Its Mike Williams

I always said, "if I come across the right deal, I may upgrade."  I've been looking for the last 2 years.  The right deal.  The right bike.  Aluminum or do I upgrade to carbon.  

I have been taking my riding much more seriously lately.  Not competitively but more repetition and duration.  The benefits that are realized far outway the result of doing nothing.  (I may have just originated this)  

I came across this bike.  Wow!  My favorite color.  My favorite brand.  My size!  Oh, yes, it is an upgrade.  I made it mine.  We have been getting aquatined.  Already over 120 miles just in the 2 weeks I found her.  We both agree we are going to spend a lot of time together.  Blue Monet is going to be out and about every chance we get.  Look for us at your next ride!

The hardest blog to write.  So much more could be written.

In short - if you think there is an issue, it's time to get help.  See a doctor, get help, and find a memory care facility.  You cannot do this alone.  The promise you made your partner, loved one, or family member did not include your health declining as well.  This blog is directed at the primary caregiver.  The primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. 

Rule #1 - Taking care of the caregiver.  You are of no use if you are not healthy.

I recommend you educate yourself.  Yourself and all the other care givers for the patient.  

You cannot provide the care needed for a loved one with Alzheimer’s by yourself.  (more on this later)

10 symptoms of caregiver stress

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed. I know Mom is going to get better.
2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do.
   He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn. 
3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
   I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore.
4. Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
   What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?
5. Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
   I just don't care anymore.
6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. I'm too tired for this.
7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
   What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?
8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions. Leave me alone!
9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
   I was so busy, I forgot my appointment.
10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
    I can't remember the last time I felt good.

If you experience any of these signs of stress on a regular basis, make time to talk to your doctor.  

Even though I have already logged a 'lilmomileage, riding season is just around the corner.  I can't wait!  Rolling through the country side, grinding some gravel, or even taking the greenway.  Nothing beats that feeling of a good ride with good friends.  Look for more pics and movies of upcoming rides this season.  I got some ideas for my GoPro..

This year marks around the 25th year my family tree has been in progress.  Way before Internet access and Ancestry.com.  My brother built the base information from the family bible, records offices in the cities our family was known to live, and cemetaries.  While building the main branches was the goal, a primary focus we my great grandfather on my father's side.  We only had the family "story", but could not verify it.  The growth of the tree pretty much hit a wall at just under 300 entries.

Along comes the Internet, and Ancestry.com.  The ability to research, compare, and verify information.  The ability to collaborate with others building their tree.  Ancestors were being found and verified.  Census informaiton seems to be one of my best research tools.  While I was able to build my tree with the free Ancestry.com account, it did not offer me access to records or global info.  The membership made the difference.  Growth of the tree was off and running.  Entries at this point were around 2100.

DNA Kit.  Yup.  The next step.  I thought this would help me connect to family over seas perhaps.  Learn my genetic makeup.  Find family.  It has done that!  With that said, be careful what you ask for.  Because I guarantee you that you will learn more than you expect.  I did not realize how many of my connections were using the DNA kit to find parents.  Things I took for granted?  I have personally helped cousins find and connect to parents, half siblings, and 1st cousins.  Entries now - 4400!

However, we have still not progressed any farther on my great grandfather.  We can find no information on him prior to his joinng the military.  The search continues...