Jamál (Beauty), 15 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 30, 2011 about 4:50 PM Pacific Time
I feel like I’ve been riding the rapids, going up and down, down and up all day. Mom woke up in a good mood; in fact, she got up by herself. She used her walker to move safely from her bedroom to the living room. She was a bit upset when she didn’t find me in the living room, but she calmed down as soon as she saw me.
The first pill she takes is a capsule, which means she cannot chew it, but has to swallow it. It was easy to convince her to take that pill. That was the last pill she took easily all day. The rest of the tablets she didn’t want to take, I finally got her to take the last tablet by hiding it in some ice cream. I’m going to have to start giving her the tablets in her food, the problem is the capsules; I don’t think I can hide them in her food because they are capsules.
I didn’t feel very well this morning myself. This afternoon I feel better, but I haven’t eaten very much today. I think I’ll fix me an egg or some other type of sandwich. I did eat some cut okra this afternoon, so perhaps I’ll eat some applesauce or some ice cream. Maybe fix a hot cup of tea and just relax this evening because I’m still a little tired.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cooking for someone on a low fiber diet
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Thursday, October 27, 2011 about 2:52 PM Pacific Time
I am learning to cook again. My mother is on a low fiber diet, this means that she can have 3 grams of fiber or less per meal. The dietitian told us per day, but I have found that it is easier to count the dietary fiber content per meal rather then per day.
According to the information on the vegetable labels, ½ cup of the vegetable counts as a serving, this means if the veggie contains 3 grams of fiber that is per serving. There is not enough fiber in most meats to make the label, so I do not have to worry about the fiber in the meat. While rice (according to the labels I have read) does not contain dietary fiber.
To keep Mom’s dietary fiber within the proper range, I mix rice with meat and veggies. Most of the time I use canned chicken and green beans. Therefore, the ½-cup serving of green beans becomes a serving of rice, chicken, and green beans. I use the same method with carrots, peas, etc.
This works all right unless Mom we have frozen dinners. The problem with the T.V. dinners I have encountered so far is that none of them has less then 2 or 3 grams of fiber. Since this is the case, I cannot fix Mom more then one per day or she exceeds the 3 grams per day limit. This also means that instead of getting a vegetable with her rice, she can have only chicken.
This also means that, since I do not know the fiber content of meals in restaurants, I cannot purchase meals and bring home for Mom. Occasionally I would like a break from cooking and meal planning. I would like to go to a restaurant, order something to go, and bring it home for us to eat. Oh well, such is life.
I am learning to cook again. My mother is on a low fiber diet, this means that she can have 3 grams of fiber or less per meal. The dietitian told us per day, but I have found that it is easier to count the dietary fiber content per meal rather then per day.
According to the information on the vegetable labels, ½ cup of the vegetable counts as a serving, this means if the veggie contains 3 grams of fiber that is per serving. There is not enough fiber in most meats to make the label, so I do not have to worry about the fiber in the meat. While rice (according to the labels I have read) does not contain dietary fiber.
To keep Mom’s dietary fiber within the proper range, I mix rice with meat and veggies. Most of the time I use canned chicken and green beans. Therefore, the ½-cup serving of green beans becomes a serving of rice, chicken, and green beans. I use the same method with carrots, peas, etc.
This works all right unless Mom we have frozen dinners. The problem with the T.V. dinners I have encountered so far is that none of them has less then 2 or 3 grams of fiber. Since this is the case, I cannot fix Mom more then one per day or she exceeds the 3 grams per day limit. This also means that instead of getting a vegetable with her rice, she can have only chicken.
This also means that, since I do not know the fiber content of meals in restaurants, I cannot purchase meals and bring home for Mom. Occasionally I would like a break from cooking and meal planning. I would like to go to a restaurant, order something to go, and bring it home for us to eat. Oh well, such is life.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Rice, Canned Chicken, and Green Beans
Kamál (Perfection), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 24, 2011 about 3:40 PM
Today I fixed rice, canned chicken, and green beans. I mixed the green beans with the other ingredients because it had only 2 grams of dietary fiber. Since Mom is going to eat this for her supper, I had to make sure it had the least amount of dietary fiber.
Mom is on a low fiber diet, which means she can have no more then 3 grams of fiber in a meal. The rice and chicken have very little or no fiber, so this is a good mean for a weekday afternoon.
I mixed one can of chicken and one can of green beans with the rice. I am not sure how many cups of rice because the casserole dish I used already had rice in it. When I cooked the package of rice, I flavored it with one shrimp bullion cube. Since the cube contained a great deal of salt, I did not want to use more then one. I am not sure what size package of rice I used; I had enough rice to fill two medium casserole dishes.
All right, that may not be the best way to cook rice, but that is how I do it. This way I only have to cook rice once a week. I cook the rice and then I decide what to add to it for our meals the rest of the week; it saves time and energy.
Today I fixed rice, canned chicken, and green beans. I mixed the green beans with the other ingredients because it had only 2 grams of dietary fiber. Since Mom is going to eat this for her supper, I had to make sure it had the least amount of dietary fiber.
Mom is on a low fiber diet, which means she can have no more then 3 grams of fiber in a meal. The rice and chicken have very little or no fiber, so this is a good mean for a weekday afternoon.
I mixed one can of chicken and one can of green beans with the rice. I am not sure how many cups of rice because the casserole dish I used already had rice in it. When I cooked the package of rice, I flavored it with one shrimp bullion cube. Since the cube contained a great deal of salt, I did not want to use more then one. I am not sure what size package of rice I used; I had enough rice to fill two medium casserole dishes.
All right, that may not be the best way to cook rice, but that is how I do it. This way I only have to cook rice once a week. I cook the rice and then I decide what to add to it for our meals the rest of the week; it saves time and energy.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
At 3:05 AM October 23, 2011
At 3:05 AM, I heard someone walking down the hall. I got up to see if I had left the door unlock, but instead of an intruder, I found Mom in the living room. I managed to convince her to go into the bathroom and change her cloths. Then we went back into the living room so that I could start giving her, her morning medication.
I convinced her to take the first pill and then began my day. After she took the pill, I went into the kitchen. Instead of taking my second pill of the morning, I started a carafe of coffee and then got us each two slices of pound cake. I did not realize until a few minutes ago that I forgot to take my pill. Getting old is not for wimps.
Since Mom got out of bed at 3:05 AM, I did not get my morning shower taken. It is a good thing I took a shower last night before going to bed. I took a shower last night because my psoriasis was itching and burning. I put baking soda on a washcloth and used that on my psoriasis. I did think the baking soda helped much last night, but this morning the psoriasis feels better and itches less.
In fact, Mom got up so early that I did not get a chance to do many things I planned to accomplish this morning. If Mom is going to get up early on the weekends, I have to rearrange my morning chores and activities so that I can do them in the evening.
Friday, October 21, 2011
It is Friday Evening
Jalál (Glory), 7 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Friday, October 21, 2011 about 7:10 PM Pacific Time
It is Friday evening and I have to stay home Saturday and Sunday. Ordinarily, I would find this a problem, but after the last couple of days, it is refreshing. True, I probably will not get everything caught up, but that is all right. I need to learn to relax and chill out. I am going through a horrendous out break of psoriasis and I think the main problem is stress.
I need to learn to accomplish what I can without stressing over everything that I need to accomplish. I need to learn to chill out and stop stressing over a slow computer. Stress will not increase the speed of my computer. Stress will not help me figure out why my computer slows down at the most in opportune times. Stress will only increase the psoriasis outbreak that is starting to cover my body.
I have to call the pharmacy and get another tube of the cream I put on the red itchy patches. I know the prescription helps a little. My doctor suggested I use Vaseline fro the dryness, which helps a little. It does not do anything for the itch. I am going to try a remedy for itch that my grandmother used. She made a paste out of baking powder and spread it over the itchy areas when we had chicken pox. It stopped us from scratching then, I am not sure how well it will work in this case, but it is worth a try.
It is Friday evening and I have to stay home Saturday and Sunday. Ordinarily, I would find this a problem, but after the last couple of days, it is refreshing. True, I probably will not get everything caught up, but that is all right. I need to learn to relax and chill out. I am going through a horrendous out break of psoriasis and I think the main problem is stress.
I need to learn to accomplish what I can without stressing over everything that I need to accomplish. I need to learn to chill out and stop stressing over a slow computer. Stress will not increase the speed of my computer. Stress will not help me figure out why my computer slows down at the most in opportune times. Stress will only increase the psoriasis outbreak that is starting to cover my body.
I have to call the pharmacy and get another tube of the cream I put on the red itchy patches. I know the prescription helps a little. My doctor suggested I use Vaseline fro the dryness, which helps a little. It does not do anything for the itch. I am going to try a remedy for itch that my grandmother used. She made a paste out of baking powder and spread it over the itchy areas when we had chicken pox. It stopped us from scratching then, I am not sure how well it will work in this case, but it is worth a try.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A busy Morning in Las Vegas
‘Idál (Justice), 4 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 19, 2011 about 2:50 PM Pacific Time
It was a busy morning. My computer has been running slow so I ran the disk cleanup program followed by the defragmentation program. It took a while, so I sorted cloths and took three baskets to my car. I will be so glad when I can use my machine here at home, then I can do a load of laundry whenever I want to instead of having to wait until I can get to the laundromat.
Tomorrow, after I stop at the bank to get quarters, I will wash the three baskets of Mom’s cloths. I still have sheets and a basket of my cloths, but those can wait until Friday. I am going to the laundromat Thursday and Friday this week. I know I am pushing myself, but I have no other choice because I want to get as many cloths washed this week as possible. I still have one more basket to wash, but those cloths need pretreated before I put them into a washing machine.
I do not like pretreating my cloths at the laundromat because it takes too long and I have to remain standing up longer then is comfortable. I can stand up just so long before I have to sit down and rest. Therefore, I will pretreat the cloths at home and then take them to the laundromat either Monday or Tuesday.
It was a busy morning. My computer has been running slow so I ran the disk cleanup program followed by the defragmentation program. It took a while, so I sorted cloths and took three baskets to my car. I will be so glad when I can use my machine here at home, then I can do a load of laundry whenever I want to instead of having to wait until I can get to the laundromat.
Tomorrow, after I stop at the bank to get quarters, I will wash the three baskets of Mom’s cloths. I still have sheets and a basket of my cloths, but those can wait until Friday. I am going to the laundromat Thursday and Friday this week. I know I am pushing myself, but I have no other choice because I want to get as many cloths washed this week as possible. I still have one more basket to wash, but those cloths need pretreated before I put them into a washing machine.
I do not like pretreating my cloths at the laundromat because it takes too long and I have to remain standing up longer then is comfortable. I can stand up just so long before I have to sit down and rest. Therefore, I will pretreat the cloths at home and then take them to the laundromat either Monday or Tuesday.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Being a Caregiver Isn’t Easy
Fidál (Grace), 3 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 18, 2011 about 1:58 PM Pacific Time
As my Mother’s caregiver, I have to make choices for her that she cannot make for herself. This afternoon, I realized that one of the choices concerns my mother’s wardrobe. I was hanging cloths for her to wear and I came across two pairs of my mother’s slacks. Mom does not wear slacks any more, she used to wear them all the time, but now she wears only skirts, blouses, and dresses.
Mom does not wear slacks anymore because dresses and skirts are easier for her to get on and off, especially when someone else is assisting her to dress. Mom does not seem to notice that the only that the only choices presented to her are dresses or skirts. Perhaps it is because she was born and raised in a time when women did not wear slacks. I do not think she began wearing slacks until World War II.
Anyway, as I was hanging Mom’s cloths up I came across two pairs of slacks she used to wear. Since there is no use hanging them where she can find them and want to wear them, I put them in a box I am planning to give away. Because Mom suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, she will get angry if cannot wear them and this would happen if she wanted to wear them and I had to say no.
I miss the woman my mother used to be. The woman I could reason with and discuss issues without her repeating herself or getting angry over a difference of opinion. I pray everyday that medical science will find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
As my Mother’s caregiver, I have to make choices for her that she cannot make for herself. This afternoon, I realized that one of the choices concerns my mother’s wardrobe. I was hanging cloths for her to wear and I came across two pairs of my mother’s slacks. Mom does not wear slacks any more, she used to wear them all the time, but now she wears only skirts, blouses, and dresses.
Mom does not wear slacks anymore because dresses and skirts are easier for her to get on and off, especially when someone else is assisting her to dress. Mom does not seem to notice that the only that the only choices presented to her are dresses or skirts. Perhaps it is because she was born and raised in a time when women did not wear slacks. I do not think she began wearing slacks until World War II.
Anyway, as I was hanging Mom’s cloths up I came across two pairs of slacks she used to wear. Since there is no use hanging them where she can find them and want to wear them, I put them in a box I am planning to give away. Because Mom suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, she will get angry if cannot wear them and this would happen if she wanted to wear them and I had to say no.
I miss the woman my mother used to be. The woman I could reason with and discuss issues without her repeating herself or getting angry over a difference of opinion. I pray everyday that medical science will find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The price of peanut butter
Kamál (Perfection), 2 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Monday, October 17, 2011 about 3:20 PM Pacific Time
The price of peanut butter is increasing. I don’t suppose it should surprise me because everything, except my income is going up. If the price rises too much, I may have to stop buying peanut butter. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not sure there is anything else I can do. Mom and I live on a fixed income, which means we’re living close to the bone all the time.
The majority of our money goes for other things besides food. Peanut butter is one of Mom’s favorite foods. Mom could make an entire meal of peanut butter and crackers. I don’t know what I’m going to tell Mom if I have to take peanut butter off the menu.
I like peanut butter myself. If I stop eating it then the peanut butter will last longer. That may be one solution. I buy the peanut butter for Mom, instead of buying it for Mom and me. I will miss eating it, but I can get buy with something else. I can eat grape jelly sandwiches, I don’t have to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I will miss them; however, I don’t see any other solution to the problem.
The price of peanut butter is increasing. I don’t suppose it should surprise me because everything, except my income is going up. If the price rises too much, I may have to stop buying peanut butter. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not sure there is anything else I can do. Mom and I live on a fixed income, which means we’re living close to the bone all the time.
The majority of our money goes for other things besides food. Peanut butter is one of Mom’s favorite foods. Mom could make an entire meal of peanut butter and crackers. I don’t know what I’m going to tell Mom if I have to take peanut butter off the menu.
I like peanut butter myself. If I stop eating it then the peanut butter will last longer. That may be one solution. I buy the peanut butter for Mom, instead of buying it for Mom and me. I will miss eating it, but I can get buy with something else. I can eat grape jelly sandwiches, I don’t have to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I will miss them; however, I don’t see any other solution to the problem.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A change of plans for this week
Jamál (Beauty), 1 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 16, 2011 about 4:30 PM Pacific Time
I had planned to go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As it turns out, I have to remain home on Monday. If I let it, this will mess up my schedule for the week; however, I do not think I will let it. I have plenty to do here at home both on and off line.
I need to clean out the pantry and move some of the canned goods to another cupboard in the kitchen. I need to clean out Mom’s closet and my closet. We both have dresses that we will never wear, so I need to pack those in a box and give them away. I also need to get the spare room ready to rent. I am not sure the renting idea will work out, but it is worth a try because we need the money and I am tired of using that room as a “catch all”.
I suppose I need to write a “to do list” tonight so that I accomplish something tomorrow. If I can check a job off a list then I know I have accomplished something.
I had planned to go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As it turns out, I have to remain home on Monday. If I let it, this will mess up my schedule for the week; however, I do not think I will let it. I have plenty to do here at home both on and off line.
I need to clean out the pantry and move some of the canned goods to another cupboard in the kitchen. I need to clean out Mom’s closet and my closet. We both have dresses that we will never wear, so I need to pack those in a box and give them away. I also need to get the spare room ready to rent. I am not sure the renting idea will work out, but it is worth a try because we need the money and I am tired of using that room as a “catch all”.
I suppose I need to write a “to do list” tonight so that I accomplish something tomorrow. If I can check a job off a list then I know I have accomplished something.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
An interesting Saturday in Las Vegas
Jalál (Glory), 19 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 15, 2011 about 5:25 PM Pacific Time
It has been an interesting and frustrating Saturday. The frustrating concerned my computer this morning. I am not sure what caused the problem, but it seems to have cleared this afternoon. This morning the computer slowed down and I had to reboot several times because the CPU kept running at 100%. Because of the frustration I am tired and behind completing online work. This means staying up late tonight and tomorrow night completing work.
The interesting part of the day concerned my mother. This morning Mom was happy and singing or humming. She was singing “Yankee Doodle” and humming a John Philips Sousa piece, but I am not sure of the title. This afternoon Mom was crying. I have no idea why she cried because she never tells me. Actually, she does not know why she is crying.
I ask Mom why she is crying and she always says, “I don’t know” or “I’m not crying.” The reasons concern the Alzheimer’s disease and I suspect she forgets why she is crying. If I have a choice, I would rather she were singing. I suspect the reason Mom cries concerns her belief that her parents are still alive.
It has been an interesting and frustrating Saturday. The frustrating concerned my computer this morning. I am not sure what caused the problem, but it seems to have cleared this afternoon. This morning the computer slowed down and I had to reboot several times because the CPU kept running at 100%. Because of the frustration I am tired and behind completing online work. This means staying up late tonight and tomorrow night completing work.
The interesting part of the day concerned my mother. This morning Mom was happy and singing or humming. She was singing “Yankee Doodle” and humming a John Philips Sousa piece, but I am not sure of the title. This afternoon Mom was crying. I have no idea why she cried because she never tells me. Actually, she does not know why she is crying.
I ask Mom why she is crying and she always says, “I don’t know” or “I’m not crying.” The reasons concern the Alzheimer’s disease and I suspect she forgets why she is crying. If I have a choice, I would rather she were singing. I suspect the reason Mom cries concerns her belief that her parents are still alive.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
My laundromat schedule in Las Vegas
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 13, 2011 about 1:05 PM Pacific Time
Mom’s physical condition requires that I go to the laundromat more then once or twice a week. My physical condition requires a one-day recovery period between trips to the laundromat; therefore, my laundry schedule has to change. Today I have three baskets of laundry ready to go to the laundromat tomorrow morning. I have one more basket to load in the car today.
In addition, I think I am allergic to my fabric softener. I bought a new jug of unscented fabric softener to use in my cloths. I will use the scented softener in Mom’s cloths. Next week, I will go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Monday is going to be a long day because I have to go to the bank and the grocery store before going to the laundromat. I need to get quarters at the bank and more fabric softener for Mom’s cloths. I am almost out of the scented fabric softener and I have to use it when I wash Mom’s cloths.
Thinking about next week’s schedule makes me tired. I have to increase my protein intake this weekend to prepare for next week’s schedule. I hope that helps. Going to the laundromat is strenuous exercise, which means the next time someone ask me if I get strenuous exercise, I can say “Yes, three times a week.”
Mom’s physical condition requires that I go to the laundromat more then once or twice a week. My physical condition requires a one-day recovery period between trips to the laundromat; therefore, my laundry schedule has to change. Today I have three baskets of laundry ready to go to the laundromat tomorrow morning. I have one more basket to load in the car today.
In addition, I think I am allergic to my fabric softener. I bought a new jug of unscented fabric softener to use in my cloths. I will use the scented softener in Mom’s cloths. Next week, I will go to the laundromat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Monday is going to be a long day because I have to go to the bank and the grocery store before going to the laundromat. I need to get quarters at the bank and more fabric softener for Mom’s cloths. I am almost out of the scented fabric softener and I have to use it when I wash Mom’s cloths.
Thinking about next week’s schedule makes me tired. I have to increase my protein intake this weekend to prepare for next week’s schedule. I hope that helps. Going to the laundromat is strenuous exercise, which means the next time someone ask me if I get strenuous exercise, I can say “Yes, three times a week.”
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I Gave the Cats to Becky
‘Idál (Justice), 16 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 12, 2011 about 6:55 PM
Due to physical and financial, I could not continue to take care of both Mom and the cats. Therefore, with the help of my brother, I took the cats the animal shelter earlier this year. When Mom first noticed that they were gone, I told her I took them to the Vet and they had to stay there for a while. That seemed to satisfy Mom at the time.
Recently Mom asked, “Where are the cats?”
My reply, “I gave them to Becky.” I explained to Mom that Becky wanted some cats to keep her cat company and that satisfied Mom. I do not know a Becky, but apparently, Mom has known someone by that name because it satisfied her.
Because of the Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory issues Mom usually forgets that we had cats. When she does remember it is unwise to tell her that I took them to the Animal Shelter because she will get angry. This forces me to come up with plausible explanations that will satisfy her when she asks the question. Fortunately, she does not ask the question vary often.
Due to physical and financial, I could not continue to take care of both Mom and the cats. Therefore, with the help of my brother, I took the cats the animal shelter earlier this year. When Mom first noticed that they were gone, I told her I took them to the Vet and they had to stay there for a while. That seemed to satisfy Mom at the time.
Recently Mom asked, “Where are the cats?”
My reply, “I gave them to Becky.” I explained to Mom that Becky wanted some cats to keep her cat company and that satisfied Mom. I do not know a Becky, but apparently, Mom has known someone by that name because it satisfied her.
Because of the Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory issues Mom usually forgets that we had cats. When she does remember it is unwise to tell her that I took them to the Animal Shelter because she will get angry. This forces me to come up with plausible explanations that will satisfy her when she asks the question. Fortunately, she does not ask the question vary often.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
How to wear yourself out in Las Vegas
Fidál (Grace), 15 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 11, 2011 about 1:35 PM Pacific Time
How do you wear yourself out in Las Vegas? Go to the store and laundromat in the same day. I bet you thought I was going to write something about going to one of the hotel-casinos to see a show or do something else. I just got back from washing three baskets of cloths. Before I took the baskets to the laundromat, I stopped at Walgreens to pick up a couple of prescriptions for my Mother.
I am tired, worn out and sleepy. As I write this, I am yawning. I still have to go to the grocery store and wash four more baskets of laundry this week. No, the pipes behind my washing machine are not fixed, which means I have to take all my dirty cloths to the laundromat. Up until today, my physical limit was three baskets of cloths. I am changing that, especially if I have to go to a store before or after I go to the laundromat. Since I have rested a little, I will post this entry and bring the clean cloths into the house.
I still have to lug three baskets of clean cloths into the house and fold the sheets. All right, I realized when I folded the towels that I had reached my physical limit and would have to bring the sheets home without folding them. I do not like to do this, but there is a limit to how much laundry I can finish in a single day at the laundromat. Tomorrow, I will wash only two baskets of cloths before going to the grocery store.
How do you wear yourself out in Las Vegas? Go to the store and laundromat in the same day. I bet you thought I was going to write something about going to one of the hotel-casinos to see a show or do something else. I just got back from washing three baskets of cloths. Before I took the baskets to the laundromat, I stopped at Walgreens to pick up a couple of prescriptions for my Mother.
I am tired, worn out and sleepy. As I write this, I am yawning. I still have to go to the grocery store and wash four more baskets of laundry this week. No, the pipes behind my washing machine are not fixed, which means I have to take all my dirty cloths to the laundromat. Up until today, my physical limit was three baskets of cloths. I am changing that, especially if I have to go to a store before or after I go to the laundromat. Since I have rested a little, I will post this entry and bring the clean cloths into the house.
I still have to lug three baskets of clean cloths into the house and fold the sheets. All right, I realized when I folded the towels that I had reached my physical limit and would have to bring the sheets home without folding them. I do not like to do this, but there is a limit to how much laundry I can finish in a single day at the laundromat. Tomorrow, I will wash only two baskets of cloths before going to the grocery store.
Monday, October 10, 2011
I Gave the Chickens to a Farmer
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Monday, October 10, 2011 about 10:45 AM Pacific Time
This morning Mom asked, “Where are the chickens?”
My response, “What chickens?” I have to remember not to ask the “what” question, when asks me about where animals or people are because sometimes she gets upset. She did not get upset this morning.
Mom said, “I thought we had chickens.”
My response, “We could not get a permit, so I gave the chickens to a farmer.”
When Mom was a child, she lived on a farm in Oklahoma and they had chickens. When my grandparents moved to Blackwell, the also had chickens. I suspect Mom still thinks she lives in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I have not broached the subject because I do not want to get Mom upset. My answer seemed to satisfy her, so I will leave it at that right now.
When dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, you have to put yourself in their world. Mom does not remember attending her parents’ funerals; she thinks they are still alive. Mom does not think she is 90 years old, which is another subject I have no intention of broaching.
If Mom brings up the subject of the chickens again, I will take an egg from the refrigerator, cook it, and tell her the farmer brought us some eggs from the chickens we gave him. It will make Mom happy and I really do not think the store where I buy my eggs cares what I tell Mom about them.
This morning Mom asked, “Where are the chickens?”
My response, “What chickens?” I have to remember not to ask the “what” question, when asks me about where animals or people are because sometimes she gets upset. She did not get upset this morning.
Mom said, “I thought we had chickens.”
My response, “We could not get a permit, so I gave the chickens to a farmer.”
When Mom was a child, she lived on a farm in Oklahoma and they had chickens. When my grandparents moved to Blackwell, the also had chickens. I suspect Mom still thinks she lives in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I have not broached the subject because I do not want to get Mom upset. My answer seemed to satisfy her, so I will leave it at that right now.
When dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, you have to put yourself in their world. Mom does not remember attending her parents’ funerals; she thinks they are still alive. Mom does not think she is 90 years old, which is another subject I have no intention of broaching.
If Mom brings up the subject of the chickens again, I will take an egg from the refrigerator, cook it, and tell her the farmer brought us some eggs from the chickens we gave him. It will make Mom happy and I really do not think the store where I buy my eggs cares what I tell Mom about them.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Saturday is Trash pick up day
Jalál (Glory), 12 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 8, 2011 about 4:48 PM Pacific Time
Saturday is trash collection day in my neighborhood and I did not get the trashcan rolled to the curb this morning. This is the second time this week that I missed or forgot to roll the trashcan to the curb. Wednesday was also trash collection day on Bracken Avenue.
It is all right to miss one day, but missing two days is a problem. I now have to make sure that there is no fifty plus pounds of trash in my trashcan. I do not remember why I missed rolling the trash to the curb on Wednesday, but today I was involved in getting Mom up and dressed. I also had breakfast to fix for her. I think the breakfast part of the morning was the issue.
Perhaps the best solution is to roll the can to the curb the night before. This means that Tuesday and Friday evenings I have to roll the can to the curb. I do not like doing this because there is always the chance of a stray dog running loose in the neighborhood.
Normally the only animals that run loose in this neighborhood are the cats. Most people keep their dogs on leashes or behind fences, so it is unlikely that a neighborhood dog would knock over the trashcan, but there is always the possibility of a stray coming into the neighborhood. However, I think I will start taking the trashcan to the curb the night before trash collection day.
Saturday is trash collection day in my neighborhood and I did not get the trashcan rolled to the curb this morning. This is the second time this week that I missed or forgot to roll the trashcan to the curb. Wednesday was also trash collection day on Bracken Avenue.
It is all right to miss one day, but missing two days is a problem. I now have to make sure that there is no fifty plus pounds of trash in my trashcan. I do not remember why I missed rolling the trash to the curb on Wednesday, but today I was involved in getting Mom up and dressed. I also had breakfast to fix for her. I think the breakfast part of the morning was the issue.
Perhaps the best solution is to roll the can to the curb the night before. This means that Tuesday and Friday evenings I have to roll the can to the curb. I do not like doing this because there is always the chance of a stray dog running loose in the neighborhood.
Normally the only animals that run loose in this neighborhood are the cats. Most people keep their dogs on leashes or behind fences, so it is unlikely that a neighborhood dog would knock over the trashcan, but there is always the possibility of a stray coming into the neighborhood. However, I think I will start taking the trashcan to the curb the night before trash collection day.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Laundry Day in Las Vegas
Istiqlál (Independence), 11 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, October 6, 2011 about 7:30 PM Pacific Time
Thursday was laundry day. I took three baskets to the laundromat and it took me all morning to wash, dry, and fold them. I had just enough detergent to do the three loads. Tomorrow I have to go to the store for more detergent. Then I have to go to the laundromat again and do three more loads. I should also go to the bank and get some more quarters.
I am tired of going to the laundromat. The only thing I enjoy there is the soda machine because it contains cans of mango juice. Every time I go to the laundromat, I buy a can of mango juice and drink it while I wait for the cloths to wash.
Thursday was laundry day. I took three baskets to the laundromat and it took me all morning to wash, dry, and fold them. I had just enough detergent to do the three loads. Tomorrow I have to go to the store for more detergent. Then I have to go to the laundromat again and do three more loads. I should also go to the bank and get some more quarters.
I am tired of going to the laundromat. The only thing I enjoy there is the soda machine because it contains cans of mango juice. Every time I go to the laundromat, I buy a can of mango juice and drink it while I wait for the cloths to wash.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Monday was an interesting rainy day in Las Vegas
Fidál (Grace), 8 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Tuesday, October 4, 2011 about 11:05 AM Pacific Time
Interesting days are usually full of excitement or stress. Monday was a stressful day. After Mom left for the Adult Daycare Center, I got ready to leave the house. The lens fell out of my glasses, it turned out that the screw came out. I could not find the screw, so I had to figure another way to fix my glasses.
I used a needle and thread to sow the glasses together. This method is simple. I find a needle small that is enough to go through the screw hole. The eye of the needle must be large enough for me to thread it, which was not easy with one lens missing from my glasses; however, I did find the appropriate sized needle and fixed my glasses.
I went to the bank to get some gas money and a roll of quarter for laundry. The line at the bank was long and slow moving, so I went to the ATM. While waiting in line at the ATM, it began to rain. I did not rain very much, just enough to get my windshield wet. I then went to the gas station before going to pick up my mother’s hearing aids.
After picking up Mom’s hearing aids, I went back to the bank because I still needed money for laundry. The line, with different people in it, was same length as earlier that morning. I had no choice, but to get my quarter. I left the bank and went home because I need to eat something. After I finished eating, it rained again this time with thunder and lightning. A friend came by and took three baskets to the laundromat. So now, I have enough clean cloths and sheets to last until Wednesday or Thursday.
Since I have a technician coming into check the air condition on Wednesday, I will have to go to the laundromat, the pharmacy, and the grocery store on Thursday. Today, I am waiting on a delivery and catching up on writing projects and other stuff.
Interesting days are usually full of excitement or stress. Monday was a stressful day. After Mom left for the Adult Daycare Center, I got ready to leave the house. The lens fell out of my glasses, it turned out that the screw came out. I could not find the screw, so I had to figure another way to fix my glasses.
I used a needle and thread to sow the glasses together. This method is simple. I find a needle small that is enough to go through the screw hole. The eye of the needle must be large enough for me to thread it, which was not easy with one lens missing from my glasses; however, I did find the appropriate sized needle and fixed my glasses.
I went to the bank to get some gas money and a roll of quarter for laundry. The line at the bank was long and slow moving, so I went to the ATM. While waiting in line at the ATM, it began to rain. I did not rain very much, just enough to get my windshield wet. I then went to the gas station before going to pick up my mother’s hearing aids.
After picking up Mom’s hearing aids, I went back to the bank because I still needed money for laundry. The line, with different people in it, was same length as earlier that morning. I had no choice, but to get my quarter. I left the bank and went home because I need to eat something. After I finished eating, it rained again this time with thunder and lightning. A friend came by and took three baskets to the laundromat. So now, I have enough clean cloths and sheets to last until Wednesday or Thursday.
Since I have a technician coming into check the air condition on Wednesday, I will have to go to the laundromat, the pharmacy, and the grocery store on Thursday. Today, I am waiting on a delivery and catching up on writing projects and other stuff.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Upgrading my technology
Jamál (Beauty), 6 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Sunday, October 1-2, 2011 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time
I changed browser in September. I am now using Google Chrome. I like this Google Chrome browser because it is easier to use then the browser I used before. It is also faster. I do not know why I did not change browser earlier this year. I am enjoying working online again.
My next project is to upgrade my computer. Until I can get a new computer, I need to clean off my hard drive. I have too much stuff save to it so I have to decide what I need to keep on the hard drive and what I need to move to a back up desk. The problem is I do not know where to start, so I guess I will start with the photos I have saved and work from there.
I changed browser in September. I am now using Google Chrome. I like this Google Chrome browser because it is easier to use then the browser I used before. It is also faster. I do not know why I did not change browser earlier this year. I am enjoying working online again.
My next project is to upgrade my computer. Until I can get a new computer, I need to clean off my hard drive. I have too much stuff save to it so I have to decide what I need to keep on the hard drive and what I need to move to a back up desk. The problem is I do not know where to start, so I guess I will start with the photos I have saved and work from there.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Keeping a Food Diary for my Mother
Jalál (Glory), 5 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Saturday, October 1, 2011 about 4:31 PM Pacific Time
Yesterday, I thought I would create a daily menu for October; however, I have changed my mind. I am going to keep a food diary for Mom and myself. There was an issue with Mom this morning and I am not precisely sure what caused it. I suspect the hot cakes we ate this morning caused the problem. However, I am not sure whether it was the hot cakes or the oil used to cook them.
I did not give her any margarine, but she did have syrup on them. Anyway, I will keep a food diary for the rest of October and see what causes the problem. Since I am keeping a diary for Mom, I may as well keep one for myself.
For lunch, we ate frozen dinners, which contained peas, meat, and potatoes. For dinner, we will have rice (cooked with shrimp bullion) and green beans. I am adding any meat to the rice because we have canned chicken and I do not want to use anything else that has salt.
Mom retains water (which was not the issue this morning) and her feet swell. Since a water pill lowers her blood pressure, she cannot take water pills.
Yesterday, I thought I would create a daily menu for October; however, I have changed my mind. I am going to keep a food diary for Mom and myself. There was an issue with Mom this morning and I am not precisely sure what caused it. I suspect the hot cakes we ate this morning caused the problem. However, I am not sure whether it was the hot cakes or the oil used to cook them.
I did not give her any margarine, but she did have syrup on them. Anyway, I will keep a food diary for the rest of October and see what causes the problem. Since I am keeping a diary for Mom, I may as well keep one for myself.
For lunch, we ate frozen dinners, which contained peas, meat, and potatoes. For dinner, we will have rice (cooked with shrimp bullion) and green beans. I am adding any meat to the rice because we have canned chicken and I do not want to use anything else that has salt.
Mom retains water (which was not the issue this morning) and her feet swell. Since a water pill lowers her blood pressure, she cannot take water pills.
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