The shoes finally came in and we got a call last week. Yesterday I took him in and we got them on him and they fit and are comfortable. He wore them home and the rest of the day. Surprisingly he put them on this morning without prompting. I put his boots up in the closet and will hope for the best.
Marsha was not available today and they sent another aide. It is hard to have so many different people around and trying to get them oriented. Hope this is not a trend. I read an article this past weekend about an expected shortage of folks to do home health and respite care. I don't think it is something I would want to do and they don't pay them enough to make it worth for most of us.
Today a friend and I went looking at granite again. It is all so beautiful and some of it is amazing. Of course the amazing stuff is way beyond my budget but still am considering doing something. In the process of getting quotes on some of the selections I made.
It was a very nice day. We went into the city and went to two locations and looked at lots of slabs. We then went to lunch and to Home Depot and the grocery store.
I am beat tonight. It was really hot out today and I am even a bit "pink" from standing out in the sun. Just heard the high was 102.
Our daughter is OK. They got power and water back on Monday so can take care of the animals and themselves.
On Monday one of my grandsons called and asked to come down with his daughter for a couple of days. They arrived Monday night and stayed until this morning. Had a nice visit and really enjoyed seeing them. Has made for a busy week.
Cowboy started undressing this afternoon about 4:30. I asked him what the problem was and he said he was hot and his clothes were too tight. He stripped to nothing and then was wandering around. He then went to the bathroom and then got into bed. I told him it was only 5PM and I was fixing to start supper. He said he was just going to lie down for a few minutes but then he promptly fell asleep.
I wonder if having company and then having a different caregiver today and all of that wore him out. He seems to be fine with having the company. He doesn't really engage with them at all but didn't seem upset or anything.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Saturday, August 4
Marsha is still not available and they sent a man Wednesday. That was a first. How I miss her. She knows where everything is, what needs to be done and Cowboy is comfortable with her. It took about 30 minutes to show "Wayne" the ropes. He seems nice enough but no personality at all. When I got back I had sacks to bring in. I asked him to help me and he did but then he just sat down rather than helping to get things unloaded. interesting....
I bought Cowboy some disposible undershorts and put them in his closet. I told him I had bought them and thought he might want to try them. Later he questions why I bought them and I told him it would reduce the amount of laundry I was doing. He didn't say anything.
On Thursday he opens the box and looks at them but doesn't try them on. He tells me they are just diapers. I suggested he think of them as disposable undershorts and he informed me they didn't have any opening for urinating. They are still sitting there in the box as of today. I am trying to ease into this.
We got out on Thursday and took a ride and went and looked at granite for countertops. Am considering doing that soon. Couldn't leave him in the car, too hot. He was not even a little bit interested in looking at anything but I got some ideas.
I haven't been very productive the last couple of days. Yesterday I didn't want to get tired because we were playing last night. We played in a garage with an air conditioner blowing but with the garage door open and a light on for us to read our music it was still rather warm. Came home wrung out. It went well though. They collected back packs and supplies for the children of the young soldiers at the base. Very nice thing to do.
Yesterday evening we learned there was a bad fire near where our oldest daughter lives. Didn't think too much more about it until today when we learned it was not under control and was getting closer and closer to them. Spent the day worrying about them. They could not use their cell phones for calls but could text so that's how we communicated.
Just got through getting a call from them. The fire has passed them. They have 30 acres that burned but the fire department had watered down the house and the other buildings. Since they have animals that graze on their property the grass was very short and very dry. They have a pool and used the water from it to put out fires on the property. They had put the animals in the barn. Everyone is OK, thank goodness. They are without water or power and it is about 112 degrees so they are looking at some problems for a while. The town that they live near has been evacuated. I think there are probably a couple of thousand people there.
I had been telling Cowboy about the texts and what I knew all day but he was rather disinterested. It is almost as if he could not comprehend the seriousness of the situation. I had visions of having to head up there to help out and what that would entail with Cowboy in tow. Sounds like they are going to be OK.
I bought Cowboy some disposible undershorts and put them in his closet. I told him I had bought them and thought he might want to try them. Later he questions why I bought them and I told him it would reduce the amount of laundry I was doing. He didn't say anything.
On Thursday he opens the box and looks at them but doesn't try them on. He tells me they are just diapers. I suggested he think of them as disposable undershorts and he informed me they didn't have any opening for urinating. They are still sitting there in the box as of today. I am trying to ease into this.
We got out on Thursday and took a ride and went and looked at granite for countertops. Am considering doing that soon. Couldn't leave him in the car, too hot. He was not even a little bit interested in looking at anything but I got some ideas.
I haven't been very productive the last couple of days. Yesterday I didn't want to get tired because we were playing last night. We played in a garage with an air conditioner blowing but with the garage door open and a light on for us to read our music it was still rather warm. Came home wrung out. It went well though. They collected back packs and supplies for the children of the young soldiers at the base. Very nice thing to do.
Yesterday evening we learned there was a bad fire near where our oldest daughter lives. Didn't think too much more about it until today when we learned it was not under control and was getting closer and closer to them. Spent the day worrying about them. They could not use their cell phones for calls but could text so that's how we communicated.
Just got through getting a call from them. The fire has passed them. They have 30 acres that burned but the fire department had watered down the house and the other buildings. Since they have animals that graze on their property the grass was very short and very dry. They have a pool and used the water from it to put out fires on the property. They had put the animals in the barn. Everyone is OK, thank goodness. They are without water or power and it is about 112 degrees so they are looking at some problems for a while. The town that they live near has been evacuated. I think there are probably a couple of thousand people there.
I had been telling Cowboy about the texts and what I knew all day but he was rather disinterested. It is almost as if he could not comprehend the seriousness of the situation. I had visions of having to head up there to help out and what that would entail with Cowboy in tow. Sounds like they are going to be OK.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, July 31
It's not much fun to take Cowboy out to eat anymore. Last night I suggested we go out and he didn't really care but was OK with it. I suggested a different restaurant and he said no. I asked him why. He didn't respond right away but after a bit he says "I don't know what to order". We always go to IHOP or we go to a local place nearby for catfish or we go to Applebee's for ribs. Those are his only choices and he doesn't ever want anything else. Sometimes he looks at the menu for a long time but always ending up ordering the same thing. I know he cannot read anymore and that may be a lot of it, but I can suggest things and he never wants anything different. Last night we went to Applebee's and had ribs.
I had been a bit confused about our soft water tank. The light to add was always coming on and I recently bought salt. I asked my bandmates to help me put it in yesterday and was told it was way too full already. I drag the book out and learn that it is supposed to be cleaned every three years. I call the plumber who installed it and he comes out and I find that all the settings are screwed up, it has too much salt in it and our water filtration system is unplugged. We got the system cleaned, everything all taken care of and I got a lesson in how to maintain both tanks. Have no idea how they got in this shape but I can guess that at some point Cowboy messed with it. The filtration tank was unplugged and the air compressor was plugged in. My last recollection of using the air compressor was 2 years ago, about the time things really started declining. No real harm done. I am just going to have to get smarter about all this stuff.
I had been a bit confused about our soft water tank. The light to add was always coming on and I recently bought salt. I asked my bandmates to help me put it in yesterday and was told it was way too full already. I drag the book out and learn that it is supposed to be cleaned every three years. I call the plumber who installed it and he comes out and I find that all the settings are screwed up, it has too much salt in it and our water filtration system is unplugged. We got the system cleaned, everything all taken care of and I got a lesson in how to maintain both tanks. Have no idea how they got in this shape but I can guess that at some point Cowboy messed with it. The filtration tank was unplugged and the air compressor was plugged in. My last recollection of using the air compressor was 2 years ago, about the time things really started declining. No real harm done. I am just going to have to get smarter about all this stuff.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 30
The band is coming over this afternoon. We are playing a gig Friday eve at a neighbors. It is a fund raiser for the children of our troops at a nearby base.
I forgot to mention the other day that when Marsha was here last Wednesday she was dusting and accidentally knocked Cowboy's phone off the hook while simultaneously hitting the button I have programmed to go to 911. Apparently she was told that even though she said everything was fine they had to send a policeman out anyway. When they did she called me. She was concerned a neighbor would see them here and think something was wrong. I guess it is good that they send a patrolcar even if told there is not a problem. I never heard from any neighbor so I doubt anyone noticed.
I woke up this morning about 6 and could hear Cowboy snoring. I glanced over and he was laying in the bed fully clothed. He had gotten up some time in the night and gotten dressed. He had put on dress pants, one of his good shirts and a good, nearly new belt, like he was going somewhere. He doesn't remember anything.
When we were at IHOP last week I watched several guys come in baggy shorts and Tshirts. One fellow had on an undershirt with these huge arm holes and flip flops. I see that and then I look at Cowboy. He is always in long pants, a long sleeved shirt, boots, etc. I am not proposing that way of dressing in this terrible heat but I have always liked that he cares about his appearance. I swear some of these guys look absolutely awful. Can you tell I am proud of him? Lately he has cared very little but last night he got dressed up to go somewhere.
He has really into the Olympics. I like to watch some of it so we will be enjoying that this week.
I forgot to mention the other day that when Marsha was here last Wednesday she was dusting and accidentally knocked Cowboy's phone off the hook while simultaneously hitting the button I have programmed to go to 911. Apparently she was told that even though she said everything was fine they had to send a policeman out anyway. When they did she called me. She was concerned a neighbor would see them here and think something was wrong. I guess it is good that they send a patrolcar even if told there is not a problem. I never heard from any neighbor so I doubt anyone noticed.
I woke up this morning about 6 and could hear Cowboy snoring. I glanced over and he was laying in the bed fully clothed. He had gotten up some time in the night and gotten dressed. He had put on dress pants, one of his good shirts and a good, nearly new belt, like he was going somewhere. He doesn't remember anything.
When we were at IHOP last week I watched several guys come in baggy shorts and Tshirts. One fellow had on an undershirt with these huge arm holes and flip flops. I see that and then I look at Cowboy. He is always in long pants, a long sleeved shirt, boots, etc. I am not proposing that way of dressing in this terrible heat but I have always liked that he cares about his appearance. I swear some of these guys look absolutely awful. Can you tell I am proud of him? Lately he has cared very little but last night he got dressed up to go somewhere.
He has really into the Olympics. I like to watch some of it so we will be enjoying that this week.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 29
Thursday I took the dog to the groomer, got Cowboy a haircut and then took Cowboy with me and got a haircut myself. The whole household is now looking trim. We went to IHOP and as usual Cowboy ate every bite. Don't know what it is about that place.
I talked to Cowboy about food some this week. I had fixed a small steak last night and he wouldn't touch it. We are down to chicken and fish and that only prepared certain ways. With prodding he said it tasted like "soap".
Had a handyman by yesterday to clean the gutters. Last time it rained you could tell they were clogged. One more thing that we used to do ourselves and now must pay someone for. He found 4 shingles missing and some leaking. Three of the shingles were still on the roof and he is bringing another this next week. Rather glad we discovered that before big problems resulted.
We received a box of cherries from our daughter a couple of days ago. They are really tasty. Am going to have to watch Cowboy and make sure he doesn't eat too many.
We have been watching the Olympics a lot the last couple of days. I love the gymnists.
This morning I got Cowboy out and we went to the grocery. Didn't have much to get and he seemed willing to walk around today. He holds onto the cart and does fairly well. It is so hot that is about the only way to get him out of the house. Supposed to be over 100 today.
I talked to Cowboy about food some this week. I had fixed a small steak last night and he wouldn't touch it. We are down to chicken and fish and that only prepared certain ways. With prodding he said it tasted like "soap".
Had a handyman by yesterday to clean the gutters. Last time it rained you could tell they were clogged. One more thing that we used to do ourselves and now must pay someone for. He found 4 shingles missing and some leaking. Three of the shingles were still on the roof and he is bringing another this next week. Rather glad we discovered that before big problems resulted.
We received a box of cherries from our daughter a couple of days ago. They are really tasty. Am going to have to watch Cowboy and make sure he doesn't eat too many.
We have been watching the Olympics a lot the last couple of days. I love the gymnists.
This morning I got Cowboy out and we went to the grocery. Didn't have much to get and he seemed willing to walk around today. He holds onto the cart and does fairly well. It is so hot that is about the only way to get him out of the house. Supposed to be over 100 today.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Wednesday, July 25
Marsha came today. So glad to see her. Quick instructions and out the door. Got a pedicure and a manicure and then picked a couple of girlfriends and went to lunch. We talked for 2 hours. Good break.
I got a call from the attorney on Tuesday. He said a guardianship would cost between $3000 and $5000 and took months to do. I told him what I was dealing with and he suggested I just keep the account open, keep an eye on it and transfer the money each month to the new account. Is going to be a hassle but am not going through the cost, time and aggravation of a guardianship.
No word yet on the shoes and no call yet from VA. I guess one return call is progress !
A couple of nights ago I woke up toward morning and found Cowboy with his head right against mine on my pillow. Upon investigation I found his pillows on the floor and the bed clothes all tangled up. I slept right through something, not sure what. No harm done, thank goodness. We have had so little of these problems with the latest medication that I was surprised that anything at all had happened.
Cowboy has had more trouble the last couple of days with getting around. He seems very wobbly and tentative. Am keeping an eye on him.
I got a call from the attorney on Tuesday. He said a guardianship would cost between $3000 and $5000 and took months to do. I told him what I was dealing with and he suggested I just keep the account open, keep an eye on it and transfer the money each month to the new account. Is going to be a hassle but am not going through the cost, time and aggravation of a guardianship.
No word yet on the shoes and no call yet from VA. I guess one return call is progress !
A couple of nights ago I woke up toward morning and found Cowboy with his head right against mine on my pillow. Upon investigation I found his pillows on the floor and the bed clothes all tangled up. I slept right through something, not sure what. No harm done, thank goodness. We have had so little of these problems with the latest medication that I was surprised that anything at all had happened.
Cowboy has had more trouble the last couple of days with getting around. He seems very wobbly and tentative. Am keeping an eye on him.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Monday, July 23
I called the lawyer on Thursday and again on Friday and he is not returning my call. Why do I think this is going to be an uphill battle?
Friday Jayna came and sat with Cowboy and I went to the base. Got gas, wine, some stuff at the PX and hit the commissary. I came home $500 poorer but well stocked on just about everything. Am getting our meds by mail now so my trips over there are going to be occasional from now on.
Friday was my birthday. I am now 68. I got calls from the girls, cards in the mail and a bunch of ecards. In the evening a couple of friends took me and Cowboy for ice cream. that was nice.
Still no word on Cowboy's shoes. I called them three times last week and left word. They told us a week when we ordered them and it has been just short of a month. mmmmmmm......
No call about the shoes, no call from the lady at the VA, no call from the attorney. I am sure they are all super busy and cannot appreciate that I would feel better if I could move just one thing forward.
Cowboy is doing fine. He is sleeping, eating and mostly watching TV. I can't get him to move around much. Guess it is time to take him to a store and have him walk around with me. Is way too hot to do it at home. He can't walk far but seems like he should be moving more. I try to get him out every couple of days but we just hibernated this weekend.
Sometimes he seems pretty confused about what is going on around him but a good deal of the time he is present and aware of things. Can't get him to talk hardly at all and his answers often don't make a lot of sense. He seems to really inject himself into what he is watching on TV. He won't hardly take time to get up and go to the bathroom sometimes.
Friday Jayna came and sat with Cowboy and I went to the base. Got gas, wine, some stuff at the PX and hit the commissary. I came home $500 poorer but well stocked on just about everything. Am getting our meds by mail now so my trips over there are going to be occasional from now on.
Friday was my birthday. I am now 68. I got calls from the girls, cards in the mail and a bunch of ecards. In the evening a couple of friends took me and Cowboy for ice cream. that was nice.
Still no word on Cowboy's shoes. I called them three times last week and left word. They told us a week when we ordered them and it has been just short of a month. mmmmmmm......
No call about the shoes, no call from the lady at the VA, no call from the attorney. I am sure they are all super busy and cannot appreciate that I would feel better if I could move just one thing forward.
Cowboy is doing fine. He is sleeping, eating and mostly watching TV. I can't get him to move around much. Guess it is time to take him to a store and have him walk around with me. Is way too hot to do it at home. He can't walk far but seems like he should be moving more. I try to get him out every couple of days but we just hibernated this weekend.
Sometimes he seems pretty confused about what is going on around him but a good deal of the time he is present and aware of things. Can't get him to talk hardly at all and his answers often don't make a lot of sense. He seems to really inject himself into what he is watching on TV. He won't hardly take time to get up and go to the bathroom sometimes.
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