SNOW

Those of you in the east often see this white stuff but we don't get so much that we aren't a bit in awe at the clean beauty of snow.

But the darn stuff is cold and then it melts with the sleet and it is slick!

Jack is celebrating one month in the slammer! Or that is how he feels sometimes. I just called and said I would wait until the roads were safe before I came up to see him and he said take care of myself that he was snug as a bug. I asked about snow there and he said he could not see since his windows were frosted over. He has an excellent view of the interior court of the facility. There are birds, cats, people and interesting happenings there.

The resident has a visiting dog. Actually he belongs to the owners and since they are both working there or at least not at home, the dog has picked out a resident with a nice big blanket covered chair and sometimes does an over nighter. Darlene the resident came to the facilitiy with a broken hip and a pronouncement from the doctor that she probably would not walk much again. Well, she not only has recovered with the excellent care and help of the facility but is now helping others there. She has not returned to her home. She hasn't told me but I suspect she gave it up as well as her dogs and other pets. Now the visiting canine is her special friend.

Yesterday we tried a new adventure and visited a local restaurant with a handcap accessible rating...ha ha ha ha! Well we did get in and of course I had to use the suppliment I carry for thresholds that are too high. The place is "SWEET THANGS". No I didn't misspell that word. And it is as rednecked as it sounds. But their coffee, hot tea, and pecan pie are not too bad! And it was an outing, adventure, and we were out when the first rains hit! It hit like a raging storm and you couldn't see across the road. We left when we finished our repast and the rain had let up.

The day before we went to the HOBBY LOBBY. A place where you could spend a day and not see everything. There were having 50% off sale and things looked good. We bought some plastic easter eggs to stuff..... I have now stuffed 10 dozen for our church's Easter Egg Hunt. Of course I have made Jack stuff eggs, too!

The roads seem to be clearing so I am off to rescue the prisoner of Snyder! lol

Time passes.............

Tomorrow will be the first day of spring and Jack's third week at the nursing facility. He knows almost everyone there and their names, their kids' names, and all their life history! I am stretching that a bit but he has become well acquainted with many. He is like the father confessor and place to stop and chat. He has containers of sweets and anyone who has a sweet tooth can help themselves.

The staff have been very helpful. He became confused one night this week and ended up slipping out of his chair and onto the floor. He said three or four of the female staff grabbed him stood him up and put him right back in his chair. This man weighs 300 pounds and that was no small task. At home I would have had to call out emergency personnel.

We went to the wound clinic and took the "ride along" neighbor to drive. She was well compensated with $ as well as a good lunch at the Santa Fe Cattle Company Steak House. This restaurant has been so accommodating. Of course we try to plan our arrivals at a not quite as busy time if possible but the staff are quick to find a place where Jack is comfortable. And the food is really great. We have had opportunity to try a variety of the offerings on the menu.

Today we are going for a consultation with a surgeon for a fatty cyst. How big and how deep to see how to take it off of Jack's posterior. This will be the next big thing we have to do.

I took Jack a fan yesterday evening because it had turned so warm and his room had a breeze but a hot one. The fan did help as well as a cold drink and a pleasant visit! lol

Must begin the day, the list is long and and there is much to accomplish. When I am at home the phone rings and then the doorbell rings. I may be to go somewhere else to rest.

Cold Front

We have enjoyed such beautiful spring weather and now we have a bit of winter again. Still no rain. We are so desperate for some of that wet stuff.

The cold wind is blowing and I am by myself except for my 2 feline friends. One of our household went out Saturday morning and did not return and as well as he enjoy good food he must have met with foul play. We miss Herkie our youngest feline member. There are lots of playmates for him in Kitty Heaven.

Jack has had his touch of the flu bug... as I did since we have been at the nursing facility. It is almost impossible to miss it with so many sick. If we didn't get it there we certainly picked it up at a doctor's office. LOL This morning I had quite a job waiting for me when I arrived at the home. A good bath and took everything to the laundry to clean every blanket or pillow in the room.

We are not going to the wound clinic this week. The nurses at the home will change his dressings on the legs. Next week we will take a ride along with us to the clinic. I want to go to get the car tuned up tomorrow if possible and get Jack's phone checked. It keeps talking about the voice mail box not activitied and hangs up! LOL Jack is missing some calls.

This is such a change in my life. It is taking awhile to adjust just as it is taking Jack time to adjust. Both of us are learning to take one day at a time.

Caregiving never ceases

In the last 5 days I have been home only to sleep or feed the animals. Hope this evens out because I am really getting behind on so many things. For the first time I have lost a bill and have no idea where this has gone.. It is like the sox in the dryer. No clues!

Yesterday I had the car serviced...the first time since August. This has been my life for the last 6 months. I purchased Jack a cell phone and found that it works great but we have to figure out how to answer it... at least he didn't answer it last night! More inservice. Jack has never used a cell phone. I have always done this.

We went to Lawton and signed the guest book for a neighbor's grandmother. Won't even be able to go to the funeral. We are taking( at least that is our plan) Jack to the wound clinic. With both of us maybe we can do this. We have to find out what happens if we can't get him to those appointments until he is stronger.

I have done the bathing and pouch changing during the last 5 days. Until there is an inservice this is being done by me and in an emergency by a nurse only who is supposed to know how. The aides have pleaded no knowledge. Why not if you can get away with it! lol It has been fine with us but when I am not there... they will be in charge.

Jack's daughter has been here to stay with him during the days and that has been a big help in the transition. It will be really lonesome when she goes but he will have lots of people around him. Everyone has been great and so helpful. So far...so good. Jack's daughter is ok with where he is... that means a great deal also.

Well the day started at 4 so guess I am awake by now...have a pleasant day.

Caregiving in a care facility

My husband entered a care facility on Friday. Friends and neighbors helped move his personal furniture to the facility. Electric lift chair which he lives in (sleeps as well). Wheel chair, power chair, potty chair, things we thought he would want/need. This was not easy because as I find each day there are the little things that we take for granted to be at our finger tips at home.... are not there somewhere else. Well it has taken a couple of days but most wants are there. I am not lonesome here alone.....because I have been here so little of the time. Helping to transfer has really been a big time consumer on the road and at the facility.

Jack's daughter will arrive tomorrow and I hope her being with him all day will help me have time to do some things that have been pending for quite a while, like income tax, Mom's estate, my stepfather's estate, etc., etc., etc.

This is a difficult time for both of us. Thanks for your comments and encouragements.