The Last Two Weeks

Things have been pretty busy during the last couple of weeks and I probably won't be able to share all of the happenings but...some of the important events were a trip to Colorado, then a continuing trip to Utah, returning to Colorado and now we are awaiting word about a car so that we can head out to Wisconsin.

Mike (my brother) had asked for a family meeting so that we might discuss the issues that we are facing as a family. Dad has been experiencing quite a bit of dementia lately and it is becoming apparent that the time is coming when he will no longer be able to stay alone. His doctor is also requesting health agent and advance directive paperwork.

You always hear about families that have such a difficult time when it comes to making these kinds of decisions. In truth, I had been a little anxious about this meeting...anyone who knows us will know that we are all "chiefs" and not one of us is an "Indian!" LOL However, we started our meeting with a prayer and I believe that set the tone and gave us great compassion and concern for our Dad and united us in our efforts to make decisions that will bless his life and brought us together in recognizing the stresses and concerns for the various families that are so involved in Dad's care.

While I was there I had the opportunity to talk with Dad and remember.... I also had the opportunity to go with Dad to the doctor for his appointments for his prostate biopsy and for his catarract consult. The catarract surgery won't be for a few months and they will do the worst eye first. At first Dad was quite resistent. I believe that he thought that they were going to do the surgery that day and I could see that he was frazzled. He had had the biopsy the day before and it was taxing on him. I was reminded as I watched him stress that he really has a gentle spirit and was always mindful of us...and in our effort to improve his quality of life I think we sometimes don't realize how frail he really is...I don't want to paint him as an invalid...he isn't! But since none of us are 81 I don't think we realize how much the aging process takes out of us until we're the one doing it.

The results of the biopsy came back and Mike and Dad went into the doctor Monday to learn about what Dad is facing. The good news is that while the tumors are stage 7 & 8 (aggressive) the cancer itself is a slow growing kind and will probably not be his cause of death. It appears that there has been no metastises but they well be doing a bone scan to verify that. The result of the scan will determine the course of treatment.

While I have been with Desi and Mike I have had the opportunity to enjoy Emily and Mordecai in "real life." The other day I had gone to do something and when I returned Emily said (in a very relieved tone), "There you are! I was bewildered about where you were!" I had to chuckle. The last few days everything has been "ridiculous!" Yesterday I went to get a pedicure at my favorite place in the lower 48. I took Emily with me. As we drove out of North Park she gave me directions about where to go and where to turn. As we pulled in to the parking spot and I was getting her out she told me (in a very serious manner), "After we get done here I will be able to speak Chinese." I responded with, "You will?" and she said, "Yes. I don't know why but I will." I had to chuckle once more. Obviously she recognizes that the technicians are of Asian descent, and even that they speak another language (they are actually Vietnamese)...but who would have guessed her response.

Mordecai continues to have difficulty with his bowels and the poor little guy really struggles. Desi is going to consult with her pediatrician and we sure hope that it is nothing of any consequence. He is a funny little guy. He LOVES trains and tracks, balls and cars. He is all boy. His speech is pretty articulate too. Today Desi took Mike to work and I watched them while she was gone. Mordecai was doing just fine until he realized that Desi was gone. He started to sob and cried for his momma. I tried to help him but that just made matters worse. He finally decided that he would share his concerns with Emily. "Emmowee, I scawoold!" (Emily, I scared!) he cried over and over. Emily told him that it was okay and that Grandma was here and that she was too. Moments later Desi walked in and all the tears were gone.

On our return from Utah Desi and Mike's car was acting up...not terribly...but Mike is understandable concerned about us traveling alone to Wisconsin without knowing that the car is okay. They took it to their mechanic...but we have yet to hear about its status. I was so hoping to be on the road to Wisconsin by at least today...I sure hope it is tomorrow at the latest!

Mooing Mom

Today I cleaned house....and so what? you might ask. Well it has been a very, very long time since I have been able to stand on my legs to be able to accomplish that and while I am paying for it tonight, it does feel really good to have floors mopped and bathrooms cleaned, dusting and vacuuming accomplished, and general order. I am hoping that my legs will have continued improvement too! You never know how much you take for granted until you don't have it or it doesn't work properly!

This evening I made rouladen for supper - but it still had about an hour to cook when Rich came home and so it is still cooking. However, we went out to Ryan's for a quick bite. I sure wish Rich would find someplace else that he likes! LOL

As I made the rouladen my mind wandered back to my Mom. When we moved to Germany when I was a kid none of us spoke ANY German and Mom just treated it like one big adventure. We lived on the "economy" just like the missionaries and we didn't have access to any American products like our military friends. We had also gone there with only 44 # per person - about what you could put in a suitcase. But Mom created a wonderful home for us and worked really hard to learn what German food products were so that she could prepare meals that we would enjoy.

One day Mom and Dad went to the local farmers' market for produce and other items for our family. Lining the market were some "metzgereis" (butcher shops) and Mom decided to venture out of her comfort zone and get some meat - she specifically wanted beef and she was a little leery that she might get horse meat of something else. However, because she didn't know the word for beef (or really anything else at that time) she had to resort to pointing at what she thought was beef. However, as the butcher started to put her selection on the scale she really began to think that she needed to be sure that this was indeed beef. She tried asking him but he didn't speak a lick of English - nor did he understand her. Both the butcher and Mom tried to find someone who knew any English but there was no one...so as the transaction continued finally Mom resorted to the only thing that she could think of to verify that this was indeed beef - so she started mooing. The butcher was startled at first, and I think he was probably a little confused, and you can imagine how others in the market reacted too. Mom said that at one point she wondered if German cows actually mooed the same as they did in America - or maybe the Germans didn't express it the same way that we did...nevertheless...she continued to moo until the butcher got the point that she was trying so hard to make - and yes it was beef! LOL

Mom made wonderful rouladen and I don't even know where she learned how - I don't remember it until we moved to Germany - it could be that she had some in a restaurant and she just tried to duplicate it...but wherever she came up with it, she did it beautifully. And, it sounded so good tonight...but I guess we'll have it for lunch tomorrow. I wish I could just call her up and talk to her...sometimes I believe she had the wisdom of Solomon and I could sure use that right now...besides the sheer joy of just talking to her. Oh well, I still talk to her...I just don't hear her response.

I received a new calling recently as R.S. instructor for the "gospel principles" lessons. While teaching doesn't throw me much these lessons look to be somewhat of a challenge. Looking over the lesson that I am to teach in April, The Holy Ghost, is only 3 pages long and very basic information.... It would seem that everyone would have this knowledge - but perhaps things are not always as they seem. But I wonder how to teach this so that basic information is imparted and so that those who have the information in their knowledge base will also be edified. So my studying has taken me on a quest to learn what I might not know - and to ponder my relationship with the Holy Ghost as well.

In my ponderings I have thought a lot about my own testimony. And, I have thought about how the testimony of others have added to mine.

When I was very little, 3 or 4, I remember going to Primary and having my teacher talk to us in our class. She gave us construction paper with drawings of a placesetting on them that helped us learn how to set the table, where the glass went, knives, forks, spoons, etc. and play dishes to practice. I have no recollection about how that relates to a gospel principle - but I vividly remember that the Spirit testified to me (it still gives me goosebumps as I recall it all these years later) that the gospel was true, that the things my parents were teaching me were true, and that the church was true. That experience has had a profound impact on my life. And, when people dismiss the importance of teaching children I always think of how important that was to me and remember that it was the children and babes in arms when Christ came to the Americas that uttered such marvelous things that could not be written...children can be so very close to the spirit and feel its' power because their faith is so pure.

A few years later - as a 9-11 year old - I HATED Fast and Testimony Meeting. It seemed like the very same people got up every time and said the very same things, over and over again. I am sure my eyes rolled every time they got up. However, I came upon a way to get out of these "BORING" meetings quite by accident and I made use of it as often as I could for quite some time. My Dad was the bishop of our ward and so he didn't sit with us. And my Mom would have us (the kids) with her on one of the benches - usually in the middle of the chapel. Sometimes, when one of my little brothers were squirming, fussing, and being difficult Mom would nod to me and I would take them out into the foyer for a drink or to walk around a bit (these were the days when Sacrament Meeting was 1 1/2 hours long and in the afternoon or evening). One day I was really struggling with the testimonies and I was holding Jimmy (and he was being good too) and I thought how nice it would be if I could escape...and so I pinched him...just enough to make him fuss...and sure enough, Mom nodded to me to take him out! I was so happy. However, now as I have matured somewhat, I remember some of those testimonies and wish that I had appreciated them more.

Just a few years later - in my teens (15-16) - I had an experience that really helped me understand that my testimony really did inform everything that I did and was. It was during the height of the hippie movement and in that culture (which is like the pop culture of today) it was common for the kids of that time to think that they were so enlightened and they often engaged in asking "deep, philosophical questions" such as, "who am I really?" and "What is the meaning of life?" It was a time when drug use was rampant, New Age thinking was being promoted, and free love, peace, and make love not war were the typical slogans. I remember sitting on my bed one day, looking out the window and thinking about what was happening and the influence of these kids. I remember looking into a mirror and asking, "who am I?" and as I sat there it was as if a voice inside me just burst into my consciousness and said I KNEW that I was a child of God and I KNEW that I didn't need to waste my time or energy because I KNEW that the gospel was true, the Church was true, and that the plan of salvation was true. I KNEW I wanted to return to my Heavenly Father and I KNEW how to do it - and this wasn't the way. I dropped any fascination and preoccupation I had with these influences because I KNEW the truth. The Spirit had once again confirmed the truth to me in a very tangible way.

Years later, when we lived in Germany, I was teaching Gospel Essentials in Sunday School for the investigators and new members, I had the opportunity to teach about the Atonement. I had learned about the Atonement all my life and I thought that I knew it pretty well...but as I prepared to teach it (especially to non members and new members) I realized that I needed to do this very well - with plain language and in a very straight forward manner. I felt the responsibility keenly of teaching about this sacred event and I wanted the class to understand it well and I was also very concerned that there be no misunderstanding. I studied and studied and studied. I don't know how well I taught the class - but I had been taught by the Spirit as I studied and I was changed because of it.

As I continued my studying today In Moses and Genesis I was reading in Moses 6. Seven times (at least) there is reference to "teach" the gospel and the ways of God to our children. In fact, in one verse is says, "teach these things freely to your children" which I interpret to mean to do so at every opportunity - not just in formal settings - but in the day in and day out experiences of life. I believe that it was because I was taught early, carefully, lovingly, and frequently by my parents, teachers, and others that allowed the Spirit to whisper to me in unmistakeable terms that these things were true. In fact, if we do not teach can the Spirit confirm that truth? Probably yes, but likely - I doubt it happens much. Without testimonies that are built on bedrock we can too easily be swayed and influenced by the doctines of men and the lies of Satan. And if we do not teach these things to our children they are in grave danger and may well fall prey to the forces that seek to destroy and cause them endless misery. And, if we do not teach these things to our friends and neighbors and associates there is little hope for their happiness and joy - for truly it is the gospel of peace.

Healthy Living

I have been thinking a lot about health lately - DUH! A few weeks ago Rich and I decided that we were going to get real about fighting our obesity, knowing that it contributes to all of the health issues that we are concerned about...we are continuing that fight and will be in it for a very, very, very long time! LOL

But I also decided that I needed to bite the bullet and visit my pcp and have my own workup done and get referrals for my own screenings. Been there and done that.

So today I had my mammogram - all negative. Then received news about my blood workup - total cholesterol is good - LDL was a little high at 162 but HDL was 58 and very good, triglycerides are 50, sugar was 90, vitamin D level was spot on. And these will only continue to improve as I lose weight!

When I get back from my jaunts I will be having my colonoscopy. It is recommended for everyone starting at age 50 - I'm a little slow but I will do it. It is probably the thing I dread most - and yet - having watched Grandma Bainbridge die - it is so worth it if they find anything because it is one of the most curable cancers if caught early. Rich has had three and continues to tell me that it really isn't that bad - I'll believe him later!

Hannah got me started on the 200 sit ups program and I am progressing on that - and I continue to drink Dr. Oz's "belly busting smoothie." My knees are beginning to calm down a little after the injections Friday - still a long way to go - but at least I can take steps without wincing with each one of them!

And I have seen my eye dr. He was concerned that the profound improvement in my vision was from blood sugar disturbances (diabetes) - but since that isn't the case I guess he'll have to revisit that one when I have my follow-up in May. However! I love my new glasses and I really can see better! And I know that I don't have macular degeneration or glaucoma - only cataracts - and they can easily be taken care of as they worsen.

I will probably go in and have my other toe replaced sometime this summer or maybe even fall.

Rich is continuing to improve too. Hallelujah! He has progressed to the point that he is no longer having to use oxygen during the day - just at night and I don't think that will ever change - and that is probably for the best. I think it really does help him rest better and of course rest is crucial for health. Now - if I could just get him to bed at a decent hour! LOL

Both his pulmonologist and cardiologist are continuing to monitor his liver as many of the medications he is on are hammering it...but he is really good about taking his meds and getting his screenings for it. And hopefully, as he loses weight too, some of the meds that are so hard on it can be dropped - but that is a little ways off.

His heart is strong, the stent is doing well, his heart is staying in sinus rhythm, and pulmonary functions are improving! Obviously he has a long way to go - but I am so grateful to still have him here and to see him improve. He is still tapering off of the steroids - but that should be done in 3 weeks if everything goes well. And, he continues to go to his cardio/pulmonary rehab for exercise several times a week.

I think I will be a "nervous Nellie" forever - in fact - I am extraordinarily concerned about him as I prepare to leave - when I went to Oklahoma for Ellie's birth is when he first started having heart problems and was in the hospital, when I went to Marsha's for Grandma was when he was continuing to have heart problems and the night I got back he had the heart attack, and then of course, the day that I went to Ohio for Reah's birth was the infamous case of respiratory failure - but he continues to assure me that he is feeling okay and that I should just go and have a good time. EEK! I will probably bug him 20 times a day just so I feel better!

All in all I would say that we have been very blessed. What a privilege it is to live in this day and age when we are able to have screenings, diagnostics, medications, and life-saving procedures done so easily. We have so much to be grateful for. And now, it is up to us to do our part to maximize our health and strength - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

"Take From the Rich, Give to the Poor"

Well - it looks like Obama is intent on ramming through national health care.

Take From the Rich, Give to the Poor

Well - it looks like Obama is going to do whatever it takes to ram his healthcare down our throats - never mind that we don't want it, that we are broke, and that it is socialized medicine. He is pulling out the stops and in full campaign mode.

I think he must have really studied Hitler because there are so many similarities to him and things that he is doing. Goebbels (Hitler's propaganda minister) once said something to the effect that if you need to tell a lie - tell such a whopper that everyone believes that it must be true because they believe no one would ever be that stupid to lie about it. It seems that everything he is doing is based on lies, flattery, class envy, and race baiting. There is this constant drum beat of "we're doing it for the poor" but in reality I can't even see how this will help the poor. I have yet to see or know of someone who is poor that can hire another poor person. I have yet to see how legalized thievery ennobles us as a people. I have yet to see how coveting and envying ever causes one to be a better person. And this effort to socialize us will take away our freedoms and liberties - we had better be calling congressmen and senators if we value anything about America. The vote is supposedly on the 18th of this month.

I read a quote today in my study of Cain and Abel that I thought was instructive:

"Are we our brothers' keepers? In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? The Savior's golden rule says we are. Satan says we are not. Tempted of Satan, some have followed the example of Cain. They covet property and then sin to obtain it. The sin may be murder, robbery, or theft. It may be fraud or deception. It may even be some clever but legal manipultation of facts or influence to take unfair advantage of another. Always the excuse is 'Am I my brother's keeper?'" (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. '86, 20)

When I think about what is happening in our beloved country I think of Pres. Benson's "Beware of Pride" talk when he said, " Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on the top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. There is, however, a far more common ailment among us - and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so mnay ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."

And what gripes me is that Obama and his ilk just keep feeding this kind of tripe to us, urging us to covet, envy, find fault with anyone that doesn't agree, live beyond our means as a nation....

John Adams once said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of another." And Obama and his ilk just keep urging immoral and unrighteous behavior. And they wrap it up in a bow - "help the poor." Instead, he should be setting the example of urging each of us to be self reliant, get our educations, work hard, dream and seek to become our best selves. To look at the freedoms that we are so blessed with as God given and as opportunites for us to choose for ourselves what we will be. And that we are responsible to care for ourselves - and even capabale! We don't need, want, or expect the government to care for us - in fact - to do so is nothing short of Satan's plan - and we throw our agency and lives away for security if we do.

I think I am going to take Pres. Benson's advice in his talk "Our Divine Constitution" and read and study the Federalist Papers and the Constitution. I am also going to become more involved with the local tea party and also write my representatives and senators. And, I am not going to give up hope.

Pres. Benson also said, "I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. It will be saved by the righteous citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church - among others - men and women who understand and abide the principles of the Constitution."

"I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world....

"I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer's leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to aling themselves either for the kindom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God's wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure. But God will provide strength for the righteous and the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph."

We are in serious trouble as a people and as a nation....and what are we going to do about it?

Knees

This morning I went into Knoxville to see my orthopedic dr. about getting my shots. I had thought that I would probably only be getting the steroids as the last time I have the synvisc injections it was once a week for three weeks. But since I had already been approved by my insurance for them again and they have a new protocol that allows them to do the three weeks' doses in one I opted for that. The steroids work really well for a couple of days and then it begins to wear off. The synvisc is supposed to last anywhere from 4-6 months. The downside is that the pain relief isn't as quick - it will take nearly 6 weeks before the full effect is felt. And, I don't know if the pain that I am experiencing now is because something is wrong or just because they put that much fluid under the knee cap...but it is oppressive. I guess the next few days will tell. I sure hope this works.

Mike's orthopedist at the University of Utah told him that he believes that they will be able to use stem cells to create new cartilage within the next 4-5 years. That would be so great! In the meantime - I need to get this weight off, strengthen them, and do everything that I can to safeguard them - because I would so much rather have that than full knee replacements - which is what I am looking at. How grateful I am for people who love science and research - they truly do make the lives of others better. Stem cell research has come so far in such a short time and already has a proven record in many other areas...I just hope knees are soon.

To Do Lists

Today I tried to accomplish everything on my "to do" list that has been growing exponentially. There are still a couple of things left to do - but hey! I got much of it done! LOL

I had been to see my pcp earlier this week and she had told me of a place that has water aerobics here, in the area. I called around Oak Ridge first (it would be closer than Clinton or Knoxville) but the only places that have them is a fitness complex and they want huge membership fees, and the local rec center but they only have two classes a week. However, the place Dr. May recommends is Clinton Physical Therapy Center and they have classes all day long and even in the evening and they are run by physical therapists who know the kinds of things that I need to do to strengthen my knees as well as the other things. There is a joining fee of $60 and a monthly fee of $45 but the monthly fee is only for the month that you are using it and you can go to as many classes a week as you want - so with my crazy life - that seems to be the best bet. I won't be starting until I get back with Cherstin (what would be the point?) but I wanted to know what I needed to do so that I would have no excuses when I got home - so one thing checked off my list!

I also contacted the quilt shop that I am doing my Civil War quilt from - it is a block of the month project and I hadn't yet received my block for February. I decided that I needed to contact them just in case they had missed me - they had and so it was a good thing that I called and it and March's block will be coming shortly. Another thing checked off that list!

Mike (my brother) and I have been in frequent contact with one another about Dad. He believes that it is time that we have a sibling meeting to discuss how we can best help Dad. So got my reservation, worked things out so that Desi and the kids can accompany me, and then called Mike to let him know so that he can schedule the meeting. Check #3!

Since I am headed out of town and my knees are hurting sooooo much I decided to call Knoxville Orthopedic to see if they can get me in before I leave. They can! Tomorrow at 9:30! Check #4!

Called Dawn O'Bryant to see if she can play for the choir while I am gone - she can! Check #5!

Called JoanE to see if she can cut and color my hair while I am in Colorado - she's not in - left a message. Check #6!

Took care of a subscription problem with my American Quilting magazine. Check #7!

Got Mordecai his card and money for his birthday and mailed it. Check #8!

Picked up prescriptions from the pharmacy. Check #9!

Called about the bowling alley for Rich - he's taking his deacons bowling on Saturday. Check #10!

Hemmed Gideon's scout pants. Check #11! Now I just have to finish Reah's quilt and mail them!

Wow! Wouldn't it be great if the rest of my list could be done this fast and easily?!

Knowing Good From Evil

The last couple of days I have been studying about "the Fall." I came across a quote that I have been mulling over and over,

"The devil in tempting Eve told a truth when he said unto her that when she should eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they should become as Gods. He told the truth in telling that, but he accompanied it with a lie as he always does. He never tells the complete truth. He said that they should not die. The Father had said that they should die. The devil had to lie in order to accomplish his purposes; but there was some truth in his statement. Their eyes were opened. They had a knowledge of good and evil just as the Gods have. They became as gods, for that is one of the features, one of the peculiar attributes of those who attain unto this glory - they understand the difference between good and evil!" (Cannon, Gospel Truths 1:16).

On the face of it there is nothing there that I haven't already learned, but as I have considered it more thoroughly I am wondering about the attribute of "knowing good from evil." The antithesis of God is Satan and the antithesis of "knowing good from evil" would be NOT "knowing good from evil." Is it possible that the more that we sin, give in to the carnal man, and do not repent that we become more like Satan - or at least in his captivity? Certainly. And is it possible that the more that we move along that continuum we lose ever so gradually our ability to know good from evil?

Does this explain in some part why people confronted with truth do not recognize it? Is it why people advocate for abortion, thinking that they are the compassionate ones, but unable to recognize the horrific thing that they are urging? Does this explain why people seem to be so blinded by "government health care," "cap and trade," and other things that so clearly point to a loss of agency and freedom - and yet they gladly, willingly promote these ideas? Have they lost their ability to know good from evil?

In Moses 4:6 - "And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world." A simple scripture chain leads us to John 16:1-3; 1 Cor. 2:16; 1 Jn. 3:19-24; 4:7-21.

"It is one thing to know about God and another KNOW Him. We know about Him when we learn that He is a personal being in whose image man is created; when we learn the Son is in the express image of His Fathers' person; when we learn that both the Father and the Son possess certain (specific) attributes and powers. But we KNOW them, in the sense of gaining eternal life, when we enjoy and experience the same things They do. To KNOW God is to think as He thinks, to feel as He feels, to have the power He possesses, to comprehend the truth He understands, and to do what He does. Those who KNOW God become like Him and have His kind of life, which is eternal life." (BRM, DNTC 1:762)

Satan really didn't know the mind of God, still doesn't - but gratefully the Lord knows Satan's mind and is able to compensate, overcome, and use to His advantage any of Satan's mischief. But sadly, too often, unless we are striving to be a true disciple of the Savior, we may not know it either - and that is when we are prone to Satan's temptations.

I came across another quote today which I love:

"Every person who desires and strives to be a Saint is closely watched by fallen spirits that came here when Lucifer fell and by the spirits of wicked persons who have been here and departed from them....Those spirits are never idle; they are watching every person who wishes to do right, and are continually prompting them to do wrong." Brigham Young, J of D 7:239

Does this not behoove us to seek to follow the Savior so that we can have our eyes opened?

Doctors and Mortality

Today I went to the doctor. I had gone to my eye doctor a few weeks ago because I was experiencing a sudden change in my vision. He had noted that my prescription had radically improved - and that kind of change usually was precipitated by a change in blood sugars or insulin and recommended that I get in to see my pcp - which I did. Dr. May did a lab panel and I will get the results back in a few days.

Mike (my brother) called and shared that he had taken Dad to the doctor this morning. He said that the doctor had given Dad materials to plan the end of his life. These would be advance directive materials as well as materials to help him and us make decisions that will be coming in the future. The doctor also discussed the potential problems that will most likely be occurring in the next few years and the survival rate and conditions. Mike said that the doctor looked right at Dad and said, "Joe, you're not going to be here in 10 years. I am not saying you are going to die today, tomorrow, or even next year. But these are things you need to discuss with your family." Mike said that it was a very difficult time and as he shared the meeting with me I could tell by his voice that it was even harder than he was letting on.

One of the reasons that Mike had taken Dad back to the doctor was because he wanted to have him put back on the Arricept as opposed to the Exelon patch. He felt that Dad had done better on it. The doctor agreed but cautioned Dad and Mike that the decline in cognitive ability was gone - it is not coming back. The doctor told Dad that it was important for him to take the medication because we wanted him "here" as long as possible. As things slip for Dad he becomes more and more miserly - not wanting to pay for medications and other kinds of needs (i.e. hearing aids, CT scans, vacuum bags, etc.) - always saying that he doesn't have the money. He does have the money but I think he is returning to his youth and early adulthood mentally and this is becoming a huge issue.

Mike believes that we (all the kids) ought to hold a family meeting to discuss these things and especially how we might help Dad preserve his independence and dignity for as long as possible. He is talking about next week - but I am not sure that I can get there that quickly - maybe the next week - we'll have to see.

I would like him to come live with me - but I worry that I would be taking him from everything familiar and from those he loves and Mom. I don't know how well he would maintain what he has left (cognitively). I also don't know if he would be happy here, away from everything and everyone. But I sure make the most sense. Everyone else will have to make huge family adjustments and I wouldn't have to do that much. If he were in worse shape it wouldn't matter - but he is in relatively good condition - just slipping fast. What to do? We're going to need the wisdom of Solomon.

Dr. Oz's Belly Blasting Smoothie

Just got in from shopping and thought I would share an article that was glaring at me in the check out stand - I bought the "Womans World" March 8 edition because it was touting Dr. Oz's belly fat-blasting smoothie.

The article says that on his program he and Dr. Roizen shared 3 quick tricks for flat abs (In my case just flattER abs will be helpful LOL).

Tip 1:
Sip a belly-blasting smoothie. Loaded with B vitamins which rev metabolism.... According the article Dr. Oz drinks his smoothie regularly, and his wife, three daughters, and son do too.
Smoothie recipe
In a blender, whip 1 cup juice (any variety)
1/2 banana or 3/4 cup berries
2 Tbl. whey powder
2 Tbl. ground flaxseed
1 Tbl. psyllium husk
1 Tbl. chia seeds
1 Tbl. wheat germ
600 mg. fish oil (from supplement capsules; break open and add oil only)
3 ice cubes (optional)
I found the whey, flaxseed, psyllium, chia (bought the last the store had - they said that they had been having a run on it thanks to Dr. Oz LOL), and wheat germ from my local health food store - Earth Fare.

Second tip:
Eat a low sugar meal or snack once every 3-4 hours which helps to reduce insulin production by up to 28%. "By never going more than four hours without a meal or snack, hunger hormones never get high enough to make you famished and prone to pigouts."

Third tip:
"'The fastest way to shrink your belly is by walking.' Just 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can burn a significant amount of belly fat in just four weeks. A daily walk not only burns calories, it also reduces levels of belly-plumping hormones - and it is the type of workout we're most likely to stick with.
"Of course, firming your abdominal muscles is also key to getting the juggle out of you middle, which is why Dr. Oz recommends a series of crunches...."

"When readers put the plan on these pages to the test, they whisked off up to eight pounds and five inches of belly fat in just seven days. And as if that weren't motivation enough, consider this: 'Belly fat isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's the driving force behind countless chronic ilnesses,' says Dr. Oz. 'Getting rid of it can add 15 years to your life!'"

I think I am going to put this to the test - what the hey! And do Hannah's 200 situp training!