Odie the Comedian

I took Dad to his gal friend's house this afternoon and then I went to find a spot to get online to work on some things that needed finishing. If I think I have worked a lot here, I have at least 10 times the amount of work waiting for me at home. I realize that I am tense most of the time. I think I get that from my Mom. She used to just physically be tense even when sitting. I suppose I have the same condition. I am aware of it and try to relax but it is really a hard thing to do. So to relax I went for the full nail treatment including the best pedicure I have ever had. {Sorry Amy}lol

Both girls doing my nails told me to relax several times and we laughed about it. I need to find the cure for it. Anything but another pill. But enough about me and back to Dad....We have been busy almost every day.

Once in a while I have him just kick back and lay down for a nap after lunch. He tends to sit in a chair and nap which is not good for his neck or his back....once in a Blue Moon he will voluntarily go to the bed and put his feet up. I am trying to get him to make a habit of it instead of sitting in a chair....I don't mean a recliner either. He sits in an armless straight back chair and SLEEPS! Dad and my Father in law are the only two people that I have ever seen that can do that. I have NEVER ever seen my husband even attempt that. I would be picking him up off the floor.

Dad did go to his 1938 Class Luncheon today. There were eight of them at the table. That was an interesting group. All 90 year olds. I overheard a 90 year old woman in the group say, Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. Now THAT was funny and several of us in the nearby tables heard it and started to laugh. I was sitting alone at a nearby table just to give the oldsters their own space. They wanted me to join but I would rather not as I consider it Dad's time.

Although Dad thought it would be funny to respond to a question from one of the ladies there about his '31 Durant as willing to take a good price for it. I turned around quickly and gave him a brows down look and he started to laugh. Very funny Dad. Your a RIOT....and he gets funnier....

He was trying to put his belt on earlier to go to Louise's and he got flustered unbeknown to me at the time and I heard his comment and asked,"Would it kill you to ask for help." His answer, "Yep, it might."

Another conversation between him and I today was about him taking off from the car when I had my hands full and he proceeds to go up the stairs to the front porch without me behind him. I finally get up there AFTER he is all the way up. I stand there with my hands on my hips and say, "What's wrong with this picture." His reply..."I don't see a picture."

I proceeded to explain YET ONCE AGAIN what will happen if he breaks a leg, or his arm, OR HIS BACK. I will have to call 911. He says, "Well, just call the Undertaker...."
I roll my eyes and say,"Last time I heard, they don't bury you with a broken leg." I told him HEY, I got my snappy answers from my Dad! lol

After getting Dad from Louises tonight and we get home, he is getting ready for bed and I asked if he was able to take care of himself for a couple hours while I head out to use the computer...of which I am doing right now to catch up here. His reply with a straight face, "Nope, I don't think so.....I need someone to stay with me 24 hours a day." Then he grinned. LOL He really is able now to stay for very short periods of time as long as he isn't walking around outside or trying to do something he usually has assistance for. We all need some time alone. I know I must feel like his shadow sometimes but its a matter of prevention. IF he breaks a bone, his freedom is really shattered. I want him to be able to walk unhampered and to make his own decisions as long as possible. Hopefully up to the time he takes his last breath.

And so it goes...

Delay in Posting

I don't have daily access to the Internet....mayBE I can log in once or twice a week right now and be able to answer emails. I don't have the quality time to sit and think to keep this Blog however.
We are busy almost everyday while on vacation. I will update at the beginning of September when it's all overwith and I can think once again. lol

VACATION DAYS

I think Dad was really anxious and excited to get to his house and see the old place. When he first walked in he didn't recognize it right off. I understand that because when I am at his house for 4 months at a time, I get home and it all looks so strange at first. He took the tour of the whole house and then it all came back to him quickly he said. He seemed relieved that all those dreams about the changes or destruction to the house were not really true.
The first few days were spent at a Drs appt I had set up from my home. Then came the first visits with his girlfriend. I was surprised he didn't get a big hug and kiss right there on the sidewalk but that's just me I guess....and that generation didn't show a lot of affection publicly I suppose.
He visited with a couple of his other friends on the first weekend while my sister stayed with him. Rod and I went to my 40th Class Reunion on the next night after we got here {a Friday} and then again for more of the get together on Saturday.

Rod just had a week here so it went really fast with him trying to get one of Dad's old cars started. Only to find out that he had to change fuel lines that had deteriorated away and that the fuel pump had old parts to it. So we didn't get it started like Dad and Rod wanted and a new fuel pump is on order. Rod never got a real chance to get the other car started spending so much time on the first one. He will be back in August so we will get them both going before we leave once again. Dad wants the cars with us but that will be on the next trip back to his house. We have much to do before all is moved.

I think Dad is getting somewhat bored now getting into the beginning of the third week here. I am not going to speak for him but I think there is some disappointments.
Rod and Dad did got to his breakfast with the fellows from his work. They all have retired of course but they still meet for breakfast. I think Dad was very tickled about the fact they all came together once again for DAD because the breakfast get together has nearly disappeared. One of the guys told me that as long as Dad was in town they would get together each week.

Now to the photos for now....I will catch up to important happenings later as I get more computer time.

Stay Tuned...

I am updating the Blog tomorrow evening. I know I have almost stopped posting but there is a good reason. Dad and I have been on vacation for 2 weeks now and Rod has returned home only to come back in August. So tomorrow night is my night out and I will be posting from the library to catch up on the goings-on.

Dancing a Jig....

Slow to Post...

Each day gets away from me more and more. I have so much to do but I am trying to at least post once a week for right now.
Dad continues to do so well. He has made some new friends at the Senior Center these last few months. He always has stories to tell each day....either of what someone did or what was going on with the meals they serve. He loves to go outside and sit in the sun at the center.
When he gets home he likes to sit in the kitchen and watch the nature show from the kitchen window. We have rabbits,possums, birds of all kinds, and squirrels to entertain us. We live in the city. I can only imagine what we would have if we were in the country. We have been getting yard care since we were having a serious weed problem and as the grass grows I have plans for some nature enticing devices. I want a fountain to lure the critters in. I don't plan on getting any more pets so the wild critters are our pets.
Dad and I have toyed with the idea of getting a dog.....we thought a Beagle would work....but I really don't want the care of any animal. I know the responsibility of being a responsible pet owner and thinking of taking care of a dog for the next 14 years does NOT appeal to me. I know it would be a great companion for Dad but I would be the caretaker and it's not going to be an option right now.
I took Dad to the Dr on Wednesday because of his rash and he got a steroid that has certainly cleared up the rash. The Dr always seems to have the knowledge to fix whatever is wrong. Dad is feeling much better and the itching has stopped with an occasional itch.

Now to the good part of this post.
Rod brought Dad home from the Center at 4pm. We had a good supper, so they both said and they got up and were going to the living room to watch some TV. BUT before Dad got to his chair, he said to me....Well, I found out I could do something that I haven't done in a very long time. With that being said he proceeded to dance a JIG! I kid you not...I mean he DANCED a JIG. My comment was that I had NEVER seen him DO THAT EVER! Rod was totally caught off guard and began to laugh and laugh and laugh. He couldn't stop and then that made Dad laugh. After Rod got his wind back he asked Dad where he got that AT and then he said if you got that at the Senior Center then we better check into what they are teaching over there. hahaha It was just too funny. Dad admitted he learned that at the Center. I told him he HAD to do that tomorrow when I had the camera out so I could post it here. So stand by for that!!!

What's Going On?

Dad has been busy. He is doing well....no return of that dementia since that one day. He didn't go to the Senior Center on Monday but instead went yesterday to make up for missing Monday due to the Holiday.
He has developed a rash of sorts. It's red splotchy and itching. I am trying to keep ahead of the itching but on DAD, nothing much works long enough to suit him. lol I had him take an Aveno bath today and although it was soothing while in the tub, later he said it didn't do much good. I told him he could lay in the tub ALL DAY. He laughed. He didn't think I could get him out of the tub by myself since he said he nearly broke his knees getting down in the tub. LOL But I did, and it went well and he even said he didn't think it was going to be that easy. Dad will ask while he is still in the tub...."How am I going to get out of here? You won't be able to do it alone."
I said, "Don't you think you should have ASKED that question BEFORE you got in the tub?" haha Oh so it goes with Dad....he needs to know the plan long before it actually happens. I say JUST DO IT!!
I told him I would call the Doctor on Monday to see if he can get a steroid shot and prescription for the itching if it's not cleared up by then.

He is reading his Sunday School quarterly right now. I saw a tiny tiny crack in his lens in his glasses this week and I had Rod drop them off to get a new lens. It was a maker flaw that they did for nothing, naturally. haha I INSIST they do it for nothing. I am cheap! So when Rod picked up Dad yesterday at the Senior Center he took Dad to the glasses office and she adjusted them again for Dad and so now he can read better. I TELL HIM OVER AND OVER. If you JUST stop playing with them and leave them as she fixes them you will be able to read. Then he argues and says it's not right. LOL Funny how he is out there reading fine now just AFTER she fixed them yesterday. He has them all screwed up by the time he messes with them and then can't see right out of them. MEN!

Oh he said something so funny this week and I have been trying to think what it was for a couple days now. I should have wrote it down. We were getting in the car to leave for the Senior Center one day and he made some comment that made me start laughing and I snickered all the way to the Center. Now you would think I could remember THAT. Maybe it will return one day when I least expect it and then I will write it down.

I want to make a trip to JCPenneys today when Rod gets home from work. He never refuses overtime! They are having a sale on mens' long shorts and Dad needs a few. He said he would rather wear the long shorts that go below the knee. I never saw men's shorts BELOW the knee unless you wear them past your butt at the top. haha I explained that LOOK to him and asked him if that was his intentions and he laughed with a big hearty NO!

On to the weekend!!
Oh and I have just added the photos from Memorial Day to Picasa and they should show up on the blog soon.

You CAN Teach an OLD Dog More New Tricks...

I presented the idea of wearing shorts to Dad about 2 weeks ago....Oh nooooooo, he wasn't wearing shorts....I asked why. He said because he had ugly legs. That's IT? Oh gee whiz. So yesterday, being Memorial Day, I laid out some short and a sleeveless shirt. Dad laughed when he saw it and his comment was, "You are bound and determined to get me in shorts, aren't you? YEP....and he put them on and first words out of his mouth? I feel like I am half dressed. LOL
Oh but he got used to it and IN FACT, he got up this morning and put them back on for the day.
I will add more photos of the day when I get a chance.
Dad is outside with Rod working on the bike. I think he is probably glad he has those shorts on because it's 90 degrees.
Dad needs a dip in a pool for sure. lol That's next!

Today is a new day!

Dad if feeling feisty this morning....so the rough patch has passed. He is back to his smart alec answers and in the bathroom shaving!
His epidural shot went well...and I mean to tell you...that Dr is an awesome Dr. There isn't anyone like him I am sure. I only wish he was my Primary Care Dr...I really appreciate the one I have but Dr M is one of a kind. He personally walked Dad to the procedure room...Dad said that he was too slow for him but Dr M said, "You are doing fine and we are running slow today anyhow." {Later Dad asked me which one was the Dr and I told him and he couldn't believe he walked him to the room."

Dad slept all night long...he got up once at 2am but was back in bed and slept till 9am, when I woke him. Of course he had a few stories to go with his sleep.
First thing I asked this morning was how did he sleep....He said okay but that he was on the floor. FLOOR? He wasn't. So I asked another couple questions and he says, "What's with all the questions?". haha I told him I just wanted to know if he got some good rest...then he went on to say that he would have if he wasn't on the floor. I ignored that again....So then he raises up and says, "Who put me back in bed?" I told him it wasn't me and in fact, he was never on the floor. I pointed out had he been on the floor he would have never been able to get up by himself. I told him I checked on him at 7:30, 8:30 and woke him at 9am and he was still in the same position each time. Dad said I was playing games and started laughing.

I pointed out it was HE that was playing games! We could have argued that one all day and he would have enjoyed every minute of it but I had stuff to do. ha
Then he told me that he was all tangled up in the sheets again. I asked how he could do that and be on the FLOOR and he laughed and smirked at me and said he took them with him. He pointed out how he had to TIE the sheet to the bed to keep from falling off....hahaha I laughed and laughed when I saw that INDEED he HAD tied the sheet corner to the bottom of the bed post. *shaking my head* I asked what good that would go when he was laying on TOP of the sheet? He didn't have an answer for that and again said....while laughing..."Well, you proved me wrong again!" hahaha

So after that little skit that plays out in and around the house, he got up, got dressed and ate a hot cooked breakfast with some PROTEIN! *I argue that cereal is not protein, when he would rather eat cold cereal. The fact that he was out of SILK milk and he had just taken his thyroid pill fixed the fact that he had to eat a cooked breakfast instead. {cow's milk / thyroid pills don't mix}

So the quote/question for the day from Dad is: What time is it outside today? {he catches himself and says....Or Inside for that matter?} haha Very funny!

Off to the Senior Center for 10:30 Bible Study!

Ghosts Abound....

Dad has been dreaming a lot lately. Well, more than usual and he has been confused about what was real and not real. He was eating breakfast yesterday morning and told me about seeing Mom over his bed and putting the covers back on him. He started to cry about it....I patted his hand and said I wish I could see her. I don't know if she is really there or not but he believes it and I let it go at that. There are spirits around us I believe so why not Mom hanging around Dad?

He sees a woman in his room with a little baby sometimes. She never says anything, just walks around with the baby. He was seeing her without having dementia so it's something else bringing these visions to light. They sure make good stories for Dad to tell though.

Dad is having a bit of a set back in the last 24 hours. Not sure what brought it on other than the connections in the brain. I have noticed several changes in the last week. There were a couple times he asked me questions that were a bit fuzzy. Yesterday he went to the Senior Center. I picked him up around 4pm and we went to the foot dr. I noticed in there he was getting days confused and was concerned about what to say to the dr about how he was doing. He couldn't remember how he was doing with his feet. I told him to relax and just wait for the Drs questions and just to tell him what he is feeling NOW...it all worked out and Dad was able to tell him what was going on.
When we got home I told Dad to change into his robe and be more comfy...which he did. He had not slept good the night before with dreaming and seeing people so I thought a rest might be in order before dinner.
He slept restlessly for about 2 hours and then when he started to wake up he was weak and needed both Rod and I to help him up off the sofa when he could get up all by himself not less than a day ago. I have been concerned about little signs I have seen but this was by far not good. He knew he was going backwards too. I told him he is bound to have some setbacks....and to keep thinking about how far he has come. It's been rainy and damp and we all have had achy muscles and joint pain. He did get to the table but he was being slow at eating and somewhat messy. His hand started to jerk a lot more last night. He asked me if Bob and his son was here. (his cousin) I just replied back in the form of a question....Did you think Bob came all the way to Oklahoma? Then he thought for himself saying he didn't know what he was thinking.
He also thought that he had some coins in his pockets that were hot. I assured him there were no coins and that it was Dementia that was creeping back in and to fight it the best he could. He said it seemed so real and would try to keep it all straight.
His appetite was good though....he had room for some carrot cake!
He went back to the sofa to watch some TV with us but soon fell asleep. He was moaning most of the time which was an old habit several months ago. I let him sleep until 10pm and then woke him to go to bed. Rod helped him to the bathroom and then I got Dad ready for bed. He was rather "out of it" but he would answer me when I asked a question. His hearing has been especially poor in the last few days. Not sure if there is a relation but it is curious. Some months ago his hearing actually improved with the dementia. Odd.
So he finally did get into bed. I asked him if he needed the alarm on the bed again and he said yes. So with that yes I figured he knew something was up and didn't trust himself to get up alone. We all went to bed and I awoke at 4am and realized Dad's alarm never went off. So I checked on him and he was SOUND asleep, and still in the same position as he was when he went to bed. That never happens. He was apparently just wore out and with the bad nights sleep prior to last night, he was finally getting some real good rest.
I had set the alarm for him to get up at 6am so he could have breakfast because after 7am he couldn't have anything to eat or drink until they do the epidural today. He didn't stir much when I tried to wake him so I decided sleep was more important than food so let him be. By 6:45am he was getting up and then I went back in the room to offer cereal again and yes, he was ready.

The nurse came at 9am and Dad had gone back to bed after breakfast. Then Diana, the bath gal was here by 9:30 and Dad was moving much better but still needing assistance in getting from one place to the other.

He is resting on the sofa watching the Price is Right. In an hour we wll be off to get his "booster" steroid shot in the back.

Let's hope that this was just a short set back and that the dementia does not take over his mind again.

Dad is entertaining...even early in the morning.

I had set my alarm for 8am but I never manage to get up as it goes off. Instead, I hit it several times wondering why it keeps going off. I didn't hear Dad at all so I thought I could get a few more winks. As I lay there I heard the water running thinking he had just got up so I knew that I had to get up at that point. I get up and go past his room and he is not there...go past the bathroom and no Dad....so I wander out to the living room and from there I can see Dad at the kitchen table eating. I get a little closer and then I just burst out laughing. There is Dad....eating with one arm in the long sleeve of his shirt and the other arm completely out of it and the shirt is upside down. Then he starts laughing asking, "Isn't this something?" Yes, I thought, but WHAT?
So here comes the explanation as IF I haven't heard it before. He couldn't find which hole to put his second arm in and he just gave up and decided to just eat in the shirt that way until he was rescued. I asked him what would he have done had he been all alone and he said he would have stayed that way. LORDIE! What a character.

Continuing to do well...

Dad's home health services are coming to an end soon. He still gets his twice a week bath lady to come in and I do it the rest of the time. His PT has ended because Dad is doing so well. He does his exercises daily on his own. He also exercises at the Senior Center 3 times a week. He is getting plenty of exercising.
We get out a lot during the week.
After our meeting on Thursday night we ended up at a new German restaurant. Dad said he wanted to go back and if DAD wants to go back you know it's a good place to eat. He didn't complain about one thing. haha He had Hungarian Goulash and Hot German Potato Salad and pretzel bread. Oh and for dessert he and Rod shared an Apple Streudal. Dad said he had to come back to try all the other dishes. We met the owner and had a nice visit.
One of the waiters had stopped to talk to us and he was telling us where he was from....and was asking about Dad and telling us that his own Grandpa lived to be 102. So I asked him to guess how old Dad was and he says.....oh about 72....boy, you should have seen the grin on Dad's face. When Dad told him NINETY, the guy couldn't believe it and told Dad he must be doing something right.
These sort of conversations keeps Dad going. In one thing for family to encourage but an other ball game altogther when he gets affirmation from strangers.
He continues to tell stories from the Senior center. He still can't wait to relay some story of the days events. Just at dinner tonight he remembered another one from yesterday.

There is one that is a little hard to take and Dad disapproves, let's say. I know who he means because I had a run in with him out in the parking lot. He is the type of guy that has to comment on everything, knows it all, and tells you what you should be doing without solicitaion. He grabbed the arm of another old lady and Dad said he about wanted to get up and POP him one. Can you imagine that one?.....hahaha Rod told him to accidentally swing that cane in his direction. Dad can think of stuff to do but he rarely acts them out. I see where I get that at when watching and listening to Dad on a day to day basis. The lady was rescued by a volunteer. Now Dad has it in for this guy....doesn't want to be around him at all. I can't say I blame him. I told Dad just to stay away from him the best he could.

Rod has to work in the morning...he has been doing a lot of overtime. We usually go garage saling on Saturday morning so now Dad and I will venture out by ourselves to at least a church sale. It's suppose to be raining all weekend. Nasty wet week we have had. It's been chilly too.

Dad keeps in touch with friends via phone....he forgets sometimes to make calls. I have to remind him when it comes to his older friends who can't remember either. haha
He plans on going to the reunion in July and travel to Illinois. I told him I would see that he gets there. So he called his cousin and told him to plan on it. I am glad that Dad will be able to travel and get around this year and be able to enjoy it. I know Ede will be so very happy to see Dad up and around.

Dad has had one epidural pain shot and going for the second one this next week again. It helps Dad to stay walking around. If I had just thought about it sooner I would have had him to get them sooner last year when he started to fall. Sometimes the answer is right there in front of you and you just can't see it. Dad has come so far in such a short time and it is nothing short of miraculous and he knows it.

Now if we can just get him to stop eating sweets!!! He lives for dessert and I am a sucker for making them. I had to cut most of them out and remove the chocolate candy he bought to a safer place.....but boy can he find hiding spots. He is now at 184 pounds. That's where he has to stop because I told him if he gets down again, I won't be able to lift him. He is healthy, good heart sounds, and no fluids on his lungs or around his heart. He has not been sick with any colds or sniffles. I know he eats sweets but he gets plenty of proteins and fresh veggies and good nourishing soups and fruits. I never miss his meds either. I remember HIS before I remember mine and they are right there next to each other for heaven's sakes!

I think he is looking forward to going to the play. He was looking through his classic car magazine and saw a 65 Ford Convertible article.....he thought we could get it out and drive it to Muskogee for the play. I said that's a good idea, mention it to Rod cause he never does what I want. hahaha Dad is good to have around cause Rod would do just about anything for Dad. Sneaky aren't I? Yep, I told Dad I learned that one from Mom. Dad laughed. He remembered.

Wasssuppp?

Dad is taking a nap today....usually he takes one in the living room with his feet up. Dad just learned to use the TV in his bedroom. haha Family joke with Dad and the remotes. This TV is easier to use and he learned it in one lesson last night after he asked me how to turn it on. I use the timer at night so he can fall asleep with either the Bible on CD or watching Animal Planet. I think he is getting hooked on TV at night like the rest of the world. Mom and Dad never liked a TV in their bedroom and I can't go to sleep without watching the TV for a little bit. Funny how we all have our rituals and get stuck in them.

I asked Nola to take some photos of Dad's house so he knows everything is still there and okay. When he was having dementia so much that was a main concern for him. Now he knows that he was hallucinating. To him, they were very real. He can remember all that too. Even if I had the photos back then, I don't believe he would have believed me anyway. Dementia if very powerful I have learned. Not something I ever want to have for myself one day.

Dad misses home and his friends. He is so looking forward to his next visit.
Dad knows that he has to live with me. I am unable to take care of Dad alone. I thought at one time I could come and stay with him but there is so much to do that I can't physically do anymore. He knows I need to be home. He used to say that when I came to stay with him but I pretended like I could handle it when I really couldn't. He had enough worries.
So now we have come to decision making time about selling the house. It's coming and he says it has to be done. The market is lousy right now so we are just waiting. Dad wants to do things NOW but there are times when you just have to wait. One step at a time.
He does enjoy checking out nature here....and my flowers... He will sit in the kitchen for hours and watch the birds and squirrels in the back yard. I am going to make an obstacle course of sorts for the squirrels so Dad can have that as entertainment. We have 4 squirrels that stay in our yard most of the time. They chase each other and entertain us very well. I am hoping the Orioles are coming back this month for Dad to see. We had so many last year it was the most incredible site. I have an orange out on the picnic table to see if they are around yet.
Dad keeps watching.

May 4th 2010

Dad after dinner in the kitchen.

This weeks news...

I am a little behind in posting...lots going on...but Dad is still doing well. He has had a couple incidents of dementia but it's cleared up fast. He still thinks he has to "go upstairs" to get to the kitchen. Not sure why. He is stooping over more when he walks...I try to keep after him about standing up as his PT did. He had his last session with the PT guy, Mark last week. Although we can start it up again as needed, Dad is getting scheduled exercise from the arthritis foundation at the Senior Center 3X a week. We are going to continue baths as that helps me out a lot. As long as they will do it free, I will ask for it.
Dad is very clear thinking most of the time....he loves to tell the stories of what happened at the Senior Center. All the time he has some new ones to tell me that I either forgot or never heard. I have one to share later as I get the time.
We are going to see a play this month. Dad's first! I will have photos and such to share with that later too.
Dad has a busy schedule and I am thinking of how I will keep him busy in Indiana. I can't have him just sitting in his chair all the time. I am hoping to get him in a schedule at some place that he can go and be with his age people to stay busy.
He has a good friend at the BA center now...his name is John and I will post a photo when I can get one.
Today one of the girls asked me where I got the cake with the car on it. I told her and she said that JOHN is telling everyone that was the best party he has ever been to and he wants a cake with a picture on it too. haha Very cute! John will be 90 in December and it's really good to know that he has every intention of seeing that 90th birthday. He has even picked out the photo for the cake for his daughter to order. Dad told me today that he and John has a lot in common they found out. They both live with their youngest daughter for one. John has been there for 3 years and knows the ropes. Dad says they try to set together for lunch and for discussions. It really means a lot for Dad to have a really good friend since he is away from his others. Now that Dad is a little more settled I have been asking him about if he wanted to go to church. He hasn't been too interested in it but I do ask. He seems fairly stuck with the one in Logansport and I think he is worried about going to a new place. He just doesn't like new situations, even if we are there, he still asks questions before we get there about what to expect. That's nothing new about Dad though.
More later...

Dreaming...

Yesterday we stayed at home...the weather took a turn for the colder for a couple days. I figured Dad needed a good rest anyway.
Dad was on the sofa with his feet up dozing off now and then. THEN all of a sudden I hear him hollar out...."I WILL GET THEM OUT OF HERE. LET ME TAKE CARE OF IT."
I jumped up off the chair in my office to see what was going on. Rod had been out of room for a little bit so he didn't witness Dad's outburst, but he heard it all the way back to the bedroom. LOL
By the time I got to the living room Dad was trying to get up off the sofa. I think he was still half asleep. I asked him what was wrong...he stared at me for a second and then said he was going to get that bunch out of his house. I told him that there was no one here and that he was in OK and all was fine. He looked at me and THEN realized he was dreaming. He scared me for a moment because that was what happened when the dementia set in.
He told me who was in his house and tearing things up and taking his things and I assured him that was not so and to not worry. {a reoccuring dream it seems} Then he almost acted embarrassed that he even got that far with the dream.

It passed and Dad seems to be just fine again. For a moment I thought, Oh no. I sure don't ever want Dad to go through that dementia again. That's more torturous than a physical condition.

All is well today...he was anxious to get back to the Senior Center this morning. He had on his new shirt to show the crowd. I think Dad will miss some of these new friends when he takes his vacation to Indiana.

Birthday Party at Home...

Dad seemed to have a great time at his birthday party here. We had planned for a quiet evening at home since we had been on the run all week. Dad had PT Friday morning and his bath gal came about noon. Then off Dad and I go to run errands. We stopped at the bank to open an account for him. I asked Dad if he had ever been to Chick Fila and he said no, so that's where we had lunch. We topped it off with a peach shake and then off to Kohl's to spend my free $10 coupon. Off to Sam's to get the cake for that night. I didn't let Dad see the cake yet. Nothing was going to top the Durant cake though!
We got back at the house and Dad wasn't tired yet, it seemed. I suggested a nap before the party started but he stayed up for a couple hours watching TV. Rod gets home and then they BOTH fell asleep later.
Chris arrived first, then Amy and Monica arrived. Rod went to No 1 Kitchen, {which is excellent btw} for Chinese. The food party started. After the food we had Dad open presents. It was a lot of fun I must say. Dad entertained us with some funny stuff. Dad was moved by all the attention. When he read some of the cards he had to tell us all that he was very happy to have us to care. He said he was grateful that we took him in and he started to cry and Amy jumped up and gave him a big hug.

All in all it was a great night. His friend, Walter S. had called to wish him a Happy Birthday. I could hear him on the other end telling Dad how wonderful it was to see such a change in him. Afterall, Walter had seen him flat on his back and unable to move before we left. I am sure it was impressive to hear him on the other end having a party and talking as well as he was talking. I never tire of seeing it myself.

I took videos of which I want to edit....I haven't figured out the complexities of how this video works like I want to figure it out. {my camera is smarter than my computer and it seems that my computer won't process the higher speed SD card correctly...but alas I will figure something out so you can at least see the Birthday Boy in all his glory!

We settled in the living room to watch AVATAR, which had just come out the day before. Leave it to Amy and Monica to have the LATEST in videos!! lol Inside joke. The movie was great. I wouldn't mind having it myself one day. Dad stayed awake for half of it. lol It WAS 3 hours long. I asked Dad if he wanted to head to bed an hour into it and he said no, he wanted to stay with all of us....but at 11 pm I did wake him up to say it was okay if he stretched out in bed...the movie was almost over anyway.

Dad got some fun gifts....Nola made him 2 summer English caps, shirts that he wears to the center. Louise sent Dad MONEY, which always makes Dad's eyes light up. Rod and I got him 2 T-shirts of which I put iron on sayings on them. One was 90 and Single, the other was a photo of him with the words This is what 90 looks like! Oh the comments he got with the 90 and Single was way too funny. Keep in mind that he wore it all over town while we went shopping on Friday! I got him some new shortie socks....first he ever had and I thought he would not like them but he does. We also took him out to dinner at his choice for his birthday, remember?..the frog legs.
The guy at Braum's Dairy store wanted to know if he was advertising. lol I made Dad some business cards with the Durant on them...and his email address and this Blog address. I thought he could take them home and pass them around to his friends as he visits. Amy got him this awesome silver card holder...outside was OGR and inside was a personal message of love from Amy. It was so neat how it opened...it's magnetic so it will be so easy for Dad to get it open unlike the snapping kind. Chris bought Grandpa this HUGE bag of Russell Stover variety chocolates. They are individually wrapped and the ultimate chocolates. I told Dad I hoped he wasn't counting how many were in there and gone. LOL
Debbie V. sent him a another gift card from Panera. {His fav place to eat ya know.} We ate there yesterday. He sure loves it there but now is critiquing the tomato soup....it was a "little tangy". lol
Dad didn't want gifts he said...but tsk tsk tsk, ya gotta know that no ONE refuses chocolate!!! Not in this house. He seemed pretty content in spite of all that has happened to him. As he was getting into bed, he told me that he was a pretty lucky fella. "I can walk, I got all my limbs, and I feel pretty good for an old man."

Yep, Paw....life can be darn good at any age!

What a Happy Day!

Just a short note to say that Dad was the Center of Attention at the CENTER!
He almost cried when he saw the cake....I think he was overwhelmed with it all. I think he had a good time though. I can see he has some very nice friends at the Senior Center. I mean really caring people who care about him. John is one of his good friends there already. John is the man setting next to his left in the photos. I will add more later as I took many but here is one for now.
I have videos too. They need editing and will be working on that and getting them uploaded soon.

Dad and the Hershey Kisses...

Among the Easter half~priced candy Dad bought, he got a bag of Hershey's Kisses.
He was eating them last night while watching TV.
I was joking and said, "HEY, you could take the empty bag back to Indiana...hold it behind your back and tell Louise that you have been getting plenty of Kisses! But don't wait too long to tell her the rest of it and then pull out the bag!"

He thought that was funny....so this morning as we were driving to the Senior Center....he says, "I got a good idea....I will mail her the empty bag and tell her that I have been getting plenty of kisses but no hugs."

Let me tell you all......You are NEVER too old for Lovin'.

Dad Reading

Here's Dad sitting on the sofa in "his spot". I said smile and this is what I got.

Sneak Preview of the CAKE for the Senior Center

I retrieved the cake tonight but Dad hasn't seen it.
He has a bit of a headache due to getting some medicine at the Pain Center today. He got his steroid injection in the back and he is doing fine. He doesn't remember most of the day!! lol
At 3pm he wanted to know when was breakfast...that will give you an idea how well the medicine worked. He is still resting in the living room. I gave him some headache medicine and he was feeling better. He has his feet soaking right now getting ready for his pedicure.

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! I found 90 on party decorations and couldn't believe it.
I made T-shirts with clever sayings on them. The Senior center will get a kick out of them. I will take photos later at the party @ the Center and on Friday night.

We are planning a party at the house with Chinese food....one of Dad's fav...and movie night. Amy is in charge of the movie. We will have another cake surprise that evening.

Dad got the Motherload of Birthday Cards today. He said he gets more cards being in OK than when he was in Logansport. LOL I said you should come here more often on your Birthday!!
I will list who and what later he got as he gets everything open.

I need to get cracking here because I am making him a wild hat for Friday night.

Note to Self: Don't set half and half next to Dad at Breakfast table...

We were up and getting ready this morning to get to the Senior Center on time. I had an eye dr appt after I dropped Dad off. I was in the bathroom trying to get ready when I heard Dad walking down the hall and so I let him go for about a minute. I knew he would be chomping at the bit to get breakfast done. So when I got out there he was in the pantry looking for the cereal. I don't care if he gets his own breakfast BUT he never can find anything, reach it or finish finding it all. lol It if funny sometimes. He is trying to help but sometimes it just better if he lets me waite on him. So I asked him what he wanted and he ended up saying oatmeal. So I get the REAL oatmeal out and it took about 10 minutes to make....IN THE MEANTIME....I am getting a little pitcher ready of the little milk I had left and some heavy whipping cream. I had the cream for creme brulee, but that's another story. lol
So I mix the milk with the CREAM, hence the half and half. The little pitcher is clear with a spout on it....like for SHARING with your cereal????? So I turn my back and there is Dad DRINKING THE ALMOST over the line HALF AND HALF right OUT of the pitcher before I even have the oatmeal made. I nearly choked. But I thought....oh well, what can I do now... He finished his breakfast and off we go to the Center.
Comes time to pick him up and I had to call Rod to go get him because I was at another Dr appt and was running late.
I get home and Dad tells me the sad sad story of how many times he ended up in the powder room at the Senior Center. I am thinking to myself, IT'S NO WONDER with the CREAM you drank this morning...but I didn't say a word.
Oh but how I wish I had grabbed that cream out of his hand today and dumped it down the drain.....
I am cleaning dishes off the table, and Rod helps Dad a little to the bathroom....a minute later Rod comes walking briskly out to the kitchen with a grimace and says, "Uhhh your Dad made a big mess." {MY Dad....hahaha}

To make a long story short.....let's just say......DAD is NOT getting anymore Whipping CREAM and the Bathroom has been BLEACHED nearly top to bottom!!!!! Use your imagination!

So what does he say to me in the process of giving him a bath and cleaning the bathroom....
Well, girl, when you were little I clean your poopy diapers many times....hahaha I laughed and laughed, cause well, there was nothing left to do and I was the only one here brave enough to clean it.

So lesson for the day is: Payback is hell!

90th Year Rolls Around This Week.

Dad can hardly believe he is going to be NINETY this week.
He tells me stories about all the cake that is served at the Senior Center for the old folks there. He at first thought the staff was bringing it in for each Birthday party. He has said that all along and keeps up with all the stories until YESTERDAY.
Rod, Dad and I were in the kitchen discussing the upcoming birthday. Rod asked Dad if they would have a cake for him....Dad replies, "Oh no, the cakes are brought in by the family." I am thinking now where did he get that idea when he has told me since the gitgo that the staff was baking them. Hmmmmmmmmm. So Rod tells me to get a cake for Dad and to take to the center. I try to get Rod to hush about it cause I have already made plans even IF the staff brings cake in for each Birthday celebration.
So Dad started to get curious and ask about what I was up to and I told him it was a secret...and that just had Dad asking more questions. So I did to him what I always used to do to Amy, my oldest. I would threaten to tell the WHOLE story and what the surprise was going to be....and it worked cause Dad says, Oh no, I don't want to know. hahaha

So stay tuned for the story of the Birthday week celebration and the cake surprises.

Last night at Chili's...

I am surrounded by 3 men that think alike and oh boy, that's scary.
Dad plays right along with those other two and he knows just how to follow suite.
So last night after our diet meeting we take off for Chili's restaurant. I should have never let Chris and Rod sit together. I just wanted to take some photos for the blog and Chris started making faces and then Rod and then DAD! Rod thought he got the picture of Dad with his tongue out too which started them ALL laughing including the waiter.
We had fun though and I got proof! haha
Oh and YEP, it's official, Dad IS in his 2nd childhood...actually it might be his THIRD childhood. I think Mom said he went through the 2nd back in the 80's!!

A Tragedy...

Today was Senior Day Care time for Dad. He arrived at 10am and by 4pm I was signing him out for the day. We walked to the car and Dad commented on the nice warm day. The wind was blowing but it was still warm he said. I asked him if he got outside today and he said, "Oh yeah, I walked around the entire building and got my exercise."
I put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot and Dad says, "OHHHHH, there was a tragedy today. Oh it was a close one." I thought to myself.... Oh no, one of the old guys there had a heart attack and had to be taken out on a stretcher. I don't really like Dad seeing stuff like that but he is a big boy and knows it happens so I thought, well, he is ready to talk about it so okay.
So Dad continues," One of the gals that works there was bringing out the Birthday cake and she nearly lost it. {OMG, and I started laughing....ONLY to Dad who LOVES Cake and Desserts would consider THAT to be a tragedy!!} While I am still laughing, Dad has a grin on his face and continues," I saw her hand slipping and worried that she was going to lose the whole thing. But she got it JUST in time before it upset on the floor. She went down though but her hands were under the cake. The cake was a little messed up but that didn't stop us from eating it."

Yep, the cake was saved!! Dad said that he sat next to another old guy and they both were eating the cake saying how good it was even though it almost hit the floor. I told him wouldn't make any difference to DAD! He would scrape the dirt off and eat it anyway!!

Some past photos.....

Above is a photo I forgot to post. He was wearing the gait belt back then.
He sure doesn't wear it anymore.
He was up early this morning, shaving and got dressed and met us out in the kitchen for breakfast.
We had muffins, chocolate dipped strawberries and applesauce.
Dad looks down into the cup with his pills and says his usual comment...."ALL THESE PILLS???" hahaha

Also a video of him dreaming while napping on the sofa.
One night he said he got up and heard me tell him to hurry and get dressed, we had an appt. haha But it was like 2am he said. That was his clue he was dreaming and then he went back to sleep!

Weight

Weight is no longer an issue for Dad, well, other than he is told now by the doctor to watch it. lol From 130 pounds December 29th to 168.8 pounds this morning.
So the fun is over for Dad...no more half and half with his cereal as he likes. Plain old milk will have to do, and 2% at that.
No more carrot cake with cream cheese icing....no more lavish desserts with gobs of calories. I told him he better enjoy it while it was an option. He did!! He doesn't have to give up everything of course but the extra stuff has to go.
He still enjoys Panera Bread. I will imagine he will miss that while he is in Indiana this summer. Dad said he wasn't going to get groceries for the house while we are there....his idea was to eat out ALL THE TIME! I had to laugh at that because when it comes to eating out, let's just say that Dad has been....uhhhh, well, the word IS CHEAP! haha So I have explained to him that life is short anyway and him being 89 makes it a little shorter than the average and he SHOULD enjoy whatEVER he likes. PERIOD!
Like the other day we were at Walgreens. Dad was welcomed to the neighborhood with a $25 check with a transferred prescription. So naturally I am not going to let that go. I don't like Walgreens for prescriptions but this ONE time for $25 I will. He also got a $5 gift card on a $20 purchase in the store.
It's HALF PRICE candy season too....I know what I said about above and dieting but some of you don't know about my Dad and candy!! Especially chocolate. Well, he spotted the candy and asked if it was half price. Yep, Dad....half. So he proceeds to buy several bags. I didn't say a word. After all I just got done telling him life was short.....hahaha So he gets about 4 bags and then picks up a package of Andes mint chocolates. He asked me if they were on sale and I said I didn't think so because they were off the area of the Easter candy. So he proceeds to put it back saying these are the best tasting chocolates. I said then for heaven's sakes, GET THEM...Who cares if they are not on sale!! He hesitated, grinned and then placed them in the cart.
Dad...Chocolate and then a nap. Life is worth living huh Dad?

The Bimbo...

Dad has some colorful stories sometimes.
He usually has a story for me from the Senior Day Care each day he goes.
There is always the lunch review. He loves the lunches and says they did a good job. Dad has missed his calling as a food critic. For the first time on Tuesday he complained about the roll they served....harder than a rock.

He also watches people and guesses who they are, where they came from and why they are there. This Senior center is not the typical center...most of the participants are disabled in some way. Many have Alzheimer's, some have dementia, some are verbal and some are not. Most of them have been men BUT there are a few women. So comes the bimbo story.

Dad says there are these two who seem to be a couple. He doesn't think they are married but more of a woman chasing a man situation. Dad said he escaped her. Dad has mentioned several times that she would speak for him, ask him many questions and never listen to him. He would just sit there quietly.

Having said all that then I can get up to speed with the story. One day I picked Dad up and he couldn't wait to get in the car to tell me they had some exciting incident happen today. That man he told me about suddenly slumped over and all the helpers came running. They were on the ball he said. They swooped him up and away so quickly he couldn't see what was happening and no one was telling them what happened.

Then he said, "Whatever happened must have happened because the Bimbo that is always on his case."
I just started laughing not only because of the word he used but because he was figuring out on his own that it was HER fault.
Just like a MAN, HUH?
Blame it on the woman.

Red Lobster...

I thought I had posted this but I checked and apparently not. Last weekend or so ago we went out to eat at MY favorite restaurant...Red Loster. Dad has not had good experience the couple times I have taken him to the ones in Indiana. I have had ONE bad experience at a RL here in Oklahoma and they made it right.
So I was very confident that Dad would have a good meal at the one in Tulsa because we have 3 favorite waiters and we ask for them before we get a seat. Rod remembers their names better than me. ha Linda is one of them though. Anyway, we are looking through the menu and Dad is trying to decide what he might like. Dad used to be a fish out of water when we would take him into the restaurants we go to. Dad thinks they are fancy and they really aren't. Well, compared to McDonald's, haha, they are. Dad liked Arby's and we don't like fast food. If I am going to pay for a meal then they are going to waite on me because I have been waiting on people at my house.
Oh but Dad has adjusted just fine. He is no longer shy and afraid to ask for something. He will tell when it's not right and he knows I or Rod will get it fixed for him. So this trip to Red Lobster was about Lobster for me....I love all seafood but I especially love Lobster. So Dad decided he was going to try it as he has never had it before.
As it ended up, he liked it fine....called it rubbery~!!!!Bounced like a ball I think was the term he used. hahaha His favorite was Walt's shrimp, which is also mine. Dad has had more shrimp in the last month then he has had in his entire life and he likes it!! Another Recruit to my seafood world! YEA!

Time Flies By...

I mean to get back here each day but it's been very busy. We are doing yard work each day. Since I have been going back and forth to Indiana for several years now and staying months at a time, the yard is a mess. The fence needs to come down and little by little we are working on that. The new shed needs to go up and a dozen other things so it's getting in the way of me posting. Rod took us out to dinner last night since I was so tired from raking yesterday. I am paying for it today. Dad and I both have swollen legs....not sure what's causing it. I thought it was the rain but it's been doing on too long. The nurse visited today with Dad and she is concerned about his swelling. His hand is swollen and I had taken him to the Dr last week and he didn't seem to alarmed about it. The nurse has a call into him about getting Dad on a stronger water pill to bring this swelling down.
Dad is right now in the living room all propped up to bring down the swelling.
Dad is gaining weight still. Some of it is water retention the nurse thought. In fact, she thought it was too much water retention.
He says he feels fine though...he tried to tell the nurse that he has had this swelling since the 60's but she tried to tell him that was then this is now and he is 89! haha
I think he is taking in too much salt....but try to tell my Dad to leave it alone....his answer???? I am 89 and if I lived this long eating salt, it isn't going to be the thing that kills me now. *Hands up in the air* Dad, Dad, Dad....okay eat the salt and blow up like a balloon. I will just ROLL you out the door. Dad laughs and says, "Well, it's easier than me walking out the door."
Rod says he now knows where I get an answer for everything. haha
All these years Rod said I was like my Mother....LOL He has now found out different.

Besides the swelling, Dad is doing very well....for the last month he has been getting up by himself if he needs to go to the bathroom. No falls....he uses his cane. He had one day of knees wanting to buckle but that stopped that afternoon. I did get up that night with him to make sure it was gone.

Yesterday he went to the foot doctor. The doctor is okay but young and talks too much. {hope he don't read this} I mean he is a nice guy and all but tells us stuff in a long way. I would rather he do that instead of rushing us out but there is middle ground. Originally Dad was given these pads for the bottom of his feet. Long story but I wished I had not bought them. They were $25 and Medicare didn't pay for them. I hesitated when she told me that but I didn't want to seem cheap if the Dr thought he really would benefit from them. Long story short...they were worthless and they caused Dad's skin to become inflamed and I was NOT happy. So I asked for a refund a couple weeks ago...Dr tried to fix them and just made them worse and Dad had them off the moment we got home. Soooooo yesterday I insisted getting the $25 back PERIOD. He said he didn't deal with the money part so he would have to ask the boss. duh....but you better believe I got Dad's $25 back and a check will come from the central office this next week he said. Oh and if it isn't here....they will hear from ME again. haha I don't give up. $25 for these little pads that I could have made!! I think not.
I do Dad's pedicures and manicures...he is so spoiled. haha I can't talk because Amy, my daughter, comes and does mine. Dad just never had the luxury of such things. He is so used to it now that he tells me when it's time!!

Dad hasn't had any dementia for MONTHS! He does however, dream....he dreams and remembers them all. The other night I did get up to help him to the bathroom and before I could go back to bed, I had to listen to the two dreams he had. I about fell over listening but I swayed and listened. haha He won't let you go till he tells you. I will say can you tell me in the morning....he says NO, I will forget. Oh Lordie!