Yesterday happenings

A Winter storm in on the way.  Far Guy moved the snowblower next to the door and I grabbed a shovel from the garage.  The last few patio things were put away...chairs and table, watering can and Baxter's water dish. 

I decided to run errands in town and stop by the Nursing Home to see my Dad...he was having a good day and knew who I was and was very happy to see me...he grabbed my hand and didn't want to let go.   I am not sure how much he understood but I updated him on Deer Hunting ( she who sees robins first got a doe), Josh is building a three stall garage, that it was November 9th and that we were going to get a snow storm, the price of gas ($3.49 a gallon) and that it was Election Day yesterday and they are all crooks. 

Dad's go to phrase is "I don't know."  He asked me how many cars I had and if I could take him away and bring him back later.  I said "Not today" and that seemed to pacify him.

I cleaned two more drawers in the bathroom and Far Guy cleaned his drawer because he wanted to get in on the fun too.  The drawers are all done!  I may tackle the bathroom closet soon...or not. 

I had 22 more Christmas cards to finish up...so I worked on them.  

We gave the gas fireplace a test run...just in case the storm knocks out the power.  Always something to look forward to up here in the boonies. 

Far Side

Brown season soon to be white season.

Dementia

Memory loss, difficulty finding words, getting lost, unable to problem solve, unable to do two tasks at once. 

My Dad has dementia, he has been struggling for a few years.   Sometimes his inability to find the right words has him revert back to the Finnish language.  

Yesterday we visited Mom and Dad in their assisted living apartment.  Mom is not real happy being there she misses the house that they sold.  Dad is okay there...his recliner and  TV are in virtually the same spot as in their house.  The food is good since Mom still cooks.  Dad watches basically one program on Netflix  Heartland.   I like that show too and I can understand him liking it.   Dad used to listen to baseball games on the radio and on TV...but he can no longer follow the game.  

Yesterday Dad knew that I was "the oldest kid" and he was happy to see me.  He asked me again "How old are you?"  I finally told him 70 and he said "That is really old"  He knew that he was 95.   Most of the time he does not know what year it is or the month. 

He thanked me in Finn for the card and a bit of money for his billfold.  Kiitos. 

My Dad is the last of his family...all of his brothers and sisters have died.  He is the lone survivor.  He is also a Bladder Cancer survivor since 1986.  It is hard for him being the only one left, he misses his sister Anna very much.

I  miss parts of my Dad;  the memories and remember whens, the one with advice and an opinion, the one who would take the opposite side of a discussion just to be on the other side. ( If he didn't take the opposite side I would) 

My Dad who smiles when he sees me and always welcomes a hug is still there for that I am grateful. 

Far Side