When to Tell and When Not To Tell

Over the last six months or so, I have come into contact with a whole new set of people by joining a new organization.  And, having found myself in a social situation with many of these people, I never know if it is appropriate to share my Alzheimer's diagnosis with them or not.  I see no reason to, until an opportunity arises.  However, on several occasions, that opportunity passed and then I thought if I said something after the fact it would be awkward.

I do find that as I am getting older, and those around me are older that the conversation turns to Alzheimer's in one form or another -- usually someone talking about their parents or a friend having the disease.  I'm afraid if I say something at that point that it becomes a sensitive subject and people will not feel free to discuss it.  But then on the other hand, if they find out I have it, then they wonder if they said something that might have offended me.  That isn't usually the case, but if the circumstances were reversed I could see how this would be.

So, I am never quite sure when to speak up.

Corn Maze

Check this one off of my bucket list -- Thanks to my friend Sandi!

Thank you

To Dr. Anne Glass at UGA -- for having me talk to her Gerontology class again this semester.  It's always a joy to talk with her students.

And, a big thank you to my friends John and Shirley, for inviting me to Lanier Village Estates last night.  There was a great crowd there for my presentation, and it was topped off with a delicious meal.  I really appreciated this opportunity to meet some new people and visit with some of the residents after my talk.

Thanks again!

This week

Last week I was in New York City.  Since I have been to NYC so many times I am pretty comfortable.  Although the crowds still get to me.  I had a little breakdown on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.  The people, the noise were just too confusing to me.

I wasn't on my own too much while in the city. But one of the problems I have chronicled here is having a problem crossing the streets.  The signals are confusing for me.  Since there is little consistency in Walk Lights, I get confused.  I think the blinking of the walk light in conjunction with the traffic signals, the traffic noise and all the people is overload on my brain.  So, I do better when I am with someone to cross the street than on my own.

Despite my problems, I still enjoyed the trip.

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes.  My son turns 30 today.  That makes me feel old.  But I am glad I am still able to spend some quality time, as I know down the road it won't be as easy.

Two speaking gigs this week -- a class at the University of Georgia and a retirement community in Northeast Georgia.

Thanks for reading and keeping up with me.

New York city

I am in NYC this week.  I just found out the the ice rink at Rockefeller Center opened today!  I am so excited ---  I love ice skating and I can't wait to get to the rink.

Birthday perks

Next week is my birthday and my dear friends, Suzanne and Joe took my fishing for a birthday present.  With the help of our friend William, we went to Lake Russell and caught some fish.  My friend Suzanne caught the first "big" fish -- a 23+lb. hybrid bass.  That was a great catch.

Suzanne and William with her prize catch

Then I caught a large mouth bass

Then Suzanne and I caught a couple of small fish

Then I caught a 23+lb. striped bass

Joe caught some fish too -- but we didn't snap a photo of him.  He and William helped us reel those big ones in -- they fought us most of the way but we did it.

Thanks to everyone for a great birthday present -- not only fish, but fun, laughter and a beautiful day with beautiful friends!