Thursday, February 28

Took our pup to the groomers on Tuesday and she is sweet smelling and fluffy.  I think she likes the feeling of being clean and put together.  Clean teeth, trimmed nails, etc.

I spent Wednesday taking the rest of my sewing supplies to the store, including the manuals, etc.  Hopefully this will turn up about $1300 total.

I went to the PX and got some new and different makeup.  My face is a mess.  I changed makeup a while back and broke out like a teenager almost immediately.  Hopefully can get it all cleared up soon.

I have an appointment next week to have some more work on my eyes.  The corner of the lids are turning in and causing my lashes to crumple up in the corners.  I have these kind of weird eyes and hopefully this will help.  Had surgery a couple of years ago and it helped but according to this doctor they did not go far enough.

I went to see Cowboy today and took the dog.  She is really enjoying the fellows there and they just light up when they see her.  Although she is not a "therapy dog" I think she is providing some therapy for some of them.  There is a fellow named Bob Looney who is very strange in so many ways.  Found out Tuesday that his daughter lives in Denmark so cannot visit often.  He just loves our pup.  The papillons were there today too so we had us a dog party.

I had lunch with Cowboy and then came back home.  I painted a little bit of the wall in the bathroom in preparation for the new cabinet and mirror.  Didn't take but about 30 minutes.   I think it is going to look really nice.

The handyman is here now putting everything in place.  I spent some time today in the garage.  Pretty soon it will seem to be in some degree of order.  I have thrown away quite a bit and am saving quite of bit of stuff for our eldest daughters hubby to go through.

Got a call today from my oldest grandson.  He is going to stop by this weekend on his way to a friends party in the city near here.

Monday, February 25

Got up to another beautiful day.  Little cooler but supposed to maybe blow in some rain (which we desperately need).

I am trying to get some things done today.  Decided to tear into the garage.  Taking a break right now.  What a lot of stuff !!  and I don't know why we have most of it.  Found this tool this morning that couldn't figure out.   The fellow who walks my dog sometimes identified it as an industrial nail gun.  What on earth do we have one of those for?

Cowboy, like lots of guys, has accumulated a ton of stuff over the years.  I thought we had eliminated a lot of it when we moved here 6 years ago.  Organized he was not.  Everything is just stuffed somewhere.  I think we have a pound of every kind of nail ever made !

Let me back up a couple of days.  The concert Friday night was devine.  The soloist, Jennifer Frautschi, plays the violin in ways that seem impossible.  Beautiful.

Saturday I had the handyman here and got some wiring tidied up, some drapery rods removed, a dead cactus out of the front yard and talked to him about a new cabinet and sink and mirror for the guest bath. 

Saturday afternoon a friend took me in her big SUV and I bought the things he will need.  He is going to do it this week.

Sunday I got up early and was just leaving the house and the home called and said Cowboy had gotten up early and without requesting help got into the shower and fell.  He getshelp with  a bath on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays so I don't know why he decided to shower again Sunday morning.  I guess he laid on the cold tile floor for a little while before they found him.  Once again he is a bit bruised and sore but no injuries of consequence.  One disadvantage of having his own personal shower.

I stayed with him for a few hours and then we had lunch.  He didn't want to go for a walk.  I think he is more sore than he wants to admit.  I had to come back and prepare to go to a neighborhood pot luck.  I was in charge of the drinks and also made a big bowl of brocolli slaw.  Required a trip to the grocery store.

Nice time at the party.  We have a really great neighborhood.

Thursday, February 21

Monday I went to the social committee meeting.  We talked about an upcoming pot luck and the garage sale.  Such a great, willing, helpful bunch of ladies.  Got the house cleaned Monday afternoon.

Went to see Cowboy on Tuesday.  Nice day, we went for walk.  I can't get over what a mild and pleasant winter we are having and just north and east of us it is really bad.  I am grateful am not having to get out in bad weather.

Wednesday  I got a haircut and a pedicure and diddled around at Kohl's.  Had 2 $10 cash rewards and a 30% off mailer so had a good time and spent very little money.  Added to my summer Tshirt stash and bought a beautiful jacket for next to nothing.  Probably won't wear til next Christmas but like it just the same

Today I went to a neighborhood emergency coordinator training session and then to book club and then to see Cowboy.  Full day but went smoothly.  Cowboy was watching an old movie from the 50's with a very skinny John Wayne and a couple of actresses that looked familiar but I couldn't place.  I commented that John Wayne had longer legs before he put on weight.  Cowboy laughed.  He is still with us sometimes.

I am going to a classical violin and symphony concert tomorrow night in the city with a friend.  It is actually a bus trip for our community so don't have to worry about driving.    Rare treat that haven't done in a long time.

I have been spending some time going through things around here.  Am intent on simplifying my life and my belongings.  Am making some progress.

Sunday, February 17

On Thursday I took a pile of CD's to Gil.  He was very appreciative.  I also took Cowboy's hat to him and some more underwear.  It really does just disappear.  Fascinating.    He still seems to have all his shirts and jeans.  That may be because very few of the residents wear that type of garment.  Will have to keep an eye on his supply of underwear. socks, etc.

Cowboy was doing well and ate a good lunch.  We went for a walk and spent some time watching TV.

On Friday I went to a ladies coffee and then rushed over to a church to play with the dulcimers for a day care for memory patients.  They had such a good time.  It really makes you feel useful and helpful.

Yesterday I kind of stayed in and caught up on some correspondence and did the some things with record keeping for my duties as a block captain and the emergency coordinator.

I have several projects going.  That includes going through a very large collection of Cd's, paring down and editing all the stuff in the garage, finishing touches on my redo of the house as well as keeping up with the reading for the book club and my duties as the block captain.   I also bought some yard things recently, two bird feeders, some cute little figurines and I have to figure out how to place them.

Someone asked a while back if I was bored or lonely.  I can honestly say I don't have time for either.  Next week a friend and I are going to a concert in the city, I have to prepare food for a neighborhood potluck as well as my trips to see Cowboy, a entertainment committee meeting, needing a haircut and pedicure.  I could use less to do to tell the truth.

Cowboy's nephew didn't call yesterday.  I tried to call him once and got no answer.  He is a young man so I am sure he has other things on his mind.  Not a biggy.  I took the dog for a long walk.

Today I went to see Cowboy and we had lunch and then walked the dog around outside for a while.  She is a real pain to take over there because she cries and barks the whole way.  I don't know if she is frightened, excited or just being a brat.  Anyway, coming home she is always worn out and sleeps the whole way.  The guys just love her.  They feed her bits of food (which the staff doesn't like at all) and want her to sit on their lap.  She is really not a good "therapy dog" per se because she is too high strung but they love her just the same.

I never cease to be amazed at how well Cowboy has adapted to the new environment.  I had these visions of him being unhappy, difficult and all of that and he is not.  He is content, eating well, sleeping well and seems fine.

Wednesday, February 13

I went to see Cowboy yesterday.  He was in the common area with about 6 guys watching about 4 others play a game with a beach ball and a large piece of nylon.  They were bouncing the ball around with the piece of nylon.  Seemed to be having a good time.  Cowboy was in a good mood.

I took him to his room, made him take out his dentures, washed them real good and had him brush his teeth.  I know they remind him but he is not doing it regularly.  It just makes me crazy.  A friend told me the thing to do was just take his dentures home and forget it.  (When lunch came it included corn on the cob which Cowboy loves and cannot eat without his teeth.)

It was too cold and wet to go out and walk around so we just stayed in his room and watched TV until lunchtime.  He ate all his lunch.  It appears he almost always does. 

I forgot to bring his other hat.  I must remember to do that Thursday.

After we visited I took my sewing equipment (embroidary machine and serger) to a shop for them to sell on consignment.  I haven't touched it in two years or more and it is a shame for it to sit there and corrode and lose value. 

I have kind of reached the conclusion that I am content just trying to get exercise, visitng with friends, my music and reading.  I am simplifying my life as much as I can.  It actually makes you feel "lighter".  Not sure about my photography.  Haven't done much with it either but I do enjoy it.  We will see.

This morning I got Cowboy's hat out, the razor blades I bought him, a little valentine elephant I bought him and candy for the staff.  I found out yesterday that they have only a few CD's and a lot of them are old and scratched.  I went through my very large collection and am taking a pile of CD's of classical, western, old favorites and some relaxation CD's for Gil to use.  Will have a bunch to carry in tomorrow!

I have a Dr's appointment today and I am working on the pile of laundry.

Monday, February 11

The weekend and the concert went well.  We had a nice social after.  I am glad it is done.  My hand and arm are killing me.  Need a break.

I got a call this weekend from Cowboy's brother's grandson.  Turns out he is stationed at the base near here.  He is going to come see me next weekend.  I think I have only met him once.  His family lives in Scottsdale, AZ.  I suspect we will take a trip up to see Cowboy.  What a treat for Cowboy !  but I wonder if he will have any idea who he is.

The electrician came this morning and put a surge protector on the entire house.  He told me that the power in our neighborhood "runs hot".  In other words we are getting more than we need and then plus there has been a bunch of electrical storms lately.  I guess it just is too much for some of the electronics we depend on these days.

My laundry is piled to the ceiling.  I called the repairman who is fixing the dryer.  He is supposed to be here this afternoon.  Then I will have a mountain of laundry to catch up on.

$800 between these two service calls.  That hurts !

The ice maker started working again on its own on Saturday.  I just know it is going to fail again but the good news is it is the one thing I have an extended warranty on.  I did that because my previous fridg gave me so much grief.

I talked to Cowboy on Saturday.  He told me I needed to buy him a new TV.  I asked why and he said the old one doesn't work anymore.  The old one?  It is practically brand new.  Sounds like operator error to me.  I called the nurses station and asked them if they could go down and hit a few buttons and try to get his TV back.  They wouldn't agree to do it.

I couldn 't go over yesterday because of the concert so I called the desk.  They told me Cowboy is being cantankerous today.  Is refusing to use his walker.  I asked about the TV and it seems someone did in fact get it going again.

I tried to call him today but he is not answering.  He is probably out in the common area, although sometimes he just won't answer it.

I will be going over tomorrow.  I really miss seeing him.  Missing Sunday was hard.

Friday, February 8

Busy week.  The weather has been beautiful and I have enjoyed going out and walking with the dog nearly every day.  It is good for both of us.

I spent Monday putting together music for Tuesday.  I also went and bought birdseed for the feeders I bought and a couple of other errands.

Had Bunco Monday night.  It is always a good time.

I learned it would be next week before the dryer will be fixed.  ugh !  The laundry is going to pile up.

On Tuesday I left early and went to the home and played my violin.  There were probably 8 patients when I stared and probably twice that many when I finished.  This one fellow named  Mr. Looney (and he is definitely in another world) that came up to me afterwards and wanted to know when I would be back.  I have been coming for over a month and this is the first time he has even spoken to me.  He spends all his time walking around inside and then outside and then inside and then raking the grass and then hiding something in the corner near the building and then walking around some more.

Later I met with the activities director about my idea of planting flowers and she is very enthusiastic about the idea.  I told her about my encounter with Mr. Looney and she said it was quite a "break-thru" because he has not talked to anyone since arriving.

On Tuesday in the PM I had band practice and then practiced with the dulcimer group that evening in preparation for the concert.  Too much.  I was exhausted.

Slept in Wednesday and spent the day doing nearly nothing at all.   Needed the break.  Just not possible to do as much as  I used to even when rested and feeling good.

Went back on Thursday after making a trip down the the VA to refile some paperwork and try to straighten out the check going to direct deposit.  Here's hoping it works out.

I woke up this morning and realized needed to get the trash out.  Quick shower, trash out and then had some yogurt.  Left at 10:30 to meet neighborhood friends and went to lunch at this wonderful restaurant.  We were 2 hours but the food was wonderful and the company very enjoyable.

This afternoon I discovered my ice make is not working.  There is definately something wrong around here.  I have a repairman coming Monday to fix the dryer and I also called an electrician to check things out to see what is going on.  When I asked the folks fixing the dryer if they could look at the frig they told me to call Home Depot, where I bought it.  Too late today.  Will do that Monday.  This is getting to be a real headache.

My daughter that lives in upstate NY called.  They are expecting a lot of snow, already had 3 or 4 inches.  I am glad I am here where it is 70 degrees but I will worry about them.

Tomorrow we have our last practice for the concert and then the concert on Sunday and pot luck after.  I went to the store today and got the ingredients for deviled eggs to make.

I have accumulated some garden statuary and some solar lights for the front flower beds.  Maybe I can get them out tomorrow.

I cannot keep up.  With three days a week pretty much eaten up with trips to see Cowboy there is not a lot of time left to make headway on projects at home.  Nothing is all that pressing so I try not to be stressed by any of it.

Sunday, February 3

I got up and went over to see Cowboy about 9:30.  He was sitting in the common area watching TV with some other guys.  We went over and sat on a sofa for a while and I gave him the Sunday comics.  He looked at those and then continued to watch TV.

They had briskit, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, a roll and blueberry pie for lunch.  I really have to get there and get some tickets for meals.  You have to turn them in by 9:30 to get on the schedule.  and you can't get them on weekends.  next week, perhaps.  He ate every scrap, drank milk, water, tea snd then coffee.  They really push the liquids.

We went outside and walked around for a bit.  Another beautiful day.

There was a lady there today I had not seen before and we visited a bit.  I learned she lives near me and her hubby has been in the home for only two weeks.  She seemed a little stressed about it all.  She had this beautiful dog who had come to see "Daddy".  I believe I will enjoy getting to know her.  Her name is Lil.

Came home and walked the dog for about 2 miles.  She is really enjoying the extra exercise and the beautiful weather.

I am determined to finish up the taxes and get all the paperwork filed tomorrow.  Super bowl tonight.  Am kind of watching it though not really into football.  Halftime comes up soon.

Saturday, February 2

Oh my goodness !  It is February already !

I spent the day Wednesday looking for a wedding present for a grandson and messing around looking at sale items.  Found a real bargain on cookware so the wedding present is handled.

I went to see Cowboy on Thursday.  There is a fellow there named Gil that does aromatherapy, music therapy and other things for the guys.  He was burning a  lavender candle and spending time with each patient putting lotion on their arms and hands and talking to them.

A bit later the therapy dogs arrived.  Cowboy just had to have one of them on his lap.  They are two papillons that are just adorable.  One of them got up on his lap and just sat there and Cowboy would say "You are such a good puppy" and love on him.    He used to say the same thing to our dog all the time.

We spent some time outside.  They have these flower beds that need overhauling.  I am going to try to get something done about that.  The weather is just incredible.  Warm and sunny and perfect for being outside.  Gil was taking each one of the guys out one at a time and walking them around in the sunshine.

I spent a good part of Friday trying to solve a computer issue.  I had been "hacked" and I got a lot of calls and inquiries from friends in my contact list.  It is so frustrating.  Think I got it solved.

I also was doing laundry Friday only to find that my dryer was not working.  Got some help from a neighbor and got the clothes dried.  Late in the day had a repairman out and he told me the circuit board that reads the buttons I push was the problem.  A part has to be ordered.  There goes $300.

Also learned Friday that the VA STILL doesn't our check going direct deposit.  What to do.  Starting in March they will no longer issue paper checks but will instead send you a debit card.  I have tried everything I know to do to solve the problem. 

A lot of irritations this week.  Something interesting though.  Given Cowboy and all of that none of these other things seem terribly important.  There was a time when  I would be in a state of complete meltdown but this puts things in a different perspective.

We had rehearsal this morning.  Our concert is next Sunday.  It is coming together quite well.

I decided to check out the cost of a dryer these days.  I have a Kenmore Elite front loader that is part of a set.  To replace it with a like product is about $900.  Guess I will get the old one fixed.  The fellow at Sears said it might be a surge problem.  mmmmm......guess I better look into that too.  An electrician I guess??