Phyllis is 91 and demented. She sometimes does odd things with her food. Not really bad or anything, usually not even messy, but I'm so curious about what goes on in her head and I will never know ( Read more... )

Well, that was a whole lot of no-fun! My kidney stone has not yet exited my premises, but I'm pretty sure it has made it's way into my bladder. No more constant pain, no more need to take pain meds all the time. Ten days in a haze, consulting my do lists constantly so I at least know where I'm getting behind on things ( Read more... )

The pain meds are effective but I am not yet a happy camper. I wish I didn't agree with the doc who sez, "Wait and see." There are a couple of procedures that could stop the pain NOW, but the stones are still moving and I show no signs of complications. The safest way to get rid of a kidney stone is to pass it. Sigh ( Read more... )

Kidney stones, that is. Spend part of Monday in an ER, big thanks to Kate for taking me in and offering to hold my hand until the pain killers hit. Because I had just cracked the case of my cell phone, I turned down that kind offer but I sure appreciated her presence ( Read more... )

My plans have gotten jerked around a lot in recent years. When I make new ones, I feel a little like I'm putting a "Kick Me" sign on my back. :-) Yet, something in me needs to have plans. I feel like I'm not healthy in the present unless part of me is looking towards the future ( Read more... )

I'm getting better adjusted to the recent changes in my life. Now, I've got to get serious about paperwork. Phyllis is a veteran who is on Social Security and Medicaid. Astonishing number of forms to fill out and phone calls to make. And, of course, the government shutdown is massively unhelpful ( Read more... )

For the last three months, my personal mantra has been, "Don't hurry, don't worry, just keep moving." I have not consistently succeeded at those things, but it helps to remind myself ( Read more... )

Phyllis arrived on Monday and things are almost absurdly un-dramatic. She is pretty far gone to dementia. She doesn't know who anyone is, can't answer standard orientation questions, and I think she may not be verbal much longer. However, she is very good physical shape for an advanced dementia patient and her mood is good ( Read more... )

This coming Monday, my sister Jo arrives in Seattle with our mother. Phyllis is 94, in good shape physically but not so much mentally. Jo has been tending to her the last four or five years. Now, Jo wants to move from Denver to Seattle to be near her son and grandchildren. I've decided to take on Phyllis for a while ( Read more... )

The weather forecast for today has me setting up a series of projects in my basement. The high today will be 86 and I'm a total wimp about heat. This computer is in a coolish spot, so time to post ( Read more... )