaps you have a prayer book or scripture verses. You sit on a couch and open the book to your favorite prayer. Then you begin to read the prayer aloud or you may recite a verse you have memorized. As you intone the verse you can feel the presence of God, there is no doubt that the Creator exists and love you.

This is the best time to write poetry because you are open to the influence of God’s word. You sit down at the computer and begin to compose, because your mind and soul are in harmony with the universe, the words, lines, and stanzas of a poem come easily. The poem seems to flow from your soul, like a wave rolling onto a beach. After the poem is finished, then you are ready to begin your day refreshed and tranquil.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Mom and her medication

Jalál (Glory), 1 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Saturday, April 9, 2011 about 3:20 PM Pacific Time

Sometimes Mom wants to chew her medication; however, most of her meds are now chewable. When she began this, I stopped giving her more then three of the meds at a time and that seemed to take care of the issue. This morning Mom wanted to chew her meds, but one of them was not the chewable type. Therefore, starting this evening, I am going to give Mom the non-chewable meds one at a time. I hope this takes care of the issue; I can only wait and see.

Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and sometimes does not realize that she should swallow her meds rather then chew them. It makes giving her medication difficult; it would be easier if I could mix the meds with her food. However, the only ones I can mix into her food or coffee are the liquid and powders. The doctor prescribed one powder and one liquid, which the rest are tablets of some type.

When I give Mom her meds, I set beside her and watch. Being close to when she takes the tablets does not prevent her from attempting to chew them. I inform her she must swallow the tablets, but Mom does not always listen to me. The next time I see her pharmacist or doctor, I will have to discuss this issue.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Thankful Thursday, April 07, 2011

Istijlál (Majesty), 18 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Thursday, April 7, 2011 about 5:25 PM Pacific Time

This is Thankful Thursday, the day I make my gratitude list. It does not matter how difficult a week a person can always find ten things for which to give thanks. A weekly gratitude list is important because it keeps me grounded and I worry less.

Worry prevents me from finding solutions to my problems. Therefore, a gratitude list gives me a chance to see the solutions I have found and a reprieve from worrying. I have found I cannot worry while I make my gratitude list.

This week I am thankful for (1) coffee, (2) peanut butter, (4) chocolate, (5) the history channel, (6) the Disney channel, (7) dry milk, (8) grape jelly, (9) fried chicken, and (10) roses. I am thankful for other things as well, but since the gratitude list contains only ten items, I will wait until next week to list more.

The intriguing thing about a gratitude list is that once I begin writing, I always find more things to put on it. Sometimes I even list why I am grateful for a specific item.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Midweek Reflection for April 6, 2011

‘Idál (Justice), 17 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Wednesday, April 6, 2011 about 6:23 PM Pacific Time

It is Wednesday, April 06, 2011. Yesterday I worked the primary election polls from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. As a result, we now have only two people running for Mayor of Las Vegas. Since both of the candidates are women, the next Mayor of Las Vegas will be a woman. The general election is in June, so the next few months should be interesting.

My nephew stayed with Mom while I worked the polls. Mom kept asking where I was, she did not remember that I had to work. She was happier when I came home, but I do not think she remembers that I was gone yesterday. Mom complained about it being cold, which is the same thing she complains about to me.

It was not cold yesterday. It will get colder in the next few days because we have high wind warnings and a wind chill factor. I hope the wind does not get too strong because Mom will find the house colder. In addition, I still have a pine tree in the front yard to worry about. I hope the tree stands up to the wind.

Monday, April 04, 2011

Las Vegas is a nice place to live

Kamál (Perfection), 15 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Monday, April 4, 2011 about 12:08 PM Pacific Time

Las Vegas is a nice place to live, I know this is something one does not often hear in these hard economic times, but it is true. The Las Vegas metropolitan area (my personal definition) consists of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. Other cities within a days drive from Las Vegas are Boulder City and Search Light.

Las Vegas is a nice place to live because there are museums, parks, libraries, poetry readings, and the Spring’s Preserve. Therefore, you do not have to go on the Las Vegas Strip to have fun. There are a great many cultural activities in Las Vegas; all you have to do is look for them. For instance, the Arts District has First Friday every month, while the libraries host art shows, poetry readings, and other fun educational events.

Las Vegas is a nice place to live. You can find shopping malls, restaurants, and movies. All you have to do is get out of the house and join in the fun. If you do not drive, then you can take the CAT (Citizens Area Transit) but to any event. Many things to do in Las Vegas are inexpensive and fun for families. Las Vegas is a nice place to live.

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Green Prayer Beads

Jamál (Beauty), 14 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Sunday, April 3, 2011 about 4:09 PM Pacific Time

It is a good day. I woke up before dawn, took my medication, and found my green prayer beads lying on the table in the breakfast room. I prayed, chanted, meditated, and then made coffee. I did not see the sun come up because I have not yet cleaned off the patio.

During the spring and summer, I like to sit on the patio and watch the sun come up. I usually chant before outside. I take a pen and paper journal with me so that I can keep track of writing ideas. Dawn is a spiritual time, a time when my muse finds ideas for poems.

I chose green prayer beads because the color reminds me of spring. Spring is a good time to write haiku. Spring is a good time to write spiritual poetry. Spring is nature’s new year when flowers bloom and trees leaf. Spring is a wonderful time of year, when anything seems possible. Spring is my favorite time of year and so, when I chose my prayer beads I picked a string that reminded me of this season.

Saturday, April 02, 2011

I Early Voted Yesterday

Jalál (Glory), 13 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Saturday, April 2, 2011 about 3:14 PM Pacific Time

This is the first slices of my life entry. Friday, April 1, was last day of early voting before the Election on Tuesday, April 5. I went to the Meadows Mall because there were open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Since I did not have anyone to stay with Mom, she went with me.

Mom accompanied me into the Mall because it was too hot for her to stay in the car and the parking lot had no shade. I did not know how long I would be inside, so I had to take Mom in with me. She did not want to go, but there was no other choice. Mom got tired even though I found a place for her to sit while I voted.

After I voted, I bought each of us a TCBY sundae. We sat inside the Mall and ate the frozen yogurt. Mom enjoyed the sundae and watching the shoppers walk past. When we returned home, Mom fell asleep on the couch. She did wake up to watch “Who Do You Think You Are”.

The trip to and through the Mall was an interesting and tiring experience. However, from now on I am going to make sure that wherever I take Mom there are more places for her to sit down and watch the people. She enjoys people watching, but she does not enjoy long and tiring walks.

Friday, April 01, 2011

April Fools Day Memories

Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Baha (Splendor), 168 BE – Friday, April 1, 2011 about 4:35 PM Pacific Time

I have been thinking about April Fools Day memories and pranks. I do not have any outstanding memories of pranks played on April Fools’ Day. I remember my brothers finding a dead snake in a trashcan, which they threw into the living room. The snake landed in such a way that it looked as if it crawled into the house. Everyone, except my brothers thought the snake was alive because there was a rip in the screen door and the snake could have crawled into the house.

I do not remember if this was an April Fools prank or just an ordinary prank. My brothers had a tendency to do things like this; perhaps that is why I do not specifically remember any of their April Fools pranks. My brothers were very mischievous and always did things that on April Fools day would make good April Fools pranks, but they did them all year long.

I remember the snake incident occurred sometime in the spring. I also remember that it was a large snake. I think possible a black snake or some other non-poisonous serpent. This could have been an April Fools’ Day prank.