Hello From Rockville

Today when I went in to see Harlan he was sleeping and he seemed depressed. They are taking him off of one antidepressant and putting him on another but before he gets on the new one he has to have the original one cut way back and he can't start the new one until sometime next week, hope the new medication makes him feel better as he really is have a hard time. Yesterday he was so good and just a lot of fun to be with, even the VA staff thought he was doing so good. I think allergies are giving him a hard time and that doesn't help him feel good either. He didn't even want to out for a treat, this tells me he was not feeling himself.

Tomorrow will be better and he'll be ready for a treat............Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was Sunday and Harlan and I went to church. Harlan has put on some weight and looks good. I went back to the VA after church and we both put on comfortable clothes, we then met Rick, DeeAnn, Sarah and Kelsey at IHOP for breakfast/lunch, then back to the VA and everyone except Kelsey (she had to go to work) checked out the board with "The Serviceman of the Month" featuring Harlan, he enjoys showing it off. Some of the pictures don't make a lot of sense to him as he just does not remember where he lived before - like Crystal, Crosslake not even much about Phoenix.

We watched the Twins win. We only watched the last 3 innings as his attention span is short and an hour of TV at one time is longer then he wants to watch. After going to church then out for lunch he thought we should go out again for supper or at least an ice cream cone but we skipped that and I came home.

He called me at home and was still looking for the ice cream, we'll do that tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I went to see Harlan this morning as I had a chance to go with Harold and Marilyn to a Gospel concert in Hinkley. I had lunch with Harlan at the VA, such a big lunch, we gassed up the car and stopped at McD for a cup of coffee and when I left Harlan was tired and wanted to take a nap. I got home just in time to leave again.

Ed drove Harold's car, we stopped at the casino for dinner which was just across the street from the church where the concert was. I had lobster which I hadn't had for years and it was delicious. The concert was good, two men with guitars and several others with small parts. it was good I really enjoyed it. I had a little teary time when they sang "Have I Told You Lately That I Love?" Harlan says that to me all the time, he would have enjoyed the music but the ride would have too long and the time too late, it was after 10:30 when I got home.

Tomorrow is church, we'll go then out for lunch...........Fran

Hello From Rockville
I took my car in for an oil change and they were suppose rotate the tires but because the wear on the tires were even they said that service wasn't need but I did have the windshield wipers replaced.
I took Harlan to Caribou for coffee today, he had a chocolate chip cookie with it, he didn't think the coffee was strong enough, some times I wonder what has happened to his taste buds, so many things has changed for him when he eats. I had decaf and a bar both tasted good to me.
They are making a road that parallels highway #15, it goes from the VA to the Crossroads Mall and any time you have drive in the construction area driving is slow and we did today near the Mall, that's where the coffee house is.
Harlan is having some problems with his breathing, this happens every spring and fall. If he has problems tomorrow I'll see if he is getting anything for allergies.
In all today was a good day so until tomorrow Good Night...Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a quiet day. This is the last Thursday of the month, several of us get together and redecorate the community room, changing the summer theme to a more like fall theme, there were four of us which made our project go fast and the room has a different look.

Tomorrow is our birthday party, we get together and have dessert, coffee, water or what ever anyone wants to serve, we sign-up and take turns.

I went to spend time with Harlan, he seemed tired and a bit down but did not complain, just not very up-beat. We did get the car washed and he helped wipe it down and stopped at McD for coffee, I hope he feels better tomorrow, so until tomorrow, Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was busy, Sue was here to clean for me. I needed the garage and car cleaned so I had her help me clean my half of the garage and I threw away stuff of no value and cleaned out a lot of dirt. I had washed my car mats, (in my washing machine and they come out really clean) and Sue vacuumed the car, even Harlan noticed how clean it looked, now when I get it washed it will be nice to drive and ride in. I do need an oil change and what ever goes with it, tires rotated and new windshield wipers, the passenger side does a lousy job, on second thought maybe it's a good idea just leave it that way, anyone riding with me couldn't see and wouldn't be nervous.

I went in to spend time with Harlan. Today when I cleaned his glasses I noticed one lens looked as if it could fall out, we made a trip down the hallway to have them checked out, they are so bent there was concern the frames could brake, he has to go back in September to have them fixed, hope they stay together 'till then.

Today we patronized McD had coffee and a cone, then back to the VA, Harlan for supper and I went home, so was my day and a good one it was........Fran

Hello From Rockville

This was another good day. Harlan's leg seems to be better at least he didn't indicate he had any pain. I had some shopping to do (I always do don't I?) and Harlan likes to get out so shopping we went, first to Manards for a brush to wash the car wheels then to K-Mart for bath towels, I have orders for about 12 clothing protectors (adult bibs) a friend thinks they are great to keep oneself clean while cooking, no splatters on the clothes. Because they are terry towels they are great to wipe the hand on too while cooking.

We got our treat at Perkins and the manager sent a chocolate cookie home with Harlan to eat later, on the way out he thanked her for it. We are treated so nice at both McD and Perkins.

Harlan was having a bit of difficulty with his breathing, I had an inhaler in the car and let him take several puffs and it helped him a lot he did really well using the inhaler.

When I brought him back he asked me if he couldn't go home with me, I must some place he could stay, in a chair or something, those times really pull on my heart strings and I wish I could but it's just not to be. He totally trusts me with all my decisions and I really wish things were different.

But today was a good day and tomorrow will be the same..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I went in early to spend time with Harlan as I wanted to find out what I could about Harlan's sore leg and get his medication changed for his depression.

About his leg - it was determined that the bracelet he wears around his ankle was causing the problem, his symptoms didn't indicate a clot so the bracelet was shortened and moved to the other ankle. This bracelet has a small white box on it that sends out an alarm if he tries to go out the door, gets on the elevator or goes down the stairs, if he did any of those things and got out of familiar surroundings he would not know how to get back to his building. It is really necessary for his protection and my peace of mind.

I took him to see Dr. Kemp and he will try some other meds on him, first he has to be taken off of what his taking and this a slow process taking several weeks and then put on the new medication, I sure hope he feels better when his medication is changed.

After everything was done we went to McD and he had hot chocolate and I had coffee. He likes Perkins hot chocolate better then McD, McD's is too sweet.

I was invited out for grilled chicken along with Harold and Marilyn from this building, Ed who used to live here invited us to his place in Cold Spring. The food was great along with the fellowship.

Today was a good day and tomorrow will be too, until then good night........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I'll start on a positive note, TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY!!!

When I got to the VA I put heat on Harlan's ankle then he got ready and we went to church, after church we went back to the VA and changed clothes, I did too. I felt if we went to lunch a little later there wouldn't be the crowds waiting to eat and it worked we didn't wait at all. After lunch at IHOP we went to Menard's and picked a bulb for the lamp in Harlan's room then back for more heat on his ankle. It is still quite sore and I noticed some swelling in the sore area, tomorrow I'll have some one check it out. After the ankle treatment I planned to give Harlan a hair cut, we set up to do it and my clipper wouldn't work so I trimmed a bit with scissors and comb, he was looking like a neglected street urchin. I'll try again tomorrow as the clipper only needed a little tender loving care with WD40 and it was back in business.

I did have a good day and look forward to tomorrow, it should be good too.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

My day started with a phone call from Harlan, it was 3:10AM, I asked him what he wanted, his response, "I just wanted to hear your voice". Isn't that sweet?

Later on in the morning I got a phone call from DeeAnn asking if I wanted to go for lunch with Rick and her, instead they joined me here for spaghetti, we ate well and enjoyed the fellowship of being together.

My pole beans and tomato plants needed supports, Rick pounded several steaks into the ground and I added the string for support. I have had a lot of beans with extra to share and I've picked three tomatoes, not enough to share as yet.

I spent the afternoon with Harlan. He complained that his leg hurts, it appears he has a blood clot near his ankle. I put heat on his leg and to get it to help him we took a "nap" together, then off to Perkins for our daily treat. When we got back I put heat on his leg again, he said that his leg felt better, I hope it helps as he won't let the heat stay on very long when the staff there put heat on. He asked me if he had to put heat on it before we go church tomorrow and if we have time we will.

So much for my day, until tomorrow......Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today started with an early stop at the VA, I had planned to taker Harlan to see the Dr. and get his depression meds changed but Dr. Kemp was making rounds and would not get there until 10:20, I left him a note with plans to see him Monday. Before going to the Dr. I stopped at the desk and I was informed that Harlan had a sore spot on his left leg just above the ankle, it seems he may have another clot.

Harlan decided I needed gas in the car, we went to Fleet Farm and got the job done then to McD for our coffee high, because it was early I had my sausage burrito and an orange juice. I spent about an hour with Harlan and he was so down, just would not smile or laugh.

I left to join the Sr. group at church (YAHs) for a trip to St. Paul and a cruise up the Mississippi, it was cool but nice and sunny and we stayed on the lower level of the boat which is all closed in. After the cruise we stopped for supper at Culver's and home again.

Harlan called me several times, he told me they put heat on his leg and it didn't help (he wants instant relief) so he said he is not to do that again. I will go in tomorrow and try to get him to put heat on his leg, if I lay down on the bed with him he may cooperate we'll see.

All in all today this was a good day I had a good time, until tomorrow, Good Night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today has been a very interesting day. I started out this afternoon with plans to spend time with Harlan when I received a phone call from Joann Hayes, she is the wife of my first cousin David Hayes, they were in St. Cloud @ McD and wanted to know if I would be able to meet them and visit the Hayes clan and of course I had to go. McD was so noisy and not a good place to visit, long story short everyone came to Rockville to eat and visit, so much better then McD. I made spaghetti we had a tossed salad and home made bread, no dessert. If I counted right there were 9 of us, it was so much fun reminiscing about long ago.

Tomorrow I will go into the VA early to take Harlan to see Dr. Kemp and try and change some of his meds as he is so depressed, I'll go in early as I plan on joining the Sr. group at church on a trip to St. Paul and a cruise on the Mississippi and must be at church at 11 AM. If we get back early enough I'll stop to see him before I go back to Rockville, another full and exciting day, I love those as it keeps me going but the goofed up days are hard for Harlan, he does so much better if the days are routine.

I'll let you know how it all goes tomorrow when I write.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

We got another inch + rain and we are suppose to get more. The yards look good even those without sprinkling systems. It was a rainy cool day with no sun shine.

Today I turned in the pictures of Harlan, these pictures are going to be displayed on his floor (near the elevator) under a glass frame as the Service Man of the Month. I asked Karon if they could be put out for the month of September, his birth month.

Harlan had an appointment at the VA, I went in early and took him. This Dr. has a lot of emergencies and always runs late, today was no exception, we waited about 45 minuets, this wait is hard for Harlan, he tends to want to leave if the wait is too long.

After his appointment we went to Perkins for our coffee fix. Instead of coffee Harlan had hot chocolate, he enjoyed it and they were out of his favorite pie, Carmel apple, the waitress felt bad about it and took a regular piece of apple pie drizzled the top with Carmel syrup, heated it and did the usual scoops of ice cream, he loved it. I had wild rice soup, the day was cool and the soup was hot, a good choice.

We'll write again tomorrow, Good Night.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was to be my shopping day I needed groceries and stuff from Walmart. I went in to see Harlan and picked him up to do my shopping, this gives him time away from the VA and he likes that. My first stop was to Manards to pick up a bulb for my microwave, it's built in over the stove and the light over the stove had burned out, then on to Walmart. While there we checked on jeans for Harlan, he has lost enough weight and all the jeans seem too big for him but not in the waist and it's hard to find them short enough too. I needed envelopes for my cards and Walmart is a good place for that, from there to the grocery store. I needed flour for my bread machine and other things to eat. Before returning to the VA we stopped for our coffee fix at McD. While we were there Harlan asked about his disability pension and I told him it went into his savings he then continued with well I want it I told him he could have it any time he wanted it then he told me he didn't want it, so we talked about how we want what we can't have and don't want what we can have. He knocked his coffee over while we were at McD and when we left I told him he could take his coffee with him. He said, "You can't trust me I might spill it!" This gave us another laugh, we had a good day and he was fun to be with. He went to supper and I went home, until tomorrow, I love all of you...........Fran

Hello From Rockville,

I got my hair cut this morning and got my laundry done before I went to see Harlan. I went in a bit later to see him than I usually go. I did make coffee and brought it along, we had coffee and shared a candy bar. We did not go any where as I was not sure how it would be to bring him back after being out and I did not need a repeat of yesterday. He did not remember what went on on Sunday but he knew things were not right as he seemed confused about it all and the staff told me he was having a bad day, I was also told that he had not eaten anything after he came back yesterday and wouldn't take any meds. When the meds nurse came around while I was there he took his meds and his nebulizer with no problem. We laid on his bed and watched TV, he gets comfort from me when we lay down to rest together and he seems more calm, yesterday that would not have worked, he could not be comforted.

Tomorrow is his bath day and I told him I have shopping to do at several stores and we'd make it a shopping day, I may even need the car gassed up, if the day seems too long I'll skip part of the shopping and save it for another day. He does like to get away from the VA and I understand his need to get away, if I were in his place I know I'd feel the same way.

Today was a good day and I knew it would be better then yesterday, until tomorrow, good night.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today being Sunday I helped Harlan get ready and we went to church. After church we had lunch at Culvers, Rick and Sarah stopped to see us there and we decided a trip to the Northern suburbs of the Twin Cities would be a nice mini trip. Rick suggested we go see Adam's house. It needs some tender loving care in the form of cleaning and painting. DeeAnn is so good at painting she will do a good job of making it look nice. She had already found a sectional at a garage sale that she could have for the taking so his living room is "furnished" as the sectional is fairly large. Rick drove our van down and Sarah drove it back to where Sarah lives.
Oh, yes, Sarah is back from her basic training and she feels very positive about her training, it was a good experience for her.
After seeing the house we went for treats at the restaurant where Adam works, I can't remember the name of it, Adam was not working today.
Then it was time for Harlan to go back to the VA and he was not happy, but was okay until I got him to his room, he said he would not take his neb and he would not go for supper. I can only feel that he has to be on a schedule and not deviate from it. On Sundays we go to church then out for lunch and back to the VA and I stay until supper time. I thought a short trip would be a nice variation on a mundane Sunday but I don't think we will do that again as it is so hard on him, me and the staff. I hate to see him so sad and upset. He called me several times but was upset each time he called, tomorrow should be better.
Until tomorrow, good night.........Fran

Hello From Rockville
We had about an 1/2 inch of rain this afternoon. When I got home I wiped the car down, it looks like I went through the car wash, the windows are clean and the bugs are gone.
I went into St. Cloud and spent the afternoon with Harlan we had a good day. He played bingo and we went for coffee at McD, that's when it really rained, when we got to McD there was no one there but their drive up was busy, I guess no one likes to get rained on.
Tomorrow is church and I may have more to write about, until tomorrow take care.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Jan went home this morning, it's quiet here, no one to talk to except me and that's no fun as I get lousy answers to all my questions.
I got a phone call from the VA dentist asking if I'd be able to get Harlan to an 1:00 appointment, he had had his teeth cleaned earlier but was not able to have his teeth checked. We got to the dentist and after the check up we went to Fleet Farm for a gas fill and to return jeans I had gotten for Harlan which didn't fit well. I picked up another pair and when we tried them on they weren't any better, we'll try again at another day. They told Harlan he should do a better job brushing his teeth, I'll try and see if I can help him do a better job he only has about 4 teeth on the bottom but they are anchor teeth for his partial and needs to take of them. Harlan had a visitor just after we got back, Pastor Campbell stopped, Harlan always enjoys seeing him.
We did our coffee stop at McD, Harlan was hungry he had a cheese burger and fries with his coffee. It was a good day and we'll do something again tomorrow......Fran

Hello From Rockville
This AM Jan and I went across the street for breakfast then back here with some chit-chat and into St. Cloud to shop. Bed Bath and Beyond got out attention and we checked the place over, we both left a bit of $$ there.
To day my trip to see Harlan was earlier then usual as I had a meeting here I had to attend. When I got there I found out he had not eaten any dinner. He seemed down today as he has been for the last week. He even told me I could go home if I wanted to which is not like him. He said he'd go out if I shaved him, I went over his face and he seemed a bit perkier but not his usual self. We went to Perkins, he had coffee and his favorite pie, Carmel Apple with ice cream, and he did enjoy that.
We came home I went to my meeting followed with our fish fry pot luck, it was great with more fish then any one could eat. Now Jan and I are relaxing and soon it'll be bed time. Have a good night and I will"talk" tomorrow.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today was laundry day and Sue (cleaning Gal) came and cleaned, about 9 AM Jan S. "blew" in. Jan was our neighbor in Crystal and her and I always have a good time when we are together.
I took Jan to Antons for lunch then we went in to see Harlan and as soon as we walked in Harlan recognized Jan, I'm not sure he called her by name but he asked her how the neighborhood was, a question that makes sense to me referring to our old neighborhood. We went for coffee at McD, Harlan and I had coffee and Jan and I had a cone. It was so hot today we just took it easy. We left when Harlan went to supper. Harlan did not complain of being cold but he did let me know he doesn't like being there. All in all it was a good day.
Jan wanted to go to St. Martin to visit her Grandson John, for those who know Jan's family John is Janice's son. I went with her as John's wife Krista works at the VA and has contact with Harlan, she is involved with the social activities there, we had a good visit and they have three children 2 girls and the newest family member is a little boy.
Tomorrow is our fish fry pot luck it should be good, I'll let you know more tomorrow.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
This morning I went in to bring Harlan some clothes as Tuesday is bath day and all he had to put on would be sweat pants and I know he doesn't like to wear them, he prefers jeans. When I got there he said he was cold so I bundled him up and got him warmed up, he always says his feet are cold. They put a mat on the floor next to his bed, this helps some but he still complains that his feet are cold.
We had our board meeting today at noon so I had to be back for that. After the meeting I went back and spent time with him and he complained of being cold. I put a blanket around him and one on his feet and he warmed up. We went shopping first to Manards, I needed a bulb for the fan/light in the guest room, then we stopped for coffee at McD then back to the VA. The heating pad that was used for his leg was still in his room, I plugged it in and wrapped his feet in it then covered him up, later I put a second pair of sox on his feet, by the time he went for supper he was warm and I have not heard anything from his this evening so maybe he stayed warm.
Lucille called me this evening to let me know they had a good time with Doris and Bob and had gotten home okay. I know when we'd been gone for several days it was so good to drive into the driveway and see our home was still there, it was always good to get home.
Not much more to say until tomorrow..........Fran

Hello From Rockville
This week-end was a lot of fun and I saw people I had not seen in years, cousins and friends. I really enjoyed the time spent with Lucille (sister) and Harold. We went to lunch at Antons, then to Sam's Club where we left nary a penny. Lucille and I checked out some Jelly Belly's but decided we didn't want to spend the money and did not have any way of dividing them up between us so they stayed on the shelf. From Sam's we went to the VA and spent time chit chatting with Harlan, he knew Harold and Lucille when they walked in the door. We went for our daily dose of coffee at McD, only I skipped the coffee and went right for the pop as Harold and Lucille did, Harlan did the coffee bit. From McD Emerys headed down to Roseville to spend time with Doris (sister) and Bob and Harlan and I went to the VA. Bob had a stroke which affected his seeing, Emerys hope to take them shopping and anything else they may need help with.
When Harlan went to supper and I came home and until tomorrow Good Night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today has been a busy day. I took Harlan to church then out for lunch at IHOP. Today was my aunt Opal's 90th birthday out at Kingston. We saw so may cousins and friends I hadn't seen for a long time, then Sister Lucille and Harold came back with me and will stay until tomorrow eve from here they go to visit my sister Doris and Bob in Roseville.
This is short as it's bed time and Lucille, Harold and I played some games and now it's time for bed so until tomorrow when I'll write more good night.........Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today was a quiet day. I took Harlan for bingo, he does quite well finding the numbers but today he did not have a bingo in any game, close but no bingo, but as the saying goes "Close only counts in horse shoes".
After bingo we went to Fleet Farm and filled the car then on to Perkins for pie and coffee. When we left one of the waitresses gave us two cookies one for Harlan to have at the VA and one for me to eat while I watched the NEWS.
Tomorrow will be a short day with Harlan as I'm going to a 90th birthday party for my aunt Opal, she is the last living relative from Mom's generation, her youngest Brother's wife. I know I'll see many relatives, it will be a family reunion, I'm looking forward to it.
Well, that's it for today, I'll write more tomorrow.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today Harlan had his 6 month dental check at 8 AM, I got to the VA at 7:30. After his check-up we went to breakfast at IHOP and had a good breakfast. I spent some time with him then went home, it rained most of the morning. The rain cleaned the car and softened all the bugs, a wipe down in the garage made the car look like I had gone through a car wash and sure did a job on the bugs.
I went back to the VA early afternoon as they have a support group meeting for families involved with loved ones with memory loss, this meeting is at 1:30 the first and third Friday of the month and for some reason I did not connect with the group, hopefully it will work next month.
Harlan called me while I was on the way to the VA and said he was having a hard time breathing, he gives them a hard time about doing his breathing machine (nebulizer) as he does not have instant relief and feels it does not help him. When I got there he did do the neb machine, but he had refused to take his bath and they wondered if I could get him to take his bath (he gets one on Tuesday and Friday) he gives them a hard time nearly every bath day. I told him he need a bath because Sunday was church and he needed to clean up for that. He thought it was a good idea and cooperated with them and we got that done. I stayed with him while he got his bath and he seemed to enjoy it and the bath girl was so good, he had his toenails cut and he got a shave, I think it's like a little kid they don't want a bath but have fun when they are in the tub. It's a whirlpool type tub, I'd sure like it.
I took him to Bed Bath and Beyond for a little shopping then to McD for his coffee and back to the VA for supper and went home. He commented that it was a long day and it was but a good day.
He called me this evening and wanted to know if I was going to come in and tuck him into bed I must have sounded a little unhappy in my voice because he said "I'm just kidding, you were here so much today so I thought that would be a good thing for you to do, I Love you and I'll see you tomorrow".
So went my day.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Harlan called me around noon and he was excited because Stradtmanns had stopped to see him, so I said Roy and Betty? He said yes! Roy and Betty live in Phoenix (Sun City) and spend just a short time in MN in the Pequot Lakes area. They stopped last year to see him but other wise he has not seen them.
Later I got a call from Priscilla asking me to try and convince Harlan to eat dinner, he would have nothing to do with eating. They did bring his dinner down to his room and he ate a slice of bread with butter and peanut butter and drank a carton of milk also a few bites of chicken. He did eat breakfast and when I left he went down for supper.
When I got there he seemed very depressed and just wanted to stay in bed. We did go out for coffee and he seemed to perk up some but when I left he was not his happy self.
This evening was our monthly Birthday party here, we didn't have anyone with an August birthday so we just ate and visited which was fun. Marie was hostess and she brought cup cakes and cookies, we make it simple or as fancy as one wants to be. We have had decorated cakes or just cookies and of course coffee, tonight lemonade was added.
Tomorrow Harlan has an 8:00 AM dentist appointment so will get there in time to take him and we will go out for breakfast after. As early as it is he should get right in, waiting in a waiting room is very difficult for him, it should be a good day,.
Until tomorrow, Good Night and pleasant dreams..........Fran

Hello From Rockville
Harlan had his ultra sound on his leg, the cyst has not changed and he does not complain of the leg pain he had earlier so it all seems to be healing and the cyst has not gotten larger. I do not know if there will be any follow-up on this.
After the ultra sound we went to lunch at Culvers for a hamburger, then a stop at Walmart for cleaning supplies and something to get rid of the ants that have invaded the kitchen floor and then a stop at K-Mart.
We made our last stop at McD for coffee. I left when he went to supper.
Tomorrow will be a normal day, Harlan has no appointments but on Friday he has an 8 AM dental appointment after his dental appointment I'll take him to breakfast.
Today was a good day so until tomorrow Good Night......Fran

Hello From Rockville
My day started with a surprise, DeeAnn called and they wanted to go for breakfast. We went across the street and I had biscuits and gravy and it was good. I never go out to eat alone, that was a good way to start the day and with family is even better.
I had promised a gentleman at the VA I would make him some clothing protectors (bibs) so got them done this morning and put his name on them tonight, I also made another one for Harlan. The way I look sometime when I eat I think it's time I think of making me one.
Rick and DeeAnn stopped to see Harlan today too, he even remembered they had been in to see him.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, Harlan will have an ultra sound on his leg in the morning and I have an appointment in the afternoon in St. Cloud. Today he mentioned that his leg hurt, when we got back after coffee I put heat on it and I could see where the area was red it looked better yesterday. I'll take him for the ultra sound and if I get to the VA early enough I'll put heat on it before we go, his appointment is at 10:20. After his test I think we'll do lunch, it may be a little early but the restaurants may not be as busy if we go before noon. I'll let you know how everything goes tomorrow, until then Good Night, Love to all..........Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today was wash day, then into see Harlan. He said he was cold when I got there and he was on top of the blankets, it is so hard to understand why he doesn't understand that he has to cover up when he is cold if he lays down on the bed, I kind of "lost it", I felt so bad about that. He even told me I could leave if I was going to be mad at him. I got him warmed up, I took off his shoes and had him get into bed and under the blankets, I then put the heating pad on his leg with the clot which helped him warm up. His legs were cool to the touch so he was cold. He said he did not eat breakfast or lunch and when I checked with the staff they confirmed his lack of eating. He had called me earlier in the day and told me he didn't feel good, his stomach hurt he probably was hungry. After our confrontation and I got him warmed up we went to McD for coffee and today I got him a cheese burger with fries and he "inhaled" it, he was hungry. When he decides he is not going to eat sometimes they can get him to but many times he just won't.
Tomorrow will be better.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
I took Harlan to church, after church we went to lunch with a VA resident, Mel and his son Steve. Steve is from Coon Rapids and Mel moved from Iowa to be nearer to family. Mel's wife was killed in an accident which caused him to move to St. Cloud. They attend church where we do.
Harlan's leg (with the blood clot) seems to be healing, at least he hasn't complained of the pain he had earlier. When I'm with him I make sure the heating pad is on his leg and heat is suppose to be the healer for him, he can't have any blood thinner. On Wednesday they will do another ultra sound to see what is going on in his leg and see if it has gotten better.
We went to Fleet Farm for a car wash, there were so many bugs on the windshield I had to do something so I could see when I drive. While at Fleet Farm Harlan picked up 2 pair jeans and I got a pair of jeans and a top.
After the car wash and clothes shopping we headed to our after noon coffee stop at McD (Harlan's favorite coffee), back to the VA and more heat on the leg by this time it was supper for him and I went home. Sundays are long days for me I leave home at 8:30 and home again a little after 6.
Until tomorrow we wish you a good night's sleep with pleasant dreams........Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today started with a phone call from Denese, she, Rich and Tori joined me for lunch at Antons (one of my favorite places to eat). Tori enjoyed watching and feeding the Canadian geese. Antons is on the River and geese and ducks hang around because of the "free" handouts. We ate on the screened in porch which is on second floor over looking the river, a nice pleasant place to eat.
After lunch I made a stop at Cash Wise for a few groceries then on to the VA to spend time with Harlan. I put the moist heating pad on his leg, he didn't complain as much today about pain so I hope the heat is helping. A short time later Denese, Rich and Tori joined us. Tori decided she should sit by Great Grandpa and hold and rub his hand while he had the heating pad on, it was so neat watching how caring she was, she is four but will be five next month. After the heating pad treatment we went for the usual, McD for coffee. Tori decided that Great Grandpa should still be "under her care" so he had to sit next to her for "coffee time". After coffee they headed home and we went back to the VA and did another heat treatment. We enjoyed our time with them. Rich looked at Harlan's leg and felt the treatment he was getting was good, so we'll keep it up.
Harlan is planing on going to Church tomorrow as he asked about going and I asked him if his leg would be okay to sit so long in church but we see how it goes for him, if it bothers him too much we'll just have to leave.
Tomorrow (Sunday) DeeAnn and Rick may come up, I always look forward to seeing them, until tomorrow, Good Night.........Fran