Mary's Place

A web page about the life of a lady who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Name:
Location: Piedmont, Oklahoma, United States

I live in Piedmont, OK, with my Husband of 50 years who has been very supportive. We have 2 sons,David and Kenny, 6 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids. I enjoy feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. Before I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I ran a Licensed Day Care Home for Infants for 15 years. I noticed I wasn't able to remember important things and having problems with my speech. I was experiencing severe headaches. I would get lost. I didn't know how to use the computer. At the age of 55, I told my doctor. I was sent for an MRI. which showed a large amount of shrinkage. I went to a neurologist who sent me for two days of testing. I was diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. My husband and I were both in shock. I had to give up my job. I went to see a social worker. I've taken Aricept for 11 years. I can now use the computer and even do this web page. I also host a chat room for dementia patients. This is a very lonely disease. I don't want anyone to feel as lonely as I did when I was diagnosed (I thought I was the only one over 50 that had Alzheimer's). In 2006 I started taking Namenda. Also I was told I have a mixed dementia, Alzheimer's/Vascular.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Thanks to Jeanne in Oregon, Richard in Smithville, Tennessee, Martha and Alfred in Bethany, Oklahoma, and Susan in Canada for visiting Mary’s Place and signing my guest book at http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mari5113/index.html
It was 81 degrees today and tomorrow is to be warmer… David and Lori came out this morning and had brunch with us. It was so good to have them visit and to get their hugs. They loved Tootsie also. Lori rearranged my bouquet of roses for me that I have setting on our dining room table. She does that so well… We walked out in the yard and looked at trees. I found out the River Birch tree that she had given me was not planted where I wanted it so Dave replanted it for me and replaced the Redbud tree where it belonged. We noticed the Bradford Pear tree was blooming… After David and Lori left I finished up the laundry then went outside and trimmed some rose bushes… I watched a beautiful sunset tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, February 27, 2006

Happy Birthday Louise!!! Louise is Kathy’s Mother and our friend in Lawton, Oklahoma…
Dave had an appointment with Dr. Brown this morning for his yearly physical… After seeing the doctor Dave went to get us some more sunflower seeds because we had run completely out and our birds weren’t happy… Dave then went by the Vet’s office to pick up Tootsie’s body. Tootsie looked so peaceful, just like she was sleeping.. Dave made her a coffin and a cross then he went and dug her a grave. Josh told Dave last night he wanted to be here when he buried Tootsie. When Josh and Heather got home from school they came down and we all went to bury Tootsie in our back yard. We all cried and then came back in the house and shared stories of Tootsie… Josh and Heather had supper with us and then left to go do their homework… Thanks to everyone who has sent cards and emails, they were very much appreciated. It helps to know others understand… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, February 26, 2006

The vet just called and said Tootsie wasn't responding to treatment. Dave gave her permission to put Tootsie down. We are so hurt.

No news from the Vet today… Dave and I watched a DVD “Miracle” and the rest of the day I have rested and played dominoes and free cell… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Dave went by the Vet’s office to see Tootsie. He said she recognized him and was still getting the IV. She is starting to improve and her kidneys are now working. But the Vet wants to keep her until she is out the woods and is starting to eat… I cleaned the bathrooms and dusted… Alfred and Martha came tonight and brought a couple of pizzas. We had a nice visit and watched the Olympics… Please keep Louise, Kathy’s Mother and our friend in your prayers… Sis and David called… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, February 24, 2006

I didn’t post a journal last night because I was just too upset from worrying about Tootsie. To those who have met Tootsie you know what a sweet and friendly dog she is. Tootsie wasn’t showing any improvement with all the medicines we were giving her. She wouldn’t eat and hadn’t urinated all day. Dave called the Vet back and she wanted us to bring her back in. Dave wanted me to go with him, he is having such a hard time. The Vet took more blood and started an IV and wanted to keep her. I tried to get her (the vet) to tell me if she thought Tootsie was going to make it and she said she would do everything she could but it was up to Tootsie. This time I have to be the strong one and it isn’t easy… I hope to have better news tomorrow… Goodnight All… Keeping the Faith In Oklahoma

Tootsie before she got sick.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

When I woke up this morning at 11:00 Dave told me that he had taken Tootsie to the Vet because she had gotten worse. She was having seizures. The Vet did a blood test and her sugar count was 22, which was way too low. She gave her some fluids and some medicines. Tootsie had more seizures while she was there. The vet said that her heart rate was low and that usually when they have seizures their heart rate speeds up. She wanted Dave to leave her there for a while so she could keep an eye on her… Dave went back this afternoon and picked her up. We are giving Tootsie medicine at home and she has an appointment to go back in the morning... We left this evening and went by the flower shop and picked up some flowers for Martha. Then on to their home so the guys could go to their weekly bible study… Kenny and David called… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Happy Birthday Kathy!!! Kathy is our niece in Seagrove, North Carolina… Happy Birthday Ernie!!! Ernie is my cousin in Louisville, Kentucky… This is the first day I have felt human in several day. I got dressed for the first time in three days… Tootsie our little dog hasn’t been feeling well today. Dave made an appointment with the vet but Tootsie started to perk up some so he didn’t take her. We are watching her closely. Tootsie is the youngest of our three dogs, so she is our baby… I finished up the laundry… I am still enjoying the Olympics… Dave has started on our taxes… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, February 20, 2006

It was two years ago today that I lost my dear Mother. My Mother is in heaven now but I still talk to her, not on the phone anymore but I know she is listening… Today was the first day since we have moved here that we have seen Cardinals at our bird feeders. First the female came and it wasn’t long till the male showed up. I have a feeling that Mom sent this pair of Cardinals to us. She knew how much I love to watch them when the snow fell. Today we have snow and Cardinals… I am still tired and I am beginning to think the constant pain that I have is making me tired… I spent a lot of time in bed but did manage to do a load of laundry and take care of the houseplants… Dave has just finished building a plane and has started on another one… Thinking of Martha who had surgery on her hand today… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Today I watched another basketball game. Texas/Oklahoma State and Oklahoma State was the winner… I took a shower, got out of bed for lunch and supper… Played Free Cell and other than that today has been a repeat of yesterday. I am feeling very tired. I know these two days of rest should help… Thanks to Mary in Canada for the phone call. It was like a big hug… 25 degrees was the high for today… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, February 18, 2006

This has been a lazy day for me… I watched an Oklahoma/Iowa basketball game. It was an exciting game where Oklahoma won by one point… I watched a movie “Elizabethtown.” I was born just six miles from Elizabethtown, Kentucky… I hosted chat and spent most of the day in bed under the covers… David and Kenny called… Now I am going to spend the rest of the evening watching the Olympics… It is 17 degrees… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, February 17, 2006

I had to get up extra early this morning because the maids were coming… There were three of them and they were in and out in 35 minutes… While the maids were here I caught up on two weeks of our weekly newspaper… Kenny called and invited me to ride with him to take Josh to his Mother’s. I declined because it is just too cold for me to want to get outside… I called Jeanne… I keep thinking today is Monday… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, February 16, 2006

This morning Dave went to Tinker to get us more drugs and to the commissary. I was going to go but I had a horrible night with a lot of pain so I decided to stay in bed and rest. That seems to help more than anything else… I did get up and fix our supper and I hosted chat… I am still a day ahead of myself. It sure seems like it should be Friday to me… It is winter again down in the 20’s… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

This morning I slept till after 11:00. I must have been tired… I am doing my journal early because when I get home tonight I will be tired. This is Dave’s Bible Study night so I will get to visit with my friend Martha while Dave and Alfred are gone… I did laundry, answered emails, and fixed lunch… I enjoyed a nice bubble bath in six-foot whirlpool tub. I should take the time to do that more often… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Happy 3rd. Anniversary Morris and Andrea!!! Morris and Andrea are our friends in Houston, Texas and they met on DASNI... Happy Birthday Amanda!!! Amanda is our grand niece in North Carolina... My Valentine’s Day was a good one. Dave got me a beautiful African Violet plant and candy. We went out to eat last week to avoid the crowds… Dave had a doctor’s appointment this morning and while he was gone I got busy and fixed a roast for supper… Kenny called and David and Lori called to wish us a Happy Valentine’s Day… I have picked up around the house and did some bird watching. I counted 24 meadowlarks under the feeders at once… It was 66 degrees today… Kenny came down tonight with two bouquets of flowers. Thanks Kenny… I had phone calls from Carole and Evelyn. I called Garnette and Aunt Flo… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, February 13, 2006

I have been watching the Olympics since it started. My favorite is the ice-skating. Watching the games reminds me of when Dave and I attended the ‘84 Olympics in Los Angeles… I took care of the houseplants and got rid of a couple poinsettias because I am getting tired of them. I did keep one… I did laundry and watched a DVD “In Her Shoes.” Kathy called and said our onion sets came in. I checked my Oklahoma garden planting guide and it says to plant onions between February 15 and March 10 so we will be getting them planted soon along with some other things like peas, lettuce, potatoes, and etc… I have another web page I would like you to check out. It is Christine Bryden’s web page at: www.christinebryden.com Goodnight all… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, February 12, 2006

It was afternoon before I could talk myself into getting out of bed. I got in the shower and started the laundry… I have played too much on the computer today. I am so hooked on dominoes… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, February 11, 2006

We went to Smokey Bones last night to eat. The food was great but it was really noisy. I kept looking for a knob to turn down the volume … Today hasn’t been one of my better days. I am having reflux and my knees and hands hurt. I never dreamed getting old could hurt so bad… I am still confused on what day it is… I have been chilling and had to go to bed to get warm… I cleaned our bathroom, fixed lunch, and hosted chat… I will try not to complain tomorrow… Kenny came down tonight with peanut butter fudge, tomorrow he will tell me I have a big butt… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, February 10, 2006

We had more wild fires today. They were in Yukon and around Norman. With the way the wind is blowing I am not surprised… This morning I called to talk to David and Madison. I tried to talk to Macey but she doesn’t talk yet. She doesn’t have to talk all she has to do is grunt and point and someone will talk for her… Not much accomplished today. I have thought all day it was Saturday. I hosted chat and played dominoes with Nobie… Kenny called and invited us to go out to eat so we are going to do that. We will be dropping Heather off at a school dance on our way… Mary in Canada I am so sorry I missed your phone call today… Good Night All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, February 09, 2006

This morning I got all of yesterday’s laundry folded and put away. I hosted two chats and helped fix supper. I have been working on my annual report for DASNI. This is something that all board members have to do each year. We are planning another board meeting for next month… Tonight while we were eating the woodpecker and other birds were at the feeders to entertain us… Dave hung the drapery panels that we decided we needed to go with the valances. Now I think I like them… I called Lori to thank her for the valentine she and David sent me… Kenny came down to visit tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I woke up this morning feeling very overwhelmed from thinking of everything I needed to do today. I was making my self ill with wondering how I am going to get it all done… Dave pitched in and helped me get things done and it all worked out. Thanks Honey… I stripped the bed and we are back to flannel sheets again. It is supposed to be down to 20 tonight. I hosted the DASNI chat and did two loads of laundry. They are not all folded and put away but they are clean… Tonight was Dave’s Bible Study so I stayed with Martha and we picked up supper from the Church and brought it home to eat. It was Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Salad, Green Beans, Roll and Apple Crisp. It sure was good… We stopped by Wal Mart on our way home to pick up some drapery hardware… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Dave woke me up early this morning for a doctor’s appointment. It was a follow up appointment with Dr Baugh, my asthma doctor. It went well except for the weigh in part. She is such a sweet doctor. I told her about the trouble I was having with reflux and she is going to refer me to special doctor for that. UGH… Then we went to the mall for my monthly day at the mall… Then after that we went to Red Lobster to eat. Did some more shopping and then picked up a few groceries at the Aldi store… I am really tired tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, February 06, 2006

Thanks to Richard in Smithville, Tennessee for visiting Mary’s Place and signing my guest book at http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mari5113/index.html Last night when I did my journal I forgot to mention that Kathy, Louise, and I went through the seed catalog and picked out the vegetable seeds we wanted for our garden this year. Then Kathy made the order. I look forward to our garden, planting, watching it grow and eating the vegetables and sharing with others… I picked up around the house, cleaned the bathrooms, hosted chat, rode my bike, and took care of the houseplants... Dave and I watched a DVD from NetFlix “Always”… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Today started out very windy but this afternoon the wind died down and it was just beautiful. I got out and checked on our trees. The Bradford Pear trees were budding and so were some of the others. The Lilies are peeking through the ground…. I sat out on the patio for a while watching the birds at the feeder, butterflies flying around, Kenny flying his sailplane, and the cows across the highway. Feeling like one lucky lady to enjoy so much… We were invited up to Kenny and Kathy’s to watch the Super Bowl and for a Spaghetti supper. Kathy’s Mother is visiting and she makes the best spaghetti sauce… I am tired so will say Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, February 04, 2006

We have a woodpecker that comes each evening at the same time to eat the suet at the feeder. Well today I had my camera in hand just waiting on him to show so I could get a picture of him and wouldn’t you know he doesn’t show up on Saturday’s… Dave washed all the windows outside and the screens too and this house has a lot of windows. I appreciate Dave so much and I don’t tell him near enough. I will do the inside windows one at a time… The new vacuum came in today and I have tried it out and it works great. But I think it fits Dave’s hands better than mine. LOL… I played several games of dominoes and some spider solitaire while Dave and Kenny flew their planes… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Thanks to Duchess in Clermont, Florida and Martha in Bethany, Oklahoma for visiting Mary’s Place and signing my guest book…
Happy Ground Hog Day!!! The Ground Hog saw his shadow today, six more weeks of winter. If this is winter I can handle it, near 70 today… I worked on the checkbook, paid bills, and not much more than that accomplished except for hosting two chats. Tonight is when Dr. Mitch visits our chat room his topic is: “Family Denial.” It should be a good one. The link to the chat room is: http://www.alzinfo.com/community/chatrooms/ Kenny and Kathy came down to visit tonight… I am still having problems with stumbling with my speech… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

It is a brand new month. I suppose this month will fly by just like last month did… I got up and had to get my butt in gear whether I wanted to or not. That is what happens if you spend a day in bed, you get a day behind… I did laundry, picked up, rode the bike, and hosted chat. Then we had to get ready to go to Dave’s Bible study. Martha and I enjoyed a catfish dinner picked up from the church. They serve a meal there every Wednesday. Dave and Alfred eat at the church… I was looking out the window this afternoon looking for birds when I saw two butterflies. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. But Dave saw them too… As we were leaving to go to Alfred and Martha’s I noticed there were a bunch of cows out in the field and I said here kitty kitty. Dave looked at me so funny. I realized what I said as soon as I said it and I still don’t know why I would call cows kittys. We both laughed… Dave gave me a Vit. B/12 shot. He is getting so good at giving them I don’t even fill it… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma