I did get caught in the rain this morning as I was walking. I left the house and the sky was blue above my head and I saw see clouds off to the east. About two miles into the walk the skies opened up - at least there was no thunder or lightening as I walked under trees. It rained for a little bit, but then the sun came out before I was done. I have been averaging about 5 miles per morning which I don't think is too bad. Are you walking a bit?
What I noticed this past week on my morning walks was the smells of morning. I know that might sound weird to some people. Usually there is a spot or two where you can smell the mold/mildew of the damp trees. This past week I noticed the smells of gardens, but in one part of the neighborhood all I could smell was garlic - I thought wow someone is really cooking this morning before 7. Then I smelled fish in another part of the neighborhood - that was not the most pleasant smell that early in the morning. I did love when I walked down one street and it smelled like the whole street was cooking bacon! No wonder I enjoy going out to breakfast. What do you notice around you?
My emotions and energy levels felt pretty level this past week. Perhaps because I'm getting paperwork together and some of the people I have been dealing with have been kind and considerate. My dad did get a little testy with me the other day but that is because of all the paperwork. He worries about everything being requested and that it won't get done before I leave. I think I'm sleeping pretty deep and most mornings I can get right up out of bed. The other night I heard a heavy truck engine and then realized I was seeing red flashing lights. The fire engine stopped right outside my window and then the ambulance came- neither use sirens coming into the neighborhood. The elderly woman next door was taken to the hospital. I think she came home today, but if I see her daughter tomorrow I'll find out for sure.
My mom had an overall good week. She had a little bit of a rough start yesterday, but finished strong. My mom has always been a slow paced person so I think when she is woken up early and has to get dressed quickly she gets persnickety. If she has a decent mid morning nap she seems a bit better by late morning. Oh well, that's my observation for all the good that does to the world. There were a few new faces at the hospital this week - more people to get to know.
My dad was impressed with my handywoman skills this week. He asked if I remembered how Shamus and I put the doors on the TV stand and if I could add the doors to the one he had. I said sure - so I got that done easily enough and then hung some pictures up that have been hanging around. Of course today he said something about how I did not center a picture and it was crooked. Thank goodness the rest of the family was here when he said it. I looked at him and said, papa I did not put up those pictures. He said you didn't then who did? My sister laughed and said, Papa you and I put up those pictures. I said thank goodness it was not me! He did not have anything to say about that - guess it suddenly became centered....LOL! How are your handy skills?
My dad and I had a great lunch with my sister and her family Saturday. We wanted to get together as Shamus left for Germany Saturday night. They all came to visit my mom first and then we all went to lunch at the Smokehouse. DELICIOUS! My dad and I had gone last week and we had another excellent meal today. Everyone enjoyed their meals.
I am planning my return to Virginia. I am going to be in Virginia for the month of September and then back to Massachusetts in October. So far I am planning a month at a time. I think my father understands that and he won't feel that I'm "moving" in and taking over. For those that know me, I know you'll find it hard to believe that I won't take over....LOL! I can't wait to catch up with my friends, my trainer and get myself back on a normal schedule. Of course as I write that I'm thinking, but you have not been retired in Virginia.
I was busy reading this past week. Nothing heavy, mostly murder mysteries and magazines as I catch up with my mail. What are you reading?
Thanks for the calls and notes that have been coming in. I hope I have gotten back to everyone. I appreciate the sounding boards that many of you have been. I am also grateful for the advice received from those that have dealt with Alzheimers.
I am going to end it here today. I hope you have a good week. Some of the schools here head back this week - I can't believe it the summer has flown by. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” -William S. Burroughs
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it." -Andy Rooney
"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." -Robert Schuller
Referrals are always appreciated.