The visit with the VA doctor was pretty routine. No changes in anything.
Wednesday Marsha came but Cowboy announced since he had to take a shower yesterday in preparation for his doctors appointment, he wasn't going to take one Wed. OK. No problem. Marsha helped by changing the bed and washing the bedclothes and towels, etc. I went shopping for a smart phone. I have wanted one for a long time but just couldn't seem to justify it in my mind. My desire overcame my common sense and I now am the proud owner of a Samsung Droid. Will probably take me a month to figure out how to operate it. Modern technology is amazing. The thing will of course make and take calls but it will also take pictures, videos, let you play games, download books and movies, talk to people on Skype (am doing that on my computer now). It also has Google Earth and a GSP system that does a lot more than I can do with the Garmin in my car. Fun awaits.
Today I had a crew out to give the house and the windows a thorough cleaning. I like these guys. It is a company started by a retired first sergeant and he hires young soldiers who have gotten out and are having trouble finding work and older veterans. Of course, they all speak english, he is doing a service for them as well as me, etc. They washed the windows inside and out, cleaned every surface in the house, moved the applicances and cleaned under and behind them. I don't remember the last time the house "sparkled" like this. Feels good.
Starting tomorrow I am going to paint the two bedrooms, a little at a time over the next few days. I have a grandson who is coming down on the 23rd to do the parts I can't reach or just can't do for some reason. Then something else I have wanted to do for a long time is replace the carpet in the two bedrooms. Ordered it today. I was kind of in a holding pattern for months and I think I have broken through. Just have to not get carried away. and must remember what the docs and therapists said about making any big changes. These things fall more into the category of updates and upgrades rather than anything in the way of a big change. (am I rationalizing?)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, July 12
Well, I was wrong about the cherries. Yesterday Cowboy had an upset tummy that resulted in soiled clothes. Too much of a good thing. He was fine after it was all out of his system.
Went to Bunco last night and a friend sat with Cowboy. I enjoy seeing friends. Conversations with some of them consist of "How is Cowboy?" It is good that people care but I also want to have conversations about books, movies, what's going on, etc. There are fewer of those.
This morning we go to see the VA doctor for our six month check. This afternoon the band is coming over.
Went to Bunco last night and a friend sat with Cowboy. I enjoy seeing friends. Conversations with some of them consist of "How is Cowboy?" It is good that people care but I also want to have conversations about books, movies, what's going on, etc. There are fewer of those.
This morning we go to see the VA doctor for our six month check. This afternoon the band is coming over.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, July 10
Last night I woke up and Cowboy was pulling the bedclothes off the bed. He was shouting "Where the hell is it? !" He poked around in the covers and threw them around for awhile and seemed visibly upset. I asked him what he was looking for but he didn't answer me. Not much to do but just watch and make sure he did not hurt himself.
After a few minutes he went back to bed and went back to sleep. I didn't sleep so well the rest of the night.
I took him out this morning for breakfast and then made a stop at the grocery and got some cherries and watermelon as well as some replacement items for the kitchen.
I had found a small bottle of olive oil that expired in 2007 tucked in an unlikely spot. Who knew olive oil would expire? Also found some fajita spice that expired about 3 years ago that I was still using so replaced it. I also found some plastic storage containers in the wrong cabinet. Don't know how they got there but suspect at some point Cowboy stuck them there. The cabinets now have new shelf liners, current goods and everything in the right place. Maybe this is my way of trying to have control over something.
Cowboy has already eaten most of the cherries. Sort of a "binge". They are good for him so no worries.
It continues to be very hot. Over 100 every day.
After a few minutes he went back to bed and went back to sleep. I didn't sleep so well the rest of the night.
I took him out this morning for breakfast and then made a stop at the grocery and got some cherries and watermelon as well as some replacement items for the kitchen.
I had found a small bottle of olive oil that expired in 2007 tucked in an unlikely spot. Who knew olive oil would expire? Also found some fajita spice that expired about 3 years ago that I was still using so replaced it. I also found some plastic storage containers in the wrong cabinet. Don't know how they got there but suspect at some point Cowboy stuck them there. The cabinets now have new shelf liners, current goods and everything in the right place. Maybe this is my way of trying to have control over something.
Cowboy has already eaten most of the cherries. Sort of a "binge". They are good for him so no worries.
It continues to be very hot. Over 100 every day.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Saturday, July 9
Wow, it is Saturday already. I went and bought shelf paper this past Monday and have been up to my eyeballs measuring and cutting and removing and rearrangeing. That hasn't been done in forever and it feels good to have it clean and well organized.
Cowboy has been doing really well this week except he seems restless. He has been helping me some but he quickly loses interest. We worked in the yard a little bit as well but the heat limits that a lot. He kind of walks around the house looking for something that catches his interest. I suggested he go through some of the old pictures that are now in the storage room but he had no interest. I took him out yesterday and drove around a bit and stopped to look at carpet. He really likes to get out.
On Wednesday our band played at a local hospital. Between getting there, setting up, playing, breaking down and going to have lunch with the band my five hours was shot but the gig was very enjoyable.
Walmart and I have been old friends this week. I went back on Friday for more stuff to work on the house. I am on a roll. It is interesting but since I am staying at home most of the time I keep thinking about all the things around here that need doing. For the last couple of prior years I was on the go a lot and managed to ignore a lot of it. I know my committee buddies miss me but I also know they are doing great. No worries.
I am missing going to practice with the dulcimer group but still haven't come up with a way to do it. I asked Cowboy if he wants to go and he says no. It's not like I can force it. Will keep asking. Will have to solve the problem come fall because we will be preparing for a concert.
Cowboy has been doing really well this week except he seems restless. He has been helping me some but he quickly loses interest. We worked in the yard a little bit as well but the heat limits that a lot. He kind of walks around the house looking for something that catches his interest. I suggested he go through some of the old pictures that are now in the storage room but he had no interest. I took him out yesterday and drove around a bit and stopped to look at carpet. He really likes to get out.
On Wednesday our band played at a local hospital. Between getting there, setting up, playing, breaking down and going to have lunch with the band my five hours was shot but the gig was very enjoyable.
Walmart and I have been old friends this week. I went back on Friday for more stuff to work on the house. I am on a roll. It is interesting but since I am staying at home most of the time I keep thinking about all the things around here that need doing. For the last couple of prior years I was on the go a lot and managed to ignore a lot of it. I know my committee buddies miss me but I also know they are doing great. No worries.
I am missing going to practice with the dulcimer group but still haven't come up with a way to do it. I asked Cowboy if he wants to go and he says no. It's not like I can force it. Will keep asking. Will have to solve the problem come fall because we will be preparing for a concert.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 5
Have gotten several emails from folks lately that are following the blog. It is good to know it helps keep everyone informed.
We got up at 6 AM this morning and drove to the VA for tests. Since couldn't eat before we went to IHOP after and Cowboy ate 2 sausages, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes and a pot of coffee. I think I can safely announce his appetite is back! Now if we can gain a few pounds but not too many that should keep his blood sugar in check. Everything is looking good physically right now except the balance issues and old age aches and pains.
Cowboy has started doing this thing that I am not sure what it is. He rubs his thumb on his leg. It is almost the action used to strum a guitar. and last night we watched the 4th of July celebration on TV and he was swinging his foot to the beat of the music. Music seems to be really a good thing for him. He always enjoys the band (which is coming this afternoon) and music in general. Seems to occupy him and soothe him.
We got up at 6 AM this morning and drove to the VA for tests. Since couldn't eat before we went to IHOP after and Cowboy ate 2 sausages, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes and a pot of coffee. I think I can safely announce his appetite is back! Now if we can gain a few pounds but not too many that should keep his blood sugar in check. Everything is looking good physically right now except the balance issues and old age aches and pains.
Cowboy has started doing this thing that I am not sure what it is. He rubs his thumb on his leg. It is almost the action used to strum a guitar. and last night we watched the 4th of July celebration on TV and he was swinging his foot to the beat of the music. Music seems to be really a good thing for him. He always enjoys the band (which is coming this afternoon) and music in general. Seems to occupy him and soothe him.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Monday, July 4
Today is July 4th. The kids have gone home and I am doing sheets and such. They are good kids and my grandsons fiance is a wonderful girl. She helps a lot and makes the kids behave. Our new great grandaughter is beautiful. It was fun to feed her and hold her. Cowboy even held her a little bit, with supervision of course.
It is amazing how much food was consumed. I need to go to the store again !! My older great grandaughter liked her cake and her doll. A nice visit.
Cowboy is getting his bath and then we will have breakfast. Gena came early today. This afternoon there is a neighborhood picnic to attend. It will be hot but there is shade.
It is amazing how much food was consumed. I need to go to the store again !! My older great grandaughter liked her cake and her doll. A nice visit.
Cowboy is getting his bath and then we will have breakfast. Gena came early today. This afternoon there is a neighborhood picnic to attend. It will be hot but there is shade.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday, July 2
Well, the grandchildrend and great grandchildren are not arriving until today. Anytime now, actually. Looking forward to the visit.
Cowboy is dressed in a nice red shirt and his new jeans and is feeling pretty good today.
I went to the grocery store again yesterday and got a miniature cake for my great granddaughter who had a birthday on Thursday and some cupcakes for the rest of us. I seem to be making more trips to the store lately. Can't seem to get everything on my list . Always forgetting something. Yesterday I intended to get tomato soup to go with cheese sandwiches and got chicken noodle instead. It was in the wrong bin, I guess. For my meticulous self this is not normal. There is just too much stuff running around in my brain.
We will have company this weekend, again in August (my daughter) and then in October (my other daughter). Good thing since we are not going anywhere. Most years we make a trip or three during the year and it just seems like I should be able to pack my bag and go somewhere!
I am beginning to think about another round of painting on the house. When we moved in 5 years ago my intent was to repaint everything. The builder paint is so cheap and chalky and comes off when you try to wash the wall. Part is done but have more to do.
One of the things they suggest is that nothing in the environment changes for a dementia patient. Wonder if that applies to painting the bedroom a pale green? (it is cream now)
Cowboy is dressed in a nice red shirt and his new jeans and is feeling pretty good today.
I went to the grocery store again yesterday and got a miniature cake for my great granddaughter who had a birthday on Thursday and some cupcakes for the rest of us. I seem to be making more trips to the store lately. Can't seem to get everything on my list . Always forgetting something. Yesterday I intended to get tomato soup to go with cheese sandwiches and got chicken noodle instead. It was in the wrong bin, I guess. For my meticulous self this is not normal. There is just too much stuff running around in my brain.
We will have company this weekend, again in August (my daughter) and then in October (my other daughter). Good thing since we are not going anywhere. Most years we make a trip or three during the year and it just seems like I should be able to pack my bag and go somewhere!
I am beginning to think about another round of painting on the house. When we moved in 5 years ago my intent was to repaint everything. The builder paint is so cheap and chalky and comes off when you try to wash the wall. Part is done but have more to do.
One of the things they suggest is that nothing in the environment changes for a dementia patient. Wonder if that applies to painting the bedroom a pale green? (it is cream now)
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