I took my daughter to get an MRI Monday. We are waiting to hear from the Dr. Still don't know what will need to be done. She is a bit a of a wreck with all the waiting. She is hobbling around and working from home.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was in good spirits. I played a gig for the general population in the AM and then repeated it after lunch for the memory unit. I went heavy on fiddle tunes and I think they really enjoyed it. This one fellow wanted to buy my fiddle. Later he asked me if he gave me $1000 would I teach him to play like I do. Sometimes these guys can be a hoot.
One of the ladies is really worried today. She is there every day to feed her husband as he cannot manage it himself. The staff feeds those that need help but she likes to do it herself. She lives nearby. Yesterday he just wouldn't wake up. At one point he ate a little bit of food and then fell into deep sleep. She said he is really going down. She said "I don't know how to do this" with big tears in her eyes. She is such a nice person and he is very sweet. He used to give me a kiss on the cheek and once he asked me to dance. Now he rarely lifts his head and just seems to be in a stupor.
It is rainy today and much cooler. I haven't done much. Did go to Home Depot and got some "stump killer" . We are going to treat all the little tree stumps that are being created in the yard so we can get them out.
I also found a new door guide for the sliding door on the pantry, a big box for my daughter to pack up a fan she is giving to a friend, and bought 10 LED bulbs. I am on a mission to reduce our power bill and if they deliver as advertised, they should last longer than I will (21 years). They are not cheap but use far less power than conventional bulbs. Need to replace every light in this house. It is filled with the old conventional lights.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Friday, July 25
Yesterday I went to Penney's to take advantage of a 50% sale on drapes. Found some pretty sheer drapes for my bedroom. They are white with green leaves on them that match the green of the walls. It is a start on the windows. I am sure my grandson can put them up.
Today I drove down to see Cowboy. He was sitting in the day room watching an old John Wayne movie. He said hi and asked me if I was out running around today. I explained it was Friday and I had come to see him. He said "OK" but seemed puzzled. We talked about the kids and he couldn't name any of them. When I asked him which of his daughters had the triplets he named the wrong one. He just doesn't get it right anymore.
We had a nice lunch of catfish and rice and some really good green beans. He ate it all. I am grateful that he eats well. So many of the patients are thin and don't eat well. I need to check on his current weight. He actually seems a bit heavier and that is a good thing.
One of the wives brought necklaces for all of us with the Alzheimers symbol on it. I didn't point out to her that Cowboy doesn't have Alzheimers but Lewy Body dementia. Doesn't matter. Her heart was in the right place. It is very pretty and I will wear it.
I told the ladies I will be playing nest Tuesday so they are planning on sticking around and listening. I appreciate that. They are a real support group that I treasure. Will need to spend some time this weekend preparing. Will use a lot of the music I did for the wedding.
When I got home my grandson was so proud of all he had accomplished today. He put up the blinds in the kitchen, pulled a lot of weeds, made the beds, did some laundry, trimmed the shrubs etc. He is such an interesting young man, sweet and helpful but also a bit of a con man. He always pushes things a bit. I think he would make a great salesman.
I came back and heated up some spaghetti and made some garlic bread. My daughter got home from Jacksonville, Fla about 6 and we had dinner and are now watching a little TV. I am about ready to call it a day.
Today I drove down to see Cowboy. He was sitting in the day room watching an old John Wayne movie. He said hi and asked me if I was out running around today. I explained it was Friday and I had come to see him. He said "OK" but seemed puzzled. We talked about the kids and he couldn't name any of them. When I asked him which of his daughters had the triplets he named the wrong one. He just doesn't get it right anymore.
We had a nice lunch of catfish and rice and some really good green beans. He ate it all. I am grateful that he eats well. So many of the patients are thin and don't eat well. I need to check on his current weight. He actually seems a bit heavier and that is a good thing.
One of the wives brought necklaces for all of us with the Alzheimers symbol on it. I didn't point out to her that Cowboy doesn't have Alzheimers but Lewy Body dementia. Doesn't matter. Her heart was in the right place. It is very pretty and I will wear it.
I told the ladies I will be playing nest Tuesday so they are planning on sticking around and listening. I appreciate that. They are a real support group that I treasure. Will need to spend some time this weekend preparing. Will use a lot of the music I did for the wedding.
When I got home my grandson was so proud of all he had accomplished today. He put up the blinds in the kitchen, pulled a lot of weeds, made the beds, did some laundry, trimmed the shrubs etc. He is such an interesting young man, sweet and helpful but also a bit of a con man. He always pushes things a bit. I think he would make a great salesman.
I came back and heated up some spaghetti and made some garlic bread. My daughter got home from Jacksonville, Fla about 6 and we had dinner and are now watching a little TV. I am about ready to call it a day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Wednesday, July 23
I did just what I said I would do Sunday. I slept in, got up, drank tea, read the paper, etc. Wonderful day. My daughter made steaks and they were great.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was in a good humor but it was terribly hot so we didn't go out. We watched an episode of "Matlock" and some of "Gunsmoke". Lunch was tilapia, asparagus and potatoes and watermelon. After lunch Cowboy was sitting at the table drinking coffee and I walked over to talk with some of the wives. Next thing I know there is a commotion coming from his table and I turn around and Cowboy has my purse and is shouting at Billy and one of the aides is on her way over. He was going to bop Billy with the purse I think. We got him calmed down and Billy on his way and peace returned. That Billy is a real problem for everyone.
Today I got up pretty early and proceeded to attack the lovely stand of weeds in the yard. Grandson soon joined me and we made some progress. It was very hot by 10 so we went to Home Depot and bought more bricks and some other supplies. He is back out there in the heat but not me. I am done outside for today.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was in a good humor but it was terribly hot so we didn't go out. We watched an episode of "Matlock" and some of "Gunsmoke". Lunch was tilapia, asparagus and potatoes and watermelon. After lunch Cowboy was sitting at the table drinking coffee and I walked over to talk with some of the wives. Next thing I know there is a commotion coming from his table and I turn around and Cowboy has my purse and is shouting at Billy and one of the aides is on her way over. He was going to bop Billy with the purse I think. We got him calmed down and Billy on his way and peace returned. That Billy is a real problem for everyone.
Today I got up pretty early and proceeded to attack the lovely stand of weeds in the yard. Grandson soon joined me and we made some progress. It was very hot by 10 so we went to Home Depot and bought more bricks and some other supplies. He is back out there in the heat but not me. I am done outside for today.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Friday, July 18
Another busy week. My daughter was in a lot of pain and didn't want to try to do anything. I found myself spending time fixing meals, doing laundry, etc. So many things we had planned to do this week have been put on hold. She went to the orthopedist on Wed but has to wait on an appointment for an MRI, etc. Is doing fairly well but is on meds.
On Thursday we both went for an appointment with a dentist I had found and I got a good report but she needs some work. Can't really schedule anything til have an answer about the knee.
I took Grandson #4 to get a replacement social security card and to renew his license today. What a mob!! I think it is a shame these kinds of things can take most of a day and that so many people are inconvenienced. There has to be a better way.
I am a bit tired but will go see Cowboy tomorrow. My birthday is Sunday. Tomorrow when I get home we are going to have steaks on the grill and a nice swim then off to a movie. My great grand daughter is coming over for the afternoon. I may just stay in bed on Sunday and try to just relax. Or at least not move out of my recliner. Will have the Sunday paper to entertain me.
Starting Monday grandson #4 is going to work for 6 hours daily on a list of jobs I have for him. He still needs to do the baseboards, fix up the guest bath, do some more yard work, etc. Still need to shop for window treatments and some decor. On and on it goes.
My grandson (#2) who got married should be home tomorrow from Puerto Rico. I am hoping my oldest grandson (#1) and his girlfriend will find some time to come by soon. There are a few things around here that only he can handle. I am so grateful for all of them. They are so sweet and helpful and loving. I am trying hard not to take advantage of them.
I have received several birthday cards and ecards and appreciate every one. It is really good therapy to hear from relatives and friends. Am not particularly happy about turning 70 but as they say "it beats the alternative". I feel like I am doing better than many folks and am grateful for that.
I have found a doctor I think I am going to like. He wants to wait on my records before making any recommendations so we will need to wait a bit for all of that to come about. It is a little scary when you have to find someone new and it takes a while to build confidence on them. Here's hoping.........
On Thursday we both went for an appointment with a dentist I had found and I got a good report but she needs some work. Can't really schedule anything til have an answer about the knee.
I took Grandson #4 to get a replacement social security card and to renew his license today. What a mob!! I think it is a shame these kinds of things can take most of a day and that so many people are inconvenienced. There has to be a better way.
I am a bit tired but will go see Cowboy tomorrow. My birthday is Sunday. Tomorrow when I get home we are going to have steaks on the grill and a nice swim then off to a movie. My great grand daughter is coming over for the afternoon. I may just stay in bed on Sunday and try to just relax. Or at least not move out of my recliner. Will have the Sunday paper to entertain me.
Starting Monday grandson #4 is going to work for 6 hours daily on a list of jobs I have for him. He still needs to do the baseboards, fix up the guest bath, do some more yard work, etc. Still need to shop for window treatments and some decor. On and on it goes.
My grandson (#2) who got married should be home tomorrow from Puerto Rico. I am hoping my oldest grandson (#1) and his girlfriend will find some time to come by soon. There are a few things around here that only he can handle. I am so grateful for all of them. They are so sweet and helpful and loving. I am trying hard not to take advantage of them.
I have received several birthday cards and ecards and appreciate every one. It is really good therapy to hear from relatives and friends. Am not particularly happy about turning 70 but as they say "it beats the alternative". I feel like I am doing better than many folks and am grateful for that.
I have found a doctor I think I am going to like. He wants to wait on my records before making any recommendations so we will need to wait a bit for all of that to come about. It is a little scary when you have to find someone new and it takes a while to build confidence on them. Here's hoping.........
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sunday, July 13
It has been a whirlwind week. I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday and he was doing OK. Terribly hot but we walked around outside for a while and sat outside and watched the birds. He asked me why that wagon wagon was in the parking lot and I told him there was no wagon. He insisted there was. It was a hallucination. We then sat in the day room for a while.
I took grandson #4 to two job interviews this week. They didn't turn out to be anything acceptable. He continues to help me with the yard and the house. Something will work out soon I am sure.
I went to a wedding shower Thursday night and then the rehearsal on Friday night. There was a bachelor party after the rehearsal so I headed home.
I went and picked up Cowboy yesterday morning. Got up at 6 and was there about 9:30. He was ready to go. They had just shaved and bathed him but he needed a haircut. We got back to Dallas and I took him to lunch. It was a nice home cooking kind of place and he had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn and homemade rolls. Huge servings but he ate every bite.
After that we looked for and found a barber and he got a haircut. Then home to get dressed. Cowboy wore a nice suit and his best hat. I had bought him a new shirt. He looked very nice.
Then off to the hotel for the wedding. My daughter looked after Cowboy while I set up and played prior to the ceremony. The ceremony was just beautiful. Although it was hot out we were in the shade and there was a breeze. This was followed by the reception. We had drinks, crab cakes and coconut shrimp. After the introductions, speeches, etc. we were served salad of portabello mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese with watercress and dressing. This was followed by salmon, candied baby carrots and broccolli. Wonderful meal. There was the garter retrieval, the bouquet being tossed and dancing. Wonderful party. Cowboy was totally worn out by 11 so we left and went home.
I helped Cowboy take his medicine, undress and get into bed. He was snoring within 10 seconds (I swear) of hitting the pillow. Did not stir all night.
When we arrived at the house I showed him around. He didn't seem to recognize our belongings although most everything is the the furniture we have had for years. He looked at the bed and said "where did you get this?". He looked at a chair in the living room and said "when did you get this".
When I got up this morning my daughter told me she had wrenched her knee and was in severe pain. We arranged for a friend to take her to the ER and I got Cowboy ready and left to take him back to the home. Change of plans but I was concerned that my daughter might end up needing surgery and would need assistance.
Before I got back I learned that they had put my daughter's knee in a brace, given her a prescription for a pain med and told her to make an appointment with an orthopedist come Monday. May need some repair but won't know until she see the doctor. Good news is she did not break anything.
The original plan was to go to my grandsons for a party and then take Cowboy back. We had modified those plans given my daughter's injury. Glad she is OK.
My new granddaughter in law is from Liberia. She is half African and half Lebononese, and quite beautiful I must say. She had a lot of relatives here for the wedding. They came from Liberia, California, New Jersey, Maryland, etc. I have to say these folks know how to make a major event out of a marriage. Shower on Thursday, bachelor party of Friday, wedding on Saturday, party all day Sunday. They served a very spicy stewed chicken, a spicy rice and greens. Lots of beer, lots of people and lots a loud African music. I had spent five hours taking Cowboy back to the home, getting him settled and getting back and had no energy left for partying. I stayed for awhile and had something to eat and then headed home.
The newlyweds leave for Puerto Rico for a week tomorrow. My daughter will have to lay around and get waited on for a couple of days, my grandson is coming over to continue work on the yard and I guess I will try to get caught up on household matters tomorrow. But first, I am going to not set the alarm.
I took grandson #4 to two job interviews this week. They didn't turn out to be anything acceptable. He continues to help me with the yard and the house. Something will work out soon I am sure.
I went to a wedding shower Thursday night and then the rehearsal on Friday night. There was a bachelor party after the rehearsal so I headed home.
I went and picked up Cowboy yesterday morning. Got up at 6 and was there about 9:30. He was ready to go. They had just shaved and bathed him but he needed a haircut. We got back to Dallas and I took him to lunch. It was a nice home cooking kind of place and he had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn and homemade rolls. Huge servings but he ate every bite.
After that we looked for and found a barber and he got a haircut. Then home to get dressed. Cowboy wore a nice suit and his best hat. I had bought him a new shirt. He looked very nice.
Then off to the hotel for the wedding. My daughter looked after Cowboy while I set up and played prior to the ceremony. The ceremony was just beautiful. Although it was hot out we were in the shade and there was a breeze. This was followed by the reception. We had drinks, crab cakes and coconut shrimp. After the introductions, speeches, etc. we were served salad of portabello mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese with watercress and dressing. This was followed by salmon, candied baby carrots and broccolli. Wonderful meal. There was the garter retrieval, the bouquet being tossed and dancing. Wonderful party. Cowboy was totally worn out by 11 so we left and went home.
I helped Cowboy take his medicine, undress and get into bed. He was snoring within 10 seconds (I swear) of hitting the pillow. Did not stir all night.
When we arrived at the house I showed him around. He didn't seem to recognize our belongings although most everything is the the furniture we have had for years. He looked at the bed and said "where did you get this?". He looked at a chair in the living room and said "when did you get this".
When I got up this morning my daughter told me she had wrenched her knee and was in severe pain. We arranged for a friend to take her to the ER and I got Cowboy ready and left to take him back to the home. Change of plans but I was concerned that my daughter might end up needing surgery and would need assistance.
Before I got back I learned that they had put my daughter's knee in a brace, given her a prescription for a pain med and told her to make an appointment with an orthopedist come Monday. May need some repair but won't know until she see the doctor. Good news is she did not break anything.
The original plan was to go to my grandsons for a party and then take Cowboy back. We had modified those plans given my daughter's injury. Glad she is OK.
My new granddaughter in law is from Liberia. She is half African and half Lebononese, and quite beautiful I must say. She had a lot of relatives here for the wedding. They came from Liberia, California, New Jersey, Maryland, etc. I have to say these folks know how to make a major event out of a marriage. Shower on Thursday, bachelor party of Friday, wedding on Saturday, party all day Sunday. They served a very spicy stewed chicken, a spicy rice and greens. Lots of beer, lots of people and lots a loud African music. I had spent five hours taking Cowboy back to the home, getting him settled and getting back and had no energy left for partying. I stayed for awhile and had something to eat and then headed home.
The newlyweds leave for Puerto Rico for a week tomorrow. My daughter will have to lay around and get waited on for a couple of days, my grandson is coming over to continue work on the yard and I guess I will try to get caught up on household matters tomorrow. But first, I am going to not set the alarm.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
wednesday July 9
I am way too busy but am coping
On July 3 I went to the home and we had a nice July 4th celebration. Balloons, decorations, hot dogs, etc. It was a good time. The band from the nearby post played a concert and they were really good. Cowboy seemed to really enjoy himself. I had made a big batch of potato salad and got rave reviews. Always makes you feel good.
On July 4th my daughter and her sons, their families, some friends all took the jet skies and went to the lake. I chose to stay at home. Just can't take so much activity. and it was dreadfully hot.
On July 5 I went with my daughter to the mall and we found her a dress and shoes for the wedding. Had a nice lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I had never been there before and it was very good but $7.50 for a piece of cheesecake?
Grandson #4 went with me to see his "Grandpa". When we sat down for lunch the fellow who is sometimes a problem and bothers people came over and Cowboy got very angry. He shouted at him and came up out of his chair and threatened to "kick his ass". My grandson was just completely surprised. He told me he had never seen his Grandpa angry. I have seen him angry a number of times so I found that interesting. He has always been very patient with the kids. Anyway, the crisis passed and we had a nice lunch.
I went again yesterday. Cowboy was sitting outside. It was hot but there was a nice breeze and the birds were singing. He asked me why there was a wagon in the parking lot. There was not wagon so he was seeing things. I told it had been there earlier but was gone and I didn't know why it was there.
I didn't stay for lunch. There are a fair number of activities with this wedding and I have to practice, take the grandson to buy some shoes, pick up his rented tux, buy groceries, etc. Tomorrow I am getting a haircut and a mani/pedi.
Tomorrow evening there is a shower and I stopped in at Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought here a gift for the shower.
Grandson #4 has a job interview Friday AM and I told him I would take him. Then there is the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Friday evening, the wedding on Saturday and a BarBQ on Sunday.
I will be picking Cowboy up Saturday morning for the festivities. Grandson really wants him there. Hope it goes OK.
On July 3 I went to the home and we had a nice July 4th celebration. Balloons, decorations, hot dogs, etc. It was a good time. The band from the nearby post played a concert and they were really good. Cowboy seemed to really enjoy himself. I had made a big batch of potato salad and got rave reviews. Always makes you feel good.
On July 4th my daughter and her sons, their families, some friends all took the jet skies and went to the lake. I chose to stay at home. Just can't take so much activity. and it was dreadfully hot.
On July 5 I went with my daughter to the mall and we found her a dress and shoes for the wedding. Had a nice lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I had never been there before and it was very good but $7.50 for a piece of cheesecake?
Grandson #4 went with me to see his "Grandpa". When we sat down for lunch the fellow who is sometimes a problem and bothers people came over and Cowboy got very angry. He shouted at him and came up out of his chair and threatened to "kick his ass". My grandson was just completely surprised. He told me he had never seen his Grandpa angry. I have seen him angry a number of times so I found that interesting. He has always been very patient with the kids. Anyway, the crisis passed and we had a nice lunch.
I went again yesterday. Cowboy was sitting outside. It was hot but there was a nice breeze and the birds were singing. He asked me why there was a wagon in the parking lot. There was not wagon so he was seeing things. I told it had been there earlier but was gone and I didn't know why it was there.
I didn't stay for lunch. There are a fair number of activities with this wedding and I have to practice, take the grandson to buy some shoes, pick up his rented tux, buy groceries, etc. Tomorrow I am getting a haircut and a mani/pedi.
Tomorrow evening there is a shower and I stopped in at Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought here a gift for the shower.
Grandson #4 has a job interview Friday AM and I told him I would take him. Then there is the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Friday evening, the wedding on Saturday and a BarBQ on Sunday.
I will be picking Cowboy up Saturday morning for the festivities. Grandson really wants him there. Hope it goes OK.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday, July 1
Wow, it it really July? It is hot enough to qualify. It was 94 today. Heard on the news last night that the average date for the first 100 degree day here is June 30 so we are behind schedule.
We had 25 people here on Saturday to celebrate great grandaughter # 2's birthday. lots of kids, hot dogs, cake, etc. A good time. (I seriously need some rest!)
I told my daughter and soon to be grandaughter in law that I was working too hard. No sympathy there. Daughter said "but you are with family!!"
On Sunday we went to the hotel where the wedding will be next week and checked things out. It is outside but will be shaded so hopefully will not be too hot. The reception is indoors so it will be cool and comfortable.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was in really good spirits We heard music playing when we came from his room to the dining area for lunch and he was holding onto the rail and dancing down the hall.
I brought him the Sunday comics which he always enjoys. Terrible traffic due to construction getting there and I was too late to turn in a meal ticket so I just watched him eat. He ate every bite.
The podiatrist was by and trimmed his toenails and checked his feet. He has a blister but it is healing and all is well. It is very important to watch his feet carefully but we are doing OK.
Grandson #4 and I went to Home Depot today and bought some more rock and stones to finish up in the back yard. He has really enjoyed "designing" it and putting it together. It is so hot and he has worked several hours most days to do the work.
Tomorrow I get a new dishwasher. Always planned to replace it but had gotten totally frustrated with it and decided to just go ahead and replace it. It would just pop open in the middle of a cycle, the seal was coming undone, etc.
Also will be picking up my dress for the wedding tomorrow. always something going on. We are having a Fourth of July celebration at the home on Thursday so also tomorrow must fix potato salad. busy, busy.........
We had 25 people here on Saturday to celebrate great grandaughter # 2's birthday. lots of kids, hot dogs, cake, etc. A good time. (I seriously need some rest!)
I told my daughter and soon to be grandaughter in law that I was working too hard. No sympathy there. Daughter said "but you are with family!!"
On Sunday we went to the hotel where the wedding will be next week and checked things out. It is outside but will be shaded so hopefully will not be too hot. The reception is indoors so it will be cool and comfortable.
I went to see Cowboy yesterday. He was in really good spirits We heard music playing when we came from his room to the dining area for lunch and he was holding onto the rail and dancing down the hall.
I brought him the Sunday comics which he always enjoys. Terrible traffic due to construction getting there and I was too late to turn in a meal ticket so I just watched him eat. He ate every bite.
The podiatrist was by and trimmed his toenails and checked his feet. He has a blister but it is healing and all is well. It is very important to watch his feet carefully but we are doing OK.
Grandson #4 and I went to Home Depot today and bought some more rock and stones to finish up in the back yard. He has really enjoyed "designing" it and putting it together. It is so hot and he has worked several hours most days to do the work.
Tomorrow I get a new dishwasher. Always planned to replace it but had gotten totally frustrated with it and decided to just go ahead and replace it. It would just pop open in the middle of a cycle, the seal was coming undone, etc.
Also will be picking up my dress for the wedding tomorrow. always something going on. We are having a Fourth of July celebration at the home on Thursday so also tomorrow must fix potato salad. busy, busy.........
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