Survival Snapshots

A dear friend has published a very personal memoir touching on a topic that is much in the news but seldom discussed among friends... her struggle to defend her family and her home from the effects of her spouse's problems with sexual addiction. They appeared to be the "perfect couple" - married for over 20 years with lovely children - when the world and the husband she thought she knew fell apart. The book is not about his behavior, but about the impact it had on her family and herself, and how she found the strength to survive divorce and forge a new life after the unthinkable happened. Available now on Amazon: Survival Snapshots
 

Inspiration...

I haven't posted much lately... it's been a year of many changes. My brother James had a massive stroke last winter; he continues to recuperate slowly at home in Madison County. Dear cousin Robyn, the "breast cancer diva," lost her fierce battle on a bright summer day... joining cousins Jamie and Sue, both gone for just over a year. My mother finally lost her long struggle with Alzheimer's on August 8th. Two weeks later, I was laid off with no warning, "for budget reasons," from my job of 11 years. And I lost two lovely kitties and a house along the way. So it's time for new beginnings, in many ways... I'm still pedaling, as fast as I can!

Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. Margaret Marshall, age 84, mother of my closest friend Gerry, recently provided a healthy dose of that, with a great big smile. Who knows what adventures yet await!

 

AND - not to be missed! Margaret's granddaughter - my god-daughter Rachel - recently arrived in Benin, Africa, for a two-year stint with the Peace Corps. Um... a little TOO much adventure for me!! Follow Rachel's posts here (but at the time of this writing, pictures were still not available): http://rachelphotos2011.blogspot.com/
 

Forgetfulness: Recognizing Age Related Changes vs. A More Serious Problem

Forgetfulness: Recognizing Age Related Changes vs. A More Serious Problem from Wildcat Student TV on Vimeo.
Dr. Greg Jicha from UK's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging talks about how to recognize the signs of Alzheimer's disease and when it's appropriate to ask for help. This is a longish video... about an hour's lecture... but very worthwhile and informative if you're concerned about a loved one with possible memory problems. One of the diagnostic tools he recommends is the "AD8" which is a very simple and quick list of questions: see http://alzheimers.about.com/od/testsandprocedures/a/AD8.htm (click on AD8 in the first paragraph for the actual test).