RedDancer-Studio

Zentangle doodle

I've been playing with zentangles in my mini moleskin journal. Sometimes I do this instead of knitting when I'm in meetings.

 

Mama is doing even better

Suzanne and I visited Mom yesterday at the skilled nursing facility. I needed to meet with Mom and the caregiving team so Suzanne drove to Scottsdale with me. I am so grateful. Usually, I'm on my own. It was nice to share the driving and have someone to talk to. We visited the clay store for her (she is a fantastic potter but doesn't have a blog so I can show her work). We also visited Bookman's for used books then lunch. I took her to Mom's room at Brighton Gardens (BG) and she rearranged some things and the room looks brighter. I'm trying to do my best to make the room more pleasing for Mom.

Mom will be released on Tues., Nov. 17. I'm planning on increasing her nursing care at BG. Maybe Mom will like the extra attention. Who knows?

While we were at Life Care of Scottsdale yesterday, there was a nurses aide that stopped to ask Mom if she needed or wanted anything. We were in Mom's room by this time after a nice walk to the patio. Anyway, when Mom doesn't want to answer someone, she has this "look" and simply doesn't answer. Here it is:

Granted, Mom's hearing is bad but in general this is her look when she doesn't want to answer. The funny part was when the aide asked, "Does she speak English?" I answered, "Yes, when she wants to." I'm still laughing.

And here is poor Suzanne. She, like me, has problems with her back. She wore a backbrace the entire trip and only took it off when we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes to eat. But what a trooper to gravel with me.

 

Blog giveaway - Cloth covered blank journal

 
I've been promising my life coach that I would post a giveaway on my blog and I'm finally getting it done. Please leave a comment to enter the drawing on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

Front of journal - 2 signatures, 8 folded pages. To lay flat when closed, I needed to add a tie.

 Back. Found this quilted top at a rummage sale and decided to quilt it to an old piece of fabric.


 I used buttons on the spine when I bound the journal.

I used Bristol board for the pages.
 

Mama is doing better

Mom was transferred to skilled nursing for physical and occupational therapy. She got a good night of rest on Friday after being transported by the transport service. She didn't get much rest the last day she was at the hospital. The roommate was having issues.

I'm back in Flagstaff and adjusting to not being with her. The "new normal" always takes some adjusting. I journaled and prayed this morning and even took a picture of Molly. She sure likes to snuggle under the covers.

Mama doing better

Mom is still in the hospital but just about back to her nomal self. She tried to get out of returning to Brighton Gardens (BG), her assisted living center, however, I had to tell her she couldn't live at home. It's much safer to be at BG. Anyway, she finally accepted it telling herself that since it was better for Troy, her grandson, she would return to BG after the hospital and possibly skilled nursing at Life Care Centers of Scottsdale (she's been there twice before).

I'll know more today about what's next. I met with the nurse and assisted living coordinator at BG and they are wonderful. I was even told that Mom is usually up and about walking around with her walker, sitting in the big commons room, taking part in the chair exercises, and always eating in the dining room. I believe that what Mom doesn't like about her devil's dungeon, as she calls BG, is that there are so many old people there. I wish I could do more for her but this is part of her journey. I need to come up with a better name than devil's dungeon. Something that is funny but not so dreary. Anyone reading this blog who wants to submit a name, please do so.

More later today or tomorrow. I appreciate the comments and prayers so much. Keep them coming. Oh,and the weather in Scottsdale is beautiful. It was 90 degrees yesterday. I had to use the A/C in the car.