Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Rick and DeeAnn came up today and two things were accomplished, DeeAnn went with me to get my chair from Slumberland that I had ordered a while ago and I love it and Rick put shelves in my laundry area and now everything has a place and doesn't have to sit on the floor. I think he had a hard time putting them in as there was very limited space next to the washer and dryer, but he managed to do it and I know I'm going to love having an orderly place for everything. Before all the above the four of us joined Wes and Sarah at Granite Edge for lunch.

I went in to spend time with Harlan and Rick and DeeAnn joined us at the Pizza Ranch so they could spend time with him too. While we were enjoying our time together Harlan looked at Rick and says, "Will I see you in church tomorrow?" Rick and Sarah surprised us one Sunday several months ago and I guess Harlan remembered that and would have liked to have that happen again.

I had to leave the VA earlier then I usually do as we were having a pot luck here and we were supposed to eat by 5, I was late, got there about 5:30 but there was plenty of food left and because I'd had a piece of pizza earlier I really wasn't hungry and a helping of lasagna was enough with a little dessert.

Harlan was not upset that I had to leave early as I have talked to him several times and he didn't sound stressed out. Saturday evening he always calls wanting to know what he should do about tomorrow, he is never quite sure what his role is in getting ready for church.

There will have to be some adjustment on when I leave the VA because I don't handle driving after dark very well so I'll need to leave there before 4:30. I think the antidepressant is really helping him and I'm so thankful for that.

I see Harlan's pictures are still up as Service Man of the month, they have been up since August, (a long month) I keep telling him he must be important for his pictures to be up for so long.

Today was busy but a good day. Tomorrow will be a more relaxing day with Harlan and we'll enjoy more quiet time together. Love to all..........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

The weather has not been nice, we saw a bit of sun but now we are getting a mix of rain and snow.

I went in before lunch to see Harlan, we went down stairs to the restaurant at the VA and had a cup of coffee, at first he didn't want to go but then decided it would be a nice thing to do. We had an outing at church and I had signed up to go which was the reason for the early visit with Harlan, we had to meet at church at noon for a trip down to Delano and The Apple Jack Orchard. We had lunch at Apple Jacks and just looked around, I bought apples, caramel dip and Apple butter. When we have gone down before (this is the 3rd time) the weather was nicer and we were taken on a hay ride through the orchards and saw many, many different kinds of apples, some still on the trees. There are a lot that go to waste because there are just too many grown and I don't think they let people go in and pick apples on their own as they may be destructive to the trees. We had a devotion before leaving there and a good ride back. It was a fun day.

When I started my car to leave church the low tire light came on so instead of going to see Harlan I went to McKay's to see if someone could check it out, the service department was closing but they were kind enough to put air in all the tires and the light went out, sure hope that takes care of my problem.

I had a good day and Harlan seemed okay with the mixed up schedule.

Untill tomorrow, Good Night.........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I missed writing yesterday so today you get a double dose!!!

When I took my paper in I had a surprise, Rale had added a small pumpkin bread and it was good I ate most of it at lunch time, the rest I'll have tomorrow for breakfast.

Today was our redecorating day in the community room here, we'll do it again next week as we did some decorating for Halloween and next month is Thanksgiving and ghosts and goblins have to go.

This morning I got a phone call from Mrs. Campbell Pastor's Mother, she is a joy to talk to as she has such a sweet spirit, even when things are not going well she is bright and cheery. We usually sit behind her in church and she is always "dressed in a smile", a very special lady.

Yesterday I took Harlan to Applebees for his treat and we each had a dinner, he had ribblets, too much for him to eat so I had a great lunch today.

Today it rained most of the day, at this point we don't need any more as it is making it very hard for the farmers to finish up their harvesting. Because of the rain we went to the Mall area and stopped at Caribou's for coffee and a bar, they have some good bars to go with coffee. We picked out two and shared giving us two different ones to go with our coffee.

After Caribou we made a stop at the bank then back to the VA and Harlan took his meds and the neb machine, he needed the neb as his breathing was laboured, the high humidity is very hard on his breathing.

We had about an hour to just relax and watch TV then it was time for Harlan's supper and me to leave.

I enjoyed my time with Harlan, it was a good day...........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today was an interesting day, Harlan called me several times and he talked about making apple juice, I did not understand what he was talking about and I would check it out when I got in. When I got there Vicki met me as I got off of the elevator and said they had made apple pies and Harlan and I should stop for some before we left, it would be done around 3 O'clock, that's when I found out what that was all about. They had talked Harlan into helping with this pie making. He had put on a jacket because he was going to meet me and go for a treat, he has never done that before, so when he was asked to help he was dressed to go out side, much too warm for inside work. I guess after working for a while he told them he was done working and he quit because he was too warm. When I talked to him about it he said he sat between two guys to work and they never did a thing he did all the work and he wasn't going to do that again. The pie was great, it was warm and served with ice cream.

After the pie we went to Perkins, Harlan had grilled cheese, fries and hot chocolate and I had soup and salad, I brought the salad home and had it for supper. Two cookies were sent home with us, I think mine will be for tomorrow's breakfast, but I think Harlan ate his tonight.

He called me tonight to tell me to watch "Are You Smarter Then a Fifth Grader?" and told me what channel it's on, he has never done that before, he does amaze me at times on what he can do.

Today was bath day, he said they had gotten him up before 6 for his bath and a while after that he said it was 4 when they got him up, I didn't check with anyone on the time but I don't think it was even before seven.

His depression seems better and his sense of humor is returning, I feel each day is better then the day before and then again some days there is no change it even could be worse, but I enjoy each day we have.

We'll talk again tomorrow...Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I spent the after noon with Harlan. He was upset because they had given him new medication replacing the one he had trouble keeping down. When he was given the new medication he was also given a treat (life saver) and he thought the candy was part of the medication, he complained to me that it was so hard if he hadn't had good teeth the medication would have broken his teeth, he chewed it up and swallowed it in stead of sucking on it. Priscilla came and tried to calm his unhappiness and it seemed to help. By the time I left he seemed okay with the proceedings of the day.

He likes the Pizza Ranch so much that that was our treat for the day. After Pizza Ranch we shopped a little while at K-Mart, it's next door, then back to the VA and he was a little depressed as he stressed his unhappiness at being at the VA. He did his meds and neb machine and we had a little time to lay down and rest, that has a calming effect on him.

His pictures are still up, he keeps checking to see if someone else has pictures up, I think he really would like to see his down.

He went to supper and I went home......Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Harlan and I went to church, it had been 2 weeks since we'd been there and good to be back.

After church we went back to the VA and changed clothes then out to eat. We went to the China Star, very good food and on weekends they have a lot of shrimp, my favorite is the cold shrimp, you have to peel it then enjoy.

We went back to the VA and watched the Vikings lose, so they aren't perfect!!

Harlan was having some breathing difficulties, to help with his breathing they gave him his neb a little early and that really helped, I wish he could understand how important the neb machine is. They did not give him the red pill that will not stay down, tomorrow I hope they have an answer for that problem or can give him something different that will do the same thing.

To day was a good day even Harlan mentioned that today was good. So until tomorrow Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

We had a good day, Harlan and I. This being Saturday Harlan played bingo and after bingo we went to Perkins. We were both hungry, he had a sandwich and fries and I had a dinner and I skipped eating tonight, I ate just enough to take my evening pills. He is having problems taking one of the pills he takes in the afternoon, he takes two and one just won't go down and stay down, there has to be something else that's easier for him to take, they will check on that. The difficulty he is having with this pill has been going on for a while but I thought it was just something with him, it does seem strange when he takes them both at the same time and one stays and the other doesn't. The one that he keeps down is his antidepressant and I'm glad for that. He has been in a much better mood so I feel the antidepressant is helping and I'm thankful for that. He just doesn't seem as sad as he was for a while.

Tomorrow is church and he is looking forward to that, we missed the last two Sundays because I had a cold one Sunday and the other do to other plans.

Until tomorrow, Good Night.......Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com
This morning I had a phone call from Bernie and Fran Coffin, they just wanted to know how things are in Minnesota, we had a nice chat. When we spent time in AZ Harlan would call friends and just say, "Party Time" and we'd gather friends together for lunch out then back to our place for pie and coffee or maybe tea. Today's phone call reminded me of the fun times we had while out there.
I went in to spend time with Harlan, today was suppose to be popcorn day on his floor. My plan was to enjoy popcorn then do some shopping followed with a treat, no popcorn today. We headed out to Cash Wise as I needed a few groceries then Harlan wanted pizza and we were across the street from the Pizza Ranch and again had good pizza. If and when Pine Cone road get finished we'll take more treat breaks at Perkins, haven't had much pie lately, and Harlan loves their hot chocolate.
We had a good day and I look forward to tomorrow....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I decided that I would like to have Chow mein for lunch, what a coincidence that is the lunch special at Granite Edge Cafe across the street for today or I could have had Spaghetti with meat balls, the chow mein was great. I hadn't been there for so long I got greeted as if I was royalty or a long lost relative.

After all that I went in to spend time with Harlan, I needed the car gassed up and also needed to exchange several items. We filled the car and made stops at Kmart and Koles then to McD, he had coffee and I had Apple Dippers and back to the VA. He didn't want anything to eat, he was full from lunch, he went on a "picnic" in the building basement some where, I don't know where but he said he had lots to eat and was not hungry.

Harlan is having problems swallowing one pill he has to take, it seems to stick in his throat so now they are going to try crushing it and putting it in either pudding or apple sauce or maybe even ice cream. He did his meds and neb and we took a mini nap then it was time for him to go to supper and me to leave.

Today was a good day, we had a good time together.....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Another rainy day at least there is no snow.

Sue cleaned today and it is so nice to come home to a clean house, I wish it would stay that way it even smells clean.

I was having a problem with my car wipers, I stopped at McKay's and they replaced them. They were noisy and didn't wipe well, the mechanic that replaced them and told me there could have been tree sap on them, they were new so no problem with getting them replaced and now they work well.

Harlan called me several times today, he wasn't sure what to do because of the rain. When he calls me during the day I know he isn't sleeping and should sleep well at night. Because of the rain I picked up candy bars and we had coffee at the VA, then he noticed it wasn't raining so out for a treat we went. We had our treat at the Pizza Ranch, as always it was good, a small pizza and coffee.

He didn't think he wanted supper but when I left he was checking his supper out I hope he drank his milk or juice, he does need the liquids as he drinks so little water.

While we were having our Pizza Sue (Daughter) called, she bowls on Wed and says she does better when she calls us lol!!!. Harlan had a conversation with her and seemed to hear her well, and he did chat a bit usually it's, "Hello, Here's Mom," not today though.

Today was a good day, you have a Good Night and I'll talk tomorrw.........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

This forenoon I went into Cold Spring to pick up a prescription for meds for me and met Harold & Marilyn and Ed for lunch, we had a good visit and good laughs. The three of them used to live in this building and I miss them.

After lunch I stopped at the dollar store and picked up some much needed "stuff" like earrings. We are having a pot luck Halloween eve and I needed something for the occasion.

After my shopping spree I went in to see Harlan, I had received several calls from him because changes in anything causes him stress and they were replacing his night stand with a new one, he just doesn't understand he thinks he has to pay for it and I can't make him understand it will not cost us anything. The night stands are very nice looking, they are wood instead of wood look over metal, but they are smaller and there is not enough room on top for the stuff he needs like a telephone, lamp, Kleenex, TV remote, hearing aid container, clock, container of drinking water and his neb machine. The old one was crowded but the new is several inches smaller in all directions but taller, the drawers are also smaller, not enough room for his clothes, like t-shirts, shorts, sox and hankies, all of this has to fit in one drawer. We put everything in his new night stand and then got permission to put everything back so he has his old one but I'm sure that will change and he will get the smaller one in the end.

We hit Perkins for his treat today he had breakfast, and I had a bowl of soup.

I left when it was supper time and for Harlan, because he had eaten at Perkins he didn't want to eat. He called me when I got home and was concerned about my working and changing his night stand he didn't think I should have done that, some one there should, that was so nice of him to concerned for me, and I love him for that.

Until tomorrow, Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

This morning was a rush I slept in until 7:30 (not on purpose) and my hair cut appointment was for 8. Oh, did I rush even showered and was a little early, I'm glad she is about five min away. The day was really nice, I cleaned up all my "dead" flowers around my patio and planted the mums Megan gave me for my birthday, they are so pretty I hope they come up in the spring.

Harlan called me this morning and wanted to know where I was as he hadn't seen me for a while, when I explained I had been to see him yesterday and reminded him we had gone to church at the Chapel at the VA he said he remembered and I really think he did.

When I went in to see Harlan he was up and waiting for me. For our treat today we went to The Pizza Ranch and decided to try something different, Cactus bread, we won't do that again. It was good but too sweet and too much for just Harlan and me. It would be good for breakfast, it was much like having a Danish with cinnamon and frosting and served up like an 8" coffee cake.

Tonight a young lady from the Rockville fire department came to help us set up a plan if we ever have an emergency such as a fire or some other disaster. The sad part is not everyone showed up, it is so hard to get people involved, but this was something we needed to do. We all have patio doors we can get out of but if we get very much snow that exit may be blocked. We talked about an alternative plan and to use some kind of a buddy system.

Today was a good day for Harlan and I, it seems the antidepressant is helping him, at least for now he doesn't seem nearly as depressed and his mind seems sharper. Tomorrow will be another day and we'll see how that goes.............Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today was not a normal Sunday for Harlan and I. I stopped at McD for coffee and got to the VA about 9:00 AM coffee in hand. Harlan changed clothes and we headed to the VA chapel for church we had to be there at 9:30. The service was about an hour long after which we headed back to Harlan's room, changed his clothes and went to lunch at IHOP.

The reason for the change, I had to be home by 1:00, I had been invited by Rale and Mel to go to Brainerd to see the Geritol Frolics. It's a show put on by people whoes average age is over 70 and the music they chose was of the fifties. On the way back we stopped at Perkins in Little Falls for dinner. I enjoyed the afternoon out and I didn't get any calls from Harlan, I think the change went well for him too.

Tomorrow at 8:00 AM I have a hair cut lined up and at 6:30 P.M. the Rockville fire department is coming to help us set up an evacuation plan if it's ever needed. In between I need to clean up my frozen flowers, plant mums Megan gave me for my birthday and spend time with Harlan, so until then, Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

When I went in to see Harlan I brought in clean clothes for him. He is complaining that he is cold, I'll bring in a pair of lined jeans for him and if that works to keep him warm I'll get several more pairs. He doesn't seem to understand that he needs to cover up with blankets to stay warm when he lays down, he sleeps on top of the bedspread and the blankets.

Today being Saturday it was bingo, he played but was not as sharp as some other times. After bingo we went to Culver's for ice cream then back to the VA in time for his medication and neb, this went very well for him and when I left he went to supper, he was very tired and wanted to just lay down and sleep, I hope he ate something, even if it was only his milk and dessert. Tomorrow I'll take him to the Sunday service at the VA then out to eat. I'm going with Mel & Rale and Marie up to Brainerd making my stay with Harlan short, I hope the afternoon away from him goes well.

Today was a good day with Harlan, so until tomorrow, Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

This is the third Friday of the month and the support group for spouse's of memory loss has their meeting. There were only four of us today, it was a good meeting. We met at 1:00 and from there I went to see Harlan.

I trimmed Harlan's hair again today trying to improve how it looks, it is better but because he lays down so much it seems to go in directions it never used to. The whole time I was trimming he kept telling me, "Don't forget that winter is coming!" When we got done he looked in the mirror and asked, "Is that what a hienni looks like?" (I don't know how to spell it but I'm sure you all know what I mean). After the hair cut we went to the dinning room for pop corn then out for a treat.

Harlan decided pizza would taste good and we headed for The Pizza Ranch and had a small pizza, one with everything except pepperoni and he always has coffee and me, I have pop. When we got back we took a little nap and that was interrupted when it was time for meds, Harlan's least favorite time. He took the pills but just part of the neb.

He hasn't asked to leave with me when I leave and complained about the long hall he has to walk to get to the elevator and up to his room and how he hates being there, I hope some of that is changing with the help of the antidepressant.

We had a good day and he hasn't called me so I think the evening went well, untill tomorrow I send my Love to each one that reads this.............Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

We had our social Pot-luck tonight I think 14 attended and as usual we had very good food a nice variety, I made apple crisp.

I went in to spend time with Harlan, I trimmed his hair and it does not look good. He sleeps so much that his hair seems to go in every direction and is hard to cut I think the only way to make it look okay would be to cut it really short and I may just have to do that and he'll have to wear a cap to keep his head warm.

We went to Perkins, I had a bowl of soup and Harlan had a sandwich and a cup of soup and they sent a chocolate chip cookie home with each of us for later, they sure spoil us!

Harlan is on the kick now that he has decided he is not going to take any of his meds, today he was really down and really wouldn't even take his meds from me he says they don't do him any good, I wish I had an answer on how to help him understand how important his meds are.

We had a good time together and when I go in tomorrow I'll try and figure out what to do with his hair, so until tomorrow remember God loves you and so do I.............Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

This morning started with a trip to the post office, it was my turn to pick up and deliver the mail here, about a 15 to 20 minute job. Oh, did a jacket feel good today, it is cool! I see we are to get snow again, it's just too early.

When I got to the VA today Vicki greeted me with, " Do you want some cake?" Each month the residents are treated to birthday cake to celebrate the birthdays of the month, last month there at least 6 and this month only two. That makes sense to me as we have 4 birthdays to celebrate out of 7, September is our busiest birthday month. The cake was so good even the frosting was good not too sweet.

After our cake and coffee we took off to do a little shopping. Harlan and I went to Shopko, I needed some paper products then to Cash Wise for a few groceries. Tomorrow is our Pot-luck and I promised to make Apple Crisp, I needed Cool Whip for the topping, ice cream is better but I couldn't keep it frozen to bring home.

Harlan did get winded with all the walking but when he got back he only took the nebulizer for a short time not enough to really help him, I wish he understood how important it is and how much it helps him with his breathing, it isn't instant help so he doesn't understand.

The days are getting shorter and I don't do well driving at night, I'll have to change my time with Harlan and will not be able to stay until he goes to supper. He did well when I missed because of my cold, I hope he does as well when I start leaving earlier.

I Love you all and will write again tomorrow.............Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a good but busy day.

This morning we had our monthly board meeting.

Shirley called at 11 to let me know that they, Shirley and Joyce & Jim were on their way to St. Cloud, about 1 1/2 hour drive. I called Harlan to let him know I was taking him out for dinner, when I called him he was sleeping and was hard to understand, but when I got off of the elevator there he was ready to go. We had about a half hour wait before we had to leave and I didn't want to get to Anton's (yes, we went to our favorite place to eat) too early as to sit and wait is hard for him. We had such a good time with them, it had been two years since we had seen Joyce and Jim and we had a lot to catch up on. As to Shirley she just doesn't change, of course we do see her more often then every two years. Joyce and Jim were looking good although they both walk with canes. Their newest adventure, a lake home where they will spend their summers and their winters will be in Florida. The cold winters are hard for Joyce, she freezes the whole time they are here at Christmas time.

I talked to Nurse Gene, Harlan likes to sleep during the day and is awake at night, this arrangement makes it hard for Harlan to get proper meals. When I'm there we do try to get a treat, pie, pizza or maybe ice cream. I don't need the extra calories so many times I have the treat in place of my dinner.

I want to ask each one of you that reads my blog to send me a note indicating that you do at fplatzer@mywdo.com I'd love to hear from you and look foward to your responces, so until tomorrow and as Red Skelton alway said "Good Night God Bless".........Fran

Hello From Rockville

We had snow and it was beautiful, everything was white and now it's gone, it just seems much too early.

After not seeing Harlan for three days, I missed Friday, Saturday and Sunday it was good to get back in a routine. He was glad to see me but I don't think he realized that it had been as long as it was. When I got there he was laying down but was not sleeping and he told me he had just laid down but got right up and was ready to go. I asked him if he wanted pizza or pie and he decided he was hungry for pizza. We went to the Pizza Ranch and had a great pizza, I skipped my dinner this evening.

Nurse Gene commented on a thing Harlan had said last night something like, "I can't get out of here and because I can't Perkins is having a hard time making it, they need my business!" And today we didn't go there either, hope Perkins can hang on.

Harlan needed clean clothes and my cold was nearly nonexistent so I needed to go in and we had a good day, so until tomorrow- good night......Fran

Hello From Rockville

I did not leave here today as my cold is such I don't want to share it. I talked to Harlan several times today, he told me he ate supper and I think he did. I also told him what channel he should have on so he could watch the Twins, don't know if he watched them, he probably did. If my cold is under control I'll go see Harlan tomorrow.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

We got our first snow fall of the season, about an inch, Harlan called me some time during the night to tell me about it. He called several times so I know he did not sleep well.

Because of my cold I did not go into see him, and the way it looks I may not go tomorrow either, they just don't need one like me there to get anyone sick and Harlan with his breathing problems just doesn't need this. I did go across the street to pick up my mail and it was very slippery on the tar, by the afternoon the drive way was clear.

A quiet and not a very exciting day, maybe tomorrow will be better........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I have a cold so I decided it was not a good idea for me to spend time with Harlan. I have had several phone conversations with him and he seemed better today then he was yesterday. I talked to him at 5:30 to encourage him to go to supper. When I called and reminded him to watch Wheel of Fortune on channel 4 he said he had it on and he had eaten supper. At 7 I called him again and told him what channel to watch for the base ball game. It is extra innings so I don't know if he'll stick with it as he feels the games are too long. When I talk to him tomorrow I'll see if he watched it.

I mailed the Box Tops for Education and the Campbell soup labels, I always get tracking numbers so I will know when they get to their destinations. Mary and I work together on them, it's fun to have some one to work with and we check on each other to make sure our counts are accurate.

Today I took plants in and kind of re potted some to try and keep them over winter. I don't know how to winterize roses so I bring them in for the winter, I did that last year and had roses blooming in the winter. When I put them back out side they bloomed all summer.

If I feel better tomorrow I'll try and spend some time with Harlan, so until then Good Night.

Fran

Hello From Rockville

It looks like we will be getting a taste of winter in a day or two, it's just too early.

This AM I went to church to work on Campbell soup labels and Box Tops for Education. We worked several hours and I will get them in the mail tomorrow, because I'm right across the street from the post office it's so easy for me to do.

This afternoon I went in to spend time with Harlan and he was so tired he did not want to get up, he did not go for breakfast and ate very little for lunch. When I left he would not go for supper, he just wants to sleep, it makes me wonder if he is not sleeping at night although when he is awake at night he usually calls me and that did not happen last night.

I am working on cleaning up my flowers out side and getting ready for winter. Today I took my umbrella down and brought in some flowers as tonight the temps will be low enough so there will be no flowers tomorrow, I don't like this time of the year as everything has to go, it's depressing. On that note it's time to say Good Night until tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

We had sunshine WOW!

Today was cleaning and laundry, it's so nice when Sue gets done and everything is vacuumed and dusted and clean sheets on my bed also the guest room is ready for guests!

Mel did some trimming of the bushes in front of my place, I put a jacket and garden gloves on and helped with the clean-up, they look so nice and it helps keep them from getting too big.

After lunch I went in to spend the afternoon with Harlan when I got there he was up and sitting in his rocker waiting for me, what a change from Monday. When I got to his room I could hear his hearing aid squealing, I went to turn it off and discovered it was broken. Harlan said when he went to put in his ear it had fallen on the floor, the floors are hard and it broke. We made a run down to the audiology department for repair and was told it could take up to a month before it's returned. He has one he can wear which is good.

We has such a good time together. We went to Perkins, Harlan was hungry he ordered breakfast, an egg, toast and hash browns, he also had two cups of Hot Chocolate. When I checked at the VA they said he had eaten his breakfast and about half of his lunch, he ate well today, I don't know why he was so hungry.

When I left he was set to watch the Twins. I haven't heard from him so I don't know his reaction to their loss.

Today was a great day and I look forward to tomorrow.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

This morning Priscella called me to put in place a plan to help Harlan with his depression. We both decided he needed to see a Dr. She called back at 10:30 to tell me an appointment had been set for 11:00. I told her I would be there to take him, some one was to meet me outside under the pick-up roof of building 50. I scooted out the door, picked Harlan up and got to his appointment with several minuets to spare we were on time. Because Dr. Kemp was on vacation we saw Dr. Fox and I liked him. Harlan's medication was increased, Dr. Fox felt it was much too low to help him at all but felt the medication was a good choice as it works well for some one who has had a head injury or stroke. He took time to talk to Harlan in words and phrases Harlan could understand and he waited for Harlan to respond the best he could. I asked the Dr if Harlan's memory loss could have an effect on his depression, the Dr felt it sure could. I hope Harlan will be able to work with Dr. Fox for several reasons one being he sees his patients on time, very seldom does he ever run late.

After we saw the Dr Harlan took me to the commissary for lunch then back to his room, we talked then watched the Twins, what a game and they won!!! I stayed until 5:30, Harlan walked me to the elevator, but he said he did not want to eat supper and I don't know if he did, I know he watched the Twins win.

Today was a good day and I think tomorrow should be too, until tomorrow Good Night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Rain, rain go away,

Come back some other day!

Little Susie wants to play

and I don't remember the rest.

Remember that? Right now I'm ready for some sun shine.

I went in to see Harlan, he is so down he didn't even get out of bed while I was there.

When Ellie came in to give his meds and she went to help him up he said she hurt him and wanted her out of his room. She gave him two Tylenol, we couldn't figure where the pain was coming from. Shortly after that I left, I did some shopping and came home.

Just after I got home my door bell rang, Rale brought me some apple butter, it's good I had some with my hot dog.

It's very quiet here and I may retire early.

Untill tomorrow, Good Night.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

At 7:00 AM my phone rang, my wake-up call came from Harlan he wanted to make sure today was Sunday and he wanted to know when I'd be there to get him ready for church, I assured him it would be okay and I'd be on time. After more phone calls assuring him I'd be there, I left at 8:30, a stop at McD for my usual breakfast (Sunday I stop for a breakfast burrito and an orange juice) and two cups of coffee to go. We drink our coffee then it's time to dress for church. When Harlan was ready I noticed he needed a seam repair in his pants and the desk had a needle and tread to do a temporary repair. One staff person told me she didn't think that they had a needle and thread because they were not allowed to even a fly swatter (a lethal weapon?) on the floor. We have to drive a bit farther (about 10 minutes) do to a road closing next to the church to make sure we are on time and Harlan gets to sit in the same area of church, it's just better for him, it's that routine thing.

After church Harlan wanted to go to Rockville for lunch and after much discussion I decided it would work but I would not take him home. Rick joined us, it was good seeing him. Harlan and I stopped for gas in Rockville, Harlan likes to help me out by pumping the gas and that is so nice for me, I don't have to stand out in the cold to do it.

We went back to the VA and watched the Twins win, took a nap and he went to supper and I went home. Before I left he needed reassurance that he had been good and had not given me a hard time and I really felt today was good and I told him so. He mentioned that he had not seen where we lived and we were across the street from the apartment where I live and he didn't notice. Some days are like that when he hardly knows where he is and today it was good he didn't remember, I may be able to do that again, but not soon.

God is so good, He takes care of us and meets all our needs and many of our "wants", until tomorrow, good night......Fran

Hello From Rockville

We had some rain today, hope it goes away and we get some warm sun shine, maybe we are getting ready for winter and short dark days.

I spent the afternoon with Harlan, he played bingo with some help from me and did okay. When I got there he was sleeping and really didn't want to get up, he enjoys sleeping at least during the day. I haven't gotten night time phone calls from him so I hope he sleeps at night.

We went to McD, he had an ice cream cone and coffee and I had a Happy Meal, the hamburger is just the right size and I get apple dippers instead of fries. When we got back we watched the twins but Harlan had to go for supper so we did not see the end.

Harlan is looking forward to church tomorrow and always worries that everything will work out for him, that I'll remember to bring his clothes and he'll get ready in time.

I set up my bread maker to do a loaf of bread while I was gone and it finished up about 20 minuets after I got home, it sure smelled good as I walked in the door. I had a tuna sandwich when the bread cooled down so I could slice it.

That's it until tomorrow.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Another rainy day, when I emptied my rain gauge it contained about 4.5 inches of rain, a pretty impressive amount of rain.

I spent time with Harlan today, he was not doing well, he didn't feel good and seemed confused. I took him to Sam's and picked up a few things and he asked to go back to the VA without getting a treat, he wasn't interested in stopping for anything. He went to supper when I left and when I talked to him this evening he told me he thought he had eaten. He just was not his usual self. I hope he feels better tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I don't know what is happening where you are but here we've had a lot of rain and more is on the way for tomorrow.

I took five friends from here to Crosslake, I wanted them to see where I had lived before coming here to Rockville. It was so nice to see everyone, I even got to see our old place, she had put new flooring in the whole place, it was wood like and just beautiful. Myrna was such a gracious hostess after we looked around she served us cookies, fruit and coffee. We had light rain on the way up but it rained continually back to St. Cloud. We had lunch at Pine Peaks then headed back to St Cloud, a fun day.

I picked up coffee and stopped to see Harlan, I got there around 4, because of the rain I didn't want to take him out, I stayed until 5:30 then headed home as we had our monthly birthday party. Pat was our hostess and oh did she have some tasty treats. It was a good day in spite of the rain. Will chat again tomorrow.......Fran