Volume 6, Issue 22
November 3, 2002

www.TheRibbon.com
1104A Murfreesboro Pike
PMB 114
Nashville, TN 37217-1918

I just took a few minutes to read what was happening with my life last year at this time. Wow, what a difference a year makes. At this time last year, we had just moved Nanny here into our house. Our female dog was getting ready to have pups and our oldest son was fixing to be 21. Needless to say, we were disorganized and plumb crazy at the time.

This year Nanny is no longer with us though her spirit is definitely here. We now have 4 dogs instead of 2. Our oldest son has matured into a wonderful, married, stepfather of 2 and is almost 22!

Last year I was thinking of Christmas and couldn't get out to do any shopping. I did just about all of it online. This year, I've already started shopping and have enjoyed it immensely. Not only does it give me joy in finding "just the right gift" but it's great exercise and I don't have to fight any crowds. I'm also finding a lot of sales and bargains which I live for. <smiling>

Here's to all of you and hoping that this holiday season doesn't catch you unaware and hoping you can all find a bit of joy in doing your shopping.

Jamie

Share the Word

We now have a new way for you to 'Share the Word' about TheRibbon.com, so we can help even more caregivers and their families. Just visit http://www.theribbon.com/share/, where you'll find our new information packet. This packet contains samples of our most requested articles, a sample issue of our newsletter and a reproducible flyer. We hope you will take a few minutes to print out this packet, and share it with your local health care professionals and doctors. Tell them what The Ribbon has meant to you, and how it can help the patients and caregivers they see every day. A few minutes of your time can make a big difference for a family who needs help and support.

--Kevin
Site Manager, TheRibbon.com
Care for Caregivers

In Passing: Those We Must Remember

Dear Friends:

It is double sadness that I write to you today. I received news this week in The Gathering Place chat room that two of our friends lost loved ones.

Liz lost her mother last week after her long illness. Liz is a bit down, but that is to be expected. Liz's problems are not over though as she is also caring for her husband with Alzheimer's.

Also, Sally, one of our newest members, lost her mother-in-law last week as well. Sally is busy helping her husband with their family business; it sounds as if she is doing as well as can be expected with their family's loss. However, Sally's troubles are not over with either as she is also caring for her mother with Alzheimer's.

Please join with me in extending your thoughts and sympathies to these families during this very difficult time.

Love Always,
Linda
Linda@theribbon.com (Linda@theribbon.com)
The Gathering Place(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/ )
Online Alzheimer's Caregiver Support
http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/
Contributor to Finding the Joys in Alzheimer's (page 76)

It is with sadness that I have to write to tell you of a loss in our Snail Mail Family. Terry and Nina lost their Father/Father-in-law on October 19.

These two happen to be people I know personally so it did hit home for me as well. As Linda reported above with Liz and Sally, Terry and Nina are still caregivers as their Mother/Mother-in-law is in failing health.

Please send your supportative thoughts and sympathies to them as they go through this hard time.

Jamie

From the Recipe Corner

New recipe, Deep Fried Dill Pickles . If you like pickles, you are sure to enjoy this recipe.

Holiday Gift Ideas

PRETTY TEA TOWEL, a bottle of wine or a bottle of olive oil (or whatever you come up with) and a wooden spoon. Wrap it all in the tea towel and finish it with a big bow.

LARGE BOWL, new or a from a second hand store, fill with all the fixing for a pasta dinner, bake or buy a loaf of Italian bread. Bring the large ribbon around bowl (as you would a box) make a big bow on top.

SEW OR BUY a pretty tote bag or apron, and use it to wrap up something special for a friend.

We have been saving bottles and jars and painting them and then filling them with olive oil or Balsamic vinegar. Craft stores have the paint needed for this project. With the finish glaze they become dishwasher safe.

Someone sent us this idea, for the person who knits or crochets, use a basket, or a tote bag from a knit shop, fill it with a pattern, needles and yarn, who knows you make get a hand made gift back.

Thanks for you ideas, and keep them coming.
Micki Slattery,
Food Editor

Please visit our new Recipe Corner(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/recipes/ ). There you will find delicious 'family favorite' recipes. Please help add to our collection by submitting(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/recipes/add_recipe.php ) one (or more!) of your favorites.

Links

http://www.AlzOnLine.net/
Through this website, you will be able to participate in our on-line caregiver education and support classes and obtain links to Alzheimer's caregiver resources in your local area.

Welcome to www.alzheimersstudies.com(Link: http://memorylossstudy.com/ )
Information about a new study involving those who are in the later stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Want to Talk About It?

Have you ever wished you had someone to talk to, someone who understands exactly what you are talking about? Do you get the feeling that those who aren't dealing with or caring for someone with a dementia just don't get it?

How many evenings have you decided that you've had the most stressful day ever? Can it get any worse?

How about the feeling of finding something that works! for a problem you've been having and you are just bursting to tell someone?

Ever feel that you are alone in this journey with dementia?

Have we got the place for you!

Come join in the chatter at The Gathering Place(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/ ). It's a very comfortable room where you can put your feet up, have a cup of coffee, a sip of tea, or wear your p.j.'s.

It's Come As You Are

Here you are accepted as you are. If you are sad, you will be cheered up. If you are worried, your fears will be eased. If you are happy, the happiness will be shared and enjoyed. If you have a problem, helpful solutions are given.

Perhaps you used to attend a caregivers support chat and haven't been in a long time, perhaps you have never been, now is the time to join in. If you don't want to "talk" you can listen and you will learn.

Join the camaraderie at The Gathering Place(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/ ). You will be so very glad you did.

http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/
Welcome to The Gathering Place(Link: http://www.theribbon.com/GatherPlace/ )

Hugs and Peace,
Karen and Jamie