Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Well, hello, ALL!Yes, it's been a while!!! You k...
REMEMBER ME? I'M ADDIE!!!: Well, hello, ALL!
Yes, it's been a while!!! You k...: Well, hello, ALL! Yes, it's been a while!!! You know how it is when you have to depend on someone else. You don't? Then I hope yo...
Yes, it's been a while!!! You k...: Well, hello, ALL! Yes, it's been a while!!! You know how it is when you have to depend on someone else. You don't? Then I hope yo...
Well, hello, ALL!
Yes, it's been a while!!! You know how it is when you have to depend on someone else. You don't? Then I hope you never have to.
I'm not at Friendship Manor any longer. I moved (or was moved) to Raleigh Court back in March. This is a much smaller facility and there's a lot to be sad for that. Plus, it's only three blocks from Tracy and that makes things easier for her. She's been a lifesaver; guess I could even say she's my "golden girl".
My condition is pretty stable and my vital signs are pretty normal, but I sleep a lot. When I'm in one of those sleepy periods, I don't eat very much so I've lost weight. Getting my girlish figure back. (haha) When I'm not sleeping, my appetite is good. Tracy sees to it that I get nourishment.
Are you feeling the heat? Are you getting a lot of rain? I hope all of you are well.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers and know that you're in mine.
Love to All!
Addie
Yes, it's been a while!!! You know how it is when you have to depend on someone else. You don't? Then I hope you never have to.
I'm not at Friendship Manor any longer. I moved (or was moved) to Raleigh Court back in March. This is a much smaller facility and there's a lot to be sad for that. Plus, it's only three blocks from Tracy and that makes things easier for her. She's been a lifesaver; guess I could even say she's my "golden girl".
My condition is pretty stable and my vital signs are pretty normal, but I sleep a lot. When I'm in one of those sleepy periods, I don't eat very much so I've lost weight. Getting my girlish figure back. (haha) When I'm not sleeping, my appetite is good. Tracy sees to it that I get nourishment.
Are you feeling the heat? Are you getting a lot of rain? I hope all of you are well.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers and know that you're in mine.
Love to All!
Addie
Friday, September 30, 2016
Hey! it's me. Addie!
Hey, it’s me. Addie.
This picture is of me in my early twenties when I was Addie
Naomi Basham. Later, I became Addie B. Dillon, but I’ve always been Addie. And I still am.
I lived a pretty good life. I was born to a large, loving
country family. I had good parents, we went to church, we went to school, I
knew love.
Along with my husband, Frank, we owned and operated Frank’s Café (AKA Frank & Addie's Cafe) in Rocky Mount, Virginia for 45 years. In
those years, I received the precious gifts of my children, Greg and Tracy, my grandchildren, Morgan and Layne, and
made so many wonderful friends.
I loved having my extended family visit during Christmas,
one of our two opportunities to gather throughout the year. Since I’ve been
disabled, Tracy and Greg have continued to honor my birthday (December 19) by
hosting a birthday party for me at Friendship Manor. So many of my nieces and
nephews, my brothers and sister, always come to celebrate the day. In some way, it has been a way to continue
that tradition.
The second was our annual family reunion. I never missed
one. They were a highlight of my life when I got to visit with my many aunts and
uncles and cousins from outlying areas. Those were great times.
I had the opportunity to travel extensively. I traveled
abroad and to many of the states in the US. I loved it, experiencing different
cultures, seeing the tourist attractions.
On December 19th, I will be 85 years old. Over
those 85 years, I experienced much happiness.
I experienced sorrow. I was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother,
and a great grandmother, and a professional business woman. I worked hard, I loved hard, I lived my life. Isn't that what it's all about?
The past few years have been difficult. Dementia is painful.
For everyone.
BUT
…
I’m still here!
Love to you all,
Addie
 |
| Thank you, Tracy, for your love and dedication. |
 |
| My twin, Alcoy (1931 - 1947) |
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
I'm here!
Wednesday, August 19th
Hello, Everyone!
I seem to have adapted an interesting behavior pattern. I alternately appear to be sleeping for days and then, suddenly, I'm wide awake and connected to my surroundings. I'm sure it's more interesting for Greg and Tracy to find me alert and "talkative." My weight is stable and my medical reports are excellent. The anemia I once experienced is gone and my levels are all within acceptable limits. As Tracy says, "That's what happens when she is fed decent food." I can't complain about the food now; most of it actually tastes pretty good and is well prepared. I can't complain about portion size either. Most of the time it's enough for two.
Tracy and Greg continue to feed me every day, either lunch or dinner meals, so they know at least I get one adequate meal a day.
Summer is flying by and soon the trees outside my window will begin to turn. I hope you've had a good summer, got a relaxing vacation.
Love to all of you,
Addie
Hello, Everyone!
I seem to have adapted an interesting behavior pattern. I alternately appear to be sleeping for days and then, suddenly, I'm wide awake and connected to my surroundings. I'm sure it's more interesting for Greg and Tracy to find me alert and "talkative." My weight is stable and my medical reports are excellent. The anemia I once experienced is gone and my levels are all within acceptable limits. As Tracy says, "That's what happens when she is fed decent food." I can't complain about the food now; most of it actually tastes pretty good and is well prepared. I can't complain about portion size either. Most of the time it's enough for two.
Tracy and Greg continue to feed me every day, either lunch or dinner meals, so they know at least I get one adequate meal a day.
Summer is flying by and soon the trees outside my window will begin to turn. I hope you've had a good summer, got a relaxing vacation.
Love to all of you,
Addie
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Family Reunion Time
Thursday, June 25th
Hello, Everyone!!!
This coming Sunday is our annual Family Reunion. (June 28th). I always looked forward to this every year. I got to see all my cousins - June & Jean, Brian, so many others. I enjoyed getting my family (Frank, Greg & Tracy) ready to go. Everyone needed to be spit polished and shined up good. New outfits, probably. Then cook, cook, cook. Always took a big roasted turkey breast and lots of other side dishes. (She made the best cole slaw on planet Earth. - Among other things - Lots of practice at home and at Frank & Addie's Cafe in downtown Rocky Mount. - Author)
Here's a picture of the last one I attended.
I'm looking fantastic in this picture. Much, much younger than my years. That's what comes of hard work and taking good care of yourself. Eat right, keep that weight off, and exercise.
Left to right: My nephew Davis, niece Donna, niece Beverly, daughter Tracy, niece Cheryl, niece Patricia, nephew Larry, ME - ADDIE, and nephew Dale holding my hand. What a sweet memory for all of us.
God blessed me with many happy times and many happy years.
Have fun! I'll be there in spirit.
Much Love,
Addie
Hello, Everyone!!!
This coming Sunday is our annual Family Reunion. (June 28th). I always looked forward to this every year. I got to see all my cousins - June & Jean, Brian, so many others. I enjoyed getting my family (Frank, Greg & Tracy) ready to go. Everyone needed to be spit polished and shined up good. New outfits, probably. Then cook, cook, cook. Always took a big roasted turkey breast and lots of other side dishes. (She made the best cole slaw on planet Earth. - Among other things - Lots of practice at home and at Frank & Addie's Cafe in downtown Rocky Mount. - Author)
Here's a picture of the last one I attended.
I'm looking fantastic in this picture. Much, much younger than my years. That's what comes of hard work and taking good care of yourself. Eat right, keep that weight off, and exercise.
Left to right: My nephew Davis, niece Donna, niece Beverly, daughter Tracy, niece Cheryl, niece Patricia, nephew Larry, ME - ADDIE, and nephew Dale holding my hand. What a sweet memory for all of us.
God blessed me with many happy times and many happy years.
Have fun! I'll be there in spirit.
Much Love,
Addie
Thursday, April 16, 2015
I've Been Too Quiet!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Hello, Everybody!
I've kept a pretty low profile recently - been having a few issues with blisters that are apparently connected to my immune system. One large one on the bottom of my foot kept me in bed for several days, but I'm mobile again (in my wheelchair) and on additional meds to include Prednisone, which sort of kicks me into high gear so I've been a "Chatty Kathy" lately. Yesterday, I surprised Tracy by asking her if she were sad. Makes everybody wonder where these casual comments come from.
But, as you can see by the photo, I'm doing as well as can be expected. Friendship Retirement Community continues to send mixed signals, mis-communicate and, in general, just drive Tracy batty. (or battier, if that's a word.) Haha.
I love a good laugh, always did.
Hello, Everybody!
I've kept a pretty low profile recently - been having a few issues with blisters that are apparently connected to my immune system. One large one on the bottom of my foot kept me in bed for several days, but I'm mobile again (in my wheelchair) and on additional meds to include Prednisone, which sort of kicks me into high gear so I've been a "Chatty Kathy" lately. Yesterday, I surprised Tracy by asking her if she were sad. Makes everybody wonder where these casual comments come from.
But, as you can see by the photo, I'm doing as well as can be expected. Friendship Retirement Community continues to send mixed signals, mis-communicate and, in general, just drive Tracy batty. (or battier, if that's a word.) Haha.
I love a good laugh, always did.
Did you remember to file your taxes? I certainly paid my fair share in my day.
Keep dodging the raindrops and enjoy the beauty of Springtime
Love to all,
Addie
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Remember When?
Tuesday, March 10th
Hello, All!!!
Enough with winter. Springtime is right around the corner and who doesn't like Spring???
Just wanted to tell you I'm missing you. Just last week I told Tracy twice "I'm going home." Bless her heart, she said we'd go tomorrow. There's a lot of sadness in this, folks.
Do you recognize these two people? That's Frank and I at Greg and Debra's wedding. So many years ago, and now they're grandparents.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Love to all,
Addie
Hello, All!!!
Enough with winter. Springtime is right around the corner and who doesn't like Spring???
Just wanted to tell you I'm missing you. Just last week I told Tracy twice "I'm going home." Bless her heart, she said we'd go tomorrow. There's a lot of sadness in this, folks.
Do you recognize these two people? That's Frank and I at Greg and Debra's wedding. So many years ago, and now they're grandparents.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Love to all,
Addie
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Is it Springtime yet?
Saturday, February 28th
Hello, All!
Snow, snow, snow - not much else to say. Anybody up for a sleigh ride? I used to love the snow when we would build a bonfire (is that rubber I smell burning?) on the hilltop of the pasture near the highway on 122 between our house and the Roades'. Friends from all around would come for the fun. Of course, I don't think any of us had sleds that looked like this. We rode whatever we could find that would stay on top of the snow. I don't like the cold weather, but it never got too cold for a good ole sledding night.
I'm pretty much the same as usual, some sleepy days, and some days when I'm alert and "talkative." My appetite continues to be well, and since my "fall" when they dropped me, I'm receiving better than usual care. Guess nobody wants to talk liability.
Stay bundled up and warm.
Love to all,
Addie
Hello, All!
Snow, snow, snow - not much else to say. Anybody up for a sleigh ride? I used to love the snow when we would build a bonfire (is that rubber I smell burning?) on the hilltop of the pasture near the highway on 122 between our house and the Roades'. Friends from all around would come for the fun. Of course, I don't think any of us had sleds that looked like this. We rode whatever we could find that would stay on top of the snow. I don't like the cold weather, but it never got too cold for a good ole sledding night.
I'm pretty much the same as usual, some sleepy days, and some days when I'm alert and "talkative." My appetite continues to be well, and since my "fall" when they dropped me, I'm receiving better than usual care. Guess nobody wants to talk liability.
Stay bundled up and warm.
Love to all,
Addie
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday, January 30th
Hello, All!
I hope your new year is getting off to a good start. Mine? Well, not so much.
Friendship Retirement Community staff managed somehow to drop me a few days ago and, apparently, the back of my head made contact with the metal sidebar of my bed, since there was a smear of blood there. Fortunately, there was no real damage - just a trip to Memorial Hospital in the middle of the night and another "heart attack" experience for Tracy. X-Rays revealed no damage and I went back to the "comfort" of my own bed shortly thereafter.
Now back to the word apparently: Since I can offer no assistance to the aides as they get me up or lower me back into bed, they use a lift for this undertaking. How do you drop someone from a lift? Apparently, poor training or lack of attention. Or both? Oh, well! Just another day in the life of a resident in this place.
Here's a recent picture. I'm sleeping a lot lately but wide awake for this photo shot. Guess it's the cold weather.
Love to all,
Addie
Hello, All!
I hope your new year is getting off to a good start. Mine? Well, not so much.
Friendship Retirement Community staff managed somehow to drop me a few days ago and, apparently, the back of my head made contact with the metal sidebar of my bed, since there was a smear of blood there. Fortunately, there was no real damage - just a trip to Memorial Hospital in the middle of the night and another "heart attack" experience for Tracy. X-Rays revealed no damage and I went back to the "comfort" of my own bed shortly thereafter.
Now back to the word apparently: Since I can offer no assistance to the aides as they get me up or lower me back into bed, they use a lift for this undertaking. How do you drop someone from a lift? Apparently, poor training or lack of attention. Or both? Oh, well! Just another day in the life of a resident in this place.
Here's a recent picture. I'm sleeping a lot lately but wide awake for this photo shot. Guess it's the cold weather.
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| Add caption |
Love to all,
Addie
Friday, January 9, 2015
Happy New Year
Friday, January 9, 2015
Hello, All! I'm baaaaaaack!
After sleeping through my birthday party, and for the most part of the following two weeks, Tracy became alarmed and started the magic fried chicken liver diet. It worked. 24 Hours later, I'm awake and talking - even answering Yes and NO questions.
Tracy also asked for a UTI exam, in case that happened to be the problem, but people here at Friendship Retirement Community are slow to respond - if they ever do.
It's hard to predict when I'm going to be alert, but my family is grateful every time they see my eyes open and expression on my face.
Blessings to all!
Addie
Hello, All! I'm baaaaaaack!
 |
| Not the Best Picture in the World, but I'm AWAKE! |
Tracy also asked for a UTI exam, in case that happened to be the problem, but people here at Friendship Retirement Community are slow to respond - if they ever do.
It's hard to predict when I'm going to be alert, but my family is grateful every time they see my eyes open and expression on my face.
Blessings to all!
Addie
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
They Remembered Me!
Saturday, December 20th
Hello, All,
Here are some pictures from my birthday party on Saturday. A lady never reveals her age but I’ll give you a hint; December 19, 1931.
Hello, All,
Here are some pictures from my birthday party on Saturday. A lady never reveals her age but I’ll give you a hint; December 19, 1931.
It wasn't one of my better days and I wasn't very engaged,
but everyone seemed to understand. That jingle bell elf hat Patricia brought
was a big hit and so funny, it did get my attention.
 |
| My Family |
 |
| My Brothers and Sister |
 |
| I'm The Birthday Girl! |
My brothers, Frank and Johnny, were there, as well as my son Greg with his family, (wife Debra, granddaughter Morgan and grandson Layne with his girlfriend).
Nieces Patricia (with her husband Ron), Darlene, Donna, Belinda, and, of course, my daughter Tracy and sister Barbara were there. There were gifts, snacks, drinks, and ice cream birthday cake to enjoy along with all the fellowship and family love.
My room looks festive with the fresh roses and microfiber
candle, plus I’m also receiving lots of Christmas cards for my bulletin
board. Thank you for remembering me.
I’m remembering all those past Christmases; Santa always
found us and I prepared Christmas breakfast in our home with pounds of bacon
and lots of eggs and homemade biscuits, not to mention the rest of the menu.
And I always looked forward to having my extended family at my home for
Christmas dinner the first Sunday after Christmas Day. The house was beautifully decorated and
overflowing with loved ones who all brought covered dishes to fill every flat
surface.
Many of my siblings and their
mates who always came have passed on, but there’s still plenty of love to
share. I hope the new generation will continue to embrace the family unity my
parents instilled in us.
Let’s offer up our prayers for all for a safe and happy
holiday season and a Merry Christmas!
Happy holiday wishes and lots of Love from me to you,
Addie
Addie
Thursday, December 4, 2014
My Birthday is Coming Soon!
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
Happy
birthday, dear Addie,
Happy birthday to me!
My twin brother, Alcoy, and I were born on December 19,
1931, so you can do the math. They named me Addie Naomi Basham.
Naomi, of all names. I
never liked that name. Mama said her
cousin Naomi had promised if she would just name that pretty baby after her she
would give me a present on every birthday.
Wonder what happened to that promise?
I got the name but never the gift. I got used to it after a while, but
you’ll notice I always signed my name Addie B. Dillon. :)
The years passed by so fast.
This past year I became a great grandmother.
My, my, how time does fly.
I thought you might like to see some pictures of my past
birthdays.
 |
| Celebrating at Kubuki with Tracy and Friends |
 |
| Cutting the Cake at My 80th Birthday in Bedford Mountains with Family |
Thinking of you!
Love,
Addie
Monday, November 24, 2014
Time to Be Thankful!
Look at this beautiful card I received from a Sunday School friend, Linda Boitnott. It's so nice to be remembered by my church friends.
I remember many wonderful Thanksgiving holidays spent with my family. Time changes things, but memories remain.
Have a Blessed holiday with your friends and loved ones and, if you're traveling, be safe! It is, indeed, "A Time to Give Thanks"!
Love, Addie
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Company Came!
My sister visited from North Carolina this week and she brought her scissors. I really was in need of a haircut, but hopefully next time it will be someone with greater qualifications.
I also got to see my son Greg twice on Saturday which is always wonderful. I hope they remember how much I love them, Tracy and Greg. And my grandchildren, Morgan and Layne.
I also got to see my son Greg twice on Saturday which is always wonderful. I hope they remember how much I love them, Tracy and Greg. And my grandchildren, Morgan and Layne.
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| No More Ponytail! Haha |
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Thursday, November 6th
Hey, Y'all!
It's been interesting (?) around here lately. Tracy comes in one evening lately to check up on me and feed me my dinner (which, btw, I'm continuing to try to feed myself and once said to Tracy, "Let me do it.") and guess what she finds lying on the nightstand by my bed? Soiled undergarment. Just left lying there. So disgusting. It's really a good thing I don't pay much attention to detail lately; this would be mortifying for me. Just plain STUPIDITY!
(Author's Note: Addie - always such a stickler for cleanliness and privacy).
Tracy is considering joining a protest group on the grounds at the White House. Yes, seriously, there is such a thing in process. Anyone interested in joining her?
BTW, I think a photo of the soiled undergarment is being posted on the Nursing Home Complaint site - it's not appropriate for this blog.
Wishing all of you a beautiful autumn weekend.
Love,
Addie
Hey, Y'all!
It's been interesting (?) around here lately. Tracy comes in one evening lately to check up on me and feed me my dinner (which, btw, I'm continuing to try to feed myself and once said to Tracy, "Let me do it.") and guess what she finds lying on the nightstand by my bed? Soiled undergarment. Just left lying there. So disgusting. It's really a good thing I don't pay much attention to detail lately; this would be mortifying for me. Just plain STUPIDITY!
(Author's Note: Addie - always such a stickler for cleanliness and privacy).
Tracy is considering joining a protest group on the grounds at the White House. Yes, seriously, there is such a thing in process. Anyone interested in joining her?
BTW, I think a photo of the soiled undergarment is being posted on the Nursing Home Complaint site - it's not appropriate for this blog.
Wishing all of you a beautiful autumn weekend.
Love,
Addie
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
BOO!
Wednesday, October 29th
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
In case you didn't know, I've always been politically active and now that the polls are open for early voting, I hope you get out and vote. If you can't go early, don't miss the deadline! Your vote is important. Just be sure to vote conservatively, AS I ALWAYS DID. :) I took my turn volunteering at the polls for many years and enjoyed the entire process. Always had patriotic clothing and my American flag. One year I bought really cute t-shirts for my sister and myself. We wore them until they fell apart - literally.
Tracy gets soooo outdone when she finds things like this (picture below). Occasionally, I need to be repositioned in my chair or lifted out of bed. No matter how often they're told otherwise, aides continue to lift me by my pants. Yes, rips up my pants and, potentially, harmful. What's a girl going to do? They can't be monitored all the time. Or can they? Anyone ever heard of a nanny-cam???
If you're out Trick or Treating, watch out for the traffic. Not to mention, witches, ghosts & goblins.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
In case you didn't know, I've always been politically active and now that the polls are open for early voting, I hope you get out and vote. If you can't go early, don't miss the deadline! Your vote is important. Just be sure to vote conservatively, AS I ALWAYS DID. :) I took my turn volunteering at the polls for many years and enjoyed the entire process. Always had patriotic clothing and my American flag. One year I bought really cute t-shirts for my sister and myself. We wore them until they fell apart - literally.
Tracy gets soooo outdone when she finds things like this (picture below). Occasionally, I need to be repositioned in my chair or lifted out of bed. No matter how often they're told otherwise, aides continue to lift me by my pants. Yes, rips up my pants and, potentially, harmful. What's a girl going to do? They can't be monitored all the time. Or can they? Anyone ever heard of a nanny-cam???
 |
And these were my favorite jeans! |
Happy Autumn.
Love to all!
Addie
Friday, October 17, 2014
It's the WEEKEND!
Friday, October 17th
Hello, All,
Here I am having a cup of ginger ale. Seems simple enough but an accomplishment for me!
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Also, thanks, Rocky Mount Baptist Church. Another nice greeting care received. So thoughtful.
Love to all,
Addie
Hello, All,
Here I am having a cup of ginger ale. Seems simple enough but an accomplishment for me!
Also, thanks, Rocky Mount Baptist Church. Another nice greeting care received. So thoughtful.
Love to all,
Addie
Monday, October 6, 2014
I have always loved company!
Monday, October 6th
What a great surprise yesterday to see my former employee for many years and a beloved caretaker once my physical situation changed. It was great to see Joyce who brought her daughter and her husband with her. Now that she knows where I am, I hope to be seeing more of her.
What a great surprise yesterday to see my former employee for many years and a beloved caretaker once my physical situation changed. It was great to see Joyce who brought her daughter and her husband with her. Now that she knows where I am, I hope to be seeing more of her.
If you happen to be at Valley View Mall and have a few minutes to spare I'd love to see you. Friendship Manor is located on Hershberger about five minutes away from the mall. Afternoons are great for me and I do love company.
(P.S. I've lost 8 ozs. Not a huge number but it's better than gaining 8 ozs...agree?)
Love to you all,
Addie
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