I have been listing some ideas for the caregiver on the whiteboard, but I think I’m going to start listing all cores, errands, and projects that need to be done and make it a list for both of us. It seems that referring to the list as something that needs to be done helps Phil, and it helps focus my efforts, too.

Thank you, Patti. Now that it is light longer, an evening walk is a good choice.

Boy, this is a tough one! I will be happy to see other's suggestions. Ryan, perhaps you can find out what your Caregivers have done with their charges. In my vast, 2-day experiences I have left the following suggestions: sweep the back porch, take the dog for a walk, Watch "Good Morning America", look at picture albums, sort through record albums or cds, maybe put in some sort of order, play music, make lunch, empty the dishwasher, read the paper and talk about it, change the lightbulb, empty the trash (into the correct can!), fold laundry. But a lot of this sounds like chores. Maybe that's ok. Phil does not like puzzles or games. Some of your loved ones do.

I like listening to Russell, I have been to quite a few of his presentations at NEISD. I have never felt that his area of expertise really met my needs. Now it is coming very close. I do feel that it could be helpful to have an outside assessment of how I can better meet Phil's needs. But, as always, I am very concerned about how Phil will react to on outsider coming into our home. Today Phil refused to get out of the car at Grace Notes Community Choir (or in our vernacular, Carol's Choir). I don't remember his exact words, but I took it to feel that he was being managed, that he was being directed. I tried to think how to deflect or redirect. He was not tired, thirsty, hungry. He just wanted to leave, so I made apologies and we did. Lunch was early and he got in a better mood. I did engage a lovely youngish lady to clean house once or twice a month. Phil liked her. Good! Sorry I was weepy yesterday. I wasn't when I came in, I guess our shared experiences just touched me. Tomorrow Phil has a band event. What are the chances that he will want to participate? I'm taking bets. Have a great weekend and remember to adjust your clocks Saturday night! Fall Back!