I spent my day out yesterday doing several things. One of our band members broke his hip and is in the hospital. I bought flowers and a card and went by to see him. He is doing really well given he had a partial hip replacement.
I went down to Barnes and Noble because my NOOK wouln't work and got some help. It is just like everything else in the electronic universe. You have to turn these devices off sometimes. I guess I didn't do that enough. Hung out at the book store for awhile. I love to browse. Came home with 4 books.
I did a little shopping and went to the grocery store.
Tracy is working out OK but she is not Marsha. She doesn't do as much but she does what I specifically ask her to do so can't complain. Said Cowboy ate all his lunch and was content.
I worked on pictures all day today. Am just getting started. This is going to take a while. It will keep my mind occupied for a bit so is good therapy, and it is so hot just can't even think about getting Cowboy out. It was 103 today.
Tomorrow we take Cowboy to the periodontist. We are having his teeth cleaned every three months. It is hard to get him to brush like he should. Hopefully this will keep his mouth healthy.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 27
Another month almost done. They say time goes faster as you get older and I believe it. Still very hot so can't enjoy being out.
I didn't get the repairs done Saturday so did them today. I had some nail holes to fill and some soiled spots that just wouldn't come off with scrubbing. Got that all done. Took down some pictures and plan to start tomorrow on my picture project. It has several purposes. Want to update my eframe, want to put frames up for a photo display and want to go through a bunch of pictures and try to get somewhat organized with the whole thing. I have a gazillion pictures. Doesn't everybody these days?
My grandson didn't come down this weekend. Had to rearrange things because of the hurricane. Should see him next weekend
A couple of days ago Cowboy went to bed about 7PM. I was messing around on the computer about 8:30 and here he comes, all dressed like he was up for the day. He thought it was morning. I sat him down and found something on TV for him and about 10PM we went to bed. He slept until 9 the next morning.
I try to give Cowboy lots of hugs and kisses through the day and sometimes in the morning. A couple of days ago I woke up and he was looking at me sort of blankly. I said "Good morning". He didn't respond at all. I moved toward him to snuggle and he did not respond at all. For some reason I just let it go and got up. He turned back over and went back to sleep. It was like he was just blanked out.
Breakfast continues to be his best meal and his weight is steady. I offer him grapes and applesauce and yogurt and he eats it sometimes. Am kind of surprised he has not picked up some weight.
I am getting in some naps and relaxation time and feeling pretty good right now. All is quiet on our front.
I didn't get the repairs done Saturday so did them today. I had some nail holes to fill and some soiled spots that just wouldn't come off with scrubbing. Got that all done. Took down some pictures and plan to start tomorrow on my picture project. It has several purposes. Want to update my eframe, want to put frames up for a photo display and want to go through a bunch of pictures and try to get somewhat organized with the whole thing. I have a gazillion pictures. Doesn't everybody these days?
My grandson didn't come down this weekend. Had to rearrange things because of the hurricane. Should see him next weekend
A couple of days ago Cowboy went to bed about 7PM. I was messing around on the computer about 8:30 and here he comes, all dressed like he was up for the day. He thought it was morning. I sat him down and found something on TV for him and about 10PM we went to bed. He slept until 9 the next morning.
I try to give Cowboy lots of hugs and kisses through the day and sometimes in the morning. A couple of days ago I woke up and he was looking at me sort of blankly. I said "Good morning". He didn't respond at all. I moved toward him to snuggle and he did not respond at all. For some reason I just let it go and got up. He turned back over and went back to sleep. It was like he was just blanked out.
Breakfast continues to be his best meal and his weight is steady. I offer him grapes and applesauce and yogurt and he eats it sometimes. Am kind of surprised he has not picked up some weight.
I am getting in some naps and relaxation time and feeling pretty good right now. All is quiet on our front.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thursday, August 23
It appears we are going to have Tracy all of the time now that Marsha has quit. She is about 45, single with two kids that she shares custody with her ex. She is very talkative but willing to do things and cheerful, etc. I asked Cowboy after she left yesterday if she was OK and he said yes. He doesn't really seem to care at all.
I went and got a pedicure and a haircut yesterday and then browsed around some stores. Went to office depot for next year's calendar and a couple of other things. It is amazing how many brightly colored school supplies they had. Everything is bright and colorful and fun. How the world has changed. The only thing I remember having that was colorful was the crayon box.
Had Chinese at Panda. Cowboy and I used to go out for Chinese a lot but he doesn't want to eat it anymore so I get my "fix" sometimes when I am out alone.
This morning I took the dog to the groomers and Cowboy for a haircut. This was followed by breakfast at IHOP. He looked at every single picture in the menu but then wanted the same thing he always gets, the senior 2X2X2. We then went and got the car washed and picked up some paint for me to do some repair on the woodwork. Cowboy was having some difficulty walking and nearly went over a couple of times. I talked to him about it and he said his legs were weak. I had to help him get out of his clothes tonight. I have to do that sometimes so not a new thing but he does seem weak.
My eldest grandson is coming down tomorrow to help with some computer and TV issues. He is catching a plan to Florida to attend a wedding the following day. He said the fare is half out of the airport here than in Dallas. interesting...
I think I will spend some time Saturday patching holes and doing some spot painting. Am going to take down a couple of things off the walls and then maybe next week start figuring out what to hang in their place. I go through this every few years. Just have to shake things up a bit.
I went and got a pedicure and a haircut yesterday and then browsed around some stores. Went to office depot for next year's calendar and a couple of other things. It is amazing how many brightly colored school supplies they had. Everything is bright and colorful and fun. How the world has changed. The only thing I remember having that was colorful was the crayon box.
Had Chinese at Panda. Cowboy and I used to go out for Chinese a lot but he doesn't want to eat it anymore so I get my "fix" sometimes when I am out alone.
This morning I took the dog to the groomers and Cowboy for a haircut. This was followed by breakfast at IHOP. He looked at every single picture in the menu but then wanted the same thing he always gets, the senior 2X2X2. We then went and got the car washed and picked up some paint for me to do some repair on the woodwork. Cowboy was having some difficulty walking and nearly went over a couple of times. I talked to him about it and he said his legs were weak. I had to help him get out of his clothes tonight. I have to do that sometimes so not a new thing but he does seem weak.
My eldest grandson is coming down tomorrow to help with some computer and TV issues. He is catching a plan to Florida to attend a wedding the following day. He said the fare is half out of the airport here than in Dallas. interesting...
I think I will spend some time Saturday patching holes and doing some spot painting. Am going to take down a couple of things off the walls and then maybe next week start figuring out what to hang in their place. I go through this every few years. Just have to shake things up a bit.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday, August 20
If I had stayed married to my first husband we would be celebrating our 50th anniversay this month. Maybe that is why I have been dreaming about him lately. Not that there is any longer an emotional connection. We divorced in 1975, but he was a part of my life for some 13 years. Sometimes my dreams include people from all different periods of my life and this seems to be the case. It often also includes my mother who died when I was 44 and my sisters, only they are just kids in the dreams. Wonder what it all means.
Cowboy and I went to the WalMart this morning. I waited until late morning and then we went to the McDonalds in the store and I left him with his coffee and I ran around the store quickly to pick up some things. He sat quietly and drank his coffee.
I still have some things to do to get the house redo done. I have this large picture of a wolf head in our hallway that I have been looking at for 15 or so years. Think will create a picture wall. The kids have sent me a lot of pictures in the last few years and maybe it is time to display them properly. Actually I have been collecting frames from Hobby Lobby for some time now. I think it might be good for Cowboy to see them all the time. He has trouble with their names and who belongs to who. Maybe this will help.
We had a wonderful rain this weekend and it is a little cooler and dryer but definitely still summer. Another 5 or 6 weeks, I suspect.
Cowboy and I went to the WalMart this morning. I waited until late morning and then we went to the McDonalds in the store and I left him with his coffee and I ran around the store quickly to pick up some things. He sat quietly and drank his coffee.
I still have some things to do to get the house redo done. I have this large picture of a wolf head in our hallway that I have been looking at for 15 or so years. Think will create a picture wall. The kids have sent me a lot of pictures in the last few years and maybe it is time to display them properly. Actually I have been collecting frames from Hobby Lobby for some time now. I think it might be good for Cowboy to see them all the time. He has trouble with their names and who belongs to who. Maybe this will help.
We had a wonderful rain this weekend and it is a little cooler and dryer but definitely still summer. Another 5 or 6 weeks, I suspect.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Friday, August 17
I was supposed to go to book club yesterday morning but with the kitchen still in pieces and the cleaning people coming (they changed the time on me at the last minute from 1PM to 10AM) I was scurrying around trying to get things in the cabinets before they arrived. I made it and all is done and clean and I am feeling good. I enjoy book club and missed going.
A couple of friends came by for a few minutes to admire my kitchen's new look in the afternoon.
We had been thinking about doing some things in the house when we learned that Cowboy was ill and was going to continue to go down. A while back I just decided to go for it and I am glad I did. It has been good for me and despite my concerns about change and Cowboy has done OK with it.
I was laying in bed last night and thinking about reading the paper yesterday and starting to comment to Cowboy about an article. I have always done that and it would start a conversation and we would discuss current events, politics, etc. Sometime we would agree and sometimes we would have "lively discussions" about a topic. I realized yesterday that even if I said something he would not know what I was talking about nor would he care. I really miss that. He had a lot of intellect and would often express an opinion that made me really think. Loved it. Miss it.
He is continuing to wear his new shoes without complaint. I think his feet feel better and it is easier to walk in them than his boots. He just kind of shuffles along now.
We had eggs and toast and grits this morning. He ate well. Sometimes he doesn't eat (again). The caregiver said on Wednesday he only ate a few potatoes and would not eat his sandwich.
Our little band is playing a gig this morning at a adult day care. I am taking Cowboy with me. I took him last time we went there and he sat quietly and listened to the music. He even carried my violin in and then out after. His idea.
A couple of friends came by for a few minutes to admire my kitchen's new look in the afternoon.
We had been thinking about doing some things in the house when we learned that Cowboy was ill and was going to continue to go down. A while back I just decided to go for it and I am glad I did. It has been good for me and despite my concerns about change and Cowboy has done OK with it.
I was laying in bed last night and thinking about reading the paper yesterday and starting to comment to Cowboy about an article. I have always done that and it would start a conversation and we would discuss current events, politics, etc. Sometime we would agree and sometimes we would have "lively discussions" about a topic. I realized yesterday that even if I said something he would not know what I was talking about nor would he care. I really miss that. He had a lot of intellect and would often express an opinion that made me really think. Loved it. Miss it.
He is continuing to wear his new shoes without complaint. I think his feet feel better and it is easier to walk in them than his boots. He just kind of shuffles along now.
We had eggs and toast and grits this morning. He ate well. Sometimes he doesn't eat (again). The caregiver said on Wednesday he only ate a few potatoes and would not eat his sandwich.
Our little band is playing a gig this morning at a adult day care. I am taking Cowboy with me. I took him last time we went there and he sat quietly and listened to the music. He even carried my violin in and then out after. His idea.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Thursday, August 16
I did not realize so many days had slipped by til got an email from a friend because I had not posted for almost a week. sorry
Monday I went next door in the afternoon and along with some other ladies learned how to make a necklace. Always thought it would be fun to try to design and make jewelry so was interested. I ran back over about efery 20 minutes to check on Cowboy and he was busy watching "The Talk". I never cease to be amazed at his eclectic TV viewing. Or maybe he is somewhere else in his head and isn't really watching at all. Can't always tell.
They came Tuesday to install the granite so I was really busy getting things out of the kitchen and getting ready. They had said could do it in one day but that didn't happen and we were still without a sink and access to the kitchen on Wednesday. It was my day out and Tracy came but made for a messy day. She got the sheets and towels washed and we used the microwave for meals.
Yesterday I went to the store and then took a friend to lunch who has sat with Cowboy a couple of times. Went to a new restaurant which was a treat for me. Love salad with fruit in it like strawberries, grapes, etc.
I was really tired last night and still didn't get everything put away. Will try to finish up today.
Cowboy is in a good humor and doing OK the last few days. He did tend to get in the workmen's way some. He did frequent inspections of their work and went in and out the front door numerous times. They were using the driveway to do the cutting so he had to check that out too.
We are done with it and it looks great. Hopefully will get everything back in place today.
Monday I went next door in the afternoon and along with some other ladies learned how to make a necklace. Always thought it would be fun to try to design and make jewelry so was interested. I ran back over about efery 20 minutes to check on Cowboy and he was busy watching "The Talk". I never cease to be amazed at his eclectic TV viewing. Or maybe he is somewhere else in his head and isn't really watching at all. Can't always tell.
They came Tuesday to install the granite so I was really busy getting things out of the kitchen and getting ready. They had said could do it in one day but that didn't happen and we were still without a sink and access to the kitchen on Wednesday. It was my day out and Tracy came but made for a messy day. She got the sheets and towels washed and we used the microwave for meals.
Yesterday I went to the store and then took a friend to lunch who has sat with Cowboy a couple of times. Went to a new restaurant which was a treat for me. Love salad with fruit in it like strawberries, grapes, etc.
I was really tired last night and still didn't get everything put away. Will try to finish up today.
Cowboy is in a good humor and doing OK the last few days. He did tend to get in the workmen's way some. He did frequent inspections of their work and went in and out the front door numerous times. They were using the driveway to do the cutting so he had to check that out too.
We are done with it and it looks great. Hopefully will get everything back in place today.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Friday, August 10
I need to vent. My day started with one of my grandsons (21 going on 14) called. He just started a new job a couple of weeks ago and assumed he would get paid today so his account is down to $2 overdrawn and it will be another week for his first paycheck. 8:30AM - "Grandma, can you put $80 in my account to last me til next Friday?" Sucker that I am I told him I would.
I had planned on going to Home Depot today anyway and looking for a new faucet; however, Cowboy was still in bed and had not planned on going so early. changed my plans and when Cowboy got up we went to WalMart and deposited the money and I picked up some thumb drives. Am in the process of doing backups and ran out.
I take Cowboy to breakfast at WalMart's McDonalds. After we finished our business there, I suggested he go to the bathroom. "I don't need to go to the bathroom" he says and so we go on to Home Depot which is right next door.
Get out of the car and in the first set of doors and Cowboy announces "I need to shit". I was trying to get him to move along and he got upset and insisted I go ahead and start my shopping, he could find the bathroom and he knew where the plumbing department was and would join me. Rather than cause a scene I went on.
I pick out a faucet. Takes a few minutes, still no Cowboy. I start looking for him. I ask an employee to check the bathroom.....no Cowboy. I start searching the store and find him at the front by the cashiers. I pay for the purchases and the clerk tells me he had started for the restroom and then came back and was standing around.
He had soiled his clothes so we came home. I just wanted to scream at him "Now you know why I bought the disposable undershorts !" but I didn't. I got him undressed and in the shower and the clothes in the washer and then I just lost it. I couldn't keep the tears contained no matter how hard I tried.
On a positive note I made a decision yesterday evening to get the granite and the man came out and measured and I placed the order. It is going to be beautiful !
I had planned on going to Home Depot today anyway and looking for a new faucet; however, Cowboy was still in bed and had not planned on going so early. changed my plans and when Cowboy got up we went to WalMart and deposited the money and I picked up some thumb drives. Am in the process of doing backups and ran out.
I take Cowboy to breakfast at WalMart's McDonalds. After we finished our business there, I suggested he go to the bathroom. "I don't need to go to the bathroom" he says and so we go on to Home Depot which is right next door.
Get out of the car and in the first set of doors and Cowboy announces "I need to shit". I was trying to get him to move along and he got upset and insisted I go ahead and start my shopping, he could find the bathroom and he knew where the plumbing department was and would join me. Rather than cause a scene I went on.
I pick out a faucet. Takes a few minutes, still no Cowboy. I start looking for him. I ask an employee to check the bathroom.....no Cowboy. I start searching the store and find him at the front by the cashiers. I pay for the purchases and the clerk tells me he had started for the restroom and then came back and was standing around.
He had soiled his clothes so we came home. I just wanted to scream at him "Now you know why I bought the disposable undershorts !" but I didn't. I got him undressed and in the shower and the clothes in the washer and then I just lost it. I couldn't keep the tears contained no matter how hard I tried.
On a positive note I made a decision yesterday evening to get the granite and the man came out and measured and I placed the order. It is going to be beautiful !
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday, August 8
The shoes finally came in and we got a call last week. Yesterday I took him in and we got them on him and they fit and are comfortable. He wore them home and the rest of the day. Surprisingly he put them on this morning without prompting. I put his boots up in the closet and will hope for the best.
Marsha was not available today and they sent another aide. It is hard to have so many different people around and trying to get them oriented. Hope this is not a trend. I read an article this past weekend about an expected shortage of folks to do home health and respite care. I don't think it is something I would want to do and they don't pay them enough to make it worth for most of us.
Today a friend and I went looking at granite again. It is all so beautiful and some of it is amazing. Of course the amazing stuff is way beyond my budget but still am considering doing something. In the process of getting quotes on some of the selections I made.
It was a very nice day. We went into the city and went to two locations and looked at lots of slabs. We then went to lunch and to Home Depot and the grocery store.
I am beat tonight. It was really hot out today and I am even a bit "pink" from standing out in the sun. Just heard the high was 102.
Our daughter is OK. They got power and water back on Monday so can take care of the animals and themselves.
On Monday one of my grandsons called and asked to come down with his daughter for a couple of days. They arrived Monday night and stayed until this morning. Had a nice visit and really enjoyed seeing them. Has made for a busy week.
Cowboy started undressing this afternoon about 4:30. I asked him what the problem was and he said he was hot and his clothes were too tight. He stripped to nothing and then was wandering around. He then went to the bathroom and then got into bed. I told him it was only 5PM and I was fixing to start supper. He said he was just going to lie down for a few minutes but then he promptly fell asleep.
I wonder if having company and then having a different caregiver today and all of that wore him out. He seems to be fine with having the company. He doesn't really engage with them at all but didn't seem upset or anything.
Marsha was not available today and they sent another aide. It is hard to have so many different people around and trying to get them oriented. Hope this is not a trend. I read an article this past weekend about an expected shortage of folks to do home health and respite care. I don't think it is something I would want to do and they don't pay them enough to make it worth for most of us.
Today a friend and I went looking at granite again. It is all so beautiful and some of it is amazing. Of course the amazing stuff is way beyond my budget but still am considering doing something. In the process of getting quotes on some of the selections I made.
It was a very nice day. We went into the city and went to two locations and looked at lots of slabs. We then went to lunch and to Home Depot and the grocery store.
I am beat tonight. It was really hot out today and I am even a bit "pink" from standing out in the sun. Just heard the high was 102.
Our daughter is OK. They got power and water back on Monday so can take care of the animals and themselves.
On Monday one of my grandsons called and asked to come down with his daughter for a couple of days. They arrived Monday night and stayed until this morning. Had a nice visit and really enjoyed seeing them. Has made for a busy week.
Cowboy started undressing this afternoon about 4:30. I asked him what the problem was and he said he was hot and his clothes were too tight. He stripped to nothing and then was wandering around. He then went to the bathroom and then got into bed. I told him it was only 5PM and I was fixing to start supper. He said he was just going to lie down for a few minutes but then he promptly fell asleep.
I wonder if having company and then having a different caregiver today and all of that wore him out. He seems to be fine with having the company. He doesn't really engage with them at all but didn't seem upset or anything.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Saturday, August 4
Marsha is still not available and they sent a man Wednesday. That was a first. How I miss her. She knows where everything is, what needs to be done and Cowboy is comfortable with her. It took about 30 minutes to show "Wayne" the ropes. He seems nice enough but no personality at all. When I got back I had sacks to bring in. I asked him to help me and he did but then he just sat down rather than helping to get things unloaded. interesting....
I bought Cowboy some disposible undershorts and put them in his closet. I told him I had bought them and thought he might want to try them. Later he questions why I bought them and I told him it would reduce the amount of laundry I was doing. He didn't say anything.
On Thursday he opens the box and looks at them but doesn't try them on. He tells me they are just diapers. I suggested he think of them as disposable undershorts and he informed me they didn't have any opening for urinating. They are still sitting there in the box as of today. I am trying to ease into this.
We got out on Thursday and took a ride and went and looked at granite for countertops. Am considering doing that soon. Couldn't leave him in the car, too hot. He was not even a little bit interested in looking at anything but I got some ideas.
I haven't been very productive the last couple of days. Yesterday I didn't want to get tired because we were playing last night. We played in a garage with an air conditioner blowing but with the garage door open and a light on for us to read our music it was still rather warm. Came home wrung out. It went well though. They collected back packs and supplies for the children of the young soldiers at the base. Very nice thing to do.
Yesterday evening we learned there was a bad fire near where our oldest daughter lives. Didn't think too much more about it until today when we learned it was not under control and was getting closer and closer to them. Spent the day worrying about them. They could not use their cell phones for calls but could text so that's how we communicated.
Just got through getting a call from them. The fire has passed them. They have 30 acres that burned but the fire department had watered down the house and the other buildings. Since they have animals that graze on their property the grass was very short and very dry. They have a pool and used the water from it to put out fires on the property. They had put the animals in the barn. Everyone is OK, thank goodness. They are without water or power and it is about 112 degrees so they are looking at some problems for a while. The town that they live near has been evacuated. I think there are probably a couple of thousand people there.
I had been telling Cowboy about the texts and what I knew all day but he was rather disinterested. It is almost as if he could not comprehend the seriousness of the situation. I had visions of having to head up there to help out and what that would entail with Cowboy in tow. Sounds like they are going to be OK.
I bought Cowboy some disposible undershorts and put them in his closet. I told him I had bought them and thought he might want to try them. Later he questions why I bought them and I told him it would reduce the amount of laundry I was doing. He didn't say anything.
On Thursday he opens the box and looks at them but doesn't try them on. He tells me they are just diapers. I suggested he think of them as disposable undershorts and he informed me they didn't have any opening for urinating. They are still sitting there in the box as of today. I am trying to ease into this.
We got out on Thursday and took a ride and went and looked at granite for countertops. Am considering doing that soon. Couldn't leave him in the car, too hot. He was not even a little bit interested in looking at anything but I got some ideas.
I haven't been very productive the last couple of days. Yesterday I didn't want to get tired because we were playing last night. We played in a garage with an air conditioner blowing but with the garage door open and a light on for us to read our music it was still rather warm. Came home wrung out. It went well though. They collected back packs and supplies for the children of the young soldiers at the base. Very nice thing to do.
Yesterday evening we learned there was a bad fire near where our oldest daughter lives. Didn't think too much more about it until today when we learned it was not under control and was getting closer and closer to them. Spent the day worrying about them. They could not use their cell phones for calls but could text so that's how we communicated.
Just got through getting a call from them. The fire has passed them. They have 30 acres that burned but the fire department had watered down the house and the other buildings. Since they have animals that graze on their property the grass was very short and very dry. They have a pool and used the water from it to put out fires on the property. They had put the animals in the barn. Everyone is OK, thank goodness. They are without water or power and it is about 112 degrees so they are looking at some problems for a while. The town that they live near has been evacuated. I think there are probably a couple of thousand people there.
I had been telling Cowboy about the texts and what I knew all day but he was rather disinterested. It is almost as if he could not comprehend the seriousness of the situation. I had visions of having to head up there to help out and what that would entail with Cowboy in tow. Sounds like they are going to be OK.
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