Earth Day at home in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 14 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Sunday, April 22, 2012 about 10:30 AM Pacific Time

It is Earth Day and I am at home. I am sitting down for a few minutes before taking recyclables to the garage. I did not get the recyclable bins carried to the curb yesterday, so I will have to wait until the first Saturday in May to lug them to the curb. I really need a little red wagon or something to put the bins in to roll them to the curb, but since I do not have anything like that, I may start taking them out on Friday evening before the sun goes down.

Earth Day is a good day for a picnic, but that is not possible for me today. Especially since, I did not clean the car out last week. In order to take Mom out I need to put her wheel chair in the backseat and my backseat if full. I have some blankets in the back seat that I need to take to the laundromat because they are too bulky for my top loader. Staying home on Earth Day does have its advantages. I have did three small loads of clothes and I have one more to wash.

Earth Day is beautiful in Las Vegas, at least the part of it I can see from my living room window or when I go to the garage. There are no clouds in the sky and no wind or just a slight breeze. It is warm outside, I am not sure, but I think the temperature forecast for today was somewhere in the 90s. Have a Happy Earth Day and recycle as much as possible.

Stay at home Saturday: Rearranging my Saturday duties

Jalál (Glory), 13 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Saturday, April 21, 2012 about 8:20 AM Pacific Time

Beginning today, Mom will no longer have a Personal Care Assistant (P.C.A.) coming to the house. This means I have to make Mom’s bed myself and mop the floor in her room if it is necessary. I may not mop her floor today. I have to check to see what type of floor care products I have, if all I have is bleach then I will have to wait until I get something else on Monday.

Mom really does not need a P.C.A. on Saturday or Sunday. I fix all her mails when I fix mine; I think I should rephrase that to, I fix my meals when I prepare Mom’s. Mom forgets that she eats so I have to fix her something to eat every thirty minutes or so. Normally, I do not get hungry that often.

It is after 8:00 AM so I have to begin getting Mom up. I let Mom sleep late on Saturday and Sunday, but I do like to get her up before 9:00. Just because she sleeps late on the weekend does not mean she can remain in bed. Mom uses a walker so she can get up instead of lying in bed. I am posting going to post this and then attempt to get Mom up before 9:00.

Beware the bugs in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Friday, April 20, 2012 about 6:15 PM Pacific Time

Spring has sprung and the bugs are trying to get into our houses. I think I’ll have to call in an extermination service this year. I’m not sure which one to contact though. I could spray for creepy crawlies myself, but I’m not looking forward to that. The last time I used a do-it-yourself bug spray, it worked; however, the nozzle leaked and I had to wear disposable gloves.

I also have to check outside for beehives. Earlier this week three men were stung when the cut a tree down that had bees in it. They cut the tree down and the bees swarmed stinging them. One man went to the hospital because of the incident. If I find any bees then I know I’m calling an exterminator because I’m not deal with bees.

As for the other bugs, I’m going to try the coffee ground in a glass jar solution. I have two empty glass jars in the refrigerator, I was going to carry them to the garage for recycling, but I think I’ll wash them out and try the coffee grounds solution. It can’t hurt and it may help keep the bugs and other small critters out of the house.

I opened the front door

Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Thursday, April 19, 2012 about Sunset Pacific Time

Over the past couple of years several people have been in my house, who wanted to leave the doors open in the afternoon. The idea was to let fresh air in, which would all be well and good if I did not live in the city with pollution cars driving past the house all the time.

After listening to their reasons for this from fresh air to housetosis (I am not sure how to spell the word since I could not find it in the dictionary). I decided to leave the door open this afternoon and see if there is a good reason. As far as I can see, the only thing leaving the door open accomplished was increasing my allergy discomfort.

My sinuous are draining, my throat is becoming sore, and I am starting to cough.  Obviously, those wanting to leave the door open do not have allergy problems or they have not lived in Las Vegas very long. The only time it is a good idea to leave the door open in the afternoon is a few days in spring before the temperatures get above 80 degrees. And even on those few days you have to have a security screen door so that you can lock it safely.

Midweek Reflections: On Spring In Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 10 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Wednesday, April 18, 2012 about 5:50 PM Pacific Time

It is spring in Las Vegas and I have to start looking for someone to weed my lawn. I noticed this morning, when I rolled the trashcan to the curb that the weeds are growing. They are not yet out of hand, but they are growing. I suppose that this year I should consider a lawn service. The only problem is the cost.

I have a front and a backyard, so both need weeding. I do mean weeding because I have weeds rather then a lawn. I have not looked at the entire backyard yet. Yesterday afternoon I looked out my kitchen window and saw that green stuff (I presume weeds) growing through the stone of the unenclosed patio.

I still have to check the area between the house and the fence on the west side. There are oleanders growing along the fence. There are oleanders growing along all the fences in my backyard. I also have a couple of oleanders in the front yard. I would like to have all the oleanders removed, but the cost is prohibitive, especially when they will simply grow again from any roots left. Oh well, oleanders are pretty weeds, at least they have flowers.

Spring in Las Vegas

Birds singing and weeds growing

Temperatures increase

Funny Friday in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Friday, April 13, 2012 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time

Friday at last or should I say, “Thank God It’s Friday”. I know most people do not think Friday is funny especially Friday the Thirteenth. However, after considering all the horrid events that could happen today and the fact that there are two words designating “Fear of Friday the Thirteenth” (friggatriskaidekaphobia and paraskevidekatriaphobia); I have decided that the best way to overcome fear is to laugh.

Therefore, for me, today is funny Friday and I am going to see if I can find something amusing about the day. If I cannot find anything else to laugh at, I can laugh at myself. Sometimes I can be a very amusing person. True, I do manage to mess up most jokes I know when it comes to retelling them, which is why I normally do not retell a joke. I am not going to retell any jokes here either, at least not this Friday.

How am I an amusing person? I find the fact that I washed three sheets this morning and have them lying over chairs to dry quite amusing. That may not seem funny to some, but if you stop and think about it, it is amusing. There are a great many things in life that range from laugh out loud funny to amusing, we simply have to stop and think.

Personally, I do not think most people laugh enough. I know I do not laugh enough. If laughter is the best medicine then we should laugh at least once a day for five or six minutes, at least; so stop, look around, find something funny, and then laugh. Do not worry about what other think because laughter is contagious and if you laugh long enough other people will join you.

Thursday morning at the supermarket

Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Thursday, April 12, 2012 about 6:15 PM Pacific Time

I went to Smith’s Food and Drug store this morning to pick up the prescription I called in last night. While I was there, I bought an 11.5 oz. can of coffee and some coffee filters. I also bought a new hairbrush and comb.

I bought the hairbrush and comb because I have spent the last two months looking for the ones I used to have. I am not sure where they are, I could have lost them while I was away from the house, they could be under the seat in my car, or somewhere in the house. I got tired of looking for them and using the little dinky black comb I have in my purse.

Since I did not take a list with me, I did not get everything I wanted to buy. This means either, I go back tomorrow morning or I wait until Monday This evening, I am not looking forward to going back to the grocery store tomorrow, so if I can possibly get by without it I will wait until Monday. Of course, I may change my mind in the morning, especially if I find a coupon for the item.

Tuesday Thoughts: I have decided to wear red and purple

Fidál (Grace), 2 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Tuesday, April 10, 2012 about 2:55 PM Pacific Time

Normally, when I leave the house, I wear black; a long black dress that goes down to my ankles. However, black is a depressing color and unsuited for the summer heat in Las Vegas. Therefore, I have decided to wear red and purple when I leave the house because they are “happy” and out going colors. At least, I feel happy and out going when I wear them.

I am tired of dressing as if I am in mourning, so I am going to wear brighter colors. Since I have only two red dresses, I have to go shopping for some new clothes. I will probably go to the second hands stores and buy some pre-owned clothes. The may not be new, but they will be new to me. In addition, I need to buy some sunscreen.

When I returned home today, I noticed that my arms were a bit sunburned. It was not a bad burn; my arms were slight pink. Tomorrow when I go to the wound doctor, I will stop at a store and buy some sunscreen. I am not sure whether I want the spray on type or the cream. I will have to read the labels to find out. Just because I want to wear, red does not mean I want my arms or my face sunburned.

Monday Mumblings: Mom and the temperature in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 1 Jalál (Glory), 169 BE – Monday, April 9, 2012 about 6:00 PM Pacific Time

Mom enjoyed herself today. I know this because I ask her when she came home around 3:30 PM. I don’t know what they did at the daycare center today because I couldn’t get Mom to say much more then that. In addition, Mom didn’t mention being cold.

It isn’t cold today in Las Vegas, but sometimes Mom gets cold even when it’s hot. I have the thermostat set at 79 degrees in the house. The cool air came on a few minutes ago. I would prefer to leave the thermostat at 79, at least when I’m home, but that depends on how Mom feels. If it turns out that she get cold then I’ll have to turn the thermostat up to 80 or 81 degrees. I don’t like to do that.

I know the power bill is higher when the thermostat is set at 79 instead of 81 degrees, but the lower temperature is more comfortable. Mom has gained weight since she started going to the daycare center, so she weighs more this spring then she did last spring. I suspect her weight had something to do with her being so cold last spring and summer. Perhaps now that she is heavier she won’t get so cold. I’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll also have to watch how much she east this year because I don’t want her getting too fat, which would not be good for her health either.

Easter Traditions and Alzheimer’s disease

Jamál (Beauty), 19 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Sunday, April 8, 2012 about 1:35 PM Pacific Time

Every Easter Mom and I each eat a chocolate Easter bunny. This is a tradition we’ve practiced for at least the last twenty or twenty-five years. Sometime between April 1 and Good Friday, I buy two chocolate Easter bunnies. This year I bought us solid chocolate bunnies instead of hollow bunnies.

After I bought the bunnies, I placed them in the refrigerator. When I buy the hollow bunnies, I place them in the freezer until Easter morning. On Easter Sunday, I make a carafe of fresh coffee and then Mom and I eat the bunnies for either breakfast or lunch. This year we ate them for brunch, with fresh hot coffee.

I opened Mom’s bunny and gave it to her. She looked at the chocolate and asked me “How do I use it?” At that moment, I realized Mom had forgotten our Easter tradition. It was upsetting and I wanted to cry, but instead of crying (Mom wouldn’t have understood why I was crying) I explained to her that she could eat the chocolate bunny.

Mom ate her bunny. During the process, she got chocolate all over herself. She had chocolate on her face, hands, and dress. This is the first year Mom got chocolate all over herself when she ate the bunny. I’m not sure whether Mom got the chocolate all over herself because it was a solid bunny or because of the progression of the Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps next year I will go back to buying hollow bunnies.

Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 17 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Saturday, April 7, 2012 about Sunset Pacific Time

It’s Saturday and I’ve been home all day. I washed one load of clothes and hung them on the drying rack. I washed bed linen last night and hung the sheets over furniture to dry. The sheets should be dry by now so I have to fold them and put them in the linen closet.

This morning, Mom got up about 7:00 AM. She went to bed this afternoon about 5:00 PM. I have to wake her up at 8:00 to give her another pill. I filled both all of our pillboxes early this morning, before Mom got up. It’s much easier to focus on fill those little containers while I’m by my self.

A cold morning breeze

Sent chills across Las Vegas

Quiet afternoon

It was a bit chilly this morning when I lugged the recyclables to the curb. The birds didn’t seem to mind the cold (the temperature felt cold to me) temperatures because they were flying all over the neighborhood building nest and doing all the other things that birds do in the spring. Even though I felt cold, I stood outside a few minutes and listened to the birds.

Thankful Thursday: It is finally Spring in Las Vegas

Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Thursday, April 5, 2012 about 6:40 PM Pacific Time

The weather is nice. It is not too cold or too hot. Today the wind blew, with gust somewhere between twenty to thirty miles per hour. I look out my living room window and I watched the limbs of the trees waving. The traffic was not too bad; it was nice to drive once my car stopped acting up.

Wind moving tree limbs

Birds flying from tree to tree

Pleasant afternoon

Midweek Reflections: A Poem

Midweek Reflections

Standing on Wednesday’s Mountain

Look back ... Look ahead

Weariness sits in

Set aside time for prayer

What can I do now

Tuesday Thoughts: Tooting My own Horn (April 3, 2012)

Fidál (Grace), 13 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Tuesday, April 3, 2012 about Sunset Pacific Time

I checked my yahoo.com e-mail today; this is something I do once or twice a week. As I was looking through the indescribable and unending collection of unread e-mails, I noticed the April 2, edition of “The Creative Notebook”. Since I had a few minutes before the laundry was ready to hang on the drying rack I read the new article “Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday”.

This article gave me something to think about; Dorene, the article’s author suggested that once a week instead of griping about the problems that confront us we should toot our own horns in you journals. I like this idea, because sometimes I become too wound up in the tests and difficulties of daily life that I forget to list my accomplishments in my journals.

She suggested listing ten small accomplishments or victories in our lives. Since I like the idea of “Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday”, I will periodically use that at the title of Tuesday Thought entry perhaps once or twice a month.

Ten victories

1. Straightened up the canned vegetables in my pantry
2. Filled all the ice cube trays and put them in the freezer
3. Picked out my mother’s clothes for tomorrow
4. Placed my green prayer beads in my leather medicine pouch so that I can find them
5. Check the syllable counts of the words I use when writing form poetry
6. Check my landline voice mail by logging into my phone provider’s website
7. Filled my hard plastic bottle with ice and water and then sit it on the floor next to my desk
8. Put water and fresh coffee ground in my coffee maker so that I can turn it on the first thing in the morning
9. Locked the security screen door after Mom’s PA left for the day
10. Carried a plastic trash bag filled with aluminum cans to my car

Three Times and counting in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 12 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Monday, April 2, 2012 about 11:40 AM Pacific Time

I am on my way to being an “unhappy camper”. I had to restart my computer three times today and it is still morning. I am not sure how much I will accomplish, but I intend to accomplish something today. I would like to write 2,000 words before 9:00 PM. I will write 2,000 words if my computer cooperates. If the computer continues freezing up and the CPU running at 100%, I have no idea how many words I will write.

My daily word count goal is 2,000 and I know I can accomplish that. I am just not sure I can accomplish it when the computer needs turning off and on about every two or three hours. It takes the computer about five or six minutes perhaps more to load everything, it needs after restarting or turning it off and back on.

Once I turned everything off; the computer, monitor, and the cable modem. I thought that might solve my problem, but it did not. I had to turn the computer off an hour after that because the CPU was running at 100%. I need to upgrade the technology. I need a faster computer to go with the cable modem. Once I get a faster computer then I will probably need a new printer. I will just have to shop around and see what type of deal I can get, in the mean time I will work with what I have and back up my files.

Recipe of the Week: Potato Microwave Casserole

Jamál (Beauty), 11 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Sunday, April 1, 2012 about 7:10 AM Pacific Time

Potato Microwave Casserole

Ingredients:

4 small to medium potatoes quartered.

1 12.5 oz. can fully cooked chunked chicken packed in water drained or undrained

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes drained or undrained

Preparation:

Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into quarters.

Step 2: Place potatoes into medium to large microwave safe casserole dish with a lid.

Step 3: Cook potatoes 5 minutes and then test to determine if cooked through. You do not want to overcook the potatoes, but you do want them almost completely done before adding the rest of the ingredients. If necessary, cook the potatoes another 5 minutes and test again. You should be able to stick a fork into them without any difficulty.

Step 4: Open the 14.5 oz. can of tomatoes and pour them over the top of the potatoes. If you want to drain the tomatoes, you can. Sometimes I drain them and sometimes I pour the undrained tomatoes into the casserole.

Step 5: Open the 12.5 oz. can of chicken and pour it on top of the other ingredients. Again, if you want to drain the chicken before adding it to the other ingredients you can. As before, sometimes I drain the chicken and sometimes I do not. It depends on whether or not I am planning to add the liquid to leftovers in the coming week.

Step 6: Place the lid back on the casserole and then place the casserole in the microwave for another 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

This is a main dish; therefore, you may serve it with whatever you like. I suggest a couple of dashes of hot sauce if you want it spicy. You can either add the hot sauce before or after you cook the casserole.

Number of people served:

I suspect this will serve about four people. Since I cook for only my mother and myself, I am never sure precisely how many people a recipe will serve because this usually depends on what you serve with the dish and how hungry the people are who eat. Sometime I serve other things with this dish and sometimes it is the only thing I serve, except desert or some type of fruit.

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Thoughts on beauty and details

Jalál (Glory), 10 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Saturday, March 31, 2012 about 1:55 PM Pacific Time

"God is in the details."  Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

In the subtle lines that flow,

ascending

through the reflections

of dark and light,

day and night.

Beauty and glory

revealed

to my eyes

every morning

and evening.

Sometimes we forget to look at the deals of beauty in everyday life. At the buildings, we enter or live in. Watch the clouds moving across the blue sky and forming shapes, which intrigue our minds. Look closely at the ants crawling across our driveways or sidewalks, as they hunt food or return to their homes.

Look at the detail of everyday items. Look closely and you will see the divine beauty reflecting back. There is beauty and perfection in the details that we sometimes miss because we are looking at the entire item and not focusing on the subtle elements that make up the objects we are using in our daily existence.

We live in a world containing both natural and human created beauty. Sometimes we look at a skyscraper and do not see the subtle line incorporated by the architect. Instead of looking at the details, we look at the dirty windows and the litter on the sidewalk around it. We need to look at the beauty and if we cannot see the beauty then perhaps we need to clean up the litter so we can see the beauty of details.

Family History Friday: Making Family History in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 10 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Friday, March 30, 2012 about 6:10 PM Pacific Time

I signed up for the 9^th annual southern Nevada caregiver conference, which occurs on Thursday, April 26, at the Alexis Park. The name of the conference is Inspiring and Empowering Caregivers to Navigate the Journey and it will last from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

I all most talked myself out of going yesterday and came up with several reasons why I could not attend. This morning, I attended the monthly caregiver coffee at Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I took the registration material and my checkbook. I arrived at the location early, so while I waited for everyone else to arrive I signed up and wrote a check.

Now the only thing to do is find someone to be here, at the house, from 7:00 to about 8:45 AM to stay with Mom until the daycare bus comes to pick her up. That person also needs to be her between 3:00 to 4:00 PM when Mom arrives back from the center and the woman arrives who helps Mom get ready for bed at night.

I am going to the conference. This is an educational opportunity and it is relaxing. The only time I get out of the house is to pay bills, buy groceries, go to the bank, and buy gas. I need to do something else.

Thankful Thursday: My washing machine works

Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Thursday, March 29, 2012 about 2:03 PM Pacific Time

I think I have posted this before; however, I did laundry today. It is so nice to have a washing machine in the house that works and does not overflow the pipes in the spin cycle. Every time I do laundry, I give thanks for having a washing machine in the house.

I always took the washing machine in the house for granted until had to go to the laundromat. True, going to the laundromat has its advantages. You do not have to hang clothes on an outside line or a drying rack inside the house. The advantage of having a washing machine in the house is the ability to do laundry everyday.

If you do laundry everyday,

it does not pile up

and you can fold put it away as soon as it dries.

If you do laundry everyday,

you can multitask

while the laundry is in the washer.

Tuesday Thoughts: Mom took her doll with her today

Fidál (Grace), 7 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Tuesday, March 27, 2012 about 5:30 PM Pacific Time

To some, it might see strange that my mother, who was 91 on March 19, plays with dolls. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease, so I do not find this strange at all. Mom got the doll for her birthday it is a beautiful doll. Unfortunately, I do not have a digital camera and my cell phone will not let me send photos to my e-mail account. As soon as I get a digital camera then I will take a photo of the doll and post it.

Mom loves that doll. This morning, the C.N.A. took the doll and placed the doll by the light. The C.N.A. then gave my mother her shower and after the shower, Mom asked for the doll. Mom remembered she had the doll, which is unusual become Mom forgets about some of the thing she has, but she remembered.  

It is wonderful when Mom remembers recent events or objects. I know that Mom does not think she is 91 years old. I am not sure how old Mom believes she is; sometimes I ask, but most of the time I just let it go. Getting the doll must have made an impression because she remembers it and she even takes it to bed with her sometimes.

Monday Mumblings: A good beginning to the workweek

Kamál (Perfection), 6 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Monday, March 26, 2012 about Sunset Pacific Time

This morning and early this afternoon, I had a bit of difficulty with my computer. I had to restart it several times and start two of the programs in the safe mode. However, things seem to be going well with my computer now.

This morning, I went to Smith’s Food and Drug store on the corner of Sahara and Maryland Parkway to pick up a prescription. After that, I went to pick up our Senior Food Allotment. I put the cheese and milk in the refrigerator.  The milk is in the shelf stable packaging; however, since we are going to drink some for breakfast tomorrow I wanted it to get cold.

There is also a package of spaghetti and I have four jars of spaghetti sauce in the cupboard. When I bought the sauce, it was on special and I had a coupon. Since I have so much pasta sauce, we will have spaghetti at least once this week. I will fix the spaghetti, without meat because we have canned chicken and I prefer beef with my spaghetti. Three of the pasta sauces are meat sauces, so that will satisfy my desire for meat with my spaghetti. If I change my mind or add something to the spaghetti, I will post the recipe.

A day of tears

Jamál (Beauty), 5 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Sunday, March 25, 2012 about 2:45 PM Pacific Time

I hear her crying

I ask “Mama, what is wrong.”

I get no answer.

Sometimes Mom knows why she is crying, but other times she doesn’t. Mom cries because her parents aren’t her for her to see. They died several years ago, but Mom doesn’t remember attending their funeral. Mom doesn’t remember they were buried in Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Mom also cries because she loves me. I know she loves me, I just don’t know what to do when that is the reason she cries. These are only a few of the reasons Mom cries. She cries because she has Alzheimer’s disease. She takes medication, which in some cases helps.

Sometimes Mom goes for hours without crying. Sometimes Mom can’t stop crying (at these time I have medication I can give her that calms her down). Because of the Alzheimer’s she thinks people hate her. I attempt to talk to her and reassure her that I love her and that all her children love her. Sometimes it helps, but at other times, it does no good.

There are times when the only thing I can do is sit with my arm around her while she cries. I think the tears are to worst part because I’m never sure what causes Mom to cry. She takes medication for depression. She takes medication or agitation. She takes medication for Alzheimer’s disease.

I want to cry because of what this disease has done to my mother. I can’t cry in front of Mom because she doesn’t understand why I’m crying. Mom doesn’t realize she has Alzheimer’s disease and therefore doesn’t realize it’s the cause of many of her problems.

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Just keep on Keeping on

Jalál (Glory), 4 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Saturday, March 24, 2012 about Sunset Pacific Time

Just keep on keeping on. ~ Unknown Author

I just have to keep going. No matter what difficulties throw themselves in front of me, I have to place my trust in God and just keep going. Today was an interesting and stressful day. At least, part of the day was stressful.

I got up in a positive mood. I took one of the recyclable bins to the curb and then rolled the trashcan to the curb about 5:30 AM. I picked up the newspaper, which I have not yet read. Then I sat down at the computer and got to work. Mom began stirring about 7:00 AM, so I went into her bedroom and got her up. As usual, Mom did not want to take her medication, but with persistence, she finally took the tablets.

The computer caused my stress today. The problem seems to be an unresponsive plug-in. I am not sure which one this time because the error messages did not give a name. Anyway, I turned the computer off and then turned it back on. It worked for a while, but then I had to turn it off and on again this afternoon. The computer seems to be working fine now.

Family History Friday: Fragments of Conversations

Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Friday, March 23, 2012 about 3:15 PM Pacific Time

I remember some of the conversations I had with my mother and my Grandparents. I wish now that I had ask more questions and written down some of the information, but at the time I was not thinking ahead.

My mother mentioned a high school class she had. Mom said called the class hygiene. She did not say much about the class and I did not ask, but I do know that part of the instruction had to do with brushing teeth.

I remember the

Fragments of conversations

About history

When I was a child, Grandpa would take us to visit some of the graves on Memorial Day. As we drove through the Oklahoma countryside, he would point out empty fields where a house he and my grandmother lived in once stood.

Another time, Grandpa told us a story about a Halloween prank. I remember Grandpa saying this incident occurred when he was a teenager. Anyway, Grandpa and some of his friends got together and they put a buggy on top of a neighbor’s house. I think he said it was the type of buggy drawn by a single horse.

Memory fragments

Are family history

Written for others

I think I will use these fragments as inspiration for some stories or poems. When more fragments come to mind I will make another entry on this subject.

Thankful Thursday: Coffee

Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Thursday, March 22, 2012 about 4:05 PM Pacific Time

Today I am thankful for coffee. Until yesterday, I did not realize precisely how thankful I am for this wonderful liquid. Yesterday I went to the wound doctor to have the bandage changed on my left leg. On Tuesday, I finished the coffee in the carafe and did not make any on Wednesday morning.

I went to the outpatient clinic and signed in. Last Wednesday, was one of those days when they were behind. I had to wait longer then expected. The receptionist gave those of use who could eat sweets a donut. Then she ask if we wanted coffee, of course, I answered yes. She then brought us, at least those who wanted coffee, each a large Styrofoam cup of brewed coffee. I know it was brewed coffee because, when I finished, I saw some coffee grounds in the bottom of the cup.

That was the first cup of coffee I had on Wednesday and it tasted wonderful. It was strong, the way I like my coffee. I drink coffee without cream or sugar, which is the way my Grandfather Newland drank his coffee. That is the way I normally like my coffee. I do make exceptions sometimes; I like café mocha occasionally, so about once or twice a week I have a cup of coffee with hot chocolate mix stirred into the hot liquid.

I enjoyed that Styrofoam cup of coffee so much that I came home and brewed a fresh carafe here. I still had some coffee left today and warmed it up in the microwave.

Midweek Reflections: On Naw-Ruz

‘Idál (Justice), 1 Bahá (Splendor), 169 BE – Wednesday, March 21, 2012 about 7:20 AM Pacific Time

It is a New Day

The bright sun scatters night fears

Morning refreshing

It is the first day of a New Year. It is spring. The sun has crossed directly over the equator and the Vernal Equinox has brought spring to the northern hemisphere. The days are long and the nights are short. Our clocks were set ahead because of Daylight Savings Time (that happened last week).

It is the first day of Baha. It is a new month. It is a joyous occasion. It is a beautiful day. It is a fresh start. It is a beautiful day. The morning was a bit chilly, but the temperatures are supposed to warm. It is the first day of Splendor.

It is Naw-Ruz. It is a New Day. It is time to sing and rejoice. It is a time to write odes to the Glory of God. It is a time get out of the house and feel the sun on my head. It is a time to smile and laugh. It is a time to tell everyone about the Glorious New Day we inhabit.

It is a Naw-Ruz

It is a beautiful day

The birds are singing

Tuesday Thoughts: A cold beginning to spring in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 19 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Tuesday, March 20, 2012 about 10:30 AM Pacific Time

It is the first day of spring and it feels like winter in Las Vegas. It is cold. There is a nip in the air. The sun is shining, but it is still cold. I had to put on a heavy ski jacket when I went out to get the newspaper this morning. According to the meteorologist, it is suppose to warm up over the next few days and then it is supposed to get colder again.

I just checked the seven-day forecast on Channel 3 in Las Vegas. The predicted high for today is 63 degrees and the low is 40. On Thursday, the high raises to 80 and low 55. On Saturday, the high is supposed to be 76 and the low 59. I am looking forward to temperatures in the seventies.

A nip in the air
Sends shivers through my body
Dreaming of summer

I was planning to put my winter sweaters and coats away this week, but now instead of putting them away I have leave them hanging in the hall closet for a couple of more weeks. In addition, I have to hang the light spring sweaters and wind breakers in that closet as well. The hall closet is not very big. I am looking forward to warmer weather.

Monday Mumblings: On My Mother’s 91st birthday

Kamál (Perfection), 18 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Monday, March 19, 2012 about 3:30 PM Pacific Time

Today my mother is 91 years old. Mom was born on a farm in Oklahoma in 1921. Over the years, Mom told us some thing about her life as a child and a young woman. I have thought about the information she gave my sibling and me before the Alzheimer’s began to steal her memory.

When my mother was born, the only person in the nearest town to have a car was the doctor. After the doctor delivered my mother, he told my grandparent that because Mom was so small she wouldn’t live. She lived.

The doctor didn’t weigh Mom when she was born. When my grandparents took her into town some weeks after her birth, the doctor weighed her and she weight only about 3 lbs.

As a child, Mom went to a one-room schoolhouse. She eventually graduated from high school.

Mom met and married my father. I’m not sure where they met because I didn’t ask her and now I wish I had ask. Anyway, my dad was in the Army Air Core during World War II and stationed in Las Vegas at the air force base. During that time, Mom worked as a maid at what is now University Medical Center. After the war, Mom and Dad moved back to Blackwell, Oklahoma, where I was born.

Mom later moved back to Las Vegas, and in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s she worked at the Show Boat Hotel Casino on Boulder Highway.

My Mother’s birthday is Tomorrow

Jamál (Beauty), 17 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Sunday, March 18, 2012 About 4:30 PM Pacific Time

On March 19, 2012, my mother turns 91. In the morning, Mom will go to the Adult Daycare center. She will return home around 4:00 PM. Mom and I have not discussed her birthday because I am not sure how to bring up the subject.

When we do discuss Mom’s age, which is not very often, she does not think she is 90 years old. I have no idea how old Mom thinks she is and I prefer not to discuss age with her. Mom used to enjoy her birthdays and she always acknowledged her age.

Before the Alzheimer’s disease, Mom did not let age bother her. I learned from my mother that age was just a number and something you accepted. I learned to celebrate the passing years from my mother’s actions on her birthdays.

Now she does not remember how old she is and when we discuss her age she gets angry when I mention her true age, so I do not mention it any more. Mom used to talk about living to be 100 years old, now she does not bring up birthdays or age. I do not think Mom realizes I am 65.

The Alzheimer’s disease has caused a great deal of changes in our lives. I miss Mom being enthusiastic about up coming birthdays because she always said what she wanted and enjoyed celebrating her day.

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Forgiveness a gift

Jalál (Glory), 16 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Saturday, March 17, 2012 about 2:00 PM Pacific Time

"Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." ~ Suzanne Somers

I have found that eventually forgiveness one learns that forgiveness has more to do with personal peace of mind and soul then anything else. Holding onto bitterness and hatred only poisons a person’s soul and keeps the wound open and bleeding.

I am 65, when I was younger, I held onto the “wound”. I picked at the scab covering it and all that did was cause that wound to bleed and become infected. I finally decided not to pick at my wound or perhaps I should say wounds. It was difficulty, but through prayer, meditation, and journaling I finally learned to let go.

I do not intend to go into what caused my wounds in this entry or in any other. That is between God, my journal, and me. It would do no good to go into what caused the wound. I know why I could not forgive, because I could not let go and place the situation in God’s hands. I was not happy. I did not have peace of mind.

Once I put the situation into God’s hands, forgave, and got on with my life. Peace of mind followed, I could relax and enjoy myself. I was happy again. I had given a gift to both my mind and my soul.

Family History: Memories of St. Patrick’s Day

Istiqlál (Independence), 15 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Friday, March 16, 2012 about 5:55 PM Pacific Time

I don’t have a many childhood memories of St. Patrick’s Day. I was raised Southern Baptist, so we never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at home. When I was growing up, on St. Patrick’s Day I always made sure I wore green to school. The reason for this was simple; I didn’t want to get pinched. If you didn’t wear green someone pinched you and once the pinching started it never stopped, except maybe in the classroom.

Another interesting occurrence on St. Patrick’s Day was cupcakes with green frosting. I remember someone’s mother making these cupcakes and sending them to the class, but I don’t remember if it were because a classmate had a birthday on St. Patrick’s Day or they were sent to celebrate the day. I liked the chocolate cupcakes with green frosting myself.

Childhood memories are interesting. Sometimes they are just snippets of what happened. Sometimes they are pleasant memories and sometimes unpleasant. In the case of St. Patrick’s Day, it is a mixture. The pinching was definitely an unpleasant experience, but the chocolate cupcakes with green frosting were pleasant. Those are my memories of St. Patrick’s Day; I hope everyone has a pinch free St. Patrick’s Day this year.

Tuesday Thoughts: Dealing with Glaucoma

Fidál (Grace), 12 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Tuesday, March 13, 2012 about 3:20 PM Pacific Time

I’m dealing with the glaucoma issue better today then yesterday. I no longer want to cry. I’m dealing with this the same way I deal with everything else, writing about it. This morning, I wrote a poem, which I posted in my port on writing.com.

I still have some research to do on the subject. However, since my appointment with the optometrist isn’t until May I have some time for that. I’m not trying to put off the issue, but I have to write and research between household chores and taking care of Mom.

I expect the eye doctor to prescribe me some eye drops on my next visit. We caught the glaucoma in the early stages, so according what I’ve read something can be done. Besides the glaucoma, I have other health issues, which I suppose is expected about my age. I won’t go into any of those here because right no the glaucoma is upper most in my mind.

This morning, I said the Long Healing prayer about dawn. I got up before the alarm went off again this morning. This is good because I can say prayers and get ready for my day before Mom gets up.

Monday Mumblings: My visit to the Optometrist Office

It’s Monday evening and I have finally brought my emotions under control after my Optometrist appointment this morning. I got bad news from the Optometrist; there is no way of sugar coating this. I have glaucoma!

After I left the Optometrist, the eye doctor’s office, I had to make another stop. Therefore, I put off considering the prognosis until after I came home. There a just some things that you don’t want to deal with in public. I put off thinking about it because I didn’t want to set in a crowded waiting room crying.

When I came home, I was tired. I sat down on the couch and dozed. After that, the doctor’s prognosis began to sink in. I wanted to cry, but by that, time Mom was home and I couldn’t cry in front of her. I would love to talk to Mom about this and that is impossible. As anyone reading this knows, my Mother has Alzheimer’s disease and it’s difficult to have any type of conversation with her.

Since I can’t talk to Mom and all of my siblings live in other cities, I write about it. I made an entry in my offline journal. This is the first blog entry I’ve made on the subject, but it won’t be the last. I have another appointment with the optometrist in a few weeks. Before that appointment I will do some research and have questions written down to ask

Recipe of the Week: Old spices versus new spices

Jamál (Beauty), 10 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Sunday, March 11, 2012 about 11:40 AM Pacific Time

I need to restock the spices in my pantry. I cleaned out the cupboard, which contain the spices and found several containers half full different spices. I cleaned that cupboard out sometime in 2010 or 2011, I cannot remember exact year. I set the container on the kitchen counter next to the cook top.

I moved them because they were not easily accessible and I did not know the spices I already had on hand. They have sat in the heat and light since I moved them and that is not how they are supposed to be stored. I know they were sitting in the original cupboard for more then six months.

I know spices lose potency as the age and that certain of the seeds become rancid. As much as I dislike throwing the spices, I have out, they have probably lost their potency and the recipe would not taste the way it should. Therefore, I have to throw them out and get fresh spices.  When I buy the new spices, I will get the smallest container available. That way I will use them quickly and they will not sit in my pantry for months or years.

Breakfast on Saturday

Jalál (Glory), 9 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Saturday, March 10, 2012 about 8:15 AM Pacific Time

Donuts sweetly glazed
Coffee black hot no sugar
No dunking today

On Thursday, I went to the supermarket for some needed supplies and food product. One of the things I bought was a dozen glazed donuts. The donut sit on the kitchen counter unopened until this morning. I will have to fix something else for us to eat in a few minutes. Mom is full right now, but that will not last long. Mom will be hungry again in ten or fifteen minutes. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory loss, so when she forgets she ate she gets hungry.

Family History Friday: My Grandmother’s electric washer

Istiqlál (Independence), 8 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Friday, March 9, 2012 about 11:35 AM Pacific Time

I remember the first electric washing machine I ever saw. It sat in my Grandma Newland’s laundry room. It was not like the automatic washer I use today; Grandma’s washer agitated the dirty clothes, but did not rinse the clothes. Instead, Grandma would take the clothes out of the wash water, put them in a wringer, squeeze the water out, and then put the clothes through the first rinse.

Grandma rinsed her clothes in huge aluminum tubes. Grandma put her clothes through two rinses. After taking the clothes out of the washer and wringing the soapy water out of them, she put them in hot water to rinse the rest out the rest of the soap. After that, she put the clothes through the wringer a second time to squeeze water out of them and then put them in the second rinse.

In the second rinse, Grandma added several drops of “bluing”. She did this to make the clothes whiter, I am not sure how the bluing worked; however, it did work because the white shirts looked nicer and whiter after they came out of the second rinse. After Grandma took the clothes out of the second rinse and put them through the wringer again, she would hang them on the clothesline to dry.

I helped Grandma with the laundry sometimes, especially on Saturday. Grandma would stand right beside me when I went to use the wringer. She always cautioned me not be careful about getting my hand caught in it. I never did get my hand caught.

Tuesday Thoughts on a Windy Tuesday in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 5 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Tuesday, March 6, 2012 about 3:30 PM Pacific Time

The wind is blowing
This is not a light spring breeze
A Reno zephyr

This is a windy day in Las Vegas. I look out my living room window and watch the trees limbs waving. The wind is strong and the gusts are stronger. I listened to the news and weather last night, so I knew the wind would blow today, but I did not know it would be this strong.

Santa Ana Winds
Today’s wind gust simulate
Will they blow down trees

A difficult and stressful technological morning in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 4 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Monday, March 5, 2012 about 2:55 PM Pacific Time

It’s been a difficult and stressful morning dealing with technology. This happens about one a week, sometimes less and sometimes more. My computer slows to a snails pace and I have to reboot a couple of times to get everything working a little faster.

I need to upgrade the technology and I’m not sure that is possible for a while. Perhaps later, this year if we can get a few large bills paid off. Right now, the only thing I can do is work with what I have and pray that the computer continues to work.

I get frustrated when it slows down, but I can’t figure out what’s slowing it down. Sometimes it seems that Real Player is the problem; however, it isn’t the only thing causing issues. Part of the issue is virtual memory, I get a message about once a week that the it’s increasing and the programs will be slower for a while.

I run the virus scan every day, sometimes it takes less then an hour and sometimes a two or three hours. I think next week I’ll have to call my internet provider and see if they have a virus scan and firewall, it’ll probably add to the monthly charge, but I don’t trust the virus scan and fire wall I have now, at least, not since the computer needs rebooting several times.

Mom and her oxygen in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 3 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Sunday, March 4, 2012 about 5:25 PM Pacific Time

It’s Sunday, the beginning of a new week, a day of beauty and hope. This morning I let Mom sleep later then usual, which help her mood a little. She still got upset because she has to take medication and wear oxygen, but for the most part Mom was in a good mood.

I got Mom to walking up and down the hall today. She didn’t do it more then once, but it was a good walk. Yesterday, Mom had difficulty walking and I think that had to do with her removing the oxygen tubes every time she notices them in her nose.

Mom walks better when she wears the oxygen tubes regularly. The problem is keeping them in her nose both during the day and at night. It’s more difficult to keep them in her nose at night especially when she sleeps in spurts. Tomorrow she goes to the daycare center, so I don’t have to worry about the oxygen tubes during the day.

Saturday morning tears in Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 2 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 168 BE – Saturday, March 3, 2012 about 3:55 AM

It’s Saturday, one of the two days during the week that I don’t have to get Mom up early to get ready for daycare. This morning she woke up about 1:55 AM crying. I don’t know why she was crying because when I ask her she didn’t know. She stopped crying. I put the oxygen tube in her nose and she started crying again.

Mom doesn’t think she needs the oxygen, so she take the tubes out. Mom doesn’t think she can sleep with them in her nose, therefore, she cries when I reinsert them in her nose. She calms down and I leave the room. About five or ten minutes later, she starts crying again. I go back in her room, she stops crying, and I reinsert the tubes. After a few minutes, she calms down and I leave the room.

This went on for about an hour. Mom finally went to sleep. However, I cannot go back to sleep, so I’m getting my day started. Once I’m awake there is no going back to sleep, so it doesn’t do me any good lying in bed staring at the ceiling. If I’m lucky, Mom will take a nap this afternoon and then I can take a nap.

Since I have a virus scan running while I am composing this entry, I’m not going to post it until later this morning.

Thankful Thursday: Gratitude on a Sunny Day in Las Vegas

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 168 BE – Thursday, March 1, 2012 about 10:30 AM Pacific Time

I am not sure where to begin this gratitude list because I have so many things for which to give thanks. I realize that sometimes life gets in the way and I do not stop to say, “Thank you”, that is why I like Thankful Thursday. It gives me a chance to review the past seven days and remember the things that make me grateful to be alive.

The first thing I am grateful for is the weather in Las Vegas. Today is sunny and nice, which means it is not too cold or too hot. I went out to pick up the newspaper earlier without putting on a coat.

The second thing I am grateful for is the nineteen-day fast, which begins to night at sunset, between sunrise and sunset during the month of ‘Alá, Baha’is who are over 15 and under the age of 70 and in good health abstain from food and drink during the daytime. I am on medication and not in good health, so I will eat and consume liquids during the day. I will say the prayers that Baha’u’llah revealed for the Fast.

A gratitude list usually contains about ten items, but today I am going to limit this list to two. I have another gratitude list to make for another blog and my off line journal, so between the three I have more then ten things to be thankful for.

Midweek Reflections: On Leap Day

‘Idál (Justice), 4 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 168 BE – Wednesday, February 29, 2012 about 6:45 AM Pacific Time

Happy Leap Day

Leap Day the extra day placed in the calendar every four years. I hope no one expects me to leap today because I am not sure I could do that without falling down or stumbling when I landed.

Leap Day the day we do not suspend work unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. All though, it is special to Leap Babies (people born on February 29) it is not a holiday. Unless you are born on that day, it is just another day in the year and once it is past, the year is shorter.

Leap Day always falls in a presidential election year because, in America, we only elect a president once every four years. Since this leap day happens to fall on Wednesday, I rolled the trashcan to the curb this morning. The only other thing I am planning for today is a trip to the wound care hospital (my left leg is developing issues again) and the grocery store (I ran out of paper towels).

Happy Birthday

to everyone born today

Tuesday Thoughts: An interesting day in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 3 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 168 BE – Tuesday, February 28, 2012 about 3:55 PM Pacific Time

I had an interesting day. I was supposed to have two doctors’ appointments today, but I think God had other plans. I scheduled my first appointment for 9:15 AM on the west side of Las Vegas. However, the daycare bus had a flat, so the driver was about 40 minutes late picking up my mother. This meant that he would not get to the house until about 9:30 AM. I called the doctor’s office, explained to the woman who scheduled the appointments and she concealed the one this morning. Since their computer was down, I had to call back this afternoon to reschedule the appointment.

Instead of driving to the west side of town to pay a bill and then went to my second appointment. That was for an ultrasound of my left leg, while at that office I made an appointment for March 22 to have the vein procedure performed on my right let. In addition, the doctor suggested I go back to the wound care hospital to have them check my left leg because it is redder then it should be and I have a place bleeding.

I have an appointment at the wound care hospital tomorrow at 9:30 AM. Then in March I have doctors’ appointments scheduled on the 6^th, 12^th, 22^nd, and 26^th. I hope I can spend the 1^st and 2^nd of March at home, but that depends on how long the appointment tomorrow last and whether or not they wrap my leg again. If the appointment doesn’t last very long, I have to stop at Smith’s Food & Drug to pick up some items we need; otherwise, I have to go to the grocery store on Thursday, March 1.

I need a lunch buddy in Las Vegas

Mom and I don’t go out for lunch or dinner anymore. If I get food from a restaurant for both of us, then I get the food to go otherwise I eat by myself. I don’t like eating by myself because I have no one to talk to and I can’t use two for one coupons.

There are some restaurants that are so expensive; I can’t afford to go by myself. Mom and I used to go to expensive restaurant and use the coupons, but I can’t do that any more. I miss going to those restaurants. I miss using the two for one coupons. Therefore, I need a lunch buddy so that we can go out to eat together.

Monday Mumblings: The wound on my left leg

Kamál (Perfection), 2 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 168 BE – Sunday-Monday, February 27, 2012 about 7:10 AM Pacific Time

I have to go to the wound doctor again. Late Friday night, a place on my left leg began to run and then on Saturday bleed. I will call one of my doctors when the offices open around 8:00 AM and discuss it with one of the nurses because I cannot talk to the doctor immediately. I give the nurse all the information I can and then talk to the doctor later or make an appointment.

I am not looking forward to having that leg bandaged. I just got all the bandages off at the beginning of the month. Since I cannot get the bandages wet, it is difficult to take a shower or a bath. Even with a plastic bag over the bandages, taking a shower is a test. I have to put trash bags on my grocery list because they are the only bags large enough to go over the bandage.

Happy Ayyám-I-Há

This is a leap year, so there are five days in Ayyám-I-Há. The first is today, Sunday, February 26, 2012, and the last day is Thursday, March 1, 2012. There are five days of gift giving, hospitality, charity, and preparing for the nineteen day Fast. Baha’u’llah revealed a prayer for Ayyám-I-Há or Intercalary Days.

Recipe of the Week: Blueberry Bagel with Peanut Butter

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 168 BE – Sunday, February 26, 2012 about Pacific Time

My mother likes peanut butter on her bagels, so three or four times a month I toast a bagel spread it with peanut butter.

Ingredients:

1 blueberry bagel

1 tablespoon of peanut butter

Directions:

Step 1: Assemble ingredients

Step 2: Cut the bagel in half

Step 3: Toast the bagel

Step 4: Spread the peanut butter, after divide the peanut butter between the two halves of the bagel

Serving suggestions:

Amy type of breakfast food or drink, my mother likes to have grape or orange juice and coffee when she eats her bagel.

Note: You do not have to use blueberry bagels with this recipe, any type of bagel will work. I have not tried this recipe with onion or salted bagels, but please feel free to experiment and be creative.

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Am I losing the pattern?

Jalál (Glory), 19 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Saturday, February 25, 2012 about 1:00 PM Pacific Time

If you see a whole thing - it seems that it's always beautiful. Planets, lives... But up close a world's all dirt and rocks. And day to day, life's a hard job, you get tired, you lose the pattern. Ursula K. Le Guin

Am I losing the pattern or just tired? It’s Saturday, the last day of a long week. On Tuesday, I went to the grocery store and bought batteries for my Mother’s hearing aid. Mom was having more trouble hearing then usual. I thought the problem was the batteries, but that didn’t seem to help.

I went back to the store on Thursday, to buy some Debrox to clean the wax from Mom’s ears. I just finished using the drops and rinsing her ears out. I can’t put the hearing aids back in her ears until Sunday or Monday. The earwax removal should solve the problem or at least part of it. It’s tiring to attempt to talk to someone who has difficulty hearing.

I’m tired. I’m worn out. Perhaps I’m looking too closely at the rocks and the dirt. Sometimes you just have to ignore the rocks, dirt, and hard work in order to keep on keeping on. I don’t think I should feel as tired as I do today, maybe I need to find some time to take a staycation. If I can’t do that then change my meditation time from morning, before Mom gets up, to evening, after she goes to be.

Thankful Thursday: Afternoon Naps

Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Thursday, February 23, 2012 about 6:55 Pacific Time

This is evening I am thankful for afternoon naps. I get sleepy about the same time everyday, so I stop whatever I am doing and sit on the couch beside my mother. I sit on the couch and doze while Mom sits beside me.

I know a person should not sit up and sleep, but if I laid down on the couch, the love seat, or even my bed then I would not get to sit beside my mother. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and goes to the daycare center five days a week. I have very little time with her during the week because she goes to bed around 5:00 or 5:30 PM.

It is nice to sit beside my mother and doze. It is nice to spend a little time with Mom when she is not angry or upset. A CNA comes when Mom gets home from the Daycare center, so there is someone in the house to see that Mom is safe while I doze.

Those few moments on the couch after Mom gets home is the only time I can really relax. Mom enjoys sitting on the couch next to me while I take a short nap.

Midweek Reflections: Folding Fitted Sheets

‘Idál (Justice), 16 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Wednesday, February 22, 2012 about 12:25 PM Pacific Time

I cannot fold fitted sheets. I attempt to fold them, but they turn out looking as if someone wadded them up and threw them into the linen closet. It does not matter how many times I attempt the process, my fitted sheets do not look as if I attempted to fold them.

All right, perhaps that last paragraph was an exaggeration. I just finished folding a fitted sheet and it did not look like I wadded it up. Neither did it look as if I folded properly. It looked as if it had wrinkles in it and I know that is not how it is supposed to look.

I have read how to fold fitted sheets. I have had people show me how to fold fitted sheets. I have seen the way they should look when folded properly, this is not the way my fitted sheets appear when I finish folding them.

I begin by finding the corners. I put my right hand in one corner and then find another corner. I put that corner over the corner in my hand. After that I do the same thing with the other two corners. Now I have all four corners of the sheet over my right hand. This is where I run into problems; continue to fold the sheet by folding the whole thing over itself.

Perhaps I am over reacting. When I put the sheet on the bed, it looks fine and there are no wrinkles. It is just in the linen closet that they weird, like they have wrinkles in them. Since I keep the linen closet, door closed no one except myself or the CNA who makes my mother’s bed sees them. None of the CNAs has said anything about the way my fitted sheets are folder or look in the linen closet.

Monday Mumblings: New batteries for Mom’s Hearing aid

Kamál (Perfection), 14 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Monday, February 20, 2012 about 2:15 PM Pacific Time

I put new batteries in Mom’s hearing aids this morning, but I’m not sure how well they are working. Normally, when I put the batteries in there is a squealing noise, but I didn’t hear that when I put the new batteries in. I kept the old batteries and will put them in tomorrow if it turns out the new ones aren’t working. I’ll find out tonight when Mom gets home from the Daycare center.

I have to go to the store tomorrow to get laundry detergent, so I’ll get some hearing aid batteries then. I downloaded a $2.00 off coupon for batteries on Friday or Saturday that I can use to get the batteries. I have the change those batteries about every week. I also take the batteries out at night because if I leave them in the hearing aids they run down quickly.

Sometimes I wish the hearing aids had rechargeable batteries, but then the batteries would cost more then what they do now. Maybe I should clean the hearing aids tonight as well. I’m not sure when I cleaned them, so that may help. I’m never sure precisely how much Mom hears with or without the hearing aids.

Mom doesn’t like to wear them and she gets upset when I put them in her ears. It would be nice if she could put them in herself, but she won’t and I have to put them in for her.

Sunday afternoon and no recipe to post

It’s Sunday afternoon and I don’t have a recipe to post. This week we eat soup poured over rice. I cooked the rice last Sunday and had planned to fix it another way. However, when I put the soup over some rice and heated it in the microwave, I like the way the soup and the rice tasted.

It’s easier to fix soup and rice in the microwave during the week. Mom eats it and then takes her evening medication. Some of the tablets require Mom to eat before she takes them and sometimes it is difficult to get her to eat before taking the medication. Sometimes it is difficult to get Mom to take the pills without chewing them; the problem is one of the tablets is time released and those she isn’t supposed to chew.

I know Mom doesn’t understand why she has to take the pills without chewing them. Mom doesn’t understand why she has to take the pills. The Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory prevents her from remember or understanding. She doesn’t know she has Alzheimer’s disease and wouldn’t believe me if I told her. All Mom knows is that she doesn’t want to take the medication because she doesn’t think she needs it.

I’ll have a recipe to post next week. I’m not sure what it will be right now, perhaps something with rice. I may even post the rice and soup recipe, but I have to measure the rice to see how much I use with the cans of soup.

Saturday in Review

Jamál (Beauty), 13 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Saturday, February 18, 2012 about 7:15 PM Pacific Time

Mom is asleep, so I have a chance to sit down and focus on other things. I still have one pill to give her, but that has to wait until 8:00. I will have to wake her up and there is an advantage to that. Mom does not resist taking the 8:00 pill and I think it is because I have to wake her up to give it to her. Mom just wants to get back to sleep so she takes the pill without a fuss.

It has been a long and somewhat difficult day. Normally, Saturday’s with Mom are easy. However, today was a little different. I am not sure why because Mom slept later then usual this morning. Mom does not like to get up before dawn, so today I let her sleep until the sun was up. I can do this on Saturday and Sunday because she does not go to the Daycare Center.

Monday through Friday, I have to get her up before dawn because she needs to take some meds before the CNA arrives to get her ready to go to the Daycare center. Mom enjoys going to the center, perhaps that was the problem today. She did not get out of the house. I think I will try a different approach tomorrow. Instead of setting her on the couch I will set her in front of the living room window. That way she can get some sunshine. In addition, when she walks down the hall she has to walk she has to walk further then when she sits on the couch.

I want to go to a movie

It’s been several years since I went to a movie. The last time I went to see a movie my mother and I went together. Mom can’t go with me now because she spends the day in Adult Day Care, so when I go now I have to go alone.

I haven’t been to a movie by myself; therefore, I’m not sure if I like going alone or not. I will find out because I am going to a movie this year. The movie I want to see is John Carter. I remember reading the Barsoom novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs when I was a child and I loved those books. The movie, a Disney Production, will be in theaters on March 9. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Thankful Thursday: Afternoon sunshine

Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Thursday, February 16, 2012 about 12:05 PM Pacific Time

Afternoon sunshine
Follows a chilly morning
Wind blows through the trees

Midweek Reflections: This is a Leap Year

‘Idál (Justice), 9 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Wednesday, February 15, 2012 about 1:25 PM Pacific Time

This is a leap year and that means there are 29 days in February, which gives 2012 366 days. This is an election year and oddly enough, I am not sick of the political commercials. Normally, in a presidential election year I get sick of the commercial around February 15. Not only am I not sick of them, but I am beginning to find them amusing.

I am not sure why I find the political commercials amusing. Maybe it is because I am 65 years old and, for the first time in my adult life, have some type of health insurance. I can go to the doctor or a specialist, knowing specifically what my co-pay is and not have to worry about how much the entire bill will cost me.

I could find those commercials amusing because I realize just how fragile the human brain and memory really are. My mother has Alzheimer’s disease and short-term memory issues. Until this year, Mom has voted in every presidential election since she was 21, but this year, because of the Alzheimer’s, she will not be voting because she cannot make an informed decision.

A third reason I could find the political commercials amusing is stress. As my mother’s caregiver, I am under a great deal of stress. I learn a long time ago that the more stress I am under the odd my sense of humor becomes. Whatever the reason, this year I find the political commercials amusing.

Happy Valentines Day

I just want to wish
A Happy Valentines Day
To humanity

Monday Mumblings after sunset

Fidál (Grace), 8 Mulk (Dominion), 168 BE – Monday, February 13, 2012 about 6:15 PM Pacific Time

It’s after sunset and another solar day has begun. It’s colder this evening because the wind blowing. We also had a little rain, which means that when I go out on Valentines’ Day I’ll have to wash my windshield. This happens every time it rains. It rains just enough to spot my windshield, but not enough to wash my car.

I need to go to a car wash. I’m not going to wash the car myself because that would be a waste of water and there is the possibility of getting a ticket for wasting water. Besides, I like the idea of having someone else wash my car. There are several carwashes close so I will have the car washed at the beginning of March. That way I can begin spring with a clean car, besides by that time, I will have the inside of the car cleaned out so that I can get it vacuumed.

I also need to take the car to my mechanic. I’ll have to do that in March as well. I’ll get the car washed and then take it to the garage.

Recipe of the Week: Rice in the slow cooker

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

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

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

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

Family History Friday: Grocery Shopping with my Grandparents

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

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

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

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

Coupon Epiphany in Las Vegas

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

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

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

Thankful Thursday: The bandage is off my left leg

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

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

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

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

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

Midweek reflections: My online routine

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

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

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

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

Tuesday Thoughts: Compression Stockings

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

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

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

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

Monday Mumblings: Walking at least ten minutes every hour

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

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

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

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

Recipe of the Week: I bought a new cookbook

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

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

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

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

Inspirational Quote of the Week: Surprising Discoveries

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

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

~ A.A. Milne

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

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

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

Family History Friday: Searching for my roots

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful Thursday: Grateful for the wind in Las Vegas

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

I am thankful for

Wind blowing through winter bare

Tree limbs and white clouds.

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

Midweek Reflections on Winter in Las Vegas

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

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

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

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