January 20

is certainly an historic day isn't it. We just watched the inauguration on television and it was quite a site. I don't care what party affiliation you are, I think it was moving. My son and daughter-in-law were lucky enough to get into the Newseum a few blocks from the capitol to watch in the warmth. Several of the news groups have been broadcasting from there including CNN. I also have some friends that had tickets and I'm anxious to see there photos.

I wanted to follow up on some other fronts. I have written about my friend Josh who was injured in Afghanastan. He is now stateside and has had several more surgeries for his wounds. He is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts please. If you would like an address for Josh please leave a comment for me with your email address and I will send you more info. I promise not to publish your email address.

Yeseterday I spoke to a gentleman in the Atlanta area that is going through the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. He is close to a final diagnosis and has been going through all the "alphabet soup" tests we go through for this disease. He is waiting his appointment for a neuro-pysch test which is usually one of the last things to have done. I wish him well -- he is trying to fight this the best he can. He also has a blog. It's address is www.wheretobud.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. I hope to be communicating with him more and staying in touch with his situation.

Monday March 9 is Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol. If you are reading this and live in Georgia we need to you to come to Atlanta to be a special part of this day. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/georgia/in_my_community_education.asp We want at least 500 people there advocating on our behalf, so please come out. Kathy Simpson at the state office is organizing this day and she is doing a great job. Please come out if you can.

March 23-25 Public Policy Forum -- Washington DC -- Please consider taking a look at attending this year's public policy forum in Washington DC. I have been several years and it is very enlightening. It is important that those with the disease be heard and families also have a voice. There will be many people speaking at the conference that have Alzheiemer's and it is also a way to learn about what is happening with research, funding and public policy. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/09/overview.asp If you want to register please talk to one of the meeting planners as those with the disease may be able to get a special dispensation. On March 23rd there will be an Early Stage Summit which is especially for people with dementia. Several of the sessions during the meeting will also include a speaker living with Alzheimer's so that perspective will be integrated in the discussions.

Still Alice I've spoken about this book for awhile now. It is now #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list. It can be found in your local bookstores as well as Wal-Mart. Don't miss this book. Author Lisa Genova's account of Alzheimer's in a young professor hits the nail on the head. It's a must read. Side note: -- Lisa will be one of the speakers at the Public Policy Forum in March.

I apologize for not blogging more recently. I've had a lot to do and when I get busy at home it is hard for me to put my thoughts together enough to sit down and write. I have a few trips planned over the next few days so it will be next week before there are any more entries. Thanks for your comments -- I enjoy hearing from everyone.