Communication

One of those wee things in Life that we Take For Granted. When we can, that is.

Domino Joe was a sheet metal worker, and now has significant hearing loss – or, as he would put it “Ah’m deef” (not a spelling mistake, but his accent). He usually has a hearing aid, wears it when I or TH put it in and turn it on – but then DJ still outwits us because he rarely listens. But that’s another story.

A result of his last ‘Respite’ stay was losing his hearing aid. So we are awaiting his second replacement within a year.

(A previous ‘Respite’ put that hearing aid into the washing machine. It didn’t do too well. They wanted US to claim on OUR insurance ! We didn’t. Eventually they did.)

Meantime, ingenuity rules – gain DJ’s attention, devise a way of holding his attention and of delivering required information. Did he understand – yes – but not what you said – marvellous the alternative versions he can find. Try again…..

If you do – or have – lived with dementia, I am sure you will know about this.

We mostly get thru this problem with a 'write on/wipe off' board - marvellous things (except when the pens all run out at the same time and you've not bought any spares......). Saves trees.

For the 'Regular Reminders' we use printed and laminated sheets. Saves Carer.

We should have gotten his new hearing aid yesterday afternoon. But – well – you’ve guessed – No. So another w/e without DJ hearing…… but also – look on the bright side – another w/e for Mr Mutt without the Whine Which Beats All Whines…….

Ha !

I was right - the gremlins were lurking to flummox me !

Hello !

Hello Reader !



Thank you for joining my voyage into the Unknown. Computing skills are not my strongest of skills or life vices.



Blogs vary – and this one may flounder and founder before ‘tis begun. We shall see.

Meet the Family

Let me introduce Us. The Chickpea family.

Of prime importance (‘cos he now pays the bills), is The Hubby, Computer Whizz Kid and ToyBoy. He is one of those people you meet who you remember. Especially his chuckle. I was in a large gathering the other evening, and misplaced him. He was running the bar for the event, but kept taking time out with (my) camera to record the proceedings. No sight of him nor camera – tried the hall next door, outside, the loo (you know how it goes) – no sign……… Then I heard laughter away over the other side of the main venue (behind a pillar).
Makes yer heart melt, that chuckle !

Then there’s Father-in-Law of now 94 who lives with us. He has dementia – so – To Protect The Innocent (give him the benefit of the doubt) – we’ll call him “Domino Joe” – or DJ for short. He’s quite short already, but you know how it is when you’re typing…… His dementia is getting worse, so I am absolutely sure he will be a Star Item in this Blog.

Ms Mog is my ancient feline companion. Nearly 19 years old, she remains as feisty as ever, and I often gain new scars to prove her point. But she’s fading. We have a fabulous vet who has seen us often over the past few years. We thought Ms Mog’d not see 2008 – but she remains adamantly present. I shall miss her when she moves on.

Newest addition to the family is Mr Mutt – a rescue dog ‘with issues’ who joined us about 18 months ago. We are trying to follow specialist advice to best care for this fellow – who we now love dearly, but have to accept is very unpredictable.

Yet to arrive are ‘The Girls’. We have decided to increase our family by about 4. As delivery of their henhouse has been delayed, I shall introduce them when they join us.

'Hello'

Welcome Kind Reader. I was feeling lonely. Thank you for sharing my voyage into the Unknown.

Computing skills are not my strongest of skills or life vices. I thought I'd managed to post this earlier - all seemed ok, but it never showed up on the blog. Maybe it'll creep in behind this one to flummox me further. I guess the technique will improve with practice.............

Blogs vary – and this one may flounder and founder before ‘tis begun. We shall see.

'Why ?'

So, “Why Blog ?”

Why indeed. “Why not ?” is an equally valid question. Maybe an answer will emerge along the way.

What I DO know, is that “People Matter.” A lot. So my blog will doubtless include people I know. But I shall endeavour to Protect The Innocent. The Guilty may not be so lucky. But there – who am I to be able to tell the one from the other ?