(Bahzah) Cee's 2012 Year End Wrap Up

Shhhhhh.........



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Books read in 2012:
* indicates BOTS (Does NOT incl ER books no matter how long they have been on my shelf!)
JANUARY
#1 The Tiger by John Vaillant (4.5 stars)
#2 The Elephant's Journey by Jose Saramago (4.5 stars)*
#3 Cannery Row by John Steinbeck (4.5 stars)
#4 Wheat Belly by William Davis (4 stars)
#5 Big Miracle by Tom Rose (3.5 stars)
#6 Cake Wrecks by Jen Yates (3 stars)
#7 Sarah's Key by Tatiana deRosnay (2.5 stars) *
#8 Blizzard of Glass by Sally Walker (4 stars)
#9 Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman (4.5 stars) *

FEBRUARY
#10 The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson (4.25 stars) *
#11 The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (4.5 stars) *
#12 The Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck (4.3 stars)
#13 The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman (4.5 stars)*
#14 The Siege by Helen Dunmore (5 stars)
#15 The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman (4.5 stars) *
#16 The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care by Virginia Bell (3.5 stars)

MARCH
#17 The Owl Service by Alan Garner (3 stars)
#18 Little Chapel on the River: A Pub, a Town and the Search for What Matters Most by Gwendolyn Bounds (4 stars) *
#19 A Dog Year by Jon Katz (4 stars) *

APRIL
#20 River of Doubt by Candice Millard (4.5 stars)
#21 Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (4.5 stars)
#22 The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck (4 stars)
#23 Overseas by Beatriz Williams (3.5 stars)
#24 The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (4.8 stars) *
#25 Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman (4 stars)

MAY
#26 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (3.8 stars) *
#27 A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor (4 stars)
#28 The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
(3.5 stars)
#29 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (4.5 stars)

JUNE
#30 The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton (4 stars) *
#31 Auraria by Tim Westover (3.7 stars)
#32 The Call by Yannick Murphy. (4.5 stars)

JULY
#33 "Frost, You Say?" by Marshall Dodge (3.8 stars)
#34 Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury (5 stars)
#35 Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick (4.25 stars) *
#36 South of the Northeast Kingdom by David Mamet (4 stars) *
#37 The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill (3.8 stars)
#38 River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh (4 stars)
#39 Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (4 stars)
#40 In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson (3.8 stars)

AUGUST
#41 Thirty Three Teeth by Colin Cotterill (4 stars)
#42 The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (3.8 stars) *
#43 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (4.5 stars)
#44 The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery (4.5 stars) *
#45 The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (4.4 stars)
#46 Fast Lane on a Dirt Road by Joe Sherman (4.5 stars)
#47 The Red Pony by John Steinbeck (4 stars)
#48 Disco for the Departed by Colin Cotterill (4 stars)
#49 Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes (5 stars) *
#50 Wild Dogs by Helen Humphreys (4 stars) *
#51 Bruce by Albert Payson Terhune (3.5 stars)

SEPTEMBER
#52 The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (3.75 stars) *
#53 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (4.6 stars) *
#54 The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing (3.75 stars)
#55 The Birth House by Ami McKay (4.5 stars) *
#56 Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier (4.3 stars) *
#57 Anarchy and Old Dogs by Colin Cotterill (4 stars)
#58 Samson Agonistes by John Milton (4 stars)
#59 The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain (4.2 stars)
#60 The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence (3.5 stars) *
#61 The Fur Person by May Sarton (4 stars)
#62 The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee (5 stars)

OCTOBER
#63 A Wreath of Roses by Elizabeth Taylor (4.5 stars)
#64 Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill (3.6 stars)
#65 War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (4 stars)
#66 My Famous Evening: Nova Scotia Sojourns, Diaries, and Preoccupations by Howard Norman (4.5 stars)
#67 The Two Atlantics by Keith Hatchard (3.8 stars)
#68 The Colony of Unrequited Dreams: A Novel by Wayne Johnston (4.6 stars) *
#69 The Tempest by Wm Shakespeare (3.7 stars)
#70 The Stranger by Albert Camus (4 stars) *

NOVEMBER
#71 Breathing Water by T Greenwood (3 stars)
#72 The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar (4.7 stars)
#73 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (3.5 stars) *
#74 Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck (4.5 stars)
#75 Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton (3.5 stars)

DECEMBER
#76 The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman (4 stars)
#77 Vale of Stars by Sean O'Brien (4.25 stars)
#78 The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twang Eng (5 stars)
#79 Lost Antarctica by James McClintock (4 stars)
#80 On Cats by Doris Lessing (4 stars)
#81 A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg (2.5 stars)
#82 Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
#83 The Sea by John Banville (3 stars)
#84 The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova, Bailey (4.5 stars)
#85 Excellent Women by Barbara Pym (4.25 stars)
#86 The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (3.6 stars)
#87 Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers (3 stars)

My Favorites of 2012!

Best Fiction:
Matterhorn by Karl Malantes
The Seige by Helen Dunmore
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Colony of Unrequited Dreams: A Novel by Wayne Johnston
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
The Garden Of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
The Elephant's Journey by Jose Saramago

Best Non-Fiction:
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vaillant
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Bailey

Honorable Mentions:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Birth House by Ami McKay

Must get in first whilst I can Cee and wish you a great weekend and to congratulate you on another thread. It is Santa time already?

Hi Paul!
Almost time... you better watch out!
btw, I started reading The Garden of Evening Mists and remember the picture you posted of the Cameron Highlands... which helps me envision the setting.
Hope your weekend is off to a great start :-)

Hi Claudia- Congrats on the December thread! What is Santa feeding that reindeer? Marijuana? How thoughtful and seasonal.
I hope you are enjoying The Garden of Evening Mists! It's an excellent read.

HAHAHA, Mark!
No. It's lichen! A reindeer's powerhouse of energy, I guess?

Yes, GoEM - excellent read so far ;-)
I knew my LT friends wouldn't lead me astray.

Enjoy your reading. It is a shame that Cameron is a bit overdeveloped and some of the "feel" of the place has been lost. It is also markedly warmer there nowadays.

Hi Cee,
Looking forward to the best of the year list.
And so glad you love The Garden of Evening Mists, I found it a very pleasurable read indeed. Delectable.

Cool! We got an email this morning from the people that own the cottage we rented (Marshwind) in Nova Scotia...

"...This Sunday night, ABC will air the movie "Christmas With Holly" - it was shot this summer in Nova Scotia, Prospect AND at Marshwind. "

This will air tomorrow night - Hallmark Hall of Fame.
Here are some previews
http://hhof.tv/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gFf2Ko90DA

You know where I will be :-)

Paul -
Unfortunately, that overdevelopment happens a lot when you are old enough to remember how places used to be. The book is beautifully written and it's easy to imagine a sense of being there.

Megan -
Yeah. I am looking forward to my best of year list too! LOL
Want to finish reading GoEM since I'm thinking that will qualify.

Good Saturday Morning Claudia!!!!

Lovely new thread, Cee! Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Sorry I am so late to you thankfully turkey-less and very beautiful new thread!

I have been very busy again today... Drat it all anyway.. I have to get my phone app to find that movie for me on another day.. that channel re shows them right? I have gotten myself into it again for tomorrow..
I know.. just say know.. but this isn't work.. it's an A.R.E. Thing... and I want to go but the thought is nearly paralyzing to me. Halp!

So no snow on the rooftop yet?
warmish here.. but damp. Hope all is going well away up there in reindeer land.. or at least reindeer vacation territory...

A much belated visit...a "Hello" and a {{{hug}}}

No reading to report...I seem to be stalled, on that front.....don't know whether that makes me sad, or not.

;-}

Hi to Tammy, Mamie, Kath and Jude!

Books - books - books!!!
There was an estate sale in town which I was unable to go to. They offered a bunch of stuff to the fire dept for their auction next year - including BOOKS!
Having connections (hehehe) I picked out 40 books for whatever donation I want to make. I just entered them all in my library and don't really feel like listing them all here(too tired and lazy)... but there were many good ones. woohoo!

I saw that you picked up some Treasures! There are some that I hope you'll love, as much as I do.....

Woohoo, indeedy!

40 Books???? Wow! Congratulations Cee! And congrats on your nifty new Christmas thread.

Cee, I was gloating over a measly five new-to-me books on my thread. Congrats on looking forward to reading all those new books.

Love the Santa and reindeer pic. It looks like he is in your back yard woods! Oh yeah, you might as well just go ahead and put The Garden of Evening Mists on your Favorites list!

I love the picture of Santa feeding (what I imagine to be) alfalfa to the reindeer. I think it's cool that reindeer actually exist.

Happy Holiday Thread, Cee! Hugs to Loki.

40 Books!!!!!!!!!!!! wowza! Well done woman!
What are a couple of the bestest finds?

OK - I had a decent night's sleep and am rested.
Some of these books I want to read more than others. For the price, I'll see how it goes... If I finish reading them, don't really want them, etc - I will donate to the library book sale next summer. Some of these books are about Maine/New England :)

So, here are the books:

Mollie Peer by Van Reid
Silas Crockett by Mary Ellen Chase
American Pastoral by Philip Roth
Home Town by Tracy Kidder
The Dog Who Wouldn't Be by Farley Mowat
Leaving Home by Anita Brookner
Selected Poems by Edna st. Vincent Millay
The Parrot Who Owns Me by Joanna Burger
A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
Leap of Faith by Queen Noor
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (reread)
Poems & Sketches of E.B. White
A Bend in the River by V.S. Naipaul
Oliver Twist by Dickens (reread)
A Wodehouse Bestiary by Wodehouse
Northwest Passage by Kenneth Roberts (reread)
Lighthouse in My Life by Philmore Wass
The Master by Colm Tolbin
Grendel by John Gardner
A Few Green Leaves by Barbara Pym
Edith Wharton Short Stories
Villette by Charlotte Bronte
Betty Crocker's Cookbook in perfect condition to replace my tattered one
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith
The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich
Life List by John Cole (birds)
A Journey to Boston by Mary Ellen Chase
In Search of Lost TIme by Marcel Proust
Vanity Fair by Thackeray (reread)
The Works of Edgar Allen Poe
George Eliot The Last Victorian by Kathryn Hughes
Daniel Deronda by George Eliot
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland
I'm a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson
The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields
The Sea by John Banville

for the kids:
The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery
A Seal Called Andre by Henry Goodrich
and a complete set of the hardcover Harry Potter books

Re-reads will be passed on to the kids if I never get to them... They were favorites of mine oh so long ago. I'm wondering how they will speak to me now???

Hi Jude!
You are one sharp lady! How can you tell what books I added? There do seem to be a few new-to-me goodies in there... and a few old favs that might need re-visiting.

Hi Bonnie -
Thanks ;-)
Ron's first thought was along the lines of Uh-oh. Another bookcase! But hey - gotta support the Fire Dept. It's a good cause, right?

Hi Donna -
Five new books are not measley! Now I have to go check out your haul. I may or not read ALL these books, but I'm going to hoard them over the winter til I decide for sure.

"you might as well just go ahead and put The Garden of Evening Mists on your Favorites list!"
That's the message I am getting from those who have read it already. It is a lovely book so far.

Hi Ellen -
Well, the caption to the picture said Santa was feeding the reindeer lichen. Seems they should get something a bit more hearty - like alfalfa. Maybe lichen is a delicacy for them. You can fit everything I know about reindeer on the head of a pin. Oh. And what I learned from the song about Rudolph. LOL

Hi Kath!
I listed the books for you. See what a good friend I am?
It turns out they only picked up about 3/4 of the books and are going back for the rest plus tons of tapes (which I am not interested in).
Only about 2 or 3 of these books were on my WL. How can I possibly want so many books? I'm a sick puppy -or- secretly aspire to opening up a library of my own??? I think I need serious help.
*********************************

Hope everyone has a great day!
If anyone needs sunshine, let me know.
We have an abundance of it here and I am willing to share :-)

How can I possibly want so many books?

*wonders if this is a trick question* ....I suspect, Cee, that this is a 'problem' we all have here on LT. So fear not, my dear.. You.Are.Not.Alone!

*breaks into kumbahyah ....*

Oh Cee, thanks for sharing your haul! You got some real gems in there - how very exciting!

WOW!! What a haul! There is nothing like the feeling you get when looking at a big pile of books. : )

24> LOL --- yep. It's so true.

*tries to sing harmony*

*pleads forgiveness*

Wow, Cee! What a haul of books! Great job! Maybe one day you will open your own library? Glad to hear that you are feeling so well!

Hey... that's not a bad idea.. ! And it's one way to become a librarian...LOL

Caro -
LOL I think I am fooling myself that I will live long enough to read them all. But I see my Mom now - pretty much reduced to reading to fill her time. So, I'm preparing for old age :-)

Mamie -
This haul gave me a chance to bulk up on some of my fav authors and try a few new ones. Also, I love books about Maine and there are a few of those too. They are not always that great but I do like to get more of a sense of my own state.

Kimberly -
Yeah. Uh huh. Like... where am I gonna PUT all these books. Right now they are in the "man cave" staying warm and cozy. I need to lobby for another bookshelf. Since they are encroaching on Ron's space, I just may be successful!

Ellen -
Every friendly voice adds value to the choir. Join right in!

Deb -
Well. That's the other theory floating around here. I'm just a librarian-wanna-be. I'm just happy these books were not smoky or musty. I would have had to reject them with tears in my eyes.

Kath -
You're starting to catch on to me, I fear.

Fire Dept Christmas party tonight :P
Not all that interested in going but I have to bring a huge pan of mac and cheese. We had a lot left over from our ham/bean supper that I was co-erced to bring home and freeze. I thawed it out, now I have to "perk it up" and heat. *sigh*
Anyway, they always have that Yankee Swap gift thing. I hate it. And some of the stuff is downright stupid and useless.
Then they have all the kids of the firefighters running around creating havoc and a visit from Santa (the chief).
I just don't have enough spirit for all that. I'm definitely related to Scrooge.

My sister is coming to visit Mom tomorrow - second time this year! Just in time for christmas, I'm guessing. :P~
I expect I will be joining them to let my Mom know who she is.
Hope I feel more gracious by tomorrow.

Hi, Cee! Like seeing Santa with one of his reindeer up top. Looking forward to your reaction to The Garden of Evening Mists, one of the best of the year for me.

I like your list of books - I need to read more Millay! One on your list I highly recommend is Vanity Fair. It's chock full of good stuff.

I expect I will be joining them to let my Mom know who she is.
That makes me sad for all of you...

I hope you have fun at the party anyway! Ya never know!
And you know, there will be mac and cheese :) And no doubt, cake!

Oh cake! I made that cake yesterday.. ate some too.. it was delish!

HI Cee!
wow, 4o books! good haul!
Hope you had some fun at the Christmas party! Don't be grinchy!! ;)

#23....When I log onto LT i get the Home Page...and "Connection News" lists books that folks have added, rated, and/or reviewed. Don't think that I am Psychic....Psychotic, maybe...

Enjoy your partay....there's Mac-n-Cheese and probably a ton of desserts. Indulge!

;-}

Is your sister staying over - don't forget to give her a copy of your "House Rules"! If she doesn't behave, please send for me!

Wow, that's a LOT of books! Yay Cee!

I want to reread The Stone Diaries sometime. I loved it but it's been years since I read it.

Oh what a day yesterday was.
Spent the entire afternoon/early evening in the ER with Mom.
Long story short: Too much BP med. She's ok now.
Details -
Her bp was getting VERY high due to pain before she got her cortisone injection.
Someone notified her dr about raised bp and he prescribed another med. So, they were giving her old and new meds together as he did not discontinue the old one??? Whatever. No one told me - and I will make sure this doesn't happen again!

Her bp plummeted and she was very weak. Not eating or drinking, etc. etc.
See now? If she had been here with us, I would have had this under control and now I am berating myself for letting her go to "asissted" living. She is a hard lady to take care of because you need to be VERY observant/attentive and get inside her head (not easy to do) to figure out what's going on with her.
I know she will die someday - but I don't want it to be from a med overdose. Geesh! And I don't like going to the ER.
I guess it doesn't matter what I don't like. Life is what it is.

So - Ron was in charge of the mac and cheese for the party once I got it all together and somehow successfully got it there in good condition. Oh, me of little faith! Maybe he learned some things while my shoulder put me out of commission???
Nah. It was luck, written instructions, and 3 phone calls.

I got back to town around 7 and joined in the last part of the party. My shoulder was hurtin' bad and I was exhausted. But freakin' hungry since I had not eaten all day myself.
So I got some of the leftovers - and yes cake! Lemon. yum.

Went to bed when I got home and right to sleep.
Today - feeling much better. Back to deal with Mom and visiting sister this afternoon.

Sorry about the complaining. Whenever I have to be real good for a whole day I find I can't resist letting off some steam. Ahhh! Now I feel lighter!

Thing is - all's well that ends well. And TG yesterday ended well.

Sorry to hear about your mom's ER visit. Had kind of a similar incident with my mom once. They changed the dosage of her heart medicine, but she was still taking the pill for the old dosage, too. Too many meds, too much confusion. And with all the different generic brands, you can't go by what they look like or even what they're called in some cases. Scary. (BTW, my Mom was home when our error happened, and it still got missed.)

Cee, the other way we can see those books you added is to go to your LT profile, click a likely collection (like "Your Library") and order the display by the "date acquired" field. If there are 40 books with the same recent "date acquired," those would probably be the books in question.

What a haul of books!

Glad to hear that you're having some moments when you feel almost normal. Definitely a good sign! (But don't overdo it carrying piles of books . . . )

Oh Cee... how awful!!! Im glad all is well now though. I would give the folks at the care home a good talking to, as well. A preventable incident like this would really tick me off.. I am so sorry you and your mom had to go through that...

I am glad to know that it ended well.. and do not blame yourself for letting her live there. It is the right thing. No matter where she is .. you will find bumps in the road... life is what it's called. She is where she needs to be for her, and for you..

Glad to hear that you at least got some leftovers.. and hope your arm is better today :(
hugs

Joe -
I managed to grab The Garden of Evening Mists on my way out to the hospital yesterday. So I got to read a little more. Since I did not bring anything for Mom, I wound up reading aloud to her right from where I had left off. Oh those Japanese and Chinese names/words! I just love the writing. I doubt my Mom had a clue what I was reading. Probably just listening to the sound of my voice.

I read Vanity Fair when I was in HS and loved it! I think it deserves another reading and will try to get to it next year.

Kath -
Yeah. I know. Super sad.
Glad you liked the pineapple cake. The time I had it, it looked like heck but was quite yummy!

Chelle -
"Don't be grinchy!!"
Keep telling me that... I need to think young and joyful!
I told Ron he is in charge of Christmas this year. Interesting results. lol
Nice to see you here. I have to check your thread again to see if everyone is rested up. I could just picture you all home together in a heap - sleeping in heavenly peace! Glad you had a good time ;-)

Jude -
OIC I rarely go to my home page since I stay logged in all the time. So, I must have dominated the "Connection News" for a bit - while I was entering stuff.
Party was OK. No disasters. Only there for about half of it and I was glad to get home.

Mamie -
Sister is NOT staying over. She drives about 4 hours - visits for about 2 hours - drives back another 4 hours. Her choice. She's crazy! I worry about her a lot. But then I have to let it go. She's a big girl now and doesn't want me fretting.

Joanne -
I know, huh? It IS a lot of books! Lots of book fun here... I have started campaigning for a new book shelf ;-)
Good to know you liked Stone Diaries. That means I will probably like it too!

Hope everyone has a good, good day!

Are you gone already? I just wanted to add to my above comments... I found your books in your library, too...nice haul!

Hi Terri,
Thanks for saying that about your Mom's incident. You're right. It could have happened here just as easily. I could have made the same mistake...
I think I did overdo even though I tried to lift one book at a time... I also was trying to move the boxes a bit. Then I drove to the hospital myself yesterday and that was too much for the shoulder which is why my arm was hurting last night. But better again today! YAY!

Kath -
I know. You are right. Thanks...
Arm is better :-)

Sorry, Kath. Slow typist here.
Never thought of looking by date. I don't use the features of LT enough - but that's cuz I spend all my time on here with my fellow readers and friends :-)

I know... it does start to suck time doesn't it?
I should be wrapping gifts right now.. and in fact, I am going to do that right now...

Hi Claudia. I'm so sorry about the medication mixup with your Mom. It will be good that the assisted living place knows you'll be watching them now--they'll be more careful.

Please don't beat yourself up. You are such a good daughter. I loved the image of you reading to your mother while you waited with her. I'm sure the sound of your voice is the most healing thing to her.

I'm glad your arm feels better but it sounds like you're super busy. Probably a good time to schedule a massage or something just for you.

Big Hugs!

Oh my ... a medication mix up is terrifying. I hope the scare will have the assisted living staff be more mindful about how they dispense medication to their residents.

I hope the arm continues to improve, especially with the busy holiday season around the corner. Are you going to do much by way of baking this year?

Kath -
You're wrapping a lot of gifts. Are you one of Santa's elves?
If so, I can send you my list for special consideration ;-)

Pat -
Well Mom's med issue wasn't really the fault of the assisted living place. The dr ordered a new bp med and did not specify to discontinue the old one.
No one told the dr office her bp had risen due to heightened pain which was corrected with the cortisone injection. Only I knew the details there.
I have now insisted with both Sunnybrook and the dr office to keep me in the loop. I will keep them all on their best behavior.
A massage sounds GREAT!

Caro -
I am not fully functional in the kitchen yet - so no big baking projects this Christmas :(
Still not supposed to lift anything. No strength in the left arm yet.
However - I have added 15 degrees of motion in my arm since I started PT! Doesn't sound like much - but it's progress. Also got an A+ on scapula squeezes today :)

Oh boy Cee, please don't be so hard on yourself over your mom's med confusion. Thankfully all is well and hopefully everybody, including you, have learned from this experience. I too discovered that the nurses will only do what the doctor has written on his orders, so now I read his paperwork before I leave the office to make sure everything is clear.
Keep the faith and continue those squeezes. Depending on what it is you're squeezing it sounds like fun.

Lynda,
I know nurses are supposed to follow dr's orders. But it seems there should be some understanding of what is going on. Of course, no one knows all the answers in the medical world. We all have so much yet to learn and do the best we can, I guess.
Of course you are right - everything needs to be clear.

Hahaha! Oh, so fun...
Scapulas = shoulder blades

So many parts (muscles, bones, etc) involved with a broken shoulder. Complicated and a lot of work. How DID I get myself into this?

Just getting here....
long day...

work in a.m.
dinner out.. Applebees FAIL
Petsmart stop
visit to nephlets
now finally sitting on my BFA

How has your day been?
How is your mom doing?
How is our Cee doing?

Not great. Fine
Not great. Fine
Not great. Fine

Is it the end of the world yet????

Hi Claudia- I was wrong about the "End of the World" date. I think it's the 21st. LOL. So we have more time to read and drink beer. Hooray!

I am getting my hair colored on that day - I guess that was poor planning on my part. So while the world is ending, I'll be in the salon. What does that say about me?!

Mark - Oh! good. I should be able to finish my book by then. 12/12/12 seems spookier to me. What's 12/21/12? nothing.
or............?

Mamie - You will be the most beautiful angel in Heaven! Well - at least the one with the most beautiful hair! Maybe I'll go buy some new jeans - LOL

Hi Cee, one thing about assisted living or nursing homes...they screw up fairly regularly. But that's not your fault. And you would, of course, do a better job taking care of your mother. But at what cost? Your sanity for one. Your Mom wouldn't want you to make that kind of sacrifice. So you do the best you can. When my Mom was 92 and in a nursing home suffering from advanced Alzheimers. I went to one of those annual meetings to talk about her care and they mentioned in passing that she was now on cholesterol medication. Wait a minute----cholesterol medication?? Really?? At 92? With Alzheimers?? Why don't you just take the cash and throw it right out the window?? Geesh!

yeah....What Bonnie said. Also... you are new at the watching instead of the doing..
Now you will do the watching differently. We all have times where we just don't want to get out of bed. Your mom has the perfect setting in which to indulge herself. It will pass...

hugs...
take care of you.

Even with Mom in assisted living, I am getting those not-so-old feelings back. I want to run away. Feeling guilty as hell that I can't take this and can't make things better. Worry and anxiety keeping me awake at night. Migraines in the morning. Clear thinking ability paralyzed. Discouraged and feeling depressed.

I think I will back off from LT for awhile to spare y'all my grief. I'm feeling like a soap opera and I'm getting addicted to words of consolation.

My brain knows that everything said here is true, is offered in good faith, and would be helpful if I could accept it into my heart. I am a prisoner in my own heart and the key never was made that could let me out :(

So, thanks for all "the love". I'll rally and be back eventually.
Sorry about all the drama -
I just need some time to push through this.
Maybe tomorrow... LOL

:P~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

no leaving us..........................I am pm-ing you

Oh Cee -I am so sorry that you are hurting! The problem is not you - it's just that unfortunately no matter how much we love someone, we cannot fix everything. We cannot keep them from being hurt. Being a daughter is no different than being a Mom - there is no magic formula that allows you to safeguard the ones that you love. The magic is that you want to. All you can do is your best, and sometimes that will be not good enough. It's like when your children are young and you feel like you can fix most things pretty easily - a bandaid, a hug, some hot chocolate or a kiss on the forehead, and all is well again. But, as your children grow older, you realize that you will not be able to keep them from all harm no matter how much you want to. Someone will break their hearts, they will get sick, they will be afraid or might lose their way - doesn't mean that you failed or that you are inadequate, just means that you are human. That's how life is. You are a great daughter. Your Mom is so very lucky to have you. It's just that life is messy - no matter how much we want for it not to be.

You do not need to spare me your grief - I can take it. I am strong. I will be here for you whether you seek me out or not because that is what friends do. So lean, and I will help to support your burden, and when you are stronger, and I am feeling weak, you will help to support my burden. That's how it works. Please know that I am thinking about you and sending all the mojo that I can muster your way. You are not alone.

Cee - I don't think I can really add anything to what Mamie has written, as she has expressed herself so well. But just to say that I am thinking of you.

Ditto #60... Mamie said it very well.

((((hugs))))) from me.

What Mamie said says it for me, too, Cee. It's just not easy as our folks get older, and there's only so much we can do. Sending warm thoughts your way.

As usual Mamie found the right words Cee. She is right your Mum realises for certain how lucky she is to have a daughter who cares as much as you so obviously do. Don't beat yourself up over this because after all you were there for her when she really needed her to be.

just a quick visit...worked all day....tired

Claudia- This is one heck of good support group! Take advantage. Gentle Hugs, my friend.

Hi Cee-
Im just doing mu first round of thread visits, and Im sad to see youre not feeling your usual best. I hope a few days will see you right, and next time I visit you'll be back and feeling better.
Take care :)

#79 Lost Antarctica by James McClintock (4 stars)
LT ER win:



Lost Antarctica reads like a fascinating documentary punctuated with personal anecdotes of author James McClintock, a veteran scientist who has made several field trips to Antarctica. Packed with details of marine and aviary observations in a uniquely sensitive environment, this highly readable book shares with the layperson documented scientific discoveries and effects of global warming. Because of the location of Antarctica, conditions that had remained stable for millennia are suddenly (in the past several decades) changing. Temperatures are warming dramatically creating significant changes in wildlife population and the food chain, the acidity of the ocean, the melting of glaciers, and the diminished size of the ice shelf.

This book is more a presentation of what is happening than any preaching on what should be done about it. There are many instances of advances in technology and a broad look at future possibilities. Not an alarmist punch in the gut – but a call to heed what is happening in the remote southern polar region of our world. The theory here is what we learn from Antarctica can “…serve as a wake-up call to jump-start the technological, societal, and political paths to a sustainable planet…”

Anyone who reads this book should arm themselves with a map of Antarctica. I wish one had been included in the book.

looks chilly

Hi to all my friends!

Still dealing with stuff - new day, new crisis.
Thanks for support.
Be back later...

oh no.... not more :(

hugs

HUGS!!! Lots and lots of HUGS!!!
xo keep well friend and hope to see you back soon!

Cee, just sending more love your way. Having your mom in assisted living, having had the scare with the BP meds, and just the helplessness you are feeling.... all coming together to make for a tough time. I don't know if the holidays add to the challenge; they can definitely do that. My own mom passed when I was but 22, and she was not well for most of the decade before that. I had to wrestle with a lot of guilt that I had not put my own life on hold as much as she would have liked me to, but I did what I could at the time. You are doing as much as you can and it will never feel like enough, I suppose. I hope you can see the guilty feelings as just guilty feelings and part of the territory.

Sending you hugs, hoping for an increasing sense of peace.

Been there, Cee. This too shall pass. Sending big hugs your way.

checking in.. waiting for news on how things are going ....
hugs

Thinking about you, Cee. Hugs for you.

miss you my friend !

#80 On Cats by Doris Lessing (4 stars)



Yikes! What a book...
It was wonderful; it was horrible. It was indeed all about cats.
It was about how cats fit into a human lifestyle much different from my own and reflected a philosophy of cat ownership in another time and place.

Much of this book made me cringe (roaming outdoors, cat pregnancy, and kitten population control). In a seemingly irreconcilable balance, Lessing wrote much that was heartwarming (intensively caring for sick cats and getting in touch with cat psyches). Obviously, Lessing is a cat lover... yet seems indifferent at times. She is practical and a realist. This book is heartbreaking at times but mostly a very lovely read.

Kath - DO NOT read this - unless I send you a copy of this book with MANY sections cut out!

Oh my goodness. An abundance of kind friends and warm outreach. So much truth in what you all say - and comfort to know others have been there and survived. Thanks so much to all of you for saying all the right things.

Mom is mentally deteriorating rapidly and it seems to be affecting her physical health too. We are struggling to deal with it all. Things are not going smoothly and we can't reason with her, of course.

I have an appt to talk to someone tomorrow and Mom has a dr appt Wednesday. Sunnybrook is doing what they can. Ron has been an enormous help.

I try to lose myself in reading as much as possible.

Hi Cee, firstly ((((hugs))) for your tough time.
Secondly, Lost Antarctica looks great! Im glad you scored it as an ER freebie.
Thirdly, what is cringe-worthy about cats roaming outside? Isnt that what most cats do? (all my cats have, but they have all been rendered unable to conceive or impregnate)

Hi Megan,
Hope you are recovering fast and feeling little or no pain.

Cats roaming - they get killed, sick and injured. I am over-protective, I guess. Around here, I'm pretty sure my cat would be eaten by a hungry, wild animal. My first kitten ever was run over by a car right in front of my house. Died instantly - TG. So, never again for me anyway. I do see the issue of letting cats be cats - but...

Thanks for the hugs! Back at ya {{{Megan}}}

My first two kittens ( as a child ) died...
one was hit by a car, one was bitten by a wasp.

Sorry you had to read that.. and thank you for the heads up on it though..

(((Cee)))

I was an adult when I got my first kitten - but knew nothing about them. I thought they were supposed to be outside/inside I felt pretty awful about that :(

Actually there were so many beautifully written pages in Lessing's book, but, well... I'm quite sentimental.
Nevertheless - I'm glad I read it.

Nice reviews, Cee. The Antarctica sounds good, the cat book sounds like not for me. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's health. I know it is so hard to see a parent's health deteriorating and be able to do next to nothing about it. The only comfort for me was to realize that life is a cycle, and that we must take the good with the bad - but oh what a ride the good stuff was! Look for the good, and soak up even the smallest things that do go right. I am with you on this journey - sending you my thoughts and prayers. Hugs for you, dear sweet lady.

No proliferation of words this morning Cee just hugs and best wishes to a dear lady and her mom.

Thanks so much, Mamie and Paul.
I fear this will be a long, heartbreaking journey.
Every day I mourn for the amazing woman who was my Mom and is now trapped by her own brain in a land of darkness and paranoia.

She would love knowing that you think this... and someday... she will
((((Cee)))

You are fortunate to have had her in your life...
and no wonder you turned out so well!

:)

I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's need for the hospital.and for the fact that your arm is still hurting so badly.

I was the only caretaker of my grandmother. Even with all the love and attention I gave her, she had frequent hospital visits. When she passed away, I grieved tremendously and beat myself up emotionally thinking I could have/should have done more.

Finally, a dear friend snapped me out of it by helping me to remember just how much I did for her when no one else was around to help.

You are a wonderful daughter! A wonderful friend, and an all around good person!

Hi Cee. I have been largely absent from LT lately, (because RL is very time consuming right now) but it has been for mostly good things, not bad. I am sorry I have not been here for you while you are going through this tough time! Please don't be hard on yourself and as your Mom makes this journey remember to make some time for you to heal and be whole. Hugs.

((((Hugs))))

Does the Assisted Living center have a social worker or social service director perhaps? You could use a professional to talk with through this. Someone who is familiar with your mom's health, I mean. I'm always willing to listen if you need an ear ... PM me if you'd like.

Just checking in....

Kath -
Thoughtful and true words. Thanks.
Don't know how well I turned out though :P
"Good enough for gov't work"?

Mark -
Thanks for the bear hug. Cute :-)

Linda -
Yeah. We do our best and that has to be accepted by our heart as all that was possible - even when the end result is not what we hope for.
I don't want to beat myself up over all this, but I do at times feel like I am failing. In my mind I know I must ultimately give over gracefully to that which I cannot control, but that doesn't stop me from thinking - What can I DO? What can I DO?
Mom's aging process must happen. I think I am dealing with a mourning process of my own and that will take some time to figure out.

Kimberly -
Thanks. You are right. I know.

Tina -
Thanks for your offer and thoughtful ideas. We will be working with everyone involved and her doctor to try to smooth this all out.
***********************
Must do something productive and uplifting today...
hmmmm tall order
Beautiful snow squall this morning!
Hope everyone is feeling a little Christmas ;-)

Checking up on you - Sounds tough but sort of typical with your Mom. My mother was sent to the ER regularly and it was a perfect nightmare and not once was it particularly necessary. They would just panic at the residence and pack her off.

Love your list of books, ambition is good!

Hi Cee, it's just so hard to deal with a situation like you are going through. But know that I'm thinking about you and hoping you keep on keeping on, getting through this difficult time.

Hi Cee,
Back to cats, Ive never known of a cat to stay inside the whole time! Im sure they dont mind so much, but it must be a location thing too. Here we have a big back garden, plenty of space for him to roam, and anyway, he apparently spends most of his day hiding from the kids in our neighbours garden, or sunning himself on her porch! Cheeky thing.
We had 4 cats growing up. Fred got run over, Bluebottle got run over and Henry got run over. :(
Nessie survived the road, but got adopted out to a friend after my parents split up.

I am truly sorry for your heartsickness over your mums health. It is one of my fears to lose a parents personality that way. Even if she cant show it she would know deep down that you care for her and have been a very devoted daughter. (((more hugs)))

Glad I found you, Cee! You'd gone missing in action on the threads. I'm so sorry about the medicine mix up. If helps any, I remember when my dad had his mom in a very expensive and lovely carehome and he used to get so angry at some of the nurses when I was there - he'd whisper asides to me that a particular nurse trained at a Nazi Camp. It's so difficult when we have to have our parents in a care home or nursing home but it is often impossible for our parents to stay at home forever.

You are a wonderful daughter! big hugs!

I am so exhausted tonight - but I wanted to thank you all for your comments. Some make me smile; some make me tear up... they are all appreciated and helpful to me.
You'll never know how what you are telling me is so relevant to my experiences and feelings of woe. You all help to strengthen my ability to cope and accept this awful aging process. Thanks so much for your support.

Sleep easy, Cee
Heres to a refreshed tomorrow!

I'm so sorry you're having to go through such a tough time, Cee. When my grandmother started to deteriorate as a result of Alzheimer's, we all felt helpless watching the woman who'd been the center of our lives slowly disappear right before our eyes. I'm seeing something similar starting to happen with an uncle, who's just had to be moved into an assisted living facility, albeit a very nice one, and when I went to visit, one of the therapists there spent some time with our family and I'll not forget one thing he said, and that is .. it's the family being left behind who unfortunately suffer the most, because watching our loved one slip away hurts our hearts. But my uncle is already starting to live in his own special world where his mind and emotions are protected against grief. Somehow I found that comforting.

Your visits and hugs will continue to mean a lot to your mom, even if she can't articulate it, she will feel the love you have for her.

Peace, Cee .. I hope you manage a good sleep ... and some relaxing escapism through good reads. {{{hugs}}}

#81 A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg (2.5 stars)



Meh. Disappointing. Too shallow. Too unreal.
Just couldn't make the leap.

hate when that happens. FF is usually pretty good...

I know. Was hoping for better. She probably dashed this one off for holiday cash.

Sad but true:(

How are you today? And it's early for you...are you sleeping ok?

Although I have not responded to each one of you personally, please know I read what you have sent me again and again. It is all helpful and you are all so kind to share. I thought if I tried to stay away from LT a bit I could wallow in my self pity/misery - but it's not working. I am drawn back to LT to lurk and check on everyone. Can't help myself.

After spending the other day whining (about pain and lack of progress) to my ortho dr, the physical therapist, and my daughter (who is a physical therapist), I got up yesterday feeling much better.
See? Whining does work! LOL
Anyway, my arm is better and progressing in flexibility again :-)

After another PT session this morning, I'm taking Mom to hosp for x-rays and blood test - then to pain dr for a follow-up visit. She is starting a new med (antidepressant) and I'm hoping it will help her cope... but we need to get her back pain under control. That seems to make everythng worse for her.

Ron is traveling to CT today (before the messy weather hits) to visit our daughters and their families. I will be in charge of the dog, cat, house, and myself for 4 days!
Heh - I really need this yank back into real life to snap me out of all the coddling I've been getting since the broken shoulder event. I can do this!

I'm ready to disgard my dismal war against what IS - and perhaps decorate the tree while Ron is away. maybe

Hi Cee!
You should pack up the fur kids and bring them to Nova Scotia and visit me!! We have TONS of snow for you! I know how much you like that white stuff ;-)
I'll try and take a new picture for you today when I got out. The whole valley is completely white!

Woohoo! Packin' my bags!
I can well imagine how very beautiful your valley must be ;-)
Enjoy!

Poor Loki... sitting on the front porch in the dark waiting for Ron to come home. How do you explain 4 days to a devoted dog?

Busy day today again...
Mom had xrays of her back which were available to the pain dr on the computer by the time we drove over there! Wow! Modern technology!
She must be in incredible pain. Her spine is a mess of twists and curves including a right angle bend where it should be an easy shallow curve. Severe arthritis, bone spurs, buldging discs, nerve compression, etc. Apparently her last cortisone injection was not effective so they are gonna try same injection in a more focused location. If that doesn't work, there is another procedure they can do. It will take some time, but there is hope for lessening the pain at least.

I had a great PT session today. I feel like I'm back to making significant progress. My shoulder pain is not as bad for today anyway.
I'm a happy camper.
Now for a nice quiet night!

I started reading the introduction to Excellent Women (no touchstone?) by Barbara Pym. Halfway through I am skipping it and starting on the actual novel.
I am now sworn to NEVER reading an introduction again until AFTER I finish the book. I've said this before to myownself, but this time I mean it! So many people who write intros include spoilers (luckily my memory is like a sieve) and talk about stuff I don't want to think about til the story is told.
Maybe I won't even BUY a book with an intro ever again! We'll see.

Wish I could say we have snow in our forecast but it looks like all rain here. Please send pictures!

I'm glad to hear that your arm is back to healing and getting generally back to most of normal....
sooner would be good!

Sorry to hear about your mom's issues.. that all sounds dreadful.. and I hope she gets some relief.
:(

Poor Loki :(

I am sitting here watching my xmas plans fall to pieces.
1. Dan nearly pushed me over the edge today. He said he would do the floor, put on the tree topper and
clean the cat fountain. He put on the topper and cleaned the cat fountain after I got home from work....
He had cleaned the floors... and made the whole house smelled like ammonia. I had to redo them after work. After I cooked and cleaned up dinner. ( leftovers, but stil )

2.Winter storm might keep Amy from coming home.
Same storm could affect Adam's flight home.
Cory was supposed to be home by 8... he hasn't left yet.
I have been awake at 3 am for days .. and tonight will be no better.

ho ho ho

aiiieee -
too early to worry about all that
I did see where traveling is getting messed up - hoping it is mostly rain for your kids' traveling
There's still 4 full days for them to get there.
Having buckets of hope for you and your plans....everyone's arrival will be so much sweeter.

hugs to calm your nerves {{{Kath}}}

btw, I like the smell of ammonia :-)
I'm thinking it goes well with Lysol ;-)

I gave up reading introductions myself Cee. They should all, for the most part, be afterwards because they give away so much. Then when I'm done with the book, I seldom feel the urge to go back and read the intros. Heh.

I never, ever read introductions, Cee. They tend to give too much away. I prefer to read the story then the intro ....... then I appreciate the ah ha moments more this way.

Ack! You're not thinking of mixing cleaning agents are you?!

Sending a long comforting hug your way. You are such a good, caring and loving daughter and doing everything you possibly can for you mom. Don't for one minute think otherwise. You know, if she could, she'd say the same thing.

Bonnie -
You know, I've been crazy to read every single intro AS an intro! You are so right. It should be an afterward. It makes me wonder what kind of writers would do that to us. Don't they read??? Nice to get some support from you (a great reader) on this one. Thanks!

Lynda -
Thanks for your kind words :)
So you figured out the intros too. Waaaay before it finally dawned on me. No one is going to know (or care) that I skipped it - at least til the end. Right? I think some teacher I had must have drummed it into me to not skip anything. Well. I'm making my own decisions now! Ha!
Oh NO... eeek
I am not mixing cleaning agents. Just teasing Kath who is determined to eradicate all the germs around her so she can have a healthy Christmas. The Christmas scent in her house is likely Lysol instead of pine. LOL (hope it works)

Quiet morning - except for the wind. Nice!
Keeping all travelers fighting storms in my thoughts and sending everyone big warm hugs!
TGIF I imagine many are starting a nice long Christmas weekend today. YAY!

I'm with Bonnie and Lynda on skipping the intros, Cee. They do give away too much. Once in a great while I'll go back and read the intro after finishing the book, to see what whomever it is says about it.

Congrats on starting your Christmas weekend early!

Me three on skipping the intros, Cee. I've been ignoring them for a couple of years.

We might be getting a some snow over the weekend, just in time for Christmas but as of today.. nothing but lots of rain and then a bit of sunshine.

I do hate it when the intros do that as well!

Hi Cee, your mother's x-ray sounds like my back feels today. I hope she gets some relief soon. So glad you and your shoulder are friends again. Life is so much easier that way!

I usually skip intros, too, though I'll sometimes go back and look for background information if it's that kind of book. Lots of like minds here on LT. Have a good week end.

Claudia, I'm so sorry to hear your Mom has back pain on top of dealing with the Alzheimer's. I really hope the anti-depressant works. My Mom was always an anxious person and one of the medications she took after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's was lorazepam (an anti-anxiety). It made a huge difference in her mood.

I think what Caroline said about it being worse for the family is most likely true. The thing that helped me the most in learning to adjust to my Mom's condition was participating in a support group sponsored by the National Alzheimer's Association. I probably mentioned this before but it was so comforting to me to be with other people going through the same (or almost the same) thing. It was a way of lightening the whole experience.

There were also periods where I thought my mother was rapidly declining which turned out to not be the case. There would be a change but then she'd level off for quite a long time.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend!

Oh I did enjoy Excellent Women, Claudia. Thankfully, my copy did not have an introduction!!!!! It's light and more or less a social commentary of the times.

So glad to hear that you are making progress with your PT! That it is satisfying , I should think!

With my grandma, in the last 3 - 4 years she did not seem to know anyone but my dad - her only child. I had been very close to her, so initially it was difficult. She rarely spoke, but I tried to remember the things that she did like and I would take her flowers, books about flowers, my dad would take pictures of relatives from days gone by -and sometimes she would remember her mom or sister. Sometimes I would just hold her hand and talk to her, though she did not respond. I think you never know what a person is taking in. And I think touch ( for most) is a great comfort.

Well, drat it - power is down. I do like wind. It sounds cool :-)
but... there is the issue of trees and power lines :PPP

Here's the GOOD news: I did it! I did it!
We have a new (easier to start) generator that I have never actually started before. With Ron's typed up instructions (cuz I never wanted to actually let him show me how to do it), I did it!

When I got home last night it was sheets of rain, wind roaring, and darkest dark. So I read by battery lamp for awhile and went to bed. When I got up, I realized I needed coffee BAD. Good incentive to learn about the new generator ;-) LOL

OK. So the electric company has about 8 hours to get the power back up before I run out of gas. If worse comes to worse - I'll call fireman friend to do that part.

Joe -
How is it that intelligent readers have figured out intros are not to be read til afterward, but book publishers are clueless????
And how many times did I read the suckers, and say to myself "I wish I had not read that", before I got indignant and said "No more!"
Sometimes I think it is me... but I see in this case I am not alone!

Caro -
I feel better knowing that it took you awhile to give up on intros - but then you are a lot younger than I. So I don't feel better anymore. I should have given them up when I graduated from HS!
Snow possible here too - they say. But I really believe they just say that to get us in the spirit and encourage more shopping.

Rhian -
See? It's an international scourge. Thanks for your supporting vote ;-)

Donna -
Yikes. I'm sorry your back feels so bad. Did I miss what caused it? or forget? Back pain is just awful. I hope you can take something to help and that it goes away soon.
Another vote for reading intros last!

Pat -
I knew Mom had back pain - but she rarely complains. It amazes me she can even get going in the morning now that I know what a mess her spine is. I know that physical pain - especially when it is that bad - can wreak havoc with mental stability. I just wish she would whine once in awhile so we would all know when it's building up to be intolerable.
It's hard to know what's going on with her mental decline - it seems to all happen in fits and starts.
Mom getting old is hitting me like a ton of bricks! No one in my family ever lived this long except one grandmother who I never really knew.
Geesh - never realized the prevalence of elderly issues. We need some answers and solutions from the medical world as well as more spiritual comfort. Tall order. I know.

Deb -
That's so sad when loved ones seem not to know those who were close to them. Mom knows me well, so far. But she keeps getting confused with my sister, Sarah, who only sees her a couple times a year and never calls. She thinks Sarah is her sister sometimes. I think Sarah has mostly given up on her :(
I do think you are right about touch and comfort. I try to give Mom lots of hugs. She loves hugs.

*****************
Wishing everyone a great Saturday!

Cee,

I'm out of town for the holidays so I don't have my list of books / resources close by. But there's one I want to share with you now that I remember the details for.

There is a video called Senior Gems that is a free educational resource for families & caregivers of folks with dementia. It is done by one of the best dementia speakers I have ever heard -Teepa Snow. She explains basics of the dementia disease like no other person can. Her "gem" theory is incredibly accurate & is much easier to understand for lay persons than other cognitive theories

Go to www.seniorhelpers.com/seniorgems
You request the free video there. There are also video excerpts from her other training DVDs in little snippets on YouTube. But get that video first. Share it with your family.

I hope it will bring you understanding & comfort. Hugs to you!

Wow, Tina! That was easy. Thanks so much!
Could wind up being my best Christmas present this year ;-)

Hugs back to you for being so caring and sweet!

Claudia, I second Deb's suggestion of looking at pictures with your mother. My husband helped me put together a photo album with all of her old family pictures and even as her disease progressed she loved looking at pictures of her parents and siblings when they were young. She also loved horses and dogs and we spent many hours looking at picture books of those two animals.

I don't think your mother is as far along as mine was this past couple of years but just wanted to mention that my mother had trouble expressing that she was in pain.

Good luck with the generator today. When I was reading your post, I kept thinking "Where is Ron?" and then it dawned on me--Connecticut! Good job on getting it started!

Thanks, Pat, for your suggestions. Strangely, because Mom cannot remember who is who in pictures, if I leave them with her she cuts them up and throws them out. We'll be seeing her on Christmas and I thought I might bring the pictures of her and myself on our Ireland trip years ago - and our wedding pictures - many, many years ago.

Power just came back on - YAY - and I think I now have a permanent dent in my hand from trying to flip the main switch back on. Dang hard to do!
Anyway, everything is fine and quiet now :-)
Ah.... sweet peace

Cee - I'm another one hating intros. Think I am well equipped enough to read a book a decide for myself whether it is crap or not.
Have a good weekend dear lady dodgy limbs and issues with your Mom notwithstanding.

Thanks, Paul!
ok. That makes 9 votes to skip intros!
interesting....

I am now sworn to NEVER reading an introduction again until AFTER I finish the book. I've said this before to myownself, but this time I mean it!
Yeah, I have sometimes been an intro-reader, in the hopes that I would notice more nuances and "get" more allusions or references or plain old themes than if I did not read the intro. Mostly, I don't read them. Mostly they are boring and spoiling, and best saved to read as afterwords.

Cee, for what it's worth, my cat(s) never, ever go outside. I have had a cat hit by a car, I had a friend who had a cat eaten by an owl, etc. I'm just too overprotective.
I did try to take Abby outside when she was little, and as I stepped into the driveway to say goodbye to departing friends, Abby on my shoulder (where she loves to hang out), she freaked out and just about clawed me to death. She has never even wanted to go outside. Princess.

Ha! Good, smart, alive kitty Abby.
Ouch! for the shoulder ouch, ouch, ouch
See how sympathetic I am toward shoulder injuries now?

Years ago I got a cat harness for Woolly so she could go out in the sun on the back deck. She did like that, but is just as happy on her cat tower in the window. It faces the south and gets a lot of sun most of the day. Even a stray spot of sun anywhere will satisfy :-)

#82 Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)



I loved this book. It was my first Agatha Christie (I know, what rock have I been under?), but it will NOT be my last. What fun to think they ALL could have dunnit - and still be surprised at the end!

At the end of my Kindle version it states "Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare"
Wow! I have a lot more reading to do than I thought. :-)

Oh yeah, Abby loves the sunbeams, when we get them.
She is also a huge fan of our gas fireplace. :-)

Oh! Good to know... I am starting a campaign for a gas fireplace and need all the great reasons for getting one in my arsenal! LOL

Cee - Gas fireplace means no more sooty clean up, no sparks to potentially cause rug burns and bugs from the firewood crawling around the house. Plus you can regulate the heat emanating from the fireplace and get a steady glow.

FYI. As far as pictures, you would probably have better luck if you chose pics of her / family from early childhood.

Another really cool resource is called "TimeSlips". It's created as creative storytelling for individuals with dementia. The theory is this: take random photos of places, people, events & have the person tell what they think is happening in the picture. The creative part of the brain is retained even though the memory center is attacked by the dementia. It's incredibly neat to see what the person comes up with. There are no 'wrong answers'. It's a positive experience for the person with dementia and the caregiver.

It's www.timeslips.org

I have other books to refer to you when I get back home to my work stuff. (((Hugs)))

What a totally great idea - the TimeSlips. That would have been something I could have done with my mother. She never forgot who we were (small strokes/dementia) and her grip on the past was very strong throughout and looking at old photos would have been so much fun. Ah well. I love how hard people are working to come up with ways to communicate and keep the brain working out.

Cee - so glad the PT is working. Just like everything, there are lulls, I guess.

Take care, and I hope Ron is back safe and sound very soon!

Caro -
Good ones! Especially the one about the bugs! You've got me sold!

Tina -
Good to know about the pictures. Thanks!
I'll say one thing for sure - the creativity is amazing in Mom's brain. According to her, she has been "everyplace" in the world, this includes both poles! I think she has read so much that she takes bits and pieces of what she remembers and creates the most credible stories - except I know better. Whenever I need to change a subject I pick a place and ask her if she's been there. She perks right up and starts telling me about it :-)
I will check out timeslips. Thanks for your concern and hugs!
Now... go have some fun and enjoy your holiday!!!!
Grateful hugs back to you (((Tina)))

oops - cross posted,
Lucy...
It seems every time I have a tough PT day and get discouraged, the next day turns out to be one of great progress. Well, "great" is a relative term, but it'll all add up to be really great in the end.

Ron is coming home tomorrow night and Loki is still alert to all far away traffic sounds and waiting impatiently. I'm glad Ron is having this time with our daughters and family. He's really enjoying his visits.
Tonight is the annual chocolate fountain/cookie party at Bridget's. It amazes me that her family is on diets that don't include all these goodies, but they do up a fantastic party for their friends and neighbors - giving all leftovers away to them to take home.

Happy Sunday!

Morning Claudia- I have started avoiding intros to books too, after being burned so many times. Shouldn't these introductions be placed at the end of books, so they don't "ruin" anything?
Hope you are having a good weekend and I'm happy you have your power back on. Hugs!

Hi Mark!
I wonder if we should clue in the English teachers and have them teach their students to read the intros last? Afterall, we are seasoned readers and know of what we speak!
I'm glad the power is back on too - cuz I would have run out of gas by now and I have no clue how to fill the generator yet. I suppose if I got cold enough, I'd figure it out!

Sunny day today - crispy cold :-)
When I talked to Ron this AM he told me if I get bored there are lots of football games today. :PPPP
Doubt I'll ever get THAT bored. LOL

Thanks for the hugs - hope whatever team you are rooting for wins, unless they are playing the Patriots!

Hi Cee, I'm so sorry to see that you're going through a rough patch and hope each day gets a little brighter for you. I'm very glad you liked the Christie and recommend And Then There Were None, my favorite of the very few I've read of hers.

I'm also an Intro skipper. If I really like the book, I'll read it at the end.

And I love our gas fireplace, no fuss, no muss (is that how muss is spelled...?). With a remote control and a thermostat, it's like having a separate furnace in what had been the coldest room in our house.

Hugs to you, dear one and a Merry Christmas!

Just dropping in to wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year!

I love that Loki is standing on sentry duty, ready to alert you the minute Ron is within 50 miles of arriving home.

I have to keep Tina's suggestion of the pictures in mind and have bookmarked the website. That's a great idea in keeping someone engaged creatively. I can see myself using this as part of a game with some of my younger nieces and nephews as well.

How are you feeling today,Cee?

Not Caught up my friend.. won't be for a while I'm sure.. but I want to say that I hope that your troubles are finding solutions, and that your heart is lighter than it was a few days ago...

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas !
hugs

#83 The Sea by John Banville (3 stars)



There are outbursts of very excellent writing in this book, but overall I did not like it much. The exploration of loss and pain permeate the story and is what ties it all together over. Unfortunately, the beauty of this haunting meditation is besmirched by cruelty, insensitivity, and too many pages of events to which I either cannot relate or just plain don't like.

I expect someday Banville will write a stunner, but it wasn't this one.

Joanne -
I'm slowly coming to grips with my recent "rough patch". Thanks. I now realize when things throw me for a loop it's usually because I need good information and a plan. I hate the feeling of being "at sea" (so to speak).
Thanks for the Christie rec.
I always wanted a real fireplace in this house, but I am about to settle for gas since I am unwilling to chop and haul wood, clean up, etc... which is the only way Ron will agree to it.
It seems when the sun goes down (around 4) and the wind kicks up from the ocean, it sure would be nice to flip on a little extra heat in the room we use most. So....

Rhian -
Thank you very much! I hope your holiday is priceless and happy!

Caro -
"...on sentry duty, ready to alert you the minute Ron is within 50 miles of arriving home."
You have that exactly right! I put Ron on speaker phone and Loki ran for the stairs - then over to the window to check for the truck which he must have wondered how he missed it! Then I felt sorry I did that as it felt kinda mean. He just didn't get Ron's voice was coming from the phone. Poor boy. One more day.
I, too, was thinking that timeslip idea would make a good game for all ages. The pictures they use are great!
Today I am feeling pretty good - thanks for asking ;-)

Kath -
Thanks! My heart is lighter. I feel like I slipped on the banana peel of emotion - but have picked myself back up with lots of help and maintaining an acceptable balance.
Special Christmas hugs to you and your loved ones - however many legs they have :-)

So glad today's a good day for you, Cee. Poor Loki ....but I have to admit I chuckled a little at your story.

Cee - Checking in on you and catching up over here. Excellent work with the generator and congrats on finishing your first Agatha Christie! We are big fans of hers - especially the Hercule Poirot books. You have some excellent and fun reading ahead of you.

Cee, I'm so glad you are getting back your balance in life. The Christmas Christie looks good. Now I am the only one on LT that hasn't read an Agatha Christie book! I must remedy that next year.

Regarding my back...I've had chronic low back pain for years now. I wake up every morning in pain that usually lessens as the day goes on. Walking and stretching helps a lot, but standing for hours at the kitchen counter baking cookies two days in a row was not helpful! My doctor put me on Cymbalta this past summer which seems to be doing some good despite its side effects. It's really nothing compared to what so many others are going through.

Congrats on getting the generator going. I hope the need for it is over now.

Merry Christmas!

Hi Cee, I like the idea of picture sharing with your Mom. I remember my mother going through phases of believing she was in a different decade and the fifties and sixties were the prevalent ones. She would go on for days (or weeks) re-living events of those particular decades. And then she wouldn't recognize us because we didn't look like we did in those decades. Such an insidious disease.

Merry Christmas in case I don't get back here.

Have a great holiday, my friend!

I'm catching up to check in & say that I hope you have s great Christmas, Cee!

Merry Christmas Cee!! Hope you get lots of snow for Christmas ;)

Wishing you and Ron a very Merry Christmas.... Loki can come off sentry duty now too.:-)

Good brief review of The Sea, Cee!

And Merry Christmas to you!

I want to send everyone big hugs and a very Merry Christmas!

>144 -Cee-: I hear you Cee, I can see your point on that review. I liked the writing but didnt love the man or the points he was driving at. Overall, I liked it a tad more than you I suspect.

Big ((((((HUGS)))))) for you at this time of year, I hope you have some great family moments.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2013!

Thinking of you and sending all good wishes for a bright day tomorrow


glitter-graphics.com

It is snowing here in NE Pennsylvania. Lilly is outside playing in the snow. I swear she has a sheltie smile as she pushes the snow around with her nose.

Hugs to you in the hope that 2013 will be pain free.

My dear Claudia, I'll have to make the time to catch up with you... missing our exchanges and believe me when I say you are never very far from my mind. Wishing you wonderful holidays, and looking forward to sharing our journeys both bookish and otherwise in 2013.

Cee, best wishes to you for the holidays! Sorry it's been such a rough patch lately


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glitter-graphics.com
Hope you're having a cold, snowy, blizzardlike Christmas, Cee and that you and yours are safe and cozy in your home!

Just dropping by with some Christmas cheer from me and the Moomins (another great LT find). I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Merry Christmas, Cee! Hope your holidays are full of fabulous!

Can you find the shark, the gray cat and the tan cat too?

Hope you had a merry day.

Thanks to Donna, Bonnie, Mark, Ellen, Caro, Chelle, Tina, Megan, Katherine, Linda, Ilana, Terri, Lynda, Pat, Mamie and Lucy for stopping by with Christmas greetings!
I love all the graphics ;-)
The special effects of Christmas lights w/Coco came out really nice - love that cutie!
Your kitties did an excellent job of hiding, Lucy, and Posey steals the show :)

#84 The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova, Bailey (4.5 stars)



What a beautiful little book!
You will take a journey on the slow track and learn more about snails than you ever could hope... and enjoy it all.

The author Bailey, stricken by a viral infection causing a debilitating illness for nearly 2 decades, watches the life of a woodland snail given to her by a friend. Unable to get out of bed (or even sit up), she becomes interested and attached to the snail and discovers many insights of snail life, ponders evolution, and uses this opportunity to stay focused on living.

Bailey's observation:
"If life mattered to the snail and the snail mattered to me, it meant something in my life mattered, so I kept on..."

The beginning of Chapter 22 Night Stars:
"Humanity is exalted not because we are so far above other living creatures, but because knowing them well elevates the very concept of life. - Edward O Wilson, Biophilia, 1984

I highly recommend this little gem. It's a light read with a heavy message.

Great review, Claudia. I've been wanting to read this book and your review just confirms it.

What a wonderful review, Cee. I've added this to my obese wish list. This sounds like something I'm going to enjoy.

Just a quick hello! I hope that things are going well there.. and that your mom is doing well..
AND that you are having some peace and relaxation :)
fingers crossed!

That may be all the incentive I need to read The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating which has been sitting on my iPad for quite a while Cee. It sounds absolutely delightful.

166: Among my favorite books this year.

I'm rubbish at graphics Cee but I am pacified that the holiday season has passed off with apparent peace and calm for you. Best wishes to Ron (I hope he will be back with you very soon if not already) and especially to your Mom.

>166 -Cee-:: Also one of my favorite reads... what a wonderful book. :)

Hi Pat,
I believe you will love this book. It's worth the reading :)

Caro -
Thanks - hope you get a chance to read it too ;-)

Kath -
Mom is doing more fine than I expected. She let housecleaning in today and seems resigned to "the thief is reformed". *sigh*

Bonnie -
A quick read for you - and so worth it. It certainly made my problems seem small. There's just so much to think about in life - including life itself :-)

Katherine -
I was surprised it was that good. Glad I decided to read it.

Paul -
Christmas was peaceful - TG. Thanks for your kind wishes.
So good to read about your holiday... sounds great... hoping for pictures...

Faith!
Hi there! Good to see you here. Nice surprise!
It IS a great book... I can't even imagine what this woman went through.

************************
Not much new today except a bunch of snow - beautiful snow!

Good to hear that your mom is sorting herself out..
Not a fun thing to deal with...maybe now you can settle in and enjoy winter :)

Just checking in over here, Cee. Glad to hear that your Mom is doing better. Are you ready to ring in the New Year?

Hi Kath and Mamie!
Mom sorting out and doing better is always a tempoary situation. However, one hopes I get a little better at this as time goes on.

We are going to a New Year's Eve party in town. We don't usually make plans for NYEve - but this party was billed as we "may not even make it til midnight". The hosts are very nice people - we'll no doubt have a good time. Very casual.

#85 Excellent Women by Barbara Pym (4.25 stars)



I enjoyed this book a lot. Though dated, it is not really off the mark for current thinking on gender roles.

An amusing, and not terribly subtle, post WW II perspective of the roles of women and what the accepted sense of what makes an "excellent woman" in mid twentieth century England.

Throughout the story, the main character, Mildred, compares herself to a sexually attractive, worldly, and married woman who moves in to her apartment building. She realizes over time that her own quiet, orderly, and predictable life has its advantages - but not before she has unwillingly become entangled in a few relationships of others.

Somewhat sadly, Pym recognizes the limits for lower middle class single women but bravely tackles marriage as a condition not always suitable for making women happy. There is a predominant feeling in society that the contributions of single spinsters are not particularly important... like organizing jumble sales and maintaining church life.

If you decide to read this and your book has an introduction by A.N. Wilson - DON'T read it til the end... too many spoilers!

Partay Animal You!!

If anyone is interested, I posted my favorites of 2012 above in #3.

So Kath,
Is a person who goes to a New Year's Eve party and expects to be home in bed by midnight a "Partay Animal'?

Yup. That's me! LOL

It's as partay animal as some of us get.

Glad to see The Book Thief as one of your top reads. I still remember the beauty and poignancy of this wonderful book.

#86 The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (3.6 stars)



No surprises. Good advice. Love is a choice and you have to work at it for a succesful relationship. There are five love languages identified and theoretically one is predominant in each of us. When using the correct love language you make the person you are communicating with feel loved.

wow... you are blazing through books.. I appear to have given up reading....
Maybe there is no point to starting a 2013 thread? I am none to pleased to say that it is snowing again. GAH~

Just checking in, Cee. What a good reading year you've been having.

Hope you're having a good holiday!

Whatcha up to today?
I am giving thought to a jammie day and hoping I can read.
Not too much to do.. one load of laundry and then?

I made a pot of chili yesterday, so cooking isn't on my agenda....
I feel so at sixes and sevens though, that I am not hopeful about a book...

Ceeeeee, How ya doing! I've seen a couple of reviews for The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating and I know I have it on my Kindle so I need to make room for it as soon as possible.
Best wishes to you and yours for a great and quiter new year!

Hi Kath -
We gots tons of snow now! Oh, happy winter day!
Have had a lot of reading opportunities lately - Ron being gone for 5 days, dr appts, rainy/snowy days, very little company... etc. Don't worry about books. They'll wait. Sometimes RL gets going a bit too fast to eek out the time for reading.

No 2013 thread? Boring year for the rest of us, I guess.

Go ahead and take a jammie day, by all means! You deserve it!

Hi Joe -
Thanks for stopping by... yes, 2012 was a good reading year - credit goes to LTer friends for good recs :-)

Hi Lynda -
The Sound of a Wild Snail eating won't take long to read. It's definitely worth it, IMO. Thanks for the good wishes ;-) Quiet would be good...

************************
So, today. Dunno.
Walk in the snow? Reading?
Water the plants that are growing toward the faucet?
Shoulder exercises?
I doubt anyone can beat my exciting possibilities!

Morning Claudia- I am very happy with you and all your snow. Make a snow angel for me, just be careful of that shoulder.
As usual, I had a great time following around my pal from Maine, through ups & downs, through joy and pain, through laughs and tears...okay, you get the idea.
Have a great Sunday!

#87 Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers (3 stars)



This was a RL book club pick - and so, I read it. It was OK - but not my usual. It will be interesting to see what discussion this will spark, if any.

A coming of age story filled with grief, loss, and love, this book tackled somewhat uncommon issues of family and more predictable handling of relationships. The main character, Florine, is feisty and honest as she struggles with her teen years. There is a strong sense of small town coastal Maine from the perspective of long time native residents who are bonded to the sea and hardscrabble living.

This is a debut novel that is not particularly outstanding - rather stereotypical. A light read - considering the themes.

Hi Cee,
I checked out the tops pics for 2012 in #3. I was pleased to see that I have read and liked a lot of them too....although not Sea of Poppies, I just simply didnt get it. My step mother has stolen Matterhorn off my shelves and is thoroughly enjoying it, so I look forward to reading that one asap.

Take care of you and yours, and happy new years! The relaxed "might not make it to midnight" party appeals! Have fun.

Cee, I've read and loved eight out of your ten favorite fiction books for 2012. You have mighty good taste in books, Woman! Matterhorn is sitting near my reading chair patiently awaiting me. I'll get to it soon. And,wth. I might as well read The Language of Flowers because if you loved it, it's a sure thing that I will too!

I hope 2013 has many more ups than downs for you. Maybe you can start out with a good snowfall and everything will fall into place after that. Happy Happy New Year to you and yours!

Cee - I hope it not presumptious of me to say that I figure over the last year we have become fast friends and have followed each others ups and downs with sympathy, humour and care where appropriate. Hope to continue along the same path in 2013 and hopefully get to meet up at some stage. Happy New Year dear lady.x

Hi Cee - Great list of favorites! I also loved Cannery Row, The Space Between Us and The Book Thief. Just not this year. :) Several of your favorites are on my tbr list. Among others, I really need to get to The Siege and The Birth House.

Happy New Year to you and your family, Cee!

Hi Cee!! Hoping your pain continues to ease up and the same for you Mom. I love visiting here on your thread, so I look forward to sharing 2013 with you as well. Happy New Year!!

Good morning Cee! Is it Rons turna to wake up early?
I am off to the store in a few.. have to warm up the beast first...
How is life treating you?

Happy New Year, Cee!

Happy New Year Claudia!!! Hope 2013 is a great year and full of great books!!!!

Happy New Year, Claudia!

glitter-graphics.com

wishing you a healthy year ahead with wonderful reads, Cee.

Cee, I love your list of favorites from the year.
I fully agree that The Elephant's Journey and The Garden of Evening Mists and Cannery Row were all (for me) five-star reads!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year, Cee! Hope it is filled with joy and laughter and lots of pie!!

。☆ 。☆。☆
★。＼｜／。★
Happy New Year!
★。／｜＼。★

Did you have fun at your party?
Will you open a new thread today?
Missing you!
hugs!

Thanks for all the new year sentiments Joe, Tammy, Pat, Caro, Ellen, Mamie and Kath!
I wish you ALL the best year ever in 2013!!!

Follow me into the NEW YEAR - if you'd like...

http://www.librarything.com/topic/147302#

Ruby Red Heart has been a biggie at our little library, but like you, I failed to be enthused..