We went to the plastic surgeon on Tuesday and she said Cowboy was "all but healed" and released us. Yea, no more drives every couple of weeks for that appointment. His knee really looks a bit weird but it is about healed. The medical folks will tell you it is "beautiful" and the circulation is good. That is a feat given his diabetes. We have only been messing with this wound for six months!
I listen when folks tell me to take care of myself. Wednesday while Marsha was here I got a manicure and pedicure and a massage. It was wonderful. Used up my mad money for March for sure. Oh well, March is almost over.
I actually got the vacuum cleaner out and did the floors yesterday. They really needed it. I also got the hose out and washed off the front and back concrete. Need things tidy for company.
Today at noon I am picking up a friend from my old home town. I haven't seen her in several years. Seems like every time I went for a visit she was out of town or unavailable. She is a bank VP so that means she works a lot. She is thinking about where she wants to retire and is coming to check us out. I am really looking forward to seeing her......and then tomorrow another friend is flying in tomorrow to join us for the day. Wow, I feel downright special.
My oldest grandson is supposed to show up sometime in the next few days with his daughter in tow. Haven't seen them in a while. His daughter's name is the same as mine. Lots to do for a few days.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday, March 24
We had a really nice day today. We slept until about 8:30 and then had blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Cowboy was looking at some magazines and catalogs for a while and then he went out and sat on the patio. It was sunny and warm. He ate lunch on the patio and then while I was cleaning up the kitchen he fell asleep out there. I had to go wake him up so he wouldn't get sunburned.
This afternoon we got in the car with the top down and took a drive. The wildflowers are in bloom along the road and it was wonderful weather. We drove to a little cafe in a neighboring town and stopped and had pie and coffee. He really enjoyed himself.
It wore him out, though. After dinner he went right to bed and is sleeping soundly.
He got a catalog in the mail the other day of western clothes. He doesn't really need anything but he got interested in some dress pants and insisted I order them. Not a bad thing to have but we rarely get dressed up. He also wanted another chambray shirt so we ordered that too. It is interesting. He has always liked nice western clothes and I guess that is still in there somewhere.
This afternoon we got in the car with the top down and took a drive. The wildflowers are in bloom along the road and it was wonderful weather. We drove to a little cafe in a neighboring town and stopped and had pie and coffee. He really enjoyed himself.
It wore him out, though. After dinner he went right to bed and is sleeping soundly.
He got a catalog in the mail the other day of western clothes. He doesn't really need anything but he got interested in some dress pants and insisted I order them. Not a bad thing to have but we rarely get dressed up. He also wanted another chambray shirt so we ordered that too. It is interesting. He has always liked nice western clothes and I guess that is still in there somewhere.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday, March22
Cowboy had a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday. He had blood work last week and the report was very good. All of his indicators are normal except his blood sugar is a little high. The Dr. believes the wound and its healing is responsible for that. Anyway, he is doing very well physically.
I told the Dr. I had been looking at care facilities and have pretty much decided on the VA home in a nearby town. The 40 mile drive will not be great but everything else about it just makes the most sense. From the financial perspective it is no contest and the high male population is definitely preferable. It is spotless, pleasant and the ratio of help to patient is above average. Plus I have heard so many great things about it. We have put Cowboy on their waiting list which is 6 to 8 months. The Dr. thinks it is unlikely we will need to consider it for quite a long while, although sometimes the patient will take a turn and decline rapidly.
Marsha was here Wednesday and I did something I haven't done in a while. I took my camera and went looking for pics to take. I was driving down the road and right in front of me this very large turtle was lumbering across the road. I parked and went up in front of him and he stops, looks up at me and just poses, dead still, while I snap multiple pictures. Sometimes you just luck out.
After that I went to a neighborhood luncheon. There were about 20 ladies there and the food was excellent. We went to a little place out in the country and the drive was great. Such nice weather. I then made a run to the grocery store. Cowboy is going through bananas like crazy. I think he ate three yesterday. Breakfast and bananas are two things that he dependably eats.
This morning we took the dog to the groomer and then took Cowboy for a haircut. I almost always take Cowboy to IHOP after his haircut. Today was no exception. While we were there I gave him his pills to take. He dropped one and I got down and picked it up. While I was on my hands and knees I noticed he also had dropped a little bit of egg. I scooped it up with a napkin and put it on the edge of the table for the wait staff to pick up. Next thing I know he has picked up the napkin, dropped the egg on the table and is blowing his nose with it! Good grief ! I just never know what he will do.
I told the Dr. I had been looking at care facilities and have pretty much decided on the VA home in a nearby town. The 40 mile drive will not be great but everything else about it just makes the most sense. From the financial perspective it is no contest and the high male population is definitely preferable. It is spotless, pleasant and the ratio of help to patient is above average. Plus I have heard so many great things about it. We have put Cowboy on their waiting list which is 6 to 8 months. The Dr. thinks it is unlikely we will need to consider it for quite a long while, although sometimes the patient will take a turn and decline rapidly.
Marsha was here Wednesday and I did something I haven't done in a while. I took my camera and went looking for pics to take. I was driving down the road and right in front of me this very large turtle was lumbering across the road. I parked and went up in front of him and he stops, looks up at me and just poses, dead still, while I snap multiple pictures. Sometimes you just luck out.
After that I went to a neighborhood luncheon. There were about 20 ladies there and the food was excellent. We went to a little place out in the country and the drive was great. Such nice weather. I then made a run to the grocery store. Cowboy is going through bananas like crazy. I think he ate three yesterday. Breakfast and bananas are two things that he dependably eats.
This morning we took the dog to the groomer and then took Cowboy for a haircut. I almost always take Cowboy to IHOP after his haircut. Today was no exception. While we were there I gave him his pills to take. He dropped one and I got down and picked it up. While I was on my hands and knees I noticed he also had dropped a little bit of egg. I scooped it up with a napkin and put it on the edge of the table for the wait staff to pick up. Next thing I know he has picked up the napkin, dropped the egg on the table and is blowing his nose with it! Good grief ! I just never know what he will do.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, March 18
Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. At breakfast I told Cowboy and told him that since he didn't have on green I was going to pinch him. I gave him a little pinch. He thought about it a minute when I told him I didn't have on green either so he needed to pinch me. He thought about it some more and then he gave my hand a squeeze. It was very tender.
He is eating well and was sleeping well until last night. Last night he was very restless and part of time was kind of clawing the air like he was climbing something. He has done that a number of times. Have no idea what is in his mind. Probably something from his military days.
His TV preferences are all over the map. One day he watches crime shows and the next he is watching RFD which shows old music shows from the 50's.
I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee yesterday morning. There were about 15 or so ladies there. I really enjoy getting to visit with everyone. Wasn't at all hungry though. I had to take Cowboy to get blood drawn at 7:30 and he had fasted so we followed that with a trip to IHOP. Trying to keep his weight steady is putting weight on me. oh dear.......
Marsha is such a gem. She keeps everything dusted, the bathrooms and kitchen tidy and does some laundry. It really does help. If she is here over lunch she will prepare lunch for Cowboy. Since I have to fix meals three times a day for the first time in my life it is nice to not have to sometimes. Before he was ill Cowboy was always up before me and would fix his own breakfast. If I someplace to go or do he would fix his own lunch. Not much for cooking but he could always come up with something. Now, if I don't fix it he just doesn't eat or will maybe have a banana.
He is eating well and was sleeping well until last night. Last night he was very restless and part of time was kind of clawing the air like he was climbing something. He has done that a number of times. Have no idea what is in his mind. Probably something from his military days.
His TV preferences are all over the map. One day he watches crime shows and the next he is watching RFD which shows old music shows from the 50's.
I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee yesterday morning. There were about 15 or so ladies there. I really enjoy getting to visit with everyone. Wasn't at all hungry though. I had to take Cowboy to get blood drawn at 7:30 and he had fasted so we followed that with a trip to IHOP. Trying to keep his weight steady is putting weight on me. oh dear.......
Marsha is such a gem. She keeps everything dusted, the bathrooms and kitchen tidy and does some laundry. It really does help. If she is here over lunch she will prepare lunch for Cowboy. Since I have to fix meals three times a day for the first time in my life it is nice to not have to sometimes. Before he was ill Cowboy was always up before me and would fix his own breakfast. If I someplace to go or do he would fix his own lunch. Not much for cooking but he could always come up with something. Now, if I don't fix it he just doesn't eat or will maybe have a banana.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday, March 15
I ran into a friend while out Wednesday. I was at WalMart buying a variety of odds and ends including a lot of groceries. She wanted to know why I was wasting my day out on that sort of thing. I realized that most of the time I do spend my day out shopping. I like to shop and what are you going to do? Not buy groceries? I do wish there was time for a movie or a trip to a museum. I must figure out how to do that.
I spent most of Tuesday working on music. The keyboard player and I are going to do a gig in late April that music must be picked for. Then the band was over in the afternoon. I am so grateful for them. They cheer me up and give me a chance to play and have fun.
This morning we had to be at the pain clinic at 8 for an appointment for me to get a renewal on my prescription for pain meds. I hardly ever think about it, but those capsules I swallow every day do keep my pain at bay and allow me to function. He needs to see me from time to time whether I need it or not. I feel like it is well under control and I am grateful that it is not a problem right now. Would be hard to deal.
The folks came and cleaned the floors today and they needed it so I am glad for that.
Tomorrow Marsha comes for three hours and I am going to a neighborhood coffee and then to pick up my new prescription and then?........if the weather is nice, maybe a walk.
I spent most of Tuesday working on music. The keyboard player and I are going to do a gig in late April that music must be picked for. Then the band was over in the afternoon. I am so grateful for them. They cheer me up and give me a chance to play and have fun.
This morning we had to be at the pain clinic at 8 for an appointment for me to get a renewal on my prescription for pain meds. I hardly ever think about it, but those capsules I swallow every day do keep my pain at bay and allow me to function. He needs to see me from time to time whether I need it or not. I feel like it is well under control and I am grateful that it is not a problem right now. Would be hard to deal.
The folks came and cleaned the floors today and they needed it so I am glad for that.
Tomorrow Marsha comes for three hours and I am going to a neighborhood coffee and then to pick up my new prescription and then?........if the weather is nice, maybe a walk.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, March 12
After raining all weekend it was beautiful out today. Got some ironing done and mending and then this afternoon I took Cowboy and we did some errands. Then we stopped and had ice cream. After we got close to home I put the top down on our convertible and we drove around a bit. He seemed to really enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
The band played a gig at a church based dementia day care this past Friday. The clients really enjoyed themselves. It feels good to make someone else feel better.
We were pretty much stuck at home over the weekend and didn't do much. The rain was very welcome, not complaining.
Cowboy is stable and content most of the time. Have had few episodes lately.
He did decide to argue with me recently over shampoo. We were getting him bathed and he used my shampoo. No biggy, just not something he ever does. I said "you know you are using my shampoo, don't you?" Well, he go defensive and informed me it was his shampoo. I hereby pronounce that Cowboy uses a different shampoo. Of course, he hardly has any hair.
The band played a gig at a church based dementia day care this past Friday. The clients really enjoyed themselves. It feels good to make someone else feel better.
We were pretty much stuck at home over the weekend and didn't do much. The rain was very welcome, not complaining.
Cowboy is stable and content most of the time. Have had few episodes lately.
He did decide to argue with me recently over shampoo. We were getting him bathed and he used my shampoo. No biggy, just not something he ever does. I said "you know you are using my shampoo, don't you?" Well, he go defensive and informed me it was his shampoo. I hereby pronounce that Cowboy uses a different shampoo. Of course, he hardly has any hair.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday, March 9
Tuesday the band worked on two programs. One, we do tomorrow at a Methodist Church dementia day care and then next month we are playing at a fund raiser for a lady who runs a cafe in our community who has cancer.
Marsha came yesterday and I went to the mall. I walked and walked. Trying to make up for a lack of exercise. Probably put in at least 4 miles. Also did a bit of shopping. Found a cute pair of capris and got some good sandals for the upcoming summer. Also found some shorts.
I took Cowboy to a weather seminar this morning that was given here in our retirement community. One of the speakers was very funny and he laughed quite a bit. He was quite "present". After lunch he slept for a while so I laid down too. Maybe 4 miles is too much. Plus the weather is changing and I feel achy and fatigued. Unfortunately they were mowing outside and the dog was barking so limited rest.
Marsha came yesterday and I went to the mall. I walked and walked. Trying to make up for a lack of exercise. Probably put in at least 4 miles. Also did a bit of shopping. Found a cute pair of capris and got some good sandals for the upcoming summer. Also found some shorts.
I took Cowboy to a weather seminar this morning that was given here in our retirement community. One of the speakers was very funny and he laughed quite a bit. He was quite "present". After lunch he slept for a while so I laid down too. Maybe 4 miles is too much. Plus the weather is changing and I feel achy and fatigued. Unfortunately they were mowing outside and the dog was barking so limited rest.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday, March 5
Today is my youngest daughter's 47th birthday. I talked to her yesterday and she was having a barbeque with family and friends. Glad she is having a celebration. I woke up this morning thinking about that day 47 years ago.
Cowboy had a good weekend. The weather was wonderful and we spent some time on the patio and watched some TV. They were showing all the Jess Stone movies with Tom Selleck and he likes them. I think we watched 3 or 4 (well, he did. I mostly read). He ate well and slept well.
This morning we got him bathed, shaved and put together and I took him to the grocery store. Just a few items but it gave him a chance to get out and walk around. After we got home he slept for quite a while. He tires out quickly.
Things are rocking along.
Cowboy had a good weekend. The weather was wonderful and we spent some time on the patio and watched some TV. They were showing all the Jess Stone movies with Tom Selleck and he likes them. I think we watched 3 or 4 (well, he did. I mostly read). He ate well and slept well.
This morning we got him bathed, shaved and put together and I took him to the grocery store. Just a few items but it gave him a chance to get out and walk around. After we got home he slept for quite a while. He tires out quickly.
Things are rocking along.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday, March 2
They say time goes faster when you are older. I believe it. It's Friday already and March ! It just may be that I slept through this week.
Three members of the band played at a memory care facility on Tuesday Am and then the band spent our practice preparing for another day care gig next week. Our weekly practice is really good therapy. I have come to love them one and all and really like playing the music.
A friend went with me Wednesday for my day out. We spent a lot of time looking at rugs. and then we went to Whole Foods and had lunch and did some shopping.
Yesterday I cleaned out the refrigerator and washed it down. I may actually be able to find things now.
Today I visited another memory care facility. It is out in the country and is quite lovely. The rooms are large and the outside area just rolls right over into endless fields. It is only 8 miles from the house. The financial situation there would be different than the VA home so am exploring that. They don't take direct pay from VA so you pay and then get reimbursement. Same thing with insurance. $2000 up front, $4500 a month. Insurance would cover most of it after the first 100 days. That means about $20,000 out of pocket and then insurance and "maybe VA Aid and Attendance" to cover the charges. The administrator gave me the name of a VA person to talk to about Aid and Attendance. Have a call in on that.
The advantages of the VA home from a financial perspective are substantial. The help to patient ratio is better and there are more men. 40 miles each time for me versus some amount of drain on resources and a much shorter commute and a little bit nicer facility. I need to cogitate on this.
Three members of the band played at a memory care facility on Tuesday Am and then the band spent our practice preparing for another day care gig next week. Our weekly practice is really good therapy. I have come to love them one and all and really like playing the music.
A friend went with me Wednesday for my day out. We spent a lot of time looking at rugs. and then we went to Whole Foods and had lunch and did some shopping.
Yesterday I cleaned out the refrigerator and washed it down. I may actually be able to find things now.
Today I visited another memory care facility. It is out in the country and is quite lovely. The rooms are large and the outside area just rolls right over into endless fields. It is only 8 miles from the house. The financial situation there would be different than the VA home so am exploring that. They don't take direct pay from VA so you pay and then get reimbursement. Same thing with insurance. $2000 up front, $4500 a month. Insurance would cover most of it after the first 100 days. That means about $20,000 out of pocket and then insurance and "maybe VA Aid and Attendance" to cover the charges. The administrator gave me the name of a VA person to talk to about Aid and Attendance. Have a call in on that.
The advantages of the VA home from a financial perspective are substantial. The help to patient ratio is better and there are more men. 40 miles each time for me versus some amount of drain on resources and a much shorter commute and a little bit nicer facility. I need to cogitate on this.
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