Cheap Thrills

Sunday, 30 December 2007

David and I went to the grocery store yesterday, and I caught a glimpse of a New York Times newspaper on the way out.  I asked David to grab one (even though they are $1.35 in North Carolina and I have to remove the price tag before it gets to Dad). I know that he no longer retains anything in the newspaper, but I would never stop the service, because it is part of his daily routine. Especially when he gets the New York Times, he lights up like a Christmas tree. And how often can you buy pure joy for $ 1.35?

 

Sample Stalker

Saturday, 29 December 2007

Katie (CNA) is coming over for a few hours today to give David and I  a chance to spend some time alone together. One of the things we will do is go to Costco.  For those of you who don't know, Costco is one of those members-only warehouse club stores, like Sam's Club. I cannot take Dad there on Saturday anymore.  They have little kiosks set up with food samples and Dad would get a sample, walk around the next aisle, get another sample, and try everything.  The problem was when the cook would tell him he was only allowed one sample, he would say, "This is my first sample."  At times, it got a little heated when the person argued that he had been by the cheesecake one three times. This was one of those days I was scrambling for my Alzheimer's Card!  If you would like to order some of these Alzheimer's cards, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

I Must Be 27

Friday, 28 December 2007

David and I were talking about some ladies in their eighties last night, and David referred to them as "old ladies". Dad replied, "That is not old.  Haven't you heard?  Eighty is the new seventy."

 

Christmas Presents in my Christmas Past

Thursday, 27 December 2007

Dad kept asking if he got presents for my sisters and Jessica for Christmas.  As you know, sometimes that same old question sticks and it repeats over and over. I decided to write Thank You notes from Jessica and my sisters and put them next to the newspaper where Dad spends a lot of his day.  They all thanked him specifically for the items they received, and he has not asked again! I am going to buy a box of Thank You notes today for the upcoming Birthday season!

 

Christmas Hangover

Wednesday, 26 December 2007

My Christmas hangover is from the packing for the trip, the parties, the trip to New York City, the laundry, the in-laws, the step family, the schedule, the leftovers, the housesitters, the gift wrapping, the last minute groceries, Dad is not awake yet but his will be from the red wine he had at our best friends' house last night.

 

Merry Christmas

Tuesday, 25 December 2007

Dad got up to go to the bathroom around 7:30 this morning.  David and I wished him a Merry Christmas, and he asked, "Is this Christmas?" "Yes", David replied. "If Santa comes by, tell him to come back after lunch.  I'm going back to bed!" Merry Christmas From Your KnowItAlz Family!

 

Seems Like Yesterday

Monday, 24 December 2007

We got home from five glorious days in New York City in the middle of the night.  As a matter of fact, Dad just got up and it's almost three o'clock! Dad was looking around his room and the bathroom and I asked him what he was looking for.  He said his shaving kit. "Oh, it's in your suitcase." "Where are we going again? "The Caribbean." I replied.  "For two weeks." I hope he remembers the imaginary trip  at least as long as he is in the shower!  KnowItAlz 12 Days of Christmas - Day 12  At this time of year, it can be difficult to select an appropriate gift for loved ones, particularly for someone who has or cares for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.  We would like to share our “Twelve Days of Christmas” gift ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and perhaps check a gift or two off your list.  Each item assists in day to day activities, many of which are interactive and can encourage communication and fun--something we all need at any time of year.  Today’s featured gift idea is: Big Book of Alzheimer's Activities  Check back every day for a new featured gift idea.  Or, click HERE for a complete list of gift ideas.  Happy Holidays from your friends at KnowItAlz.com

 

A Rueben by Any Other Name

Sunday, 23 December 2007

Is still a Reuben. Not to my Dad, though.  A Reuben MUST come from a Jewish deli if you are in New York.  He must have mentioned this 7 or 8 times. However, there is not a Jewish deli within 10 blocks of where we are staying.  The closest deli with a Reuben was called Chop Chop.  Could I tell my father this?  No way Jose.  (which, by the way could have been the name of the Latin man who made the sandwich at Chop Chop!) As he was enjoying his sandwich, he said, "There's nothing that tastes as good as a real Jewish Reuben.  Where did you get it?" "Bernstein's." I fibbed, enjoying the gigantic smile on my Dad's face. "ChopChopsteins." David whispered to me as we giggled. KnowItAlz 12 Days of Christmas - Day 11 At this time of year, it can be difficult to select an appropriate gift for loved ones, particularly for someone who has or cares for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. We would like to share our “Twelve Days of Christmas” gift ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and perhaps check a gift or two off your list.   Each item assists in day to day activities, many of which are interactive and can encourage communication and fun--something we all need at any time of year. Today’s featured gift idea is:  Fiddle Twiddle  Check back every day for a new featured gift idea.  Or, click HERE for a complete list of gift ideas.   Happy Holidays from your friends at KnowItAlz.com

 

Sugar Daddy

Saturday, 22 December 2007

I am a sucker for Dad’s sweet tooth (pun intended).  I have always heard that people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s lose a lot of weight, so I am “fattening him up for the winter” so to speak.  At home, I usually give in when he starts to look pitiful.  The problem for us this week is that in New York City, there is a bakery on every block.  It is hard to deny him since sweet is the only taste he has left, but I don’t want to kill him either!  He can’t remember the bakery we just went in, so he wants to go in all of them. About halfway through the day we started diverting his attention as we quickly ushered him by without him even noticing the bakery.  I put Jessica (12 year old step kid) in charge of walking a little ahead and giving the bakery signal.  Then we just say to Dad, “Look over at those pretty decorations!” on the other side of the street! _________________________________________________________________ CLICK HERE TO SEE WHY SWEET IS THE LAST TASTE TO GO WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE KnowItAlz 12 Days of Christmas - Day 10 At this time of year, it can be difficult to select an appropriate gift for loved ones, particularly for someone who has or cares for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. We would like to share our “Twelve Days of Christmas” gift ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and perhaps check a gift or two off your list.   Each item assists in day to day activities, many of which are interactive and can encourage communication and fun--something we all need at any time of year. Today’s featured gift idea is:  Daily Doses of Nostalgia Check back every day for a new featured gift idea.  Or, click HERE for a complete list of gift ideas.   Happy Holidays from your friends at KnowItAlz.com

 

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr

Friday, 21 December 2007

Dad forgot how cold it is in New York City.  We went outside last night and he had on long johns, pants, a long sleeved shirt, a sweater and a long, heavy over coat. He had on earmuffs, a scarf, and a hat.  All you could see were his eyes. He remembers the cheesecake, but not the weather! KnowItAlz 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9 At this time of year, it can be difficult to select an appropriate gift for loved ones, particularly for someone who has or cares for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. We would like to share our “Twelve Days of Christmas” gift ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and perhaps check a gift or two off your list.   Each item assists in day to day activities, many of which are interactive and can encourage communication and fun--something we all need at any time of year. Today’s featured gift idea is:   Handyman’s Box Large Check back every day for a new featured gift idea.  Or, click  HERE for a complete list of gift ideas.   Happy Holidays from your friends at KnowItAlz.com     Calling All Pet Lovers!! You know you love to dress up your pets, and how much they love (hate) you for it!  Now you have a reason for the Season!    Send us your favorite Holiday themed pet photo - Christmas, Kwanza, Haunukah, New Year's - We want them all!  The deadline is December 21st, so get snapping!  The winners will be announced December 24th, and will receive some fabulous KnowItAlz items!  Send all photos to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Don't forget the deadline is December 21st!   Good Luck!

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