Well hello to 2022! I'm still not used to saying that. Every time I journal, I struggle with the date. I know we're in January but I can't keep the days straight. I guess that's OK - I use my calendar to keep notes and I'm aware of what I have scheduled. Most of the time I use my phone AND my calendar just to be safe! I do still struggle horribly with short term memory but when I can't remember what I was doing I sit down and wait until the memory comes back! I try VERY hard not to beat myself up for all the mistakes and confusion that I have. I know for a fact that the meditation and breathing and bible plans that I read everyday help with this. And they defiantly help with my mood and my spirt.
Bob and I celebrated our Anniversary and really enjoyed our dinner at Blackhawk Grill and a movie on Dec 12th. We watched West Side Story! I definitely recommend it, especially if you like musicals. I had some wonderful lunch dates again last month too, Carole came over and we had lunch at our house! That was really a nice treat. Our friends Tim & Elaine had a delayed turkey dinner and it was awesome! It was so nice to be with them and to meet some of her family and friends.
The following week I had lunch with one of my high school buddies, Jane! We had a fabulous meal at Bridges and then went for a long walk on the Iron Horse Trail. The following day my bestie Linda and her hubby Doug came over to hang out! They were in town visiting their daughter and all the grandkids. I was so happy they made the time to meet with me too!
The same day Karen drove down from Folsom and we had a lovely lunch at Blackhawk Grill. I hadn't seen her since COVID and it was nice to reconnect 😊Debbie came over too the following day. This is not normal - I don't always have so many appointments or lunch dates but for some reason near the holidays my calendar was full!!
The big drama of last month was a little cat bite from my caregiver kitty RUSTY! We were resting in bed and watching TV and I was petting him and he decided he wanted to bite me! I'm not sure if he was over stimulated or what.....ANYWAY, Bob and I went to the movies - no idea what we saw...after the show my hand was swollen so we went straight to the Emergency Room! This was not the first time I've been bitten by a cat. When I was working at ARF in Walnut Creek one of the cats - his name was Petal, bit me. It was many years ago but I remember that the following day ARF called and said I had to go straight to the hospital. Apparently cats mouths and cat bites can cause infection. SO - we go to the ER and he gives me a shot, wraps up my hand and gives me a two week prescription. By this time it was even more swollen but thankfully not too painful. A few days later my hand was so swollen I couldn't bend it or use it. Thankfully the medicine kicked in and all is good now! I do have a nice puncture wound but its all better now.
So - aside from that I had a great month! I listened to a great book - 'My Name Is Anton' by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I also started reading 'Keep Sharp' by Sanjay Gupta! It's filled with data and is all about the brain and Alzheimer's. There are excellent suggestions regarding exercise, memory activities and diet.
I was able to spend the weekend with Kristen and that was really fun. Celly is such a good boy and we had fun walking with him and watching a lot of TV. Ryan was out of town and we had the house to ourselves!
I'm still painting and for Christmas I got a new canvas from Phil & Elizabeth! It's going to be so pretty. Lots of pink flowers and fluffy sky.
So that's my update! Lots of down time. I'm still resting most afternoons and that's when I listen to my books. I'm still doing my yoga and walks, and some days are better than others. I have constant headaches and constant ringing in my ears. It's annoying but it's been going on for a while so I try not to let it bring me down.
Bob's been home most nights and we've really enjoyed having more time together. Yesterday we watched the Packer/ 49er game! Stressful for sure. He's a Packer fan and I'm a 9er fan - LOL! We don't get too dramatic about it thankfully....I'm glad Jonny is doing well and it's nice to have my husband at home.
The highlight this month was attending one of my best friends daughters wedding in Austin, TX! Monica and I have been friends for almost 30 years! Her beautiful daughter Annie got married to the love of her life. We've been to some elegant and beautiful weddings but this one was amazing! We had so much fun and our friends Monika and Louis were with us too. We danced, we drank, we took pictures...it was awesome. Austin is such a cute town and the hotel we stayed in was awesome too! I'm so happy for Annie and Alex and I can't wait to visit them in New Jersey when things calm down.
So I guess that's my update! I look forward to my Alzheimer's support groups every week and I am thankful for all the support, phone calls, texts and in person visits! Please keep them coming 😍 Let's hope 2022 is going to be a great year!
Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you. You lift me up and keep me going💓
