Author Archives: Jenny Mummert

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About Jenny Mummert

This blog was originally titled "Drifting Toward Planet Elderly," and it shared a journey I had with my elderly parents as they both went through their later years battling the complexities of dementia. After both passed on, I changed the title to "Living on Planet Elderly." I am a retiree who is reluctantly adjusting to the reality that she is now elderly. In July of 2021, I relocated to Middleton WI after living in Columbia MO for over 40 years. I decided that I want to experience a new and vibrant location in a cooler climate with lakes...a bucket list item of mine. I have a first cousin who lives in Madison. We have nice childhood memories, and I thought it would be wonderful to spend some time together as elders. It was. AND THEN....in March 2023, I returned to Columbia. I had a wonderful time experiencing the Madison area of Wisconsin, spending time with my cousin, and making some wonderful friends. No regrets.

Parental Journal 39 from Planet Elderly: Melting Plastic in the Oven and Stashed Cash

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Monday, January 25, 2015 – 7 p.m. I’m pretty sure I stopped the house from burning down, or at the least prevented toxic plastic fumes from overtaking the kitchen. Mom made sloppy joes and had put some frozen fries in … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 38 from Planet Elderly: Prepping/Packing for Next Visit

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Monday, January 18, 2016 I’m spending this entire cold day in flannel PJ’s.  Will relax with reading, writing, napping, eating…the usual winter hibernation stuff.  Saturday I return to Illinois to help out with a few things. On the agenda for … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 37 from Planet Elderly: Tears and Confusion From Across the Miles

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Friday, January 8, 2016  12:30 p.m. I’ve been recharging the mental battery here in Missouri for about a week.  The phone conversations I’ve had with Mom have included tears and continued confusion. Mom received mail about health expense refund program.  … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 36 from Planet Elderly: End of Christmas 2015 Christmas Visit. Happy New Year? Meh.

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Monday, December 28, 2015 6:30 a.m. Winter storm warning in effect for today…mostly icy rain/sleet and strong winds.  We’ll sit tight and stay at home. Been thinking about the “volcano of delusion” Mom experienced the other night.  In terms of … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 35 From Planet Elderly: Christmas Visit 2015 Part Three – Volcano of Delusion

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Christmas Day 2015 – early afternoon I think I’ve had 3 hours of sleep in the last 24 hours. Yesterday we experienced purgatory on Christmas Eve:  Wal Mart. Mom decided she wanted to get Dad a pair of sweat pants … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 34 From Planet Elderly -Christmas Visit 2015 Part Two (“Dont Get Married!!”)

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Tuesday, December 22, 2016 At 6:30 this morning Mom said she had a doctor’s appointment. “You do? Who with?” “Dr. D,” she said. “Oh, I thought you had your appointment with him last week on the 15th.” “Maybe I better … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 33 From Planet Elderly – Christmas Visit 2015 Part One

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

December 21, 2015  – evening Damn!  I left the bourbon eggnog at home and forgot to take it with me when I left yesterday. The drive went smoothly, but the initial visit with Mom was a bit unsettling.  Fortunately, she … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 32 from Planet Elderly -Driving Up For Christmas Visit Tomorrow

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 afternoon Call from Mom. She was cheerful and wanted to tell me that Dad asked about me today. They had a good lunch, and she just wanted me to know that sometimes he remembers. Monday, Dec. … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 31 from Planet Elderly – More Difficult Phone Calls

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 early afternoon Mom called at 6:15 a.m. today to tell me Dad has been coming to the house and taking his things out. “It’s over,” she said. Instead of reminding her that he lives in a … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 30 from Planet Elderly – Long-distance Emotional Up’s and Down’s

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Dec. 1, 2015 – evening I called Mom at 5:55 p.m. just to check in. No answer. I called again at 6:15 and she answered. I think she was probably napping earlier because when she answered she said she was … Continue reading →

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