Update

This is me babbling. Feel free to skip it!

Air Canada and I are getting pretty chummy.  In a week, we fly to Ottawa to celebrate Arabella and Sierra's second birthday.  I can't wait to cuddle those beautiful little girls.

My trip to Thunder Bay was bittersweet.  We said goodbye to a lifelong friend but as with many funerals, I got to visit with old friends and schoolmates - people I hadn't seen in over 50 years (yes, I am old) and current friends.  I also got to visit with my sister Liz.  If you have read my jounals, you probably know that my sister has Alzheimers and her family is quite fractured.  The niece I trust, came to the nursing home with me - in the evening when we were sure we wouldn't run into her siblings.  I had 2 wonderful visits.  I have no idea whether she knew who I was. On the first evening, I asked her if she knew who I was.  She said "Nope".  I told her that I was Marlene - her bratty little sister.  She laughed and I had her laughing for the better part of an hour.  I had her laughing the next time I visited as well.  She was in the dining room, so I had a few other residents laughing as well.  Did she really know me?  I have no idea but I do know that she enjoyed the visits and that is the important thing.  For many years, I worked with residents who were diagnosed with Dementia.  I loved it so it wasn't hard for me.

Speaking of Dementia.  I got a call last week from my son to tell me that his father-in-law was in the Emergency department.  He had suddenly deteriorated.  I told him that I was concerned as Alzheimers does not usually have such dramatic changes in behaviour.  I suggested that he might have an infection e.g. urinary tract infection.  He said that Jim had been to his doctor who was not very helpful.  When Jim started wandering outside at night and crawling around inside, they took him to the hospital.  I was right - he did have a severe urinary tract infection.  He was in the hospital for 5 days.  He is home now and much better.  There is an upside.  They got to spend time with the transition nurse  and discuss possible moves if Sandy can't handle him.  In the meantime, she will be getting some respite care.  Tiina's brother said that I was a better doctor than his dad's physician.  As I said, I have worked with Dementia patients for a long time so it wasn't rocket science.  

I had some blood work done.  I am fine except for slightly high triglycerides.  Carbs are the culprit so I have been trying to cut the carbs.  I am also walking regularly - 3 to 5 miles 3 or 4 times a week.  I do feel better.  There are some carbs I won't give up - wine!

All in all, I am doing okay.  I just read Joanie's journal.  I loved the idea of sweeping out fear.  Now I need to invest in a broom!

Lisa:  Dad and I went to a concert tonight.  The first performers were great - upbeat and innovative.  The next was also great - 2 guys with a band behind them.  They are reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel.  However a couple of their ballads were about loss.  All I could thing about was you.  I was brought to tears.  When I cry when I miss you, I just know you are worth it.  I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy