Hi from Patty and Alex

PattyInAK · April 13, 2013, 05:07:16 PM

Hi everyone. I am currently in Arizona looking after and helping my almost-89 year old father at his home. I have been here since the first part of March and will go home the first week of June. My four sisters and I take turns doing "Dad Watch." Not really tough duty at all seeing as it is sunny every single day. Dad is doing great since falling and breaking his neck in December. He just recently got rid of the neck brace. He spends his days doing his laps around the outside of the house (30 laps = 1 mile). I go with him and we have great conversations. Dad likes to putter in his work shop, making bird houses and bird feeders. I have been doing a lot of reading and working with the other sisters taking care of dad's finances and stuff, and cooking.
Alex is home with Dan and both are doing great. I sure do miss them both. I worry about Alex, he is 15 years old now, going deaf, a little blind, and his ears are bald. Dan says that Alex is doing great. He goes out to Dan's workshop with Dan every morning and sleeps by the woodstove out there. Neeki and Patches are feeling spring.....shedding like crazy and getting frisky. Our cat, Pepper, is shedding also, she is one big hair ball. I sure do miss hearing my parakeets singing all day. When I get home I will start looking for a second, younger bonded pair so I can breed them. And yes, I will keep all the babies!
A friend of mine has a husband who has terminal cancer. They are a little maltee-poo named Summer and a standard collie named Oliver. Due to possibly having to downsize, I may end up with Oliver. I used to have collies around when I was a little kid and I really love their long, sleek faces. Oliver is 8, and he may be just what I need when Alex passes on. Oh, Alex and Oliver have met, and they are super fine with each other.
Anyway, I miss you all and keep all my "doxie friends" in my prayers daily.

sollysmom · April 13, 2013, 09:47:38 PM

So good to hear from you again. Glad to hear all is well with your dad in AZ. Keep us posted as to how all are doing, again, thanks for the update.

Darcel & Hilde

JetEd73 · April 14, 2013, 08:37:17 AM

God Bless you and keep you safe.

all things considered...sounds like things are going well. Just keep your head up and you'll do fine.

BonniesMom · April 14, 2013, 06:01:03 PM

Hi Patty! I bet all your AK family will be glad to have you back again.

Bonnie waves at Alex and shows off her back right foot with only three toes.

Mike · April 14, 2013, 10:18:16 PM

Patty, it is good to hear from you. I'm glad Alex is still doing well (for a long in the tooth longdog). It's great you are willing to take in Oliver when needed.

Barb · April 15, 2013, 08:31:46 AM

Great to hear from you !!!! It is such a blessing that you are able to spend so much time with your dad..... memories are being made that you will carry forever ! Glad the sisters can take turns..... your dad must be so thrilled !!!

Alaska will be glad to get you home !!! Pictures of your kids are in order

papbouv · April 15, 2013, 11:20:52 PM

Good to hear from you sounds like your Dad is doing great, my hubby fell 2009 broke his neck also sound like your dad is doing better than hubby he does not exercise but could he is 64 so your Dad is doing great. Also had Collie's just remember they like to usually goose people with those long noses Dachshunds would too I bet but they are too short. Nice to hear from you.

Suzie · April 17, 2013, 06:44:20 PM

Hi Patty. So glad your dad is holding his own. I'm sure Dan & Alex will be very pleased on your return. I, too grew up with a Collie, Honey...enjoy the sun.

David C. · April 24, 2013, 08:45:43 PM

Thanks for catching us up. It's good that your Dad keeps active. I don't know what his generation was made of, but it was some really tough stuff. I volunteer with a few 80-somethings who are busy restoring an airplane. I'm amazed at their energy, and they've taught me age is just a number. Glad to hear Alex and the rest of the furkids (and feather kids) are doing well up in Alaska.

PattyInAK · May 06, 2013, 09:06:46 AM

About 10 days ago my sister came to Yuma from Scottsdale to relieve me with dad. I went up to her place for a week of R&R. Three days later we got notice that my dad had fallen again, twice, 911 had to be called and he spent 5 days in the hospital......stitches, two major scrapes on his head and numerous scrapes on his arms, and a sore back. I went back to Yuma immediately. Dad's falls are not due to tripping. It seems he has a sudden momentary drop in blood pressure or something. The docs can't find anything seriously amiss that would cause this. Luckily dad did not hurt his newly healed broken neck. My sister is due to leave for CT for an extended visit with her daughters family in about a week. I am supposed to go home first week of June. Other sisters take over. Up to now its been just one sister here at a time, but it really takes two, so the caregivers can give each other a break. My sister Barb and I work well together. A couple of our group of our 5 sisters seem to think two caregivers are not necessary. We will see what they think after their solo stays with dad in June and July. Dad is still able to take care of his own personal needs and he is able to stay in his own home. What are your experiences with elderly parents?

papbouv · May 06, 2013, 10:59:07 PM

Hi Patty as a old nurses aide and my hubby fell in 2009 due to dizziness & falling breaking his neck also, You may already be doing this but I would get a Blood Pressure monitor take your dad's BP to see if his medications need adjusting. Remind your dad to get up slowly and just stand for a few seconds so he can make sure his equilibrium is going to be conductive for walking. Does he use a walker ? or a cane ? I really like what I'm hearing about the Hurry cane on TV having a cane that will stand up is a great plus factor. Know my cane was always falling down when I had my Total Knee surgery. I also was raised by my Grandparents my grandpa was a amputee so have been around canes,walkers & wheel chairs all my life. I know they are a pain to keep up with but I think elderly should use cane's & or walkers all the time I have a 83 yr old MIL that flat refuses to use either she walks worse than my 84 year old mother who does use a cane and or walker. I think it gives them more stability less chance to fall and break a hip. I was a nurses aide for 31 years last 14 years I worked was on a orthopedic floor. Good Luck with your Dad also know some times men are hard headed know my hubby is.