Sunday, July 31, 2011

Sunday, July 31

July is done.  Wow!  I feel like my life is on hyperspeed.  I wonder why.

My grandson arrives this afternoon and will be here for probably a week.  I hope he and Cowboy make out OK.  I don't think my grandson has any understanding at all about this illness.  It will be a learning experience for him.

This coming week should be the last of any disruptions to routines.  Will have some more weekend company in coming weeks but things here at home should be quiet and under control.

It continues to be unbearably hot so it is not fun to get out.  and my ankle, though better, still aches a bit.  I sincerely wish for cooler weather, some rain and to feel better.  Patience, patience......

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Saturday, July 30

It looks like Cowboy's weight is pretty stable so decided to get him two more pair of jeans and 2 more shirts that don't just hang on him.

We just got a sale catalog from his favorite western store.  I asked him to mark anything that he liked and we would order.  He did fine with marking and telling me what he wanted but he wrote down the wrong sizes and wanted to add a jacket almost identical to one he already owns.  I told him the sizes were wrong and he got upset and insisted he needed a 36 sleeve (he wears a 34 sleeve) and needed a 34 length (he needs a 30).  Anyway I just had to wait until he was otherwise occuped to get the right things ordered.  I went ahead and ordered the jacket but didn't feel good about that.

He has made some very questionable financial decisions but it is small amounts.  For instance, he insisted on renewing his motorcycle club membership for $85 even though we no longer have a motorcycle, haven't kept up with what is going on, etc.  tI just doesn't make sense to me and I suspect a normal Cowboy would have agreed with me.  He actually snuck around the other day and filled out a credit card number on a membership in the American Legion.  I have no problem with them but he quit several years ago because just couldn't get into their programs and now all of the sudden he wants to sign up again.  The good news is I take care of our accounts and nothing "big" is going to happen that shouldn't  (I hope)

Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday, July 29th

I didn't get the board changed today.  My day started at 4:30AM when Cowboy was up and in the shower before I got my eyes open.  He proceeded to cover himself with powder which is the opposite of what needs to be done to try to add moisture to his skin.  Back in the shower and then a good dousing of lotion.  He then gets dressed and goes into the living room.  I just can't face the day just yet and go back to bed.  I get up at 7 and he is still sitting in his chair just staring.  Hasn't made coffee of anything so I proceed with the morning chores.  We had a good bowl of oatmeal and drank some milk and I made him some coffee. 

They came at 9AM to lay the carpet.  It took until about noon and of course everything was torn up until they finished.  It looks and feels wonderful.  Such a nice change from the cheap builders carpet that we have had for the past 5 years.

My grandson is coming down Sunday and is going to stay a few days and help finish painting the house and do some yard work.    He is a bit of a challenge, 20 going on 14 but he needs to be busy and has not had any luck finding a job.   I will feed him, buy him some clothes and send him home with some pocket money and we will both be better for it.

My personality borders on obsessive compulsive and I am well aware of that but the things I am getting done right now have been on my to do list for years and it is going to be very comforting to have it done.   Not having to think about all the things that need doing will allow me to clear my head and focus better on the tasks at hand.

Cowboy was wandering around this morning getting in the way of the carpet people but my encouragement to sit down and relax did little.  He kept getting up and going to the door and looking in to see what they were doing, sometimes standing in the doorway as they carried things in and out.  I think it is better to deal with this now than later when he is even less cognizant.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tuesday, July 26

Yesterday was the day from hell.  I had contacted our handyman to see if he would help me with the modem.  He got the wiring issue addressed right away but when we started the process of registering it ran into big problems.  Couldn't get on line with computer or the smart phone.  Finally called Verizon technical support and got this young fellow that was little more than a trained parrot.  It got escalated twice and finally after 4 hours of mostly waiting everything was working properly.  Don't ask me to explain what the problem was but they said it was on their end.

I am getting some help from the handyman today with the painting.  My ankle is still sore and seems like a bad idea to climb a ladder.

Cowboy slept until 8:30 this morning.  It is strange but lately it is impossible to predict how long he will sleep.  A couple of mornings recently he has been up at 5 AM and then just sits in his chair until I am up.  Other times like this morning he sleeps until later but then hits the floor and gets himself dressed and put together by himself and comes out ready for breakfast.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday, July 24

Two grandsons showed up yesterday.  One is 27 and other 20.  If one can manage to keep them from playing with their smart phones long enough they do pretty good work.  They got both rooms finished and went home last night.  We did well except could not figure out how to get the blinds down so there is some spots I am going to have to do after I get some help with that.  Plus a little bit of touchup work for me to do.

Also having trouble hooking up the wireless modem that I ordered so I can do wireless with my new smart phone.  There is one big tangle of wires back there and the new device has different connectors for the power plus I can't get the ethernet connector out of the old modem.  There was a time when Cowboy and I would attack it together but he just isn't any help on problem solving anymore.  Plus my bad ankle makes it hard for me to get down on my hands and knees.  Will try to find some help tomorrow.

I took the boys (well I guess they are young men now but I will always think of them as boys) out to eat before they started home which is about a 3 hour drive.  They tried to engage Cowboy in conversation and then seem disappointed when he didn't have anything to say.  The younger one complimented him on his watch and he just glanced at it and then kind of grunted.  Sometimes he takes forever to select a meal and sometimes I have to do it for him but last night he decided on fried shrimp in nothing flat.  and he ate every bite.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday, July 22

The doc thinks my ankle pain and swelling is gout.  He suggested I try taking regaular doses of Aleve for a few days and see if it resolves.  If was not better today supposed to go back.  It was but still rather sore.

I worked on getting ready for my grandson who is coming this weekend to help me paint two rooms prior to getting the new carpet laid.  I got the stuff off the walls and did the taping.

Cowboy is feeling pretty good but restless.  I suggested this afternoon we get out for a while.  We went and had some ice cream and I went and picked up my contacts.  He enjoyed getting out.

He got a bath tonight and I spread lotion all over him and put the prescription cream on the rashy spots.  It is getting better.  I am determined to get his skin in good condition.  So many issues of late.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thursday, July 21

Cowboy's rash is better  but not gone and he has scratched at it so he has several sores.  These are worrisome because with diabetes you don't heal well.  Will just have to try to keep him hydrated and lotioned down, etc.  Have refilled the cream the doc prescribed 3 times already and I just keep slathering it on.

I am barely ahead of the alligators this week.  Not sure why. Have spent a fair amount of time in the kitchen.  I suspect Cowboy appreciates that.  He is eating well but his weight is currently stable.  His weight is about 25 pounds down from the weight he carried for a very long time but his sugar is good and his last round of blood work was good.  Can't ask for more.

Tuesday the band came and we had a good practice.  Yesterday Marsha was here and I went to the base and bought a bunch of groceries and hit the PX for a few things.  I picked up a book of crossword puzzles.  I am told it is good for your brain so think will give it a try. 

Yesterday was my birthday.  I told Cowboy that I bought the phone and that was my birthday present.  He couldn't remember that it was my birthday.  He showed absolutely no interest in any of it.  I took him out to eat last night anyway.  We went to Mimi's and had a nice meal. 

Had to go to the neurologist this morning for a follow up for Cowboy.  Dr.said to come back if he gets worse or has any problems, otherwise just keep appointments with our internist. 

I have an appointment with the doc this afternoon.  My ankle is swollen and very painful and I have no idea why.  Probably nothing but want to be sure.    (We are definitely not contributing to keeping medicare costs down right now.)

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday, July 17

I ended up taking Cowboy to the Doctor on Friday.  He has a bad rash on his feet, legs, arms and back.  The VA doc had thought it was just heat rash when we saw him on Tuesday and I was working on that but our regular internist doesn't think so. It is much worse every day.   He gave him a steroid injection, said to keep his skin well moisterized and if it is not much better by Monday to come back.  He also has a little bit of athlete's foot but that is easy to treat with Lamisil.

Last night I got in the shower with him andwashed him really good,  then we slathered him down with  body lotion.   I told him to take his boots off today and he did for about 30 minutes and then he put them back on.  I can't help but think he would be better off not wearing them right now. 

I didn't get started with the painting although I took Cowboy with me and we went and bought it.   Step 1.     I have a sore ankle.  Don't know why.  Think I better rest it a day or two.  Still have a week before my grandson shows up to finish so no worries (yet)

Tomorrow Marsha will be here for two hours so am going to run to Walmart for a few things.  Can't seem to get going with the exercise plans.  Still take the dog out early some mornings and walk with her but is not enough.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thursday, July 14

The visit with the VA doctor was pretty routine.  No changes in anything.

Wednesday Marsha came but Cowboy announced since he had to take a shower yesterday in preparation for his doctors appointment, he wasn't going to take one Wed.  OK.  No problem.  Marsha helped by changing the bed and washing the bedclothes and towels, etc.  I went shopping for a smart phone.  I have wanted one for a long time but just couldn't seem to justify it in my mind.  My desire overcame my common sense and I now am  the proud owner of a Samsung Droid.  Will probably take me a month to figure out how to operate it.  Modern technology is amazing.  The thing will of course make and take calls but it will also take pictures, videos, let you play games, download books and movies, talk to people on Skype (am doing that on my computer now).  It also has Google Earth and a GSP system that does a lot more than I can do with the Garmin in my car.  Fun awaits.

Today I had a crew out to give the house and the windows a thorough cleaning.  I like these guys.  It is a company started by a retired first sergeant and he hires  young soldiers who have gotten out and are having trouble finding work and older veterans.  Of course, they all speak english, he is doing a service for them as well as me, etc.  They washed the windows inside and out, cleaned every surface in the house, moved the applicances and cleaned under and behind them.   I don't remember the last time the house "sparkled" like this.  Feels good.

Starting tomorrow I am going to paint the two bedrooms, a little at a time over the next few days.  I have a grandson who is coming down on the 23rd to do the parts I can't reach or just can't do for some reason.  Then something else I have wanted to do for a long time is replace the carpet in the two bedrooms.  Ordered it today.    I was kind of in a holding pattern for months and I think I have broken through.  Just have to not get carried away.  and must remember what the docs and therapists said about making any big changes.  These things fall more into the category of updates and upgrades rather than anything in the way of a  big change.  (am I rationalizing?)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tuesday, July 12

Well, I was wrong about the cherries.  Yesterday Cowboy had an upset tummy that resulted in soiled clothes.  Too much of a good thing.    He was fine after it was all out of his system.

Went to Bunco last night and a friend sat with Cowboy.  I enjoy seeing friends.  Conversations with some of them consist of "How is Cowboy?"  It is good that people care but I also want to have conversations about books, movies, what's going on, etc.  There are fewer of those.

This morning we go to see the VA doctor for our six month check.  This afternoon the band is coming over. 

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sunday, July 10

Last night I woke up and Cowboy was pulling the bedclothes off the bed.  He was shouting "Where the hell is it? !"  He poked around in the covers and threw them around for awhile and seemed visibly upset.  I asked him what he was looking for but he didn't answer me.  Not much to do but just watch and make sure he did not hurt himself.

After a few minutes he went back to bed and went back to sleep.  I didn't sleep so well the rest of the night.

I took him out this morning for breakfast and then made a stop at the grocery and got some cherries and watermelon as well as some replacement items for the kitchen.

I had found a small bottle of olive oil that expired in 2007 tucked in an unlikely spot.  Who knew olive oil would expire?  Also found some fajita spice that expired about 3 years ago that I was still using so replaced it.    I also found some plastic storage containers in the wrong cabinet.  Don't know how they got there but suspect at some point Cowboy stuck them there.  The cabinets now have new shelf liners, current goods and everything in the right place.  Maybe this is my way of trying to have control over something.

Cowboy has already eaten most of the cherries.    Sort of a "binge".  They are good for him so no worries.

It continues to be very hot.  Over 100 every day. 

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Saturday, July 9

Wow, it is Saturday already.  I went and bought shelf paper this past Monday and have been up to my eyeballs measuring and cutting and removing and rearrangeing.  That hasn't been done in forever and it feels good to have it clean and well organized. 

Cowboy has been doing really well this week except he seems restless.  He has been helping me some but he quickly loses interest.  We worked in the yard a little bit as well but the heat limits that a lot.  He kind of walks around the house looking for something that catches his interest.  I suggested he go through some of the old pictures that are now in the storage room but he had no interest.  I took him out yesterday and drove around a bit and stopped to look at carpet.  He really likes to get out.

On Wednesday our band played at a local hospital.  Between getting there, setting up, playing, breaking down and going to have lunch with the band my five hours was shot but the gig was very enjoyable.

Walmart and I have been old friends this week.  I went back on Friday for more stuff to work on the house.  I am on a roll.  It is interesting but since I am staying at home most of the time I keep thinking about all the things around here that need doing.  For the last couple of prior years I was on the go a lot and managed to ignore a lot of it.  I know my committee buddies miss me but I also know they are doing great.  No worries.

I am missing going to practice with the dulcimer group but still haven't come up with a way to do it.  I asked Cowboy if he wants to go and he says no.  It's not like I can force it.  Will keep asking.  Will have to solve the problem come fall because we will be preparing for a concert.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tuesday, July 5

Have gotten several emails from folks lately that are following the blog.  It is good to know it helps keep everyone informed.

We got up at 6 AM this morning and drove to the VA for tests.  Since couldn't eat before we went to IHOP after and Cowboy ate 2 sausages, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes and a pot of coffee.  I think I can safely announce his appetite is back!  Now if we can gain a few pounds but not too many that should keep his blood sugar in check.  Everything is looking good physically right now except the balance issues and old age aches and pains.

Cowboy has started doing this thing that I am not sure what it is.  He rubs his thumb on his leg.  It is almost the action used to strum a guitar.  and last night we watched the 4th of July celebration on TV and he was swinging his foot to the beat of the music.  Music seems to be really a good thing for him.  He always enjoys the band (which is coming this afternoon) and music in general.  Seems to occupy him and soothe him.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday, July 4

Today is July 4th.  The kids have gone home and I am doing sheets and such.  They are good kids and my grandsons fiance is a wonderful girl.  She helps a lot and makes the kids behave.  Our new great grandaughter is beautiful.  It was fun to feed her and hold her.  Cowboy even held her a little bit, with supervision of course.

It is amazing how much food was consumed.  I need to go to the store again !!  My older great grandaughter liked her cake and her doll.  A nice visit.

Cowboy is getting his bath and then we will have breakfast.  Gena came early today.  This afternoon there is a neighborhood picnic to attend.  It will be hot but there is shade.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Saturday, July 2

Well, the grandchildrend and great grandchildren are not arriving until today.  Anytime now, actually.  Looking forward to the visit.

Cowboy is dressed in a nice red shirt and his new jeans and is feeling pretty good today. 

I went to the grocery store again yesterday and got a miniature cake for my great granddaughter who had a  birthday on Thursday and some cupcakes for the rest of us.  I seem to be making more trips to the store lately.  Can't seem to get everything on my list .  Always forgetting something.  Yesterday I intended to get tomato soup to go with cheese sandwiches and got chicken noodle instead.   It was in the wrong bin, I guess.  For my meticulous self this is not normal.  There is just too much stuff running around in my brain.

We will have company this weekend, again in August (my daughter) and then in October (my other daughter).  Good thing since we are not going anywhere.  Most years we make a trip or three during the year and it just seems like I should be able to pack my bag and go somewhere!

I am beginning to think about another round of painting on the house.  When we moved in 5 years ago my intent was to repaint everything.  The builder paint is so cheap and chalky and comes off when you try to wash the wall.  Part is done but have more to do. 

One of the things they suggest is that nothing in the environment changes for a dementia patient.  Wonder if that applies to painting the bedroom a pale green?  (it is cream now)