Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sunday, March 29

I am finally beginning to feel a  little better.  Still have tummy upset and no appetite but not coughing much.  Still feel rather drained.  My sister in New Mexico was in the hospital for 5 days but is home now with an oxygen tank.  My sister in Colorado is feeling better but not great.  Wow, what an experience.  Haven't been so sick ever.  The New Mexico Health Dept notified my sister that she had a strain of flu.  It was apparently not included in the flu shot this year.  She is home now with an oxygen tank.  My sister in Colorado is better but not great.  What an awful experience.

I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday and we saw the dentist and they pulled another tooth.  Need to slow this down or he will be toothless!  I have spent a lot of time just sleeping but went to see him again on Friday and he was fine.  I took the pup and we spent some time outside.  Lovely weather.  He really enjoys the dog. We turn her loose and she just runs and runs.  It is a joy to watch.

I am having the back fence replaced this week.  It is about to fall down.  Between that and visiting Cowboy my week will be pretty busy. 

I went over to my grandson # 2 today and his wife cut my hair.  Tomorrow I hope to get my toenails spiffed up and then I may feel half human.  Have a little shopping to do and then off to see Cowboy again on  Tuesday.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Monday, March 23

I have been sooooo sick.  But maybe I should start by catching you up.

I was just getting over a cold when my sisters came to visit.  On their second day here I relapsed and had a really tortuous cough, body aches, diarrhea and lack of appetite. 

Despite not feeling well we proceeded to go see Cowboy on Thursday.  We took the dogs (my sister brought her Rottweiler mix to visit too).  We had a good visit and the fellows at the home loved the dogs.  We turned them loose for a while in the yard and they played.  After lunch (with the dogs put back in the car) I played a program for the residents and we had a sing along.

On Friday we went to the Dillards warehouse and came away with a few clothing items.  Pretty cool place, didn't even know about it.

On Saturday we drove to Denison, TX to see our brother and his wife.  We had lunch and visited and talked about our youth.  good time.

Saturday night we took my younger sister and my daughter out to  celebrate their  birthdays.  My sister turned 68 and my daughter turned 50.  We ate at SaltGrass.  I had no appetite and brought most of my meal home but we had a good time.

On Sunday everybody was thoroughly sick.  Both my sisters had the same symptoms I had.  The visit was cut a little short and everyone headed home.

As of today my older sister is in the hospital with pneumonia and my younger sister has been put to bed by her doctor for a minimum of two days and our sister-in-law is ill with tummy problems.  This must be some kind of flu but I cannot remember being this sick in years.

I am finally feeling a little better today.  The sun is shining and it is beautiful out.

I am going to go see Cowboy tomorrow.  He is having a tooth pulled.

My daughter finally took some time to do a little shopping and has ordered a bar and a small fridge for the game room.  She is excited to get it all finished.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Wednesday, March 11

The workmen did not finish Friday so were here Monday.  I went to see Cowboy and left grandson #4 in charge.  He must have called me six times with questions but everything got done and when I got home I signed off.  YEA !

Cowboy saw the dentist and he has another tooth that has to be pulled.  I got another lecture about daily cleaning.  I talked to the home again and so it goes....I suspect he doesn't cooperate most of the time.

My older sister arrived last night.  Today we go to the airport to pick up my younger sister.  Hoping for a good visit.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Friday, March 6

This has been a goofy week.  I went to see Cowboy on Tuesday because the predictions were for bad weather the rest of the week.  and it has been.  Fourth largest snow ever in March, more snow than has been seen in years, one day with 1/4 inch ice covered by 4 inches of snow.  This city just shuts down because they don't have the staff and equipment to handle the roads.

The workers couldn't get here two days this week so they are still here.  We are not done.  They said they would finish today.  I sure hope so.  I have things to do to get everything straightened up before my sisters arrive.  Right now the game room is full of  bedroom furniture and music room furniture.

I am supposed to play at the home next week and I can't get to anything to prepare.

Talked to Cowboy this morning.   I let him know the dentist will be there on Monday to clean his teeth.  He is also complaining of a toothache.  The nurse gave him Tylenol.  After I thought about it awhile  I called them back and suggested they remove his bridge and clean it and clean his teeth.  He could just have something lodged in there.  Since he was just seen three months ago by the dentist a toothache seems strange.

The sun is shining, the snow is melting and it is supposed to be in the 60's this coming week.  If I can get the workmen out of here today and spend some time this weekend organizing things my mood will definitely improve.  I am excited about my sisters' visit.

I have been tied up with this house for so long and thought I would come home from my trip with time to explore some social activities and instead have spent the past month with things all torn up and dust everywhere, etc.  At one point there were workmen in two of the bathrooms and they had the door off of the remaining one.  Couldn't even go to the bathroom.

While my sisters are here we will go visit Cowboy, probably next Thursday.  I decided to make my other visit this coming Monday so can be there when he sees the dentist.  I will be playing for the residents on Thursday as well. 

Next Saturday my sisters and I will go see our brother who lives a couple of hours away.  His wife is in a wheelchair with MS and my house cannot accommodate that so we will go see him.  This will be the first time we have all been in the same room since another of my sisters passed away.  That was five years ago.

We got the pup back from her training last Saturday and she is doing good.  It is hard to get her outside to do her business in the wet and snow but have had some luck with that and she understands and responds to some of the commands.  She is still very much a "baby".  I just remind myself of that saying, "Happiness is a warm puppy".    I took her with me on Tuesday to the home and the guys just adore her and the staff thinks she is beautiful.  She rides very well and didn't have any accidents.  Her trainer told me that boxers do not make good therapy dogs because they are easily excited.  Well, she seems to be doing OK with them.  She loves the attention.





Saturday, February 28, 2015

Saturday, February 28

I have readers fussing at me because it is so long between posts.  It is a combination of busy, distracted, frustrated and just plain lazy.

The past week has been largely taken up with poorly motivated workers, a less than competent project manager (could do a much better job than this young man), bad weather, poor communication and bad estimates.  I am so tired of this whole business.  The good news is the work is almost completed and then I can concentrate on getting things in order.

My sisters will be here on the 11th.  We have been trying to put this visit together for two years and now I am the problem.  It is going to happen whether the house is ready or not.

Our puppy came home today.  She is doing really well.  I never thought I would see her so obedient.  Now I just have to do all the right things and we have a well trained dog..  It is hard  because the weather is terrible and it is downright dangerous to go outside and it is really cold.  At the moment she is laying on me in the easy chair and snoring so loud I can hear her.  It is really kind of funny.

My daughter was trying to get home on Thursday from Fresno  but due to the weather she finally got home this morning at 9AM  (long story), but doesn't have her luggage and has to leave in the AM for Baltimore.  I don't know how she does it.  The good news is she is banking some good earnings.

I went to see Cowboy on Monday and again yesterday.  Despite the weather he is in a good humor and is eating well and sleeping well.  He was actually outside walking around in 38 degree weather yesterday when I got there.  He was excited about all the birds that were eating and playing.  There were lots of birds and they were having a great time.

Terrible coming home.  The weather is playing havoc with this part of Texas. 

I talked to my daughter in New York today.  Wanted to tell her how much Cowboy liked the lap quilt she made for him.  It is patriotic and colorful.  She told me they have 18 inches of snow and it is supposed to be 17 below tonight.  Guess I shouldn't complain.

I always look forward to spring but really need it this year. 


Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thursday, February 19

I went to see Cowboy on Monday.  It was cold and wet and traffic was awful.  We spent a couple of hours watching TV and out in the day room visiting with each other and others.  There are a couple of new ladies that are becoming regulars.  Cowboy was in a good mood.

On Tuesday I had the clock people out.  When I moved here the grandfather clock developed problems but I had put off getting it repaired.  Finally decided I really needed to.   It also keeps it out of harms way while all those fellows are here.

Yesterday the company doing the house repairs came out and did a walk through.  The work list has changed about four times.  It is getting more real now but still a lot of work.  We are down to less than $20,000.  Still seems like an insane amount.

They are starting the work today and I am waiting on them now.

I have a terrible cold.  For someone like me who rarely gets a cold it caught me by surprise.  Have coughed all night for three days now.  I hate it !!  When I went to see Cowboy on Monday he had one too.   Guess either I gave it to him or he gave it to me.

I will be going to see Cowboy again tomorrow.  The workmen tell me that I can leave and they put a lock box on the door for me to put a key in.  I went to WalMart and had another key made.  I came home and it wouldn't work.  Back to WalMart for another key.  Brought it home and it doesn't work.  Makes no sense.  They line up and look the same.  Don't know what to do.  Guess for the short term I will use my key and the lock box.

Our pup is at obedience school this week.  Surprisingly I find I miss her.  It is interesting how quickly looking after her has become part of my day.  Hope she comes back knowing how to obey commands.  I had made good progress with her.  She would sit and get down, etc but in about half a second she was doing the same thing again.  She has the attention span of a knat.


Thursday, February 12, 2015

Thursday, February 12

I just figured out that a post I  did the other day somehow didn't get saved.  Probably my own lack of skill.

So much going on right now.  It has been a nightmare.  Four days of very loud fans, then several days of folks in the house figuring out everything that needs to be repaired, then the negotiations between the insurance folks and the contractor.  I think we are almost there.  I want all of this resolved and the work done.  My two remaining sisters and I have planned a get together for March and I want it all done before then.  Am I deluding myself?

Just this minute had a call from the contractor and am hoping to talk to the "flooring specialist" with the insurance company tomorrow.  Originally they were talking a complete floor replacement but I don't want to do that and it is absolutely not necessary.  Come on.....$32,000 to replace all of the floor !!  I only pay the deductible but still.........

I went to see Cowboy on Monday and again today.  He is doing fine.  I took him a little valentine bear and a small box of candy and a card.  He was pleased.  Won't get back for actual Valentine's day, too much here.

There are three of the men who I was fond of who have passed away recently.  It is sad and at times hard to deal with.  I am talking about fellows who would talk to me and give me a hug (and I gave them hugs too).  Herman was the most recent.  He was always cheerful and affectionate and behaved like a gentleman.  I was surprised as he didn't seem that far along on his journey.  He passed while I was on my trip.

Cowboy has made friends with a couple of fellows who arrived recently.  He doesn't make friends easily but I am pleased that he has met some fellows to whom he can relate.  Their names are "Charlie" and "Pete".  They talk to him regularly and Charlie eats at his table.

I managed to get my teeth cleaned, a pedicure, pick up the cleaning and get the oil changed in the car this week, despite all the appointments that were on the calendar.  I also got my  taxes finished.  I am going to have to pay this year so will wait until right before April 15 to actually send them in.

Tomorrow I take the dog to "Puppy College".  She will be there for two weeks learning how to respond to commands and how to behave.  My daughter set it up.  She is adorable but a real challenge.  So much energy !!  Here's hoping we get the desired results.

I plan to concentrate on getting the house clean the next day or two in preparation for the onslaught on  painters, etc.  The bathrooms are in need of attention.