Other than doing a lot of driving this weekend, I stuck pretty close to home. Our winter has been so frustrating so far - Arctic temperatures, followed by torrential rain. Over and over. My Yak Traks are a permanent part of my footwear.
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| Cold but beautiful. |
I drove up to Vermont to fetch my mother on Saturday, as we try to get her out for a overnight adventure as often as we can. Her bestie is my neighbor, so I am under orders to drop her off for a visit first and foremost. It stretched on so long that I thought I might have to ransom her out of there. We enjoyed a quiet evening with a nice dinner, a fire in the fireplace, warm dogs (and cat) close by and a couple of Midsomer Murder episodes to round off the night. The next morning we toddled up to the local firehouse for their monthly breakfast, and then back up to Vermont. It is not easy to live with someone who is deep in dementia. Especially if that someone is your husband of umpteen years.
I got to try out some new recipes this weekend - my mother is a willing guinea pig! I am working my way through my well-worn-loved copy of Enchanted Broccoli Forest. I made a savory apple casserole that involved tart apples, sauerkraut and cheddar cheese. It was delish! I had everything on hand but the apples, so I made a quick and abbreviated grocery run to Aldi's, prior to picking up my mother. I also premade my breakfasts for the week - another new-to-me recipe involving tater tots, eggs, vege and my muffin tin. I don't have tater tots, as a rule, but had picked up a package of frozen Green Giant veggie tots.
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| Sorry for the odd view. |
Because of the change in weekend schedule, the barn crew got their baked goods on Saturday morning, instead of Sunday. Apparently, the milk truck driver was very disappointed...
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| Salted caramel brownies |
Luckily, the Arctic temps are at bay, so I could justify a fire in the fireplace. However, Sunday was all about snow, then rain. Then the temperature dropped like a stone this morning. Driving is such an adventure in this weather!
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Slimmie loves the combination of
the self-warming dog bed and the face-
warming fireplace. |
Speaking of Slimmie Kitten, he has reclaimed his position next to me in the mornings, as Peanut finds the new couch to be the bees' knees. I just bound off a special project that I hope to be able to share with you soon - it's a gift, so I can't let the cat out of the bag, as it were. I am also making great strides on my February socks!
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| Love his white whiskers. |
16 comments:
You are a good daughter. There is nothing like one on one time with a child ( even if you diss her to party with a friend LOL) I'm sure your mother has returned home calm and rested.
Ah, a post full of Hygge, coziness and warmth! (Even the snowy picture, as you say, was beautiful.)
I know how your mom looks forward to spending time with you at your place. It may be short in duration, but gives her a lovely vacation. I had started to read a novel about parents (yes, both of them) with dementia and the effect on their grown kids. Such a depressing, upsetting, terrible affliction. I gave up reading it because of the angst it brought on. (I'm slightly ashamed to admit that because I've never had to deal with the disease in my life.)
LOL! We have a great team, my sisters and I. I don't think anything would work if it wasn't for this well-oiled machine. My middle sister bears the brunt of the responsibility - she has the 24/7 care of our father. My youngest sis makes the trek up once a month to spell her - and give her a chance to see her grandson and then do an overnighter with me.
Where would we be without Hygge?! I will say that my lifestyle (when not tending to my invalid furries) is pretty quiet. Having both parents with dementia would be so difficult! Don't be ashamed! Thank your lucky stars you haven't had to deal with it. My own exposure is limited, as my sister bears the brunt of it. She is the most compassionate person I've ever known.
that first pic is gorgeous! glad you got to spend some time with your mom! we are taking winnie and heading north tomorrow. a big snow storm is on the way up there and i need to be right in the middle of it!
All the food looks tasty!
HI Susan :) The winters in Vermont looks lovely (from inside the car) :) Nice to spend time with your mom, sounds like you had fun! Those brownies look delicious!
I love snow storms, as long as I don't have to drive in them. Winnie will have a ball!
Respite breaks are SO important for a caregiving spouse! I'm sure your Mom enjoys every second of her time off.
I was going to take a picture of the apple casserole, but it was very bland looking. I also whipped up a chicken tagine, but it was late, so no pics on that either.
Thanks, Rain! It is very easy to have fun with my mom - she has a wonderful sense of humor.
your a wonder!
Okay, that first sentence made me laugh. Kinda like saying, "Other than eating everything in the frig, I pretty much stuck to my diet this weekend." ;-)
So unlike our winter, which has been non existent. No snow pack here.
I sympathize with the whole family. My mother has Alzheimers along with the cancer, blessing or curse I have yet to decide.Glad you all had a good time inspire of the cold, wet, and crazy weather conditions. Pets all around.
Aw, that cat looks so comfortable and warm. That first snow photo looks about what it looks like here too. Cold and white. The food photos are making me hungry!
Susan,
Dementia is a disease I wish we had a cure for. This disease is hard on the person who has the disease, and the family caring for the family member with the disease. I've lived taking care of a parent with thIs disease, and it takes it's toll. Your Mom so appreciates all that you do for her.
Your breakfast muffins look good, veggie tots? Really, are they good? Where can I find them? OMG...look at those brownies!!!! I'm craving chocolate looking at your picture.
I can't wait to see what you've made (the gift). Once you've given the gift can you share with us? Your projects always inspire me.
Sending hugs and love,
Sandy
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