As mentioned the counter tops were supposed to go on Wednesday. The plumber showed up first thing just as the folks called and said had a sick employee and couldn't make it today. Ends up the first date we could agree on was next Monday. Of course I have stuff stacked everywhere to empty the cabinets and removed all the drawers and they are stacked exactly where the painters were going to start.
Sent the plumber away and started trying the figure out how to handle both painters and counter top people the same day. Some good news, the floor was finished on Thursday and it looks beautiful. I had them leave the furniture apart and out from the walls for the painters so I am stepping over things.
Thursday my phone died. Not a good time with all this activity. Went to AT&T and they reset it and said that was the problem. Only thing is it still won't charge. Went where I bought it second hand and the warranty had expired (30 days). Went to a cell phone repair. The guy said I needed a new charger. The place was messy and he was messy and I chose not to go buy a charger but to look for a different repair place. The next place said the receptacle for the cord was corroded. Left it for him to repair. Here I am, no phone with all these contractors in various stages of planning, a hubby in a nursing home, my children unaware of my problem. Interesting how dependent we have become on our "toys".
When I went back he said it was not the receptacle but the battery and to go to another one of their stores to get a battery. Went and bought the battery, took it home and plugged it in and still would not charge. Now I go to Best Buy and buy a charger and take it home and it works and charges and everything. Boy, it is a jungle out there.
Friday I went to the store and started preparing taco fixins for 25 people. It is not easy when your pots and skillets are put up over the cabinets, your knives are in a drawer "somewhere" and where are the tea towels, etc. Got it done despite the gods conspiring against me.
This morning daughter #2 and I drove to see Cowboy. That was after I arose early, cut up the lettuce and tomatoes, cut my finger in the process, got everything all in the car and stopped for breakfast for my starving daughter.
We provided enchiladas, tacos, chips, pop, etc for the staff at the home today. It was a great time, the food was good and they were very appreciative. My tacos were complimented by all.
Cowboy was in a good humor and we walked around a bit. He was really having trouble getting his right leg to work. He was going very slow and seemed frustrated as his brain told his leg to move and it just stood there. Mostly we sat outside
When they tested his blood sugar this morning it was only 66 so we skipped the insulin. That has been happening some lately and concerns me. Need to put it on my list to discuss with the Dr.
Cowboy's glasses came in this week so I will need to go to Ft Hood and get them and take them to him some time this week. Also had to argue with the dentist this week about a bill they sent that I had already paid.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Tuesday, May 27
Daughter number 1 arrived this past Wednesday. Her son picked her up and they came to the house and we mostly visited and spent some time in the pool and had cocktails. The son had lots of work and left early afternoon. He was able to help me identify some cable under the carpet upstairs that I couldn't figure out. It went to a sensor for smoke on the first floor. Problem solved.
On Thursday my daughter made a trip to see her biological father who lives near Lake Texoma. He will not travel to see anyone so they had not seen each other in several years. They had a nice visit and I am glad that is so.
On Friday my daughter and I went looking for fabric. She was interested in some different things than what she can find at home at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's. I had researched this on the internet and had discovered a bunch of fabric warehouses. I suspect it is because Dallas is a fashion center and a lot of clothing is created here. It turned into quite an adventure.
First you have to be OK to travel to a rather seedy part of the city. The warehouses line the streets for a couple of blocks. There is fabric, ready made stuff, ribbons, quilting stuff, upholstery fabric and odds and ends. You have to be willing to spend some time and effort but wow, the bargains !!
My daughter found several very beautiful pieces of fabric and some notions and we considered the whole day a success .
On Saturday we drove down to see Cowboy. He was in a good humor and it was a nice day. We had a good visit.
On Sunday my other daughter, who had come home from being out of town, went with us and we shopped at this very large mall. It was a bit of a disappointment. So many of the stores cater to the young girls and the fashions are skimpy, poorly made, way too revealing and I am so glad that I am not raising daughters in this climate.
On Monday we went to a Garden Ridge and looked at a lot of junk but did find a couple of cool things. We also went to Tuesday Morning, which I like and came away with a couple of items. We then went to Razzoo's for lunch and headed to a small town near here which has lots of cool shops. Last night my grandson #1, son of daugher #1 and his very permanent girlfriend came over for dinner. My daughter fixed spaghetti and we made a pineapple cake. Nice evening. They did some catching up.
I ended feeling totally worn out but it was fun to see how excited my daughter about some of things we saw. She lives in the country in upstate NY in a totally different world from here.
We spent today getting everything out of the kitchen in preparation for the installation of the countertop. I am so looking forward to that. I took my daughter to the airport after lunch and have been trying to catch up on correspondence and bills since then.
I have a plateful of things to do in the next few weeks but things are rolling along, Cowboy is doing well and all the kids are doing well. Can't ask for more.
On Thursday my daughter made a trip to see her biological father who lives near Lake Texoma. He will not travel to see anyone so they had not seen each other in several years. They had a nice visit and I am glad that is so.
On Friday my daughter and I went looking for fabric. She was interested in some different things than what she can find at home at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's. I had researched this on the internet and had discovered a bunch of fabric warehouses. I suspect it is because Dallas is a fashion center and a lot of clothing is created here. It turned into quite an adventure.
First you have to be OK to travel to a rather seedy part of the city. The warehouses line the streets for a couple of blocks. There is fabric, ready made stuff, ribbons, quilting stuff, upholstery fabric and odds and ends. You have to be willing to spend some time and effort but wow, the bargains !!
My daughter found several very beautiful pieces of fabric and some notions and we considered the whole day a success .
On Saturday we drove down to see Cowboy. He was in a good humor and it was a nice day. We had a good visit.
On Sunday my other daughter, who had come home from being out of town, went with us and we shopped at this very large mall. It was a bit of a disappointment. So many of the stores cater to the young girls and the fashions are skimpy, poorly made, way too revealing and I am so glad that I am not raising daughters in this climate.
On Monday we went to a Garden Ridge and looked at a lot of junk but did find a couple of cool things. We also went to Tuesday Morning, which I like and came away with a couple of items. We then went to Razzoo's for lunch and headed to a small town near here which has lots of cool shops. Last night my grandson #1, son of daugher #1 and his very permanent girlfriend came over for dinner. My daughter fixed spaghetti and we made a pineapple cake. Nice evening. They did some catching up.
I ended feeling totally worn out but it was fun to see how excited my daughter about some of things we saw. She lives in the country in upstate NY in a totally different world from here.
We spent today getting everything out of the kitchen in preparation for the installation of the countertop. I am so looking forward to that. I took my daughter to the airport after lunch and have been trying to catch up on correspondence and bills since then.
I have a plateful of things to do in the next few weeks but things are rolling along, Cowboy is doing well and all the kids are doing well. Can't ask for more.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Tuesday, May 20
The flooring people started yesterday. I love the tile. Spent some time today trying to decide on colors for the walls.
The house is a mess and furniture is piled in all the wrong places. I am sitting in my empty living room on an office chair on a concrete floor. There are four workmen and two are working on the downstairs and two upstairs. Will take several days.
My daughter who lives in NY will be here tomorrow for a weeks' visit. I am looking forward to seeing her but feel bad that everything is in such disarray. She is going to spend some time with her eldest son who lives in Dallas and take one day to go see her biological father who lives near Lake Texoma.
We will also take a day to go see Cowboy and a couple of days to shop and mess around. Since she lives in a rural area being where there is so much shopping is a treat. We are going to look for fabric for her. She can also help me with some of the chores that need doing around here.
My other daughter will be home Friday and will stay until Monday so we will get in some visiting.
I am staying very busy and have not had time to be lonely or bored. I am a bit of a neat freak though and all this mess is stressful. I suspect it will take weeks to get things in place and take a breath.
Talked to my two sisters and they are still planning on visiting but looks like it will be in the fall. I really want them to come but maybe it is not a bad thing that it will be a little while. I had five sisters but two are gone and I really want to have some time together. One lives in New Mexico and one in Colorado so it is not like they are right around the corner.
The house is a mess and furniture is piled in all the wrong places. I am sitting in my empty living room on an office chair on a concrete floor. There are four workmen and two are working on the downstairs and two upstairs. Will take several days.
My daughter who lives in NY will be here tomorrow for a weeks' visit. I am looking forward to seeing her but feel bad that everything is in such disarray. She is going to spend some time with her eldest son who lives in Dallas and take one day to go see her biological father who lives near Lake Texoma.
We will also take a day to go see Cowboy and a couple of days to shop and mess around. Since she lives in a rural area being where there is so much shopping is a treat. We are going to look for fabric for her. She can also help me with some of the chores that need doing around here.
My other daughter will be home Friday and will stay until Monday so we will get in some visiting.
I am staying very busy and have not had time to be lonely or bored. I am a bit of a neat freak though and all this mess is stressful. I suspect it will take weeks to get things in place and take a breath.
Talked to my two sisters and they are still planning on visiting but looks like it will be in the fall. I really want them to come but maybe it is not a bad thing that it will be a little while. I had five sisters but two are gone and I really want to have some time together. One lives in New Mexico and one in Colorado so it is not like they are right around the corner.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Saturday, May 17
I went to see Cowboy today. Left early and it was an uneventful drive, although I never cease to be amazed at some people's driving habits and the risks they take.
He was in a good humor and he liked the hat I brought him. It is a keeper !
Cowboy looked like he had not had a shave in about four days. They got two new men in this week and one fellow passed away. I suspect they have been very busy, even overwhelmed. There is a new fellow name "Billy" who is a constant challenge for them. He just won't settle down or follow any kind of instruction. He moves around the furniture, pesters everyone, etc. So hard to watch.
The scenery on the drive is changing. The grass is dry and yellow. Most of the flowers that are left are yellow and white. The hay is being cut. The hay fields are golden, the corn fields are dark green. It is like a kaleidescope in slow motion.
This week the trees got trimmed, the deposit to the sprinkler company got sent, the china got fixed and I spent quite a bit of time cleaning up the yard. I had a couple promise to come take up the carpet. Well they promised to come on Thursday, again on Friday and then again today. Claim they were stood up by a couple of guys that were going to help them. So much for Craigs list and depending on people to do what they say they are going to do. The fence got put up and the addition of slats to the pergola means it is now shadier so we are making progress. Flooring job starts Monday and the countertop goes in on the 28th.
I was driving on a main thoroughfare on Thursday. It is four lanes wide plus a lane coming in off the interstate that turns into a right turn only lane. I am changing lanes from the second lane to the third lane across and managed to collide with another car. Not sure if he came off the interstate and changed lanes at the same time as I did or what but it was a very minor fender bender. I was fine and he was fine and we exchanged insurance information and went on our way. No police were called. I suspect it is going to end up costing me my deductible of $1000. I have two small scratches and a dent on the passenger side door and the wheel is scraped. sigh......the hard part is I have not had an accident in 35 years except for backing into a post a few years ago.
My daughter was home today from California. She went and picked up her oldest grandaughter who is 11 and a little friend of hers and they got a manicure, went for pizza and then came back here and went swimming. Theyhave had a really good time. They are spending the night here and are upstairs watching TV. Other than coming down for popcorn and soda they have been very quiet up there, watching TV.
He was in a good humor and he liked the hat I brought him. It is a keeper !
Cowboy looked like he had not had a shave in about four days. They got two new men in this week and one fellow passed away. I suspect they have been very busy, even overwhelmed. There is a new fellow name "Billy" who is a constant challenge for them. He just won't settle down or follow any kind of instruction. He moves around the furniture, pesters everyone, etc. So hard to watch.
The scenery on the drive is changing. The grass is dry and yellow. Most of the flowers that are left are yellow and white. The hay is being cut. The hay fields are golden, the corn fields are dark green. It is like a kaleidescope in slow motion.
This week the trees got trimmed, the deposit to the sprinkler company got sent, the china got fixed and I spent quite a bit of time cleaning up the yard. I had a couple promise to come take up the carpet. Well they promised to come on Thursday, again on Friday and then again today. Claim they were stood up by a couple of guys that were going to help them. So much for Craigs list and depending on people to do what they say they are going to do. The fence got put up and the addition of slats to the pergola means it is now shadier so we are making progress. Flooring job starts Monday and the countertop goes in on the 28th.
I was driving on a main thoroughfare on Thursday. It is four lanes wide plus a lane coming in off the interstate that turns into a right turn only lane. I am changing lanes from the second lane to the third lane across and managed to collide with another car. Not sure if he came off the interstate and changed lanes at the same time as I did or what but it was a very minor fender bender. I was fine and he was fine and we exchanged insurance information and went on our way. No police were called. I suspect it is going to end up costing me my deductible of $1000. I have two small scratches and a dent on the passenger side door and the wheel is scraped. sigh......the hard part is I have not had an accident in 35 years except for backing into a post a few years ago.
My daughter was home today from California. She went and picked up her oldest grandaughter who is 11 and a little friend of hers and they got a manicure, went for pizza and then came back here and went swimming. Theyhave had a really good time. They are spending the night here and are upstairs watching TV. Other than coming down for popcorn and soda they have been very quiet up there, watching TV.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Wednesday, May 14n
I have been one busy puppy of late. Last week I met with folks interested in taking the carpet I am taking up. I posted it on Craigs list. Have some folks interested but no firm offer yet. Got to get it out of here by Monday the 19th or pay the flooring company $600 to take it up and throw it away. That seems such a waste. It is nearly new.
I got quotes on trimming the trees and a sprinkler system. Man, the money is flying out of here like crazy. I got stood up by the painter that was suggested to me so am going to have to find someone else. The posts got set for the new fence across the sides and they are coming back this week to finish the fence and put additional slats across the pergola to block more sun.
I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday and Friday this past week and again yesterday. He is doing fine. He tends to be OK as long as he is left alone. He has made a couple of pretty good friends but doesn't really get close to anyone. Seems very guarded. He doesn't have much patience with people who yell or get in his face or annoy him but mostly everything is peaceful and calm.
He told me he broke his glasses and when I took a look at them, there is a lense that popped out and a bent sidepiece. I brought them home. Will see if they can be repaired. My guess is not and I will need to order him new ones. This was his backup pair. The originals disappeared some time back.
We are now on hat number 3 and hopefully when I take it to him he will like it. He used to always buy a summer straw hat and now that I think about it he would try on 6 or so before deciding he had found one he liked. Hope number 3 is a keeper.
My grandson wants his grandpa to come to his wedding in July. We are going to try to figure out a way to do that. The big issue is whether he will stay in his chair and not soil himself.
Last Wednesday I went shopping again with his fiance and bought me a dress to wear. It is really quite nice. They didn't have the color we need in my size so it has been ordered. Now I have to find a pair of shoes.
On Saturday we had grandson #2, his children and fiance, a friend of his with two more children, my daughter's former boss and his wife and my daughters BFF all sitting around our pool. The kids had a great time. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, fruit, wine and beer. The party went from 1PM to 7PM. I got in the pool and swam a couple of times. It was not bad. My daughter had bought a lounger and I tried to get on it and tipped it over. Again I tried and the darn thing went "POP" and deflated. I broke it or tore it and busted it or whatever. Well, at least we had a good laugh.
Sunday my daughter took me to eat and to a movie. We had a good time, very relaxed. I ate a lot of popcorn, shame on me.
On Monday I finally got my china hutch repaired. A fellow came who specializes in leaded glass. $350. He insisted I pay him and then get my money from the moving company so I have mailed them the receipt and will hope they come through.
I am trying to catch my breath. Too much going on. They start on the floors on Monday. Got a call about installing the countertop but they are ignoring my call backs.
I got quotes on trimming the trees and a sprinkler system. Man, the money is flying out of here like crazy. I got stood up by the painter that was suggested to me so am going to have to find someone else. The posts got set for the new fence across the sides and they are coming back this week to finish the fence and put additional slats across the pergola to block more sun.
I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday and Friday this past week and again yesterday. He is doing fine. He tends to be OK as long as he is left alone. He has made a couple of pretty good friends but doesn't really get close to anyone. Seems very guarded. He doesn't have much patience with people who yell or get in his face or annoy him but mostly everything is peaceful and calm.
He told me he broke his glasses and when I took a look at them, there is a lense that popped out and a bent sidepiece. I brought them home. Will see if they can be repaired. My guess is not and I will need to order him new ones. This was his backup pair. The originals disappeared some time back.
We are now on hat number 3 and hopefully when I take it to him he will like it. He used to always buy a summer straw hat and now that I think about it he would try on 6 or so before deciding he had found one he liked. Hope number 3 is a keeper.
My grandson wants his grandpa to come to his wedding in July. We are going to try to figure out a way to do that. The big issue is whether he will stay in his chair and not soil himself.
Last Wednesday I went shopping again with his fiance and bought me a dress to wear. It is really quite nice. They didn't have the color we need in my size so it has been ordered. Now I have to find a pair of shoes.
On Saturday we had grandson #2, his children and fiance, a friend of his with two more children, my daughter's former boss and his wife and my daughters BFF all sitting around our pool. The kids had a great time. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, fruit, wine and beer. The party went from 1PM to 7PM. I got in the pool and swam a couple of times. It was not bad. My daughter had bought a lounger and I tried to get on it and tipped it over. Again I tried and the darn thing went "POP" and deflated. I broke it or tore it and busted it or whatever. Well, at least we had a good laugh.
Sunday my daughter took me to eat and to a movie. We had a good time, very relaxed. I ate a lot of popcorn, shame on me.
On Monday I finally got my china hutch repaired. A fellow came who specializes in leaded glass. $350. He insisted I pay him and then get my money from the moving company so I have mailed them the receipt and will hope they come through.
I am trying to catch my breath. Too much going on. They start on the floors on Monday. Got a call about installing the countertop but they are ignoring my call backs.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Monday, May 5
I went to see Cowboy Saturday. Trying to see about traffic and which is better, Sunday or Saturday. There was a bit more on Saturday but not bad either way.
The bluebonnets have faded quite a bit but there are large quantities of bright yellow and orange flowers now, sometimes they go on for hundreds of yards. It is so nice to see.
Cowboy was in a good humor and we walked around outside for quite some time. The weather was beautiful. There was a squirrel in the grass and Cowboy fixated on him and just stood watching him for the longest. Everything is getting green and looks so fresh. The aides planted seeds in the beds. I guess there were not funds to put in flowers. I just am not sure they are going to get anything but there are a few sprouts coming up.
Saturday night I got a call from the home. Cowboy had become irritated with another resident and punched him in the stomach. No one was hurt. He is now "under supervision". There are a couple of new fellows who are highly irritating, won't leave you alone, yell at you, etc. I suspect that is what happened but they won't tell me who it was.
I spent Friday going to shop with the fiance of grandson # 2. It was fun. Boy, weddings have sure become big business. It makes me a little uncomfortable. So much money is being spent. They have "stylists" to consult with and all these things to consider.
My daughter got home yesterday but was very tired and we didn't do anything. Did take a short swim about 4. The water is still very cold so we didn't stay in long.
I am still pondering about the yard. Think will use a lot of rock. This area is in extreme drought so seems wrong to have grass and a pool. Ah, the American way of life.
The bluebonnets have faded quite a bit but there are large quantities of bright yellow and orange flowers now, sometimes they go on for hundreds of yards. It is so nice to see.
Cowboy was in a good humor and we walked around outside for quite some time. The weather was beautiful. There was a squirrel in the grass and Cowboy fixated on him and just stood watching him for the longest. Everything is getting green and looks so fresh. The aides planted seeds in the beds. I guess there were not funds to put in flowers. I just am not sure they are going to get anything but there are a few sprouts coming up.
Saturday night I got a call from the home. Cowboy had become irritated with another resident and punched him in the stomach. No one was hurt. He is now "under supervision". There are a couple of new fellows who are highly irritating, won't leave you alone, yell at you, etc. I suspect that is what happened but they won't tell me who it was.
I spent Friday going to shop with the fiance of grandson # 2. It was fun. Boy, weddings have sure become big business. It makes me a little uncomfortable. So much money is being spent. They have "stylists" to consult with and all these things to consider.
My daughter got home yesterday but was very tired and we didn't do anything. Did take a short swim about 4. The water is still very cold so we didn't stay in long.
I am still pondering about the yard. Think will use a lot of rock. This area is in extreme drought so seems wrong to have grass and a pool. Ah, the American way of life.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Thursday, May 1
A new month....wow, how time flies ! Been in the new house almost a month. So much still to do. I just do a little every day.
On Tuesday I spent almost all day outside, picking up sticks and leaves. Have a fellow that is going to add some more slats to the pergola over the deck and also put in new fence in the sections that face the front. The other sides seem to belong to the neighbors. All is pretty nice except the back and that house if for sale so will need to wait and negotiate with the new owner.
I have starting thinking about landscaping and a sprinkler system but can't quite get my head around it. May use a lot of rock and some cacti type plants to minimize water usage.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was feeling pretty chipper. It was cool and he had been outside quite a bit before I even got there. We watched some TV and then sat in the common room for a while. It seems like every time I go there is someone new.
A couple of the ladies with whom I have become friends were telling me that one of the new residents, Chester, has a wife that has to drive quite a ways to get there, is feeling terribly guilty and seems a little demented herself. They were concerned about her. We talked to the social worker about it and will follow up. She seems very sweet but rather timid. We do try to look after each other.
Today was productive. I actually went to a car wash and cleaned up my car and vacuumed it myself. Haven't done that in years. I am used to just driving in and letting someone else do the whole job. I can't seem find a similar place here. It wasn't too hard.
I mailed some things, went and picked up a stool cover my daughter wanted and went looking for a Michaels. Had gone on line and got a coupon and had been there before but I just couldn't find the place.
This big old city can be a challenge. I ate out and went to WalMart to get some watches batteries changed. They said that if you didn't buy the watch there they would not replace the battery. That was news. Anyhow I went to a place called "Batteries Plus" and they took care of me.
I posted the carpet in the house on Craigslist today. I learned that if I take it up it will save me $600 on the flooring bill. Also am going to sell one chair. The living room is a bit crowded here. Need to get something with a much smaller footprint.
Tomorrow I am going to meet Grandson #2's bride to be and go with her to the bridal shop for a dress. It should be fun. They have asked me to play for the wedding, which is in July. I really like her. He is fortunate to have found her.
I am right this minute making chicken noodle soup for later, cooking veggies for fajitas for dinner and trying to be done by the time Wheel of Fortune comes on. Gotta run......
On Tuesday I spent almost all day outside, picking up sticks and leaves. Have a fellow that is going to add some more slats to the pergola over the deck and also put in new fence in the sections that face the front. The other sides seem to belong to the neighbors. All is pretty nice except the back and that house if for sale so will need to wait and negotiate with the new owner.
I have starting thinking about landscaping and a sprinkler system but can't quite get my head around it. May use a lot of rock and some cacti type plants to minimize water usage.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was feeling pretty chipper. It was cool and he had been outside quite a bit before I even got there. We watched some TV and then sat in the common room for a while. It seems like every time I go there is someone new.
A couple of the ladies with whom I have become friends were telling me that one of the new residents, Chester, has a wife that has to drive quite a ways to get there, is feeling terribly guilty and seems a little demented herself. They were concerned about her. We talked to the social worker about it and will follow up. She seems very sweet but rather timid. We do try to look after each other.
Today was productive. I actually went to a car wash and cleaned up my car and vacuumed it myself. Haven't done that in years. I am used to just driving in and letting someone else do the whole job. I can't seem find a similar place here. It wasn't too hard.
I mailed some things, went and picked up a stool cover my daughter wanted and went looking for a Michaels. Had gone on line and got a coupon and had been there before but I just couldn't find the place.
This big old city can be a challenge. I ate out and went to WalMart to get some watches batteries changed. They said that if you didn't buy the watch there they would not replace the battery. That was news. Anyhow I went to a place called "Batteries Plus" and they took care of me.
I posted the carpet in the house on Craigslist today. I learned that if I take it up it will save me $600 on the flooring bill. Also am going to sell one chair. The living room is a bit crowded here. Need to get something with a much smaller footprint.
Tomorrow I am going to meet Grandson #2's bride to be and go with her to the bridal shop for a dress. It should be fun. They have asked me to play for the wedding, which is in July. I really like her. He is fortunate to have found her.
I am right this minute making chicken noodle soup for later, cooking veggies for fajitas for dinner and trying to be done by the time Wheel of Fortune comes on. Gotta run......
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