I had just stepped out of the shower and phone rang this morning. Seems Cowboy and a fellow named Donald had an "altercation". The head nurse said Cowboy and Donald had landed some punches and kicks to each other but neither was hurt. They have a protocol where this means for the next 72 hours each of them will be checked on every 15 minutes. OK, I understand that. I actually feel kind of bad that they have that extra task to add to their rather crowded list of things to do every day.
When I get to the home, after I chatted with Cowboy for a bit, I ask him about the incident. He said the fellow tried to crawl into bed with him and he told him no and asked him to leave. Donald didn't. So Cowboy kicked him out of the bed. I am sure I shouldn't feel this way but I found the whole thing kind of funny. Nobody messes with "Cowboy". I am so glad no one was hurt.
Cowboy told me if he tried it again he was going to "kick his ass". One more thing to keep me awake at night. Actually I suspect it is a non event. I know Donald and he is always wandering around and walking into other people's rooms and is just completely out of it.
We had a nice visit today and Cowboy went outside for a while. It is unseasonably warm, but that is not all bad. Awfully windy though. They had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, a roll and a brownie for lunch plus he had water, tea and milk. Mercy, it is a lot of food. I need to ask if Cowboy is gaining weight.
I came home after lunch and felt rather bad so laid down for a nap and then found I was having stomach cramps. Oh Lord, I hope I am not taking something !
Better tonight so probably nothing.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 28
Sunday was a nice day. Although it was cloudy and gray outside it was not cold. When I arrived at the home one of the aides told me that Cowboy had asked her to give him a bath and shave him and get him all dressed because "my wife is coming today". wow...what was that about. I always tell him when I leave when I will return and I had told him on Thursday that I would be back Sunday. I guess he remembered that and remembered me. Anyway, he was all nice and dressed and shaved and happy to see me.
I took the dog with me on Sunday and she just charmed some of the fellows. They try to pet her and she just skitters around and won't settle down but they just smile and call to her and seem to enjoy her being there.
While Cowboy was eating his lunch I had the pup under the table and wasn't paying much attention to her and first thing you know I notice a fellow at the next table was feeding her green beans. She was just lapping them up and he was so pleased.
After lunch we walked around outside for a few minutes and Cowboy really seems to enjoy the fresh air and what little sunshined there was. He gets tired very quickly.
Cowboy's room is awfully warm a lot of the time. I am not sure that is the best thing but he doesn't seem to mind. I nearly cook in there.
This morning I had to go back for more pictures as a follow up to my mammogram. About every three years they seem to feel like they need a second look so I wasn't concerned. It took all morning for a second mammogram and then an ultra sound and the a consultation with the doc but all is A-OK.
I actually made some headway today on my pile of to do's. My office is beginning to look more organized and tidy.
I took the dog with me on Sunday and she just charmed some of the fellows. They try to pet her and she just skitters around and won't settle down but they just smile and call to her and seem to enjoy her being there.
While Cowboy was eating his lunch I had the pup under the table and wasn't paying much attention to her and first thing you know I notice a fellow at the next table was feeding her green beans. She was just lapping them up and he was so pleased.
After lunch we walked around outside for a few minutes and Cowboy really seems to enjoy the fresh air and what little sunshined there was. He gets tired very quickly.
Cowboy's room is awfully warm a lot of the time. I am not sure that is the best thing but he doesn't seem to mind. I nearly cook in there.
This morning I had to go back for more pictures as a follow up to my mammogram. About every three years they seem to feel like they need a second look so I wasn't concerned. It took all morning for a second mammogram and then an ultra sound and the a consultation with the doc but all is A-OK.
I actually made some headway today on my pile of to do's. My office is beginning to look more organized and tidy.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Saturday, January 26
It has been beautiful the past few days, but got up this morning to drizzle and chill. But it is supposed to warm right back up again. We have been setting some records. Got into the 80's one day this week.
I went to see Cowboy Thursday. I went early because needed to go to the base too. Cowboy was sitting out in the common area with about a half dozen fellows, watching TV and visiting. The staff said he had been there since breakfast. This is good. He seems to be willing to socialize a bit and get to know folks.
We were sitting there on a sofa and he said "You see that guy over there?" He pointed to a fellow that I had seen often. He always has on a Viet Nam Veteran cap and is always wearing a jacket. He wanders around inside and then goes outside and wanders around some more. Cowboy said "He's crazy." I don't think he quite gets that all the clients have mental problems to one degree or another.
The program director came in about 10 and was talking to the guys and starting to do some kind of game. I talked with him a bit. He is really super with these guys.
I went on to do my shopping at the base and then home. Just lifting the heavy bags from the car are a painful process. May have to quit buying more than 5 cans at a time or something.
I took the dog to the groomer yesterday and she looks great. Think I will take her with me tomorrow to see her "Daddy". When I was leaving Thursday ran into a lady in the hall who had two papillons. They were just gorgeous. She was headed back to the memory unit with them. They are therapy dogs. She had encountered Cowboy that last time she came. There is one thing I know for sure. Our pooch would not make a therapy dog. She is much too excitable. But the guys really like her. She will lick their hands and try to make friends with them. I just know it is unlikely she would sit there or get on their lap or anything like that.
We had dulcimer practice this morning. I think we are going to do well with the concert.
I went to see Cowboy Thursday. I went early because needed to go to the base too. Cowboy was sitting out in the common area with about a half dozen fellows, watching TV and visiting. The staff said he had been there since breakfast. This is good. He seems to be willing to socialize a bit and get to know folks.
We were sitting there on a sofa and he said "You see that guy over there?" He pointed to a fellow that I had seen often. He always has on a Viet Nam Veteran cap and is always wearing a jacket. He wanders around inside and then goes outside and wanders around some more. Cowboy said "He's crazy." I don't think he quite gets that all the clients have mental problems to one degree or another.
The program director came in about 10 and was talking to the guys and starting to do some kind of game. I talked with him a bit. He is really super with these guys.
I went on to do my shopping at the base and then home. Just lifting the heavy bags from the car are a painful process. May have to quit buying more than 5 cans at a time or something.
I took the dog to the groomer yesterday and she looks great. Think I will take her with me tomorrow to see her "Daddy". When I was leaving Thursday ran into a lady in the hall who had two papillons. They were just gorgeous. She was headed back to the memory unit with them. They are therapy dogs. She had encountered Cowboy that last time she came. There is one thing I know for sure. Our pooch would not make a therapy dog. She is much too excitable. But the guys really like her. She will lick their hands and try to make friends with them. I just know it is unlikely she would sit there or get on their lap or anything like that.
We had dulcimer practice this morning. I think we are going to do well with the concert.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, January 23
I spent some time Monday going to a neighborhood meeting. I am still the neighborhood emergency coordinator and a block captain. I like being involved and knowing what is going on
I went and got a haircut and then went to see Cowboy on Tuesday. He knew my name and seemed really glad to see me. I watched him eat lunch and then we went for another walk today. He seems a little stronger and able to move around. Maybe the warm weather is a good stimulus.
When I came home I walked the dog a long way and then settled in for a little TV and reading.
I designated today to catch up on laundry and did a little housework. It took most of the day but did get out and get gas and get the car washed. Had a sandwich at SubWay. Worked on taxes some today too. ugh !
I will be going to see Cowboy tomorrow early so can make a trip to the base to pick up some basics. I suspect that is all I will get done.
I went and got a haircut and then went to see Cowboy on Tuesday. He knew my name and seemed really glad to see me. I watched him eat lunch and then we went for another walk today. He seems a little stronger and able to move around. Maybe the warm weather is a good stimulus.
When I came home I walked the dog a long way and then settled in for a little TV and reading.
I designated today to catch up on laundry and did a little housework. It took most of the day but did get out and get gas and get the car washed. Had a sandwich at SubWay. Worked on taxes some today too. ugh !
I will be going to see Cowboy tomorrow early so can make a trip to the base to pick up some basics. I suspect that is all I will get done.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday, January 20
The weather yesterday and today has been beautiful. Here in the middle of January, go figure !
I took the dog and walked a long time yesterday afternoon. She had a ball but got tired at the end. (me too)
I went to see Cowboy today. I finally took a multi-picture frame and managed to get it hung without breaking it. We watched TV, read the paper (he looked at the comics). They brought his lunch so I watched him eat and snitched a tiny bit of his roast beef. He had left it. Still isn't liking the taste of beef I think. He ate everything else.
We went outside and walked around a little bit. He used his walker but still seemed tired after a very short time. We just took our time, then sat on a bench for a while.
Today was very hard for me because I could tell something was a little different. Out of intuition I asked him if he knew my name. He thought about it, seemed confused and then said he did not. I told him my name was Lena Sue but he could call me Sweetheart. He just smiled.
I asked him if he knew his childrens names. He said yes and when I asked what they were he said Jamie and Louise. We do not have children, grandchildren or great grandchildren with those names. Don't have a clue why he said that. A good deal of the time today he seemed to be in some dream world of his own.
I stayed about 3 hours and came home. Walked the dog again. The walks really help me to cope and she loves it. Good for both of us.
I took the dog and walked a long time yesterday afternoon. She had a ball but got tired at the end. (me too)
I went to see Cowboy today. I finally took a multi-picture frame and managed to get it hung without breaking it. We watched TV, read the paper (he looked at the comics). They brought his lunch so I watched him eat and snitched a tiny bit of his roast beef. He had left it. Still isn't liking the taste of beef I think. He ate everything else.
We went outside and walked around a little bit. He used his walker but still seemed tired after a very short time. We just took our time, then sat on a bench for a while.
Today was very hard for me because I could tell something was a little different. Out of intuition I asked him if he knew my name. He thought about it, seemed confused and then said he did not. I told him my name was Lena Sue but he could call me Sweetheart. He just smiled.
I asked him if he knew his childrens names. He said yes and when I asked what they were he said Jamie and Louise. We do not have children, grandchildren or great grandchildren with those names. Don't have a clue why he said that. A good deal of the time today he seemed to be in some dream world of his own.
I stayed about 3 hours and came home. Walked the dog again. The walks really help me to cope and she loves it. Good for both of us.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday, January 19
I went over to see Cowboy on Thursday. There is nothing wrong with his telephone. I asked him why he didn't answer. He said he "didn't want to". Not sure this is going to work the way I wanted.
It was a beautiful day. There was a singer there in the afternoon but he didn't seem interested at all.....and it was country music ! We went outside and walked around for a while til he got tired. He really enjoyed being out.
Yesterday I had a mammogram done, just routine...every year like clockwork. I then went to a ladies coffee. There must have been about 25 ladies there and I was able to stay the whole time and didn't have to rush home. I am a very social person and I really enjoy visiting with others. Our neighborhood is going to have a table at the spring garage sale. It is a good place to donate some things I have in a pile in the garage.
I went into town and took a bunch of bullets to the gun store for them to use at the range. Part of my cleaning out around here. Then I went to got a pedicure and went to a pizza place and ate a slice of pizza. Spent the rest of the afternoon trying to catch up a little on my TV programs I record.
This morning I am off to rehearsal with the dulcimer group. We have a concert next month. It is supposed to be about 70 this afternoon. I see a long walk in my dogs day.
It was a beautiful day. There was a singer there in the afternoon but he didn't seem interested at all.....and it was country music ! We went outside and walked around for a while til he got tired. He really enjoyed being out.
Yesterday I had a mammogram done, just routine...every year like clockwork. I then went to a ladies coffee. There must have been about 25 ladies there and I was able to stay the whole time and didn't have to rush home. I am a very social person and I really enjoy visiting with others. Our neighborhood is going to have a table at the spring garage sale. It is a good place to donate some things I have in a pile in the garage.
I went into town and took a bunch of bullets to the gun store for them to use at the range. Part of my cleaning out around here. Then I went to got a pedicure and went to a pizza place and ate a slice of pizza. Spent the rest of the afternoon trying to catch up a little on my TV programs I record.
This morning I am off to rehearsal with the dulcimer group. We have a concert next month. It is supposed to be about 70 this afternoon. I see a long walk in my dogs day.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wednesday, January 16
I stayed with Cowboy most of the day on Sunday. We talked, held hands, looked at the paper (he still likes the comics), took a short walk around the unit and watched some TV. . I watched him eat lunch. He is eating good. Need to remember to ask if he has gained any more weight.
Monday I did some cleaning and started working on taxes. Have a million piles of stuff laying around the office. Looks a mess but had to start sometime. A little at a time.
I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday.When I got back I wandered around WalMart for a while and picked up some odds and ends. In the late afternoon had the handyman by to replace the smoke alarms, repair some wires to the china cabinet, put some things in the attic, fill the water softener with salt, change the HVAC filter, etc. I wish I were taller and stronger. Hate having to pay somebody to do things and just don't feel can impose on friends and neighbors much.
Today a couple of neighbor friends and I went to lunch and went to see Les Miserables. I enjoyed visiting with them. Long movie, but very good. We all needed hankies before it was over. Hugh Jackmon is a wonder.
Tomorrow I will be going to book club and then over to see Cowboy. I tried to call him today and no one answered the phone. Once I think he may have picked it up and dropped it or something and when I called back no one picked up. Guess will see what the deal is tomorrow.
Monday I did some cleaning and started working on taxes. Have a million piles of stuff laying around the office. Looks a mess but had to start sometime. A little at a time.
I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday.When I got back I wandered around WalMart for a while and picked up some odds and ends. In the late afternoon had the handyman by to replace the smoke alarms, repair some wires to the china cabinet, put some things in the attic, fill the water softener with salt, change the HVAC filter, etc. I wish I were taller and stronger. Hate having to pay somebody to do things and just don't feel can impose on friends and neighbors much.
Today a couple of neighbor friends and I went to lunch and went to see Les Miserables. I enjoyed visiting with them. Long movie, but very good. We all needed hankies before it was over. Hugh Jackmon is a wonder.
Tomorrow I will be going to book club and then over to see Cowboy. I tried to call him today and no one answered the phone. Once I think he may have picked it up and dropped it or something and when I called back no one picked up. Guess will see what the deal is tomorrow.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday, January 11
A quick run down of why I have not posted this week.
Monday, dog to vet, then Marcia came to visit and we went to lunch. She stayed until almost 3. It was nice to see her. Bunco Monday night.
Tuesday, went to see Cowboy and stayed all morning. They finally got his phone working so I can call him every day. In the afternoon had a 1 o'clock meeting for the committee I used to participate in, the Emergency Management Committee, Resident Education.
Then the band came for practice.
A friend was ill and offered me her ticket for a day trip on Wednesday to go to some art museums. Off I went with her original companion and was gone all day til 7 last night. Had a great time. Called Cowboy when I got hom and he was fine. The cold seems to be gone.
Thursday had dental appointment for a cleaning and then headed to see Cowboy. Stayed the afternoon. Watched him sleep a lot but we did get him up and walk him around a little. He almost toppled over even with his walker so we put him in the seat of the walker and I pushed him around for a while. He seemed to enjoy it.
Today I have not left the house, am doing laundry, catching up on correspondence, starting to put things together to do taxes, etc.
I was chastised today by my sister for not posting this week. Sorry. There really wasn't much in the way of news about Cowboy, which is the good news.
Am thinking I will go see him on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the time being. He has not said a word about that not being enough or being too much and always seems happy to see me. Gave him lots of hugs yesterday. I miss him.
Monday, dog to vet, then Marcia came to visit and we went to lunch. She stayed until almost 3. It was nice to see her. Bunco Monday night.
Tuesday, went to see Cowboy and stayed all morning. They finally got his phone working so I can call him every day. In the afternoon had a 1 o'clock meeting for the committee I used to participate in, the Emergency Management Committee, Resident Education.
Then the band came for practice.
A friend was ill and offered me her ticket for a day trip on Wednesday to go to some art museums. Off I went with her original companion and was gone all day til 7 last night. Had a great time. Called Cowboy when I got hom and he was fine. The cold seems to be gone.
Thursday had dental appointment for a cleaning and then headed to see Cowboy. Stayed the afternoon. Watched him sleep a lot but we did get him up and walk him around a little. He almost toppled over even with his walker so we put him in the seat of the walker and I pushed him around for a while. He seemed to enjoy it.
Today I have not left the house, am doing laundry, catching up on correspondence, starting to put things together to do taxes, etc.
I was chastised today by my sister for not posting this week. Sorry. There really wasn't much in the way of news about Cowboy, which is the good news.
Am thinking I will go see him on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the time being. He has not said a word about that not being enough or being too much and always seems happy to see me. Gave him lots of hugs yesterday. I miss him.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday, January 6
I did not realize that I had not posted since Wednesday until Cowboy's daughter called and asked how we were doing.
Cowboy and I have both had a cold this week but both are better. It has been a stinker. Still coughing a bit but the worst is over I think.
I have been rather disorganized this week. Cowboy's younger daughter was here from Wednesday to Friday. We had a good time. Visited Cowboy twice and the kids had a great time with the dog. Went out to IHOP (go figure) while dog was at groomers on Thursday. Played games, did puzzles and just hung out.
The quilt I ordered and we took it to him. It is smaller and lighter than the one that was there which I brought home. I hung the electronic frame. It has about 100 photos on it so he can enjoy looking at the pics. When I tried to hang the other one it fell and broke apart. I am not very good at some of this stuff. Have to get another one.
Saturday I went to dulcimer practice. We are starting preparations for our February concert. It was nice to see everyone. Spent afternoon doing lots of laundry.
I went to see Cowboy this morning for about 3 hours. He slept part of the time but I caught him up on some things that are going on and took him the comics which he seems to enjoy. After lunch I left so he could take a nap. Still is coughing some but that may just be the never ending problem we have had for the last 2 years.
I took the dog for a long walk this afternoon and then tried to tidy the house. The kids do a number on my sense of order.
I spent a few minutes yesterday taking a gun to a gun store to have it shipped to my daughter. Cowboy's youngest took one home with her and so am half way through with that task.
Cowboy and I have both had a cold this week but both are better. It has been a stinker. Still coughing a bit but the worst is over I think.
I have been rather disorganized this week. Cowboy's younger daughter was here from Wednesday to Friday. We had a good time. Visited Cowboy twice and the kids had a great time with the dog. Went out to IHOP (go figure) while dog was at groomers on Thursday. Played games, did puzzles and just hung out.
The quilt I ordered and we took it to him. It is smaller and lighter than the one that was there which I brought home. I hung the electronic frame. It has about 100 photos on it so he can enjoy looking at the pics. When I tried to hang the other one it fell and broke apart. I am not very good at some of this stuff. Have to get another one.
Saturday I went to dulcimer practice. We are starting preparations for our February concert. It was nice to see everyone. Spent afternoon doing lots of laundry.
I went to see Cowboy this morning for about 3 hours. He slept part of the time but I caught him up on some things that are going on and took him the comics which he seems to enjoy. After lunch I left so he could take a nap. Still is coughing some but that may just be the never ending problem we have had for the last 2 years.
I took the dog for a long walk this afternoon and then tried to tidy the house. The kids do a number on my sense of order.
I spent a few minutes yesterday taking a gun to a gun store to have it shipped to my daughter. Cowboy's youngest took one home with her and so am half way through with that task.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Wednesday, January 2
Got up yesterday to a cold rain and dreary skies. The dog and I watched part of the Rose Bowl parade. I seem to have caught cold. Don't feel too good so took a nap.
I spent the rest of the day putting together pictures for an electronic picture frame to hang on Cowboy's wall at the home. I also bought a frame the other day that holds 6 pictures so put that together as well.
Got up this morning feeling better but not great. Cowboy's youngest daughter and two of her four children are due any time. We are going up to see Cowboy this afternoon and they are staying overnight.
Still trying to get a paper check from the VA converted to direct deposit but after waiting for 40 minutes on line this morning they had a message that said to call back again and hung up on me. Will try another time.
There a couple of things I can do that give me pleasure. I get up, fix myself a cup of tea and sit down with the paper for a while. So relaxing.
I still find myself checking my watch like I had to be somewhere at a certain time. Habit I guess. I love being able to take my time and get everything on my list done rather than having to get home at a certain time.
I love not having the TV on all the time. Have to get used to my new normal.
I spent the rest of the day putting together pictures for an electronic picture frame to hang on Cowboy's wall at the home. I also bought a frame the other day that holds 6 pictures so put that together as well.
Got up this morning feeling better but not great. Cowboy's youngest daughter and two of her four children are due any time. We are going up to see Cowboy this afternoon and they are staying overnight.
Still trying to get a paper check from the VA converted to direct deposit but after waiting for 40 minutes on line this morning they had a message that said to call back again and hung up on me. Will try another time.
There a couple of things I can do that give me pleasure. I get up, fix myself a cup of tea and sit down with the paper for a while. So relaxing.
I still find myself checking my watch like I had to be somewhere at a certain time. Habit I guess. I love being able to take my time and get everything on my list done rather than having to get home at a certain time.
I love not having the TV on all the time. Have to get used to my new normal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)