Almost Stranded In A Snowstorm In Arkansas
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Hey Guys. I wanted to remind you of the craft supply giveaway and also give you an Arkansas update.
Snowstorm
The JTS went with me to Arkansas this time. His Dad and family live in Arkansas too. The past few trips to Arkansas I’ve stayed for a week or more and someone has to hold down the fort in Tennessee so the JTS stays home. This trip was a short one.
It was crazy cold the days we were away from home. I was a little worried about the pipes freezing up but they didn’t, whew.
As you can see from the photos we got a little snow in Arkansas. Not as much in Tennessee which is the opposite of how it usually works.
If you read my last Arkansas and Alzheimer’s post you heard about all the cooking I do and the banana cake. I made Dad and Mom a banana cake this time too. I also made Peanut Butter Cookies, Chili, Pork Roast, Cheese Dip, Deviled Eggs, Fried Potatoes, and a lot of Bacon, Eggs, Ham, and Biscuits. Mom really likes the cookies and the cake. She has a real sweet tooth lately.
Her appetite isn’t very good some days. She drinks an Ensure everyday and for the most part eats only soft foods. This time of year she really likes hot chocolate. Me too.
Because of her sleeping problems Hospice had her on medication to help her sleep but it was causing issues so they stopped it. Next Dad tried Melatonin for a couple of weeks then stopped that too. Since then Mom seems to be a little more alert and will often laugh at something we say or at a TV show. She also will say a couple of words if asked a question. Sometimes she will try to put together a sentence but can’t get the right words.
My Dad is taking things in stride. I know this is not how he or any of us saw their golden years. When I’m at home and when the caregivers are there we try to push Dad out the door. He has always been an outdoors guy and I know it’s hard for him to sit in the house all day and tend to Mom.
My brother takes him to lunch occasionally and my sister usually sits with Mom (and makes lunch) while he goes to Sunday morning Church service. Dad has a good support system although I don’t think he looks at it that way.
My brother who is semi-retired recently bought 15 cows. My Dad raised cows up until 3 years ago when he decided he just couldn’t handle the work any more. Now he has cows in the pasture again but doesn’t have the hard work to go along with them. He can see the cows from his chair at the kitchen table.
Most of the pictures are of my nephew pulling his son Jack and friend on a sled behind the four wheeler. Something about kids and snow. They love it. I like to look at it from inside. That’s how I took these photos……through the kitchen window.
I do like snow ice cream but we need a deep snow for that. Have you had snow ice cream?
If you want to read the Arkansas/Alzheimer’s Stories from the beginning start by clicking here…Arkansas Stories . Have a great day!
Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.
Kathy, did you know a sweet tooth is part of the disease? Mom has an insatiable appetite for sweets (which she didn’t use to have) and just this week at her care facility the nurse told us Alzheimer’s patients love their sweets. Sounds like your dad has an incredible support system around him. He must love your visits so he can get a break and enjoy good wholesome homemade meals. Glad to hear your Mom is being responsive! They understand the conversations going on around them but sadly can’t articulate their thoughts to respond.
Next time you get stranded in “God’s Country” you can come to my place and pick!!
I’ve been to Dumas a bunch of times. There used to be some kind of yearly craft thing?? Thanks for the nice comment!
Hey Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I live near Dumas, south of Pine Bluff. I really enjoy reading your articles.
Thank you for sharing about your parents. My mom also had Alzheimer’s. It was very hard to see her being able to function less and less over the years that she had it. My dad is my hero. He took such good care of her for all the years she had it before she passed away in 2015. They were married for 70 years. My mom continued to be able to sing religious songs like “Amazing Grace” and could pray the sweetest prayers when we all gathered together for a meal. That was such a sweet blessing to our family. My mom also had a sweet tooth. My dad is still living so my 3 siblings and I are so thankful to have him.
I sure love the way you all sled! Tee Hee Hee!
We aren’t far from Rison at all. The JTS says maybe 20 miles. It’s a small world isn’t it?? No sugar, that’s not good.
Glad your parents are doing well Rose. It would be hard for them and you if they weren’t in good health. I’m staying warm but may get blown away today!
I am not a snow person so the 3 different snow storms we have had have confined me to home. I do not drive in it. It sounds like things are going well for your parents. Mine are in their 80’s and live so far away from me in another state. My siblings all live 2-3 hours from them. Both seem to be doing well and living in their own home still, tho we all worry. Keep warm.
Kathy are they anywhere near Rison? My in-laws were from there and have passed on. We still have land there on the Saline River. We had about 2-3 inches at our house but I was out of sugar and couldn’t make snow cream 🙁
Hi Jennifer, My parents live a little south of Pine Bluff. Yes, Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. I get angry but haven’t talked about that aspect of dealing with the disease.
Hi Elizabeth, My Mom doesn’t “fidget” with the blanket much. She prefers to fidget with the edges of the soft throw blankets she uses for warmth when sitting in her recliner. I think each Alzheimer’s patient is different. Yes, some of the blankets were definitely cluttered. My friend Marie who blogs at The Interior Frugalista made an awesome busy blanket for her mom. You might want to check it out. Hugs back.
How did your mom like her busy blanket that you made her? I’ve almost finished mine, I’ll link a photo when I’m done. I looked at some on etsy and I thought they were too “cluttered”. And your fleece idea was the best. No “sewing”. On Etsy they are all cotton, not as soft.
How wonderful your dad can have cows without the work!
(((HUGS)))
where in Arkansas? I’m in the NE part of the state! Alzheimer’s is a terrible sad disease.