Dad Is Riding a Horse in the Horse Races this Sunday...

Mom went to visit Dad yesterday.  She found him waiting for lunch in the long awaited, newly redecorated dining/activity room.  Painted with gold paint, wainscoting around the mid wall.  Recessed lighting in the ceiling, with a new coat of white paint.  Soon to be fitted with new flat screened TVs at either end to make viewing more accessible.

Dad was excited to see Mom as he thought she had been kidnapped.  He had called her answering machine last night, talking to my brother S____'s voice on the recorder, "I need to speak to your Mother...she was supposed to come visit me tonight... I am worried about her..."

Mom joked with Dad and asked why anyone would want to kidnap her, telling him they had no money to pay any ransom.  Dad laughed, "I have millions, didn't you know that?"  (I am sure Dad feels like a millionaire, free of all the worries and stress of the upkeep of their big home... living with the majority of his needs being met....)

Mom laughed, kidding him again, telling Dad she forgot he owned the nursing home.... "Who told you that?, Dad asked....

Mom changed the subject, letting Dad know my sister, youngest brother, mom and I would all be coming to visit him on Father's Day.  "Good!  I will be riding a horse in the races that day..."


Just then, the Activities Director came in to say hello to Mom... She told Mom about her plans to have  the two flat screen TVs on either end of the dining room so she can have the Sports night or play offs and have special parties for the residents.  Mom is always complimenting her on how she decorates for St. Patrick's Day, Valentines, Christmas, and all the holidays...

Mom told her to not forget the hay and oats for Sunday... She turned and looked at Mom with a puzzled expression....  Mom shared what Dad had told her about riding a horse in the races on Sunday... She broke into a chuckle, agreeing with Mom and patting Dad on the shoulder... complimenting Dad on what an excellent horseman he was...

Dad's smile turned to a frown, "Someone stole my $1,000 dollar shoes I bought in Seattle... they replaced them some dark slip on shoes...." (which were some my brother had bought Dad, after Dad told him he wanted some...)

During lunch, one particular woman resident, stood up from her wheel chair, yelling for her caregiver.  When she stood, she would set off her alarm.  Dad's back was to the woman, so he would only hear the alarm going off and being shut off.  Dad looked at Mom with a grimace, "That noise really bothers me..." as he rubbed his thigh..."Watch this, I can make it stop, " as he continued to rub his thigh...  The care giver came over and sat her down, re-setting the alarm.  Dad thought by rubbing his thigh, he had stopped the noise...

Another woman, who apparently hasn't any teeth, always getting a tray with mashed food, frequently bangs her spoon so someone will come and feed her....  She began banging her spoon and in the process hitting the bowl, sending several sprays of applesauce flying into the air.  Mom dodged a flying glob before the caregiver arrived to sit her down to feed her....

Another nice Hispanic lady, who often dines next to Dad, was sitting alone when her lunch was served.  Generally, either her son or husband is there to feed her.  Both Dad and the woman had a large meat burrito for their lunch.  Mom had cut Dad's burrito, so she asked the lady if she would like Mom to cut her burrito too.  The lady smiled and nodded.  Shortly, her husband arrived and went to her.  As soon as he approached her, she fired a rapid blast of Spanish at him.  He turned and thanked Mom for helping his wife...

Mom turned around to Dad and before she could stop him, he had poured his green beans, tossed salad, Spanish rice, and green jello with marshmallows upside down onto his plate and mixed it all together.  He scooped it up into big mouthfuls and polished it all off in short order.  He also finished his coffee and milk, turning the cups upside down when he finished drinking them.

Everyone was dropping in to admire the newly opened lunch room.  Mom received and gave hugs to several of the staff...

Suddenly Dad spoke up, "One of fellas (male care givers) took me home last night.  He tucked me in and opened  the window in my room.  I slept like a log all night but woke up this morning in my own bed..."  then let out a hearty laugh...

"I'm ready for my nap now..."  so Mom wheeled him to his room, while his care giver nodded to Mom and followed behind...


" I need some toothpaste and some money... I want every ones' phone numbers too.  If no one will call me, I will call them."  Mom reminded Dad I call him... "Yes she does...and now that Jerry has retired, I am going to stay with them for a week...."

After Mom kissed Dad and wished him sweet dreams for his nap, she took a baby gift she had brought for the Administrator, who had just celebrated the birth of his third daughter and two remembrance gifts for the other two daughters.  He was very appreciative of Mom's thoughtfulness.

Two Year Blog Anniversary...

I just realized today, June 1st was the anniversary in starting this blog.  It totally escaped me!

My daughter, her husband, the 9 year old and the 6 year old left this morning for their vacation...I am sitting on the couch watching So You Think You Can Dance... The house is quiet and I am winding down from a nice day...

I had lunch with my girlfriend Connie at Chili's.

We dined and talked and hogged the table a good chunk of the afternoon, then went to Kohl's to spend our 30% off coupons.  I got an ochre colored tablecloth and new dish towels... (I have a thing for linens...)

I chatted with my youngest brother E____ on my way home (via my cell phone ear piece)....

And finished up the day with a nice dinner at Bob's Big Boy with my dear friend Pat....we laughed and caught up enjoying each other's company and conversation...

What a nice day....

Tomorrow, I head over to Mom's house....

Teething, Legos, Monopoly and the Bachelorette....

I arrived yesterday to my oldest daughter Holly's house.  Jodee and baby Jacob had arrived just before me.  Jacob has been cutting his upper teeth.  Jodee was very concerned with the huge spacing between the teeth.  Turns out, he is cutting all four of his top teeth.  He was not fussy, per se, but made a lot of grimacing looks as he chomped down to help pop those teeth through..

Jacob is crawling on all fours very well.  The 9 year old and the 6 year old encouraged him to chase them and climb all over them.  The boys called Jacob the Wrestling Drooler and were hysterical when he drooled on their  faces...

We had a rousing game of Monopoly, with rules quite unfamiliar to me... apparently they have traffic cones players can put on their property now... The boys delighted in collecting those fees when we landed on their property.

Jacob discovered he could crawl much faster by pushing the top of the Monopoly box around the living room with his hands and pushing with his knees.  The look on Jacob's face was priceless, wish I would have captured it on film... he was so proud of himself.  I am not sure who was more entertainment for whom, the boys for Jacob or Jacob for the boys...but there sure was a lot of laughing going on!

The 6 year old entertained us with a repertoire of his favorite dances, complete with facial expressions and a lot of booty shaking.  He completed his finale with a perfect succession of "arm pit farts".

The 9 year old did some excellent drawings of castles.... he is quite intrigued with all things Medieval...

Being a lover of castles myself, I enjoyed them immensely...

After Jodee and Jacob left, the boys were showing us their latest Lego creations...a Scorpio bike...Part scorpion and part hover bike, capable of shooting poison, Blaze, a robot capable of shooting flames out of his head and arms (because the arms are candles).  The last creation was an upgraded version of Blaze called Android 19 which was bigger , more powerful and waaaaaaayyyyyy deadlier.  Android 19 can only be powered down by putting ice on his candle arms.  (That's a quote from the 9 year old)

While the boys took showers, Holly and I watched The Bachelorette together.  I swear, Ashley is going to KICK herself when she watches the show back and see how pathetic she appears, always talking about how much she misses Bentley, and discovers what a COLOSSAL JERK he is!

Today I am watching the boys so Holly can get every one's suitcases packed and get everything ready for them to leave on their two week vacation tomorrow morning.

I have fed them both two pieces each of my famous french toast for breakfast.  Now we are watching videos, playing video games, played a game of UNO (also with new rules I am not familiar with) with the 6 year old while the 9 year old and Holly went out to buy him new water shoes.

Upon their return, the 9 year old and I are having a discussion on Lego design and possibly working for Pixar in his future....

Gotta' go...  they are hungry again....

If I Don't Clean My Plate, They'll Freeze The Food And I'll Have To Eat It Tomorrow...

Mom was on her way to visit Dad when she received an emergency prayer request.  Normally, she is the back up, but she could not reach anyone and ended up making five phone calls before she could deliver the message.

She found Dad wearing shorts, waiting for lunch in the temporary lunch room. Sitting with his eyes closed and tapping his toes to the soft music playing...  He was very happy to see her, telling her, "You are so very cute Lynnie".  His lunch tray was placed in front of him by a gal Dad calls, "Goldie".  Mom was kind of surprised to see a hot dog for Dad's lunch.  Goldie asked Dad if he wanted mustard or mayo and Dad said "Yes, please."  She asked Dad if he wanted mustard too... "Sure, why not, " he replied...

While he waited for her to dress the hot dog, Dad turned the name/menu card around and noticed it was not his name.  "This is not me," he informed her...  Embarrassed, she apologized to both Mom and Dad.  She scurried away and returned with Lasagna for Dad..."This is much better!" he announced...

Mom said she noticed one lady had a grilled cheese sandwich, another had mashed potatoes, mashed squash, a drink supplement and jello and another had the same plate as Dad...Lasagna, salad, Spanish rice, vanilla pudding with a large strawberry, coffee and milk.

I always thought all the residents had the same thing.  I guess I never noticed what the others were eating.  I was too focused on Dad...  Mom said Dad did not leave even a grain of rice on his plate...

Dad wanted to go on the patio, but it was cool and over cast outside.  Mom was concerned Dad would be too cold with his shorts on... so she asked if he would like to go talk in the nook, or back to his room.

Suddenly, Dad said his grand father's name aloud,  "He used to take frozen baths...is he still alive?"

Mom agreed, telling Dad his grand father used to take cold baths to get used to swimming in the North Sea in Ireland, as he was a champion swimmer...and no, he died before they had any of their children...

"Yes, that is right," Dad smiled, looking at Mom with adoration...

"I think I am ready for a nap..."

Mom wheeled Dad to his room and asked the charge nurse who would be helping Dad get into bed...shortly a young woman appeared and got Dad all settled in bed. She told Mom when she wakes Dad in the morning and asks him how he feels, he always smiles a big smile and tells her, "I'm feeling happy today!"   She said he always starts her day off with a smile and positive attitude...

How wonderful this caregiver can get such positive enforcement from an Alzheimer's patient...and how Blessed we are Dad is still sharing his positive attitude and energy with others...

Mom was sitting on Dad's left side, which is his bad ear. Her questions and comments were sailing past his ears as he spoke what he was thinking...

"I like to watch the basketball game until my eyes close."

"I had liver and onions last night and ate every bite!  If I don't clean my plate, they'll freeze the food and I'll have to eat it tomorrow..." 


"E____ (my youngest brother who visited him yesterday) hired some tall guy to help him with his business when I told him I would be available to spend a week with him..." (I am sure this is news to my brother.... :}  )

With that, Dad shut his eyes and let out a long, relaxed, "aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh", so Mom took the hint and gave him his hug and kiss good bye.  "Be careful driving dear..." he mumbled, still with his eyes closed...

Mom assured him she was very careful driver...

On her way out, she saw the Administrator.  He greeted Mom, giving her our customary family hug.  He told her Dad was one of the most pleasant people they have at the nursing home...

What a Blessing indeed!

A Very Special Happy Birthday To Me...

My youngest brother E___ went to visit Dad today... The main lunch room is still under construction.  It is being painted and the floors are being changed.  He had to hunt around for Dad and finally asked one of the nurses where he was.  The nurse directed him to an activity room, where they have made it into a lunch room...  Dad had just been wheeled out into the hallway, after finishing his lunch, when my brother approached...

Dad was very excited to see him, and reached to him to give him a big hug.  My brother decided to wheel Dad outside, to the front of the building.  Fresh flowers had been planted and we all know how Dad loves bright, cheery flowers...  My brother settled on the bench and faced Dad toward the flowers so he could enjoy them...

Dad was full of joy and complimenting about the weather...how beautiful it was outside.  It was close to lunch time, so there was heavy foot traffic, visitors, doctors, nurses, staff, coming and going...each time someone would pass, Dad would smile, say "Hello", or strike up a conversation....E____ would join in too...

My brother's birthday was two days ago, and mine is today.  E____ told Dad about his birthday and asked if he remembered whose birthday it was today...first he guessed it was Mom's...then he guessed mine.  E____ asked if Dad would like to talk with me.... so my brother called me on the phone and told me there was someone who wanted to talk with me...

I had talked with my brother that morning and we had a long conversation about our dogs...my brother has four.  For a minute, I thought he was going to have one of his dogs talk on the phone to me...because one of them is very vocal and talks often when we are having a conversation...

I am standing in line at Walmart, returning something...and as I wait, I suddenly hear my Father's voice, singing at the top of his lungs, in full singing voice, singing me Happy Birthday!  I tell you, it MADE MY DAY!!!!  That was one of the sweetest things my brother has done for me...    We chatted a bit and then I told him I would see him in a few days and to enjoy his visit with E____.

As they sat out front talking, a woman parked by the fire hydrant and ran into the nursing home.  Shortly after, a police car pulled up and was ready to write a ticket.  A nurse parked and went to the officer and asked if she could go get the woman so she would not get a ticket.  He allowed her to get her.  Moments later, she came rushing back out and moved her car. My brother and Dad discussed how nice it was of the nurse and the Police officer to not give her a ticket...

My brother was curious about some of Dad's memories in the Marine Corps.  E___ began by asking Dad what rank he had been.  Dad told him he was a Corporal and in charge of the anti-tank guns.  I know Dad was also a sharp shooter... but we will have to confirm the rest of what Dad said with Mom...  He said he was on the island for the battle of Tarawa for five months.  They had to stay to guard the island and wait for the exchange with the Army....

Dad said the Marines came over to the island on the USS Wharton...He talked of all the coconuts up in the palm trees and how the rats would knock them out of the trees at night...  He spoke of how the Japanese dug in deep and hid in concrete shelters.... When they were captured, they used to walk in surrender position, with their hands behind their heads....but were hiding grenades.  They would wait until they were in the midst of several Marines, then pull the pin and kill the soldiers and themselves...

He could not remember the name of the ship he sailed to Hawaii...he stayed below deck most of the time... They went to Honolulu to inspect the damage at Pearl Harbor...

E___ asked what his best memory was from the War... Dad said when they were on the aircraft carrier, coming into San Francisco harbor... and he could see the Golden Gate Bridge...and all the people were lined up along side the shore, saluting, cheering, clapping and hollering.  Many of the Marines tossed their hats into the air... He said he felt so good and it was his best memory of the War...

When he came home, he did prison duty and guarded the prisoners in San Pedro, CA.... he dressed in his greens...

Dad asked E____ how his business was coming along...so they discussed my brother's business for a while...

Dad was looking tired...probably relaxed from sitting out in the sun.  My brother wheeled him back to his room, gave him some love and hugged him good bye...

See you soon Dad...

A Flurry of Family Events and Some Sad News...

Just wanted to touch base with everyone....my blogging has slowed down this month...at least due to last week and this week preparing a week stay in California...  We have ten family birthdays this month, plus have family in town this weekend, leaving tomorrow... I have a ton of preparations to do, car stuff, errands, etc....I leave the 14th and return home on the 21st...

I will be popping in and out when time allows...

Just found out this morning, my friend Barbs, one of the gal pals in our creative group, lost one of their two dogs, Sadie, last night. She had difficulty breathing and had to be put down. Sadie was her husband's dog...big love affair between them.  She would knock everything off the table with her tail when he came home.  They would be up in his "man cave" watching sports together.  She was his shadow... Their other dog, Shaq is having a very difficult time.  I am so sad I cannot even write another word....

The Black Powder In The Water Is Crushed Poppy Seeds....

I am so sick of these Blogger problems...I could not post with Internet Explorer 9 or Chrome...so I had to use Mozilla Firefox.  If Blogger does not get things fixed, I may take a sabbatical from blogging...

Dad called Mom tonight sounding agitated.  He wanted my phone number. He wanted to come stay with me for a week and he wanted Mom to give him the money... Mom said she would call me and have me call him.  She told him to sit on his bed and wait for me to call...

She called to warn me.  I called Dad, making  sure I sounded very positive and happy when he answered the phone.  He immediately was happy to hear my voice.  He asked when I was coming to see him, and I told him in a couple of weeks.  I told him I had some things to do, then I would get my car checked out for the trip and would come to see him. 

Our short conversation seemed to satisfy him and he was ready to hang up.  I attempted to engage him in further conversation, but he told me he had just eaten a big dinner and may be soon having problems...  I knew what he meant...  I reminded him when food goes in....it has to come back out... and my comment made him belly laugh... I told him I loved him and would see him soon.

Mom went to visit Dad earlier today.  She found him in one of the party rooms....Mom asked if he wanted to go sit on the patio and he was ready to go.  The nursing home is still under construction painting and redecorating both the dining rooms.  There was a nice breeze, but not too cold.  His lunch of barbecued beef sandwich, peas, corn, jello salad, lemon cake, milk and coffee was served on the patio.  Naturally, he ate every bite, smacking his lips when he finished.

Dad told her he slept like a log last night...he thinks it is the black powder they put in the water...
Dad leaned over and whispered in Mom's ear..."I think the black powder is crushed poppy seeds..."

Dad was pretty chatty...so I will just write down what Mom wrote Dad said...

.....He is a consultant to the tree people, communicating with him if they have any problems and need his help....

.....He enjoyed two slices of toast with melted butter...it was the most delicious toast he ever had...


.....He had such a good nights sleep, when he woke up, he thought he was in heaven....  The nights he cannot sleep, he does guard duty...


.....His father left him a huge fortune.  There was a huge bag full of winning tickets, cash and $1,000 dollar bills.  He covered it all up with plastic and put it under his bed.  When he moved it, the sides broke and money flew everywhere.  It was a massive fortune and he did not know how his father accumulated so much wealth.... maybe through the box office arena... His dad was too busy in business... All the money disappeared...somebody obviously needed it...


.....He wants to go stay with E_______ (my youngest brother) for a week and see how he does his business....  Mom told him I had spoken with him recently and he was up in the High Sierras fishing.  Dad laughed and told Mom he would see him later... Mom suggested maybe E______ will bring pictures to share with Dad the next time he visits...

Dad asked Mom if she remembered the stone house in Connecticut... Mom reminded him he lived there before she met him... He felt a lot of responsibility when he took any of his sisters out sailing in his boat... His sisters used to rope him into drying the dishes....Mom said he laughed at the memory...

..... He had a girlfriend from South Carolina.  Her name was Demi.  Some of his service buddies knew her too.  She hung around with his sister and her boyfriend Bruce... Bruce was a tanker and was dragged in the water... he retired as an officer....

..... He and Demi had some pretty heavy dates... his dad and uncle took her out to dinner... she was 'well developed'... His father was a good business man, but his inventions are what made him so wealthy...

...... They had a scare last night; lightening would strike the building and it would shake.  That same night he had three showers....  They need to get some redwood to build a new building because it would not burn...

Mom told Dad she had the trees trimmed at their house.  He wanted to know who was doing the yard now, and she told him about her gardener and he smiled.  She told him the pomegranate starts they gave the secretary at the school she used to work, had 3 blossoms on it.  It made Dad laugh out loud!

Dad asked Mom where she slept...she told him she still slept upstairs...."With your books and jewelry?" he asked...She told him yes...  He wanted to know what was done to his room...she told him their grand daughter moved in because she lost her room mate.  She painted it and fixed it up very nice. Dad smiled happily... "That is wonderful....

He told her he was tired and ready for a snooze... Mom wheeled him back to his room, where Doctor-Doctor met them in the hallway.  She told Mom she would take over and get Dad tucked into bed.