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.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Another month has flown by… We had rain this morning but I slept through it… Dave got me another Knockout Rose bush and he planted it in the Rose Garden. I really like the Knockout Roses because they are so easy… I see a bird has built a nest in the topsy turvy planter. My opinion is that is about all it is good for. I never had any luck with it… Lori called and let me talk to Madison then later David called and I got to talk to Macey. I need a grandkid fix… Brenda came to see me and did some dusting… I did laundry and fed the roses… I am looking forward to the Thunder/Lakers basketball game tonight. Go Thunder!!! Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Mayselle!!! Mayselle is Lori’s grandmother and she is 91 years young today… I took my shower right after lunch and Dave took me to see Tami, SNAP, CRACKLE, and POP, that is what she does to me. She will tell me to relax but how do you relax when you are afraid she is going to break your neck. LOL… Later I went to get a facial. It is an early Mother’s Day gift to me from me… Then to Wal-Mart, that store makes me crazy. Then we went to Aldi’s, my kind of store… When we got home I helped put groceries away and fixed supper… Today seems like Friday to me… I am tired tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Wind, please go away so I can go outside and play… Ali came this morning and gave me another good workout. She keeps adding things for me to do. I know she is doing what is good for me… I went to chat but had to leave early for my appointment with Tami… I fixed supper and folded laundry that I found in the dryer… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Happy Birthday Helen!!! Helen is a school friend in Marietta, Georgia who today is as old as I am. She is the one who lost her husband Saturday… It has been a busy day. BJ the Nurse came to see me, and then I went to town to see the chiropractor. Tami said I waited too long to come in. My shoulder, neck and arm have been hurting. I don’t like taking pain pills so I decided I had better get back to seeing Tami… I helped fix supper and now I am waiting on Brenda the aide to come. She is running late today… I think my Clematis is beautiful so I took a picture of it with my iPhone today and posted it below… I called Helen… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

My Clematis


Monday, April 26, 2010

It has been in the 50’s today and very windy. I have been cold all day even with a sweatshirt on… Dave got a good report for his colon scope. We are both happy for that… David had a stress test this morning and he got a good report from his cardiologist. So two good reports today… I ordered a couple post-op shoes today. It is so hard to find one that I like and is comfortable… I had Dave’s lunch ready for him when he got home and I fixed supper all by myself… Ali, the physical therapist came and gave me another good work out… We may get a frost tonight. I hope we don’t… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I slept for ten hours last night and missed church this morning. I stayed up too late watching a basketball game. The Thunder won, now if they can win two more games… The Irises are blooming now and are very pretty… I chatted with my online friends. Norma, one of our chatters from Canada is in Hawaii visiting Jeanne… Poor Dave is prepping for his colon scope tomorrow. I feel so sorry for him. I pray he gets a good report… I did laundry and fed the flowers… Teresa in Arkansas called… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Happy Birthday Marie!!! Marie is a friend in Miami, Florida… Happy Birthday Pam!!! Pam is a friend in Paden, Oklahoma… Happy Birthday Paige!!! Paige is a friend in Midwest City, Oklahoma… We lost a long time friend last night. Dean went home last night. Dave and I used to double date with Dean and Helen back in the 50’s. We have some great memories… The sun came out and then it rained and then the sun came back out… We went to Kenny’s new house and brought him back home… I made more nectar for the hummingbirds. Between the hummingbirds and the wind dumping the feeders, it seems like I am always making more… Dave had to go into town to pick up some Dulcolax pills for tomorrow. Because tomorrow he starts his prep for his colonoscophy… I am looking forward to watching a basketball game tonight. GO THUNDER!!! Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, April 23, 2010

I stayed up late last night watching a basketball game. It was an exciting game. OKC Thunder beat LA. I don’t know how Dave slept through all my screaming… This day has flown by… I fixed our lunch and a couple hours later Dave found a burner on the stove I had forgot to turn off. I fixed supper with some help from Dave… Brenda, the nurses aide came and did some light housekeeping… Jeanne in Hawaii called… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, April 22, 2010

I have felt sad today and I don’t know why? We made a trip in to town this morning to run errands and pick up a few groceries… I fixed lunch and chatted with DASNI friends. It was good to see Tracy there today… This evening we are going to Heather’s honor society, which is being held at the VoTech. Congratulations Heather… We planted more flowers… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

It was a beautiful 73-degree day. I went outside and got some Vitamin D while I worked in the flowerbeds. This is my kind of day… The Clematis is blooming and has four beautiful blooms on it… Ali, the physical therapist came this morning and I got another good workout. I am relieved when she leaves. LOL… Dave and I sat outside on the back patio eating a fudge bar and watching the birds… Dave did lawn work today… I fixed supper, folded laundry that was in the dryer and put it way… Now I am going to watch “American Idol” … Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tony, the nurse came to see me. Because I was having pain in my gum, he told me to call my dentist. I did that and got in this afternoon. I was worried it was a tooth but the dentist thought I just needed an adjustment on my partial. I was happy to hear that… Brenda, the aide came and she put clean sheets on our bed. I had already stripped the bed and did laundry… We went to the jewelry store to pick up my ring while we were out. I am so happy to have it back. I felt naked without it. We made a stop at TLC to pick up some more plants. Dave got them all planted for me while I fixed our supper… I made some nectar for the hummingbirds and filled three feeders… Dave’s doctor called and he gave Dave good news on the scan he had last week… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, April 19, 2010

It has been 15 years since the Oklahoma City bombing and 15 years since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This morning I watched the remembrance ceremonies on television and thinking it doesn’t seem like it was that long ago…

Ali, the physical therapist came this morning and gave me another good workout. I didn’t realize how bad of a shape I was in… It didn’t rain today and I am happy for that… We had ABC Carpet come and clean our carpets, they look so much better… I did a load of laundry, chatted with friends, and helped Dave in the garage. We finished up going through boxes of stuff we brought in from the motor home. I am glad that job is done… I saw a turkey on the neighbors acreage... Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, April 18, 2010

It is the third day of rain. I hope the sun will come out tomorrow… We were invited over to Kenny and Kathy’s today. Kathy had made a pot of home made beef and vegetable soup. It was delicious and she sent leftovers home with us. Thanks Kathy… I did a load of laundry, played pogo games, rode the air dyne bike for two miles and did the exercises the physical therapist left for me to do, and warmed up leftovers for supper… While we were eating supper a hummingbird came to the feeder that is attched to the window... Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, April 17, 2010

It was a rainy cool day and we had to turn our heat back on… I chatted with my DASNI friends, fixed lunch, folded clothes, and helped fix supper… I continue to use the wrong words. The other day, I said black water instead of coffee to a lady. I was trying to act like I was normal… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, April 16, 2010

This morning Dave went for his CT scan. Now we wait for his doctor to call with the results… Ali, the physical therapist came and gave me a good work out. Then Jessica, the RN came and gave me a Vitamin B12 shot. Because of me being so fatigued the doctor ordered me to have it every three weeks instead of four. I feel much better tonight than I did last night. Brenda, the nurse’s aide also came to see me. So I got plenty of attention today… I did laundry, fixed lunch, and helped with supper… It has been raining all day… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Happy Birthday Jr!!! Jr is our nephew in North Carolina… Today we went in to town. I went to the jewelry store to get my wedding set resized because it was falling off my finger. We got the car washed, went to TLC for more plants and then to Aldi’s… I came home and fixed us a breakfast supper… Now I am thinking about going to bed… I am so tired… I called Jr and George… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Bill!!! Bill is our nephew in Ohio… Dave had an appointment with Dr. Mosca, his kidney doctor this morning. He scheduled him for a CT Scan. I pray everything is okay… I spent time outside giving the dogs a ride on my scooter and getting my Vitamin D… Dave said he saw a Hummingbird at our feeder this morning. I have been watching for him but have not seen any yet… I chatted with friends in the DASNI chat room, did a load of laundry, and fixed supper… Dave mowed our neighbor’s acreage… Tonight I visited with neighbors, Billye and Cindy… Kenny and Kathy came and Kathy gave me more lessons on using the iPhone. I am getting so smart. LOL… My favorite, Katie left on American Idol tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

What a day this has been. First the nurse’s aide came to visit, and then the guy came to replace the batteries in my scooter chair. Then I went to get a haircut, then the physical therapist came to see me, after that the Nurse came to see me… I did two loads of laundry, fixed lunch and supper. Now I am watching “Dancing With the Stars”. I am tired tonight… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, April 12, 2010

It was 11:00 when I woke up this morning and I couldn’t believe I had slept that long... The chat room was down so I wasn’t able to chat today. I miss it when I can’t talk to my friends. I notified Jerry that it was down and he now has it working again… We went to town and got some of our bedding plants and got most of them planted… I was watching “Dancing With the Stars” and our Satellite went out. GRRRR… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Last night Dave and I went to Kenny and Kathy’s new house. Kathy was going back to her old house so I rode home with her and Dave stayed with Kenny. Kathy taught me some more stuff that I can do with iPhone. I really like my iPhone and now I wonder what I did without one… Kathy made some really neat burp cloths for me to give to our new neighbor who just had a baby. I took them up to Kelly today and I got to see and hold her new baby. She is so precious… It was another beautiful day. I spent a lot of time outside with the dogs watching the birds and butterflies. Dave has our little garden all tilled up now and he fenced it in to keep the dogs from digging in it. Now we need to get out and buy some plants… I folded laundry that I found in the dryer and put them away. I made hummingbird nectar and filled three hummingbird feeders and hung them out for when they decide to come visit us...Kathy sent home some leftover chicken and noodles and that is what we had for supper. They were yummy. Thanks Kathy… Carole called… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, April 10, 2010

It was a beautiful day but a little windy… I chatted with my friends then got outside to get my Vitamin D. I worked in the flowerbeds and fed the Magnolia tree. I am thinking I got a start on my farmer’s tan… David made our reservations with American Airlines for our trip to Hawaii and we have a house rented. In my mind I am already packing. LOL… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, April 09, 2010

The maids came today so I was busy this morning getting ready for their visit. I love a clean house and they do a really good job… I went to the DASNI chat, fixed lunch and supper… Then this evening I was having problems with my computer so Dave took me to Piedmont so I could have the computer guy help me with it. He did and everything is working fine now… The nurse came to see Dave and he is going to be released from Home Health. He sure has come a long ways since their first visit. The aide came to see me... Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Happy Birthday Howard!!! Howard is Dave's brother who lives in Ohio...
After chat today, Dave and I went to town to run errands and get groceries… I made tortilla soup for our supper. I think it was the best I have ever made… I am really tired tonight and my legs and foot are hurting… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Brrr It is cold. Right now at 5:30 pm it is 49 degrees with a chill factor of 40 degrees…

Dave and I finished up the mushrooms. I sauté some to put in the freezer and the rest we fried and ate. George, I thought of you as I was eating the mushrooms… I chatted with my DASNI friends and did a couple loads of laundry… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Dave went to meet David to pick up the mushrooms. Soon after Dave got home I left the chat room so I could wash and cut up the mushrooms and cook them. Dave and I made a meal out of them. They were sure delicious. I will fix the rest of them and put in the freezer. David and Lori thank you so much for finding them and sharing with us… I picked up around the house… The nurse, Tony and the nurse’s aide came to visit me… Tonight is one of my favorite nights to watch television. “Dancing With the Stars” and “American Idol”… I am praying for the families who are dealing with the coal mining accident. So Sad… I got Dave to feed the Roses. Too windy for me to get outside… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Monday, April 05, 2010

We brought home leftovers from yesterday’s dinner and I have been on a sugar high from all the desserts. Dave helped me get rid of all of them… Dave cut the grass for the first time this year. The trees in the woods, across the street are starting to get leaves… I cleaned the bathroom, did laundry, and fixed supper… David found four pounds of mushrooms yesterday and he and Lori found three and half pound more today. He said we could have the ones they found today. Dave will meet him tomorrow to get the mushrooms… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Our Easter Family

Happy Easter!!!

It was a beautiful Easter day with temperature in the 80’s. We left here around noon to go to Barbara’s house and it was almost 1:30 when we got there… We had a delicious dinner. Then the kids had their egg hunt. They were so cute hunting eggs. As I watched them I drifted back to my childhood when Daddy and Mom would take us to Grandma Best’s house for an Easter egg hunt. Those are wonderful memories. I heard Chase found the prize egg today. There were 27 people there today… I went in the bathroom and when I started to come out I couldn’t figure out how to open the door. I started pounding on the door cause I was about to have a big panic attack. David came to my rescue and told me to calm down and he told me how to work the handle to get out. Thank you David… David just texted me to say he was finding a bunch a mushrooms... Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Saturday, April 03, 2010

This morning Dave brought me my breakfast in bed. I accidentally knocked over the glass of cranberry juice. What a mess that was. I had a lot of laundry to do. Comforter, blanket, sheets, and mattress cover all had to be laundered… I watched a movie “Music and Lyrics” and fixed supper… I have a pie in the oven to take to Barbara’s house tomorrow. I am looking forward to a dinner and watching the great grandkids hunt Easter Eggs… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Friday, April 02, 2010

Between the nightmares, weather radio, and thunderstorms I didn’t get much sleep last night… It was a perfect day with very slight winds. Our new flagpole is up and the flag was flying today… I got outside on my scooter with the dogs and got some Vitamin D. I was having a great time outside when Dave called me in to let me know that Brenda, the aide was here… I fixed pork chops tonight; it is one of Dave’s favorite meals… David texted me with a picture of a mushroom that he found today… We opened up our windows to let in some fresh air... Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

Thursday, April 01, 2010

April Fool’s Day!!!

I hope none of you got fooled. My brother tried to fool me… I did a couple loads of laundry and Dave vacuumed out the clothes dryer and under the refrigerator. Only because I nagged him to do so… The flagpole is in concrete. I can’t wait till we can fly our flag again… I chatted with my DASNI friends and we laughed till we cried. I love my chat room: http://www.alzinfo.org/alztalk/flashchat.php I watched a movie but I can’t remember the name of it… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma