Yesterday morning we drove to the VA in a neighboring city. It turned out we were meeting with a neurologist for some kind of evaluation. He said he got his directions from the regional office and was just supposed to answer the questions of whether Cowboy's dementia was a result of his diabetes and what his level of functioning is.
He said he could make no causal link between the diabetes and the dementia. I told him I had read that a causal link had been established based on what I had read and he said that was not true. I have no idea what this is all about so guess we will just wait a bit and see what happens next. This appointment did not appear to have anything to do with the remaining open issue on our claim which is "employability". I know, I know, Cowboy is 82 but the way the VA works whether a person could hold a job regardless of their age affects the final disability rating, or so I have been told.
The only other open issue that I am aware of is the letter we got about who should handle his "affairs" . This doctor had a copy of the letter that was sent to the VA telling them that I was doing so but he was not able to tell us the purpose behind his evaluation. He just sends it back to headquarters. The VA is totally confusing.
We got there about 8:15 for an 8:30 appt. We got checked in and then had to get a ride via golf cart from the place we parked to another building some distance away. Up to the 4th floor, wait and wait and then we see the neurologist. Spent about an hour with him. Back to the lobby to wait on the golf cart shuttle back to our car. It is now 10:15. Wait and wait. Finally go and inquire and learn the fellow who drive the cart had a Dr's appt and did not tell anybody so the shuttle is not running. Too far to walk. I ask for a solution and we finally are able to catch a ride on a different van shuttle. It is now 11:15. Back home to get the dog who has a 1PM appointment at the groomer.
We are starving after we drop off the dog so go to a favorite Mexican place for some lunch. Cowboy orders ribs after reading the entire menu about 3 times (20 minutes). We then go get the car washed, filled up and go for ice cream to kill the time til can pick up the dog.
I need more patience than I am feeling today. I feel very stressed. We didn't get home til about 4 and Cowboy and I both are done in. The dog looks and smells good though.
Cowboy's daughter arrives today around dinner time. She is staying until Tuesday. It will be nice to see her. There are some things she can help me with as well.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 25
We have friends in the neighborhood who just sold their house and are moving. I am feeling said. She has been such a great friend. Some of the ladies are going to get together next Wednesday and spend some time together, have lunch, etc.
I did not sleep well last night. I had the strangest dream. There was this tiny little spider that found his way through the door. I put him out. He grew bigger and just slid right back in. This went on over and over and each time the spider was bigger and more menacing looking. I am not bothered by spiders. It seems maybe it was some kind of metaphor about the situation and how it is going to get bigger and more difficult as time goes on. Only thing I can think of. Actually I have had more weird dreams than normal of late.
A friend gave me a book to read the other day about dementia. It has some questionaires in it that are designed to tell you if you are doing the right things and if you are coping, etc. I scored well on the coping test. Guess my stress level is not too bad.
On the other test about how I was handling some things I learned I may be doing some things wrong. For instance, it says not to try to correct your loved one about the date, an event or where they are at the moment but to enter their thoughts and go with it. Another thing was not to tease them. I may be misinterpreting that but I do tease Cowboy and he grins. Maybe it is just talking about teasing them about something they are feeling. I don't do that.
One thing that really works with Cowboy is just to act really happy or silly or be real affectionate and he just warms right up. One day I danced around the room to some tune on the TV and he really liked that.
I had my day out today. I went and bought some underpants to replace some our dog had chewed up. (you don't want to know). I went and had a pedicure. I went to the store.
and then I went and visited another long term facility. This was the nicest one yet but it is very expensive. One interesting thing about all of this is that every one is different with different approaches to care. For instance, the last one I visited each patient had their own bathroom. In the one today the bathrooms are communal. The reasoning is that bathrooms are dangerous and they want to always be with the patient when they are in one.
I did not sleep well last night. I had the strangest dream. There was this tiny little spider that found his way through the door. I put him out. He grew bigger and just slid right back in. This went on over and over and each time the spider was bigger and more menacing looking. I am not bothered by spiders. It seems maybe it was some kind of metaphor about the situation and how it is going to get bigger and more difficult as time goes on. Only thing I can think of. Actually I have had more weird dreams than normal of late.
A friend gave me a book to read the other day about dementia. It has some questionaires in it that are designed to tell you if you are doing the right things and if you are coping, etc. I scored well on the coping test. Guess my stress level is not too bad.
On the other test about how I was handling some things I learned I may be doing some things wrong. For instance, it says not to try to correct your loved one about the date, an event or where they are at the moment but to enter their thoughts and go with it. Another thing was not to tease them. I may be misinterpreting that but I do tease Cowboy and he grins. Maybe it is just talking about teasing them about something they are feeling. I don't do that.
One thing that really works with Cowboy is just to act really happy or silly or be real affectionate and he just warms right up. One day I danced around the room to some tune on the TV and he really liked that.
I had my day out today. I went and bought some underpants to replace some our dog had chewed up. (you don't want to know). I went and had a pedicure. I went to the store.
and then I went and visited another long term facility. This was the nicest one yet but it is very expensive. One interesting thing about all of this is that every one is different with different approaches to care. For instance, the last one I visited each patient had their own bathroom. In the one today the bathrooms are communal. The reasoning is that bathrooms are dangerous and they want to always be with the patient when they are in one.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 23
The other night, I think it was Thursday, I woke up when Cowboy shouted "HOLD STILL!". I had moved my leg in my sleep but when I woke up he was laying on his side looking intently for something in the bed sheets. He then picked up something imaginary and with both hands was doing what looked like screwing something together. He continued to do some kind of detail work with his hands and arms. After awhile he rolled over an d went back to sleep. Guess the medicine is sort of working but not completely.
Saturday night a friend on keyboard and I on my violin played easy listening music for an hour and a half for a Jewish group's get together. My friend is in the middle of moving so we practiced that day and then played. Too too much. Between transporting, setting up, playing and then breaking down we were both totally exhausted. I did little of nothing yesterday.
A neighbor sat with Cowboy on Saturday night. When I got home she said he went to bed at 7PM. But first he looked everywhere for the dog and then picked her up and carried to bed with him. I explained to her that he does that because he won't go to bed without her. He also will sometimes wake up in the night and want to know where she is and go looking for her if she has left the bed.
We slept in yesterday and again today so I am feeling better but I think I hurt my back a little bit. It hurts. (this getting old is for the birds).
We got a notice from the VA last week for us to come talk to them about his inability to handle his own affairs. It is Friday AM. Don't have a clue what to expect.
Cowboy's oldest daughter is coming for a visit this coming weekend. We are looking forward to seeing her.
Saturday night a friend on keyboard and I on my violin played easy listening music for an hour and a half for a Jewish group's get together. My friend is in the middle of moving so we practiced that day and then played. Too too much. Between transporting, setting up, playing and then breaking down we were both totally exhausted. I did little of nothing yesterday.
A neighbor sat with Cowboy on Saturday night. When I got home she said he went to bed at 7PM. But first he looked everywhere for the dog and then picked her up and carried to bed with him. I explained to her that he does that because he won't go to bed without her. He also will sometimes wake up in the night and want to know where she is and go looking for her if she has left the bed.
We slept in yesterday and again today so I am feeling better but I think I hurt my back a little bit. It hurts. (this getting old is for the birds).
We got a notice from the VA last week for us to come talk to them about his inability to handle his own affairs. It is Friday AM. Don't have a clue what to expect.
Cowboy's oldest daughter is coming for a visit this coming weekend. We are looking forward to seeing her.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, April 19
Yesterday when I went to the commissary there was a lady at the onion bin picking up each and every onion and examining it. When she saw me she moved on. All she had in her cart were two cans of peaches. She seemed distracted. I spent about 1 and 1/2 hours in the store and when I was near the end with my basket running over I saw her again by the specialty cheeses bin. She still just had two cans of peaches and was examining each one of the cheeses.
For some reason it didn't dawn on me until I had left the store and was on my way home that she must have had dementia. I wonder what happened to her and how she happened to be there by herself. Cowboy sometimes will do something similar to that when I take him shopping. I will be trying to move along and he will be focusing on something on a shelf and pondering it endlessly.
I stocked up on our staples and got a few things at the PX. Also got some watch batteries installed and went to the GNC store. A fruitful but exhausting trip.
Today I had book club and then this afternoon got the house cleaned.
I bought a precooked roast yesterday and warmed it tonight and cut it into little pieces. It was very tender and flavorful. Made some garlic potatoes and fixed a salad. Cowboy pushed the salad away, ate one bite of the potatoes but ate all the roast. That is not what I would have predicted or what I wanted to see but at least he got a good dose of protein.
Tomorrow I am having the windows cleaned. I will then call my spring cleaning done. and I didn't do hardly any of it.
Got an email from my sister that is coming next month to sit with Cowboy. I am looking forward to her visit and for the chance to get away for a few days. We used to travel around quite a bit and it has been hard to just stay home. Other than a couple of trips to see the kids we have not been anywhere in about 2 years now. Our last trip was a Valentine Cruise in Feb 2010.
For some reason it didn't dawn on me until I had left the store and was on my way home that she must have had dementia. I wonder what happened to her and how she happened to be there by herself. Cowboy sometimes will do something similar to that when I take him shopping. I will be trying to move along and he will be focusing on something on a shelf and pondering it endlessly.
I stocked up on our staples and got a few things at the PX. Also got some watch batteries installed and went to the GNC store. A fruitful but exhausting trip.
Today I had book club and then this afternoon got the house cleaned.
I bought a precooked roast yesterday and warmed it tonight and cut it into little pieces. It was very tender and flavorful. Made some garlic potatoes and fixed a salad. Cowboy pushed the salad away, ate one bite of the potatoes but ate all the roast. That is not what I would have predicted or what I wanted to see but at least he got a good dose of protein.
Tomorrow I am having the windows cleaned. I will then call my spring cleaning done. and I didn't do hardly any of it.
Got an email from my sister that is coming next month to sit with Cowboy. I am looking forward to her visit and for the chance to get away for a few days. We used to travel around quite a bit and it has been hard to just stay home. Other than a couple of trips to see the kids we have not been anywhere in about 2 years now. Our last trip was a Valentine Cruise in Feb 2010.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April
Yesterday I took Cowboy with me to run a couple of errands. We went to Home Depot to find this very strange little bulb for a light in the study. I had planned on coming back by a favorite hamburger place and getting us each a hamburger and a milkshake. Right next door is an ice cream shop. He saw it and said "pull in there". I explained it was time to eat a meal and he said (in a more authoritative voice) "PULL IN THERE". So I did.
Instead of a hamburger he had an ice cream cone. Stopped by the cleaners and for a gallon of milk and then home. Later I fixed some shrimp so he did have dinner, although late and light.
I got all my music sorted yesterday. Now I just need to play through it and time it. After Saturday night I am going to put my fiddle away for a bit. My arm is aching and my hand hurts.
I took Cowboy to the supermarket this morning. Sometimes taking him somewhere is the most dependable way to get him to walk around. He spends too much time sitting. Just a few items and home.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am going to Ft Hood to stock up on groceries and to their PX to see what kind of rugs, tables, etc. they have. Talked to a friend who uses the TRICARE mail pharmacy. Am thinking that might be a better option than going to the army hospital. Am considering it. Will have to decide in the next week or so.
Instead of a hamburger he had an ice cream cone. Stopped by the cleaners and for a gallon of milk and then home. Later I fixed some shrimp so he did have dinner, although late and light.
I got all my music sorted yesterday. Now I just need to play through it and time it. After Saturday night I am going to put my fiddle away for a bit. My arm is aching and my hand hurts.
I took Cowboy to the supermarket this morning. Sometimes taking him somewhere is the most dependable way to get him to walk around. He spends too much time sitting. Just a few items and home.
Tomorrow Marsha will be here and I am going to Ft Hood to stock up on groceries and to their PX to see what kind of rugs, tables, etc. they have. Talked to a friend who uses the TRICARE mail pharmacy. Am thinking that might be a better option than going to the army hospital. Am considering it. Will have to decide in the next week or so.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Saturday, April 14
Marsha was here yesterday for 3 hours and I managed to drop off some borrowed things and make a trip to WalMart. It is really nice weather but humid. Felt a little wrung out from the gig on Thursday. Not much energy.
I lost one of my Bunco sitters. She sold her house and is moving. Talked to another friend and she can do it some but will be out of town a lot this summer.
Our band is going to take a break for awhile.
I talked to both of Cowboy's daughters this week and discussed what they felt was a good plan for his final arrangements. One is somewhat open to whatever and would even be OK with no service. The other would like some kind of remembrance themed around his military service. I agreed to check and see if the Veterans Memorial near here allows services there. It is a beautiful setting. Wouldn't work if the weather is bad. I think I am leaning toward getting a prepaid for the cremation at a nearby funeral home and also some of the services they offer such as obtaining death certificates, etc. I just can't get comfortable with dealing with folks outside of the community. I don't want to do this with a phone call. I want to have someone I can look in the eye.
One of the nursing homes I visited keeps calling me. I finally called them back yesterday and told them I am not ready and have not decided (even though I kind of have). They have an empty room right now they are trying to fill. It isn't going to be Cowboy I am afraid even though it is a lovely place.
Cowboy is napping. I will need to put some lunch on the table soon but we ate breakfast late. He wouldn't eat his cantaloupe but ate his eggs and biscuits.
Will spent the afternoon organizing music for my final scheduled gig next Saturday night. Then I am not accepting anything else for a while. Got a call just yesterday to come play at a church downtown. I suggested she call back in a few weeks. I need a break.
I lost one of my Bunco sitters. She sold her house and is moving. Talked to another friend and she can do it some but will be out of town a lot this summer.
Our band is going to take a break for awhile.
I talked to both of Cowboy's daughters this week and discussed what they felt was a good plan for his final arrangements. One is somewhat open to whatever and would even be OK with no service. The other would like some kind of remembrance themed around his military service. I agreed to check and see if the Veterans Memorial near here allows services there. It is a beautiful setting. Wouldn't work if the weather is bad. I think I am leaning toward getting a prepaid for the cremation at a nearby funeral home and also some of the services they offer such as obtaining death certificates, etc. I just can't get comfortable with dealing with folks outside of the community. I don't want to do this with a phone call. I want to have someone I can look in the eye.
One of the nursing homes I visited keeps calling me. I finally called them back yesterday and told them I am not ready and have not decided (even though I kind of have). They have an empty room right now they are trying to fill. It isn't going to be Cowboy I am afraid even though it is a lovely place.
Cowboy is napping. I will need to put some lunch on the table soon but we ate breakfast late. He wouldn't eat his cantaloupe but ate his eggs and biscuits.
Will spent the afternoon organizing music for my final scheduled gig next Saturday night. Then I am not accepting anything else for a while. Got a call just yesterday to come play at a church downtown. I suggested she call back in a few weeks. I need a break.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday, April 12
Marsha was here yesterday and I went to the mall and bought some things and got my hair cut, got gas. Back to the grocery store and home.
Got a call from the agency. The VA notified they are not paying anymore past end of March. News to me. They had told me we had 30 days of 6 hours and I was using it at a rate of 6 hours per week. I called them and learned that there is not funding. I talked to her a bit and she told me they are trying to learn what is going on too. We are on a wait list again and she will let me know. Have to decide if want to fork over $150 a week in the meantime. (it just never ends!)
This morning I got up thinking I had a free morning before we played this afternoon. Turns out the dog was in pain when you picked her up so called the vet and took her in. Turns out she has an inflamed patella (knee joint). They gave us some anti-inflammatory and home we went. Cowboy had her on his lap and before he got out of the car he took off her collar and leash and let her down. Off she went, down the street. Must not have been hurting too much and it took some time to get her back home.
Our gig this afternoon went well. I think the audience enjoyed us. We stayed a while and ate and had some beer. Cowboy seemed tired and the sun was getting to me so we came home.
Got a call from the agency. The VA notified they are not paying anymore past end of March. News to me. They had told me we had 30 days of 6 hours and I was using it at a rate of 6 hours per week. I called them and learned that there is not funding. I talked to her a bit and she told me they are trying to learn what is going on too. We are on a wait list again and she will let me know. Have to decide if want to fork over $150 a week in the meantime. (it just never ends!)
This morning I got up thinking I had a free morning before we played this afternoon. Turns out the dog was in pain when you picked her up so called the vet and took her in. Turns out she has an inflamed patella (knee joint). They gave us some anti-inflammatory and home we went. Cowboy had her on his lap and before he got out of the car he took off her collar and leash and let her down. Off she went, down the street. Must not have been hurting too much and it took some time to get her back home.
Our gig this afternoon went well. I think the audience enjoyed us. We stayed a while and ate and had some beer. Cowboy seemed tired and the sun was getting to me so we came home.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, April 10
It is 9:25 and Cowboy is still in bed. Though he sleeps much later than he used to (generally) this may be a new "late" for him.
The neighbor just came by to walk our pooch. It is a beautiful morning. I opened the house and you can hear the birds singing.
Yesterday afternoon my friend in the band came by with her hubby and we figured out a way to handle Thursday. We have to be there early and I don't think we want Cowboy out there that long so her hubby is going to drop her off and come sit with Cowboy and I will go on and then he will bring Cowboy right before our performance time. One more scheduled gig after Thursday and then a break for the band.
Last night Cowboy didn't want to take two of his pills. The same two he didn't want to take the night before. We had a discussion and he had somehow connected the two pills with his knee and since it is all better he thought he didn't need them anymore. They have nothing to do with his knee and once I got that through to him he took them. He was really cranky about it.
Last night we gave him a really thorough shower and I rubbed cream all over his body. Most of the skin problems are gone although there are still a couple of small patches of rash. He enjoys the massaging that goes along with applying the cream. It is kind of a few moments to connect. There is nothing but occasional kisses and hugs these days and the touching and being close is nice.
The neighbor just came by to walk our pooch. It is a beautiful morning. I opened the house and you can hear the birds singing.
Yesterday afternoon my friend in the band came by with her hubby and we figured out a way to handle Thursday. We have to be there early and I don't think we want Cowboy out there that long so her hubby is going to drop her off and come sit with Cowboy and I will go on and then he will bring Cowboy right before our performance time. One more scheduled gig after Thursday and then a break for the band.
Last night Cowboy didn't want to take two of his pills. The same two he didn't want to take the night before. We had a discussion and he had somehow connected the two pills with his knee and since it is all better he thought he didn't need them anymore. They have nothing to do with his knee and once I got that through to him he took them. He was really cranky about it.
Last night we gave him a really thorough shower and I rubbed cream all over his body. Most of the skin problems are gone although there are still a couple of small patches of rash. He enjoys the massaging that goes along with applying the cream. It is kind of a few moments to connect. There is nothing but occasional kisses and hugs these days and the touching and being close is nice.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 9
I made a decision to not rush into our final arrangements. Am thinking I need to talk to the kids and get their views and take my time making a decision.
We had a nice quiet Easter. Had dinner Saturday evening with friends and Cowboy ate well. At one point he got up, put on his hat and started for the door. I followed him and it turned out he was going back to our house to go to the bathroom. We spent yesterday just relaxing.
I fixed salmon last night and Cowboy ate all of it but didn't touch his vegetables. He took part of his pills and then announced he didn't need the rest of them "anymore". I explained that nothing had changed and he did need to take them. He insisted he didn't need them anymore and refused to take them. I waited a little while and then just handed them to him and he took them.
This Thursday our band is playing a gig at a fund raiser. It is going to be the biggest crowd we have ever played for. I heard they had sold over 700 tickets. I just don't know where they are going to put all those people.
We had a nice quiet Easter. Had dinner Saturday evening with friends and Cowboy ate well. At one point he got up, put on his hat and started for the door. I followed him and it turned out he was going back to our house to go to the bathroom. We spent yesterday just relaxing.
I fixed salmon last night and Cowboy ate all of it but didn't touch his vegetables. He took part of his pills and then announced he didn't need the rest of them "anymore". I explained that nothing had changed and he did need to take them. He insisted he didn't need them anymore and refused to take them. I waited a little while and then just handed them to him and he took them.
This Thursday our band is playing a gig at a fund raiser. It is going to be the biggest crowd we have ever played for. I heard they had sold over 700 tickets. I just don't know where they are going to put all those people.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday, April 7
My grandson and great grandaughter arrived Thursday evening. We went out to eat and then back to the house to visit. Little Lena held her grandpa's hand and it was sweet to see. He is actually a step-great grandfather but who cares?
Friday was a busy day. We went to IHOP for breakfast and then around 11 they had to take off for the airport that was 3 hours away. All worked out fine. Marsha came at 11 and I went a ran a couple of errands and then went to the park and just sat on the park bench to think. I really don't get a lot of time to do that.
Back home and an appointment with the "Neptune Society". It is a prepaid cremation plan. He was rather agressive. It is a good plan if you want to be cremated and then the ashes returned with no service or one you arrange yourself. Something about it bugs me. Can't put my finger on it, other than they are having a "sale" and it is over on the 10th so he was pushing for a decision. It is not the kind of thing you do without some thought and analysis. He gave me some references and left the material. I had previously gottten some information from a local funeral home and liked them very much, plus some friends have recommended them. We have always planned on cremation so that is not the issue. We both like the idea of prearranging things. The kids are scattered and not close and it would ease things a lot for them. Another thing to ponder.
It is beautiful outside today and we have nothing planned until dinner. Then some friends are having us over.
Cowboy is not eating real great at the moment. I have decided that anything that is pasta with other things mixed in are not going to work. Maybe it looks different to him than it used to. It is almost like he looks at it and it looks unappetizing to him. Forget spaghetti, chicken and noodles, goulash, etc. Some of our favorites in the past. We just keep trying.
Friday was a busy day. We went to IHOP for breakfast and then around 11 they had to take off for the airport that was 3 hours away. All worked out fine. Marsha came at 11 and I went a ran a couple of errands and then went to the park and just sat on the park bench to think. I really don't get a lot of time to do that.
Back home and an appointment with the "Neptune Society". It is a prepaid cremation plan. He was rather agressive. It is a good plan if you want to be cremated and then the ashes returned with no service or one you arrange yourself. Something about it bugs me. Can't put my finger on it, other than they are having a "sale" and it is over on the 10th so he was pushing for a decision. It is not the kind of thing you do without some thought and analysis. He gave me some references and left the material. I had previously gottten some information from a local funeral home and liked them very much, plus some friends have recommended them. We have always planned on cremation so that is not the issue. We both like the idea of prearranging things. The kids are scattered and not close and it would ease things a lot for them. Another thing to ponder.
It is beautiful outside today and we have nothing planned until dinner. Then some friends are having us over.
Cowboy is not eating real great at the moment. I have decided that anything that is pasta with other things mixed in are not going to work. Maybe it looks different to him than it used to. It is almost like he looks at it and it looks unappetizing to him. Forget spaghetti, chicken and noodles, goulash, etc. Some of our favorites in the past. We just keep trying.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday, April 5
Cowboy and I went to dinner last night and he started out by ordering "Blue Ribbon" beer. That was a popular brand back in the fifties. Don't even know if it is available anymore but the restaurant said they didn't have it. Cowboy had picked Red Lobster and it surprised me because lately he has only wanted to go to a small place near us or IHOP> He then ordered a plate of lobster, scallops and shrimp along with baked potato and brocolli. I thought that there was no way he would eat all of that but guess what? he did. Every bite ! I have now officially lost confidence in my cooking skills. He seemed to enjoy himself and that is what is important.
My oldest grandson will be arriving any minute, along with my great grandaughter that I have not seen in about a year. We are going out again ! and then out for breakfast in the morning. I could get used to this. Their trip was delayed by work and then bad weather so we won't have a very long visit but at least I will get to see them.
I talked to another grandson today and he is suggesting that I take their living room furniture instead of buying new. They bought it just a few months ago so it is like new and it turns out a little big for the space they have. It is similar to what I have been looking at. He wants to replace it with a sectional (one of the things I had been looking at). I am considering it. Yesterday I found some I liked at Rooms to Go . I kind of figure this is the last furniture I am likely to have so need to be sure I like it. (I said that the last round too. I have had my furniture for about 12 years and there is not anything really wrong with it but I need a change.)
I got a good number of errands accomplished yesterday and then looked at furniture. Have been doing that for a while. It is not easy to decide which way to go. So many choices ! I guess it keeps me out of trouble.
I think I am just looking for ways to improve my outlook and give me something to think about. Have to be careful I don't do something foolish.
My oldest grandson will be arriving any minute, along with my great grandaughter that I have not seen in about a year. We are going out again ! and then out for breakfast in the morning. I could get used to this. Their trip was delayed by work and then bad weather so we won't have a very long visit but at least I will get to see them.
I talked to another grandson today and he is suggesting that I take their living room furniture instead of buying new. They bought it just a few months ago so it is like new and it turns out a little big for the space they have. It is similar to what I have been looking at. He wants to replace it with a sectional (one of the things I had been looking at). I am considering it. Yesterday I found some I liked at Rooms to Go . I kind of figure this is the last furniture I am likely to have so need to be sure I like it. (I said that the last round too. I have had my furniture for about 12 years and there is not anything really wrong with it but I need a change.)
I got a good number of errands accomplished yesterday and then looked at furniture. Have been doing that for a while. It is not easy to decide which way to go. So many choices ! I guess it keeps me out of trouble.
I think I am just looking for ways to improve my outlook and give me something to think about. Have to be careful I don't do something foolish.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday, April 3
Tomorrow is Cowboy's birthday so I plan to take him someplace for dinner. Lots of meals out lately !
I called the Dr. yesterday AM and we decided to cut his new prescription in half and see if that solves any problems. Started it last night. He did seem more alert this morning.
Went to Bunco last evening. It is always fun. I always eat too much. It was a brownie with ice cream on top. mmmmm, good. My band friend sat with Cowboy.
The visiting nurse came this morning and I told her the Dr. had released us. She said they will come in two weeks and we can sign out. I truly feel all of these visits are probably not necessary but they have to go by Medicare rules.
The band met this afternoon and we practiced for the upcoming benefit we are playing on the 12th. It will be our last performance for a while. One member of the group's wife has cancer and is undergoing treatment and another just sold her house and is busy preparing to move. and I am going to be gone for a while in May. Break time.
This evening Cowboy took off his clothes except for his shorts. He then went looking for the dog. He found her, tucked her under his arm and took her to bed. It is amusing the way he always has to know where she is and that she is preferably in bed with us. While my company was here she went and got in bed with my girlfriend. When Cowboy woke up Sunday morning the first words out of his mouth were "Where is Sheba?" I had to go get her and bring back into our bed because he was unhappy that she wasn't there. It will be a real problem if anything should happen to her.
I called the Dr. yesterday AM and we decided to cut his new prescription in half and see if that solves any problems. Started it last night. He did seem more alert this morning.
Went to Bunco last evening. It is always fun. I always eat too much. It was a brownie with ice cream on top. mmmmm, good. My band friend sat with Cowboy.
The visiting nurse came this morning and I told her the Dr. had released us. She said they will come in two weeks and we can sign out. I truly feel all of these visits are probably not necessary but they have to go by Medicare rules.
The band met this afternoon and we practiced for the upcoming benefit we are playing on the 12th. It will be our last performance for a while. One member of the group's wife has cancer and is undergoing treatment and another just sold her house and is busy preparing to move. and I am going to be gone for a while in May. Break time.
This evening Cowboy took off his clothes except for his shorts. He then went looking for the dog. He found her, tucked her under his arm and took her to bed. It is amusing the way he always has to know where she is and that she is preferably in bed with us. While my company was here she went and got in bed with my girlfriend. When Cowboy woke up Sunday morning the first words out of his mouth were "Where is Sheba?" I had to go get her and bring back into our bed because he was unhappy that she wasn't there. It will be a real problem if anything should happen to her.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, April 1
Wow, it's April already. The weather has been beautiful for the past few days and I am loving it.
My friend arrived on Friday and we showed her around the community then went to dinner. We were both tired as was Cowboy. He went with us.
Yesterday Marsha came for the day so I could enjoy my company. We took the dog for a long walk and I had not done that in a while. It was great. Then we went into town and looked through some shops. At lunchtime we drove to a neighboring town and met our other friend for lunch,. We sat there for about 2 hours just visiting and then we went to an outlet mall for another couple of hours. Great time.
We picked up some chicken on the way home and then spent the evening just visiting and catching up.
This morning I got Cowboy in the shower and when he got out he just sank to the floor. Wet, naked and a little confused. We let him rest for a few minutes and then my friend and I got him up into a chair. Nothing like sharing your naked husband with a friend. She is a jewel and was not at all flustered or uncomfortable.
I fixed blueberry pancakes and bacon and we had a good breakfast and Cowboy ate and seemed fine.
We took my friend through the city so she could get a look at it and then stopped for lunch and on to the airport. Cowboy was with us and he ate a good meal. Said he felt better and he appears to be OK. I am wondering if this might be the latest medicine that he was given to take. It wasn't so much a fall as it was just a weakness that came over him and his legs just seemed to give way. Am going to call the doctor tomorrow and let him know and find out what he thinks. Maybe reduce the dosage?
My grandson and great grandaughter will be coming for a short visit sometime in the next 3 or 4 days. Our oldest daughter was scheduled to come down the 13th but she called and said her hubby had strained his back so were going to have to wait.
My friend arrived on Friday and we showed her around the community then went to dinner. We were both tired as was Cowboy. He went with us.
Yesterday Marsha came for the day so I could enjoy my company. We took the dog for a long walk and I had not done that in a while. It was great. Then we went into town and looked through some shops. At lunchtime we drove to a neighboring town and met our other friend for lunch,. We sat there for about 2 hours just visiting and then we went to an outlet mall for another couple of hours. Great time.
We picked up some chicken on the way home and then spent the evening just visiting and catching up.
This morning I got Cowboy in the shower and when he got out he just sank to the floor. Wet, naked and a little confused. We let him rest for a few minutes and then my friend and I got him up into a chair. Nothing like sharing your naked husband with a friend. She is a jewel and was not at all flustered or uncomfortable.
I fixed blueberry pancakes and bacon and we had a good breakfast and Cowboy ate and seemed fine.
We took my friend through the city so she could get a look at it and then stopped for lunch and on to the airport. Cowboy was with us and he ate a good meal. Said he felt better and he appears to be OK. I am wondering if this might be the latest medicine that he was given to take. It wasn't so much a fall as it was just a weakness that came over him and his legs just seemed to give way. Am going to call the doctor tomorrow and let him know and find out what he thinks. Maybe reduce the dosage?
My grandson and great grandaughter will be coming for a short visit sometime in the next 3 or 4 days. Our oldest daughter was scheduled to come down the 13th but she called and said her hubby had strained his back so were going to have to wait.
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