Happy Valentine’s Day Brother

Being Valentine’s Day I decided to give Al, my brother a few goodies. I stopped at the grocery store and picked up these items for him. I bought myself a Cadbury egg also. I just had to do something to spoil me also.

When I arrived at his facility he was napping. I hated to do it but I woke him up letting him know I was there. He looked at me and gave me that famous smile of his. Eventually he sat up with my help and looked at his gifts. He was more excited about the creme horns than the candy. I knew he would be. It is his favorite junk food. I got him some diet soda as he has been drinking so much diet coke. It is hard on his stomach ulcers drinking too much dark pop.

I bought him some heart-shaped sugar cookies with red sugar sprinkles on top. I bought him a Cadbury egg also and his box of candy. He seemed happy with it. He laid back down and we watched television together.

When it was time to get up for lunch  I saw he had his shirt on backwards so together we changed it. I walked with him down to the dining room. I learned today that for $3.50 I could purchase a meal. I asked Al if he wanted me to dine with him and he said that would be fine. He normally is the only one sitting at his table. This upsets me because he is such a social person.

After we both ordered I observed that every CNA and nurse or any staff that went by he said hi to them. There were a few that didn’t say anything but most of them did respond back to him with a comment. I explained to Al that his voice is so soft that the others could not hear him. I do believe this is the truth too. Al’s voice is very soft.

We each had chicken for lunch. Al had scalloped potatoes and green beans with vanilla ice-cream. I cheated because of the day and I had a baked potato half, butternut squash and a piece of cherry pie with coffee.

Al was definitely struggling today. I just can’t seem to get anything to work with getting those cups to his lips and then being able to tip them enough more to get the liquid in his mouth. I talked to the dietary supervisor and she suggested weighted cups. She was going to dig a few up for him.

I also noticed that a portion of his food went to the floor instead of his mouth from those nasty tremors. He struggled getting food on  his plate. I went to the kitchen and asked for a plate guard. I clipped it on my brother’s plate and it made a huge difference. I told the kitchen to please make sure to attach a guard to each meal plate and they said alright.

The sighing and the tears left as he was able to finally get food on his spoon easier. I don’t see him eat with a fork much anymore. I don’t care. He would have more problems with a fork I think.

He was going on an outing today. He and his driver were going to go get his glasses tightened and get a strap for his glasses. They keep rolling down his nose as it is very difficult for Al to look at a level direction. Just for his photo today, I had to help get his head up far enough for him to look at the camera.

All in all we had a nice time. I told him unless we get that big snow storm I would be back on Sunday. Happy Valentine’s Day bud. Your sister loves you bunches.

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Baking A Birthday Cake, Unexpected Ingrediant!

It was my husband’s birthday. I had thought of different ways to celebrate it with him. After mindless thoughts went through my head, I decided the best way to show him I loved him, was to be simply me.

I wrote a grocery list, planning out the menu for his evening meal. I wrote down his favorite foods and then went to my recipe book and checked to see what I already had at home. If I didn’t have it I marked it on my list. I looked up a white cake mix. I was not going to buy anything pre-mixed. It didn’t sound too hard to make, so I jotted down the recipe and added confectioner sugar to my list and food coloring and some sprinkles for added looks.

I got myself ready and drove to the grocery store. The store wasn’t too busy, and  in no time at all, I had my list completely checked off.

Back at home, I changed into more comfort style clothing and started first on baking the cake. I got it all mixed and tasted the edge of the beater, and realized what a good job I had done.  Instead of making one big cake, I decided to make smaller ones by using cup cakes. This way he could have one anytime he chose, and even take one with him to work in his lunch box.

One batch was finished baking, and I prepared the next batch to go into the oven. As I set the timer for the oven, I went on to start the preparations for the roast. I was having his favorite. Roast and potatoes and carrots with a velvety sauce, with just the right spices.

I heard the door bell ring, and I glanced at the timer, and saw that I had enough time to go answer the door. It was the mailman bringing my husband a gift box. I signed for it, and took it and set it on the dining room table. Husband would see it first thing when he entered their home.

When I returned to the kitchen to check on my cupcakes, I walked into the scene above. I guess I wasn’t the only one in the house that wanted to help celebrate this birthday!