Dementia doesn't like the wind.

At the Highland Games in Albuquerque, NM. 

I makes no sense to me at all. Then again, what is there about Dementia that does make sense. From sitting on the couch to wandering the streets looking for the boys, and wanting to help them and at the same time not knowing what to do. In a matter of seconds, Sweetie will become that known "Crazy Woman" wandering the streets, looking and looking and not knowing what it is she is looking for, talking gibberish to anyone who she sees. And Lordy, don't be the one to tell her no. She will turn on you with a vengeance. Then when I tell them that she is suffering with Dementia, she is in full denial and tells the person that I don't know what I'm talking about. 

If you are like me, and have your Loved One with you, this may sound familiar. I have a friend that has volunteered to come over and stay with Sweetie. He is a lovely man who retired early to care for his mom, who had Dementia. I want to take him up on his offer, but because of the quarantine, there isn't really anywhere to go and just sit and relax for a time. Maybe when I work something out, I'll take him up on his offer. The last time I let someone sit with Sweetie, I came home to find her locked out of the house. 

I was informed that this Monday, there is going to be a meeting as to when daycare will start back up. I have this uneasy feeling that it won't be anytime soon. Excuse me for this going off, but, it seems that whatever the President says, there are those who will automatically bounce the opposite way. An easy example would be if he said you have to breath to live, they would hold their breath. So, if I'm right, the powers to be are going to say sometime in June before anything can be opened. In the meantime, Sweetie and me will be doing what needs to be done to keep us both from going crazy. 

Yesterday's weather, it was windy, and kept us from doing almost anything outside. Dementia doesn't like the wind, and even if it isn't a cold wind, it just doesn't like it. We did some walking, not as much as I'd like, but enough. The house next door is being refurbished, and a new roof is being put on. It gave Sweetie an audience to speak with. Again the old routine of me following up behind and telling them about her. I'm thinking of handing out the cards that tells them about her instead of speaking, it just might help. 

All in all, we had a good day and I know it went well because of the guidance of my Driver. He just seems to know how to handle Sweetie and gives me the strength and wisdom to handle her as Sundowner's tries to steal her away from me. I know, like yesterday, there were Easter Eggs in the wind, in the walk, and on the couch. Driver always shows them to me when I can't find them on my own. Time to go, time for another road trip. Driver and me, down the Road to Dementia Town we go. Him at the wheel and me buckled in, wearing my cool sunglasses and relaxing as we go. How about you? Find anything worth taking with you, as you travel your road to Dementia Town? We have our Shiny Side Up. You too? Later, Love Ya, and God Bless.  

Who's to mow? That is the question.

Look out Sweetie, someone has his eye on you.

Let me tell you about the big Easter Egg that was found yesterday. We had a wonderful day. 

I was done with my morning solo time and I heard noise from upstairs. Knowing it was Sweetie, she was up and I went up to greet her. She was her normal disorientated self. I think she operates on habit, not thinking of where she is, she just is. As long as I am open and loving towards her, she feels safe and secure. 

The lawn is gowning and needed to be mowed. I've been thinking of how to get this chore done. Knowing that in the mornings, Sweetie is at her best, I decided to get it done early in the day. After breakfast I got the mower out, sharpened the blade, and got started. 

When the idea hit me, why not let Sweetie try it? She is always eager to help, so why not let her. With a little hesitant she gave it a try. With the minimal encouragement, she took the mower and off she went. Asking the direction of the cut, then down the lawn she pushed the mower. I was so elated that she wanted to do it and then she did. 

Sweetie has a prescription of aggression/anxiety and I was giving it to her when she was going to daycare to help her emotions while I was gone. I thought why not try it today. I gave her one in the morning, and then one around three in the afternoon. We had the best evening in a long time. She did get into a little sundowners and to short circuit it, I put Stress Relief lotion on her neck. Worked wonders. Even put some on before bed. She went to sleep quickly. 

Yesterday we received some new sweat pants I had ordered for her. Tried to get her to try them on, too snug for her, the next size up is too big, I'll try again this morning, she is more willing to try new stuff then. All her pants are falling off of her and I have to do something. This is just another step down the road of learning about how to accomplish that which has to be done with a Dementia person. A little trial and error, adjust and try again. Doesn't pay to get upset, so I just keep trying. 

Trying, that is what my Driver keeps telling me, Keep trying, its when you stop trying, that is when anger, disappointment, and fear take over. He tells me that I need to stay in the now, plan for the future, don't project it. I get a lot of advice when we are driving down the Road to Dementia Town. Enjoy the moments, adjust during the rough spots, keeping your eyes open to smoother ways of doing things. Trust your Driver to make it through the now, let later wait till later arrives. It will with its own set of joys and challenges. In the mean while, I'll just sit in the passenger's seat, wearing my cool sunglasses as Driver motors down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. That goes for you too, remember later will soon become now. So enjoy now till later gets here. Keep your Shiny Side Up as you go down your Road to Dementia Town. Till tomorrow, Love Ya and God Bless. 

Irises, yardwork, failing. Life goes on.

Sweetie and the Rainbow.

How's it going? Getting more yard work done this past couple of days. Amazing how much gets done when your normal activities are shut down. 

We have filled our trash containers and pick up isn't until Friday, so I have a couple of smaller containers that I can use as we pick, prune, pull, and trim the flower gardens in preparation for spring. 

Sweetie was never one for pruning the flower, the roses, and other plants we have and because of that, we sometimes didn't have a good crop of flowers. Last year, our irises didn't bloom at all. Now it could be that they are not getting enough sunshine, hopefully we will get some this year. If not, it is transplanting time. I love irises they are so easy to take care of and so beautiful when they bloom. It would be nice if they would bloom all summer long and we'd have flowers in the house all year long. 

Sweetie did really well yesterday. We tried a walk, but she got cold right off and so we had a quick walk. Met a neighbor working out in his garage. Sweetie just had to say something to him. He came out and she just rambled, and I told him about her dementia. He told me his grandma had it too, and he understood. Amazing how many people this damn disease touches. 

I've tried to make a list of what room to clean and when to clean it. I saw a mime the other day on Facebook and it went something like this: "I always wanted the time to clean my house. Now that I have the time, I realize that time wasn't my excuse." I have to say, I'm the same way. I just has a lazy butt. Right now, it is getting easier to get motivated and get things done. 

One of the things I've noticed about Sweetie's failing is this. When we do the dishes, she needs more and more guidance in putting the silverware and dishes away. Or now, she doesn't know what milk is, or where it is in the refrigerator. She is also having a difficulty from time to time swallowing and of course her balance worries me. 

So far, she still recognizes me as someone special in her life. Just who I am, I'm not sure. I know she depends on me and she will tell me she loves me all the time. I'll take that anytime. I miss my Sweetie. Knowing where we are now, I wished I'd treated her better when we were younger. As it is now, I'm making a living amends to her and she doesn't even know it. All she knows is there is someone that is with her all the time and she feels safe. 

Its that time, Drive just walked in and is ready to go. What do you, He brought my sunglasses in so I won't have the excuse to waste time looking for them. These are precious times that I get to spend with you, my friends. Thank you for letting me bend your ear. Now where is my hat? Of course, I left it in the car. Off again, with my Driver setting the course and speed as we head down the Road to Dementia Town. Doing the speed limit, avoiding the bumps and cracks in the road. Driving with our Shiny Side Up. You too, have a day full of Easter Eggs as you motor down the Road. Love Ya, Till Tomorrow, Shiny Side Up. God Bless.   

War Movies, a Big NO NO.

Out of a hike.

Never know what will cause a sundowners episode to kick in. We were having a great day. The morning went well, she was a little cranky and just not herself. We worked through it. Normally she is easy to persuade to get her to do what needs to be done. Shaving her chin every morning can be a hassle. I have to sweet talk her into letting me put on a warm wash cloth to soften and moisturize her whiskers, then the shaving cream, and hardest of all, to keep her from moving while I shave her. Most of the time it gets done without problems. Then having her take the wash cloth and wipe her face as a way of washing her face. Then, brushing her teeth. We use battery powered brushes and she has a difficult time turning hers on and brushing. I take what I can, some is better than nothing. 

After our morning ritual, it was in the back yard to do some yardwork. Unless she asks what to do, I let her figure out how to help me. I think it makes her feel more like herself that way. I don't know about you, but when we were done for the day, I could see the difference and I told Sweetie that very thing. Told her how much help she was, and I could not of done it without her. She likes hearing that. Easter Egg. 

Now come the bad part. We went in to watch TV. One of the shows I wanted to watch was from the History Channel about WWII. Shortly into the show, about the Enterprise, she went bonkers. Weeping, and carrying on about the boys and she couldn't help them, and just scaring me. I was able to calm her down with CBD and lotion on her neck. Changed the show, watched "Coco" and that did the trick. 

Then I remembered that Dementia doesn't like violent shows. Even if it is in a historical show, Sweetie cannot tell the difference. The other part of this, is her dad was on a carrier in the Pacific during the war. She was just over whelmed and it was a great lesson for me. So, we are now going to watch a lot of funny, uplifting shows. We have Netflix, Prime, the Disney Channel, and a movie channel. Lots of good choices to choose from. 

After getting her back level again, we had a good finish to the day. There is an old saying about married couples, and with Sweetie it is so true for me today. It is, When Mama's happy, everyone is happy. The more I can keep Sweetie happy and level, the happier I am. And that my friends is one of the best Easter Egg of them all. 

Driver just told me to take my time this morning. He said there isn't any rush. I know He is just being kind and loving. He knew what we went through yesterday. Rest is sometimes the best cure. He is a kink and gentleman who looks out for the best for me. So, its time to shut this down, get going, "Now where are my sunglasses?" If I don't put them away in the same place, I can never find them. "Oh, there they are." OK, ready to go. Into the passenger side, glasses on, as we head down the Road to Dementia Town, not worrying about, potholes, detours, or traffic, that's because we have our Shiny Side Up. I hope you keep learning on how to find your Easter Eggs and Keep your Shiny Side Up. Enjoy your adventure as we travel the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Sides Up. Love Ya, God Bless.     

Prayer, Eating, Simple Meals.

My Sweetie Pie. 

This morning while I was doing my morning prayers and meditation, when a line came to life in front of me, its from Saint Francis, and my eyes were opened as I wrote it out:

Lord, may I seek, rather,

 To Comfort then to be comforted

To Understand, then to be understood;

To Love, than to be loved. 

The realization that I was doing just that as I live being Sweeties Caregiver. It was one of those "Duh" moments. I've talked about how gracious I am with Sweetie, and didn't know how I became so willing to put up with her disease, the willingness to help her all the time, doing that which I wouldn't do for anyone else. Well, here it is, the way to a soft heart in the daily living with Dementia. 

Had another wonderful day with Sweetie. From the dawn to dusk it was as normal as it could get. I've notice that she is loosing her ability to grasp those words that seem so easy for her just last week. The face, the smiles are still there, just a little slip, a consonant missing, and I'm still able to translate what she is trying to say. 

As we go shopping, I'm having a difficult time with her wanting to touch people. I don't know where this came from. Lately she will start talking to some stranger and want to touch their shoulder, hand, or face. She just doesn't understand why she shouldn't do it. I think I'm going to attempt to get her some gloves to ease that difficulty. Even after this crisis is over, people will be less willing to touch anyone in public for a long, long time. So, I'll need to be aware of her need to reach out and touch. 

Meals are getting simpler, last night had cut up chicken, rice cooked in chicken broth, and mixed veggies. She is still copying me as we eat, and I noticed that she starts to divide her food up into group, especially the mixed veggies. Got her to finish her meal by putting food on the spoon and handing it to her. I wonder how much more time will pass before I feed her like a infant? Or will it be encouraging her from now on? 

Her sundowners didn't show up last night, and I was thinking of the difference of the evening from the day before and last night. It was windy and the sun was shining. Compared to the gloomy weather on Thursday. So nice. 

That about sums it up for this morning. Driver is waiting, and I have to go. Yesterday was a good Easter Egg day, and it sure would be nice if we had the same today, but that is yet to be seen. Life is a day by day affair, you can't take yesterday into today, and today isn't a measure of what tomorrow will bring. I'm learning that from my Driver, He is always planting His seeds of wisdom in me, I just never know when a harvest will happen. "Enough already, I'm coming, I'm coming." Boy, Driver and be pushy sometimes. He's excited to get going down the Road to Dementia Town. He brought the convertible this morning, Better put on some sun screen, as we motor on life's highway. We'll keep an eye out for you, as we go, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Till tomorrow, drive with care, keeping your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya and God Bless. 

CBD, timing, Lots of Easter Eggs

That's my Sweetie, sweater, long pants
and her flip flops.

What a difference a day makes. I returned to my normal scheduling of CBD Hemp oil. 

After Friday's sundowners, I knew I had to return to giving her much more Hemp Oil then I though I could get away with. Starting in the morning, I gave her a dose, than again around 1pm, and in the "Sundowner's Zone." A dose about ever 2 hours. What a difference. She was calm, and had only a short light episode of asking the questions of "Am I going to stay?" or "Are we going to go somewhere (Never know where that somewhere is.)?" No confrontation, no unsettling arguments, it was wonderful.   

This may sound strange, but while she was acting aggressively, I couldn't get her on the potty. She reverted back to "I can do this by myself" mode. This makes me shutter because I know if she is wet or dirty she won't know it, and that will make it even harder for me to clean her dirty sore bottom. 

Got into a cleaning mode yesterday, and it was a good way to get her into helping me. Some simple tasks, like sweeping and dusting. We tackled our bathroom. Floor, closet, toilet, sink and all. I'm ashamed to say this, but it needed a good cleaning, and it got what it needed. Sweetie was a trooper, dusting, and even pushing the vacuum cleaner. While at the same time, telling me she doesn't know that to do, or how to do it. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny. 

I hope you could tell that yesterday was a good Easter Egg day for me. With the decision to increase her dosage of Hemp Oil was the right one. So, now I know, and will not ever decrease the amount that I give her. Not only the times, but, I've increased the amount of Oil. We are about 3/4s of a dropper with each dose. I use the lotion now at bed time. It does help her to fall to sleep. 

Good new all around. And with that, I see my Driver coming in through the garage door with a smile on His face. He just brightens up any room He when he walks in. So, its time to go, now where did I leave my shoes? There they are. Time to head out. Down the Road to Dementia Town. You know, being the passenger, I have free time to watch the scenery go by. I know He will always stop when there is an Easter Egg to pick up. Out on the highway of life, watching the sun come up, as we are Keeping our Shiny Side Up. And that goes for you too. Never forget, there are Easter Eggs out there waiting for you to find, as you too, head down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping your Shiny Side Up. Till next time. Love ya and God Bless.