I must admit there were a few times this past week where I thought, my dad makes me look like I have the patience of a saint. He does not hear or see well and when he wants something he wants it yesterday. He went into the bank by himself (told me to wait in the car), next thing I know he comes out huffing and puffing and I realized that there were papers to be filled out and he expected to tell the manager what he wanted. He was very upset. Told me we would go in the morning and hopefully that woman would not be working. I just kept my mouth shut and let him rant. The next morning we went in the bank together and got everything done within 10 minutes and in an orderly fashion. Yes, the manager was working I quietly apologized to her for the day before and explained about my father's hearing and vision. She walked him to the teller to get the appropriate papers done.
My walks this past week have been fantastic. Beautiful skies in the morning as the sun was rising. My highest day was just under seven miles in under two hours. I miss my walking partner and the conversations which would help with the time factor. I have noticed this past week that there are benches set up in different spots along the path, almost an invite to rest or sit down. They almost look like perfect meditation or prayer areas. I was letting my mind wander on Saturday morning and creating all types of stories and poems about the benches - nothing that I would print, but fun stuff in my mind. I have taken some pictures which will be part of the blog. Perhaps when you look at the pictures thoughts of peacefulness will come into your mind as well. What brings you peace? What do you think of the pictures? If you do not see the slideshow - here is a link to the blog site: http://beaconcoaching.weebly.com/blog
My mom has good days and bad days which means my dad has good days and bad days which means I have good days and bad days. It is definitely an emotional roller coaster for me. I realize that whatever my mother does in the moment she will probably not remember in the next moment. I sometimes see glimpses of my mom, but have gotten used to (quicker than I thought I would) to being whomever she wants me to be. I think once my mom is settled in memory care with a set schedule and activities it will also help my dad. I have made some progress with him as he has agreed that he should not be driving and that we can give one car away. Of course there will still be pick up truck here, but he agreed that I can arrange for rides for him. That's a start!
Finished reading "The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green. I know it was a movie that I did not see. The book was very good. Lots of emotion so I shed a few tears. I was able to catch up on some magazines (Thanks BFF for sending them) and a murder mystery. I also pick up a couple of local newspapers per week to catch up on the local news. What are you reading?
My sister, kids and I went for dinner in Plymouth Harbor the other evening. We had some terrific thunder storms late afternoon and then it cleared up beautifully. We saw a rainbow as we walked around and stood on the bridge for a while. We then went to Cupcake Charlies and it was fabulous! (Not as good as my former bosses company, but good.) I had the peanut butter pleasure and they blended it with twisted (choco/vanilla) ice cream...OMG!!!! We each got a different flavor (hostess with the mostess; chocolate overload; orange dreamsicle; and chocolate raspberry surprise) cupcake and each one was wonderful. I brought my dad a lemon drop and he thought it was wonderful. They have other treats and they ship as well - that's an interesting process. Their website is: http://www.cupcakecharlies.com/cupcakemenu.html. We had such a fun evening so we are looking to determine what we will do this upcoming week. What are you doing that's fun?
I have been reviewing lots of memories in the past couple of weeks. As I was walking yesterday and seeing people that I normally do not see during the week, I thought of my childhood and weekenders. Weekenders in my youth were fathers that worked in the city during the week and appeared at the beach for family weekends. My parents would rent a cottage during the summer in Wareham for a couple of weeks or a month. My dad would take a vacation from his main job and work a 2nd or 3rd job during this time frame. He would come to the cottage in Wareham either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. On Saturday mornings he would stop at Angelo's and come home with hot steaming plain donuts that were out of this world! I remember the box would still be hot and the little plastic window on the top would have a whole poked in to let the steam escape. Of course, that grocery store does not exist any more and the cottage has become a year round house, but you can't take away the memories of that time. Why does it seem so many memories are wrapped around food? What happy memories do you have and is food involved?
As most of you know I am not a grocery shopper, but I have to admit I have been going to the store a couple of times per week. Still not having fun and I end up walking all over the place as the layout in this store does not make sense to me. Yesterday I made chili and marinated chicken wings - I was in the grocery store on Friday for an hour trying to find all that I needed. The family just left and I must admit there was only one small container of chili leftover. I guess that means I was successful. We had a fun time and they seemed to enjoy everything. My dad apparently really enjoys my chili...we'll see how his stomach holds up later. There are many times during the week that my dad makes me feel like I don't do things well so to see him really enjoy dinner was great. I have not made lasagna in years although I used to make sauce pretty regularly. Perhaps in the next couple of weeks I'll tackle that again. Do you have something special you like to make and share?
In the last couple of weeks I have been slowing down my other business. I think it was needed as I have not had time to focus on much lately. I appreciate my BFF and others that have been helped me these past few months with my business or it would have gone astray. Now it is more manageable and when I return to VA I can get moving on the right path. I must admit I have been a work work work type person for over 30 years. These past five weeks have been unbelievable in the way my priorities have shifted and what has become more important to me. I still wake up around 4 or so, but turn over and go back to sleep until about 6 when I get up immediately and start walking to get the blood moving and embrace dawn.
I think I have rambled on long enough today. I hope you have a good week. If there is something you want me to talk about in a future blog, just let me know. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
" How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." - Wayne Dyer
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." - Epictetus
“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.” - Dalai Lama
Referrals are always appreciated.