Saturday, October 31, 2020
🎃 Once In A Blue Moon!
Now this finally gives meaning to the old
phrase that most of us heard all our lives, doesn't it?
Friday, October 30, 2020
Up, Up & Away
Well, I decided to add this to my jets and yacht.
You can never be too prepared for a possible getaway!
You can never be too prepared for a possible getaway!
It's Almost That Time Again
DST officially starts Sunday, November 1st @ 2:00am. I can't wait to get my hour of sleep back, never wanted to give it up in the first place. It's mine and I want it back! 😴 #SweetDreams
Thursday, October 29, 2020
🌈 The Rainbow Bridge
From childhood through adulthood, there were several who crossed "The Rainbow Bridge" and all of them are still in my heart to this day. Champ (St. Bernard), King (German Shepherd), Queenie (German Shepherd), Duke (German Shepherd), Duchess (German Shepherd), Chaka (Doberman Pinscher), and Pebbles (Tabby Cat)!
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Coronavirus & Mental Illness
COVID-19 has been with us for 9+ months now and winter is looming. Mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people who suffer with depression and other mental health disorders. The relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020.
NAMI has a helpline you can call (800-950-6264) Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm ET, or you can send an email to info@nami.org. Please copy, repost, and share the contact information across all social media. It could save a life. Thank you!
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
PA Residents: Track Your Ballot!
If you did NOT receive an email regarding the status of your mail-in ballot application and/or returned ballot (as received and recorded), you can click on the image or text link underneath to track them and it only takes a few minutes.
Monday, October 26, 2020
❤️ #TheLoveChallenge
You are invited to join in across all social media platforms and share something meaningful that expresses "LOVE" because it's what we need a lot more of right now!
💔 My Heart is Still Broken
The last few Saturdays, me and my daughter have been working at mom's house to pack-up her accessories, clothes, coats, shoes, etc. for donation to her favorite Goodwill store on Baltimore Avenue in Lansdowne, PA. Everything was ready to go, so me and the hubby stopped by her house to do the pick-up and drop-off yesterday.
I was okay when I was gathering her things together. We even shared fond memories of her wearing some of the outfits. But, actually leaving her house with all of it felt totally different. I know it's one of those things that must be done, but it also reinforces and reminds you that someone you love is really gone forever...
I was okay when I was gathering her things together. We even shared fond memories of her wearing some of the outfits. But, actually leaving her house with all of it felt totally different. I know it's one of those things that must be done, but it also reinforces and reminds you that someone you love is really gone forever...
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Stripe Day @ AmeriKick
"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT THAT NEVER QUITS"
Our grandson received a brown stripe on his Green Belt yesterday,
which put him one step closer to the next belt level! 🥋 #BrownBeltBound
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Sinking Sand
The reign of terror caused by #45 and the #GOP is coming to an end soon, because the rain of votes for #BidenHarris2020 is moving in with the quickness and taking no prisoners. They will dissolve into the sand from whence they came and after the sun comes out, blown away forever!
Friday, October 23, 2020
⏳ #FBF Vintage Style
Old Time Photos @ Wildwood, NJ 1990
Me and hubby dressed as Bonnie & Clyde!
Our daughter dressed as Mae West!
Thursday, October 22, 2020
First Signs of Christmas
Me and the hubby went to Cracker Barrel in Plymouth Meeting to have lunch yesterday for the first time in a LONG time. The Christmas trees are up and they are operating at 50% capacity but ironically, this is the first time EVER we didn't have to wait to be seated.
While I was taking these photos of the displays, one of the employees told me she decorated all of the trees and gave me the link to her website. She asked me to pass it on to anyone who would like to have their tree decorated for the holidays and she will do it for you!
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Old School Friends
We need to breakdown the "Friendship Codes" for some young ladies because clearly, there are too many of them going missing and getting killed nowadays. Listen up, this is how we "Old Schoolers" roll...
* Code 1: We leave together, we stay together, and we come back together. NO, you're not leaving with some RANDOM guy and NO, I'm not leaving you at the party by yourself!
* Code 2: Both of us can't be totally drunk (really, neither of us should be) because at least one of us needs to be alert and aware of our surroundings!
* Code 3: If you have to go to the bathroom or outside, we're ALL going to the bathroom or outside. Period!
* Code 4: We don't accept drinks from strangers unless we're at the bar where we can watch the bartender pour them!
* Code 5: If I feel like you're too drunk to function, we're leaving the party early and we'll fuss about you messing up the night later!
* Code 6: If you just so happen to go missing, I will give you a maximum of 15-30 minutes to show up before I shut the place down and we're ALL going to be looking for you. Somebody else can call the police because I'm NOT going home without you!
* Code 7: If you're fighting, it better be one-on-one or we're all fighting. Hopefully, nothing jumps off because we're too classy and we're ladies!
* Code 8 & The Golden Rule: The drop-off person checks in or everyone who drove checks in after they get home. If we don't hear from you, we're coming to your house!
This is how we were raised so we would know how to look out for each other. Please copy and repost this because the generations of young ladies behind us got the codes all messed up and it could save a life! #DareToCareRepost
* Code 1: We leave together, we stay together, and we come back together. NO, you're not leaving with some RANDOM guy and NO, I'm not leaving you at the party by yourself!
* Code 2: Both of us can't be totally drunk (really, neither of us should be) because at least one of us needs to be alert and aware of our surroundings!
* Code 3: If you have to go to the bathroom or outside, we're ALL going to the bathroom or outside. Period!
* Code 4: We don't accept drinks from strangers unless we're at the bar where we can watch the bartender pour them!
* Code 5: If I feel like you're too drunk to function, we're leaving the party early and we'll fuss about you messing up the night later!
* Code 6: If you just so happen to go missing, I will give you a maximum of 15-30 minutes to show up before I shut the place down and we're ALL going to be looking for you. Somebody else can call the police because I'm NOT going home without you!
* Code 7: If you're fighting, it better be one-on-one or we're all fighting. Hopefully, nothing jumps off because we're too classy and we're ladies!
* Code 8 & The Golden Rule: The drop-off person checks in or everyone who drove checks in after they get home. If we don't hear from you, we're coming to your house!
This is how we were raised so we would know how to look out for each other. Please copy and repost this because the generations of young ladies behind us got the codes all messed up and it could save a life! #DareToCareRepost
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Typical vs. Atypical Learning Sensitivity
When you have a "typical" child, you feel reasonably assured that class participation and decent study habits will result in good grades. These kids have close friends. They are invited to participate in social events like dances and weekend get togethers, and they're asked to join the club or be on the team.
But, when you have a child with certain differences, this is often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and extreme frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for anxiety and depression, and assignments could be a battle ground at home. It can be exhausting for the parents and children.
October is Learning Differences Awareness Month and this post is for all the children with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, and other learning challenges who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents. And, for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to be accepting and kind to everyone, and recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface. Children who learn differently are not strange or weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not always value. Yet, they want what everyone else wants, to be accepted and have friends.
If you choose, please copy and paste this in honor of all children who are deemed "atypical" because our world would be far less beautiful without them! #DareToCareRepost
But, when you have a child with certain differences, this is often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and extreme frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for anxiety and depression, and assignments could be a battle ground at home. It can be exhausting for the parents and children.
October is Learning Differences Awareness Month and this post is for all the children with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, and other learning challenges who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents. And, for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to be accepting and kind to everyone, and recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface. Children who learn differently are not strange or weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not always value. Yet, they want what everyone else wants, to be accepted and have friends.
If you choose, please copy and paste this in honor of all children who are deemed "atypical" because our world would be far less beautiful without them! #DareToCareRepost
Kindness Matters
This might be a good thing to do while people stand in line to vote because with everything going on in the country right now, a lot of people are living on the edge and hanging on by a thread!
Monday, October 19, 2020
The Collective Pac
Click on the image or text link to get the photo frame
and make a pledge to register and vote on November 3rd!
Sunday, October 18, 2020
God Bless & Happy Sunday!
No, I don't have any immediate plans to go anywhere because of
COVID-19. Let's just say I believe in being prepared for the possibility!
COVID-19. Let's just say I believe in being prepared for the possibility!
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Friday, October 16, 2020
Philly Represent!
Well, the t-shirts finally came. We wanted to wear them when we dropped off our ballots at the voting center last week, but decided not to hold up the votes because they are too important!
Thursday, October 15, 2020
⏳ #TBT Grade School Memories
2nd grade photo (1965-1966) @ Alexander Bache Elementary School. It's been in a frame and on display for 55 years, so the sun took most of the color away--but, I think you can still see that it's me!
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Monday, October 12, 2020
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Saturday, October 10, 2020
PA Mail-In Voting
For anyone who is concerned about the process, you will get an email confirmation that your ballot was received and recorded after you return it. You will not be permitted to vote at your polling place on November 3rd if you do a mail-in ballot.
Friday, October 9, 2020
To My Father...
It's hard to believe 18 years have gone by since you left us, but I still
love and miss you very much. Enjoy your special day up there with Mom!
love and miss you very much. Enjoy your special day up there with Mom!
Let's Get This Done, Philly!
We got our ballots out the door today and the t-shirts
are on the way. Yes, bad things happen in Philadelphia!
Thursday, October 8, 2020
The Legacy of Lewy Body Dementia
Mom & Me in 1959 When I Was 6 Months Old
I'm posting this in memory of my mother, along with the hope that it will be helpful to someone else and myself in the future. I added myself to that statement because now that I've lived through the nightmare of this disease with her, I must come to terms with the knowledge that I'm at greater risk of having LBD because she had it.
We were blind-sided by this form of dementia because mom didn't have the classic early onset warning signs such as confusion, forgetfulness, memory loss, etc. She started hallucinating first and the problem was exacerbated by her complete and total belief that the things she saw were real and there was absolutely nothing wrong with her mind.
Mom was diagnosed shortly after I finally convinced her to stay with me for "a little while" because it was painfully obvious to everyone but her that she should no longer live alone. Four days after she came to my home, she had three back-to-back seizures out of the blue. She was taken to the ER by ambulance and after a couple of days in the hospital, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and "advanced" LBD. She did not accept the diagnosis, but I insisted that she continue to stay with me. Nine months later, she passed away.
The following information explains LBD and the numerous symptoms mom experienced...
OVERVIEW
Lewy Body Dementia, also known as Dementia With Lewy Bodies, is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's Disease. Protein deposits, called Lewy Bodies, develop in nerve cells of the brain regions that control memory, movement (motor control), and thinking and causes a progressive decline in these mental and physical abilities. This protein is also associated with Parkinson's Disease, so people with LBD have similar symptoms such as rigid muscles, slow moment, and tremors. People who have Lewy Bodies in their brain have the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's Disease as well.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of LBD may include:
Apathy: Loss of concern, enthusiasm, interest, and/or motivation.
Capgras Syndrome: A psychological condition, also known as “Imposter Syndrome”. It is the irrational belief that someone known or recognized has been replaced by an imposter. It could be a caregiver, family member, or friend that has an established relationship with the person. In the case of a caregiver, it can make the job extremely challenging and difficult but not impossible.
Cognitive Problems: Thinking abnormalities similar to Alzheimer's Disease, such as confusion, memory loss, poor attention, and visual-spatial problems.
Depression: A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you behave, feel, and think, which can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Fluctuating Attention: Disorganized speech, drowsiness, long periods of staring into space, and long naps during the day due to lack of sleep at night, are possible.
Hallucinations: This could be one of the first symptoms and may recur quite often. They may include seeing animals, bugs, people, lights, and other things in general that aren't there. Sound (auditory), smell (olfactory), and touch (tactile) hallucinations are possible as well.
Movement Disorders: Signs of Parkinson's Disease (parkinsonism), such as rigid muscles, slowed movement, tremors, and a shuffling walk may occur. This can also cause frequent falls.
Paranoia: A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, exaggerated self-importance, general distrust, and unwarranted jealousy. The person may become suspicious of those around them, even accusing them of infidelity, substance abuse, theft, and other impropriate behaviors.
Poor Regulation of Body Functions (Autonomic Nervous System): Blood pressure, pulse, sweating, and the digestive process are regulated by a part of the nervous system that is often affected by LBD. This can result in bowel issues (constipation), dizziness, and frequent falls as well.
Psychosis: Agitation, aggression, delusions, depression, hallucinations, sundowning, and wandering are hallmark behavioral and psychotic symptoms in the moderate-to-severe stages of the disease.
Sleep Difficulties: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is a sleep behavior disorder that can cause the person to physically act out their dreams while sleeping. When the mind and body can no longer distinguish between day and night, sundowning during the night can occur and quite frequently.
RISK FACTORS
A few things that seem to increase the risk of developing LBD include:
Age: People older than 60 are at greater risk.
Family History: Those who have a family member with LBD or Parkinson's Disease are at greater risk of having it.
Sex: LBD affects more men than women.
COMPLICATIONS
Because LBD is progressive, the symptoms will continue to get worst over time. In the final stage of the disease, the person will lose the ability to swallow (throat muscles weaken), talk (vocal chords are affected), and walk (mobility decreases). The average life expectancy is approximately eight years after the early onset of symptoms, but this can vary from person to person.
Mom lived for 19 months after it became obvious to me and other family members, as well as her friends and neighbors, that she was hallucinating. If she had an early-onset stage of the disease, none of us were aware of it or when it occurred—but, it is possible the symptoms were so subtle, they were overlooked.
Unfortunately, not much is known about what causes the protein build up of Lewy Bodies in the brain. At the present time, there is no cure for LBD and nothing can be done to slowdown or stop the progression of the disease once you have it. For all intents and purposes, it is a "death sentence" to every fiber of your being while you're still alive, and that is a possible legacy that scares the hell out of me.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Well, The Flies Have It!
Unlike the 3-ring circus we saw last week, the VP debate between Harris & Pence had its moments but it was much more civil. Moderator Page had her challenges with both of them, but I also think she did a better job than Wallace. So, I'll pass on doing a meme about this one, but I'll leave you with this interesting public screenshot that came through my Facebook newsfeed tonight regarding the fly on VP Pence's head. And, you know there's never just one fly in the room, right? #NiteNite 😂 #VoteByAnyMeansNecessary
Let's Get It On!
The only Vice Presidential Debate is set for this evening @ 9:00pm (ET) and will last for 90 minutes. It will be held @ University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The moderator will be USA Today's Washington Bureau Chief, Susan Page. The topics will cover 9 issues, which were determined by the moderator, and will be discussed for approximately 10 minutes each. I plan to watch and suggest everyone else do the same. #VoteByAnyMeansNecessary
