Nora's Notes
Little sips of wisdom, wit, and caregiver real-talk — straight from the tea-stained pages of my journal.
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet. Here you’ll find reflections, resources, rants (the loving kind), and a whole lot of “me too, friend.”
Whether you’re googling symptoms at 3 a.m. or just trying to remember where you put your coffee (again), you’re in good company.
Lately in the Cottage...
Say What? Tips for Talking When Dementia Scrambles the Wires
Let’s be honest:There are days when trying to talk with someone who has dementia feels like trying to order takeout through a tin can phone — underwater — during a thunderstorm. You ask a question.They stare at you.You repeat it.They look suspicious.You rephrase it...
The Sock Shuffle: A Tiny Dance Party That Might Just Save the Day
Let me set the scene: You’re knee-deep in the day’s third round of “where are my pants,” there’s a trail of tissues leading from the living room to the bathroom, and someone (not naming names) is convinced the neighbor is an imposter again. You’re tired. They’re...
For the Days You’re Tired, Teary, and Wondering if You’re Doing Enough
Hello, dear heart. If you clicked on this post, I’m guessing it’s one of those days. Maybe it started with a spill, a snappy word, or a confused look from your loved one that felt like a dagger right through your already-tired soul. Maybe you've cried in the laundry...
Lewy Body Dementia 101: What It Is & How It Differs from Alzheimer’s
Welcome to the rollercoaster ride that is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). If you’re here, chances are you’re trying to figure out what exactly this condition is, why it behaves like a shape-shifting trickster, and how it’s different from Alzheimer’s. Grab a cup of coffee...
My Journey into Lewy Body Dementia Caregiving: What I Wish I Knew at the Start
Three years ago, life took a sudden and unexpected turn. A car accident left my loved one with memory lapses and mood swings that, at the time, seemed like just another part of the recovery process. But as time went on, the changes became more pronounced—anger that...
From the Cottage Journal
Real stories. Real mess. Real moments that were learning opportunities.
Peek into the pages of my journal — the honest, heartfelt, sometimes humorous side of caregiving that textbooks never mention.
Dementia & Lewy 101
Gently de-mystifying the brain stuff, one foggy topic at a time.
Simple, caregiver-friendly explanations of what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to survive the weirdness.
Caregiver Tips & Tea
Practical strategies I’ve tried (and survived) — no sugarcoating, just support.
From handling behaviors to getting them dressed without a wrestling match — these are the everyday tricks I’ve learned on the job.
Encouragement & Inspiration
For the days when you’re tired, teary, and wondering if you’re doing enough.
Uplifting reminders, tiny sparks of hope, and the occasional kick in the pajama pants to keep going.
Creative Breaks & Joy Sparks
Ideas for finding little moments of fun, calm, or connection — even in the chaos.
Activities, music, sensory play, and things that made us laugh (or at least not cry).
Thanks for visiting the cottage — take what you need, leave what you don’t, and remember: even in the thick fog of dementia, you are not alone.
Now go make yourself a cup of something warm and feel a little less like you have to hold it all together.