It has been beautiful weather the last few days. Sunny and warm but not hot.
Thursday we had book club here at our house. I put Cowboy and the dog in the bedroom and turned on the "Price is Right". He was fine until it was over, then he comes out and is kind of wandering around over behind the sitting area listening to our discussion. He went back in the bedroom and then came out again and did the same thing. I sensed maybe he was hoping it would be over any second and we would break up. We managed to just let him do his thing and not worry about him much. Then the dog started barking and we let her out and she just proceeded to make friends with everyone in the room.
We were supposed to go to a pot luck Thursday night and I even prepared my dish. Then I realized I just wasn't up to it so we didn't go.
My help came yesterday instead of Wednesday. While I was getting Cowboy dressed and fixing breakfast at the same time (back and forth, back and forth) I went to the closet. Cowboy has a chair in his closet where he sits and contemplates what he is going to wear. He was sitting in his chair and there was blood all over his foot, his hands and dripping onto the carpet. I grabbed some towels and water and started in and found he had taken a pair of hair cutting scissors and tried to trim a toenail and cut his toe. I got him to the shower and washed it really well, put some antibiotic ointment on it and bandaged his toe. There was blood dripped from the closet to the shower, in the shower and of course on the carpet. I took lots of water and diluted the spots and dabbed them up. It actually came up pretty well. Probably because it didn't have time to soak in.
In the meantime Tracey arrives, my neighbor that walks our dog showed up and breakfast not not on the table. Needless to say I lost some time right up front for my day out.
I went to a lovely ladies coffee and enjoyed that very much. Then I got the car washed, my hair cut, went to Hobby Lobby for some ribbon and then only had time to go the grocery store and then home. whew !
Last night I soaked his foot really well and washed it with this prescription antibiotic soap we had from the last infection he had and put him to bed. This morning his toe looks fine. Will be keeping an eye on it for a few days. I can't think of anything more nightmarish than another bad infection, espectially on his foot.
I had bought some potted mums about 3 weeks ago and one of them lived and the other died so I bought another. I put it in the ground this morning and hope it will live. I need some color.
Had hoped to have time to look for something colorful for the patio but no time.
Will be working on the picture project today and doing laundry.
Cowboy ate a really good breakfast, is on his third cup of coffee and seems in a good humor.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, October 17
When Cowboy and I got the church on Monday he wanted to carry in my violin. I gave it to him and we walked the half block to the entrance to their recreation hall. Then he got weak and started stumbling around and nearly fell down. I managed to catch him and then a nice lady showed up with a chair. I suspect his blood sugar was low. He wouldn't eat at lunch except for a banana saying he was not hungry. He sat through the program and even sang along some of the time and seemed to enjoy himself.
Today we drove to the VA center in a neighboring town and he had what I think is the last evaluation on the pending open issues. It is unlikely we will get the 100% rating we were hoping for. The VA does not classify dementia as being service realted. There is a lot of evidence that it might be more prevalent in those with diabetes but not yet proven. I got the impression we are going to stay at 80%. The only reason I care is the tax advantage of 100% being it eliminates your property taxes. That represents a good bit of money. We won't know until the regional office reviews things but I suspect we have gotten all we will get from the VA in the way of benefit.
It was after noon when we were done so I stopped for us to have a bite before driving back. We were going into the restaurant and he saw a plain navy car that needed washing and had a number of "dings" and he said "pretty car, isn't it?". Where on earth did that come from? I just agree and go on. No use getting into a discussion about it.
Two nights ago he was up during the night rummaging around in my makeup drawer. I heard him, woke up and asked him what he was doing and he said looking for some nail clippers.
Last night he woke me up yelling "you can do it ! you can do it ! Come on, Donna, you can do it!" Then he got out of bed and was playing with the drapes and getting back in bed and then back out and playing with the drapes and then back in bed again and back to sleep. I have no idea what Donna he was referring to but the pianist I am working with is named Donna.
He couldn't tell the doc today hardly anything he asked but he did know his rank and the last four of his social security number. He seems rather disconnected a good deal of the time.
Today we drove to the VA center in a neighboring town and he had what I think is the last evaluation on the pending open issues. It is unlikely we will get the 100% rating we were hoping for. The VA does not classify dementia as being service realted. There is a lot of evidence that it might be more prevalent in those with diabetes but not yet proven. I got the impression we are going to stay at 80%. The only reason I care is the tax advantage of 100% being it eliminates your property taxes. That represents a good bit of money. We won't know until the regional office reviews things but I suspect we have gotten all we will get from the VA in the way of benefit.
It was after noon when we were done so I stopped for us to have a bite before driving back. We were going into the restaurant and he saw a plain navy car that needed washing and had a number of "dings" and he said "pretty car, isn't it?". Where on earth did that come from? I just agree and go on. No use getting into a discussion about it.
Two nights ago he was up during the night rummaging around in my makeup drawer. I heard him, woke up and asked him what he was doing and he said looking for some nail clippers.
Last night he woke me up yelling "you can do it ! you can do it ! Come on, Donna, you can do it!" Then he got out of bed and was playing with the drapes and getting back in bed and then back out and playing with the drapes and then back in bed again and back to sleep. I have no idea what Donna he was referring to but the pianist I am working with is named Donna.
He couldn't tell the doc today hardly anything he asked but he did know his rank and the last four of his social security number. He seems rather disconnected a good deal of the time.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 15
Cowboy is getting more involved with the TV than I like. He insists at all times of controlling the remote and he constantly gets things all fouled up and then he gets frustrated.
Yesterday AM I came into the living room and he was taking the remote apart and trying to get the battery out. Seemed to think that would help. Then, this morning, he was banging it on the table when it wouldn't do what he wanted. Really have to watch him and make sure he doesn't get all tangled up and then frustrated.
I continue to work on the picture project. Spent quite a bit of time on it yesterday. I just love looking at pictures of Cowboy when he was younger. He was (and still is) so handsome. He looks great in his uniform, on his motorcycle, on a horse, all dressed up, playing with the kids, playing with our pets.
I have a busy week this week and then my daughter arrives next Tueday. We go to the VA again this Wednesday for an evaluation. That will take most of the day so I changed my day out til Friday.
Am off shortly to go play with the band. Am taking Cowboy with me. It is a beautiful day.
Yesterday AM I came into the living room and he was taking the remote apart and trying to get the battery out. Seemed to think that would help. Then, this morning, he was banging it on the table when it wouldn't do what he wanted. Really have to watch him and make sure he doesn't get all tangled up and then frustrated.
I continue to work on the picture project. Spent quite a bit of time on it yesterday. I just love looking at pictures of Cowboy when he was younger. He was (and still is) so handsome. He looks great in his uniform, on his motorcycle, on a horse, all dressed up, playing with the kids, playing with our pets.
I have a busy week this week and then my daughter arrives next Tueday. We go to the VA again this Wednesday for an evaluation. That will take most of the day so I changed my day out til Friday.
Am off shortly to go play with the band. Am taking Cowboy with me. It is a beautiful day.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thursday, October 11
We face problems around here that weren't there before Cowboy became ill. He will not stop feeding the dog. This morning he would take a bite of his eggs and then give the dog a bite, then take a bite of his biscuit and then give the dog a bite. Once he even put the fork he was eating with down to have the dog eat off of it ! I have asked and asked him not to do it but he continues. Come lunchtime the dog got part of his sandwich. If she is not right there by the table he will call her. The problem this particular dog will eat anything and will eat until she pops. It concerns me.
Yesterday I bought some chocolates in small boxes to use as thank you gifts. I turn around and Cowboy has opened one of the boxes and proceeded to eat the candy. I guess it is my fault. I didn't put them away or tell them not to eat them (the latter probably would not have worked anyway).
Cowboy is pretty good at ignoring me when he chooses. It can be anything from go brush your teeth to don't feed the dog to don't leave the door open, etc.
Yesterday I bought some chocolates in small boxes to use as thank you gifts. I turn around and Cowboy has opened one of the boxes and proceeded to eat the candy. I guess it is my fault. I didn't put them away or tell them not to eat them (the latter probably would not have worked anyway).
Cowboy is pretty good at ignoring me when he chooses. It can be anything from go brush your teeth to don't feed the dog to don't leave the door open, etc.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 10
Monday I got a call and the stained glass transom is finished. They came by Monday night and installed it. That means that everything is done except the gate and the photo/memory wall. I think by the first of next week everything will be finished. That is good, given that I have company coming later this month and the holidays are fast approaching.
Cowboy is pretty passive about everything that is going on but I think he really likes the patio and so does the dog.
It feels good to have some things finished after so long.
Sunday was a good day and a bad day. We enjoyed a nice breakfast, reading the newspaper etc. We went to a chili supper Sunday night. On the way out of the building I tripped over a concrete parking stop and fell. Well, I now have a scraped knee and a very sore body but no big harm done. My hands were sore and swollen on Monday but have resolved now.
Then on the way home I hit a deer. It was a small animal and I just clipped it but when I got home I had to really check over the car and found only a bit of blood and some hair. I hope the deer only ended up sore as well but will never know.
I practiced on Tuesday with the new pianist and we had a great time. Cowboy was up and trying to dance to Tennessee Waltz. It was absolutely wonderful to see. I never cease to be amazed the effect of music on his mood and behavior.
Today Tracey came and I went to the base and bought up everything in sight. I stocked up on paper goods, soap, canned goods, etc. It can be a challenge to find room for it all when I get home. Tracey helped me put things away. I also found a really cool laptop case at a very good price, so all and all a good day.
Cowboy ate good today and is now in the shower. Need to go help him get out and get creamed up, etc.
Cowboy is pretty passive about everything that is going on but I think he really likes the patio and so does the dog.
It feels good to have some things finished after so long.
Sunday was a good day and a bad day. We enjoyed a nice breakfast, reading the newspaper etc. We went to a chili supper Sunday night. On the way out of the building I tripped over a concrete parking stop and fell. Well, I now have a scraped knee and a very sore body but no big harm done. My hands were sore and swollen on Monday but have resolved now.
Then on the way home I hit a deer. It was a small animal and I just clipped it but when I got home I had to really check over the car and found only a bit of blood and some hair. I hope the deer only ended up sore as well but will never know.
I practiced on Tuesday with the new pianist and we had a great time. Cowboy was up and trying to dance to Tennessee Waltz. It was absolutely wonderful to see. I never cease to be amazed the effect of music on his mood and behavior.
Today Tracey came and I went to the base and bought up everything in sight. I stocked up on paper goods, soap, canned goods, etc. It can be a challenge to find room for it all when I get home. Tracey helped me put things away. I also found a really cool laptop case at a very good price, so all and all a good day.
Cowboy ate good today and is now in the shower. Need to go help him get out and get creamed up, etc.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Sunday, October 7
It turned chilly yesterday. Didn't get above 60. It will be back in the 80's by tomorrow. Will be great weather for the patio. Yes, it is finished ! Well, almost. The gate is not up. The furniture is put together, thanks to a handyman, and I have a makeshift gate, thanks to a neighbor, and we are ready to let Cowboy and the pup spend some time outside. We should have really good weather for a couple of months anyway.
Still waiting on the stained glass transom. Three weeks ago they said it would be 2 weeks so hopefully soon. Once that is in and the wall is finished I will feel like we have finished all the projects I envisioned early this year. I guess then I will make a new list.
We have a new neighbor who plays piano beautifully and she and I are going to try to so some things together. She came over Thursday and we practiced. Cowboy really seemed to enjoy it. Mostly easy listening stuff. When we did Tennessee waltz he got up and kind of danced around. It is true, what they say about dementia patients responding to music.
The picture project continues and keeps growing legs. The guest room is top to bottom with piles. It is fun, and sad, and joyous and heart bursting. So many memories. Sometimes Cowboy will wander in and I will show him a picture. Yesterday I found a picture of a german shepard dog he had many years ago named Buddy. He actually responded to it a little bit. Also, he had this big red pontiac convertible and I found a picture of it. These things were before my time but he has spoken of them with pride and happiness. I may be at this for a month but it has needed doing for a very long time so why not now?
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit later this month. Haven't seen her in a year and am looking forward to it.
It is 8:40 and Cowboy is still asleep but he will be up soon. I am fixing blueberry pancakes and sausage for him this morning. Just about his favorite meal.
Still waiting on the stained glass transom. Three weeks ago they said it would be 2 weeks so hopefully soon. Once that is in and the wall is finished I will feel like we have finished all the projects I envisioned early this year. I guess then I will make a new list.
We have a new neighbor who plays piano beautifully and she and I are going to try to so some things together. She came over Thursday and we practiced. Cowboy really seemed to enjoy it. Mostly easy listening stuff. When we did Tennessee waltz he got up and kind of danced around. It is true, what they say about dementia patients responding to music.
The picture project continues and keeps growing legs. The guest room is top to bottom with piles. It is fun, and sad, and joyous and heart bursting. So many memories. Sometimes Cowboy will wander in and I will show him a picture. Yesterday I found a picture of a german shepard dog he had many years ago named Buddy. He actually responded to it a little bit. Also, he had this big red pontiac convertible and I found a picture of it. These things were before my time but he has spoken of them with pride and happiness. I may be at this for a month but it has needed doing for a very long time so why not now?
My daughter that lives in New York is coming for a visit later this month. Haven't seen her in a year and am looking forward to it.
It is 8:40 and Cowboy is still asleep but he will be up soon. I am fixing blueberry pancakes and sausage for him this morning. Just about his favorite meal.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday, October 2
Cowboy is sleeping pretty well but he has been talking in his sleep a lot. Sometimes shouting would be more descriptive. Can't always tell what is going on but last night he had this conversation with someone for quite a while. He was speaking clearly and making perfect sense. Sometimes when he is awake he talks and you get garbled up words and can't make it out.
It has been pretty quiet the last few days. I have been working on pictures. Mercy, it is amazing how many we have. I am weeding out and eliminating the old worn out albums. Everyone will have an envelope with their pics and we can look at them together when they visit. It is going to be hard to narrow it down and pick the right ones for the wall. Well, it keeps me out of trouble and I am definitely not bored.
Went to Bunco last night. A very nice neighbor down the street sat with Cowboy. It was fun and I laughed a lot. good therapy.
The weather is beautiful but the patio is still not finished. Hopefully in a couple more days.
It has been pretty quiet the last few days. I have been working on pictures. Mercy, it is amazing how many we have. I am weeding out and eliminating the old worn out albums. Everyone will have an envelope with their pics and we can look at them together when they visit. It is going to be hard to narrow it down and pick the right ones for the wall. Well, it keeps me out of trouble and I am definitely not bored.
Went to Bunco last night. A very nice neighbor down the street sat with Cowboy. It was fun and I laughed a lot. good therapy.
The weather is beautiful but the patio is still not finished. Hopefully in a couple more days.
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