Wednesday, November 28

I have to wonder if there is someone somewhere who is studying and analyzing the behaviors associated with Lewy Body dementia.  How is it the same as Alheimers?  How is it different?

Cowboy got up Sunday morning and took a bath and put on a nice red shirt and added his most expensive, most elaborate bolo tie.  It is a heavy silver with several turqoise  and coral stones and a bear claw.  Probably worth around $600.  He put up so tight on his neck was afraid he would choke.  He had not had it on in probably 3 years.

We went to McDonalds and to the grocery store with him rather dressed up.  If it makes him happy, I am happy.

He wore it on Monday and then on Tuesday he added a belt buckle of similar type and worth.  He has been wearing both since.  I asked him this morning if he was going somewhere and he said "yes" but couldn't tell me where.  There were no plans for him to go out today.

Tracey came this morning.  I am finding that 9 to 3 is more time than I can normally fill.  Am thinking about cutting it down to 5 hours instead of 6 beginning with the new year.  That would reduce my cost by $70 a month without really reducing the amount of time I normally need to get everything done.  Could always increase when I need to.  I am seldom ready when Tracy gets here.  Am still fixing breakfast and getting ready to go out.  I might make that change.

I have a neighbor coming Saturday morning so I can go to dulcimer practice.  Am thinking I will buy all my helpers a nice bottle of wine before Christmas.

I concentrated today on getting my pedicure, the car washed, and made a trip to Academy Sports looking for a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, a wind up radio and a pocket knife for our emergency kit.  Not much luck but did come home with an industtrial flashlight.

Went to WalMart and got some groceries.  Was home at 2:15.

Tuesday, November 26

It's been strange few days.  Cowboy has done a lot of wandering.  I took the dog for a walk yesterday for about 15 minutes and when I came back he was down the street just walking along, looking for me.

Today I went to pick up some plastic bags at the city for recycling and when I got back to the car he was no where to be found.  I nearly panicked.  I looked all over and finally went back into the building where I had been and asked and they said he had come through there so I found him back out near the front door.  He was looking for me again.

We also went over and dropped off food for the local food bank, got gas and took some books to the library.    He stayed in the car but I was only gone about 1 or 2 minutes.

For a long time, I could do a quick errand and leave him in the car and he would be there when I got back.  Guess that is changing. 

I took Cowboy to McDonalds Sunday and then to the grocery store with me.  He didn't even want to walk around so I put him on a bench near the restrooms and dashed around.  This is not working very well anymore.  I just worry he will get up and wander off.

Tomorrow is my day out.  I am going to gather supplies to update our emergency kit and get a pedicure.  Not sure what else.

Friday, November 23rd

Tuesday we took the dog to the groomer.  She was a bit of a mess from being sick.  I tried to keep her clean  but she still had this pink around her mouth from the pepto bismol.  Thank goodness she is all better.

Cowboy got a haircut.  I don't know what he told the barber but it appears he is trying to grow his hair out a bit.  At the moment it is sticking up all over his head, sort of like some of these young guys wear it.

I had my day out Wednesday.  There was no way I was going to brave the grocery store.  I went to Office Depot and got a calculator and mouse pad.  I had a combination one but it hasn't worked since my accountant daughter was here and used it.  (are you taking note, dear?)  Probably was on the edge and she sent it over.  I had it a long time.

Went to Michaels and found some things on half price.  Gee, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet.  I am going to do a greatly pared down Christmas decor this year.  Just don't have it in me to get all the stuff out.  Between my hand hurting and my neck and arm hurting and just hurting in general everywhere it just isn't going to happen.  I bought a really small tree and some really small ornaments to put on the bar.  Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to decorate.

We are doing a dulcimer concert at the library next month and went looking for a Christmas shirt to wear.  Came up empty.  Not a big deal.  I have a couple of them in my drawer.  Thought something new would be nice but not a biggy.

We heard from all the daughters and some of the grown grandchildren yesterday.  We had been invited up but opted not to go.

I cooked some cornish hen, stuffing, sweet potatoes, relish and pumpkin pie.  Cowboy ate pretty well.  He even ate some of the stuffing and the last time I prepared it he wouldn't touch it.  I never know.

At one point yesterday I mentioned my little tree didn't have any lights.  Just a comment.  In a few  minutes Cowboy asked me where my car keys were.  I told him they were in my purse, but why did he want to know.  He didn't answer me, just went and got them.  He then stood in the kitchen taking the keys off the keyring.  I asked him what he was doing and he told me he was going to fix me some lights for the tree.  Very interesting they ways his brain doesn't work.  I just never know what he is going to say or try to do.   I explained to him I didn't want any lights and took the keys from him.

Cowboy said he was tired and went to bed last night about 7:30.  I tucked him in and caught up on my recorded programs.

We are having a quiet day today.  I am catching up on some correspodence.  Started tinkering with some of the Christmas decor.

Monday, November 19

Other than getting medicine down the dog, which she doesn't like at all, we have had a quiet couple of days. 

I took Cowboy with me to the grocery store Sunday morning.  It was about 11AM.  The place was a madhouse.  Of course, Cowboy immediately decided he needed to use the bathroom.  I got him there and then sat him down on a bench and dashed about the store and got a few things. 

Today the cleaning crew came and got the floors done.  This afternoon I prepared some food and we had some neighbors over to celebrate the new patio.  We had wine, devilled eggs, cocktail weinies and the usual dips and veggies, chips, etc.  A nice time.  I think it is good for Cowboy to have interaction with folks and about the only way to accomplish it is to have people in or to take him out and that is getting more and more difficult.

I guess it is time to get started on Christmas stuff.  Need to up the outdoor things this week and go through and make sure have everything I need.  Am going to keep it pretty low key and simple this year.

Grandson called today about our coming to their house for Thanksgiving but we have decided not to make the trip.  Just don't think either one of us is up to it.  Three hours each way, heavy traffic, the early shopping traffic getting home.  Not worth it.  Will miss seeing the little ones.  He tells me they will come down between now and Christmas. 

Tomorrow morning I am taking the dog to the groomer and Cowboy to the barber shop. 

Friday, November 16

On my day out on Wednesday I went and got groceries and brought them back and then a friend picked me up and we went to a new place for lunch and then checked out some gift shops and an art and frame shop.  A good relaxing time.

Wednesday afternoon our dog started throwing up and that was followed by diarrhea which turned into a bloody mess.  By the time it reached the stage that we were concerned it was after vet office hours so we took her to the all night animal hospital in a neighboring town.  It was probably about 8 when we got there and about 10 when we got home.  Way past Cowboy's bedtime.  We were both exhausted.  Turned out to be colitis which means medication, bland food and pepto for a few days.  What a mess it has been to clean up after her. 

When bedtime came she wanted on the bed and I wasn't big on that but finally got an old quilt and put her up next to me and she settled down and slept.  Later she wanted up and a bit later I put her on the quilt next to the bed.  Long exhausting night.  Cowboy just slept through it all.

Yesterday the band played for an appreciation luncheon for the volunteers of one of the dementia day care groups here locally.  They invited us to have lunch and then to play for them.  It was at a local country club.  A friend sat with Cowboy and I did the luncheon and gig.  It was a good experience.

This morning we drove to Lowe's to get the correct size toilet seat for the handyman to install tomorrow.  He came last night and I learned I had bought the wrong one.  I also learned our electrical stuff is a mess.  Our water softener was on a circuit that trips and it had not been working since we had the patio built and the workmen tripped it with their tools.  Now need to get all of that straightened out.  There are times I really wish I had a better grasp of all of these "man jobs" that Cowboy always took care of.

The dog is much better now but still not 100%.  I am quite sure it resulted from all the things Cowboy feeds her that he shouldn't.  I am just going to have to get mean about it I guess.

Monday, November 12

We had an uneventful weekend.  I have been puttering around the house quite a bit, doing little projects.

I actually took a nap today.  I am not sleeping well and guess I needed it.  As long can watch the shows he likes and stay engaged he does pretty well but I still worry when I am not right there.

I told him I bought a lock for the patio gate so our pup could not get out and he liked that idea and actuallty took part in getting it on the gate.  I have been asked if I think he might climb over but I really don't think so.  It is a ways down.

I invited some neighbors over next Monday to "christen" our patio.  Am looking forward to focusing on something positive and hope the weather cooperates.  Will fix some appetizers and serve wine.  Nothing too complicated.

Cowboy's oldest called us yesterday to commenmorate Veterans Day.  That was nice.  They plan to come down for his birthday in April.

I fixed Cowboy barbequed chicken and baked beans tonight and it is time for dinner.

Friday, November 9

Cowboy seems to be claiming the patio for himself.  He has rearranged the pillows, the pots, etc.  He decided every table needs a pot so we went back to the store for more soil and located some pots in the garage.  I watched him tenderly handle each flower as he put them in the pots and then he instructed me where to put them.  He is really taking an interest and it is great to see.  He is so apathetic about so many things now.

I saw him out there yesterday sitting on the couch and holding a pillow in his lap trying to decide where it should go.  (this is a fellow that has always disliked pillows and complained about them)

He also decided we needed to go downtown to get his watch fixed.  I asked him where downtown and he said where we bought the watch.  I bought him the watch in Branson, Mo several years ago and I explained that to him and then went to a jeweler who got it set for him.  He was very patient with Cowboy explaining the watch.  It is very complicated.  It has a regular analog time, a military time, a day and a year on all these little dials.  He picked it out, not me.

Today we go play a gig at an Alzheimer's Day Care.  I am taking Cowboy and then maybe we will go find him a nice hamburger.

Wednesday, November 7

Yesterday after breakfast Cowboy wanted more coffee.  Shortly he was cussin' and yelling and I discovered he has spilled a complete cup of coffee on him, the chair, the rug and the tile floor.   We got it all cleaned up and a new cup of coffee for him but I had a bit of mess on the new rug.  Fortunately it is brown so I am thinking we may have a minimal visible issue.  Will have to arrange to have it cleaned but I think we got a good deal of it up.  I could tell he felt a bit bad about the whole thing.

We went so I could vote in the PM and then we went to Lowe's and bought some pansies.  I let him take the lead and he picked all yellow with purple centers.  He had said he wanted 4 plants in each of 3 pots which is 12 plants but then insisted we buy  two flats which is 24 plants.

It turned into a lovely afternoon.  The weather was beautiful, he was really into planting the pansies and I let him do the whole job.  He seemed to really enjoy the whole thing and we now have 3 large pots with 4 pansies in each pot on our patio.  I don't know what we are going to do with the rest of them.

Today Tracy came and I had my day out.  I went and got some things at the drug store, then went to Kohl's to see what I could spend a 30% off coupon on.  Couldn't find much, but did buy a holiday guest towel and some little clear glass angels that light up with different colors.  I seem to be drawn to angels this year.

I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon but didn't come up with anything.  Don't seem to be into shopping today.

I had seen a really pretty lighted angel for outdoor Christmas decor at Garden Ridge so went back and bought it.  Most of what we had was thrown away last year.  Two reasons:  it was in poor condition and I  couldn't do the set up by myself.  I think I can set the angel up by myself without difficulty.

I then treated myself to lunch at Applebee's .  They have a lunch of soup and salad that is smaller portions and is very tasty.  It seems strange to go into a sit down restaurant alone but I enjoyed the lunch.

Back to town and to the grocery store and then home. 

Cowboy asked me about his watch (which I had kind of forgotten about) and was upset that I had not taken it "downtown" to have it repaired.  I apologized and promised we would take it Friday.  I have a gig Friday at 11 and am thinking we will take the watch to a jeweler after that. 

Talked to our youngest daughter last night and invited them for Thanksgiving  but she has to work the day after (German company, different rules).

Today I talked to one of our grandsons but they are expecting company  and invited us up there.  I am not really sure Cowboy could handle a three hour each way trip to their place, so guess will come up with something here at home.

This afternoon Cowboy spent a lot of time in the guest bathroom and presented me with a pair of soiled shorts afterward.  I wish I could him to wear the throwaways.  The laundry issues are a pain.

Monday, November 5

The last couple of days have been a challenge.  Cowboy seems confused a good deal of the time.  I was setting the clocks yesterday and he didn't seem to know what was going on.   I explained it several times and then he decided to change his watch.  He couldn't figure out how and decided it was broken and wanted to "go downtown" and find somebody to fix it. He saw me with a small box in my hands and told me to empty it so he could put his watch in it to take it "downtown".  I explained it was Sunday and put him off.  Unfortunately, the darn thing is so complicated I don't know how to set it.  Now he has forgotten about it.

Last night he decided to close the shade on the patio door and fell.  He hit his head and seemed a little dazed but then announced he was fine and just sat there for the longest.  I was just going to call a neighbor when he decided to try to get up.  I told him to wait and he shouted at me and said he could get up.  With some time, struggle and my helping him as best I could we got him on his feet.

He insists he does not hurt, is not dizzy, doesn't need any attention.

We got him a good bath and creamed down last night.  His skin is rather dry.

This morning he slept until about 9 and then came out of the bedroom in his undershorts wanting to know where the fire was.  There has not even been a siren around here for several days. 

I told him to get dressed and instead he got in the shower and took another bath this morning.  The bath ritual seems to be either feast or famine.  He either won't take one or he takes more than he should.

We got him dressed and I fixed him breakfast. It included 3 sausages which he promptly fed to the dog.  I tried to talk to him and explain he was going to kill her.  He just looks at me.  A lot of the time I will ask him to stop feeding her and he completely ignores me.  I am seriously concerned about her health.  He needs protein at all meals and usually that is eggs.  He feeds those to her too.

He then went to his chair.  He asked for more coffee.  After I poured it he informed me it wasn't full enough.  He has a tendency to splash it so I don't fill it extra full.  He insisted I put more coffee in the cup so I did.

Saturday, November 3

Halloween has come and gone and tonight is the change from daylight savings time.  My, how time does fly !

Had a Dr.'s appointment Tuesday.  He is referring me to a specialist about my hand.  It just hurts all the time and isn't getting better.  He thinks it is possible a cortisone shot may solve the problem but if not, maybe surgery.  I don't even want to think about it.

Had my day out Wednesday and just kind of piddled around.  Got a pedicure and went to a shopping center and bought a couple of bowls.  I had given some old dishes to my youngest daughter and I gave her the bowls that went with them so was a bit short on serving bowls. 

I don't feel like I have been at all productive this week.  Think am just recovering from last week and all the company.

Cowboy seems a bit out of it this week.  Think he is a bit tired as well.  He is having more and more trouble getting around.  I worry all the time that he will fall.

Both Cowboy and the pup are enjoying the patio.  The weather is pleasant and they spend part of every day out in the fresh air and sunshine.

Paid bills today and did the laundry.  Looking forward to a quiet Sunday.