Hello From Rockville

Today is the anniversary of the last night Harlan was here, it has been two years and so much has changed in the two years since that night and come July third Harlan will have been at the VA two years, not an anniversary marker you want to celebrate.

Today after Bible Study I spent time with Harlan, we had a treat at Perkins and today chocolate chip cookies were sent home with us.

I have had several phone calls from Harlan this evening and he seems more sad tonight but so far no tears, we'll see what tomorrow brings, Tuesday is bath day and he doesn't like that.

I planted my pepper plant I picked up yesterday and also put the cages around the tomatoes. When I planted the pepper plant I discovered it will be purple, I didn't know they came in purple, I thought that peppers were red, green or yellow, it will be a surprise, hope it tastes good.

We may get rain tomorrow, we need it, so until tomorrow have a great evening..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I did not write yesterday, I fell asleep in my chair and when I woke up it was really time for bed and I was not awake enough to write, sorry. Yesterday went well, we had a treat at McD then went back to the VA, he played bingo, he was not as alert as he usually was but he only had one hearing aid in so he may not have heard as well. He has a pain in his left side in his chest, he complains his lung hurts but I think it is more in the muscle or a nerve as he can put his finger on the spot where it hurts and Tylenol takes the pain away.

Yesterday was a good day, his sadness seems to be much less.

Today was church and we had a surprise, Rick joined us. After changing clothes we went to China Star for lunch and it was so good. Rick left after eating and I went to Menard's for tomato cages (you have to keep those tomatoes trapped you know) and I also picked up a pepper plant I will take care of that tomorrow.

When we got back to the VA again Harlan complained of that chest pain and again Tylenol took care of it. They will give him Tylenol as needed and will have him checked out on Tuesday as tomorrow is a Holiday, and I don't think this is an emergency. He has complained of a pain in his chest for quite some time but now it seems a bit worse.

Today was another very good day, even the nurse, Gene thought he was better, hope it keeps up..........Fran

Hello From Rockvill

I had a surprise phone call last night. Harold called asking if I had tomorrow (today) available because Marilyn, he and Ed wanted to stop over to visit. They stayed for lunch and we had such a good time visiting. After clearing the table etc. I took off to see Harlan. Cashwise was having a tent sale and they had several things that caught my eye, must have items. After shopping I took Harlan to McD for coffee and sundaes, I needed some place where it wouldn't take too long for our treat as most everything I bought needed to be kept cool. With the sundaes in our tummy's and the coffee down the hatch we headed back to the VA and we took the groceries up to Harlan's room just so they wouldn't bake. He did his meds and neb, we watched Jeopardy and at a little after 5:00 I went home. He has called me several times this evening but he seems to be in a pretty good mood, so all in all today was a very good day.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

My day started with a phone call from Harlan, I'm glad he called it was 7:30 and I needed to leave the house at around 8:00 as Harlan had a Dr. appointment at 9:00. I also needed to have a tire looked at as the tire light came on telling me one was low. I stopped at McD picked up coffee then picked up Harlan we made his appointment with 4 min. to spare. This Dr. explained so many things to me and changed his meds taking in to account "Sun Downers" she felt was causing his sadness late afternoon when I'd leave, we'll see.

I took the van in for service (to check the tire). While there I was told there was a recall on the van, the air bag sensors were to be changed which they did, no charge, then I was given a "rental" car so we could go for lunch. Our choice for lunch was The Park Diner, it was near by and not much gas in the car, we had biscuits and gravy, very good. Before going to lunch it was discovered that a plug in one tire wasn't holding, they tried a patch and that didn't hold so that meant a new tire and it was suggested I buy 4 or at least 2, what a bummer! I opted for 2 and will do 2 more at a later date. With two new ones on the front and the old ones on the back I was set to leave. Harlan thought the tires should be good for at least 100,000 miles but they told me half of that mileage is about the length of a tire life and I talked to Rick and he agreed on that.

I took Harlan back to the VA and came home, the day was goofed up for him and I've gotten several calls from him this afternoon and he is upset, I hope he took his meds as he gets the antidepressant while I'm there and he does need it.

So went another busy day, in all it was a good one and thanks for listening to me, will write again tomorrow.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Harlan called me at noon and said he was sad, he didn't know why. When I went in I stopped at the desk and asked if they could set up an appointment for him as he has been having a lot of sad times, they happen about every other day and this has been going on for about two weeks. He has an appointment at 9:00 tomorrow morning. The afternoon went well and the day ended great but he did not eat at noon but ate some in the morning. We went to Perkins and he had a good afternoon breakfast and I think he went for supper tonight. With the every other day being a sad day today should not have been a sad day, but tomorrow would be. When he is sad he cries a lot, and can't be cheered up. His meds were changed when he was last seen and maybe they should not have been changed, we see what tomorrow brings....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Some days my phone never rings, neither cell or land line but today was an exception. I love it when people want to talk to me, this keeps me connected.

I took Harlan to Aldi's to shop then to the Pizza Ranch for his treat, I brought enough pizza home for at least two meals for me. After the pizza I remembered I needed a battery for a clock in my bed room and with Kmart next door I picked up my batteries and have the right time in the bedroom.

Harlan was not happy when I left, not as teary as usual but not happy. When he did his neb he took it for about a minuet then pulled it off and told me that was all he was going to do. Right now he is not happy with his small room and he lets me know he has to live in a 2x4 or some times an 8x10 or what ever number comes to mind. I suggest he go down the hall way and watch TV or visit with some of the men he point blank tells me is not going to do that. We'll see what tomorrow brings.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a good day in spite of the warm weather, we hit a record high in St. Cloud, well up into the ninety's a bit too warm for May.

When I got in to see Harlan he was ready to go. We went to the bank then to Bed Bath and Beyond, I had a coupon that was no good after today and then to Perkins. We enjoyed a cool dessert, Harlan had a fudge sundae and I had fresh strawberry pie, my favorite and it all was good. After our goodies we headed back to the VA and just took it easy, Harlan had his meds and we watched Jeopardy and I headed home.

This evening my door bell rang, I answered it and I had a pleasant surprise, Mary brought me some rhubarb crisp and a rhubarb muffin. The crisp I ate this evening and I'll have the muffin for breakfast. I have never eaten rhubarb crisp like this before, I'll get her recipe it was soooo good! I'll bet the muffin will be delicious too.

Today was good and if things go like they have tomorrow will not be good for Harlan, it seems he has a sad day every other day and tomorrow is his bath day, because today was good tomorrow won't be, I hope I'm wrong.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

After breakfast and picking up coffee I got Harlan ready for church then out to Culver's for our lunch, today the last stamp was put on our card at Culver' s and now we have a free basket lunch coming, it may be our treat one of these days and we'll share.

We went back to the VA and found nothing to watch on TV so napped.

About every other day Harlan has a sad time and today is the day, I wish I knew why.

A quiet day without much excitement, until I write again Good Bye.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

I slept in this morning. I woke up around 7:30 giving me an hour before I went to shampoo and set Rale's hair. I had been awake earlier around 5:30 and couldn't sleep so I did my devotions and Bible reading at that time then went back to sleep.

We had a much needed rain shower about a quarter of an inch, at least I didn't have to water my plants.

I had a surprise phone call from Colorado, it was so good to talk to Bernie and Fran, things are going well for them.

I went in early to see Harlan and we went for our treat when I got there. They have Bingo at 3:00 on Saturday's, it is the only thing Harlan will do and it's only because I go with him, I do wish he'd try other things but I think it's too hard for him to listen then sort out what was said and try to respond.

The treat and Bingo went well in fact the whole day went well. When I left he was watching the Twins play and he does enjoy watching them but I think if they were not doing as well as they are he may not be interested. I am not a baseball fan but if I can get him interested in them it will give him something to look forward to.

A good day and now good night..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Last night Harlan called me at 11:30 just to talk as he wasn't sleepy and this AM when I called him to remind him to go for breakfast he said he was tired and was not going to eat he was going to sleep. I suspect he may have been awake part of the night.

We had our support meeting (for memory loss) at the VA today at 1:00. One of the ladies that has attended since I started has lost her husband and returned today just for something to do.

After the meeting I joined Harlan, we went to Walmart then to Perkins for a treat.

We both decided Harlan needed a hair cut, so a hair cut he got. The last cut I gave his was very short so today I didn't cut anything off the top.

After a trip to the bathroom he came back to his room and just that quickly he was teary and I really don't know what happened but he was so sad and the tears ran. He did take his 4:00 meds and he let her put the Neb mask on but for just a short time. He tore the mask off and threw it on the floor, not a good scene and would have nothing to do with it. I sort of lost it too, just so hard to see him so sad. I stayed with him until supper time and the phone calls he has made this evening he seemed much better. This seems to be happening every other day, tomorrow should be good, so until tomorrowGood Night.............Fran

Hello From Rockville

I planted my tomatoes this morning, they did not look too good as they had stayed in their little containers much too long, now they can spread their little roots and not feel so cramped and grow. I gave them another drink this evening and we are supposed to get rain in the morning so they should really perk up.

Harlan was much better this evening. I spent the afternoon with him, first for a treat at Culver's then to the grocery store. we got back for his meds then a little quiet time and Jeopardy. I left at 5:00 as tonight was our monthly pot-luck and I had to get my hot dish heated for our dinner. We were a small group only 11 but good eats.

Tomorrow we meet for the support group at the VA then I'll spend time with Harlan.

Today was a good day........Fran

Hello From Rockville
My house is clean, it's Wednesday and Sue was here to clean.

After Sue left I planted the rest of my flowers just have a few tomatoes to get into the ground.

I went in to see Harlan, we made a stop at the bank then on to get the car washed and it need it. After the car wash we stopped to have a treat, our choice for a treat was at The Park Diner, we had hot fudge sundaes, a good treat on a warm day.

It is getting warmer and I will bring in some short sleeved shirts for Harlan, last year he was always so cold and he wore sweaters all summer but he has put on enough weight so the short sleeved shirts may feel good to him.

When I brought him back he was again teary eyed and I don't know why so I talked to Mary about it. This seems to happen more often lately and this makes me feel sad too, there just doesn't seem to be any answer.

Until tomorrow good night............Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a good day.

I spent the morning at church and with help from two ladies we caught up on all the Campbell soup labels, Labels for education and Food Club labels, they are now ready to mail and that's the easy part with the PO just across the street and no mater when I go there is never a line.

After doing labels I headed home with a stop at Menard's for plants and dirt for planters, I'll do the planting tomorrow.

Home for lunch then in to St. Cloud to spend time with Harlan, he likes Perkins and that was a good choice as they are now serving fresh strawberry pie, it is Oh! So GOOD! He enjoyed breakfast, his favorite - an egg, pancakes and sausage links. When we got back to the VA it was time for his meds and neb, we watched Jeopardy, we had our quiet time then I headed home.

And it really was good day......Fran

Hello From Rockville

I had my hair cut this morning followed by Bible Study, a good start on the day.

I had a meeting with the VA staff to discuss Harlan's care and what can be done to make it better for him. (This is done every three months). He has gone down hill a bit but I don't see a lot of decline. Sarah went with me which was nice.

After our meeting we went into see Harlan and took him to Five Guys for a hamburger, Sarah and I had a hot dog and Harlan had a hamburger and we shared a bunch of fries. Harlan likes coffee which they didn't have, he had to settle for pop. When I ordered the hamburger I should have gotten him a small one as the one he got had two hamburger patties which was more then he wanted and they had made too many fries and he complained about the waste of all that and when Sarah got his drink for him it was too big, he was not a "happy camper." I think most of his unhappiness was because of no coffee. When we got back to the VA he was teary eyed which seemed to "dissipate", but when he called later he was sad, the day was not what he wanted, I hope tomorrow is better.

I'll be in touch tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

We are having great weather, really perfect, temps in the 70's.

I picked up coffee at McD before going into get Harlan ready for church. Harlan called me at McD to tell me he was sorry he caused me so much work and I really did understand what he meant and I'd check on what ever it was when I got there. He told me that when I told him to go for breakfast he had gone to eat and when he had taken the cover off of his breakfast there was a cup of coffee on the table (left by some one else) and he knocked it over making a mess on the table, he said they had to take the table cloth off but no one got mad at him and only the table got wet. I suppose he felt bad and was embarrassed, I'm sure that happens quite often as there are people there that have a difficult time seeing so a spilled glass of milk or water is not that unusual.

After church Rick and Sarah met us for lunch at The Park Dinner and we had biscuits and gravy and it was some of the best I had ever had, what made it so good was the generous amount of gravy with sausage over the biscuits. We ate, drank coffee and chatted for quite a while, it was a nice afternoon and fun seeing them.

With very full tummy's Harlan and I went back to the VA and tried to take a nap but that didn't so we just visited, Harlan took his meds and I went home about five.

Today was a good day.........Fran

Hello From Rockville

The morning started out busy as I did laundry and washed a set Rale's hair then down the hall to see how our garage sale was going. We had a perfect week-end for our sale and all the fisher people had good weather also.

Last night I planted the flowers I had picked up and I'll have to get my tomatoes in the ground also, they will go into the garden area.

I took Harlan out for a walk, we went out the front door of his building down the steps and around to the right around building 51 and back to where our car was parked. We made several stops along the way to rest then back to his room. He said the walk was too long but it was so nice to be out side it was a great day.

After the walk we went to Culver's for a treat, they have good stuff, then back to the VA and a rest time before heading home.

Harlan worries so about getting ready for Sunday, I get many phone calls Saturday evening wondering if I'll bring his clothes and what he should do to get ready and what he should do for the evening I just tell him to watch TV and get a good night's sleep, but when I get there tomorrow he will have forgotten that it's Sunday, so until tomorrow, good night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was the first day of our garage sale, I worked until 1:30 then spent the time with Harlan, we went to Culver's for the treat today and Harold and Marilyn were there having a treat too, so we enjoyed each other's company with a lot of chatter.

When I took Harlan back he was really sad and teary and I don't know what caused it, he was better by the time I left but not the way he usually is, he refused to take his neb so I hope his breathing is okay, he just does not understand the need for the meds he takes and how important they are for his breathing.

When I got home the garage sale was just winding down and it was a pretty good day, we hope tomorrow is good too. The day was absolutely beautiful a bit windy but not cold or rainy.

The day was busy but okay....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Harlan called me this AM to tell that he had a letter for me and it was from the VA, I told him I'd check it out when I got there. When I got in to see him he gave me the letter and says with surprise, "Your name is Platzer and so is Sue's?" I told him that Rick's was too, that did not surprise him but mine did, it is so hard to understand what goes on in his head at times. I took him to McD for his treat where he had coffee and a chocolate sundae and mine was coffee and apple dippers. We had a good time together.

When I got home I decided to go help set up for our garage sale which opens up at 11:00 AM tomorrow. Hope the weather treats us well......Fran

Hello From Rockville

We are having a lot of gray and dreary days with rain and it does have a negative feeling on people, I can see it in the residents at the VA. This week-end it is suppose to warm up with no rain, YAY!

This morning I went to Cold Spring to put up flyers for our Garage Sale that takes place this week-end, I hope we have a good turn out and the weather cooperates.

This afternoon I spent time with Harlan. The May birthdays were celebrated with cake and ice cream and then I took Harlan out, his choice was pizza and I brought home enough for lunch tomorrow for me. He is putting on weight as all his shirts are getting tight, we need to settle for just a cup of coffee when we go out but he always wants to eat something.

Today was a good day as was yesterday...........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today Harlan had a 2:00 PM appointment to have his hearing aid refitted as he was still getting sores in his ear, we hope this will take care of his problem.

After the appointment we went to Perkins for a treat then back to the VA, a quiet and uneventful day.

We are getting some much needed rain and I do hope the temps get up into the high 60's and 70's, it so cool nothing wants to grow, the pansies I planted appear to be getting smaller not bigger which is just not right.

Not much to write about and that's okay as a quiet day is wonderful. Our garage sale is fast approaching, it's this week end hope it warms up by then...........Fran

Hello From Rockville

The day was confusing to Harlan, it was hard for him to understand that today was Sunday, I called him from McD (I had picked up coffee) to make sure he had eaten breakfast and shaved and he didn't think it was Sunday and Church. When I got there he says, "It was Sunday when Becky, Walt and Luke was here when we went out to eat." We usually go to Applebee's on Sunday not on Saturdays. After we got that straighted out he was good for the day, but I goofed because I forgot to cancel his noon meal, but that worked out too, we enjoyed his noon together. Because it was Mother's Day I felt the restaurants would be very busy with long waits and going out a little later would be better.

We started watching the Twins then went to the dinning room for an ice cream sundae and went back watched the game a bit more then decided it was time to get away. Our first stop was to the plants in a plastic building near Cash Wise I picked up several to plant around my patio and some tomato plants to put in the garden then on to Culver's. All Harlan wanted was a one scoop hot fudge sundae and I had a hot dog, that was to be my supper, some one goofed and I got a sundae too.

By the time we got back to the VA The Twins had won and it was meds time for Harlan and I went home at five, so went our day and it was a good one.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

This morning I had "job", I shampooed and set Rale's hair, she had had heart surgery and is not able to raise her hands above her head to do her hair.

Later in the morning I got a call from Rick they wanted to come to St. Cloud to spend time with Harlan and I. We met them at McD there were 8 of us, Rick and DeeAnn were watching Jenny's 2 girls and Sarah and Wes also joined us, we got so many hugs from the two little ones. We had a light lunch as we were to meet Becky, Walt and Luke for dinner, after our time with them we went back to The VA to relax and wait for Becky's family and more food.

The restaurant of choice was Applebee's, after filling our tummy's we headed back to the VA and Becky, Walt and Luke left to go to Rockville and wait for me. I stayed with Harlan until 5:30, he was sad today and shed some tears and I don't know why, he had a good day and seemed to enjoy it maybe too much stimulation, I just don't know, I wish I did.

Becky brought me a beautiful bouquet of roses and Luke delivered them with a BIG SMILE!

I had a great day, an early Mother's Day dinner, it's always so much fun to be with family.

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

Hello From Rockville

As I write this the weather seems more like March then May as we're told to expect some snow, I guess we need some snow now as we got none in March. Most of the day was rainy.

I went in to see Harlan early as I was taking an afternoon trip to the Cities, leaving Church at 11:30. Harlan and I went for our treat to the VA restaurant and had coffee and a muffin. I don't like goofing his schedule up but I if was going to see him today it had to be in the morning. We had lunch at Damico & Sons a fast food place in the Mill City Museum. The lunch was interesting and so was the Museum. We were taken on a tour explaining how flour was made. There was a lot to see and take in. It was interesting to see how many things there was for children to do and experiment with. A freight elevator was transformed into a "theater", we traveled from from floor to floor (I think 8) and a little history was given us on each stop. We arrived safely back to Church at 5:45 just too late to spend time with Harlan.

I had a great day and I think tomorrow will be good too as Becky, Walt and Luke plan a trip up to see Harlan and I, so until tomorrow, Good Night...........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I left the house this morning at 9:30 and met John and Donna Jean so I could go the care group, we met at Del and Louise's, a great turn out as so many of the snow birds are back from all over.

It was so good to see everyone as I hadn't joined the group for several months, and I got hugs from so many. A really good day, with great food as always.

I got back to St. Cloud for my time with Harlan at 3:30 and we went to McD for our treat and I stayed with him until about 5:30 then back here for our monthly birthday party at 6:00. We ate a wonderful rhubarb dessert with ice cream and coffee and lots of conversation. Now it's time for me to unwind and get a good nights sleep as tomorrow will be about as busy as today.

Today was good and I'll write again tomorrow..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a cold windy rainy day and tomorrow is not to be much better. I spent the afternoon with Harlan, our treat was pizza at the Pizza Ranch. It was a good day with no excitement...Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a quiet day. Harlan thought yesterday was such a good a treat he asked to go back there so our treat was McD, then back to the VA and TV and home again.

A good but quiet day....Fran

Hello From Rockville

It is Monday and my day started with Bible Study with Mary. I then made a trip to Cold Spring to pay my car and condo insurance while in Cold Spring I stopped at one of our favorite restaurants for lunch, I don't like to eat out alone but once in a while I do.

My next stop was to see Harlan and when I got there he was looking out of his room with his jacket on and ready to go. We stopped at Sam's and I picked up a few necessities then coffee at McD. Harlan had coffee and a double cheese burger and mine was coffee and apple dippers, Harlan paid he likes to do that, I think he feels useful when he can open his billfold and pay.

Tomorrow is bath day for him and I don't know why but he doesn't like to have a bath, is that the "Little Boy" in him? In fact he called me last night and told me there was going to be a riot on Tuesday and I asked him what he meant and he reminded me that it was bath day and he had to take off all his clothes, my response is you can't take a bath with your clothes on and he just agrees with me and laughs. He also refers to bath day as "Bang Day." Several months ago he refused a bath making it difficult for staff as the only time his clothes are changed is when he has a bath and when I take him to church, his choice is to wear his clothes 24/7 that is everything including shoes and jeans, not good.

Just before I leave we have a little prayer time it seems to have a calming effect on him at least for now. Today was a good day...........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was very uneventful. Harlan and I went to church then out for lunch at Applebee's and a short stop at Cashwise and back to the VA to watch The Twins win. After Harlan had his meds and neb machine I came home.

It was a good day..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a lazy day for me I slept in until after 8:00 AM and was late in starting my laundry so I finished it up when I got home after my time with Harlan.

When I went in to see Harlan I had to take a detour as there had been a very bad accident on the bridge over the river near the VA and two people were killed, they had the road closed from the time of the accident around 10:00 AM and opened it just before 3:00 PM.

Harlan did not eat his lunch, when I got there they reheated it for him but when I told them I was going to take him to Culver's and they didn't even encourage him to eat the VA meal, he drank the juice and we left.

When we got back it was Bingo time, he put his hearing in and grabbed his card and joined the rest of the bingo players. I really don't have to help him very much, he does very well. After Bingo we just went back to his room and just laid around, he did his meds and i went home at 5:00.

Today was a good day and tomorrow we'll have a full day as it's Sunday, he looks forward to that time together, church and dinner out................Fran