The last day of May ! It has been four months since Cowboy's stroke and about 2 years since he started having memory problems and confusion.
Has been a quiet holiday. We did not even leave the house. I spent more time working on my project over the weekend. I am down to just a few boxes left to go through. Keep finding interesting things.
The Nurse Supervisor came by this morning. She checked his sore and talked to him a while. He was pretty responsive. She was really surprised at the fact he actually talked a little bit with her. They do a review of how their people are performing. We are fine with Gena. No problems to report.
My band is coming over this afternoon to jam. Am looking forward to it. At the moment Cowboy is sleeping. He usually does after lunch. He is definitely eating better and sleeping better and seems more alert. I think the symptoms associated with the stroke are definitely about over. I talked to him yesterday and he could not remember our address, could remember the children's names after he thought a little bit but could not name but a couple of the grandchildren. That is about where we were several weeks ago so not sure there is a lot of deteriation at this point. He still spends a lot of time napping, a lot of time looking at TV and a lot of time just staring off into the far beyond. I am going to up our time doing exercises and games. It is awfully hot to get out and walk
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Saturday, May 28th
A lot of the neighbors have their flags out starting today. Some yards are lined with them. We have some and I need to do that.
As I suspected it took Cowboy a long time to decide what to eat Thursday night. They were having a "shrimp festival" and we ended up my getting two kinds and him getting two kinds and sharing. It was wonderful and he ate really well. I brought home a half dozen of their great biscuits and Friday I used them on a chicken pot pie. He that well too. Maybe some of the smell and taste loss is resolving itself.
Yesterday the pup got groomed and the car got washed and Marsha gave Cowboy a bath so we are really clean around here at the moment.
I went to the dulcimer jam this morning. There is a concert at the library this coming Friday evening that I will play and needed to practice with them. Have spent the rest of the day working on my project. I am finding some pictures of cowboy from a long time ago and it is really neat to see them. He was one handsome dude.
His military paperwork is full of interesting tidbits and I am spending a lot of time just reading it. He served in Korea, Viet Nam 3 times, Ethiopia, in the "Old Guard" in Washington DC, taught at the University of Wisconsin, was in Germany twice and then various postings at various stateside bases. Everywhere he ever was he received awards, commendations, complimentary letters from commanders, etc. I have a letter where he was recommended for Sergeant Major of the Army. Didn't happen but quite an honor to be nominated. What an amazing life he has had and what a fine soldier he was.
As I suspected it took Cowboy a long time to decide what to eat Thursday night. They were having a "shrimp festival" and we ended up my getting two kinds and him getting two kinds and sharing. It was wonderful and he ate really well. I brought home a half dozen of their great biscuits and Friday I used them on a chicken pot pie. He that well too. Maybe some of the smell and taste loss is resolving itself.
Yesterday the pup got groomed and the car got washed and Marsha gave Cowboy a bath so we are really clean around here at the moment.
I went to the dulcimer jam this morning. There is a concert at the library this coming Friday evening that I will play and needed to practice with them. Have spent the rest of the day working on my project. I am finding some pictures of cowboy from a long time ago and it is really neat to see them. He was one handsome dude.
His military paperwork is full of interesting tidbits and I am spending a lot of time just reading it. He served in Korea, Viet Nam 3 times, Ethiopia, in the "Old Guard" in Washington DC, taught at the University of Wisconsin, was in Germany twice and then various postings at various stateside bases. Everywhere he ever was he received awards, commendations, complimentary letters from commanders, etc. I have a letter where he was recommended for Sergeant Major of the Army. Didn't happen but quite an honor to be nominated. What an amazing life he has had and what a fine soldier he was.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 26
Not too much to report. I had my day out yesterday and went all the way to the mall and walked and walked and did a little shopping. It was a good day. I have not been getting enough exercise.
Cowboy is doing fine. He is generally cheerful and cooperative, he hasn't lost any more weight and his sore is almost gone. He did flail around in the bed last night and mumbled. That happens more nights than not.
I was a bad girl Tuesday. The band came over to jam and I was feeling particularly tired and sleepy and kept yawning. One of our members made a comment that I "just needed to (something)." I didn't even catch what he said. I kind of lashed out at him and said "I tell you what. You come over here for the next couple of nights and deal with things and I can get some uninterrupted sleep!" I think it really took him back. I feel bad about it.
Gena is here and Cowboy is getting his bath and shave. I am going to take him out to eat this evening. It is a bit of a challenge because he sometimes takes absolutely forever to decide what to eat or I have to just choose something and he is very slow but I do think he generally eats better when we got out and he enjoys it. I am beginning to doubt my cooking skills. We still have the situation where sometimes he eats very little but at other times he will eat everything on his plate. Just the way it is going to be, I guess.
Cowboy is doing fine. He is generally cheerful and cooperative, he hasn't lost any more weight and his sore is almost gone. He did flail around in the bed last night and mumbled. That happens more nights than not.
I was a bad girl Tuesday. The band came over to jam and I was feeling particularly tired and sleepy and kept yawning. One of our members made a comment that I "just needed to (something)." I didn't even catch what he said. I kind of lashed out at him and said "I tell you what. You come over here for the next couple of nights and deal with things and I can get some uninterrupted sleep!" I think it really took him back. I feel bad about it.
Gena is here and Cowboy is getting his bath and shave. I am going to take him out to eat this evening. It is a bit of a challenge because he sometimes takes absolutely forever to decide what to eat or I have to just choose something and he is very slow but I do think he generally eats better when we got out and he enjoys it. I am beginning to doubt my cooking skills. We still have the situation where sometimes he eats very little but at other times he will eat everything on his plate. Just the way it is going to be, I guess.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 23
I got a call this morning from a friend of a friend to ask questions about dealing with the VA and how hubby was doing, etc. Her hubby has Parkinson's and dementia. She is feeling frustrated about how the system works and that you can't get what you need when you need it. Hope I helped her.
Gena came and Cowboy got a bath and shave. I spent a good deal of time just sifting through boxes. It is amazing what we collect and then can't let go of. I have a pile of fabric to give to someone who quilts and a pile of jewelry, stones, clips, rings, etc for someone who makes jewelry. At one time I thought I wanted to do that but it never happened. This afternoon I opened a box full of papers from Cowboy's military career. He received a number of medals during his 30 years and each has a certificate and paperwork associated with it. Some things you just keep and hope the offspring will want them. My trash bin is full of odds and ends and they don't pick up til Friday.
It is almost 100 degrees out and it is only May !
Gena came and Cowboy got a bath and shave. I spent a good deal of time just sifting through boxes. It is amazing what we collect and then can't let go of. I have a pile of fabric to give to someone who quilts and a pile of jewelry, stones, clips, rings, etc for someone who makes jewelry. At one time I thought I wanted to do that but it never happened. This afternoon I opened a box full of papers from Cowboy's military career. He received a number of medals during his 30 years and each has a certificate and paperwork associated with it. Some things you just keep and hope the offspring will want them. My trash bin is full of odds and ends and they don't pick up til Friday.
It is almost 100 degrees out and it is only May !
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Saturday, May 21
Marsha came for two hours yesterday and I was able to go across the street for a ladies coffee. Lots of wonderful food and a few minutes of conversation with friends and neighbors. Several people ask about Cowboy.
Cowboy took his bath wthout complaint. After Marsha left we went to WalMart and I bought some plastic bins. I am starting on my project.
Today I did not want to get out of bed. Can't say why. Cowboy was up and had made coffee, brought in the paper and fed the dog. wonder of wonders. The last time he made coffee he forgot to put in the coffee and left the water spout in the wrong position and we had hot water all over the counter. I made some breakfast and then started the laundry. I spent some time putting stuff in bins and going through the mess. Had tax records for 11 years so am disposing of a lot of it. Watched a western movie with Cowboy this afternoon. It is extremely hot and muggy today. May have storms tonight. I am really draggy. Maybe it is this weather.
Cowboy took his bath wthout complaint. After Marsha left we went to WalMart and I bought some plastic bins. I am starting on my project.
Today I did not want to get out of bed. Can't say why. Cowboy was up and had made coffee, brought in the paper and fed the dog. wonder of wonders. The last time he made coffee he forgot to put in the coffee and left the water spout in the wrong position and we had hot water all over the counter. I made some breakfast and then started the laundry. I spent some time putting stuff in bins and going through the mess. Had tax records for 11 years so am disposing of a lot of it. Watched a western movie with Cowboy this afternoon. It is extremely hot and muggy today. May have storms tonight. I am really draggy. Maybe it is this weather.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thursday, May
Yesterday was interesting. My friends showed up at 7 and I got on my way to the base.. The base is under special security because of the Bin Laden killing. Long time to get on base, then when got to the hospital, a lot of the parking was blocked off so had to park a long way from the building. Took about 2 and 1/2 hours to get medicine then on to the PX. I needed to get my glasses fixed and some birthday cards. Happened to go by the electronics dept and they had several TV's on sale. I had read this is a good time to buy because the new ones are coming out. $200 off of the PX price plus 10% because it was a floor model and of course, no tax. I did good. We will make it a Father's Day gift.
It took 20 minutes to get from the PX to the Commissary next door because of the security and then found myself a long way from the building. The Commissary is being remodeled so nothing is where you expect it to be. On to the Class VI and then for gas. Had not had lunch so bought some donut holes at the gas station and a coke. Got home a half hour before Marsha due to leave. I was sooooo tired.
I learned that Cowboy did really well with getting up and he ate all the breakfast that my friends prepared. Apparently he was a "jewel". After Marsha came and my firiends left Cowboy refused to let Marsha give him a bath. She said his demeanor completely changed. I called about then to check on things and I talked to Cowboy and encouraged him to let her bathe him. He said he wasn't going to do it. First time this has happened. Hope it is not a trend. I have no explanation for it. Perhaps he was pouting because our friends left. Perhaps he had gotten tired because he had been very animated earlier. Perhaps, heck I don't know. In one way it was kind of funny but I know Marsha felt bad. At bedtime I asked him if he would have taken his bath if Marsha had taken his arm and pulled him to the bathroom. He just said "I don't know".
Yesterday evening I got in the shower with him and washed the area where the sore is located and put medicine on it. (this morning it looks much better!)
Got word this morning that we have a new great grandaughter. Everyone is fine. They live about 3 hours away. Would like to go up but haven't decided yet. Cowboy is not a good traveler at this point.
It took 20 minutes to get from the PX to the Commissary next door because of the security and then found myself a long way from the building. The Commissary is being remodeled so nothing is where you expect it to be. On to the Class VI and then for gas. Had not had lunch so bought some donut holes at the gas station and a coke. Got home a half hour before Marsha due to leave. I was sooooo tired.
I learned that Cowboy did really well with getting up and he ate all the breakfast that my friends prepared. Apparently he was a "jewel". After Marsha came and my firiends left Cowboy refused to let Marsha give him a bath. She said his demeanor completely changed. I called about then to check on things and I talked to Cowboy and encouraged him to let her bathe him. He said he wasn't going to do it. First time this has happened. Hope it is not a trend. I have no explanation for it. Perhaps he was pouting because our friends left. Perhaps he had gotten tired because he had been very animated earlier. Perhaps, heck I don't know. In one way it was kind of funny but I know Marsha felt bad. At bedtime I asked him if he would have taken his bath if Marsha had taken his arm and pulled him to the bathroom. He just said "I don't know".
Yesterday evening I got in the shower with him and washed the area where the sore is located and put medicine on it. (this morning it looks much better!)
Got word this morning that we have a new great grandaughter. Everyone is fine. They live about 3 hours away. Would like to go up but haven't decided yet. Cowboy is not a good traveler at this point.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday, May 17
I have been thinking about this project I have started and why I did that in the midst of everything else that is going on. I think it is a combination of things. First of all, I needed to get away from ever needing to get in the attic and to keep Cowboy out of there.
Second, I needed something to keep me occupied now that I spend most of my time at home.
I also think going through things from one's past provides the opportunity to examine that past and remember some things we tend to forget. I found an old camera that Cowboy used in the 50's and 60's that would have to be called a "spy camera". How cool is that?
In the final analysis it is about occupying my mind and wearing out my body. There is value to me in that.
We had a pretty good day. I did some cleaning this morning and then my band was over this afternoon. Cowboy just sits there and listens and seems to enjoy it. I have been told that music is very good for persons with dementia and it certainly seems to be true.
Tomorrow morning I am leaving at 7AM to go to the base and stand in a ridiculously long line to get new prescriptions filled for the upcomoing year. It is a process that can take hours. Then I will take what time I have left to do some shopping. A friend is coming at 7 to look after Cowboy and fix his breakfast. Then Marsha will take over at 10AM.
Second, I needed something to keep me occupied now that I spend most of my time at home.
I also think going through things from one's past provides the opportunity to examine that past and remember some things we tend to forget. I found an old camera that Cowboy used in the 50's and 60's that would have to be called a "spy camera". How cool is that?
In the final analysis it is about occupying my mind and wearing out my body. There is value to me in that.
We had a pretty good day. I did some cleaning this morning and then my band was over this afternoon. Cowboy just sits there and listens and seems to enjoy it. I have been told that music is very good for persons with dementia and it certainly seems to be true.
Tomorrow morning I am leaving at 7AM to go to the base and stand in a ridiculously long line to get new prescriptions filled for the upcomoing year. It is a process that can take hours. Then I will take what time I have left to do some shopping. A friend is coming at 7 to look after Cowboy and fix his breakfast. Then Marsha will take over at 10AM.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 16
Cowboy slept until 8:30 this morning. He ate all his breakfast. The nurse came and checked him out, talked about where we are and said we would have care for 60 more days with medicare and then it would stop unless something significant changes. I told her about the VA starting service. This just means that Gena will continiue to come on Mondays and Fridays for his personal care.
Gene didn't get here until 1:15. I really prefer it always in the AM but not sure what all affects that. Cowboy is getting his bath now and based on what the nurse recommended we are going to try Desitin. I remember that from when my girls were babies ! The silver oitment that was suggested is nowhere to be found. The spray I got on Friday is having minimal effect. The nurse will come back on Thursday to check on him and bring some more cream.
Cowboy can definitely now form sentences and communicate after a fashion but he will not try to hold a conversation or give you much more than a nod or yes or no. Every now and then we talk a little bit.
I am on a tear around here. Every time I open a cabinet or drawer I create another pile to go through. I must have been out of my mind to start in on this but it will feel really good to get organized a bit. Sometime this week the stuff in the attic will come down I hope.
All in all we are rockin along.
Gene didn't get here until 1:15. I really prefer it always in the AM but not sure what all affects that. Cowboy is getting his bath now and based on what the nurse recommended we are going to try Desitin. I remember that from when my girls were babies ! The silver oitment that was suggested is nowhere to be found. The spray I got on Friday is having minimal effect. The nurse will come back on Thursday to check on him and bring some more cream.
Cowboy can definitely now form sentences and communicate after a fashion but he will not try to hold a conversation or give you much more than a nod or yes or no. Every now and then we talk a little bit.
I am on a tear around here. Every time I open a cabinet or drawer I create another pile to go through. I must have been out of my mind to start in on this but it will feel really good to get organized a bit. Sometime this week the stuff in the attic will come down I hope.
All in all we are rockin along.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 15
It is 8:30 and Cowboy is still asleep. I woke up at 2AM and he was up and digging around in his underwear drawer. I had put some loose, soft boxers on him after treating his sore last night and he had taken them off and was putting on his usual briefs. He came back to bed and I went to sleep.
This morning he told me he had been awake since 2AM. He is tired so I am sure that is why he is still asleep. So I am sitting here working on email and correspondence and bills and such.
Yesterday he had watched TV and looked at magazines most of the day. I took our pup for a walk and I worked on my project. In the afternoon we spent some time on the patio. The weather is absolutely perfect.
A couple of days ago I had called our landscape manager because I wanted to put some cacti in that has been in pots so I wanted to be sure it was OK. That sweet man came out and replanted the cacti and some geraniums for me. He had heard from a neighbor about Cowboy being ill. I am constantly amazed at how kind people are. This is that journey from independence to interdependence and then eventually dependence.
This morning he told me he had been awake since 2AM. He is tired so I am sure that is why he is still asleep. So I am sitting here working on email and correspondence and bills and such.
Yesterday he had watched TV and looked at magazines most of the day. I took our pup for a walk and I worked on my project. In the afternoon we spent some time on the patio. The weather is absolutely perfect.
A couple of days ago I had called our landscape manager because I wanted to put some cacti in that has been in pots so I wanted to be sure it was OK. That sweet man came out and replanted the cacti and some geraniums for me. He had heard from a neighbor about Cowboy being ill. I am constantly amazed at how kind people are. This is that journey from independence to interdependence and then eventually dependence.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, May 13
I made a pot roast last night and Cowboy ate all his vegetables and about half his meat. Didn't touch the bread. Still, much better.
This morning he ate all his breakfast! Marsha came at 10. I love having her to help. She is a sweetheart. I went to a nearby church and played a gig with the Dulcimer Club for a dementia day care group. Ironic, isn't it. I leave my hubby with dementia with a caregiver and go entertain others with dementia. I do enjoy it and it was good to see some of my friends.
Cowboy has a couple of pressure sores and that worries me. Went to the drugstore and got a spray that is specifically for that. If he is not better by Monday will call the Doc. Since we were out I decided to take him to lunch. We went for Mexican food and he ate really well. Then tonight he didn't want to eat at all. Still, I think we are seeing some improvement.
In one of my early posts I mentioned that he wanted scented candles lit all the time. I think it may have to do with his loss of smell. I just had this "lightbulb" moment and am thinking that is it. About a year ago he insisted we put in a water filter because he said the water tasted bad. It didn't seem that way to me but he insisted. I suspect it is all connected to his brain playing tricks. Here I am playing doctor again.
This morning he ate all his breakfast! Marsha came at 10. I love having her to help. She is a sweetheart. I went to a nearby church and played a gig with the Dulcimer Club for a dementia day care group. Ironic, isn't it. I leave my hubby with dementia with a caregiver and go entertain others with dementia. I do enjoy it and it was good to see some of my friends.
Cowboy has a couple of pressure sores and that worries me. Went to the drugstore and got a spray that is specifically for that. If he is not better by Monday will call the Doc. Since we were out I decided to take him to lunch. We went for Mexican food and he ate really well. Then tonight he didn't want to eat at all. Still, I think we are seeing some improvement.
In one of my early posts I mentioned that he wanted scented candles lit all the time. I think it may have to do with his loss of smell. I just had this "lightbulb" moment and am thinking that is it. About a year ago he insisted we put in a water filter because he said the water tasted bad. It didn't seem that way to me but he insisted. I suspect it is all connected to his brain playing tricks. Here I am playing doctor again.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Thursday, May 12
Just got back from taking Cowboy to the VA hospital for an echocardiagram. This is the last appointment that is a part of his reevaluation. Am glad we are done. Every appointment has involved an hour getting there and and hour home and normally some waiting time. Now we wait for probably 6 months for a decision.
Gene is here and Cowboy is getting his bath. He has a sore on his buttock that is worrying me. We are going to put medication on it and if it isn't better by tomorrow will call the doctor.
It is thundering and lightening with some rain as I sit here. So welcome !
I will probably spend some time working on the storage room because I fully expect Cowboy to fall asleep as soon as he is settled. We got up at 5:30 this morning. Had to get him ready and get out the door by 6:30 for the hour drive and to allow extra time for any delays. He seems tired.
Gene is here and Cowboy is getting his bath. He has a sore on his buttock that is worrying me. We are going to put medication on it and if it isn't better by tomorrow will call the doctor.
It is thundering and lightening with some rain as I sit here. So welcome !
I will probably spend some time working on the storage room because I fully expect Cowboy to fall asleep as soon as he is settled. We got up at 5:30 this morning. Had to get him ready and get out the door by 6:30 for the hour drive and to allow extra time for any delays. He seems tired.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 11
It is raining ! We have been in a severe drought for weeks now and this will help a bit.
Am working on getting a small room converted to storage and it is a job. Can't do but a little at a time.
Cowboy has been doing well the last few days. He is calm and is sleeping well. I just wish he would eat about 3 times as much food. He eats breakfast pretty well most of the time but eats little lunch. Last night I tried smoked herring and he ate it very well along with some crackers and veggies. It's just not enough calories.
Today Marsha came and I took some time out. She is going to start bathing him on her days here so that will increase the number of times he gets bathed, has lotion applied and gets a good shave. He takes hardly any interest in what he wears or whether he is all "put together". It is part of the disease. It is hard to cope with because he was always such a "spit and polish" kind of fellow.
The little room is now painted and I bought shelves today. My friend and handyman put them together so now I can start the next phase. Cowboy will come and stand at the door and observe the work but doesn't seem particularly interested in making suggestions. That is not the Cowboy I have always known but he has awareness of what is taking place. He continues to speak very little but I know his ability to speak has improved quite a bit.
I am really tired today. Plan to go to bed early. We have to go to a medical appointment in the morning at 8AM which means leaving here about 6:30. Should be interesting to see if I can get him to move it along.
Am working on getting a small room converted to storage and it is a job. Can't do but a little at a time.
Cowboy has been doing well the last few days. He is calm and is sleeping well. I just wish he would eat about 3 times as much food. He eats breakfast pretty well most of the time but eats little lunch. Last night I tried smoked herring and he ate it very well along with some crackers and veggies. It's just not enough calories.
Today Marsha came and I took some time out. She is going to start bathing him on her days here so that will increase the number of times he gets bathed, has lotion applied and gets a good shave. He takes hardly any interest in what he wears or whether he is all "put together". It is part of the disease. It is hard to cope with because he was always such a "spit and polish" kind of fellow.
The little room is now painted and I bought shelves today. My friend and handyman put them together so now I can start the next phase. Cowboy will come and stand at the door and observe the work but doesn't seem particularly interested in making suggestions. That is not the Cowboy I have always known but he has awareness of what is taking place. He continues to speak very little but I know his ability to speak has improved quite a bit.
I am really tired today. Plan to go to bed early. We have to go to a medical appointment in the morning at 8AM which means leaving here about 6:30. Should be interesting to see if I can get him to move it along.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 9
Yesterday was Mother's Day and we got the usual phone calls. I also got a box of chocolate covered strawberries a couple of days ago from our oldest. My favorite food in the whole universe. It was a quiet day. Cowboy napped a lot.
This book I am reading talks about how sufferers of dementia typically either sleep a lot more as Cowboy does or a lot less. I am glad it is not the less !
He still has hiccups every day, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. It does not seem to relate to eating or drinking and I can find no reference to it in the literature. His nose runs all the time too.
Gena is here and he is getting his bath and a shave.
I got a call from the VA and his service with them starts on Wednesday. It is three hours they will provide twice a week so we are going to stay with the 5 hours on Wed and I will pay for 2 hours and then they will send Marsha again on Fridays for 3 hours. It is working out. Won't know until Friday if the Medicare service will continue or not. I almost hope they don't and then we can get VA in on Mondays and have 3 days a week at a regular set time, the same person most all the time, etc. I am thinking about calling and cancelling my appointment with the Area Agency on Aging.
Cowboy seems a little out of it today. He is not very responsive and is just sitting and staring. This morning he knew the date( but he cheated and looked at his watch.) I showed him pictures of the grandchildren and he was able to identify some of them but he got some of the names attached to the wrong faces and one name he could not recall at all.
This book I am reading talks about how sufferers of dementia typically either sleep a lot more as Cowboy does or a lot less. I am glad it is not the less !
He still has hiccups every day, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. It does not seem to relate to eating or drinking and I can find no reference to it in the literature. His nose runs all the time too.
Gena is here and he is getting his bath and a shave.
I got a call from the VA and his service with them starts on Wednesday. It is three hours they will provide twice a week so we are going to stay with the 5 hours on Wed and I will pay for 2 hours and then they will send Marsha again on Fridays for 3 hours. It is working out. Won't know until Friday if the Medicare service will continue or not. I almost hope they don't and then we can get VA in on Mondays and have 3 days a week at a regular set time, the same person most all the time, etc. I am thinking about calling and cancelling my appointment with the Area Agency on Aging.
Cowboy seems a little out of it today. He is not very responsive and is just sitting and staring. This morning he knew the date( but he cheated and looked at his watch.) I showed him pictures of the grandchildren and he was able to identify some of them but he got some of the names attached to the wrong faces and one name he could not recall at all.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, May 7
I feel like if I just turn around twice May will be gone. Really hot weather is on the way. Cowboy and I sat on the patio for quite a while this afternoon and watched a little wren build a nest in a small birdhouse he put out a couple of years ago. It is fascinating how they will go back and forth, back and forth with one little piece of grass or twig and just keep doing that over and over. Gives some perspective to things.
Yesterday morning I took Cowboy with me and did some errands. Had to go to VA and turn in some papers, went to post office, etc. Then I decided to chance it and went to the mall. I have these dishes that were on sale for about a third of their cost when I figured in a coupon so off we went. Big mistake. The escalator was down so he starts walking up and nearly falls about three times. Couldn't get his whole boot on the step and then would feel unsteady and have to grab the rail to steady himself. I had the clerk carry the dishes out and went and found the elevator to get back down. Shopping is out unless it is just a quick run and is one story.
Today was interesting. Did you ever know anyone who managed to break two pair of glasses in one day? Well, I did. One pair the nose piece came off and the other pair, the screw came out. Oh well.
I got most of the little room cleaned out today so sent an email to my handyman and told him let's get the rest out and get it painted next week. Then we will put in shelves and start bringing stuff from the attic.
We weighed Cowboy this morning and we have a total weight loss of 30 pounds. I don't know how to deal with this. He is actually better (thought not great) but it doesn't seem to be enough.
He watched a John Wayne movie today and was actually laughing at the action. It felt really good to hear that. He is talking a bit more so I think this means we are getting more recovery from his stroke.
I am reading a book put out by the Mayo Clinic on dementia and am learning some things. Just on page 82. It is a slog. One thing is that there are so many overlaps between Alzheimers, Lewy Bodies and Parkinsons that the scientists are not at all sure what it all means. Many times a person has all of them simultaneously.
Yesterday morning I took Cowboy with me and did some errands. Had to go to VA and turn in some papers, went to post office, etc. Then I decided to chance it and went to the mall. I have these dishes that were on sale for about a third of their cost when I figured in a coupon so off we went. Big mistake. The escalator was down so he starts walking up and nearly falls about three times. Couldn't get his whole boot on the step and then would feel unsteady and have to grab the rail to steady himself. I had the clerk carry the dishes out and went and found the elevator to get back down. Shopping is out unless it is just a quick run and is one story.
Today was interesting. Did you ever know anyone who managed to break two pair of glasses in one day? Well, I did. One pair the nose piece came off and the other pair, the screw came out. Oh well.
I got most of the little room cleaned out today so sent an email to my handyman and told him let's get the rest out and get it painted next week. Then we will put in shelves and start bringing stuff from the attic.
We weighed Cowboy this morning and we have a total weight loss of 30 pounds. I don't know how to deal with this. He is actually better (thought not great) but it doesn't seem to be enough.
He watched a John Wayne movie today and was actually laughing at the action. It felt really good to hear that. He is talking a bit more so I think this means we are getting more recovery from his stroke.
I am reading a book put out by the Mayo Clinic on dementia and am learning some things. Just on page 82. It is a slog. One thing is that there are so many overlaps between Alzheimers, Lewy Bodies and Parkinsons that the scientists are not at all sure what it all means. Many times a person has all of them simultaneously.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, May 5
How did I get all the way from Monday to Thursday without posting? But I have stayed busy.
Monday night Bunco was really fun and I was so grateful that a friend sat with Cowboy so I could go.
Tuesday I had a house to tidy and then a jam in the PM. Best I recall I gave it up early that night and went to bed.
Yesterday was my day out and I had a pedicure, a haircut, bought some cards, went to the hardware store for a filter for the frig ($55 !) and then to the grocery store and just barely made it home on time. Can scratch a lot of to do's off my list.
Still haven't heard from the service about the occupational therapy or from a social worker and it is Thursday. Didn't have time anyway. I have talked to the VA again and they are going to start a twice weekly for 2 hours. It will take about a month from now with the paperwork, approvals, etc. Don't know yet whether the other service will be discontinued soon or not. The nice thing about the new arrangement is it is the same agency that Marsha works for and we can string what the VA pays for and any additional time I am willing to pay for together. I also have an appointment with the Aging Agency folks on the 17th. The VA said they would be willing to start their service and then suspend it if I can get some respite service from Aging Agency. Don't know what will do. If I suspend it I will have to start all over again with the VA. Is it worth all this hassle and changing group of people to save money? Have to sort that out.
Cowboy is getting his bath right now. He is having a good day but he ate very little lunch. Has been playing with the dog and watching TV. Need to do some exercises with him this afternoon.
I have a handyman coming this afternoon to start clearing out a small room so I can empty the attic and secure it so Cowboy can't get up there. It will take about a month to do it. Will have to clean it out, then I think I will paint it and then get some shelves before I ever open the attic door.
Monday night Bunco was really fun and I was so grateful that a friend sat with Cowboy so I could go.
Tuesday I had a house to tidy and then a jam in the PM. Best I recall I gave it up early that night and went to bed.
Yesterday was my day out and I had a pedicure, a haircut, bought some cards, went to the hardware store for a filter for the frig ($55 !) and then to the grocery store and just barely made it home on time. Can scratch a lot of to do's off my list.
Still haven't heard from the service about the occupational therapy or from a social worker and it is Thursday. Didn't have time anyway. I have talked to the VA again and they are going to start a twice weekly for 2 hours. It will take about a month from now with the paperwork, approvals, etc. Don't know yet whether the other service will be discontinued soon or not. The nice thing about the new arrangement is it is the same agency that Marsha works for and we can string what the VA pays for and any additional time I am willing to pay for together. I also have an appointment with the Aging Agency folks on the 17th. The VA said they would be willing to start their service and then suspend it if I can get some respite service from Aging Agency. Don't know what will do. If I suspend it I will have to start all over again with the VA. Is it worth all this hassle and changing group of people to save money? Have to sort that out.
Cowboy is getting his bath right now. He is having a good day but he ate very little lunch. Has been playing with the dog and watching TV. Need to do some exercises with him this afternoon.
I have a handyman coming this afternoon to start clearing out a small room so I can empty the attic and secure it so Cowboy can't get up there. It will take about a month to do it. Will have to clean it out, then I think I will paint it and then get some shelves before I ever open the attic door.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday, May 2
Sunday we had a good day. Last evening we attended a neighborhood dinner and Cowboy actually ate quite a bit of the predinner food, some dip and crackers, etc. Only ate part of his meal but did pretty good overall. He was very quiet but seemed to enjoy it. We sat with some of our good friends and neighbors so I think he felt quite comfortable.
Today it is cool and trying to rain, which we need really badly. Gena is here and Cowboy is getting his bath and shave. I have some chicken pot pie in the oven for our lunch.
I plan to go to Bunco this evening. A friend and bandmate offerred to come over and sit with Cowboy. These outings are a good thing. It keeps me sane. I have always been one of those people that is constantly doing things and involved with the community so there is a lot of adjustment to spending most of my time at home. In some ways, it is a good thing. It has forced me to go at a slower pace. Have more time to read and explore on the computer, etc.
Today it is cool and trying to rain, which we need really badly. Gena is here and Cowboy is getting his bath and shave. I have some chicken pot pie in the oven for our lunch.
I plan to go to Bunco this evening. A friend and bandmate offerred to come over and sit with Cowboy. These outings are a good thing. It keeps me sane. I have always been one of those people that is constantly doing things and involved with the community so there is a lot of adjustment to spending most of my time at home. In some ways, it is a good thing. It has forced me to go at a slower pace. Have more time to read and explore on the computer, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)