Somethings Never Change

In late winter, I always think about planting more annuals in the spring, which never happens.  I just run out of energy and enthusiasm after the post-winter yard cleanup.  Then mid summer, I think about returning to an old hobby, counted cross stitch, drawn by the fall and Christmas patterns.  Sadly, however, even if I get as far as pulling out my stitching kits, they are quickly abandoned for other interests such as paper crafting, web researching, reading, and cooking.

There just never is enough time for all of my interests.  I used to think there would be when my children were grown and on their own.  But no one warned me about taking care of aging parents or enjoying grandchildren.  And, at the time, no one knew about a world wide web or how enticing it would be.

I now believe, for me, there will never be enough time, so it will always be a matter of choice.  And since it's that time of year, again, sometime this week I'll probably choose to pull out my stitching kits.  Oh well, at least it's nice to know that somethings never change.

When You Think It Can't Get Worse. . .

In April, we thought mom was on her way out.  She was lethargic, refusing to eat, and losing weight rapidly.  Since she could no longer walk, she was moved to the fourth floor where there's equipment to lift her in and out of bed and her wheelchair.

After several days on the fourth floor, the doctor and staff decided mom no longer needed Ativan for Sun Downers Syndrome.  Ativan controlled mom's anxiety, but also made her extremely drowsy.  As a result, mom appeared to come back from near death.  Her memory didn't improve, but she began eating when being fed and engaging in conversation.  Best of all for dad, mom began smiling and laughing at his jokes again.  As a realist, however, I hated seeing dad so pleased when I knew the "improvement" wouldn't last long.

The descent began a few weeks ago.  While less medication is allowing mom to be more animated, she is also becoming extremely aggressive toward the staff, hitting, biting, kicking, and cursing.  So a couple of weeks ago, the doctor put mom on three doses a day of Depakote.  She's drowsy, again, but not like she was on Ativan.  However, mom's anger is not diminishing.  In my meeting yesterday with several of mom's primary caregivers, I was told she will probably be back on Ativan soon.  At which time, we can expect little-to-no response from her.

So now I have to tell dad that thing's are about to get worse.  He's already sad that mom on Depakote is, once again, drowsy during his visits.  But clearly mom's agitation isn't good for anyone, including herself.

What a Show!

Around 7:30 A.M. this morning, I stepped out into the sun room to check on the construction next door.  I wasn't expecting such a show but, suddenly, I was wide awake.  A crew of shirtless muscular men were lifting and positioning huge pieces of lumber forms as if they were Lincoln Logs.  And then one of them hoisted a five-gallon water cooler above his head so the spigot was just above his mouth for easy drinking.  Seriously?  It was the beginning of the day, so that cooler had to be nearly full.

If I were into extremely muscular men, what's going on next door would be super entertaining.  But, alas, what will be more interesting to me is seeing how quickly a home is built.  What fun to just step outside or look out a window every few hours to see a house take form.  It's like live HGTV.  I'm betting the walls, at minimum, will be in place by the end of the day.

The only thing that would make the show more fun is if I were watching the Jorgensens' new home being built.  Emily, especially, was hoping one of the two new homes could have been theirs.  She would have lived closer to work and the boys would have been in the grade school near grandma without the hassle of a special request.  Plus, it would have been a lot more convenient for Jim and me to help with the boys.  But, in addition to the $500,000+ price tag, the fact that Emily and Mike don't like any of Benton Builders' house designs ended the dream.

So now we're just hoping whoever buys the house to our left will be a good neighbor.  If so, it'll be the first time that happens since we moved in 30 years ago.

Two Movies in One Day

This morning I saw Winnie the Pooh with Emily and Elliott.  Mid-afternoon, I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 with Jim.  It was a good way to spend a scorching hot summer Sunday.

As might be expected, Winnie the Pooh was a cute movie and perfect for a five-year-old.  It was only an hour long, which was just slightly longer than all the previews before.  I do find it cruel to make young children sit through 20 minutes of commercials before the movie even begins.  For some, by the time the previews are over, they're ready for their first potty break!

I thoroughly enjoyed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.  As usual, there were differences from the book and many story-lines were omitted, which has always been a disappointment for me with the series' screen adaptations.  But, overall, the film was a good finale.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, however, remains my favorite Harry Potter film.  I've seen it at least a dozen times, often with Elliott, and never tire of it.  

Some summer in the future, I imagine watching the entire Harry Potter series with Elliott.  In fact, it could become a tradition.  And that's the beauty of film -- the end is never the end.