I had no idea it had been so long since I posted until I got an email today from one of my followers wanting to know if everything was OK. It is. I guess the time is just running by so fast I can't keep up. They say that happens when you get older. It must be true.
I have been sort of busy but have no real excuse for being so tardy. I will just hit the high points. One of my problems is I have been sleeping in a bit. It is "cedar season" and I am suffering with headaches, runny nose, stopped up sinuses, etc. Pretty miserable. I use a spray and take pills but it has been overwhelming. Anyway, the weather man says it is the worst it has been in years. Whatever made me think I would do well in the heart of cedar country? (actually it is a juniper tree, they just call it cedar for some reason).
Cowboy is doing OK. I was over this past Saturday and we had a nice visit and then was back this Wednesday. He seems OK with the two times a week. Since he generally has no idea what time it is or what date it is it is working OK.
I got all wrapped up in Emergency management stuff this past few days. We had the Resident Ed sub committee meeting on Monday and I was asked to take minutes (hate doing it, but was for a friend). Then yesterday some of us met with the CA Board to answer their questions on a project we are working on. We like to make things as difficult as possible around here sometimes !
Had a ladies coffee this morning and then I went and had a much needed pedicure. I told my daughter that my toenails were curling around the end of my toes. I then went to What A Burger and had one of their new menu items, a patty melt. It was good but they put way too much butter on the bread. (probably isn't butter but some substance that I should not eat).
I will be going to dulcimer rehearsal in the morning and then over to see Cowboy. It is supposed to be 68 tomorrow so will be good walking weather.
Oh, and by the way I have gone to a step class and two long walks this week so am getting in some exercise.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Thursday, January 8
I am determined to get more exercise this year. Went down and bought tickets and put some aqua classes and a step class on my schedule. Immediately figured out I can't make all sessions. There are Dr. appointments, committee meetings and rehearsals to work around. I am going to do it though.
Got my lab reports back and my tryglycerides are too high and my sugar is creeping up. It is going to take fewer pounds and more exercise to fix it.
We are rehearsing now for the concert on the 26th at our local church. It is a fund raiser for the food pantry in our community. I think this is our 7th year. It is one of those feel good things but takes a lot of rehearsal time.
Went to see Cowboy on Sunday and he was doing OK. I can tell it is getting harder and harder for him to get around. I wasn't there for lunch. Was out of tickets and you can't get one on a weekend. We did walk around a bit inside and looked at the paper. He always looks at the funnies but nothing else. I think he is just looking at the pictures.
Had Bunco Monday night and it is always fun. It was a particularly enjoyable time. She had made these marvelous chocolate cookies and we had tea. I won for getting BUNCO! and got to see some friends.
Tuesday had a social committee meeting. The neighborhood is planning a pot luck at the end of the month, another in March and want to do the garage sale to raise money for the neighborhood. There will also be a crock pot cookoff, a 4th of July picnic, an Octoberfest and of course, our Christmas party. They want the band to play for the Octoberfest again this year. Will have to talk to the band.
Went to see Cowboy yesterday but first had to go get my teeth cleaned and go to the base to buy some things. Waited until the afternoon to go to the home because Cowboy had a dentist coming at 4:30 to check his teeth.
Found out in the past year he has developed 3 cavities and his peridontal disease is bad. They are recommending fillings of course, and also a deep cleaning. This is what happens when someone has bad teeth to start with and doesn't take care of them properly for a whole year. I talked to his evening aide afterwards and she said she would be sure things are being done.
Got a call this morning. Cowboy was in his chair this morning and apparently asleep. They didn't tell me who it was but someone came into his room and twisted his leg and foot. She assured me he was not hurt and he yelled out and they came and took the offender away. Her comment was "I think the other fellow got the worst of it". I don't know what that means but I suspect Cowboy defended himself vigorously. It is odd I wasn't given more information. Will have to discuss with staff
Met with the new Chair of the Emergency Management Committee this afternoon. We are meeting with the Community board next week to try to sell our ideas for helping our special needs residents. I expect it to go well.
Got my lab reports back and my tryglycerides are too high and my sugar is creeping up. It is going to take fewer pounds and more exercise to fix it.
We are rehearsing now for the concert on the 26th at our local church. It is a fund raiser for the food pantry in our community. I think this is our 7th year. It is one of those feel good things but takes a lot of rehearsal time.
Went to see Cowboy on Sunday and he was doing OK. I can tell it is getting harder and harder for him to get around. I wasn't there for lunch. Was out of tickets and you can't get one on a weekend. We did walk around a bit inside and looked at the paper. He always looks at the funnies but nothing else. I think he is just looking at the pictures.
Had Bunco Monday night and it is always fun. It was a particularly enjoyable time. She had made these marvelous chocolate cookies and we had tea. I won for getting BUNCO! and got to see some friends.
Tuesday had a social committee meeting. The neighborhood is planning a pot luck at the end of the month, another in March and want to do the garage sale to raise money for the neighborhood. There will also be a crock pot cookoff, a 4th of July picnic, an Octoberfest and of course, our Christmas party. They want the band to play for the Octoberfest again this year. Will have to talk to the band.
Went to see Cowboy yesterday but first had to go get my teeth cleaned and go to the base to buy some things. Waited until the afternoon to go to the home because Cowboy had a dentist coming at 4:30 to check his teeth.
Found out in the past year he has developed 3 cavities and his peridontal disease is bad. They are recommending fillings of course, and also a deep cleaning. This is what happens when someone has bad teeth to start with and doesn't take care of them properly for a whole year. I talked to his evening aide afterwards and she said she would be sure things are being done.
Got a call this morning. Cowboy was in his chair this morning and apparently asleep. They didn't tell me who it was but someone came into his room and twisted his leg and foot. She assured me he was not hurt and he yelled out and they came and took the offender away. Her comment was "I think the other fellow got the worst of it". I don't know what that means but I suspect Cowboy defended himself vigorously. It is odd I wasn't given more information. Will have to discuss with staff
Met with the new Chair of the Emergency Management Committee this afternoon. We are meeting with the Community board next week to try to sell our ideas for helping our special needs residents. I expect it to go well.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Friday, January 3
We are now on the third day of the new year. I keep reminding myself. It seems so unreal. I turn 70 this year and consider that the first birthday that may really bother me. Just have to keep doing fun things and try not to think about it too much.
New Year's Eve I went to see Cowboy. He was pretty much oblivious that the year is coming to an end. That may not be all bad. I didn't stay up til midnight but then I haven't done that in several years. When you are almost 70 you need all the beauty rest you can get.
Spent New Year Day doing things around the house. Went and bought Turbo Tax and started thinking about getting out files, etc to start that fun process. I usually do a first pass to get an idea of what I know, what I need to find out, what paperwork, etc and then I actually finish the whole exercise pretty close to the deadline. Almost always have to pay but I plan it that way. I am not big on letting the government use my money.
Yesterday I continued to putter. Spent some time playing on my new Kindle. Am having trouble getting my email and contacts, calendar, etc to load. Can't figure out what I am not doing or doing wrong. May have to get a little help. \
Got a package yesterday from Cowboy's oldest daughter. It is a wrap with pockets for your hands that you warm in the microwave. I tried it out last night. It does seem to relieve the arthritis a bit.
Cowboy's other daughter had sent me chocolate covered strawberries the other day. Probably my favorite treat on the planet. I keep telling those girls not to buy me anything but it doesn't seem to do any good. It is sweet of them to do it though.
I went to see Cowboy today. I took my Kindle and was showing a game. He was actually laughing when I would mess up, which is a lot. We had a great lunch of fried catfish, corn fritters, etc. They make good fish at the home.
Have a friend from the home coming this evening to help me put up the Christmas stuff and do a couple of little jobs. He hasn't been very dependable but he is a sweetie so we will see how this goes. You really get to know those folks when you go there about 3 times a week and I like to be able to help them when I can. They work really hard and are so good with the fellows.
Got a call the other night from the home. Cowboy had gotten into it with another resident because the sweet little fellow wouldn't leave Cowboy's room. There are two things he is cranky about. One, his hat and two, having his room to himself. They said it wasn't a big deal but Cowboy was shouting and when he shouts you can hear it in the next county.
New Year's Eve I went to see Cowboy. He was pretty much oblivious that the year is coming to an end. That may not be all bad. I didn't stay up til midnight but then I haven't done that in several years. When you are almost 70 you need all the beauty rest you can get.
Spent New Year Day doing things around the house. Went and bought Turbo Tax and started thinking about getting out files, etc to start that fun process. I usually do a first pass to get an idea of what I know, what I need to find out, what paperwork, etc and then I actually finish the whole exercise pretty close to the deadline. Almost always have to pay but I plan it that way. I am not big on letting the government use my money.
Yesterday I continued to putter. Spent some time playing on my new Kindle. Am having trouble getting my email and contacts, calendar, etc to load. Can't figure out what I am not doing or doing wrong. May have to get a little help. \
Got a package yesterday from Cowboy's oldest daughter. It is a wrap with pockets for your hands that you warm in the microwave. I tried it out last night. It does seem to relieve the arthritis a bit.
Cowboy's other daughter had sent me chocolate covered strawberries the other day. Probably my favorite treat on the planet. I keep telling those girls not to buy me anything but it doesn't seem to do any good. It is sweet of them to do it though.
I went to see Cowboy today. I took my Kindle and was showing a game. He was actually laughing when I would mess up, which is a lot. We had a great lunch of fried catfish, corn fritters, etc. They make good fish at the home.
Have a friend from the home coming this evening to help me put up the Christmas stuff and do a couple of little jobs. He hasn't been very dependable but he is a sweetie so we will see how this goes. You really get to know those folks when you go there about 3 times a week and I like to be able to help them when I can. They work really hard and are so good with the fellows.
Got a call the other night from the home. Cowboy had gotten into it with another resident because the sweet little fellow wouldn't leave Cowboy's room. There are two things he is cranky about. One, his hat and two, having his room to himself. They said it wasn't a big deal but Cowboy was shouting and when he shouts you can hear it in the next county.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 30
Christmas turned out very nice. The weather was pleasant and there were a lot of people visiting. We set the tablecloths out and the tree was lit and the mood was fairly festive. They served barb b cued ribs, corn on the cob, pinto beans, rolls and pecan pie (again). Since I love pecan pie I am not complaining but I wish I had known about the ribs. Wore a white blouse and then had to spend time Thursday getting the tiny little splatters off of it. I needed one of those bibs the guys wear. It was all very tasty. I stayed until around 3 and headed back. Cowboy needed a nap.
I set my alarm for 5 on Thursday and thought I would go to the mall and see what bargains I could find. When it went off I turned it off and rolled over. I decided there is nothing out there I want that bad. I did get out later in the morning on Thursday and go to Hobby Lobby and found some Christmas items for 66% off so that was good.
In the afternoon a friend called and we went bike riding for a little while. I have little lung capacity so I didn't last long but I am going to stay at it.
A long walk on Friday and a lot of time spent packing up Christmas things and trying to get the house in order.
On Saturday I went to see Cowboy. It was a beautiful day so we walked around outside for quite a while. When we cleaned out the flower beds earlier I had piled leaves in them to protect the roots. They had all been removed. I suspect one of the residents decided it was a cleaning job. After that Cowboy was tired so we went inside and I helped a couple of the wives take down the tree and stockings. Worked up a bit of a sweat but it felt good to help and get it done.
Yesterday I concentrated on the paper and working on trip planning.
Today when I woke up it was cold. brrrrrrr....... Nonetheless, I managed to fill up the car, go to the bank, go buy my tax software and take a load of things to the local food pantry/thrift store.
This afternoon the housekeeper came and did the floors and dusted everything and cleaned the bathrooms. It always feels good to get that done.
Today I booked a trip to Costa Rica in March and a trip in June for a cruise in eastern Europe. My passport came in the mail today so I felt comfortable making definite plans. Am hoping to make a road trip in the fall. Maybe I can find a compatriot or two to go. Want to see the Crystal Museum, the fall colors and some of the sights in Arkansas. Still hoping my sisters will come for a visit sometime in 2014.
Now I must turn my attention to this mess of an office, my calendar and taxes. ugh !
I set my alarm for 5 on Thursday and thought I would go to the mall and see what bargains I could find. When it went off I turned it off and rolled over. I decided there is nothing out there I want that bad. I did get out later in the morning on Thursday and go to Hobby Lobby and found some Christmas items for 66% off so that was good.
In the afternoon a friend called and we went bike riding for a little while. I have little lung capacity so I didn't last long but I am going to stay at it.
A long walk on Friday and a lot of time spent packing up Christmas things and trying to get the house in order.
On Saturday I went to see Cowboy. It was a beautiful day so we walked around outside for quite a while. When we cleaned out the flower beds earlier I had piled leaves in them to protect the roots. They had all been removed. I suspect one of the residents decided it was a cleaning job. After that Cowboy was tired so we went inside and I helped a couple of the wives take down the tree and stockings. Worked up a bit of a sweat but it felt good to help and get it done.
Yesterday I concentrated on the paper and working on trip planning.
Today when I woke up it was cold. brrrrrrr....... Nonetheless, I managed to fill up the car, go to the bank, go buy my tax software and take a load of things to the local food pantry/thrift store.
This afternoon the housekeeper came and did the floors and dusted everything and cleaned the bathrooms. It always feels good to get that done.
Today I booked a trip to Costa Rica in March and a trip in June for a cruise in eastern Europe. My passport came in the mail today so I felt comfortable making definite plans. Am hoping to make a road trip in the fall. Maybe I can find a compatriot or two to go. Want to see the Crystal Museum, the fall colors and some of the sights in Arkansas. Still hoping my sisters will come for a visit sometime in 2014.
Now I must turn my attention to this mess of an office, my calendar and taxes. ugh !
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Last Thursday I went to the home to visit Cowboy. He was really crabby and said he didn't feel good. I have the impression he must not have slept well the night before. It was very pleasant outside so we spent some time cleaning out the flower beds and filling them with leaves to protect the roots of the perennials we had planted. We walked around as well.
I had a Doctor appointment in the afternoon so returned for that. Just the annual stuff and blood work. He asked about Cowboy, always liked him. We talked about that and he asked me how I was doing, how much I was drinking, how I was sleeping. I was able to tell him that I was doing pretty well. He suggested I limit my visits to twice weekly. I don't know if I can always do that but had already been thinking about it some. I guess he has had experience with these things but my feeling is I need to go often and just be sure all is well.
I spent Friday making cookies and fudge to take to Dallas. I also made goulash and broccoli slaw to take to the part at the home tomorrow. Still wrapping gifts and getting things organized at 7PM Friday night. I am getting too old for this. I only buy for those under 18 but it is still a bunch of kiddos. There are four grandchildren under 18 and 8 great grandchildren. Some of that was mailed but still filled up the back of my vehicle.
It was wet and cold on Saturday so had to drive in less than great conditions but all went OK. We had a really nice turnout for the party. The staff folks that were off came in and joined us and some brought their families. Lots of relatives there to visit, a fair number of people I had never seen before. It was a nice time except for this lady that brought some Kaoroke music and was singing at the top of her lungs to her Dad and she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. After awhile I was about ready to scream and she just kept going on and on. When the food was served, she thankfully hung it up.
On to Dallas. The traffic was awful, two wrecks with traffic backed up for miles so it took an extra 2 hours to get there. Some of my youngest daughters family came over in the evening and we had pizza and visited.
On Sunday morning I went to visit Cowboy's daughter and her husband and four children. Took them to breakfast and then we went back and opened gifts and played games for a while.
Back to my Grandson's for the night and then on Monday morning I met my eldest daughter's son and had breakfast. Headed home about 11 AM and didn't get home until around 4. More awful traffic. I hope I can remember to not do this next year. I wonder if I will ever manage to get them all together at the same time. With their various schedules it doesn't look likely.
Tomorrow I will be going to spend most of the day with Cowboy. I doubt if he will understand that it is Christmas, but I never know where his mind will be. There are some wives along with me that are going to do up the tables and try to make it nice for them.
I had a Doctor appointment in the afternoon so returned for that. Just the annual stuff and blood work. He asked about Cowboy, always liked him. We talked about that and he asked me how I was doing, how much I was drinking, how I was sleeping. I was able to tell him that I was doing pretty well. He suggested I limit my visits to twice weekly. I don't know if I can always do that but had already been thinking about it some. I guess he has had experience with these things but my feeling is I need to go often and just be sure all is well.
I spent Friday making cookies and fudge to take to Dallas. I also made goulash and broccoli slaw to take to the part at the home tomorrow. Still wrapping gifts and getting things organized at 7PM Friday night. I am getting too old for this. I only buy for those under 18 but it is still a bunch of kiddos. There are four grandchildren under 18 and 8 great grandchildren. Some of that was mailed but still filled up the back of my vehicle.
It was wet and cold on Saturday so had to drive in less than great conditions but all went OK. We had a really nice turnout for the party. The staff folks that were off came in and joined us and some brought their families. Lots of relatives there to visit, a fair number of people I had never seen before. It was a nice time except for this lady that brought some Kaoroke music and was singing at the top of her lungs to her Dad and she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. After awhile I was about ready to scream and she just kept going on and on. When the food was served, she thankfully hung it up.
On to Dallas. The traffic was awful, two wrecks with traffic backed up for miles so it took an extra 2 hours to get there. Some of my youngest daughters family came over in the evening and we had pizza and visited.
On Sunday morning I went to visit Cowboy's daughter and her husband and four children. Took them to breakfast and then we went back and opened gifts and played games for a while.
Back to my Grandson's for the night and then on Monday morning I met my eldest daughter's son and had breakfast. Headed home about 11 AM and didn't get home until around 4. More awful traffic. I hope I can remember to not do this next year. I wonder if I will ever manage to get them all together at the same time. With their various schedules it doesn't look likely.
Tomorrow I will be going to spend most of the day with Cowboy. I doubt if he will understand that it is Christmas, but I never know where his mind will be. There are some wives along with me that are going to do up the tables and try to make it nice for them.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, December 18
Monday the band got together and practiced for our last Christmas gig and then sat down and had vegetarian chili compliments of our accordion player who hosted the event, cornbread complements of me, apple cake and some Trader Joe's wine. It was great. The band members invited their spouses to participate and we had a very nice time.
Tuesday I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. We walked around outside, a nice day, and spent some time talking to other residents. I wasn't able to stay for lunch, had a doctors appointment but a nice visit.
Today I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee at 10. The hostess had her house decked out more than you can even imagine. She has so many beautiful things and transforms her house into this Christmas wonderland. The food was great too. There was lots of ladies there and I love visiting and interacting with all of them. Won't see most of them until next year.
I went and mailed my passport application, went to WalMart and picked up the rest of the things I needed to cook for Saturday, make goodies for the weekend and cards to send to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that required their gifts to be mailed. Then at 2:30 the band played our last Christmas gig at a nursing home for Alzheimers patients. They really enjoyed themselves and I came away feeling good.
I have been researching trips to go on in 2014 but haven't booked anything yet. Need to try to do that over the holiday as well.
I am busily trying to get gifts wrapped and everything ready to go visit the kids over the weekend. Made some good progress today.
Will go see Cowboy tomorrow and then have another Dr's appt at 4. The end of the year seems to mean it is time to do all of this. May try to change this around so everything doesn't come up at once.
I hope to spend Friday cooking for the party Saturday at the home and making cookies and fudge for my offspring and my offsprings' offspring. It is interesting how they just expect to have my sugar cookies and my fudge to round out their holiday eating. I rather like the role but it is work.
Tuesday I went to see Cowboy. He was doing fine. We walked around outside, a nice day, and spent some time talking to other residents. I wasn't able to stay for lunch, had a doctors appointment but a nice visit.
Today I attended a neighborhood ladies coffee at 10. The hostess had her house decked out more than you can even imagine. She has so many beautiful things and transforms her house into this Christmas wonderland. The food was great too. There was lots of ladies there and I love visiting and interacting with all of them. Won't see most of them until next year.
I went and mailed my passport application, went to WalMart and picked up the rest of the things I needed to cook for Saturday, make goodies for the weekend and cards to send to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that required their gifts to be mailed. Then at 2:30 the band played our last Christmas gig at a nursing home for Alzheimers patients. They really enjoyed themselves and I came away feeling good.
I have been researching trips to go on in 2014 but haven't booked anything yet. Need to try to do that over the holiday as well.
I am busily trying to get gifts wrapped and everything ready to go visit the kids over the weekend. Made some good progress today.
Will go see Cowboy tomorrow and then have another Dr's appt at 4. The end of the year seems to mean it is time to do all of this. May try to change this around so everything doesn't come up at once.
I hope to spend Friday cooking for the party Saturday at the home and making cookies and fudge for my offspring and my offsprings' offspring. It is interesting how they just expect to have my sugar cookies and my fudge to round out their holiday eating. I rather like the role but it is work.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sunday, December 15
Went to see Cowboy this morning. He was in a chipper mood. and very talkative. It felt like someone had given him an "upper".
We watched some TV and then walked around inside. Too cold to go out. The nurses station had one of those stuffed Santas that sings and dances. Dancing may be the wrong word, he moves his hips back and forth. Cowboy started moving his hips around and had the nurse on duty in stitches. We walked some more and he could hear the music and started trying to do the two step with his walker. Was doing pretty well at moving in time with the music. I was worried he might fall but let him have at it. He seemed very cheerful.
I found out this week they have started giving him insulin on a regular basis. 5 units before breakfast and 5 units before lunch. His sugar is going up quite a bit. I am OK with it but they are supposed to call me and let me know anytime his medicine changes. Will have to mention that next time I meet with staff.
The home looks very festive. There are trees and stockings hung and other decor hung on the walls. I am glad they try to make it homey. Not sure how much the guys notice.
Another busy week coming up but then things will start getting back to normal. Two more lunches and a coffee and 2 more gigs, then a break. My arm and hands need it bad.
I am behind on everything related to the holiday. No cards done yet, nothing wrapped. I really have to get it together. Am hoping to go to Dallas next weekend and see the kids and take their Christmas to them.
Plan to spend Christmas day with hubby. Some of the other wives will be there and we are going to decorate the tables and try to make it nice for the fellows.
We watched some TV and then walked around inside. Too cold to go out. The nurses station had one of those stuffed Santas that sings and dances. Dancing may be the wrong word, he moves his hips back and forth. Cowboy started moving his hips around and had the nurse on duty in stitches. We walked some more and he could hear the music and started trying to do the two step with his walker. Was doing pretty well at moving in time with the music. I was worried he might fall but let him have at it. He seemed very cheerful.
I found out this week they have started giving him insulin on a regular basis. 5 units before breakfast and 5 units before lunch. His sugar is going up quite a bit. I am OK with it but they are supposed to call me and let me know anytime his medicine changes. Will have to mention that next time I meet with staff.
The home looks very festive. There are trees and stockings hung and other decor hung on the walls. I am glad they try to make it homey. Not sure how much the guys notice.
Another busy week coming up but then things will start getting back to normal. Two more lunches and a coffee and 2 more gigs, then a break. My arm and hands need it bad.
I am behind on everything related to the holiday. No cards done yet, nothing wrapped. I really have to get it together. Am hoping to go to Dallas next weekend and see the kids and take their Christmas to them.
Plan to spend Christmas day with hubby. Some of the other wives will be there and we are going to decorate the tables and try to make it nice for the fellows.
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