HOLIDAY BAKING

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  "Some people just don't have what it takes to appreciate a cookie."  James Patterson

THIS IS: Bingo's Birthday month and New Year's Eve


Mom always used to make a bunch of holiday cookies and goodies and give them to the neighbors.  She'd make coconut macaroons, gingerbread cut-outs, sugar cut-outs, anise, chocolate chips and more.

This year, mom had to enlist Dad in the baking.  They only made gingerbread cut-outs and macaroons this year in the cookie category.  But they also made chocolate chip pound cake and fudge.  Mom supervised while dad did the mixing.  He did a good job but Mom had to laugh...there was flour sprinkled about. 

I always get a taste of the cookies...yum...when they come out of the oven.  But I didn't get any fudge.  It smelled so good, but Mom kept saying it's chocolate.  It can make a dog sick or die.  I prefer to live.  But why can Mom and Dad eat it?  There's a double standard in this household.  For Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners Dad made yeast rolls.  He did a good job kneading the dough and forming the rolls, but again there was flour all over.

Dad has taken over all the household chores.  Mom always tells him what a great job he's doing.  Mom could get used to this.  Dad better start messing up a little soon so Mom doesn't get too used to this new lifestyle.

e-mail:  daisydog1@cfl.rr.com
Copyright 2012

ADJUSTING TO CHANGES

THIS IS:   Operation Santa Paws Month to 12/24

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  "If you can't decide between a Shepherd, a Setter or a Poodle get them all...adopt a mutt."  ASPCA

Since mom had her first stroke on 6/23, she and dad had to make a lot of adjustments in their lives.  Well, I've had to make adjustments, too.

The first one was my daily morning walk with mom for exercise and to see all my friends.  Mom couldn't do it (It would take hours because she'd have to use her walker) and dad was really busy with household chores and such (And he hates to exercise)  Uncle Terry volunteered to walk me each morning.  He's a good walker.  I like walking with him.  Pam and Dan volunteered, too.  I have fun with them, too.

I wasn't getting my 4:30 runs any longer either.  I know mom's recovery comes first, but I do need my exercise.  Now several times a week mom and dad take me to the dog run.  I get to chase squirrels and play hide 'n seek with dad behind the trees.  I'm having fun again!

I don't get big hugs from mom any more.  She tries and I get one-armed hugs and one-handed pets, too.  I understand.

Now I am going to give you an update on mom's health.  She's doing well.  Last week she started electrical stimulation on her arm, and wrist.  It stimulates the muscles.  It does seem to help, but she's having a hard time doing some of the movements that she does in therapy at home.   There is progress but it's really slow going.  Her arm keeps getting stronger. 

Mom has graduated from the walker to a cane.  She's been instructed to try walking in the house without any aids as long as dad is home.  She's slow and a bit wobbly.  She probably just needs more practice. 

I am happy to report that mom hasn't fallen in about two weeks.  That's good because it's scary when she falls and can't get up.

Mom is learning how to drive the golf cart again.  Watch out everyone.  It doesn't have power steering and mom can only use one hand. 

All in all, mom is making progress and I know that one day she'll be able to take me on walks again.

e-mail:  daisydog1@cfl.rr.com
copyright 2012