For some reading about the catastrophic Blizzards of 1888, first in the West and then on the east coast:
City of Snow: The Great Blizzard of 1888 by Linda Oatman High.
In All Its Fury: A History of the Blizzard of January 12, 1888 by W. H. O’Gara.
Blizzard! The 1888 Whiteout by Jacqueline A. Ball.
Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America by Jim Murphy
More recent blizzards & storms:
One to Remember: The Relentless Blizzard of March 1966 by Douglas Ramsey
Northeast Snowstorms by Louis W. Uccellini
Fiction:
Lost in the Blinded Blizzard (Hank the Cowdog) by John R. Erickson
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Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time
Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Throughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Valentine’s Day was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so.  She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students.  Even though she was no longer taught after we four children were born (school districts were very reluctant to hire married teachers, particularly ones with children, in those days), she introduced us to many of the activities she’d enjoyed with her students.  She also cooked special foods for Valentine’s Day, midst her busy day of mom and farm wife duties.

Mother decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts.  When we were old enough, sister …read more

 Edie Dykeman, at ElderCareCafe, responded to my post,  Keeping Your Cool as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver , with, Great post and reminder to do what we can to stay calm and emotionally in control. Thanks!  She also described a situation in her caregiving life that you might relate to.
As I mentoned to Edie, it is difficult living day to day with someone who has Alzheimer’s and can be very stubborn. They’re also often frightened by what’s happening to them, so strike out verbally and physically at those closest.  That often is the caregiver.
When I was caring for Mother, I read somewhere that …read more

I just learned about the One World One Heart giveaway when I visited the Meandering Threads blog.  This is a world wide gathering of crafters and those interested in the arts from around the world. 
There are many fascinating blogs to visit and many really nice giveaways.  Stop by Meandering Threads and you’ll find out more about this event.  Perhaps you’ll find here arts and crafts (as well as giveaways) to perk up your day.

Alzheimer’s Books
I found books very valuable when I desired to learn more about Alzheimer’s, after Auntie and Mother developed it.  This was in the days before much was available on the Internet and before we used that means to obtain information.
However, even with the Internet, books continue as good sources of information, inspiration and encouragement.
Carol Bradley Bursack, at OurAlzheimers.com mentions the “Voices Of” book series and the types of books she prefers to read. 
Deep down, however, I’m partial to stories told by real people who are going through similar situations that I’ve been through. Especially in this age of the …read more

Longevity seems to be a reward of caregiving, according to recent research published in  the current issue of Psychological Science.  So when you’re tired and frustrated and wonder how you can keep going when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, remember, “I should have a longer life as a result of all of this.”
This may seem like an impossibility after sleepless nights, dealing with a cranky patient, searching for them when they escape on you, and encountering other trying situations.  However, the joys, often small ones each day, give a sense of accomplishment and often laughter.
Caregiving May Lengthen Life
Caregiving …read more

Favorite Posts
It’s often difficult to choose simply 10 posts from a year of writing, but here goes.  Some of these are my choice.  Others received a number of reader comments, so were popular with my viewers.

Not Home for The Holidays – Celebrating in a Nursing Home
Enjoying the Small Triumphs of Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients
13 Ways Alzheimer’s Patients Bring Joy
Alzheimer’s Finger Food Suggestions
Is Alzheimer’s a “Closet” Disease?
Are You “going green” in Your Alzheimer’s Home?
When Caregiving Becomes an Obsession
Sundowning in Mother’s Alzheimer’s Life
Do You Take Photos of Your Alzheimer’s Family Member?
Time Travel Experiences for Alzheimer’s Households

Which one of the above is your …read more

Winter Solstice
Today was the first day of winter.  Here in New Hampshire, where I live, a blizzard hearlded the day.  My family and I have just come inside after shoveling and blowing the snow, about 15 inches, on our deck and along the long 400 foot driveway. 
 
Fortunately the snow was light and fluffy, so wasn’t such a chore to shovel.  However, this was truly a “wintry way” to greet the winter solstice or shortest day of the year.
 
Here are a few books to learn more about winter and the winter solstice, when we have the shortest amount of daylight.  Some have colorful …read more

Giveaway
If you’re a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.  It’s in progress over there.
Perhaps you’re not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.  Perhaps your Alzheimer’s family member is a quilter and still enjoys reminiscing about the quilts in her life.