Sunday, February 16, 2014

Went to church this morning, but had to get mom up first and give her breakfast. Fortunately, Rob took care of the coffee and juice. And I remembered to give her the turmeric. I knew Mike would ask about it, so I didn’t want to say I had forgotten. Anyhow, I told her that today Mike would be coming over to do his laundry. Normally, she would ask who he was. But she seemed to remember a bit. Than after church, I told her I was going to pick up someone who had to do his laundry here. I asked her if she remembered who. Mom hesitated for a second, but then said, “Mike.” Of course, we are only into a full week with the turmeric, but I would say this is quite a turnabout.

Mom sleeps well here, in part because Aunt Rose is no longer sharing her bed. Rose was quite ill there for a while and would awaken vomiting and coughing in her own vomit. She would also evacuate her bowels and bladder in bed. So nights were tough for mom for quite a while. The worst that happens here is that a dog will bark early in the morning, eliciting a Shut up from mom. Fortunately, the dogs’ feelings are not easily hurt. 

Call from my friend Richard B. tonight. I placed a bid for him on eBay—my first bid ever. This is for a Johnson Brothers Victorian creamer. Hope he gets it. It’s quite beautiful. Nice that he wants to complete the set and keep things intact. Says something for him, his memories, appreciation of lovely things, his past. Richard is in his early 80s. Life was and has been good to him. He still cares. His lovely wife is long gone, but Richard will leave precious things to his boys, his wife’s sons. I hope they appreciate his efforts. Family, memories, a set of china—intact. How wonderful is that!

Speaking of memories, I showed mom some photos that Ann sent. She recognized her son and her sister Rose. And this time, she did not call me Rose. This time, she did not point to that ancient face and say, That’s you, Rose. This time, she spared me. 

Still soup weather. It’s a balmy 24 degrees right now, but will go down to single digits tonight. The snow is piled high and promises to get higher with more snow coming this week and the week after next. Who knows? Weather’s a crapshoot. But soup—well, soup is a necessity. I am making broccoli cheddar soup with organic broccoli, sautéed onions, potatoes, and cheddar cheese and sprinkling it with Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground pepper (is there any other kind?). We keep the big pots of soup out on the porch, where they practically freeze overnight. It’s nice to have an extra place to keep the foods that must be kept cold. Mom says she doesn’t like soup, but usually finishes it right up. I serve hers in a cup so she won’t be any the wiser. She loves my soups. 

Dog Run

Dogs must go out into the cold once more. They have only a small spot in which to do their business—at least until we shovel out a bigger place. Val can run the yard, but Lucy cannot. Still, she manages. Yesterday, I caught Val eating poopsicles. So I ran outside to stop him and slipped in the snow. Am planning to call Dr. B, best chiropractor in town, to undo any damage. Doesn’t pay to get crazy over what the dogs do. Had to burn candles (found a few of the soy variety) to overcome the smells Val was venting thanks to his overly rich snack. Oy! Candles do help.

Must call Dr. S tomorrow. I think mom has a bladder infection. Her urine is rank and she is experiencing frequency—unbeknownst to her. If you tell mom she has just been to the bathroom, she will deny it. Or she will cover up her ignorance by saying, But I didn’t go. I just sat here. Of course, you know she went, and you wiped her butt. Wonder how long it will take the turmeric to really kick in. Wonder if it will. Am willing to give it a chance and will keep giving it to mom. You never know. Also need to look into D-mannose to prevent bladder infections. It’s good to be vigilant, but caregiving never gets easier. Caregiving has its endless routines, but it is never routine.