June 2, 2003
Just Love Me, My Live Turned Upside-down by Alzheimer's
by Jeanne L. Lee
I think this book is a wake up to those of us who share in
the care with someone with Alzheimer's. Jeanne tells it like it
really is in words we can all understand. Jeanne has given me
permission to use a few excerpts so that we can all begin to
realize just what it feels like to those who have this horrible
disease. Through reading this book, you will learn why you as a
carepartner or caregiver need to have more patience and remember
that it is the disease and not the person you love. Believe me,
the person who has Alzheimer's or another dementia sure didn't
ask for it. It is up to us, the TAB's (temporarily able
brained) to learn to move into their world as best we can as
they cannot, try as they may, always be able to cope in our
world.
I offer my sincere thanks to Jeanne for sharing her life with us
in order to help all of us have more understanding.
Page 26
Did you ever take a full minute to decide which way a key goes
in the hole? Maybe once, but five times a day? Or look in a
phone book and not know which letter follows which letter? Try
to add three numbers together and get five different answers?
Walk into someone's house that you have been in many times and
take ten minutes to get oriented as to whose house you are in,
and what you are doing there? Watch a TV movie and forget what
it's about in the middle? Read for hours and hours, having
enjoyed it while you were reading it, but then it's all gone?
Ride the bus and forget where you're going, and have to hunt
through your weekly agenda to see where you're going and why?
That is, if you remember you have somewhere to check. Lose or
misplace something, not just occasionally, but four or five times
in an hour? I can misplace my pen ten times in an hour. I can
misplace my glasses, even though I have a pair in my purse,
another pair in the bedroom and another "wandering"
pair. All of a sudden they're all wandering, and then they're
all in my purse. I clean up the same pile of stuff four or five
times before it gets where it's going, and I used to be the best
organizer in the world. Now it takes me two hours to prepare
before I go anywhere.
Page 32
Something that I also find disturbing, especially with
groups, is that I have to frequently interrupt, because, if I
don't, by the time they're finished with their story I've
forgotten what I wanted to add. I have to get people to
understand that they can remember their story, and after I've
said what I need to say, before I forget it, I'll shut up and let
them finish. So, I either interrupt or lose what I was going to
say, and what I have to say may be important to the
conversation. This is hard for someone like me who was taught
not to interrupt when someone else is talking, but it's the only
way now. It's an awful feeling, but if people were more aware
that this is the case for someone with Alzheimer's that would
help. For those who want to say something and can't find the
right words, it makes it seem like you have no intelligence.
Combine that with feeling rude for having to interrupt, well,
sometimes you just feel it's easier to let the thought go. That
is why so many withdraw and don't talk. But I don't think
people should have to do that.
If people will
call our warehouse to order the book ---- 1-800-247-6553 ---- and
they mention the discount code of PUP26 they will get a 20%
discount on the book. This offer will be available starting on
Friday, April 4th and will expire on July 31st.
A Note from Jeanne Lee
Jamie
My purpose in writing the book was to help people. You have my
permission to use what you see fit. Anything short of cover to
cover is open to you. I admire you for the ribbon and if I can
help please let me do so. I am on a journey for earlystage
awareness and moving right along. I hope to do a greyhound bus
tour from LA to Portland stopping at towns to lecture and do book
signings. If that turns out OK and the funds last I will do
Portland to Vancouver BC. I do not have the support of oour
archaic AD association so this is a one woman challenge to open
the eyes of all the islands. I even borrowed $6000 from a friend
to represent the United States as a person with dementia at the
International Alzheimer's Convention in Barcelona. I do not want
to toot my own horn but just to show you that I really am an
advocate.
Aloha
Jeanne
Thank you so much for The Ribbon.
Jeanne L. Lee
Author: "JUST LOVE ME"
My Life Turned Upside-down by Alzheimer's
EMail:
jleehawaii@aol.com
May 23, 2003
Wow my life is so full. For three weeks I have been at Martin Denny's home plus still doing other housekeeping.
I had a wonderful TV interview for a local station. back into the lecture scene where I belong. My head is hard to carry for all the compliments I received at this one. Sold lots of books and had a very long question and answer session.
I have two book signings on the 7th and a lecture at church on the church on the 8th*th. I am trying to plan a book and lecture tour on the bus from LA to Portland and if that works I will go from Portland to BC.
My e-mail is filled with requests for the book and also great reviews. I am now on Amazon and in many book stores from US to the UK and Canada and New Zealand for a few. I would everyone who reads this
will call their bookstore maybe it will get into more bookstores.
Mari my good friend had a bout with worry and she is coming thru it with flying colors. People need to know that things get exaggerated with the dements and
our bouts of depression go long and LOW.
This is a hip-hop journal but that is just what my life is for these three months. My friend Mapuana is helping me to plan things and I have given her the title of my publicist. Hope one day to have her on a payroll but for now it is for love. Aloha Jeanne
April 28, 2003
Yesterday I went to a special Boarders music signing and happened one I missed for books closer to home. Chicken Soup For the Soul of Hawaii. I had chicken skin for hours. This book is so me so Hawaii so wonderful. I am so fortunate to be a part of this island and its people.
Back to the story. I spoke with a few of the persons that helped with the Hawaii version till one of the original best selling authors of the books (Chicken soup) overheard me mentioning my book. She asked if she could speak with me. She gathered another of the original authors of the New York best #1 sellers ( brag brag) and we chatted.
She is the type of a person who make one feel as though there is nothing on her mind but you and what you are saying. We spoke for a half hour and she will call me later. She and the other woman by name Robin Steven's Rohr and Sharon Linnea will be helping me set up a publicist and help me to become one with the AD Assoc. teaching them that I would be an asset to their group.
She will also help me to get book signings and who knows what else. I am so very blessed to have been in the right place at the right time which seems to be a natural part of my life since diagnosis. More to follow. I hope this is not a bragging session because I am just immensely thankful for each moment.
April 27, 2003
At last I have a few moments to fill you all in on the exciting details of being a published author. I have to pinch myself each time I say that just to make sure it is not a dream. Well, actually it is a dream come true. And I have had many of those lately. Asked the other day if I thought I was a lucky person or unlucky. I had the answer almost before the question was asked. This interviewer was surprised because most people say some of each. No way my life has been one continuous session of good luck. Even when you look at the disease it has so much good luck connected to it.
I received my copy of the book soon to be followed by 20 more and then 2 more and on and on. All sold and the book masters in charge of selling on the web is now over 100. It is only 20 days since the first book was received by a buyer I think that was my pal in Hawaii Stasia. I have been selling them faster than the book company can get them to me.
Book signings are in the plans as well as lectures for the next three months. I even am in the beginning training of taking a bus trip from LA to Portland to stop at many cities and do a lecture and signing in August. If that works I will do it from Oregon to Vancouver BC. I have many friends on both routes who I hope will be good supporters for me and maybe have a floor I can crash upon. My book publisher cannot sponsor me so this will be out of pocket but the people I hope to help will make it all worth the cost.
I have begun to search out Ad groups and find many much more progressive than Hawaii but we are waking up here too. I have so many luncheons and dinners for congratulations I have gained 15 lb. My special friends had an impromptu LOL) party for me at the elks where I was laden with leis and presents and a cake with "JUST LOVE ME" written on it. The tears of joy just keep rolling and I did not want anyone to eat the cake. Wanted to save it. LOL
April 4, 2003
Better come down to earth and tell you all my best news. The book is being sold and sold 59 copies in 2 days. Not a bad start. I have not gotten my copies hot off the press yet. Vern is at the mailbox for his tax return and I am there for my peek at my book.
Yesterday Vern took me out for breakfast another person took me out for lunch and another at the same restaurant bought me a split of champagne. Wow has it been forever since I tasted that. That evening another friend asked if I could get them into the Elks that evening. OK So there was so many friends gathered with congratulations and a cake with JUST LOVE ME written on it. My children and siblings and friends have been emailing and the great DASNI family has been on my e-mail in bundles. Wow I think it has come true and only after a 6 year wait. Still nothing to touch though. The book company was nice to give DASNI group a discount. I could babble for hours but won't.
The second point I was to make in this journal to negative to follow this. Later and Bless all of you that have stood beside me for part or all of this writing, editing, rewriting re editing, etc., etc.
March 28, 2003
I am really noticing how little I remember of persons I have met in the last few years. Names are gone where I met them and what they have to do with me are all gone. This even with our group more common than not. If I chat daily or a few times a week, I get most things OK but not all. Names unless used often are forgotten immediately after being introduced.
The nightmares come and go with no rhyme or reason. Taking a little higher dose of trazadone but it leaves me tired. Don't know which feeling is worse.
Traci is getting a divorce. She had not much to do with it but we are working on keeping the girls from unsupervised visits because their father is an alcoholic and would drive with them in the car. In no way does she want to keep them from their father she just wants them to be safe.
Sunday will be a fun day. One of the members of DASNI Stasia will meet me at the Elks. Life will be much easier with another person willing to admit dementia. This island thinks I was the only early stage person for 7 years.
My book will be in my hand by the third or fourth. I can't even believe it till I hold it. What a long time coming. I have 3 lectures planned but later in April so I will be sure to have books for sale.
I have cut down a few days of work a month and hope I can keep myself on my journey. lack of money is tough but I have to adjust.
I am so proud of my sister getting a business of her own. Hair salon in Portland. I blew a bunch of bucks to get Hawaiian flower for her opening. She lived here with me for 10 years. Not always with me but she was here and I sure miss her.
I have three of my five children with birthdays in April. Funny thing I cannot remember ages but I still know the years they were born and since my math is horrible you will have to figure it out. Traci 1964 Todd 1963 (same age for one week). and Tedd born 1969. Also some nieces. It is getting harder and harder for me to keep this straight.
Vern did not win in Las Vegas this time but had a great time and always brings myself and friends gifts. He is golfing a little more and still working 2-3 days. He really tries to be my taxi but I have to plan well no traffic, one place and fast lol Love that man. Aloha Jeanne
March 24, 2003
Sat night I went to the great Honolulu Luau and was it great. Entertainment, food and company.
The latest on the book is it is off the press March 26 and ready to order the 4th of April. I will believe it when I see it.
I have a couple of lists of recent problems but as usual they are lost (misplaced). I want the world to know my room has been picked up for two days now. Some kind of a miracle. I am doing lots of computer work today and it is about to get me down. am to 3pm time for a break aloha Jeanne
March 12, 2003
When I have my nightmares I try so hard to call Vern but no sound comes out and I keep trying till it blares out and he comes running.
Today Martin was not doing so well. I sure can see him falling off the last month or two. I think it is AD or some type of dementia setting in. After all he is 92. He seems so depressed with life. His life these days is not to quality and I do not blame him. I can't convince his daughter she is doing him harm by trying to make him do everything right and making him try to think deeply. I know how he feels.
Guess the conference is over now. Can't wait to hear from our members that went to it. Aloha Jeanne
March 11, 2003
I may not have the time or space to tell you all about my weekend. guess my balance is back and is it helpful to a great day.
This weekend I spent with Sharon one of my longest friends from Hawaii. She is a Captain for aloha airlines. we went out for lunch with another friend pilot for Hawaiian and an office manager for many attorneys. I am surprised we did not get kicked out of chili's. We laughed till sick and ate and tipped a few.
Right before we had gone to the movie with Steve oops Martin Allen and latifa. I have not laughed in a movie that hard for a long time. think it was called bring the house down or bring down the house. I ate a hot dog coke and popcorn. really splurged.
The day before we had gone to a tax party. Another professional is an accountant CPA and 1 time a year they all get together and do taxes. One would thing it to be a down time but we had so much fun.
It was a fattening weekend we ate and ate. We laughed and laughed. I worked on Sharon's kitchen and even scrubbed walls. I stayed in her new addition had my own bath and all pushbuttons for lights fan TV etc. I had to mop and spray before I moved in because she has three dogs. I love dogs outside but she has 15 orphan cats out there. I locked the dogs out of my room and they were sad but I was happy.
We went shopping at costco and bought stuff for a great new salad from SAM CHOY. We went shopping at wall mart which is a treat for me cuz the only one on the island is miles from me.
Now I have get back to the routine of cleaning houses. Got my radio though so it is better. I am weeding out a few slobs so I can have a little time for me. Maybe this is helping my balance also. aloha
March 2, 2003
Today I had 4 guestbook signatures from 4 members of DASN with such encouraging words. There Is such a special place for messages because I know how very hard it is to get to others websites much less my own. It is that bit of extra that you know these people are having the same problems and REALLY understand. When I went to chat to pick out my icon which is usually a turtle I must have hit a wrong button for after I typed for a while I noticed the yin yang symbol. I am a believer and took that to mean my balance I have been searching for was back. Today I feel so good.
However I did hit my knee on a bench and am a bit cripple and it really hurts. Now the reading becomes more clear and I plan to go to some American Indian books for more spiritual guidance. Depot Copra has already put me in the mood.
Feb 28, 2003
I am still on my finding my whys"sss. I know my kids all have their own lives but I am missing calls from them. If I do not call them seems like it can go forever for them to call me. I let it bother me too much I know but it keep a very open space in my heart easily filled with stress and rejections.
One of my clients was on the phone making me break from my schedule of going routinely through the house. As I went back and forth I left things laying and undone and was so exhausted by the end of that day I felt horrible. I cannot make changes. Use to be I cannot make changes easily now it is Please don't make me make changes. This day I took one full hour more to do a lousy job.
Guess my organazational skills are really shot to H . The more I try the worse I get. I write down passwords save them on the computer and still they are not right or under the wrong headings.
Feb 24, 2003
I have two answering systems. Each time and it is at least 5x per day I check the messages I have to listen to all of the replies from my carrier to know which button deletes and saves. If I do it without listening it is wrong.
I have gotten real down two times in the last 4 months. At that time it seems as though my failure in things I do is exaggerated many times. I feel as though my power has been lost to do anything about it. I feel helpless snd hopeless. Thank God for my chat group DASNI sticking with me and helping me to crawl out. Then I can get into some reading or tape books that will bring my journey back into my reach. At these times I screw up my computer so badly it takes months to get it working well or not. I call for help and cannot follow directions. I stayed off the computer for three days this last time. Considering it is my best lease on life that is a long time.
Feb 23, 2003
I have been keeping track of the things that make me develop more coping skills. This is really how my book started. At that time I did not know I was developing coping skills I was just trying to cover for a lack of everything I use to posess. I want to use them on my new website maybe where I can establish some cash. I have as of late tried to take no new clients and downsize the work load. I felt as though it was taking the place of my real journey. It will cut my money but I have to deal with that if I want to continue this journey of helping dementia persons and anyone who loves or has the slightest interest in them.
Here are a few of the problems I have noticed over the last few months back to two years ago. There will be pieces of them in my journals from now on as who knows maybe there is another book in me or they can be used for awareness for other people.
I have been pretty much in charge of my meds. I have certain ones from my wonderful doctor but up and down them as I feel the need. Over three or four years I have gotten my trazodone from 250 to 50 sometimes taking two 50' sometimes one. In my lack of medical medications knowledge I once in a while go off. That never turns out good. Two weeks now I have been having very weird dreams and night mares which have been gone for quite sometime. The ages and times of my children and friends are all mixed up each time. Last night after seeing how many trazadone I fell asleep without taking I got back on schedule and Had a good nights sleep.
The ole sundowning has hit me hard. I am usually in bed by 7:30 or 8:00. It also causes me to have an alarm at the 3:00 am hour wake me. Wide awake at which time I play computer or TV or meditate.
Feb 22, 2003
I have been trying to put my last two weeks into words. I was clear that not even I knew what was happening to me. I went slowly down from being on my soapbox about Early Stage dementia and the elation of the book going to press to complete depression. As hard as I thought I was helping myself I was at a standstill. Finally after letting it get the best of me with things such as making such horrible mistakes with the VCR, hundreds with the computer, stove, telephone, calling card, grocery shopping,organasation anywhere, speaking gently with people I love, oh well I could go on forever but you see what I mean. Also you can see I need to get a real hold on life itself to come back to being me. Tomorrow I will (or soon) add to this story. Aloha Jeanne
Feb 10, 2003
Been trying to keep track of a few hard things that get to me. Last night and daily I am watching TV when the commercial comes on I have no idea whatsoever I was watching till it comes back. As I flick though the stations I can never put it in my mind to go back to that cuz I do not remember which one it is. When it is very important to me I write it down.
My math is getting so bad I cannot subtract anything with 0's or 0 left from a small #. my checkbook is impossible. I just keep calling for a balance and let the tellers fill out my deposit slip.
I have a computer man coming today to try to rectify all the errors I have including 10 viruses in my files I don't use. I had McAfee installed and it took 4 hours to go through all my files 47,000 plus. I began deleting and they deleted the others. I am downsizing this computer. And oh boy when I am tired I may as well call it quits. aloha Jeanne
Feb 9, 2003
It has been awhile since I have gotten to this. I have had no less than 7 irons in the fire.
1. keeping up with all the happenings with family (new baby Annabelle 8 1/2 lb. to Tedd and Melinda after two boys they got their girl and are no (unlike their Mom, quitting) well I quit after the 4th but had plastic surgery to re tie to have my little Hawaiian)
2. working back on starting the AD Cafe trying to establish a new website to sell items such as book etc.
3. trying to keep up with the changes from publisher book now due in March but went into print so looks good
4. trying to get to book stores and libraries to sell book
5. keeping up with all 7 housecleaning's
6. keeping up with all the frustrations of computer and answering all e-mail
7. enjoying Hawaii and all its beauty and friends and most of all keeping my sweetheart happy
8. Keeping up this journal (hard)
9. oops trying to get to Tulsa for a conference I was invited to go and Mann a booth and bring books. been on the computer trying to get a good fare. Wow expensive and they said they would help with ore to Tulsa part but cannot tell me how much till after the conference. That darn money should be available when you are truly going to help others.
Sometimes I hate that I put this spell check on all my outgoing mail it takes to long and does not really tell my downhill problems with that. Oh well it looks better in stuff I send out.
I have been having some real bouts with running thoughts and after typing this I can see why. Where did that simplifying my life go? Got to get it back. I want to put my kids journal back after it got lost but that is a full time job. I worked many days and many hours and none of them ever got to read it. Maybe I said something I should not have. LOL Aloha for now
Jan 22, 2003
As close as I can remember I was on aricept max dosage for about three years. Seems as though I was going down faster than my doctor, Vern and I recognized. She put me on the lowest dose of Exelon and at one month intervals she upped the dose till I reached the top. Let me make it very clear while the dose of aricept was discontinued and the lowest of Exelon was my memory help for the month I felt I was stepping down I mean really down for that month. I was depressed, crying and generally accepting with horrors that I was on the way down as fast as a roller coaster. I even began some end of life plans.. I begged the doctor to put me back on aricept. She each month told me to hold on and was sure that I would feel the improvement. The second to the last increase I felt the benefit. I thought I had gotten a handle and was finding words I had lost long ago. My conversations with what I call my smart friends (all highly professional) seemed to get easier. I had chosen to offer no comments on any subject. One of my early coping skills. I would just smile and repeat what someone had said in different words or just agree. At this time I began to add to the conversation, even bringing up a topic. It was then that I began going over my book and found it to be below my talent I felt at this time. I made a few changes but left most because that is where I was at the time I wrote it. Then people in DASNI began to notice a change in my writings. Now I feel that the change was almost a miracle. My doctor tells me I am a living miracle. Even though I definitely feel the daily struggles and have to develop many coping skills I feel more a part of life. My depression times have pretty much gone.( not entirely) I am an advocate for Exelon. I really wish I could get them to let me speak for them.
Jan 21, 2003
Today I got a call not to clean house. I was so happy since my week has been pretty full. Now the big decision was to clean my house or play with my free day. Thank goodness I went to chat and asked what everyone thought. Well, I am going to lunch with a friend. Now that was not hard eh.
We also chatted about a meeting of the DASNI people. Hope we can get it together. I can coordinate it with visiting my kids and maybe even get driven there with one or more of them. That would be so fun.
The thing that prompted me to add to my journal today was a strange downfall I guess. I was trying to put up three shower curtains after washing them and it took me about 45 minutes. Much to my surprise I think I had to relearn how to hook each loop. It was a very frustrating job and something new I have realized. Things now come and I do not recognize them as much as I use to when I wrote the book but this one was so frustrating it really upset me.
Talked to Traci and the girls this week as well Keola.
Went to visit my x- husband in the nursing home. I must have mentioned he is 52 and on his fourth stroke. I really thought the last visit in intensive care was one of the last. Thank goodness he has 9 lives. He is doing pretty well considering. He cannot talk and is paralyzed on one side so must eat thru a tube. He has begun physical therapy and hates where he is so maybe he will work hard and be back home soon.
Keola is think electrical school (again) Sure hope the thinking turns to action this time. He needs algebra to begin the course and his father has connections to get him into apprentice school.
Todd must be pretty busy as I have not heard from him for weeks. This usually means he has a new girlfriend or is working double shifts.
Tim and Denise are seeing the money to keep going on their new home they are building.
Tedd and Melinda are due in a couple of weeks. This will be the first baby I do not get to hold at birth. Something tell me if I could get a good deal I would go to help for at least a week. My fingers and my heart tingle when I think about it. Aloha to my readers I love you Jeanne
Jan 15, 2003
The Capricorn party for 9 of us went well but I did have to pay for the three that did not show up. We sang, played darts, danced and ate and ate and ate.
Mary my sister started the day off the night before my birthday with a call. The morning had an e-mail from Denise, a call and song from Allen, Rita and Mapuana.
I worked in the morning but got a bonus and a box of candy. Allen took me to lunch at Tony Roams and Vern is taking me to Ruth Chris tonight. I got cards and e-mails also today.
Getting a year older is not so bad. My strange neighbor must have not known it was my birthday as she leveled about 200 feet of flowers and plants with the weed wacker. Ti plants in all colors, orchids, aloe, plumber starter and who knows what else. Thank god the planting season is all year long. She missed two orchids I had in the trees but Vern said watch out the lawn chairs may be next. lol
Jan 12, 2003
Today is the day of the Capricorn Party. I guess I am more excited thatn I thiought. I was up all night and am still running circles till it is time to go decorate, This is really the first get together I have been in charge of since I really began to go downhill. I can sure see where the anxiious feeling is running amouk. I planned on 25 then the RSVP's were only two.
In hawaii that does not mean they are not comming. but there was another party last night and two in two days are a bit too much for most people. Cept those under 25 and I do remember those. Well this morning I had a RSVPs for 31 and 4 of them are bringing 4-6 guests. Thats the Hawaiian way. And of course my heart is Hawaiian so for today the more the merrier. (also i live walking distance from the spot so i can disapear.
I love it so much when I get on this computer and find my kids or grandkids. Seems like it brings them so much closer to me.
My poor webmistress. I really do not understand one iota about these awards and I must be driving her nuts.
I do feel quite accomplished that I (with the wizard) got my voice working after trying for a year.) When I get behind this computer and see all those wires it only takes moments to get stressed. So it took a year of short moments and help from Tom, Peter, Mari,Ben,Alan and many others to succeed.
Now I may get more journaling done as I try to use it when I am so anxious I pace the house. I let the anxious come out of my fingers and it is better on Vern and myself. So if it sounds more rattled sometimes it is because the thoughts are comming way faster than the fingers can move.
Wish you all were comming to my party. Aloha Me
Jan 11, 2003
Today is the best day I have felt since novem,ber ^th when my eardrum went on me. That has been a long hall. Guess I should not complain about our cold weather but it is really chilly. The north wing brrings in down into the 60 and we have no heaters so we pile on the blankets.
Speaking of blankets I have a new bedspread shams sheets and it is better than anywardrobe I have had in years. Think it will help me to lkeep it looking good. Maybe even picked up. It has bee 6 days and still no piles on the bed.
I took on a couple of more housecleaning jobs and hope I can talk them into everyother week. I was just feeling very happy since i cut off two after my trip. Seemed as tho I had a pretty good balance of work and play. but the money to travel gets in my way. I just am a softy when ole folks call and need help.
Today I am going to spend in my storage. Maybe I can clear one of them off our bills for the month. That will feel good too.
Vern is in Las vegas and I am alone. Do not like the nights at all. I also need him to keep me current on my pills. No matter where i put them they are not in front of muy nose at the right time.
I was in the state of shock and quite hurt when notn of the three children I sent breakfast and music boxes to called or emailed to thank me. That is no tat all like my children. I finall had to askbecause I did not want to be paying for something they did not get. Two have andwered with apolpogies. aloha Jeanne
Jan 4, 2003
Marilyn nice to hear from you and Maka Hiki Hoi to you and everyone else also.
I kept forgetting to send you my travel tip. I was traveling alone so I had my Itinerary printed on my travel shirt and put "please don't loose me." It got a lot of people smiling and it was very much available so that for every question I had I did not have to dig thru tickets to be clear for my answer. ( also had DASSY on there for good luck) think it is on our website if you need a smile.
Also I try very hard to hang on to my artsy fartsy (excuse, my five year old daughter came up with that when she did not know what it meant and it stuck with the family and next generation)) talents but find the retrying to get it back very frustrating. So for my drawing I use graphics, for my painting I use sponges and imagine what appears, for my writing I just reread over and over and accept the loss of meaningful words but still come up with OK stuff.
My cooking has come to one meal dishes mostly because if I do two I burn #1. I also call for lots of help from Vern as peel the potatoes or wash the rice. I love to have him in the kitchen with me.
As for my sewing I have a good friend who sews well. I still love walking, star gazing, get togethers at the beach, football, swimming and reading (which has become much harder) so I keep at those.Oh and I must not leave out my occasional Budwiser.
Another activity I have been at for 7 years and still do pretty well (Dogone good) is harassing my AD Assoc. The last two times I have not gotten any answers so I now address my e-mail to them and the National Association. Naturally so they can see it. Do wonder if this will help.
Still love to lecture and now I get to go back to all the lecture spots for book signing parties.
Life is just not that bad. Seems like when I loose one thing three pop up in its place and for that I am very thankful (and tired). Aloha Jeanne