Breathing a SIGH of relief.

Aitan,

It's been three days, how is grams doing? I hope gramps is doing alright, too.
We are still praying. It seems we do a lot of praying when dealing with AD. That's about the only thing we can do that really helps.
The economic pinch has affected everyone. For once since Bill and I both retired, I feel like we're better off than those working. At least we aren't worried about losing our jobs like a lot of people are now. What little money we get each month, we're still getting. It's amazing how little you can learn to live on. Bill and I are living proof of that. But it is hard to spend money when you can't leave the house. Thank goodness for the credit card and the internet. If I just had a little corner store where I could call in my grocery list and they'd deliver it, I'd have it made.

Hey Joyce, we actually have that delivery service here in South Florida from our grocery stores, but I don't think many people use it. Grandma and grandpa are doing great, thanks for asking. The doctor prescribed an albuterol/atrovent nebulized breathing treatment for her, and ordered some oxygen. I went over to their house and listened to her lungs, which sounded clear and she wasn't having any trouble breathing, so for now we're holding off on those treatments. This hospice program that she is in is absolutely great. They bring her all the medications and equipment right away and for free. Plus, they send a nurse once a week, and someone to help wash her 3 times a week. It's really a great program, and I wish they offered to all patients. Well I have a fun-filled day of painting a room in my house. Hope everyone is enjoying their day off, if you have one on this President's day.

I'd use it, but guess it would be too far for them to deliver here.

It's good to hear that things are going good right now. I hope it continues.

What's your favorite color? Just don't get any drips on the floor.

Glad to hear that things seem to be going well for grandma.

You are not supposed to work on a holiday though. This is a day to relax.

Thanks for the update Aitan and I'm glad things are better!

Katrina

I have a problem relaxing, but I really need to learn how to do that. I have this darn hamster in my head and he keeps running on that wheel and won't stop. I'm painting the room a dark moca and light beige. Only a couple of walls are getting done in dark, which I think will go well with the espresso furniture I have.

I like the dark moca and light beige idea, but I'd only do one wall dark moca. That seems to be the color around here. Sister, niece and nephew all painted their living rooms that combination. it looks very rich.

I think my hamster died because there's nothing in my head to get me moving.

Hope things are going well with grandma and grandpa

LOL! I hav hampster in my head too? LOL! Joyce's died, I'm telling you Joyce, stand up! I am so glad the immediate crisis is over Aitan. Sometimes I think this disease just puts you into a new full-til-buggy 24/7 alert mode. I hope not, but it has been 10 years of teeth grinding, and sleepless nights for me.

Aitan,

I'm so glad to hear that grams and gramps are doing better.

You literally have to give yourself permission to take time off, dear fellow! About that hamster in your head... I have one, too, but it tends to get wound up about the time I need to go to sleep.

I learned to sit and read or listen to soft music and let my mind wander.

So that's why my head has been pounding and my brain feels like jello. That damned hamster!!!

Jackie

Your room sounds delicious Aitan!

The paint colors sound relaxing. Maybe you can post pics when you get done?

I could never relax when I was in EMS either. Even on days off. Always felt like I was maybe missing a big call perhaps, I guess. Anyways, my hamster just hangs around now, jumps on the wheel for a quick go-around and jumps off for a nap. I think I ran it too hard the last couple of years.

Aitan,

I just love the analogy to the hamster. What an approriate comparison to hypervigilence!

I am relieved for you that things are better with your grandmother.

Listen, my friend, if painting is a way to "slow the hamster down," how about coming to Texas to paint a couple of rooms at my house. Heck, I'd even take you to a super special BBQ place! Besides, what better weather break then from Florida to Texas!

Just had an idea. What if AD caregivers started a "Run with the Hamsters" annual event since most of us can no longer "Run with the Bulls." We could have t-shirts made with LO's pics, have regional gatherings based on time zones, and the one bringing the largest hamster wins one week of free respite, and - well, you get the picture!

Take care, my friend. May you have a beautifully blessed day.

Joyce