I got back this past Thursday and am still recovering. Nothing likem16 hours of traveling to remind you about your age.
I had a great time. We had absolutely perfect weather until the last day in Buenos Aires when it rained, hard at times. We had one bad travel day when a flight was cancelled and we spent all day and half the night at the airport before we got to fly to Santiago.
I went to see Cowboy on Friday and my daughter and the dog went too. He held me a long time and we both almost cried. Cowboy is doing OK. Seems very stable right now. He loves the dog and we went outside and let him work with her. He loved that.
I am going back today to see him. Will be back on a schedule of twice weekly. Leaving when I finish this.
Now for the bad news. While I was gone my daughter, who sometimes sleep walks, apparently got up during the night and turned on the faucet in the bathroom full blast. It was hours before she got up and found it. She cleaned it up with every towel in the house. Then she discovered it had seeped down to the first floor and wet the ceiling so she mopped up some more.
I didn't hear about it til I got home. She didn't want to spoil my trip. Neither one of us realized the serious nature of it but I knew I needed to have someone look at it.
Turns out not only the ceiling but the walls got soaked. I now have holes in the ceiling, cut outs in the walls and these huge noisy fans going all over the house. They had to take up part of the floor on the second floor to dry out the sub floor. What a mess. They tell me it will take 3 to 5 days to dry everything out and then there will be reconstruction to put everything back together.
The insurance company offered me a hotel room because I do not presently have access to mine but I chose to bunk upstairs. I have too much to do and need to stay here.
Am off to see Cowboy. More later........
Monday, February 2, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Wednesday, January 7
It is countdown time. I leave Saturday the 10th on my trip. First to Miami, then Lima, Peru and then on to various points in Chile and Argentina. Have had advice to bring back wine, woven goods, leather goods and to be sure and sample their beef. I will try but can only pack 44 pounds total (and I do need to wear clothes for almost three weeks).
I am getting really excited about the trip and some time away and a change of scene. I went to see Cowboy this past Saturday. He was doing fine. I explained to him about the trip. He said "I wish you wouldn't go". I responded "Why, are going to miss me?" He said "No, I am afraid you will get cold".
I plan to go see him tomorrow and then it will be three weeks until I see him again. The girls will be checking on him I am sure. Need to talk to them before I leave. I will be able to be contacted but would take a while to get back if something should go wrong. Longest I have been away. When we went to Africa back in 2001 we were gone for 21 days and I decided then, that was about my limit.
Am about finished with the house, for the short term anyway. Still want to buy a better range and microwave, replace the tile in the front hall and replace the fence in back. It will probably be a little while before I get started. Need to some time to develop some outside activities so will probably focus on that when I get back.
I am getting really excited about the trip and some time away and a change of scene. I went to see Cowboy this past Saturday. He was doing fine. I explained to him about the trip. He said "I wish you wouldn't go". I responded "Why, are going to miss me?" He said "No, I am afraid you will get cold".
I plan to go see him tomorrow and then it will be three weeks until I see him again. The girls will be checking on him I am sure. Need to talk to them before I leave. I will be able to be contacted but would take a while to get back if something should go wrong. Longest I have been away. When we went to Africa back in 2001 we were gone for 21 days and I decided then, that was about my limit.
Am about finished with the house, for the short term anyway. Still want to buy a better range and microwave, replace the tile in the front hall and replace the fence in back. It will probably be a little while before I get started. Need to some time to develop some outside activities so will probably focus on that when I get back.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Saturday, January 3
A friend notified me today and wondered why I have not posted. Well I have no excuses except I would think about it when it was inconvenient and forget about it when it was convenient. or maybe I am becoming a "slug".
Christmas week was pretty busy around here. My daughter and I went to see Cowboy on Monday and took the pup. She was a big hit. Cowboy enjoyed her and even tried to take her for a walk. The other residents wanted to pet her and a couple of them wanted her in their lap. We had a good visit.
Just about every day some member of the family came by to open presents. We were the location they had to work in their busy schedules. Grandson #2 and his family had to go to New Jersey that week. Her grandmother had died. We finally had Christmas for their kids on New Years day.
On Christmas day grandson #4 went with me and we drove to the home and had Christmas dinner with Cowboy.
On Sunday Cowboy's younger daughter and her four children (which includes triplets) drove down to see Cowboy with me. He couldn't remember their names and he kept confusing the older girl with her mother. We took Cowboy to Applebee's and had lunch. It was a nice time. We got him ribs and he ate every bite.
What did I do this past week? Went to the doctor for my follow up on Monday. My upper GI tract needs help. I have gastritis and something whose name I can't remember that means part of the lining from my tummy is creeping up into my esophagus. Now he says, no spicy food, no chocolate, no cola, no alcohol, don't eat for three hours before bedtime, etc. I told him he had just taken a lot of fun out of my life.
I spent quite a bit of time emptying the files of 2014 and starting to organize things for doing taxes. I spent hours looking for my paperwork for filing for homestead and I cannot find it. It is no small thing as it includes a registered copy of my power of attorney and a letter from the VA verifying Cowboy's status with them. It has got to be here somewhere!!
Grandson #4 was here yesterday and we changed the filters on the HVAC, packed up and put away all the holiday decorations and put together a lamp. Whew!
See, I have been busy.
Christmas week was pretty busy around here. My daughter and I went to see Cowboy on Monday and took the pup. She was a big hit. Cowboy enjoyed her and even tried to take her for a walk. The other residents wanted to pet her and a couple of them wanted her in their lap. We had a good visit.
Just about every day some member of the family came by to open presents. We were the location they had to work in their busy schedules. Grandson #2 and his family had to go to New Jersey that week. Her grandmother had died. We finally had Christmas for their kids on New Years day.
On Christmas day grandson #4 went with me and we drove to the home and had Christmas dinner with Cowboy.
On Sunday Cowboy's younger daughter and her four children (which includes triplets) drove down to see Cowboy with me. He couldn't remember their names and he kept confusing the older girl with her mother. We took Cowboy to Applebee's and had lunch. It was a nice time. We got him ribs and he ate every bite.
What did I do this past week? Went to the doctor for my follow up on Monday. My upper GI tract needs help. I have gastritis and something whose name I can't remember that means part of the lining from my tummy is creeping up into my esophagus. Now he says, no spicy food, no chocolate, no cola, no alcohol, don't eat for three hours before bedtime, etc. I told him he had just taken a lot of fun out of my life.
I spent quite a bit of time emptying the files of 2014 and starting to organize things for doing taxes. I spent hours looking for my paperwork for filing for homestead and I cannot find it. It is no small thing as it includes a registered copy of my power of attorney and a letter from the VA verifying Cowboy's status with them. It has got to be here somewhere!!
Grandson #4 was here yesterday and we changed the filters on the HVAC, packed up and put away all the holiday decorations and put together a lamp. Whew!
See, I have been busy.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Sunday, December 21
This past Monday I went to the surgery center and had an endoscopy. Piece of cake. The doc says I have a hernia and gastritis. Have a follow up appointment on the 29th when labs come back but pretty sure everything is fine. Timing worked out great. My daughter is on vacation for the next two weeks so she could take me and drive.
Tuesday I decided I better get the shopping finished for the little ones. Spent the day at the mall. Wall to wall people!! There were lots of bargains so I bought myself a couple of blouses.
Cowboy called me Tuesday and asked me if I had the "list". I asked him what list. Apparently he had seen something on TV about some girls being abducted. He wanted the list of their names so he could help. I told him I would do everything I could to get it. This sort of thing happens sometimes and then he forgets it ever was discussed. Hope that happens this time.
My daughter and I went down to the home on Thursday. It was the day of the residents Christmas party. What a great event. All the staff dressed up in these adorable costumes as Christmas trees, presents, snowmen, angels, etc. KUDOS to them for a great party.
There was more family there than I have ever seen before which was nice. My daughter got Cowboy a calendar with beautiful horse pictures. I got him an analog watch. I have in the past bought him two digital watches and he messes with them and then announces they are broken. Maybe he will do better with this one. The staff had provided each resident with a sweat shirt and a pair of socks as gifts from Santa. A few days earlier all of the residents were given afghans for warmth. Cowboy's is green and blue and very pretty. There were children who sang carols and some fellas from a motorcycle club.
I have agreed to let my daughter get a dog. She found a beautiful boxer puppy at a rescue organization and picked him up Friday. So Friday involved trips to Petsmart and to a vet. "Cali" was given a clean bill of health and got her shots, etc. My daughter will be home through January so that should give us time to get some training in.
We spent yesterday cleaning out closets, trading some clothes and filled up two bags for the GoodWill folks.
I am managing to be completely lazy today. Have read the paper, gone through a pile of periodicals and picked up my desk. I recently received more information about my upcoming trip and have been looking at it as well.
Tomorrow we are going to see Cowboy and take the dog down to see him.
Tuesday I decided I better get the shopping finished for the little ones. Spent the day at the mall. Wall to wall people!! There were lots of bargains so I bought myself a couple of blouses.
Cowboy called me Tuesday and asked me if I had the "list". I asked him what list. Apparently he had seen something on TV about some girls being abducted. He wanted the list of their names so he could help. I told him I would do everything I could to get it. This sort of thing happens sometimes and then he forgets it ever was discussed. Hope that happens this time.
My daughter and I went down to the home on Thursday. It was the day of the residents Christmas party. What a great event. All the staff dressed up in these adorable costumes as Christmas trees, presents, snowmen, angels, etc. KUDOS to them for a great party.
There was more family there than I have ever seen before which was nice. My daughter got Cowboy a calendar with beautiful horse pictures. I got him an analog watch. I have in the past bought him two digital watches and he messes with them and then announces they are broken. Maybe he will do better with this one. The staff had provided each resident with a sweat shirt and a pair of socks as gifts from Santa. A few days earlier all of the residents were given afghans for warmth. Cowboy's is green and blue and very pretty. There were children who sang carols and some fellas from a motorcycle club.
I have agreed to let my daughter get a dog. She found a beautiful boxer puppy at a rescue organization and picked him up Friday. So Friday involved trips to Petsmart and to a vet. "Cali" was given a clean bill of health and got her shots, etc. My daughter will be home through January so that should give us time to get some training in.
We spent yesterday cleaning out closets, trading some clothes and filled up two bags for the GoodWill folks.
I am managing to be completely lazy today. Have read the paper, gone through a pile of periodicals and picked up my desk. I recently received more information about my upcoming trip and have been looking at it as well.
Tomorrow we are going to see Cowboy and take the dog down to see him.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Friday, December 12
Had a great time in Georgetown this past weekend. Went to the museum and enjoyed a dulcimer concert Friday night and then some friends and I went out to eat. Saturday AM went to dulcimer practice and played with them. then Saturday afternoon I had lunch with the friend I am staying with and the friend I am going to South America with, then went to see the little dog I gave to a neighbor months ago. I still miss her. I couldn't tell if she knew me but I like to think she did. Since she loves absolutely everyone it is hard to say. I then went to visit another friend in my old neighborhood.
Stayed in Saturday night and helped my friend eat some of the left overs that were accumulating.
Sunday afternoon I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. Then back to Georgetown for the party the neighborhood was having. What fun to see my old neighbors. They had a great band.
I came home Monday after lunch with a couple of buddies from the old neighborhood. A really great extended weekend. Sometimes I feel sad about leaving all the wonderful people and it was heartwarming to see them.
The roof was started on Monday and completed on Tuesday. On Wednesday the painter came and repaired the stains on the ceiling. On Thursday the electrician came and put up the light fixture in the game room. I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!
I got early today and drove down to see Cowboy. There was a Christmas party for the staff this morning that started at 10 AM. I had made deviled eggs to take and also had bought a gift for the gift exchange. There was lots of food and merriment. The residents got their usual lunch but since I am a volunteer and he is my spouse he was able to eat from the party table. At first, he ate an egg and a small piece of sausage. Then his appetite kicked in and he decided he wanted a full plate, then he decided he needed another one. Then he decided he had to have some of the banana pudding. Once again I don't know where he puts it all.
It was a nice day and we walked about outside for a few minutes, then went in and listened to Christmas music.
I am going to have to get in some shopping this week for the little ones and finish the decorating. I did get the tree up on Wednesday and most of the decor is in place. I scoured the house looking for my Christmas tablecloth. Must have spent two hours. I am definitely losing my sense of organization as I get older. I finally found it in with some of the stuff in the Christmas boxes. I keep all of those type of things in the linen closet. What was I thinking.
Stayed in Saturday night and helped my friend eat some of the left overs that were accumulating.
Sunday afternoon I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. Then back to Georgetown for the party the neighborhood was having. What fun to see my old neighbors. They had a great band.
I came home Monday after lunch with a couple of buddies from the old neighborhood. A really great extended weekend. Sometimes I feel sad about leaving all the wonderful people and it was heartwarming to see them.
The roof was started on Monday and completed on Tuesday. On Wednesday the painter came and repaired the stains on the ceiling. On Thursday the electrician came and put up the light fixture in the game room. I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!
I got early today and drove down to see Cowboy. There was a Christmas party for the staff this morning that started at 10 AM. I had made deviled eggs to take and also had bought a gift for the gift exchange. There was lots of food and merriment. The residents got their usual lunch but since I am a volunteer and he is my spouse he was able to eat from the party table. At first, he ate an egg and a small piece of sausage. Then his appetite kicked in and he decided he wanted a full plate, then he decided he needed another one. Then he decided he had to have some of the banana pudding. Once again I don't know where he puts it all.
It was a nice day and we walked about outside for a few minutes, then went in and listened to Christmas music.
I am going to have to get in some shopping this week for the little ones and finish the decorating. I did get the tree up on Wednesday and most of the decor is in place. I scoured the house looking for my Christmas tablecloth. Must have spent two hours. I am definitely losing my sense of organization as I get older. I finally found it in with some of the stuff in the Christmas boxes. I keep all of those type of things in the linen closet. What was I thinking.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Thursday, December 4
I went and picked up Cowboy last Wednesday. There were 3 wrecks between Temple and Waco so it was slow going. I worried he would decide he had to go to the bathroom or walk around while we were stuck in traffic. At one point we decided to stop and eat and I took him to a BBQ place and he really enjoyed the food.
When we got home I set him down in front of the TV but he wouldn't stay. He kept going outside and I kept going after him while trying to get some baking done. While inside he kept opening every drawer he saw and examining the contents, picking up things, etc.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving. There were about 25 people during the course of the day. All of my daughter's sons and their respective families, some of her single lady friends, some of the grandson's friends. Think there were about 8 kids under 12. We had lots of food and way too many desserts.
Cowboy sat at the head of the main dining table and ate a full plate of food I fixed for him, then he got up and filled his plate again himself and then had dessert. I don't know how he could hold it all but seemed to really enjoy every bite.
He seemed to really enjoy all the kiddos especially our one year old great grandaughter.
I took a very weary Cowboy back on Friday and helped with some of the decorating of the Memory Unit at the home. I had bought Santas for each door, we had the stockings from last year and there were some children from a home school group who decorated the tree. Nice time.
I then left and drove down to Georgetown. Arrived in time to go the a rehearsal of my old band mates and visit with them. Then I went to a friends house and ate dinner with her and her hubby.
I then drove over to Ft Hood and spent the night and hit the PX. Had to get back to Dallas in time for a dentist appointment at 3. Everything worked out fine. I lost a crown last week and was lucky that he could use it and just recement it. Lot better than the cost of a new one!!
Developed a low tire on Sunday and stopped at Pep Boys. They said everything was fine and light should go out. It didn't.
Took the car to the dealer yesterday and found their compressor had exploded. interesting..... Anyhow, had to go back there today and learned there was a very small hole in one tire. They patched it so at least didn't have to buy a new tire.
Have plans to go see Cowboy tomorrow and then go on to Georgetown again. Am staying the night with a friend and going to the dulcimer practice on Saturday to visit. Am going to try to see as many folks as I can while I am there and then going to the old neighborhood's party Sunday night, lunch with a few neighbors on Monday, back to see Cowboy on way home and then home.
Roof goes in Monday and Tuesday of next week and then am having the house thoroughly cleaned on Wednesday. I have been doing all the cleaning on the first level since moving here but am considering hiring someone to do it from time to time.
My daughter is working on the game room. Packages have arrived with a clock, a shot glass cabinet and a pool table light fixture.
When we got home I set him down in front of the TV but he wouldn't stay. He kept going outside and I kept going after him while trying to get some baking done. While inside he kept opening every drawer he saw and examining the contents, picking up things, etc.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving. There were about 25 people during the course of the day. All of my daughter's sons and their respective families, some of her single lady friends, some of the grandson's friends. Think there were about 8 kids under 12. We had lots of food and way too many desserts.
Cowboy sat at the head of the main dining table and ate a full plate of food I fixed for him, then he got up and filled his plate again himself and then had dessert. I don't know how he could hold it all but seemed to really enjoy every bite.
He seemed to really enjoy all the kiddos especially our one year old great grandaughter.
I took a very weary Cowboy back on Friday and helped with some of the decorating of the Memory Unit at the home. I had bought Santas for each door, we had the stockings from last year and there were some children from a home school group who decorated the tree. Nice time.
I then left and drove down to Georgetown. Arrived in time to go the a rehearsal of my old band mates and visit with them. Then I went to a friends house and ate dinner with her and her hubby.
I then drove over to Ft Hood and spent the night and hit the PX. Had to get back to Dallas in time for a dentist appointment at 3. Everything worked out fine. I lost a crown last week and was lucky that he could use it and just recement it. Lot better than the cost of a new one!!
Developed a low tire on Sunday and stopped at Pep Boys. They said everything was fine and light should go out. It didn't.
Took the car to the dealer yesterday and found their compressor had exploded. interesting..... Anyhow, had to go back there today and learned there was a very small hole in one tire. They patched it so at least didn't have to buy a new tire.
Have plans to go see Cowboy tomorrow and then go on to Georgetown again. Am staying the night with a friend and going to the dulcimer practice on Saturday to visit. Am going to try to see as many folks as I can while I am there and then going to the old neighborhood's party Sunday night, lunch with a few neighbors on Monday, back to see Cowboy on way home and then home.
Roof goes in Monday and Tuesday of next week and then am having the house thoroughly cleaned on Wednesday. I have been doing all the cleaning on the first level since moving here but am considering hiring someone to do it from time to time.
My daughter is working on the game room. Packages have arrived with a clock, a shot glass cabinet and a pool table light fixture.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 24
Found out Saturday am getting a whole new roof and they are going to fix the ceiling too. Won't be for a couple of weeks but the deal is done. yea !!
Went to see Cowboy yesterday. Had planned to go Saturday but it was pouring down rain so didn't want to deal with it. It was gorgeous out yesterday. We walked around outside for quite a while and Cowboy kept picking up the leaves that had fallen. Some of them were large and quite pretty, oak and maple.. We also picked up acorns and examined them carefully. Cowboy talked about me taking them all home??????
My daughter bought a 60 inch TV for the game room Saturday. Are getting it hung on the wall this afternoon. The game room is coming together. I haven't bothered with much upstairs and because she travels it is taking awhile but it is going to be really neat. Still need to find a bar and some other things.
Things are coming together for Thanksgiving. Looks like we are going to have a houseful. Don't think can put both a turkey and a ham in the oven at the same time and then there all the sides. Am going to have to figure out how to do it all.
I am going to go get Cowboy on Wednesday and take him back on Friday. They have a rule of not keeping them out more than 48 hours. I explained it to him yesterday and made arrangements with staff to have him ready.
Happy Thanksgiving !!
Went to see Cowboy yesterday. Had planned to go Saturday but it was pouring down rain so didn't want to deal with it. It was gorgeous out yesterday. We walked around outside for quite a while and Cowboy kept picking up the leaves that had fallen. Some of them were large and quite pretty, oak and maple.. We also picked up acorns and examined them carefully. Cowboy talked about me taking them all home??????
My daughter bought a 60 inch TV for the game room Saturday. Are getting it hung on the wall this afternoon. The game room is coming together. I haven't bothered with much upstairs and because she travels it is taking awhile but it is going to be really neat. Still need to find a bar and some other things.
Things are coming together for Thanksgiving. Looks like we are going to have a houseful. Don't think can put both a turkey and a ham in the oven at the same time and then there all the sides. Am going to have to figure out how to do it all.
I am going to go get Cowboy on Wednesday and take him back on Friday. They have a rule of not keeping them out more than 48 hours. I explained it to him yesterday and made arrangements with staff to have him ready.
Happy Thanksgiving !!
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