LIFE: When you live in an old drafty house you never know who’s going to drop in for a visit. We have had visits by mice; and flying squirrels. If our walls were glass or clear plastic, it would look like a huge ant farm in the walls. Last week we had the annual October infestation of Asian lady beetles. When… Read more →
Some Updates
CAREGIVING: Today was “Columbus Day” here. Even though I am half Italian I don’t think Columbus warrants his own day for getting here after everybody else. I didn’t get the day off. Updates: Kathy seems to be doing pretty well – stable is the term. On Sunday, Pat washed her hair and I gave her a haircut. I clean her teeth twice… Read more →
The Stairlift has left the building
CAREGIVING: This is a story about how you think you have a plan, but a much simpler one is “stairing” you in the face. I have been paranoid about the combination of caregiving and winter in this house. Now that Kathy is bed-bound with Huntington’s Disease, keeping her warm and safe is another thing to worry about. Just as a refresher, our house… Read more →
Project: Man-cave
LIFE: I have always joked about my working arrangements. I have posted on Facebook that “Due to the snow emergency, Lehndorff Design will be closing early.” As a self-employed graphic designer, my hours can be long but the commute is easy. With caregiving I need to keep even closer. It has been months since I used my “office” upstairs. My latest ongoing project: to… Read more →
Day One: Roster Changes
Wednesday, the primary care team came from NaviCare, Kathy’s new health plan. (See my previous post about it). It was day one of coverage. Miguel is our Navigator (commercial pun intended). He will be the main contact: getting any approvals for this and that, and he will make Kathy’s first appointment with her new doctor. He will get any needed authorizations for ambulance rides to her doctor and dentist appointments. And… Read more →
Marty and Alfred
CAREGIVING: Monday morning when Kathy’s new aide, Betsey was here, I decided I needed to run down and make a bank deposit. I was transferring some money from my business account to my personal account at Monson Savings. I thought Marty might like to go for a walk so I brought him out the back door and we waddled down as far as… Read more →
Birthdays Are Gifts
CAREGIVING: Today was Kathy’s birthday. At this point I am grateful that we could celebrate it together. Birthday’s have always been important to Kathy. I like them too but they sneak up on me. Sometimes I can’t even remember how old I am. I need to do the math. But Kathy always made sure they was some sort of celebration. Today… Read more →