July 4, 2009

Jon had the day off yesterday, so we spent most of the day moving a wall in my studio. It was the first time we have left Leola alone (locked in) for most of the day. We came home at 1:00 to give her lunch and she had misplaced her glasses which I easily found in plain view in the living room. Who knows how long she had been looking for them. We didn't return until 5:15. She was fine. We've had weather in the 90's the last few days, but she is still wearing her wool sweaters and skirts unaware of what season it is, what month it is or what day it is. Jon took her on a walk when we got home last night and upon their return she was finally aware of how warm it is. This morning she had on a T-shirt that read "Master's Games - Australia" with a wool skirt. She had a wool cardigan just in case.

We were a little surprised when she did not want to go swimming on Thursday. She dozed in the chair with a blanket over her and Ozzie in her lap. I'm a little concerned about bathing since the swimming days are when she showers. A week between seems to long.

The night before she startled us at 3:30 am by flicking on the light in our bedroom (we had neglected to lock the door). Both of us, naked and shocked awake from deep sleep, sat up and cried out. Jon yelled, "Jesus Christ, Mom - go back to bed." She got teary, apologizing, clearly disoriented. I felt sorry for her - she was so much like a child.

As I'm listening to the riverfront fireworks, Leola asks "What is that noise?" I reply, "That's the fireworks. It's the 4th of July." She said, "The firewood?" Jon said, "No, Mom. It's the FIREWORKS." She said, "The firewood?" As Jon and I exchange glances, we realized she has no memory of fireworks and doesn't know what the word means.