Friday, April 4

Today was Cowboy's 84th birthday.  I remember when I met him and he was 46 but always said on his birthday that he was "19".  He had such a great attitude about getting older.

I went to the store first thing this morning and got 36 cupcakes.  That  should be enough for the 32 residents and the staff, especially since some of the residents can't eat solid food.  There are three new residents and I met the wife of one today.  She was very nice but seems a bit strung out from the big change that has just occurred in her life.  Her hubby's name is Dan.  He seems very nice as well.  Unlike most of the residents he has a very generous full head of hair and is rather attractive.

The aides told me they sang Happy Birthday to Cowboy this morning and he never cracked a smile.  That sounds about right.  He got a nice card from his oldest daughter and some comics.  For some reason he likes to look at the comics (although I don't think he can read and understand the narrative).  It was a nice gesture.

My youngest daughter called today as well.  I took him a card but am pretty sure he couldn't understand a word that was on it.   Overall I think it was a nice birthday.  He doesn't really get very excited about any of it.

I am so tired.  It was good to take a day off and not work at the house.  Yesterday some neighbors came by and helped.  One couple in particular spent all afternoon at the house and helped a great deal.  I had not expected the wardrobe boxes to be so hard to put together and move around and and was so grateful that I had help. They stayed all afternoon and then invited me to dinner.  So nice, just what I needed.

I made a little bit of progress today and think maybe I can finish up with everything tomorrow and then can get a little rest on Sunday before I start the actual move and unpacking, etc. on the other end.

I also heard from my oldest grandson today.  He told me he had been super busy but would come out and help me hook everything up and make sure the computer, TV's and such all work and that I don't have any technical issues to deal with.  I also heard from my daughter, who is in California.  At some point, she will have to put all of her things in order.  I think this whole process may take a while.

I passed along my music from dulcimer to a neighbor today who will make sure it is given to the head of the dulcimer group.  I hope all goes well with them.  I feel a little guilty leaving them.

Early to bed, early to rise and hopefully will get everything completely organized tomorrow.