Hello From Rockville

Every three months various members of the staff have a meeting concerning Harlan and I'm included. We discuss things on how we can make things better for him or different things to help him. Today when we talked I mentioned that the bracelet he wears doesn't always sound an alarm when he gets on the elevator but it usually does when he gets off. My concern is that if he gets on the elevator and leaves with someone he will not know how to get back and it would not be known to the staff that he left. He can not go down the stairs as those doors lock when he is near them or if some opens that door if he is near an alarm goes off and will not stop "screaming" until its turned off. I know he "tests" the stair doors as he complains he can't get out because they won't open for him and he is concerned about getting out if there should be a fire. We talked about how much the new antidepressant is helping him, he will join in with other residents in activities that they do, he may not stay long but before he wouldn't even leave his room. I'm grateful for the staff and how much they care about the residents and the good care he gets.

Today Harlan and I took a trip to Walmart then we made a stop at McD for coffee and back to the VA. I left at 4:30 just after the sun sets but before it gets dark. I talked to him at 5:30 and told him it was supper time and he should go eat, I told him I had put a potato in the oven to bake for me for my supper so he asked me what I was going to have with the potato I told him I wasn't sure his response, "I sure am not going to come live with you if that's all you're having to eat!"

Tomorrow we will decorate the inside for Christmas, we have put lights up out side earlier on one of the warmer days and also put the Manger scene out. There are a few more things to put out side but we will not do the decorating we had done several years ago. We'll meet at 9:30 to work then take a pizza break at 11:30, then finish up decorating and we should finish by the time I go into St. Cloud.

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

Hello From Rockville

Yesterday when Harlan wanted to know what day it was I told him I needed to check my calendar so I never told him, I wanted to see if he didn't know that Sunday was the next day he would be less concerned about getting ready for church. It worked, I did not get phone calls from him with concerns - How would he get ready? What would he wear? When would I get there? I can't reassure him that everything will be okay and we'll not be late to church. I called him before I left here and suggested he shave and put his hearing aids in and at that time I told him that today was Sunday and I'd be there to get him ready.

After church we go eat somewhere but first we go back to the VA and dress in comfortable clothing, jeans, comfortable shoes, etc. When I asked him were he wanted to eat he says that place that starts with a P but couldn't remember the name, as you may have guessed by now it's Perkins and he wanted to go right from church. We went over to Perkins and there were very few places to park so I knew the wait would be LONG!!! We went back to the VA changed clothes then went back to Perkins, parked in a handicap, were seated and waited on immediately as it was near 1:00 so much better then noon.

We had a good breakfast then went back to Harlan's room to watch the game. I did nap, Harlan complained about that, he couldn't hear the game above my snoring! We had a good day, good church sevice, good fun and good fellowship, on that note Good Night until tomorrow...Fran

Hello From Rockville

Walt, Becky, Kate, Kristen and Luke came up. We picked Harlan up and went to The Pizza Ranch for a wonderful buffet. I had eaten at the buffet before but Harlan had never done so, it was a new experience for him and he enjoyed it and ate well. He couldn't believe how busy it was, when we go in the afternoon some time we are the only ones there. The buffet consists of thing other then pizza - chicken, gravy, cheesy bread, and several kinds of potatoes including mashed potatoes and they have several dessert pizzas which are more like coffee cake then pizza. If they do not have the pizza you want they will make one to order for you, serve you some and then put it on the buffet table for everyone to try. We had a good time together, a lot of chatting and eating. After stuffing our selves The Cafferys left for home and Harlan and I went to the VA where we laid down and took a little nap, then I headed home.

I didn't get to the VA when Harlan thought I should have been there so he was a little concerned about me but when he saw the guests I brought along he was okay.

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

Hello From Rockville

It's BLACK FRIDAY and the stores are packed, how do I know? Harlan and I went to Fleet Farm to fill the car, hardly anyone at the pumps but the parking lot was packed and it was a zoo! I'm glad I wasn't shopping there. We had a treat at Perkins and they were literally empty so everyone must be shopping and not eating.

When we went back to the VA, just as we were entering the grounds Harlan says, "I'm not going to say it!" I didn't say anything but was wondering what he meant, I guess he knew I was confused so he explains by saying "I'm not saying what that sign says!" Then I knew what he was talking about, every time we drive in and when he sees the 25 mile speed limit sign he always says, "Two Bits" and my response is "You always say that". So today he didn't. We had a good laugh over that and wondered where the "two bits" came from referring to the number 25. Maybe some one can fill me in on that. At times I marvel at what he does remember and it is current stuff, he never talks about what has happened in the past, he just doesn't remember. These little things are what gives me joy when I'm with him and they make precious memories.

Becky, Walt and family will come up tomorrow to see us, Harlan always enjoys seeing the family and we'll go somewhere and enjoy a fun time together.

Hello From Rockville

I am thankful for so many things and today was a day filled with so many blessings. If you remember yesterday's blog, Harlan had asked about today. When I had made reservations for dinner across the street I had told them six but there were only five of us going. After much thought and discussion with family I decided to take Harlan. I called the VA and cancelled his dinner then went in about noon to get him, he said he was tired and wasn't sure if he wanted to go, just not like him, but he got ready and we went to Rockville for our Thanksgiving dinner. I was glad he decided to go as I had cancelled his dinner and he would have had nothing to eat. We had a wonderful dinner, several kinds of potatoes, jello salad, ham, turkey, cranberries, corn, (no green bean casserole) stuffing, gravy, rolls and banana bread, and anything we wanted to drink, I had coffee and pop, this was topped off with pie - blue berry, apple or pumpkin and as much as you wanted. Rick, DeeAnn, Adam and Kelsey joined us. After stuffing ourselves we left, I took Harlan back to the VA and the rest retired across the street for naps. Because Harlan was not taken home he had no problem going back so that went well. I stayed for a short time with him and he decided he needed a nap, he walked me to the elevator and he went back and laid down.

After I got back home I had another blessing, Myrna stopped, she has been staying with her daughter Sue in St. Cloud, she had had surgery about 10 days ago and needed a place to recoup and a place where her dog was welcome, it was good seeing her and she looked so good, her plans are to return to Crosslake on Saturday.

Today was a very good day, I hope yours was as well.............Fran

Hello From Rockville

Happy Thanksgiving! Is everybody ready?

This morning Diane called to see if I would help with a project for Rockville. Rockville had purchased used street Christmas decorations and some of the bulbs had burned out and needed replacing there were 9 of us that worked together. We had fun doing this and of course it also helped our city.

After lunch I went to spend time with Harlan and we had a good day together. We did a little shopping, first to the bank for money then to Bed Bath and Beyond, and we topped the day off with pizza. After pizza a stop at K-Mart as we were next door and then it was time for me to go home.

I try to call Harlan each day at meal time to remind him to go to the dinning area to eat and I think it is working I think he has been going to each of his meals.

He called me this evening wondering about Thanksgiving, I have to think about what I should do.

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

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner is everyone ready?

Today was rainy along with some fog, but it is warm for November and so far no snow. It sounds like that is about to change, just some slush no significant amount. In spite of the rain I had a good day with Harlan. I stopped at Aldi's as I needed potatoes and a few things, then a stop at McD for coffee to go with mini candy bars I picked up. Because of the rain I hadn't planned to take Harlan out, the reason for the McD coffee. He was disappointed so after his neb treatment we did venture out, he looks forward to getting away from the VA and the rain had stopped so it was a good time for a break. He went for the Pizza Ranch and we were not disappointed, very good. While we waited for the pizza I went next door to K-Mart for ink, my printer was running low and I hate to run out in the middle of making cards or anything.

Today was so much better then yesterday, I think he had a better nights sleep Monday night.

His good days far out weigh the down ones and I appreciate each and every day we have together either good or bad, so until tomorrow I love you all....Fran

Hello From Rockville
I went to spend time with Harlan, I had an appointment and was going to have him go with me but he seemed so tired and he wanted to sleep so I just let him sleep and I came home. I called to remind him to go for supper his response to me was he hadn't had breakfast so why would he be going to supper. Many times he doesn't sleep at night and maybe last night was one of them. If tomorrow is the same I'll have to check and see if he is getting his days and nights turned around. So until then Good Night...Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a very good day, in spite of the drizzle and fog and no sun. It didn't start out that way, I over slept. I did make up time as we were in church in plenty of time. So many Sunday mornings Harlan calls me but not today when I needed him to I think he slept in too as he skipped breakfast.

After church we went back to the VA and changed clothes then to Applebees for lunch and we had a good lunch, then back to the VA where we watched the Viking win followed by Atlanta loosing. I talked to Sue, I thought she may be an Atlanta fan but she is not and was glad NY won.

I did not spend as much time with Harlan as I usually do because of the foggy condition.

Tomorrow will be busy as I have a Dr. Appointment, a follow-up on my colonoscopy it's at 2:00 and I am taking Harlan with me, it's near Perkins so we'll do our treat there. With a 2:00 appointment I wouldn't be able to spend much time with him so by taking him along we'll have several hours together. I'll wash clothes before I go see him.

I'll write again tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

November has been a great month, so far no snow but we have had our share of clouds. With Thanksgiving not far away my wish would be no snow until December.

Harlan called me several times during the night, the first call came just after I had gotten to sleep and it was a deep sleep, I heard the phone ring but wasn't sure where it was and by the time I was awake enough to figure out what was going on it quit ringing. The second time (about 1:30)I was still awake from the first call, he called me to tell there had been a LOUD BANG and the power went off and he had no TV to watch, my suggestion - go to sleep. He called again at 10 to 2 and complained the power was off and he couldn't watch TV and again I told him most people were in bed sleeping and he should do the same thing, he never called again I hope he went to sleep.

I went in to see him a bit before 1:00, I wanted to give him a hair cut and he has bingo at three so I needed enough time. I made coffee and brought cookies with, we enjoyed a cookie and coffee before I tackled his hair. He really needed the hair cut and he looked so much better but he didn't understand why I would give him a hair cut in the winter because he needed his hair for warmth.

After bingo we went back to his room to visit and watch TV, we were just talking about nothing in particular he says, "I feel like I haven't slept maybe I was on the phone too much."

We didn't go out for a treat, the coffee and cookies I brought was treat enough.

Tomorrow is Sunday and we'll go to Church, so until tomorrow Good Night...Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today was a quiet day. I went in to the VA before 1:00 as the support group for memory loss meets at 1:00. Today we planned our Christmas luncheon, it will be in two weeks and we'll bring things to snack on just light eating, coffee will be served and we have a room to use in the basement of building 51, the first building Harlan was in.

Harlan called me several times while I was at our meeting, I didn't answer, he was quiet anxious for me to get in to see him as Pastor Campbell had stopped to see him and he thought I should be there too. Usually when Pastor stops to see Harlan I am there, I'm sorry I missed him. Harlan like Pastor Campbell and I think Harlan's spirits are lifted with his visits, I know mine are.

Before I went in I set up my bread maker up to bake a loaf of bread, it was nearly done when I got home and it smelled so good when I walked in the door.

We had pop corn in the dinning room at the VA before we left for our treat at Perkins. Today Harlan had a piece of Carmel apple pie but he skipped the ice cream and I had a bowl of chicken noodle soup, he had hot chocolate and I had coffee.

He does let me know he wishes he could leave with me when I go home but he doesn't dwell on it, and I always assure him I'll be back tomorrow.

They tell me takes all his meds as he should and he does seem okay with being there. Some days he doesn't want to eat and if he skips a meal or so that is okay too as his weight seems okay.

Enough for today, Good Night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I helped prepare mashed potatoes for our Thanksgiving social this evening. I pealed them before I went in to see Harlan so when I got home they were ready to be cooked and mashed. We eat at 6 when we meet for our "pot-luck", it's not a true pot-luck because we do post a suggested menu.

I needed a few groceries, I took Harlan along to Cashwise from there we went to McD for coffee and a roll (I picked rolls up at the grocery store.) While we were at McD we heard a funny grinding sound like something really hard was being ground up, so I asked Harlan what he thought it was, his reply, "I don't know but I don't want to eat it !" He does come back with some unexpected answers.

Harlan is okay with me leaving about sunset, he may call me when I get home and sometimes I don't hear from him at all. I try to call him at supper time to remind him to go eat and I hope he does. This was a good day, we have had many of them in a row, I feel the antidepressant is doing what it's suppose to do and I'm thankful for that, so until tomorrow, good night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Sue, my cleaning lady was here and sparkled up my place and the way the kitchen looks she needs to do it again. I grocery shopped and have a few things that need to find a place to hide until needed.

I met DeeAnn for lunch along with Wes and Sarah, we chowed down at The Pizza Ranch, a great place and oh so good, it's not just a pizza place.

After eating we went to Aldi's, I had this $10.00 coupon I had to use up and the requirement was to spend $40.00 which I'd not be able to do by myself but between the two of us we managed to accomplish the job.

After the above jobs were done I headed to Mill Ends for some fabric, just some odds and ends to finish up a project and then on to see Harlan. He was sleeping when I got there but was ready to get out for a while this afternoon.

After three months of being The Service Man of the Month his pictures are finally down, he was glad to see them go. I think part of the reason he was glad to see them go was that he wasn't able to explain them to anyone when he was asked, he just didn't remember where they were taken. We went to Fleet Farm and Harlan put gas in the van and we washed it, it didn't get clean, I complained and they gave me a coupon for another wash and it helped but still not a good job, it still beats me trying to wash it.

Tomorrow will be our Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, there are nearly 30 signed up so we will be a large group, as they say "The more the merrier", we hope so.

I'll write more tomorrow..........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Just as I was ready to go in to see Harlan he called, he wanted to know if I needed any help, I wasn't sure what he meant and he explained that if I needed to gas up the car or if I needed help grocery shopping he was available would love to help me. My thought was how thoughtful of him and I told him I was sure I could use his help as I need to go to the grocery store. When I got into see him he was laying down but got up immediately and was ready to go. I am bringing a tray of fresh veggies and dip for our Thanksgiving social pot-luck on Thursday and I needed to pick up fresh vegetables. He likes to push the cart, it gives him support when he walks and he gets the plastic bags to put the stuff in. After our trip to the grocery store we went to McD for coffee and cookies again, he has gained enough weight that I may have to get him new jeans they are getting too hard for him to button so we need to forgo the pie, pizza and ice cream for a while.

He does not understand why he can't just go outside when ever he wants to so the locked doors to the stairs bug him, I think he tries them occasionally and they won't open, I'm thankful for that.

Today was a good day and Harlan was a joy to be with and I'm so thankful for each and every day we have together, so until tomorrow, Good Night..........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today was a fun day starting with a knock on my patio door. Harold and Marilyn paid me a surprise visit then took me out for lunch. We went across the street had good food and good conversation. They are doing well and enjoy their new home, it was so good to see them.

After lunch I went in to spend time with Harlan. They told me Harlan did not eat dinner, we checked his dinner out and they would have heated it up for him but he did not want it so took off for Walmart and picked a few things then on to McD for coffee and cookies. He did not know why he didn't eat, he thought that maybe they hadn't reminded him to eat. I went home just after sun set then I called him at 5:30 and reminded him to go eat supper. If I knew when lunch was maybe I should call him to remind him to go eat. He was in a good mood while I was there and we had a good time together.

His display of pictures will come down on Wednesday, there will be new ones in his place, Harlan is ready for that, three months is long enough.

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

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Harlan was quite anxious about me coming in to pick him up for church, he called several times during the night and again this morning. If I'm on the road when he calls (or anyone for that matter) I do not answer the phone, driving is a full time job and I can't multitask so it's best for every one's sake I drive and ignore the phone. When I got to McD I checked and sure enough he called, I talked to him and assured him I'd be there shortly, I had my usual and picked up two cups of coffee and headed to the VA. The phone rang and my hands were full, purse, coffee, suit & accessories and a bag with shoes so again the phone went unanswered and when I got to his room he was so sure I had forgotten about him and I wasn't coming, he had one of the staff with him trying to reassure him I'd be there, he was so glad to see me. I was told he did not sleep much last night, I wish there was some way I could take that anxiety away from him and make him feel better.

We went to church then back to the VA, changed clothes then out for food. We went to IHOP for chow, we were very satisfied with our breakfast/dinner, then back to the VA and the Vikings game, they won!!!. I find it is comforting to Him if we can relax together on his bed which we did while watching the game. I left him at three as I had a commitment later in the day and I didn't have to drive at sunset.

We had a good time together and he was okay with me leaving earlier then my usual time, so until tomorrow, Good Night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today is Saturday and tomorrow is Sunday. Harlan always worries about Sunday. "What will I wear?" "What time will you get here?" "What should I do to get ready?" "Do I have to eat breakfast?" I usually get several calls asking the same questions over again, I try to reassure him that it will work as it always does, and he agrees that it does but he still needs reassurance that it will be okay each and every Sunday.

DeeAnn left this morning as she had to go to work today, I washed clothes.

I went in to see Harlan about 1:30 and we went to McD for coffee and shared one of their bags of cookies. McD cookies are like animal crackers instead of animals they are McD figures mostly Ronald McDonald they have a slight lemon flavor and are good with coffee, when we got there today they made a fresh pot of coffee for us.

After our coffee break we went back and Harlan played some bingo, he does pretty well but does need some help.

I left at 4:45 just about sunset to avoid driving into the sun, our days are getting shorter, every day we loose 2 to 3 minuets of daylight.

I'll be in touch tomorrow and let you know how it goes, today was good, it went well....Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today went very well. I had an appointment for a colonoscopy, DeeAnn picked me up at 8:45 and off we went to the St. Cloud Surgery Center. Everyone was so nice and everything went well, I was out of there around noon feeling great. DeeAnn brought up some of her home made turkey vegetable soup and because I had not eaten for nearly two days the soup would have been great no matter how it tasted but believe me it was delicious and I inhaled it, no leftovers.

The grocery store in Cold Spring was having their annual food tasting event, needing more food after a short rest we went for that and oh did they have treats and great ideas for holiday serving, we left there stuffed, no dinner tonight!!

About 4:00 we headed into St. Cloud to spend some time with Harlan, I had not spent time with him since Wednesday as Thursday was my prep day, a good day to stay close to home. Harlan did very well while I was gone but it was good to see him and he was glad to see me. We stayed until 5:30 as I had DeeAnn to drive me home, I don't do well driving after dark.

I have enjoyed my time with DeeAnn and I sure appreciate her willingness to be my driver and my overnight care giver, I was told I had to have someone stay with me tonight, I don't understand why I feel great.

This has been a good day, until tomorrow good night...Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

A big thanks to all Veterans and to all of you serving, you are special and you make our country special by all you do, THANK YOU!

This morning while I was debating about what time I should go in to see Harlan Sarah called and said she was going to eat at Applebees and wanted to know if Grandpa and I wanted to join her. Applebees was giving a free dinner to anyone in the service or anyone that is a Veteran, because of the free dinner I knew they would be busy and Harlan has a hard time waiting in line so I wasn't sure if it would work for us. A long story short, she called from Applebees and we joined her and DeeAnn for a wonderful dinner, both Sarah and Harlan had free dinners DeeAnn and I had to pay for ours. I understand there was up to an hour and a half wait later in the day.

From Applebees Harlan I and DeeAnn went to Aldis and picked up a few groceries, I had a $5.00 coupon I could use if I spent $30.00 and between the two of us we did. After shopping we went different ways DeeAnn went home and we headed back to the VA. The VA was having a special program honoring the Veterans with special music and speakers. It was a good program but for Harlan it was too long, maybe an hour and a half. Because it was cloudy and rather dark Harlan kept saying, "We better leave so you can get home before dark". He knows I don't like night driving and he wanted to leave but this was two in the afternoon, there was no need to rush out. We were served crackers with cheese & lunch meat and coffee or lemonade. The best part about the trip to the auditorium, they were doing flu shots and I got mine, I have been calling my Dr's. office weekly and they are just not getting any in.

We were going back to Harlan's building when he decided he needed a treat, as if we hadn't eaten enough all ready, he wanted pie. A trip out to Perkins satisfied his sweet tooth, we shared a piece of French Silk, I had coffee and he had hot chocolate. When we left there Harlan had his chocolate chip cookie in hand to enjoy in the evening, they are so good to him.

We had a very good day, time with Sarah and DeeAnn, good food and I got my much needed flu shot.

I will be in touch tomorrow another day and another adventure.............Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I took the shirts back to Fleet Farm I bought yesterday for Harlan, I had to get a bigger size as they were fitted Western style and the medium was just too snug around the waist. He liked the snaps too I hope they are easier for him then buttons.

For our outing today we went to Aldi and walked through I didn't buy anything, I do want to go back to try and use one of my coupons, after our trek through the grocery store we had our treat at Culver's then back to the VA.

He does say he'd like to go home with me but doesn't insist or act unhappy when he talks about it, I know he wishes things were different and so do I.

We watched Jeopardy together then I went home, we had a good day together......Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today I had a perm and did laundry, not too exciting and then spent time with Harlan. He likes to help me when ever he can and I needed to gas up the car, he pumps and and cleans the windows I go pay. After getting gas we went into Fleet Farm and we picked out several new shirts for Harlan and I checked out winter boots. While I was looking at boots Harlan asked, "Why are you looking at boots, summer is coming?" then he added "Oh! maybe not for a while." The weather is beautiful maybe we can just skip winter, don't I wish, I will take all the prewinter weather I can get and make the cold and snow season short.

When we got back to the VA Harlan tried on the shirts and they were too tight, they were fitted western style with snaps instead of buttons and he has gained enough weight to make them just too snug, I'll take them back and get large in stead of medium. He has a hard time with buttons so I hope the snaps will be easier, we'll see.

We skipped the treat when we went out as it was November birthday celebration, they served cake and coffee and we decided that was enough treat for the day.

I like to leave just after the sun has gone down, it makes for easier driving as I have to go SW so now I leave before Harlan goes for supper, when I get home I called him and remind him to go eat.

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

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today has been a busy day and it started out with a BANG, when I looked at my clock and the time was 8:00 and I try to leave here at 8:30 so I can have plenty of time to stop for breakfast at McD then on to the VA to help Harlan get ready for church, it all worked out.
Granddaughter Sarah called to remind me about the Veterans Parade at the VA starting at 1:00 and she was to be part of it, so of course we had to make plans to be there.

We got ready and left for church at 10:15, we had plenty of time. Then we had another surprise, Rick and DeeAnn joined us, they wanted to see Sarah in the parade too.

After church we headed back to the VA to change clothes and be more comfortable. Because the parade was assembled in front of Building 50 (Harlan's building) it was a challenge to get as close to his building as possible, I had to drive around the backside (River side) and then we had to park and walk to get in. We changed clothes then took Harlan out in a wheel chair so he'd have a place to sit, the parade was about a half long and of course we saw Sarah, she was in front because of her height, I did get several pictures, because it was a beautiful day we enjoyed it all.

Rick & DeeAnn and Wes & Sarah wanted to go to Anton's for dinner, they don't open until four on Sunday so we needed food to sustain us until then, a trip to McD took care of that.

Harlan and I went up to his room to rest and relax then about 4 we took off for Anton's. Harlan and I shared a rib dinner, it was very disappointing, the ribs were not hot, I guess I won't order ribs in the evening again.

As you can see we had a very busy day but it was a good day, the weather was perfect for a parade, no rain and some sun, we'd had the rain in the morning, it was great so until tomorrow, Good Night........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

The weather is beautiful, I hope you all are having time to enjoy.

Harlan and I went for pizza for his treat today, they told me he did not eat breakfast or lunch and when I asked him about it he gave me two different answers. First he said he had eaten then he said he was fat enough and didn't need to eat. When we had the pizza he inhaled it so I know he hadn't eaten much today, he was hungry.

Today or rather this evening he is having a hard time trying to figure out how to handle tomorrow and he wasn't sure if tomorrow was really Sunday, I have received many calls from him this evening asking about tomorrow and what to do. Every Sunday is about the same and tomorrow should not be any different, so until tomorrow, Good Night......Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I did not write anything yesterday so will write about yesterday and today.

I enjoyed my trip down to the Cities yesterday, the weather was great and it's good to touch bases with friends and get caught up on the news. Our Care group gets together once monthly and it is usually in the Twin Cities area as that is where most of the people live. We have a "mini" Bible study or rather some one chooses something to share with us then we gather in groups and pray for the needs each one has. I rode with Dave and Marion and they picked Donna Jean up, we met at Arlon and Lois in their Community room, it was so nice with small meeting areas off of the main room and lots of room to visit.

I spent time, about an hour with Harlan when we got back, he was not a "happy camper" and I don't know why, he can't tell me why he is unhappy because he really doesn't know and he was still unhappy this morning but by the time I went in to see him this afternoon he was okay.

Today Aldi grocery store was open, not to shop but to see what the store is like, they had a lot of samples and I signed up for several drawings. A new store always looks so nice because everything is in order and neat and clean. I will go back and shop when they aren't so busy. I received coupons in the mail, $5.00 off if I spend $30.00 and $10.00 off if I spend $40.00, they most likely will not be used by me as I don't think I'd even spend $30.00, although they had some great prices.

Today was the meeting of the memory loss support group at The VA and we have decided to have a Christmas pot luck at our 1st meeting in December the staff will check to see what kind of facilities we can use and what we will bring will be decided at our next meeting, November 20th.

Harlan and I went to Perkins for our treat and I stayed with Harlan until after the sun went down as when I leave there I drive SW and the setting sun is not the best to drive into.

He was sure today was Saturday and he wanted to make sure I would be there on time on Sunday.

We had a good day, and good days are always a blessing...........Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

I see we have sun and it's gone down, hopefully we will enjoy it tomorrow. Today was cool, the weather channel listed wind chill, Brrr!

My cleaning lady (Sue) was here and it's so nice to come home to clean and everything in order. I went in to spend time with Harlan and at times he does surprise me, today I explained that I was going to Minneapolis tomorrow and would see him in the late afternoon and that I was riding with Marion and he responded, "Sundquist?" No last name had been mentioned before but it brought memories back to me, when Dave and Marion had been in to see Harlan in the hospital he recognized Dave, this was just before he went down for surgery for the feeding tube, the brain and memories are very complex and so hard to understand. We had a good day, our treat consisted of a half piece of pumpkin pie at Perkins (we shared a piece) and Harlan had hot chocolate and I had coffee. Explanation of the half piece of pie - when Harlan saw Dr. Fox yesterday his weight is near 150 pounds and his clothes are getting tight around the middle, not good! I guess a half piece of pie was enough and it was good, I don't think all the pizza we've had has helped!

Today was a great day and I'm sure I'll enjoy tomorrow too.

I'll close for now and update you tomorrow. Love, Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today Harlan had an appointment with Dr. Fox for his depression, he had been seeing Dr. Kemp and I had some issues with Dr. Kemp, I think he is a good Dr. I just think Dr. Fox is more in tune with depression connected with memory loss, his questions to Harlan just made more sense then when Dr. Kemp asked questions, but then what do I know.

He got right in to see Fox and we had a short appointment, Harlan is to go back in three months.

After his appointment we went to check on a new grocery store Aldis but it does not open until Saturday so I'll try again some other day. I know several people that shop there that is in the Twin Cities area, good prices.

Harlan likes pizza so our treat was The Pizza Ranch and after pizza we went back to the VA and I came home because of the early sun set I leave before dark and today with the rain it was good to get home.

Everyone, take care and I send my love......Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today I started leaving the VA early because of the earlier sun set and Harlan did not seem to mind, I hope it will continue that way.

I went in to see him around two and we took the car for a wash, it really needed it then we went to Caribou for our coffee, that was disappointing as there was no place to sit and we drank our coffee in the car.

It was so windy today and because of the wind we took turns getting into the car so as not to have both car doors open at the same time and it worked nothing blew out of the car.

Tomorrow Harlan has a Doctor appointment, check in at 1:20 and he'll see Dr. Fox at 1:40 after that we'll get out for our treat. Tomorrow is also bath day and he doesn't always cooperate and go, hopefully tomorrow he will.

Today was a good day and I have nothing more to write about, so Good Night until tomorrow. Fran

Hello From Rockville fplatzer@mywdo.com

Today being Sunday I went to take Harlan to church, first a stop for coffee at McD then to the VA to bring Harlan "Sunday" clothes then on to church.

The sun was out some and we had showers in between, I managed to be inside some where when it rained.

After church we changed clothes then went to Applebees, their Two for Twenty was our choice. Harlan had their Ribblets but when he got them they were luke warm and we had to waite for our waitress to come around (she was so busy) to take care of his complaint, when he was re-served them they were hot and he really enjoyed them from "Ear to Ear". Because we had waited so long for them our waitress, with the managers okay gave us Harlan's dinner free.

I decided to do some shopping, we went to Sam's then to K-Mart and last of all Fleet Farm for gas then back to The VA to watch The Vikings and Green Bay.

I left Harlan at 4:30 because of the standard time in effect and the early darkness, I'm not a good after dark driver and for the safety of everyone on the road I'm better off at home.

We had a good day and I'll write more tomorrow.....Love You.....Fran