Saturday, March 14, 2015

Life's Ups and Downs



This has been one of those weeks.  You know the kind that has its ups and downs.  I've been having computer issues all week and have spent many hours getting "help."  I probably need to look about getting another computer as mine is getting older.  I'm from the generation where we expect things to last!  Oh well, I need to get over that one.







I took this photograph on the evening of March 6, 2015.  There was snow on the ground still, even though the Worm Moon comes when the ground softens as the earthworm casts reappear so the robins return. The ground is now quite soft and we have seen lot's of robins!  And a lot of mourning doves!








We visited my husband's older brother this week. He lives 4 hours away.  He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple of years ago.  This is such a devastating disease.  He is now in a memory care unit as his wife can no longer care for him.  This was a shocking and emotional visit for my husband and his sister as well as me.  We all knew this would be the way it would go.  Knowing and seeing are two different things.  Thankfully for his wife, three of their four children live close by.

Check out this website to learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia.  http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp





Train Trestle into our local station



On a lighter , brighter note, our weather has greatly improved.  We have been in the 50's and some 60's.  Hurrah!  It was a beautiful day driving on Thursday as we travelled to see my brother-in-law and family.  We were so happy to have the sun shining and safe travels.



I'm excited that our daughter is coming by train for a visit this week.  I sure do miss her as she lives in NH----I know her son will be glad to see her.  Another of our grandsons will be having a birthday so it will be nice to have the family all together.



 

16 comments:

  1. Sometimes I find myself shocked that things don't last and the price of replacing. Guess computers are on that list. Bloggers may feel this quite acutely, of course. Your daughter will be very happy to escape from winter to spring. Very glad that the weather is looking up there. Share spring as often as you'd like.

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    1. Vee, most of our snow has now either melted or has been washed away by rain. Hopefully I'll be able to share photos of daffodils or something blooming. ♥

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  2. I'm glad that you have a more uplifting week to look forward, too. I've not known anyone personally with Alzheimer's but I've read about it and seen movies depicting it so I'm aware of the emotional impact it has on the family. I was just reading about a new treatment they're experimenting with for the memory loss. But I know there is more to this disease than just the memory loss, so it must be especially hard on those who love him.

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    1. Cathy, this is my first personal experience with Alzheimer's. It's heartbreaking to see the decline in a person's ability to function. I've read about those new treatments and hopefully it will help someone in the future. ♥

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  3. My grandmother had Alzheimer's. I know how sad and frustrating it can be for the family of the person living with this disease. My aunt (my grandmother's daughter) quit her job to take care of my grandmother (seven years) until she passed away.
    How lovely that your daughter is coming to visit! My mother is actually coming tomorrow to visit and stay with us for the week. It's spring break here and she usually comes every year to spend time with my girls. Enjoy your mother/daughter time! xoxo

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    1. Rosinda, I'm so sorry that your grandmother had Alzheimer's. It's quite shocking how many families have had to deal with this disease.
      I know you and your family is excited to have your mother come for a visit. Have a wonderful week! xoxo ♥

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  4. Well, I certainly relate to the computer issues and mine isn't a year old yet. These days, I go for cheap and cheerful as the all singing all dancing don't last any longer and just cost more to buy. Wondering if good ol' Mercury is retrograde again ~ lol
    Alzheimer's is an evil disease. It seems to be in our family, and I fear Mum has the onset.
    Enjoy your daughter's visit ~ today is Mothering Sunday in the UK ~ family time together is precious beyond words
    ~~~Deb in Wales

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    1. Happy Mothering Sunday to your mother, Deb. So sorry to hear that your mother is possibly facing Alzheimer's. This affliction is a nightmare for the caregivers.
      I'm beginning to think I should go the cheap computer way also. I love my computer as a tool and when it doesn't perform it's quite frustrating as you know.
      Today the sun is shining beautifully and it looks like our Spring is finally coming! Yay! ♥

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  5. This reminds me of the first time my dad saw his brother after he had had Alz for a few years. It was really rough and I won't forget what a shock it was. But you learn to adjust and embrace each day for what it is.

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    1. Yes, Dotsie, it will take time to adjust. It's particularly hard on his grown children. We are never old enough not to mourn the losing one's parents. ♥

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  6. I am sure that that was a sad time. What else could it be? I pray that there will be moments of joy even in the hard things for him and his family.

    I know you're all looking forward to your daughter's visit! Good times ahead!!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl. Yes we are so looking forward to our daughter's visit! ♥

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  7. Hi Martha,
    Yes I can totally relate to your computer issues (and how we expect things to last)!!!

    I am so sorry to hear of your brother in law's Alzheimer's, the song that Glenn Campbell sang as he was slipping into the late stage (" I'm Not Gonna Miss You") really hits deep and sharp in the heart!
    Sending warmth, prayers, and fondness, Linnie

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    1. Linnie, the Glenn Campbell song is a heart breaker. Alzheimer's is such a tragic disease. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, dear one. ♥

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  8. Technology is wonderful while it lasts and really annoying when it lets you down. But a visit from a daughter must compensate for a lot, what a treat!
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Amalia, we are so excited to have our daughter coming tomorrow. We've been preparing ---you know cleaning and such. Hopefully we'll have good weather to enjoy while she is here. I know she could use some sunshine. ♥

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