JJ, thank you so VERY much for your informative post. Especially the part about making a list before visiting the doctor is an excellent tip. Instead of going to our family doctor, I'm going to ask him whom he would recommend.

I hope and pray that my mother's signs are only normal signs of getting old. I took her for a ride today to the Bavarian alps. It was such a beautiful day. While walking along a path, she suddenly broke out into a run. I mean run! (My mom is 85). When I caught up with her (pant pant), she just laughed and said she needed to do that, she hasn't run for years. She's unbelievable. She seemed so youthful and fresh today, that it makes me almost ashamed to want her checked. It's just so different from day to day with her.

Anne, now that's an example, (what JJ suggested), where you could try to see the humour in seeing "a two story black car". I think it's probably the only way to prevent going down hill yourself. I know it's easier said then done. I know, Hon.