Now that's putting your money where your mouth is :)

Thursday, July 31st

I won't say which one, but one of my favorite nieces (and you're ALL my favorite) just made a contribution to the Alzheimer's Foundation in my name.  She didn't bring it to our attention herself, but Tracy was notified by mail about the donation.  I don't get to see her often anymore but I remember being in her home when she was just a little girl and I was visiting with her mother and father and, again, visiting with her and her family in her home as an older adult.  Distance makes it difficult for her to visit me now, but knowing that she was thinking about me touches my heart.  Thank you, Niece.  I know that you love me and that's what matters most.

I receive cards routinely from Rocky Mount Baptist Church and sometimes from others.  While I may not actually understand the process anymore, it does please Tracy and Greg to know that I'm not forgotten.  This may be the hardest part of dementia for family members.

Actually, Tracy has been a bit surprised lately by some of my actions.  I'm showing more awareness of what's going on around me and WITH me.  I'm talking more (what I say may not be pertinent to the conversation, but I know what I mean - and sometimes it is), and I'm performing more routine and automatic behavior - like reaching for my beverage cup and drinking from it without assistance.

Thanks for keeping up with my blog.  Who knows?  I'm physically very healthy and there may someday be a treatment that will bring my mind and my life back together.  We're all hoping for that.

ME AND MY FAVORITE GIRL

Heyyyy

Saturday, July 26th

Today will be Greg's turn to visit.  He's my only son and I really to do love that he continues to come here at least twice a week to spend time with me and check on my well-being.  Both of them, Greg and Tracy, have busy lives and they've continued for many years now to visit and see to my needs.  It's not easy.

Yesterday was another one of Tracy's days.  After my dinner of ham and sweet potatoes (along with the usual fare), she pushed my wheelchair outside so I could get some fresh air.  The evening temperature was comfortable and as you can see there was a slight breeze.  I enjoyed the change of scenery.  Since I no longer walk on my own since the broken hip and dehydration episode, my scenery is pretty much limited to the inside walls and halls so, even though I've never really enjoyed being outside, it's nice to see something different.

If you're shopping in Roanoke and in the Hershberger area, stop by for a visit. Visitors are always a treat for me.  Maybe you could just plan a special trip to visit?

Tracy and I enjoying the evening breeze. 

Ho Hum...

Not much happening today.  Tracy was here for my evening meal and I did my best to please her with my hearty appetite. Dinner was actually good.  Pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted red potatoes (yes, two potatoes - probably some kind of kitchen error but they were both good), lots of carrots (which I really like), strawberries, cottage cheese, fruit cocktail, and my usual beverages. Whooooh, I'm full.

Every day at Friendship is a Throwback but since there's this Throwback Thursday going on these days, I thought I'd find something to amuse you.  That's me front row left.  Click on the link to hear a song that fits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trD3Kqf-g0w

Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted sisters.........

Update!

(Several days ago)  Today I had an outing to a dermatologist's office.  Not exactly the kind of outing one looks forward to, but an outing, nonetheless. I have a skin eruption which the doctor believes is pemphigus.  There are two types but if his diagnosis is accurate, I probably have this type:

• Pemphigus foliaceus.  The blisters, which usually begin on your face and scalp and later erupt on your chest and back, usually aren't painful, and occur primarily in older people.

We should have results of the biopsy within ten days.  In the meantime, they don't seem to bother me much; they are medicated and bandaged to keep me from bumping or scratching, causing further injury.  I'll keep you updated.)

Update:  Back to the dermatologist's office today for results and it was GOOD NEWS. The doctor was extremely pleased with how well I am responding to medication. Will stay on the meds until there is a complete cure but it's healing fast. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and good thoughts.

Here I am in the waiting room at the doctor's office.  (Anything for an outing).  The folks at Friendship insist on brushing my hair straight back off my forehead and I would NEVER have liked that, but what the hey?  I think I look pretty darned good!!!

It's the Weekend!

Good morning, All!

Here it is Saturday again.  I hope you have something fun to do this weekend.  I have so many wonderful memories of sharing fun times with lots of you.

Did you ever get to meet or know my twin brother?  I wanted to share this picture of Alcoy with you. We lost him before our 16th birthday to a tractor accident on the farm.  People say there's an unexplained connection between twins; I don't know about that but I do know that every time I've walked into a room filled with people, I was always looking for someone.  I've missed him all my life.

He was a bit unlike most of our family - quiet, almost wistful - with a sweet spirit and personality. I always thought he had the soul of a poet.   And, as you can see, he's quite handsome.

William Alcoy Basham  / 1931 - 1946

Excitement?

There are many different kinds of excitement and this place is usually pretty quiet but I'm sure by now you've heard about the shooting that took place here last evening.  Just in case you heard and were wondering, I'm fine.

There's no word yet from the dermatologist visit last week, but they did say within ten days.  I'll let you know when I hear.

This picture was taken at a high school reunion many years ago.  This was about the same time when I was president of my chapter of ABWA.  Time is a vapor.

Wednesday, July 9th

Today I had an outing to a dermatologist's office.  Not exactly the kind of outing one looks forward to, but an outing, nonetheless.

I have a skin eruption which the doctor believes is pemphigus.  There are two types but if his diagnosis is accurate, I probably have this type:

• Pemphigus foliaceus.  The blisters, which usually begin on your face and scalp and later erupt on your chest and back, usually aren't painful, and occur primarily in older people.

We should have results of the biopsy within ten days.  In the meantime, they don't seem to bother me much; they are medicated and bandaged to keep me from bumping or scratching, causing further injury.  I'll keep you updated.

I hope you're enjoying your day today.  What day is it?  Oh, that's right, it's Hump Day!  There's that silly camel.  (Yes, I occasionally see things that you can't see.  HaHa!)

Thanks for going along to the doctor's office with me, Tracy!

Monday, July 7th

Hello, It's me, again!  Addie -

Summertime is here - I spend a lot of time lost in my memories these days and I've been thinking about many summers ago when we used to have a place at Campers Paradise on Smith Mountain Lake.  Back then, there were camper lots on the hillside above the marina and for several seasons we had a vacation trailer located on one of them where we spent the warm summer weekends.  My brother built and owned the original marina; in those days it was just a dock with a gas pump, a refrigerator for fish bait, and vending machines.  A true Campers Paradise.

So many memories of family visits, children sliding downhill in the mud, getting that boat launched successfully into the water (or not), children fishing from the dock and squealing with delight at their catch.  Boating with the family - my little ones in their wet swimsuits, wet towels.  It was a long time ago, like so many other important happenings.

Last week was a good week with a visit from a precious friend (J. D. Robertson and his son, Chaz) from the old days.  It's nice to be remembered.  I hope all of you will be - always.

In the meanwhile, have a BALL this summer!

Sunday, July 6th

I've missed Tracy this weekend.  I think she's been visiting with her aunt in North Carolina and I know she needs a break every now and then.  Greg filled in for her, visiting each day, so I have not been deserted.  My children are very dedicated to my care, thank God.

Here's a picture Tracy took recently.  She likes to take my picture and I've always like having my picture taken so it's easy for her to get me to smile, but it can be dangerous.  Once she told me to say "cheese" and look what I got!

Would you offer this to your mother for dinner/supper?  To your dog?  Not every tray looks like this but, seriously???

Wednesday, July 2nd

ONCE UPON A TIME!

What a wonderful day.  I had a visitor from the past.  I knew him right away, as you can tell from the picture.  The sweetest part?  I got a kiss on the cheek and he prayed with me.  For one precious moment, time stood still.  We were young once again, teenagers at Epworth Methodist Church.  Young and strong.  Time passes so fast.

Thank you, Chaz, for bringing your dad, J. D. Robertson, to see me.  Not every son would do this.  You did.  Addie's family loves you.

Tuesday, July 1st

As promised, today's message will explain the best visit situation.

I am not an early bird.  If you come before eleven, you will probably find me still sleeping or, at best, fairly unresponsive.  My lunch is around the noon hour (whenever the trays are delivered).  After lunch, I'll be awake and fairly alert for an hour or so and then I'm going down for an afternoon nap until 4:30-ish.  Dinner trays are out around 5:30 and I'll be fairly alert until 7-8:00.

So the best time for a visit?  After lunch and dinner.  If I happen to be sleeping in my room, the staff will get me up for you.  Or I may be hanging out in the Day Room.

If you can alert Tracy you're coming, she'll let the staff know so they can make adjustments ahead of time for your visit.

Also, if I'm having a good day and able to respond to your questions/comments, please give me time to process.  I have too much time without mental stimulation and it takes me a while to get there.

I learned today an old friend plans to visit later this week. That's a great thing!

MAKES ME SMILE!!!!