A little explaining as I go, as a new person in town, a gnome, is a name I found to be poetically appropriate. Home, but not really. I do understand and accept I’m different, so to find safe methods of getting to know my new hometown, have research the other artisans in the area. It is the only quiet way I could learn about the community. I started selling greeting card and pictures At Farmer’s Market this year, My wife Lessie, was market manager this year. I found the market to not fit for me. Most likely, my dementia started during covid. I haven’t noticed much change in brain function, but I spend my time alone, writing, reading being creative with my pictures and budding art projects. Social scenes became difficult, too much noise I couldn’t decipher in to meaning it’s not frightening, just frustrating. I had my ears tested, yes they want to sell me new hearing aids. Yes, they would help a lot, budgeting is in process! I could even hear my wife! I’m excited. The article, “Group is building a community that’s ‘dementia friendly’” in the Oct 11, 2022, issue of the Baker City Herald. Still no real focus on the living person exists. Since I was already working creating this web site as a creative outlet, this where my focus hit. A giant opportunity for learning and giving back. I have an appointment with Lu-Ann Cook, a nurse practitioner at St. Luke’s Eastern Oregon Medical Associates in Baker City. I’m interested her opinions. She is local and needs to accept me, healers must consider you be equal to be effective. I’m already involved at Settler’s Park, volunteering in memory care for a year with Greta and sometimes my wife Lessie. They are like family to us.