It has been a wild week. My daughter arrived Tuesday. We spent Wednesday looking for stuff for the patio and came home with pillows, cushions and a really cool pot.
Thursday we went to the Premium Outlet Mall. I said going in that I didn't need any clothes, but I ended up buying a few things. My daugher managed to arrive at the mall in her houseshoes so first stop was a shoe store. I got a pair of sneakers. Also, some panties and a running suit (works well for running to the chair). Later, she misplaced her sunglasses and bought another pair. We found the lost ones in a bag when we got home!
I had the service provide coverage for Wed and Thur. Thursday night a friend sat with Cowboy and my daughter and I went out for chinese and then to a movie. Saw Argo. Very good movie.
I had not been to the movies since I took Cowboy to see True Grit, maybe 2 years ago. I swore never again because he kept getting up and going down the stairs in the dark and scaring me to death.
We stayed home Friday and she helped me with some chores that I cannot do on my own. We turned the mattress and changed the bedskirt. We took things down from "up high" over the kitchen cabinets and cleaned everything.
We ate out a lot and I enjoyed that but she also likes to cook and treated us to some new recipes. The plan had been for her to be here until Tuesday and for my other daughter to come down from her home in a large city about 3 hours from here over the weekend.
The storm interfered with our plans. Daughter number one had to leave early to beat hurricane Sandy and my other daughter was delayed by work until yesterday so they missed each other. Now daughter number 2 is cooking for us. It is interesting that both of my girls love to cook and I don't. It does run in the family. My Mom was a great cook and I have two sisters who are excellent cooks.
My grandson was supposed to come down Sunday but didn't since his Mom left to go home noon Sunday. Bummer all the way around, but I got to see and visit with both of my girls. and Cowboy got to spend some time with them. He still knows who they are.
We just hung out and visited yesterday but today I have a doctors appointment so am leaving Cowboy with my daughter. She is going to fix dinner. In the morning she heads out.
So, if you were wondering if I fell off the planet, I did not. Just been in a bit of a whirlwind.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 22
The presidential debate is on and I am kind of listening to it with one ear. Tonight I got out a tub and put Cowboy's feet in it and washed them really well, then I gave him a pedicure. He has the most unusual feet I have ever run across. Long, narrow, flat footed and with the most pitiful toenails one can imagine. They are now clean, trimmed, medicated and his feet are all creamed and pampered.
Then I did his fingernails. They looked pretty good but were less than clean and we gave him a good manicure. He seems to like the attention and doesn't complain but on the other hand it is hard to get him to keep his hands where they need to be as opposed to his lap or on his legs. It was a process of constantly reminding him to keep them up where I could do my work.
Tomorrow morning I am taking the pup for a grooming and Cowboy for a haircut and breakfast at IHOP.
My daughter arrives at 2:30 from New York. Am really looking forward to her visit. My other daugter will be here over the weekend as well as a grandson so have some family time coming up. I really need it and am looking forward to the visits of all of them.
I finished the picture/memory wall on Sunday and it looks really great. Cowboy actually does stop and look at the pictures. I stood there with him today and asked him to identify what the occasion was for some of them and he could remember some things but couldn't a fair number of them. Such a shame to lose the memory of going skiing in Garmisch, West Germany or dressing up as ghosts for a halloween party several years ago, etc. I found a picture on the last day of Cowboy out on the prairie on a horse with cattle in the background. It is tiny black and white photo but really captures a lot of who he is. and then there is the photo of him as a young soldier in black and white sticking his tongue out. He still does that when he is feeling silly and trying to be funny or make a comeback on something that has been said. It says a lot about him.
Will probably make some adjustments to it but feel good about getting it up and going. Still have tons of things to go through but can take my time. I guess I feel it would not be fair for the kids to have to deal with it sometime in the future. I have put together a large envelope for each child and grown grandchild so they can just take them at some point in the future rather than trying to sort through literally hundreds, maybe thousands of pictures. A lot of what is left to sort through are just trips and such that Cowboy and I took and am not sure they would ever even want to go through all of it. I am a bit of a "shutterbug".
Then I did his fingernails. They looked pretty good but were less than clean and we gave him a good manicure. He seems to like the attention and doesn't complain but on the other hand it is hard to get him to keep his hands where they need to be as opposed to his lap or on his legs. It was a process of constantly reminding him to keep them up where I could do my work.
Tomorrow morning I am taking the pup for a grooming and Cowboy for a haircut and breakfast at IHOP.
My daughter arrives at 2:30 from New York. Am really looking forward to her visit. My other daugter will be here over the weekend as well as a grandson so have some family time coming up. I really need it and am looking forward to the visits of all of them.
I finished the picture/memory wall on Sunday and it looks really great. Cowboy actually does stop and look at the pictures. I stood there with him today and asked him to identify what the occasion was for some of them and he could remember some things but couldn't a fair number of them. Such a shame to lose the memory of going skiing in Garmisch, West Germany or dressing up as ghosts for a halloween party several years ago, etc. I found a picture on the last day of Cowboy out on the prairie on a horse with cattle in the background. It is tiny black and white photo but really captures a lot of who he is. and then there is the photo of him as a young soldier in black and white sticking his tongue out. He still does that when he is feeling silly and trying to be funny or make a comeback on something that has been said. It says a lot about him.
Will probably make some adjustments to it but feel good about getting it up and going. Still have tons of things to go through but can take my time. I guess I feel it would not be fair for the kids to have to deal with it sometime in the future. I have put together a large envelope for each child and grown grandchild so they can just take them at some point in the future rather than trying to sort through literally hundreds, maybe thousands of pictures. A lot of what is left to sort through are just trips and such that Cowboy and I took and am not sure they would ever even want to go through all of it. I am a bit of a "shutterbug".
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Saturday, October 20
It has been beautiful weather the last few days. Sunny and warm but not hot.
Thursday we had book club here at our house. I put Cowboy and the dog in the bedroom and turned on the "Price is Right". He was fine until it was over, then he comes out and is kind of wandering around over behind the sitting area listening to our discussion. He went back in the bedroom and then came out again and did the same thing. I sensed maybe he was hoping it would be over any second and we would break up. We managed to just let him do his thing and not worry about him much. Then the dog started barking and we let her out and she just proceeded to make friends with everyone in the room.
We were supposed to go to a pot luck Thursday night and I even prepared my dish. Then I realized I just wasn't up to it so we didn't go.
My help came yesterday instead of Wednesday. While I was getting Cowboy dressed and fixing breakfast at the same time (back and forth, back and forth) I went to the closet. Cowboy has a chair in his closet where he sits and contemplates what he is going to wear. He was sitting in his chair and there was blood all over his foot, his hands and dripping onto the carpet. I grabbed some towels and water and started in and found he had taken a pair of hair cutting scissors and tried to trim a toenail and cut his toe. I got him to the shower and washed it really well, put some antibiotic ointment on it and bandaged his toe. There was blood dripped from the closet to the shower, in the shower and of course on the carpet. I took lots of water and diluted the spots and dabbed them up. It actually came up pretty well. Probably because it didn't have time to soak in.
In the meantime Tracey arrives, my neighbor that walks our dog showed up and breakfast not not on the table. Needless to say I lost some time right up front for my day out.
I went to a lovely ladies coffee and enjoyed that very much. Then I got the car washed, my hair cut, went to Hobby Lobby for some ribbon and then only had time to go the grocery store and then home. whew !
Last night I soaked his foot really well and washed it with this prescription antibiotic soap we had from the last infection he had and put him to bed. This morning his toe looks fine. Will be keeping an eye on it for a few days. I can't think of anything more nightmarish than another bad infection, espectially on his foot.
I had bought some potted mums about 3 weeks ago and one of them lived and the other died so I bought another. I put it in the ground this morning and hope it will live. I need some color.
Had hoped to have time to look for something colorful for the patio but no time.
Will be working on the picture project today and doing laundry.
Cowboy ate a really good breakfast, is on his third cup of coffee and seems in a good humor.
Thursday we had book club here at our house. I put Cowboy and the dog in the bedroom and turned on the "Price is Right". He was fine until it was over, then he comes out and is kind of wandering around over behind the sitting area listening to our discussion. He went back in the bedroom and then came out again and did the same thing. I sensed maybe he was hoping it would be over any second and we would break up. We managed to just let him do his thing and not worry about him much. Then the dog started barking and we let her out and she just proceeded to make friends with everyone in the room.
We were supposed to go to a pot luck Thursday night and I even prepared my dish. Then I realized I just wasn't up to it so we didn't go.
My help came yesterday instead of Wednesday. While I was getting Cowboy dressed and fixing breakfast at the same time (back and forth, back and forth) I went to the closet. Cowboy has a chair in his closet where he sits and contemplates what he is going to wear. He was sitting in his chair and there was blood all over his foot, his hands and dripping onto the carpet. I grabbed some towels and water and started in and found he had taken a pair of hair cutting scissors and tried to trim a toenail and cut his toe. I got him to the shower and washed it really well, put some antibiotic ointment on it and bandaged his toe. There was blood dripped from the closet to the shower, in the shower and of course on the carpet. I took lots of water and diluted the spots and dabbed them up. It actually came up pretty well. Probably because it didn't have time to soak in.
In the meantime Tracey arrives, my neighbor that walks our dog showed up and breakfast not not on the table. Needless to say I lost some time right up front for my day out.
I went to a lovely ladies coffee and enjoyed that very much. Then I got the car washed, my hair cut, went to Hobby Lobby for some ribbon and then only had time to go the grocery store and then home. whew !
Last night I soaked his foot really well and washed it with this prescription antibiotic soap we had from the last infection he had and put him to bed. This morning his toe looks fine. Will be keeping an eye on it for a few days. I can't think of anything more nightmarish than another bad infection, espectially on his foot.
I had bought some potted mums about 3 weeks ago and one of them lived and the other died so I bought another. I put it in the ground this morning and hope it will live. I need some color.
Had hoped to have time to look for something colorful for the patio but no time.
Will be working on the picture project today and doing laundry.
Cowboy ate a really good breakfast, is on his third cup of coffee and seems in a good humor.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, October 17
When Cowboy and I got the church on Monday he wanted to carry in my violin. I gave it to him and we walked the half block to the entrance to their recreation hall. Then he got weak and started stumbling around and nearly fell down. I managed to catch him and then a nice lady showed up with a chair. I suspect his blood sugar was low. He wouldn't eat at lunch except for a banana saying he was not hungry. He sat through the program and even sang along some of the time and seemed to enjoy himself.
Today we drove to the VA center in a neighboring town and he had what I think is the last evaluation on the pending open issues. It is unlikely we will get the 100% rating we were hoping for. The VA does not classify dementia as being service realted. There is a lot of evidence that it might be more prevalent in those with diabetes but not yet proven. I got the impression we are going to stay at 80%. The only reason I care is the tax advantage of 100% being it eliminates your property taxes. That represents a good bit of money. We won't know until the regional office reviews things but I suspect we have gotten all we will get from the VA in the way of benefit.
It was after noon when we were done so I stopped for us to have a bite before driving back. We were going into the restaurant and he saw a plain navy car that needed washing and had a number of "dings" and he said "pretty car, isn't it?". Where on earth did that come from? I just agree and go on. No use getting into a discussion about it.
Two nights ago he was up during the night rummaging around in my makeup drawer. I heard him, woke up and asked him what he was doing and he said looking for some nail clippers.
Last night he woke me up yelling "you can do it ! you can do it ! Come on, Donna, you can do it!" Then he got out of bed and was playing with the drapes and getting back in bed and then back out and playing with the drapes and then back in bed again and back to sleep. I have no idea what Donna he was referring to but the pianist I am working with is named Donna.
He couldn't tell the doc today hardly anything he asked but he did know his rank and the last four of his social security number. He seems rather disconnected a good deal of the time.
Today we drove to the VA center in a neighboring town and he had what I think is the last evaluation on the pending open issues. It is unlikely we will get the 100% rating we were hoping for. The VA does not classify dementia as being service realted. There is a lot of evidence that it might be more prevalent in those with diabetes but not yet proven. I got the impression we are going to stay at 80%. The only reason I care is the tax advantage of 100% being it eliminates your property taxes. That represents a good bit of money. We won't know until the regional office reviews things but I suspect we have gotten all we will get from the VA in the way of benefit.
It was after noon when we were done so I stopped for us to have a bite before driving back. We were going into the restaurant and he saw a plain navy car that needed washing and had a number of "dings" and he said "pretty car, isn't it?". Where on earth did that come from? I just agree and go on. No use getting into a discussion about it.
Two nights ago he was up during the night rummaging around in my makeup drawer. I heard him, woke up and asked him what he was doing and he said looking for some nail clippers.
Last night he woke me up yelling "you can do it ! you can do it ! Come on, Donna, you can do it!" Then he got out of bed and was playing with the drapes and getting back in bed and then back out and playing with the drapes and then back in bed again and back to sleep. I have no idea what Donna he was referring to but the pianist I am working with is named Donna.
He couldn't tell the doc today hardly anything he asked but he did know his rank and the last four of his social security number. He seems rather disconnected a good deal of the time.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 15
Cowboy is getting more involved with the TV than I like. He insists at all times of controlling the remote and he constantly gets things all fouled up and then he gets frustrated.
Yesterday AM I came into the living room and he was taking the remote apart and trying to get the battery out. Seemed to think that would help. Then, this morning, he was banging it on the table when it wouldn't do what he wanted. Really have to watch him and make sure he doesn't get all tangled up and then frustrated.
I continue to work on the picture project. Spent quite a bit of time on it yesterday. I just love looking at pictures of Cowboy when he was younger. He was (and still is) so handsome. He looks great in his uniform, on his motorcycle, on a horse, all dressed up, playing with the kids, playing with our pets.
I have a busy week this week and then my daughter arrives next Tueday. We go to the VA again this Wednesday for an evaluation. That will take most of the day so I changed my day out til Friday.
Am off shortly to go play with the band. Am taking Cowboy with me. It is a beautiful day.
Yesterday AM I came into the living room and he was taking the remote apart and trying to get the battery out. Seemed to think that would help. Then, this morning, he was banging it on the table when it wouldn't do what he wanted. Really have to watch him and make sure he doesn't get all tangled up and then frustrated.
I continue to work on the picture project. Spent quite a bit of time on it yesterday. I just love looking at pictures of Cowboy when he was younger. He was (and still is) so handsome. He looks great in his uniform, on his motorcycle, on a horse, all dressed up, playing with the kids, playing with our pets.
I have a busy week this week and then my daughter arrives next Tueday. We go to the VA again this Wednesday for an evaluation. That will take most of the day so I changed my day out til Friday.
Am off shortly to go play with the band. Am taking Cowboy with me. It is a beautiful day.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thursday, October 11
We face problems around here that weren't there before Cowboy became ill. He will not stop feeding the dog. This morning he would take a bite of his eggs and then give the dog a bite, then take a bite of his biscuit and then give the dog a bite. Once he even put the fork he was eating with down to have the dog eat off of it ! I have asked and asked him not to do it but he continues. Come lunchtime the dog got part of his sandwich. If she is not right there by the table he will call her. The problem this particular dog will eat anything and will eat until she pops. It concerns me.
Yesterday I bought some chocolates in small boxes to use as thank you gifts. I turn around and Cowboy has opened one of the boxes and proceeded to eat the candy. I guess it is my fault. I didn't put them away or tell them not to eat them (the latter probably would not have worked anyway).
Cowboy is pretty good at ignoring me when he chooses. It can be anything from go brush your teeth to don't feed the dog to don't leave the door open, etc.
Yesterday I bought some chocolates in small boxes to use as thank you gifts. I turn around and Cowboy has opened one of the boxes and proceeded to eat the candy. I guess it is my fault. I didn't put them away or tell them not to eat them (the latter probably would not have worked anyway).
Cowboy is pretty good at ignoring me when he chooses. It can be anything from go brush your teeth to don't feed the dog to don't leave the door open, etc.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 10
Monday I got a call and the stained glass transom is finished. They came by Monday night and installed it. That means that everything is done except the gate and the photo/memory wall. I think by the first of next week everything will be finished. That is good, given that I have company coming later this month and the holidays are fast approaching.
Cowboy is pretty passive about everything that is going on but I think he really likes the patio and so does the dog.
It feels good to have some things finished after so long.
Sunday was a good day and a bad day. We enjoyed a nice breakfast, reading the newspaper etc. We went to a chili supper Sunday night. On the way out of the building I tripped over a concrete parking stop and fell. Well, I now have a scraped knee and a very sore body but no big harm done. My hands were sore and swollen on Monday but have resolved now.
Then on the way home I hit a deer. It was a small animal and I just clipped it but when I got home I had to really check over the car and found only a bit of blood and some hair. I hope the deer only ended up sore as well but will never know.
I practiced on Tuesday with the new pianist and we had a great time. Cowboy was up and trying to dance to Tennessee Waltz. It was absolutely wonderful to see. I never cease to be amazed the effect of music on his mood and behavior.
Today Tracey came and I went to the base and bought up everything in sight. I stocked up on paper goods, soap, canned goods, etc. It can be a challenge to find room for it all when I get home. Tracey helped me put things away. I also found a really cool laptop case at a very good price, so all and all a good day.
Cowboy ate good today and is now in the shower. Need to go help him get out and get creamed up, etc.
Cowboy is pretty passive about everything that is going on but I think he really likes the patio and so does the dog.
It feels good to have some things finished after so long.
Sunday was a good day and a bad day. We enjoyed a nice breakfast, reading the newspaper etc. We went to a chili supper Sunday night. On the way out of the building I tripped over a concrete parking stop and fell. Well, I now have a scraped knee and a very sore body but no big harm done. My hands were sore and swollen on Monday but have resolved now.
Then on the way home I hit a deer. It was a small animal and I just clipped it but when I got home I had to really check over the car and found only a bit of blood and some hair. I hope the deer only ended up sore as well but will never know.
I practiced on Tuesday with the new pianist and we had a great time. Cowboy was up and trying to dance to Tennessee Waltz. It was absolutely wonderful to see. I never cease to be amazed the effect of music on his mood and behavior.
Today Tracey came and I went to the base and bought up everything in sight. I stocked up on paper goods, soap, canned goods, etc. It can be a challenge to find room for it all when I get home. Tracey helped me put things away. I also found a really cool laptop case at a very good price, so all and all a good day.
Cowboy ate good today and is now in the shower. Need to go help him get out and get creamed up, etc.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Sunday, October 7
It turned chilly yesterday. Didn't get above 60. It will be back in the 80's by tomorrow. Will be great weather for the patio. Yes, it is finished ! Well, almost. The gate is not up. The furniture is put together, thanks to a handyman, and I have a makeshift gate, thanks to a neighbor, and we are ready to let Cowboy and the pup spend some time outside. We should have really good weather for a couple of months anyway.
Still waiting on the stained glass transom. Three weeks ago they said it would be 2 weeks so hopefully soon. Once that is in and the wall is finished I will feel like we have finished all the projects I envisioned early this year. I guess then I will make a new list.
We have a new neighbor who plays piano beautifully and she and I are going to try to so some things together. She came over Thursday and we practiced. Cowboy really seemed to enjoy it. Mostly easy listening stuff. When we did Tennessee waltz he got up and kind of danced around. It is true, what they say about dementia patients responding to music.
The picture project continues and keeps growing legs. The guest room is top to bottom with piles. It is fun, and sad, and joyous and heart bursting. So many memories. Sometimes Cowboy will wander in and I will show him a picture. Yesterday I found a picture of a german shepard dog he had many years ago named Buddy. He actually responded to it a little bit. Also, he had this big red pontiac convertible and I found a picture of it. These things were before my time but he has spoken of them with pride and happiness. I may be at this for a month but it has needed doing for a very long time so why not now?
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit later this month. Haven't seen her in a year and am looking forward to it.
It is 8:40 and Cowboy is still asleep but he will be up soon. I am fixing blueberry pancakes and sausage for him this morning. Just about his favorite meal.
Still waiting on the stained glass transom. Three weeks ago they said it would be 2 weeks so hopefully soon. Once that is in and the wall is finished I will feel like we have finished all the projects I envisioned early this year. I guess then I will make a new list.
We have a new neighbor who plays piano beautifully and she and I are going to try to so some things together. She came over Thursday and we practiced. Cowboy really seemed to enjoy it. Mostly easy listening stuff. When we did Tennessee waltz he got up and kind of danced around. It is true, what they say about dementia patients responding to music.
The picture project continues and keeps growing legs. The guest room is top to bottom with piles. It is fun, and sad, and joyous and heart bursting. So many memories. Sometimes Cowboy will wander in and I will show him a picture. Yesterday I found a picture of a german shepard dog he had many years ago named Buddy. He actually responded to it a little bit. Also, he had this big red pontiac convertible and I found a picture of it. These things were before my time but he has spoken of them with pride and happiness. I may be at this for a month but it has needed doing for a very long time so why not now?
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit later this month. Haven't seen her in a year and am looking forward to it.
It is 8:40 and Cowboy is still asleep but he will be up soon. I am fixing blueberry pancakes and sausage for him this morning. Just about his favorite meal.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday, October 2
Cowboy is sleeping pretty well but he has been talking in his sleep a lot. Sometimes shouting would be more descriptive. Can't always tell what is going on but last night he had this conversation with someone for quite a while. He was speaking clearly and making perfect sense. Sometimes when he is awake he talks and you get garbled up words and can't make it out.
It has been pretty quiet the last few days. I have been working on pictures. Mercy, it is amazing how many we have. I am weeding out and eliminating the old worn out albums. Everyone will have an envelope with their pics and we can look at them together when they visit. It is going to be hard to narrow it down and pick the right ones for the wall. Well, it keeps me out of trouble and I am definitely not bored.
Went to Bunco last night. A very nice neighbor down the street sat with Cowboy. It was fun and I laughed a lot. good therapy.
The weather is beautiful but the patio is still not finished. Hopefully in a couple more days.
It has been pretty quiet the last few days. I have been working on pictures. Mercy, it is amazing how many we have. I am weeding out and eliminating the old worn out albums. Everyone will have an envelope with their pics and we can look at them together when they visit. It is going to be hard to narrow it down and pick the right ones for the wall. Well, it keeps me out of trouble and I am definitely not bored.
Went to Bunco last night. A very nice neighbor down the street sat with Cowboy. It was fun and I laughed a lot. good therapy.
The weather is beautiful but the patio is still not finished. Hopefully in a couple more days.
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