Happy Sunday Morning! On their weekly shopping outing, our next-door neighbor brings in the Detroit News so that I can mentally wrestle with its three large puzzles. This is one of those things that keeps me sane, but today, none were found, even with the additional search of a pharmacy's news rack. I will be forced to go directly to projects. Probably a good thing. -- On July 12th, I gave myself an 87th birthday party with my dear boy and the ladies of my Writers Group in attendance. It was perfect. Not being a slave to tradition turned out to be wise. Immediately after that great time, there was a UTI, antibiotics, and a catheter. Disrupting our norms, those pesky
bacteria are playing havoc with his dementia. Introducing a nurse and a bath aide has kept us housebound except for two doctor appointments. It all changed so fast. Thankfully, LO is not in pain. -- But there are bright spots. One of those things that make life easier was installed yesterday. New stairs and a handrail so that an Olympic act of daring is no longer required to leave through the front door. Just in time because it is the most direct route to the hose, and the planters need a drink. Another thing off the list. Then, there was my maiden voyage on InstaCart. I held off until Friday to use their services, but the time has come to stop pretending that grocery shopping is still possible. Friday, I also talked with the VA about what is available to us. It seems respite care for 10 hours a week might be possible either through them or someone privately contracted by us. A claim has been initiated. If you don't start, a favorable outcome is impossible. This is where we circle back to Instagram. The delivery woman has a CNA license and is looking for work. We exchanged numbers, and I will do my due diligence, but at first glance, this might be a solution where he will be safe, and I can return to my Writers Group and have time left to do grocery shopping. -- I took my first and only rollercoaster ride when I was sixteen. When I found terra firma, I went directly to a garbage bin and tossed my cookies. I had enough sense never to repeat the situation. But being a caregiver does not give you that easy an out. This is the rollercoaster ride that ends only when it chooses to end. So far, so good. I know we are making progress. LO just went downstairs to escape the program on the TV in the front room. He is looking for a hockey game or a golf match. Another sign of getting back to our normal. GloRo