It's a Dad day!

My dad has Alzheimer's, the early stages, but progressively getting worse. He still lives in an independent living situation, in a beautiful retirement apartment complex. And he's still full of piss and vinegar! I have 4 siblings and we share care of dad.

Since there are 5 of us, we each take one day of the week to call him and check to be sure he's okay, has taken his pills and is getting to his meals alright. Then who ever is in charge on any given day, goes over and spends the evening with dad to be sure he eats dinner on time and has some company. Then we divide up the weekends.

Fridays are my days to be responsible for dad's care. I'm bringing him home to eat with us tonight and he'll spend some time here. He loves visiting us because of our dog Rosie. (Of "Life Lessons From A Chihuahua" fame). She loves having dad here, and that's good because she's sort of a bitch to lots of other people who visit. She's sort of protective of her domain, but will warm up to interlopers, given enough time and the right sort of treatment from them. All we have to do is say, to Rosie, "Is that grandpa?" when he comes in the door and she gets so excited!

Dad also got excited today about his visit and dinner invitation, because we're having Chili Burgers... a delightfully sloppy sandwich idea that dad came home with, from out west somewhere, in his younger days when he was traveling for John Deere. If you've never had these, you gotta try them! They are delish!

Chili Burgers

Feeds 4 normal eaters or 2 piggies!

4 grilled 1/4 lb. hamburgers
2 small cans of Hormel chili w/beans, heated (I use Hormel turkey chili w/o beans for diet reasons)
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (or fat-free grated cheddar, again, for my diet)
1 lg. onion chopped or diced
4 hamburger buns (or two if you don't need a top for your sloppy sandwich)

Place a burger on an open faced bun half. Ladle chili over the burger. Top with chopped onion and cheese, to taste. Pig out! Note: it's best to eat with a fork, there's no way you're going to pick up this puppy!

Well, it's time to go pick up Grandpa!

Thought for the day...

Grandpa: "I'm filled with piss n' vinegar! ... at first I was just filled with vinegar."

The Simpson's