Peaceful part of the journey.

HB and Sweetie.

We seem to have hit a sweet spot lately. The days are going well and Sweetie is getting easier to handle. Even the trips to the bathroom, to check her, are less stressful. 

In the past, these times last for about a week, and then she jumps off a cliff. One of the signs is that she seems to be getting better. She is more aware of her surroundings, answers correctly, knows which way to turn when returning from a walk or car ride. It is as if she is reaching for the past, standing on her tippy toes, straining to say, "See, I'm OK." Only to see the foundation crumble, and she heads for a new normal. 

On the bright side, she is using her right arm more and more. When we get into the car and I'd buckle her in, I would have to help her move her arm out of the way of the seat belt. Now she does it naturally. She is trying to eat with it more and more. And that is a good sign. 

On the funny side, she has taken to eating her sandwich like a chipmunk. Not taking big bites, just nibbling around the edges. small bites, but many small bites at a time. I cut the sandwich in half, and she will start on one, and then after it is about half way gone, she will then start on the other half. In the end, she does finish it all, and then comes the applesauce. I know if I give her all at one time, it will overwhelm her, and she will not eat, because it is too much. One food item at a time, and she is fine. 

That is the same with dinner. Not wanting her to not get a balance diet, I am be putting too much food on her plate, not the amount but what I put there. Meat, veggies, starch, and a forth item, either tomatoes with cottage cheese or beans, just something to round out the meal. It turns into a full plate which maybe too much for her. 

She is getting up during the meal, walking back to her room, and then returns to finish. I don't say anything to her, and she just goes on as if nothing happened. Whatever works to get food in her works for me. 

Both Driver and me are enjoying this peaceful part of the journey. Sitting back, arm across the back of the seat, watching and listening to the sounds of the road. As we travel down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.