Shoppe Opened, Shoppe Closed

Unfortunately, the Shoppe at Elder Care Cafe has closed. Sometimes what we would like does not materialize as we envisioned. I will continue to write reviews as appropriate and relevant books or movies become available, but the shoppe for browsing will no longer exist.

Life seems to be a series of experiments. As we try various opportunities, we learn what works and what does not. Hopefully, I will always continue to look forward, and be willing to try new territory. No matter how old I become, or where I live, or what happens in the future, I hope that I continue to grow, move forward, and try new things.

How about you? Are you settled in where you are, or are you willing to experiment, reaching out into the unknown, and try something new?

You're Planning On Living How Long?

About six months ago, my dad was scheduled for a four hour session related to his heart condition. The cardiologist was running a one hour test and a three hour test. Dad adamantly declared he did not want to go through the test again. After talking to my siblings, we decided to let him make his own decision and therefore he did not have the test.

Last month we got a letter from the cardiologist who had rescheduled the test for Friday, April 3. Although Dad really did not want to go through the ordeal, he said, "Well, if I'm going to live to be a hundred, I guess I might as well stay healthy."

We arrived at the office about 8:45 a.m. and left a little after 1:00 p.m. with Dad looking pale and weary and declaring, "I'm never having that test again!"

After a quick very late lunch at a nearby Arby's, he felt much better. Friends of his, the wife is a distant relative, had accompanied us to the appointment and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and the drive to and from the doctors office. I think their presence made the whole event a little easier for Dad.

But, I bet we have a little different response from him the next time the cardiologist tries to book an appointment. What do you think?

Country's Family Reunion DVDs Review

As most readers know, my Dad has had limited vision all his life. He also was born color-blind. He attended the Lansing (MI) School for the Blind during high school, and has not had a driver's license since he was young.

At eighty-six-years-old he spends much of his time listening to talking books and watching TV (sitting right next to the TV). One of his favorite channels to watch is RFD. He enjoys the many old-time music shows featuring his favorite singers and musicians from the past.

We had purchased a series of videos from Country's Family Reunion, but he gave his video/DVD player to one of his grandchildren. A couple of weeks ago I bought him a set of DVDs showing hours of the Family Reunion shows.

I happened to have a 17" TV/DVD that I placed on an end table across the room from his TV. He can set in the rocker/recliner next to the smaller TV/DVD player and watch the DVDs. He quickly learned to operate all the buttons on the remote, and now watches the shows anytime he gets tired of listening to his books. It also causes him to move to a different part of the living room, which I think is good for him.

The shows are hosted by Bill Anderson and feature singing and conversation by major stars from past years. Occasionally they show outtakes of old performances from the 1950s - 1980's with comments by those who knew the performer, or by the performer themself.

I watched several hours with Dad and the shows are such a joy to watch for country music fans. The DVDs are produced and available from Gabriel Communications, 125 Belle Forest Circle, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37221. You can reach customer service by calling 1-800-820-5405.

I highly recommend this series to any country music fan who would like to revisit a bygone era, and catch up with where those stars are now. The senior set will especially enjoy seeing their favorites.

Elder Care Express

The Elder Care Cafe is definitely growing up! Today the site for caregivers and elders not only got a new Shoppe to enjoy (sorry, no Starbucks as yet), but it also has a newsletter - The Elder Care Express.

The Elder Care Express is a weekly newsletter highlighting the happenings at Elder Care Cafe. You can sign-up right here:
==> Elder Care Express

We will keep you updated about further changes to our flagship site!

Elder Care Cafe Shoppe Added Today

Today the Elder Care Cafe received a new Shoppe which contains books, movies, health and beauty products, health care products, and any other items that may apply to baby boomers, caregivers, aging seniors, and family members.

Individual book, movie, and product reviews will also periodically appear on the site and will be added to the Shoppe's main page.

The Shoppe is colorful, handy, and filled with a growing number of items. When you have chance to check it out, you will find it here ==> Elder Care Cafe Shoppe

As always, let me know what you think.

Haircuts, Bearhugs, and Sore Ribs

Yesterday, an extended family member (my daughter's youngest sister) came over to the house so she could cut Dads' and my daughters' hair.

When Sarah walked in, she gave Dad a big hug, whereby he said, "Ooh! Be careful, my ribs are sore."

Sarah and Deb expressed concern about how he injured his ribs. Dad grinned and said, "Well, the women at the senior center hug me so hard it hurts my ribs."

Hmmmmm! Anyone in particular, Dad?

Text and Pix Messages - A Wonderful Thing

This picture is David and his mom fishing from the pier in Port Aransas, TX

Dad and I have received numerous text messages, pictures, and videos from my Texas-based daughter. The good news is that we are receiving numerous pictures of my grandson as he grows. We don't have to wait for pictures to be developed, sent by snail mail, or even wait for belated trips to the post office.

I love hearing that little "ding" letting me know there is a new picture available. Now, if I can just get the pictures uploaded to my computer, that would be great. The videos are a riot, and we can see David in action. The funny thing is, he is either sleeping or moving around in some manner. He loves to move rapidly forward and back when he is sitting in his highchair.

And the other day a picture arrived where he is sitting in the little antique chair Dad and I sent at Christmas time. The funny thing is, he was sticking his tongue out at us when the picture was taken. Now, I wonder who put him up to that?

Anyway, I hope you have the capability to send and receive instant messages to long-distant family members. I know it has really enhanced our lives!

Keep those pix and text coming, kids - we love them all!