Christmas turned out very nice. The weather was pleasant and there were a lot of people visiting. We set the tablecloths out and the tree was lit and the mood was fairly festive. They served barb b cued ribs, corn on the cob, pinto beans, rolls and pecan pie (again). Since I love pecan pie I am not complaining but I wish I had known about the ribs. Wore a white blouse and then had to spend time Thursday getting the tiny little splatters off of it. I needed one of those bibs the guys wear. It was all very tasty. I stayed until around 3 and headed back. Cowboy needed a nap.
I set my alarm for 5 on Thursday and thought I would go to the mall and see what bargains I could find. When it went off I turned it off and rolled over. I decided there is nothing out there I want that bad. I did get out later in the morning on Thursday and go to Hobby Lobby and found some Christmas items for 66% off so that was good.
In the afternoon a friend called and we went bike riding for a little while. I have little lung capacity so I didn't last long but I am going to stay at it.
A long walk on Friday and a lot of time spent packing up Christmas things and trying to get the house in order.
On Saturday I went to see Cowboy. It was a beautiful day so we walked around outside for quite a while. When we cleaned out the flower beds earlier I had piled leaves in them to protect the roots. They had all been removed. I suspect one of the residents decided it was a cleaning job. After that Cowboy was tired so we went inside and I helped a couple of the wives take down the tree and stockings. Worked up a bit of a sweat but it felt good to help and get it done.
Yesterday I concentrated on the paper and working on trip planning.
Today when I woke up it was cold. brrrrrrr....... Nonetheless, I managed to fill up the car, go to the bank, go buy my tax software and take a load of things to the local food pantry/thrift store.
This afternoon the housekeeper came and did the floors and dusted everything and cleaned the bathrooms. It always feels good to get that done.
Today I booked a trip to Costa Rica in March and a trip in June for a cruise in eastern Europe. My passport came in the mail today so I felt comfortable making definite plans. Am hoping to make a road trip in the fall. Maybe I can find a compatriot or two to go. Want to see the Crystal Museum, the fall colors and some of the sights in Arkansas. Still hoping my sisters will come for a visit sometime in 2014.
Now I must turn my attention to this mess of an office, my calendar and taxes. ugh !
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Last Thursday I went to the home to visit Cowboy. He was really crabby and said he didn't feel good. I have the impression he must not have slept well the night before. It was very pleasant outside so we spent some time cleaning out the flower beds and filling them with leaves to protect the roots of the perennials we had planted. We walked around as well.
I had a Doctor appointment in the afternoon so returned for that. Just the annual stuff and blood work. He asked about Cowboy, always liked him. We talked about that and he asked me how I was doing, how much I was drinking, how I was sleeping. I was able to tell him that I was doing pretty well. He suggested I limit my visits to twice weekly. I don't know if I can always do that but had already been thinking about it some. I guess he has had experience with these things but my feeling is I need to go often and just be sure all is well.
I spent Friday making cookies and fudge to take to Dallas. I also made goulash and broccoli slaw to take to the part at the home tomorrow. Still wrapping gifts and getting things organized at 7PM Friday night. I am getting too old for this. I only buy for those under 18 but it is still a bunch of kiddos. There are four grandchildren under 18 and 8 great grandchildren. Some of that was mailed but still filled up the back of my vehicle.
It was wet and cold on Saturday so had to drive in less than great conditions but all went OK. We had a really nice turnout for the party. The staff folks that were off came in and joined us and some brought their families. Lots of relatives there to visit, a fair number of people I had never seen before. It was a nice time except for this lady that brought some Kaoroke music and was singing at the top of her lungs to her Dad and she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. After awhile I was about ready to scream and she just kept going on and on. When the food was served, she thankfully hung it up.
On to Dallas. The traffic was awful, two wrecks with traffic backed up for miles so it took an extra 2 hours to get there. Some of my youngest daughters family came over in the evening and we had pizza and visited.
On Sunday morning I went to visit Cowboy's daughter and her husband and four children. Took them to breakfast and then we went back and opened gifts and played games for a while.
Back to my Grandson's for the night and then on Monday morning I met my eldest daughter's son and had breakfast. Headed home about 11 AM and didn't get home until around 4. More awful traffic. I hope I can remember to not do this next year. I wonder if I will ever manage to get them all together at the same time. With their various schedules it doesn't look likely.
Tomorrow I will be going to spend most of the day with Cowboy. I doubt if he will understand that it is Christmas, but I never know where his mind will be. There are some wives along with me that are going to do up the tables and try to make it nice for them.
I had a Doctor appointment in the afternoon so returned for that. Just the annual stuff and blood work. He asked about Cowboy, always liked him. We talked about that and he asked me how I was doing, how much I was drinking, how I was sleeping. I was able to tell him that I was doing pretty well. He suggested I limit my visits to twice weekly. I don't know if I can always do that but had already been thinking about it some. I guess he has had experience with these things but my feeling is I need to go often and just be sure all is well.
I spent Friday making cookies and fudge to take to Dallas. I also made goulash and broccoli slaw to take to the part at the home tomorrow. Still wrapping gifts and getting things organized at 7PM Friday night. I am getting too old for this. I only buy for those under 18 but it is still a bunch of kiddos. There are four grandchildren under 18 and 8 great grandchildren. Some of that was mailed but still filled up the back of my vehicle.
It was wet and cold on Saturday so had to drive in less than great conditions but all went OK. We had a really nice turnout for the party. The staff folks that were off came in and joined us and some brought their families. Lots of relatives there to visit, a fair number of people I had never seen before. It was a nice time except for this lady that brought some Kaoroke music and was singing at the top of her lungs to her Dad and she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. After awhile I was about ready to scream and she just kept going on and on. When the food was served, she thankfully hung it up.
On to Dallas. The traffic was awful, two wrecks with traffic backed up for miles so it took an extra 2 hours to get there. Some of my youngest daughters family came over in the evening and we had pizza and visited.
On Sunday morning I went to visit Cowboy's daughter and her husband and four children. Took them to breakfast and then we went back and opened gifts and played games for a while.
Back to my Grandson's for the night and then on Monday morning I met my eldest daughter's son and had breakfast. Headed home about 11 AM and didn't get home until around 4. More awful traffic. I hope I can remember to not do this next year. I wonder if I will ever manage to get them all together at the same time. With their various schedules it doesn't look likely.
Tomorrow I will be going to spend most of the day with Cowboy. I doubt if he will understand that it is Christmas, but I never know where his mind will be. There are some wives along with me that are going to do up the tables and try to make it nice for them.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, December 18
Monday the band got together and practiced for our last Christmas gig and then sat down and had vegetarian chili compliments of our accordion player who hosted the event, cornbread complements of me, apple cake and some Trader Joe's wine. It was great. The band members invited their spouses to participate and we had a very nice time.
Tuesday I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. We walked around outside, a nice day, and spent some time talking to other residents. I wasn't able to stay for lunch, had a doctors appointment but a nice visit.
Today I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee at 10. The hostess had her house decked out more than you can even imagine. She has so many beautiful things and transforms her house into this Christmas wonderland. The food was great too. There was lots of ladies there and I love visiting and interacting with all of them. Won't see most of them until next year.
I went and mailed my passport application, went to WalMart and picked up the rest of the things I needed to cook for Saturday, make goodies for the weekend and cards to send to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that required their gifts to be mailed. Then at 2:30 the band played our last Christmas gig at a nursing home for Alzheimers patients. They really enjoyed themselves and I came away feeling good.
I have been researching trips to go on in 2014 but haven't booked anything yet. Need to try to do that over the holiday as well.
I am busily trying to get gifts wrapped and everything ready to go visit the kids over the weekend. Made some good progress today.
Will go see Cowboy tomorrow and then have another Dr's appt at 4. The end of the year seems to mean it is time to do all of this. May try to change this around so everything doesn't come up at once.
I hope to spend Friday cooking for the party Saturday at the home and making cookies and fudge for my offspring and my offsprings' offspring. It is interesting how they just expect to have my sugar cookies and my fudge to round out their holiday eating. I rather like the role but it is work.
Tuesday I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. We walked around outside, a nice day, and spent some time talking to other residents. I wasn't able to stay for lunch, had a doctors appointment but a nice visit.
Today I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee at 10. The hostess had her house decked out more than you can even imagine. She has so many beautiful things and transforms her house into this Christmas wonderland. The food was great too. There was lots of ladies there and I love visiting and interacting with all of them. Won't see most of them until next year.
I went and mailed my passport application, went to WalMart and picked up the rest of the things I needed to cook for Saturday, make goodies for the weekend and cards to send to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that required their gifts to be mailed. Then at 2:30 the band played our last Christmas gig at a nursing home for Alzheimers patients. They really enjoyed themselves and I came away feeling good.
I have been researching trips to go on in 2014 but haven't booked anything yet. Need to try to do that over the holiday as well.
I am busily trying to get gifts wrapped and everything ready to go visit the kids over the weekend. Made some good progress today.
Will go see Cowboy tomorrow and then have another Dr's appt at 4. The end of the year seems to mean it is time to do all of this. May try to change this around so everything doesn't come up at once.
I hope to spend Friday cooking for the party Saturday at the home and making cookies and fudge for my offspring and my offsprings' offspring. It is interesting how they just expect to have my sugar cookies and my fudge to round out their holiday eating. I rather like the role but it is work.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sunday, December 15
Went to see Cowboy this morning. He was in a chipper mood. and very talkative. It felt like someone had given him an "upper".
We watched some TV and then walked around inside. Too cold to go out. The nurses station had one of those stuffed Santas that sings and dances. Dancing may be the wrong word, he moves his hips back and forth. Cowboy started moving his hips around and had the nurse on duty in stitches. We walked some more and he could hear the music and started trying to do the two step with his walker. Was doing pretty well at moving in time with the music. I was worried he might fall but let him have at it. He seemed very cheerful.
I found out this week they have started giving him insulin on a regular basis. 5 units before breakfast and 5 units before lunch. His sugar is going up quite a bit. I am OK with it but they are supposed to call me and let me know anytime his medicine changes. Will have to mention that next time I meet with staff.
The home looks very festive. There are trees and stockings hung and other decor hung on the walls. I am glad they try to make it homey. Not sure how much the guys notice.
Another busy week coming up but then things will start getting back to normal. Two more lunches and a coffee and 2 more gigs, then a break. My arm and hands need it bad.
I am behind on everything related to the holiday. No cards done yet, nothing wrapped. I really have to get it together. Am hoping to go to Dallas next weekend and see the kids and take their Christmas to them.
Plan to spend Christmas day with hubby. Some of the other wives will be there and we are going to decorate the tables and try to make it nice for the fellows.
We watched some TV and then walked around inside. Too cold to go out. The nurses station had one of those stuffed Santas that sings and dances. Dancing may be the wrong word, he moves his hips back and forth. Cowboy started moving his hips around and had the nurse on duty in stitches. We walked some more and he could hear the music and started trying to do the two step with his walker. Was doing pretty well at moving in time with the music. I was worried he might fall but let him have at it. He seemed very cheerful.
I found out this week they have started giving him insulin on a regular basis. 5 units before breakfast and 5 units before lunch. His sugar is going up quite a bit. I am OK with it but they are supposed to call me and let me know anytime his medicine changes. Will have to mention that next time I meet with staff.
The home looks very festive. There are trees and stockings hung and other decor hung on the walls. I am glad they try to make it homey. Not sure how much the guys notice.
Another busy week coming up but then things will start getting back to normal. Two more lunches and a coffee and 2 more gigs, then a break. My arm and hands need it bad.
I am behind on everything related to the holiday. No cards done yet, nothing wrapped. I really have to get it together. Am hoping to go to Dallas next weekend and see the kids and take their Christmas to them.
Plan to spend Christmas day with hubby. Some of the other wives will be there and we are going to decorate the tables and try to make it nice for the fellows.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Friday, December 13
I wonder if we "make big" over the holiday season just to keep from getting the mid-winter blues. Seems like there is too much going on.
Last Sunday night I played with a keyboardist at the Christmas party for the neighborhood. I have to admit it was a great party. Good food, over 100 people and I had a good amount of wine. Everyone seemed to enjoy the musical presentation. It was mostly put together by the keyboardist who is a former music teacher and very talented at this sort of thing. We did a special Texas version of the 12 Days of Christmas and the audience loved it.
Monday we went to the home and played the same program for the men in the memory unit. We passed out little bags of goodies and tried to give them all a hug. It went very well. We stayed and had lunch with Cowboy and then headed on home.
On Tuesday I played at the local senior center with the dulcimer group. There were more in our group than those present. I am sure that was because it was downright cold outside. But they enjoyed themselves and we did too.
After we were done I went to the Souper Salad to get a plate of vegetables. You never get enough when you live alone and I try to do this every now and then. I was going in and I tripped over a stupid cement barrier that they use to keep the cars from barreling into the buildings (I guess). Got a skinned knee and came away a little sore but no real harm done. Call me lucky. I sure felt stupid though.
Wednesday I went to lunch with some close neighbors who are good friends and we went to a local eatery that was really good, then we hit some new stores in the area. I ended up buying a Santa and two trees as a replacement for the regular tree. I just can't handle setting up a big tree anymore but I really like my new Santa. He is about 3 feet tall and the two trees are about 4 foot tall. Who says you have to have a tree anyway?
Thursday I went to the home to see Cowboy. He was feeling pretty chipper but it was too cold to go out so we mostly stayed in his room and visited and watched TV. I talked with some of the wives for a bit. We are planning on decorating the tables a bit for Christmas and trying to make things festive. I am chipping in, as well as several other wives. We are kind of becoming a "club" all our own as we try to support each other through this trying time.
Today I slept in, much needed. Then I got up and got dressed up and went to lunch with the neighborhood ladies to a "brewhouse" called TJ's. It was very good and we had a good time. Then I headed down to Barnes and Noble to pick up some gifts for the grandchildren. The traffic was awful and when I started home there was a wreck in front of us on the interstate and it took forever to get home. ...and it was raining ! Why do we humans torture ourselves this way?
Have dulcimer practice in the morning and then hope to get some cards done and make a shopping list for my cooking. The kiddos like my fudge and sugar cookies so I always try to do that.
Last Sunday night I played with a keyboardist at the Christmas party for the neighborhood. I have to admit it was a great party. Good food, over 100 people and I had a good amount of wine. Everyone seemed to enjoy the musical presentation. It was mostly put together by the keyboardist who is a former music teacher and very talented at this sort of thing. We did a special Texas version of the 12 Days of Christmas and the audience loved it.
Monday we went to the home and played the same program for the men in the memory unit. We passed out little bags of goodies and tried to give them all a hug. It went very well. We stayed and had lunch with Cowboy and then headed on home.
On Tuesday I played at the local senior center with the dulcimer group. There were more in our group than those present. I am sure that was because it was downright cold outside. But they enjoyed themselves and we did too.
After we were done I went to the Souper Salad to get a plate of vegetables. You never get enough when you live alone and I try to do this every now and then. I was going in and I tripped over a stupid cement barrier that they use to keep the cars from barreling into the buildings (I guess). Got a skinned knee and came away a little sore but no real harm done. Call me lucky. I sure felt stupid though.
Wednesday I went to lunch with some close neighbors who are good friends and we went to a local eatery that was really good, then we hit some new stores in the area. I ended up buying a Santa and two trees as a replacement for the regular tree. I just can't handle setting up a big tree anymore but I really like my new Santa. He is about 3 feet tall and the two trees are about 4 foot tall. Who says you have to have a tree anyway?
Thursday I went to the home to see Cowboy. He was feeling pretty chipper but it was too cold to go out so we mostly stayed in his room and visited and watched TV. I talked with some of the wives for a bit. We are planning on decorating the tables a bit for Christmas and trying to make things festive. I am chipping in, as well as several other wives. We are kind of becoming a "club" all our own as we try to support each other through this trying time.
Today I slept in, much needed. Then I got up and got dressed up and went to lunch with the neighborhood ladies to a "brewhouse" called TJ's. It was very good and we had a good time. Then I headed down to Barnes and Noble to pick up some gifts for the grandchildren. The traffic was awful and when I started home there was a wreck in front of us on the interstate and it took forever to get home. ...and it was raining ! Why do we humans torture ourselves this way?
Have dulcimer practice in the morning and then hope to get some cards done and make a shopping list for my cooking. The kiddos like my fudge and sugar cookies so I always try to do that.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Sunday, December 8
There are opposing theories about the best way to deal with the emotional toll when one has a loved one with dementia. It was discussed at our support group and the recommendation of finding peace and spending time meditating was suggested. I couldn't quite agree because my way of dealing with just about everything is to stay really busy. It seems to keep away brooding and feeling sorry for myself.
I may be approaching this the wrong way. Admittedly I bit off way too much for the holiday season and find myself feeling overworked and physically challenged. But I have always felt that keeping really busy was a good thing.
But I never been faced with "anticipatory grief" before and perhaps it is a different kind of emotional landscape that requires a different approach. Not sure, am thinking on it. I have decided to try something else. It is developing in my brain right now and I am not sure exactly what my days should look like but I know for sure they are not going to look like they do right now. More to follow.
I went to see Cowboy on Thursday because bad weather was predicted as coming in on Friday. It was late in the day and I didn't stay too long but we had a nice visit. Too cold to go out but we sat in the common room and talked to people part of the time.
On Friday, it was really cold and wet out but I got up and went and got a haircut at 8:30AM and then played a gig with the band at a adult day care at 10:30. We were supposed to play with the dulcimer group Friday night at the museum but it was cancelled due to the weather.
Yesterday I went to dulcimer practice and then spent the rest of the day at home.
This morning I made peanut butter cookies to take to the home tomorrow. I have prepared little gift bags. They have chocolate kisses, a candy cane and some lotion. A friend is bringing more cookies. Just about have it all ready to go.
I am going to have to get ready for our neighborhood party in a few minutes. I will be helping with the decor and setting up to play after our dinner. It should be fun but my back hurts from all this chasing around and loading and unloading my gear. I see pain meds coming up momentarily.
I may be approaching this the wrong way. Admittedly I bit off way too much for the holiday season and find myself feeling overworked and physically challenged. But I have always felt that keeping really busy was a good thing.
But I never been faced with "anticipatory grief" before and perhaps it is a different kind of emotional landscape that requires a different approach. Not sure, am thinking on it. I have decided to try something else. It is developing in my brain right now and I am not sure exactly what my days should look like but I know for sure they are not going to look like they do right now. More to follow.
I went to see Cowboy on Thursday because bad weather was predicted as coming in on Friday. It was late in the day and I didn't stay too long but we had a nice visit. Too cold to go out but we sat in the common room and talked to people part of the time.
On Friday, it was really cold and wet out but I got up and went and got a haircut at 8:30AM and then played a gig with the band at a adult day care at 10:30. We were supposed to play with the dulcimer group Friday night at the museum but it was cancelled due to the weather.
Yesterday I went to dulcimer practice and then spent the rest of the day at home.
This morning I made peanut butter cookies to take to the home tomorrow. I have prepared little gift bags. They have chocolate kisses, a candy cane and some lotion. A friend is bringing more cookies. Just about have it all ready to go.
I am going to have to get ready for our neighborhood party in a few minutes. I will be helping with the decor and setting up to play after our dinner. It should be fun but my back hurts from all this chasing around and loading and unloading my gear. I see pain meds coming up momentarily.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday, December 4
I have been "chasing my tail" for the last few days. Two different practices on Saturday, went to see Cowboy on Sunday then another practice Monday afternoon. My brain is crazed. Took the wrong music to my practice on Monday. That's what happens when you are playing three different sets of music with three different groups.
Cowboy was doing well yesterday. I went to the base to pick up my glasses that were ordered and picked up a few things at the PX and then headed over to see Cowboy. Got there in time for lunch. It was a beautiful day. The coleus has bit the dust but the other flowers are still going. It is supposed to freeze on Friday so that will probably do everything in.
Had another practice last night. This is all way too much. Not doing it next year.
This morning I went and picked up the forms to apply for a passport, bought stamps for my Christmas cards, returned a blouse I bought the other day because it had a hole in it, dropped off a box of books was donating to the library and then went and got a manicure and pedicure. Am going to be on display this next few days so thought I better tidy myself up. Have a haircut appointment early Friday AM. Does all of this mean I am "high maintenance". Lordy I hope not, I hate that idea.
I am thinking will go see Cowboy tomorrow after we play because the weather is supposed to turn bad the next day. They are talking sleet, etc.
Cowboy was doing well yesterday. I went to the base to pick up my glasses that were ordered and picked up a few things at the PX and then headed over to see Cowboy. Got there in time for lunch. It was a beautiful day. The coleus has bit the dust but the other flowers are still going. It is supposed to freeze on Friday so that will probably do everything in.
Had another practice last night. This is all way too much. Not doing it next year.
This morning I went and picked up the forms to apply for a passport, bought stamps for my Christmas cards, returned a blouse I bought the other day because it had a hole in it, dropped off a box of books was donating to the library and then went and got a manicure and pedicure. Am going to be on display this next few days so thought I better tidy myself up. Have a haircut appointment early Friday AM. Does all of this mean I am "high maintenance". Lordy I hope not, I hate that idea.
I am thinking will go see Cowboy tomorrow after we play because the weather is supposed to turn bad the next day. They are talking sleet, etc.
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