Hello From Rockville

It's Saturday and bingo for Harlan, he does well when he plays and needs very little help. Today he won one game. After bingo we went to Culver's for a treat then to Cashwise for blueberries and bread and back to the VA just in time for meds and his neb. Bingo is played @ three which makes our treat time later and with the grocery stop we got back to the VA just before 5 and his supper time is 5:30. Today was a good day and tomorrow is a busy one as I leave here at 8:30 and get home about 5:30.

Everyone have a great weekend.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

This was another busy day. Cold Spring is having their annual town "party" known as "Hometown Pride Festival", activities for the kids, lots of food, sidewalk sales and garage sales all over town, there is no way to cover all of them but Denese and I took off for CS this morning and checked out as many as we could before it was time to fill our tummies. We found some neat things at the sales (most everything we could have lived without) and had a BBQ chicken sandwich, a drink and corn on the cob and then it was time to head home. We took our "treasures" home and Denese headed into St. Cloud with a list of places she had to go and at 1:30 I went in to see Harlan. Just before leaving Rick called, he was at The St. Cloud House and planned to stop to see Harlan, I got there just before he was ready to leave, it was good seeing him. We went to McD for our treat and as we were ready to leave McD Denese joined us and we had another treat, it has been a full but fun day. Harlan has been doing really good and I have enjoyed our time together, so until tomorrow "Good Night".....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Wasn't today great, cooler and dryer then yesterday?

This was wash day, I brought Harlan clean clothes and after I put his clothes away I took him out. First stop the bank then on to the Pizza Ranch for some very good pizza, we had leftovers and that was my dinner tonight.

With our tummy's full (they say to never grocery shop on an empty stomach) we headed to Cash Wise for a few groceries then back to the VA for Harlan's meds and his neb. We watched Jeopardy then I went home.

We (Harlan does too) watched the Twins win, maybe they will keep the winning streak going, I can hope can't I?

Take Care until tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I bought a "machine" to make smoothies and oh! are they good. I wish each of you could join me and I'd make you one.

Today I picked up Harlan and he gassed up the van for me then we went into Fleet Farm for batteries, I needed some for a small clock I have and when I put the batteries in the clock still didn't work so it's a candidate for the garbage. We had our treat at Culver's. Harlan said he wasn't hungry, he settled for a one scooper sundae.

I left after his meds and neb and got home in time to heat up my supper when the sirens went off and the skies were very dark, I took my supper and headed to our safe room, a lot of wind and rain but that was about it, we got over a half inch rain in a very short time, our lawn looks so bad I hope it perks it up.

I hope the rest of you got some much needed rain, take care and I'll write tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

My day started with an appointment for a CT scan then I went shopping stopping at Aldi's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Cash Wise and Walgreen's. I met Denese at a thrift store then came home ate lunch then back to St. Cloud to see Harlan. Today he was tired and he looked pale, we had a treat at the Park Diner and went back to the VA and just laid around and rested, Harlan slept most of the time. I like to take Harlan shopping with me but when he is so tired I don't think he needs to be out running around and today would have been too hard for him. Tomorrow we'll gas up the van but that's about all I have to get done tomorrow, maybe with a good nights sleep he'll do better. Tomorrow is bath day for him, he refused to have a bath last Friday so I hope he'll cooperate tomorrow.

I be in touch tomorrow...........Fran

Hello From Rockville

After I had Harlan ready for church and I was doing last minuet things to get him ready like clean his glasses a lens popped out and they couldn't find a screw driver small enough to loosen the screw so the lens could be popped back in. I rummaged through his odds and ends draw and found a pair of glasses that would work for him, we were heading out for church and they had them fixed so he didn't have to struggle to see. After church we went went back to the VA changed clothes and had lunch at Perkins, there were five of us, Denese, Rick and DeeAnn and all but DeeAnn had a senior meal, I sure do "hang around" with OLD people don't I? After eating and saying "Good Bye" Harlan and I went back to the VA and just rested, it was a lazy afternoon.

Harlan has been having a lot of trouble with his breathing and I just thought that it was the time of the year as he seems to have problems in the fall and August is just around the corner but that is not the reason. I found out today that he is refusing his maintenance meds which he is suppose to take twice daily, AM and PM. His breathing will go down hill if he refuses to take them. He just does not understand, my heart breaks a little when I look at him and see what dementia has done to him and it can't be fixed.

Each day I can spend with him is a treasure and I cherish each one.

Have a great day/night and I'll write again tomorrow..............Fran

Hello From Rockville

This morning Rale came over to get her hair set, I washed clothes then I went in to spend time with Harlan. On the way to the VA I stopped at Fleet Farm to pick up stuff to get rid of ants I had so many in my bathroom it was impossible to count them and terro just encourages them to come back, hope the spraying gets rid of them.

I took Harlan to play bingo and he did well he didn't need much help in finding the numbers. Just as "we" finished playing DeeAnn called and wanted to know where we'd be going for "The Treat of The Day". Culver's seemed to beckon to us and that's where we went. DeeAnn and Harlan had Turtle Sundas and I had hot fudge and raspberries and was it good!!!

DeeAnn needed a new phone so she and I went to the Mall to check phones out and I also looked and may get one later on.

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

Hello From Rockville

When I called Harlan at noon to remind him to go for lunch he was having problems breathing and he didn't want to go to lunch. When I went to see him this afternoon he seemed a bit confused and his breathing was labored. He was given a neb treatment which helped then we went to McD for a treat. When he was given the neb treatment I was told he had refused a treatment this morning and also refused his bath, I'm not sure why this has happened, the only thing that was different was yesterday, he had gone to Melrose for a picnic and I find that a change in his routine creates problems for a day or two after, if that's the case tomorrow should be normal. He seemed to have enjoyed yesterday and I thought it went well.

Will fill you in tomorrow letting you know how tomorrow goes......Fran

Hello From Rockville

Denese went with Harlan on his "picnic", I had a board meeting to attend and couldn't go with him. They took the VA coach to the American Legion in Melrose. Harlan did really well but he was tired when he got back. I went in to spend the afternoon with him it was about 2:30 when they got back and he did sleep after he got back. I stayed with him until five and because he was gone (about 4 hours) we did not do a "Treat Time".

Today was a good day and I'm glad that Denese was able to go with him, until tomorrow good night......Fran

Hello From Rockville

My morning started out with an appointment for an early morning fasting blood draw, it went well, the tech was really good and only had to try once. I had breakfast in Cold Spring then to the drug store to print pictures so I can change the photos in Harlan's room.

I mailed Sarah's care package then DeeAnn called wanting to do breakfast or lunch, I chose lunch and Culver's. The salad with fresh strawberries, chicken and "tons" of pecans was soooo gooood, I'd do that again.

Harlan and I gassed up the van then back to the VA, (no treat today, neither of us were hungry) for relaxation and a little nap. Pastor Campbell stopped to see Harlan, after some chatting he shared scripture and prayed.

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

Hello From Rockville

Denese had a busy day baking, she had zucchini she wanted to use up so she made three batches of zucchini bread which we shared.

I went in to see Harlan and brought him some clean clothes. Today was bath day and he let me know that the jeans I had left him were too small and when I checked them I knew why they were too small, a pair of Denese's had gotten mixed with Harlan's. I wonder what the Bath Girl thought when she tried to help him put them on.

I needed lenses cleaner, I like the ones Walmart has and I use them to clean Harlan's glasses daily. After our stop at Walmart we went for our treat at McD, Harlan had a hot fudge sundae and I had a fruit smoothie, good stuff! Harlan was tired today he slept most of the day except when we were out.

When I told Harlan we were sending a package to Sarah he asked where she was, I told him Fort Lewis, Washington his response to that was, "I was there." Does anyone reading this know if that is where he was? When I had asked him earlier if he was stationed in Fort Lewis, he didn't know.

DeeAnn stopped over for dinner this evening and we made cookies to add to our "care package". The package will go in the mail tomorrow.

Have a great evening.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today when I checked on the car wash ticket I had gotten some time ago it was dated for today tomorrow it would have been NO GOOD, our project for the day was a car wash. I did not wipe it down afterward as the clouds kept spiting a bit of water making a wipe down rather fruitless, I'll do a better job next time.

We went to the Park Diner for our treat, a root beer float for Harlan and a bowl of Chicken Wild rice soup for me, then back to the VA and a nap and we both took one, I was so tired the nap was great. After Jeopardy I came home and just laid around and now it's bed time so will talk again tomorrow.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was church, Harlan and I went then out for lunch at the Pizza Ranch for the buffet. On the way to lunch I stopped at Walgreen's to pick up a rain check item and Harlan didn't want to go into Walgreen's. We are putting together a "Care Package" to send to Sarah as she is in Washington for training and a package from home with goodies may be fun for her to get. I picked up some candy bars, etc. there too. When we got to the Pizza Ranch Harlan was still upset with our Walgreen's stop and really didn't want to eat, we humored him and by the time we got back to the VA he had pretty much "shaped" up and again was fun to be around. We watched the Twins win which was good, he took his meds and neb machine and it was time for me to leave. We have a little prayer time before I leave and he is okay with me when I leave. He always walks me to the elevator and I get a Good-bye kiss with a promise I'll be back tomorrow so today was a good day.......Fran.

Hello From Rockville

This morning we went to a garage sale, it was a bit out in the country and the air smelled a bit like a barnyard, I didn't find anything I could not live with out.

I went to the memory loss support group at the VA and from there I went to spend time with Harlan. Our treat time was at the Park Diner and we enjoyed floats, Harlan had root beer and mine was orange, both were good. Then back to The VA for some TV and rest.

Just after getting settled in Harlan had a surprise visitor or I should say two visitors, Rick and Wes. Harlan has seen Wes many times and is now able to "tie him to Sarah" which is very good. At first it was always "Who is that tall guy?" but today even with out Sarah there ( she is in Fort Lewis Washington) he knew that Wes was connected to Sarah.

At noon I got a phone call from Ed a former renter here wanting to know if I wanted to join Harold, Marilyn and him across the street at 5:30 to eat, we had a good time together, lots of eating, and chit-chat, it was a fun time.

My day was good, everything about it was great, so until tomorrow........Fran

Hello From Rockville

I took Harlan to McD for the treat of the day, he is still very tired and was not interested in going anywhere else.

We had our monthly pot-luck tonight with only 8 participating, we had a very good meal just enough of everything and a nice variety from hot dish to dessert.

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

Hello From RockvillE
This will be two days rolled into one.

Yesterday I took Harlan's dirty clothes home to wash as today was wash day and when I checked his clothing protector (adult bib) to see if it needed washing I discovered one (from the dinnig room)wrapped in his along with a cloth napkin and I asked him why he had the extra items and he replied, "I'm collecting them!" I'm so amazed at how quickly he has a come back and I see his old self showing up, I love it when that happens.

Today was cleaning and laundry and I made a trip down to C S as I had received a letter in the mail that the bank needed more signatures on a IRA renewal for Harlan, got that done and it was time to visit Harlan. Today was birthday bingo along with birthday cake and ice cream. When the bingo and eating was over with we went to gas up-the van than a stop for coffee at McD and back to the VA. Harlan was ready for a nap but the weather had other ideas, we were under a tornado warning which meant we had to sit in the hallway until all clear was sounded and Harlan was not happy about that. He refused his meds and they did let him back into his room and after much coaxing I got him to take his meds but not his neb machine. I find that when unexpected things happen it really goofs him up and he is not a "Happy Camper", and nothing makes him feel better.

I see it's that time of the evening called bed-time, will write again tomorrow.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was a quiet day as compared to some. First off at 8:30 AM I joined Mary for Bible Study then I went for my annual eye check and every thing checked great, I'll return next year. In the afternoon I took Harlan for a chest x-ray, a follow-up on his pneumonia and I'll find out the results tomorrow. After the x-ray he needed a treat so we enjoyed a float at the Park Dinner and back to the VA for some relaxing time we watched Jeopardy and I came home.

This week our church has DVBS and they have a class for adults which I went to, not sure if I'll continue or not, I'll let you know tomorrow.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
I missed writing yesterday and as I update my blog you will understand why.

Saturday morning Jenny came up with her two girls to enjoy a small town summer celebration, Rockville's is known as Rockfest. Every town in the area has their special big "city party." The children enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides and food. We had a parade and "tons" of candy was thrown by the people walking and riding in the parade, Tori and Izzi got more than their share as there were no other children to compete with for the candy that was thrown their way. Last night was the fire works and that is fired off right across the street behind the Granite Edge Cafe, that gives us front row seats right on my patio. By the time this was all over I was just too tired to even think of writing anything.

Issi slept in my room in a sleeping bag and Denese and I shared the bed. Jenny and Tori shared the other room. About 4:00 (way too early) this morning Izzi was ready to get up, I put her in my bed between Denese and I and she slept until 5:30 then she was ready for the day.

I took Harlan to church and the girls joined us. After church Harlan and I changed clothes, we joined the rest for lunch at the Park Dinner along with Rick and had a good time together. Denese, Jenny and the girls left to do some shopping then back to Rockville to pack up and go home, Harlan, Rick and I stayed and visited then Rick left and we went back to the VA for some rest time (and I guess I needed it I took a nap).

It was fun weekend and I could do it again next year giving me a year to rest up, I guess the older you get the more rest-up time you need between events. Don't get me wrong I loved every minute of it..............Fran iuteof

Hello From Rockville

This morning we did some clipping of the bushes around my end of our building and it sure looks good. Tomorrow is the beginning of Rockfest Days, trimming the bushes makes our place look neat.

I went to see Harlan, we hit Culver's for our treat then back to the VA. He called me tonight and complained that his chest hurt, I helped him use his call button and some one came while I was on the phone with him and when I talked to him later he was better. I don't know what causes the pain he has as Tylenol seems to help.

DeeAnn and Jenny and the girls are coming up for the festivities tomorrow, I hope they enjoy it.

Will update you tomorrow on the fun everyone has..............Fran

Hello From Rockville

Harlan is very tired, I took him out shopping and for a treat. We stopped at Walgreen's and picked up water for my coffee maker then on to Fleet Farm for gas and last we stopped at the Park Diner and had biscuits and gravy, we shared a meal. After the above activity we went to his room for some quiet time, we each napped..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

Denese and I went to church today and cleaned and organized a storage closet. We did a little shopping then came home for lunch and I went back to spend time with Harlan. Sarah is leaving for Fort Lewis Washington and wanted see Grandpa and me before she leaves. We went to Cold Stone for our treat and time with Sarah and DeeAnn, Sarah will be gone a month, this training is for The National Guard.

Harlan is tired and wants to sleep a lot and when I take him out it seems to take a lot out of him.

That's about it for today.......Fran

Hello From Rockville

Rick called this morning and wanted to know if we'd feed him and DeeAnn as they were coming up to work on their St. Cloud house and wanted to see Harlan. We had a picnic lunch out on our patio table, the usual - hamburgers, potato salad, fresh fruit and rhubarb crisp, yum, yum!!!

We ate, visited, then I went in to see Harlan. I needed a few things at Walmart, took Harlan along then we went to Culver's for a treat. Harlan was surprised when DeeAnn and Rick walked in. Harlan told DeeAnn he'd buy her a sundae but, " I used up all my money on Fran and now I don't have any left." Rick's reply, "I know that's what women do to you, take all your money and leave you with none." At that point Rick took five dollars out of his billfold and gave it to Harlan, Harlan didn't want it and Rick told him that he (Harlan) had given him much more than that so he should take it at which Harlan responded, "I know, I have a list of all you owe me!" At times he is so quick with a response we all just cracked up.

We went back to the VA, Harlan was very tired, he did his neb, took his meds, we watched Jeopardy and I came home. It rained all the way home, we needed the rain just to perk everything up. We'll converse again tomorrow.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

I did not take Harlan to church as he had not been feeling well and today was a long service, it would have been hard for him to sit so long. After church I went to the VA and took him out for lunch we went to IHOP and had a good lunch then back to the VA to watch the Twins loose. He seems to have gotten over the pneumonia but is tired all the time.

Today after he took his neb machine he complained that his gums hurt under his lower partial when I checked the area he complained about it was slightly red with a very small white spot, he may be getting a canker sore, he was given a couple Tylenol and that seemed to help. I'll see how tomorrow goes, so until then good night.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Harlan appears to be pretty much back to what he was before taking the Predinsone. He played bingo today then we went out for a treat at McD and everything went well. DeeAnn was in town and joined us for dinner, it's always fun to see her.

Tomorrow is our church picnic, it's always on July 4th, I'll see how it will work out with Harlan. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes and if we attended.......Fran

Hello From Rockville
Denese is hard at work, she scrubbed the garage floor, the first time since we moved in 5 years ago and at this time she is cleaning her and my car, so much ambition just like her dad several years ago.
I went in to see Harlan this afternoon and he was very tired, I think taking him off of Prednisone has caused his tiredness, but the plus of that is we can understand him. He seemed perky when I got there and I took him to the Park Diner, I wanted to share a chocolate malt but he wanted his own, that's what we did and I'm stuffed! I left the VA early as he just wanted to sleep.
The elavator alarm was working today, I'm glad, but with the removal of the Prednisone I don't think that will be a problem with Harlan trying to leave.
Have a great week-end............Fran

Hello From Rockville

We are having beautiful weather, this time of the year is so nice especially when we get enough rain to make everything lush and green and all the colorful wild flowers along the road sides brighten up the country side.

I spent time with Harlan and it was decided that he should not be on prednisone which may have caused the garbled speech, his dosage was very low, they will totally take it away and I was assured there would be no side effects. It has also made him very hipper and he tried to leave his floor using the elevator, he wears an ankle bracelet that will not let him go down on the elevator, the elevator will not work unless the alarm is cancelled and he can't do that him self. They have two elevators and the alarm system does not work on the one so he could get away if they were not watching him. Both Denese and I have told them his ankle bracelet does not work with the one elevator but it seems that it just is not being fixed and I have deep concerns about that.

We met Denese at Pizza Ranch for our afternoon treat, ordered a large pizza and brought half home for tomorrow. He ate well but it was hard conversing with him as we could only understand part of what he said and we had to be careful how we answered him.

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