Hello From Rockville 

When I went in to see Harlan today I took him down to x-ray they took a picture of his chest to check on pneumonia, they also did a blood draw to check on an infection, both came back okay.  After x-ray on the way back to his room we stopped at the restaurant and Harlan a piece of lemon pie.  I stayed with him until supper time hoping he'd eat something and I hope he did.  He was some better today, more alert etc. but he didn't look a lot better, tomorrow I try and get him shaved, he really needs it.

Today was a good day with him...........Fran

Hello From Rockville 

The temps were in the mid twenties today but it does look like we will have cold weather again.

Denese and I had lunch in Cold Spring today and Ed joined us.  It was a buffet and we did enjoy it but as with all buffets we ate too much.

We headed home after eating and met Rick & DeeAnn and Sarah at the house because we had eaten they brought their own eats.  Rick pulled out my stove so it could be cleaned and painted behind and Denese put one coat of paint on the area between the cabinets and the counter top.  What was the most exciting thing about today Rick mounted a mirror over my kitchen sink this lines up with my patio door so when I work at the sink it will look like a window not just blank wall.  Denese found the mirror at her favorite shopping place a real bargain and I know I am going to love it!

After this was done I went to St. Cloud to spend time with Harlan, he was not feeling very good and when they checked his vitals his temp was up to nearly 101 not good as there is a virus going through the VA, he is so run down because of not eating or sleeping well I do have concerns for him.  I'll check tomorrow morning to see how he is doing.  This is another "Roller Coaster" ride, not good.  He had not eaten and was not drinking much so DeeAnn went to McD and picked up a hamburger for him, he ate half of it and drank a little chocolate milk plus water to take his meds.
I will update you tomorrow....Fran 

Hello From Rockville 

This morning I did a little shopping, picked up jeans for Harlan and paint for my kitchen.  

Today was bingo for Harlan he did okay and after bingo we took naps, I am trying to get him to lay down hoping to get the swelling in his legs to go down and he is up so much at night he needs the sleep, he may have slept about an hour. I do wish I knew what goes on in his brain.  He is doing some strange things.  He is also having a harder time to follow simple instructions.

We had a good day and I'll see him tomorrow but will not take him to church.........Fran 

Hello From Rockville

Today was cold, I went to see Harlan but I did not take him out.  He had another sleepless night.

When I got there he said his leg knee hurt and it was the right one not the left one which is swollen.  Last when he was walking around he had leaned on a table with a tablecloth on it and had slipped and fallen which may have caused a sore knee.  His afternoon treat consisted of a banana and a chocolate chip cookie provided by the VA which he "inhaled" when I checked on what he had eaten he had had no breakfast or lunch.  He has gone down two  inches in pant size and they are too big I need to find jeans in size 33 which is not easy to find.  Oh yes, he also had some pop corn but not much food in that, maybe tomorrow he'll be hungry and eat.

Until tomorrow - Good Night....Fran

Hello From Rockville 

February is nearly gone and we are still getting cold weather along with snow.

I went in to spend the afternoon with Harlan, another night with little sleep for him, when I got there he was out by the elevator waiting for me and ready to go.  I checked, he had eaten both breakfast and lunch, I took him to McD and we each had a double and a cup of decaf coffee.  When I was waiting for our order he went to sit at a booth.  When I turned around to bring our food he was trying to take his jacket off and was unable to totally unzipper it he improvised, he slipped his arms out and slid his jacket down toward the floor, it worked he got his jacket off.

We had our treat and went back to the VA for some rest, he really needs to keep off of his feet as his leg is really swollen so we both laid down and he propped his leg up on a folded up blanket at least his leg was up for a little while.

I met Denese for dinner at Red Lobster we had a great meal and what a treat, I haven't been there for a long time and it will be a long time before we go back again.

Tomorrow is another day and I'll write again then.....Fran

Hello From Rockville 

Today was cleaning and laundry day.  Harlan was in need of clean clothes so I brought in clothes for him when I went in.  He was up and waiting for me when I got there and ready to leave the building, I put his clothes away and we took off for the place with "The Little Hamburgers."  He had two of them and "Batter Bites", by now you know where we went - Park Diner.  While we sat there eating he looks at me and says, "You are an Angel!" and I asked him, "Why?" He replied, "Because you brought me here."  He ate both sliders and most of the batter bites.  I checked at the VA to see if he had eaten today he ate his total breakfast but no lunch.

When we went back to the VA he took a nap, at this time things are back to normal for him.  

Before we left to eat I was able to get a pair of shoes on his feet the first time in many days, he feet and legs are still swollen but not as bad as they were.

Today was good I enjoyed my time with him another day of blessing..........Fran

Hello From Rockville 

We had snow over the week-end.  I did not go to St. Cloud yesterday because of the snow, it  snowed most of the afternoon.

Today my day started with a hair cut then home to pick-up my phone (I don't leave home without it) and to school to listen to the children read.  I also worked on Boxtops for Education, Campbell soup labels and Coborns/Cashwise coupons in between listening to the readers.  

I went home for lunch and with a satisfied tummy I headed back to ST. Cloud to spend time with Harlan.  The first "job" waiting for me when I got to the VA was to take Harlan to the eye clinic as his glasses needed some TLC, they were bent out of shape and a lens had fallen out, with repaired glasses in hand we headed to the Canteen for a treat, Harlan had chocolate cream pie and mine was coconut cream, Harlan inhaled his and when I got back I found out why, he had not eaten anything today.  I hope he went to supper and ate.

They still have not figured why he isn't sleeping he seems to feel driven to walk the halls. He slept Sunday night but not Monday night and it really shows on him.

I'll see him tomorrow until then Good Night!.....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Greetings from snowy Minnesota.  It is windy and snowy out but the white snow has covered all the dirty snow we have and has turned the outside into a Winter Wonder Land.

Denese and I went to church and did not take Harlan out.  He has been having a difficult time sleeping at night.  He just walks around all night getting very little sleep and the day time is no better.  I hope they will be able to figure out why he is so antsy, he lays down for a short time not long enough to get to sleep and he seems to have the need to get up and walk.  He looks so tired.  I spent the afternoon with him hoping to get him to sleep but to no avail.

Our snow should be out of here so I can get into St. Cloud tomorrow, I write again then..........Fran

Hello From Rockville

We have winter warnings on the way with more snow coming.  If what we are being told is true I will stay put on Sunday.

I went in and spent time with Harlan, he played Bingo then he wanted to go for a treat we went to McD he had a double and I just had coffee then back to the VA.  The afternoon really tired him out so after his meds he wanted to sleep, we helped him to bed then left.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring I let you know what happens when I write..........Fran

Hello From Rockville 
I wish to thank all for prayers, Harlan's teeth are back where they belong, in his mouth.

Once again Shirley's plans were changed.  She had made plans to come to St. Cloud to visit with her brother Harlan but the foggy conditions made her turn around and head back home.  I checked the weather and I know why, visibility was zero where she was coming from and the best place for her was home.  She will try again at a later time.

I went in to see Harlan after a doctor's visit (I am always remind reminded to take care of my self)  and he wanted to go out for a treat, we chose Perkins and he enjoyed sausage, eggs, pancakes and hot chocolate my treat was one of his pancakes (he got three).

We had our pot luck here tonight and we had a good turn out and wonderful food. 

Today was a good day and tomorrow will be too........Fran

Hello From Rockville

My day with Harlan started early as he had a 10:00 AM dentist appointment.  I left home about 9:15 stopped at McD for my favorite breakfast then to the VA.  I took Harlan to the dentist using a wheel chair as the walk was much too far for him  and walking is getting difficult for him.  All he needed was a cleaning and to clean four teeth was not a long procedure but he felt it was much too long.  The hygienist was very nice and kept  talking to Harlan to distract him, the appointment went well.  She told me if his teeth aren't found in a short time they would make him new ones, I hope they are found as it would be very hard on Harlan to go through having impressions made of his mouth, she said it would take about two minuets but to him two minuets would be an eternity.
On the way back we stopped at the restaurant in the VA for a treat, I found a parfait that he could eat, layers of chocolate, vanilla and topping and he downed it with a cup of coffee, mine was lemon and very tasty. 
I stayed with him until it was time for lunch, I wanted to check to see what he had been given to eat, lacking bottom teeth except for four in the front  makes eating very difficult and my concern was he may choke if he took something and couldn't chew it and tried to swallow it.  His meal contained a cheeseburger in a bun they were going to replace the cheeseburger with some thing easier to eat and swallow.
This afternoon I attended our board meeting which went well and tomorrow I'll meet Shirley at Perkins for lunch then we will go see Harlan.
I have a request pray that Harlan's teeth are found, thanks....Fran    

Hello From Rockville 

This week is a busy week with several appointments for Harlan at the VA, tomorrow he has a 10:00 AM dentist appointment and they have asked me to go with him and stay with him while they work on him and tomorrow afternoon I have to be back here for our board meeting.

Some where some how Harlan's lower partial is missing and with out his lower teeth he will be unable to chew any food, I do hope it can be found.

Today I helped at school with reading and then was joined by Rick for lunch @ McD before going to the VA.  

At 2:30 Harlan and I had an appointment with Palliative care just to talk about the care Harlan would be getting and to make things easier for him.  He is unable to call, me he needs help to dial the phone and today he couldn't figure out how to put his glasses on, it is so sad, I just take one day at a time.

After spending time with Harlan Denese and I went to Walmart for a little shopping we ate at Hardies they have a very good roast beef sandwich.  So until tomorrow, good night......Fran 

Hello From Rockville

Today should have been a fun and happy day, I have mixed emotions now that the day is done.  I got to the VA before 10:00 I wanted to make sure of a close by parking space although the weather was nice a walk wouldn't have done me any harm.

First I stopped at McD for my favorite breakfast then on to church to leave a Valentine gift for my "Secret Sister" then to the VA.  Harlan was out and about and I found him in the TV room just sitting, not watching TV just sitting.  He had a hard time following my instructions to come with me to his room so I could help him change his clothes for our Valentine dinner.  I helped him with his clothes and when it was time to put his shoes on I could not get the left one on.  His left leg is still swollen from the clot from well above his knee to his toes and now the right one is also swollen although he did not have a clot in it.  He had a pair of slippers we were able to get on him and that is what he wore to the dinner.  After we had been there a short time he wanted to go back to his room, he seemed disoriented and confused.  Our dinner was great from prim rib to cheese cake with mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, carrots and rolls.  Harlan ate very little and as soon as I was done I took him back.  I tried to get him to lie down but he was down for just a short time then he was up and I'd get him to lie down again but for just a short time and he was up.  He did take about a five minuet nap.  Kay the NP was on his floor, I asked her about his legs and she said because he was up so much (he usually spends a lot of time resting) is what is causing the legs to swell, not good.  I hope he rests tonight and feels better tomorrow. 
Tomorrow he has an appointment with palliative care but some one will come to see him in his room.
One day at a time on this roller coaster that I'm on, I'll write again tomorrow..........Fran

Hello From Rockville
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Denese and I went to get Harlan ready for church, he was sleeping and told use he wanted to sleep, I asked him if we should leave and come back later and he said yes.  We left and went to church then went shopping we stopped at Walmart and Sam's.  Then we went to Fleet Farm to pick up Denese's car, I dropped her off and headed to the VA to spend time with Harlan.  When I got back they told me Harlan was looking for me to take him to church.  He was so sleepy that I thought he really wanted to sleep but if we would have taken a little bit more time to get him to wake up he would have gone, I feel bad about that.  I took him to McD for a burger and I had a smoothie.  We went back and took naps, I helped him with his meds and came home.  Tomorrow the VA has a Valentine dinner for the residents and spouses this will be the third year Harlan and I have attended and the dinners are great.  We get our pictures taken and get one each to take with us.

Today was great and I'm sure tomorrow will be great too............Fran

Hello From Rockville

When I got in to see Harlan Karon was taking him for a little walk, she has such a way with him I think he cooperates with her.  In the summer time she takes him out side and they pick flowers to give to me, she is a neat gal, she works in the recreation department.  When I showed up he was all done with the walk and we went back to his room from there he put his coat on and we went out for a treat.  It was raw out there even if the temperature was 31 it was chilly.  We washed the car first then a treat at the Park Diner.  Harlan had the sliders there were two of them and he ate them both and I had a float, both are good stuff!!!!  I left the VA early as we had our Valentine thing at church and it started at six.  The church was decorated in such a way it looked like we were up north with pine trees and trees with no leaves with black cut out bears among the trees.  The center pieces on the tables consisted of tree trunks cut into 8 to 10" pieces with three holes drilled in it to hold three white candles with small evergreen twigs between the candles and a stuffed white bear propped against the logs, really woodsy up north look.  We had a wonderful - meal, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans, cole slaw, rolls and cheese cake, yum yum good!

I wish Harlan could have joined me tonight but it was much too long and being in the evening it just wouldn't work.

The day was a good day..........Fran

Hello From Rockville
Today was chilly but I did take Harlan out.  We went to Perkins and enjoyed their "Magnificent Seven" which consisted of two eggs, two pieces of meat (bacon or sausage) and three pancakes.  Harlan had two cups of hot chocolate and enjoyed every sip, we both enjoyed the breakfast, I ate every bite and Harlan ate well over half of his - I'm trying to fatten him up as his weight is in the 120's.  I wish we could trade pounds but that isn't going to happen.
I stayed with him until the sun went down as that SW travel @ 5:00 is not good.
We had a good time together and he keeps asking me when he can go home with me, sure wish it could happen but it won't unless a miracle happens.  
Today was good, another special blessing......Fran

Hello From Rockville 

Tomorrow it will be warmer then today and by the week-end Minnesotans may consider it balmy, it will be above the freezing mark!!!

This morning I had my home cleaned and the afternoon was spent with Harlan.  He was "antsy" just could not lay down and rest, about every five minuets or so he went to his door and looked both ways up and down the hall then came back and laid down for a short time and repeated the process.  I took him to play bingo after that was over we were served birthday cake to celebrate all the February birthdays there were more then usually celebrate the other months, strange as February is a short month.  It was still cold today so we stayed in but if tomorrow is better I may try to take him out, he does like to get out of there and I try to take him weather permitting. 

We had a good day together, another one to be thankful for...........Fran 

Hello From Rockville 

Brutal cold weather here, why am I in Minnesota?  Good question!  There is a warm-up coming by the week-end and I can't wait.

Rick came in to see Harlan this forenoon and I spent the afternoon with him.  He wanted to get away from the VA for a break but it was just too cold so we went to to canteen for coffee and a cookie.  I took him in a wheelchair as the walk is just too far for him.  

Now when I leave the VA at 5:00 the sun is just setting and traveling SW I head right into the sunset, I may have to leave at 5:30 just to avoid it.

Today was a good day with Harlan another day to be treasured.......Fran 

Hello From Rockville

Denese and I Took Harlan to church, it had been some time since he was able to go.  After church we went to Perkins to eat then she took us back to the VA where I spent the afternoon.  We watched TV and napped.  It was a great day and I know Harlan enjoyed getting out.

Today when I went in to see him I made a stop at McD and picked a couple of burgers and fries.  I got a call from the VA that Harlan had not eaten lunch and I was in need of food and  burgers seemed like a plan to me.  We enjoyed the food together.  

I did not take him today out as the weather is so cold with wind chills well below zero and it will be this way for the next several days, BRRRR!  

Everyone keep warm..................Fran

Hello From Rockville

Becky, Walt and two of the children, Luke and Kristen came up to see us today.  I went to spend time with Harlan and the Caffery family joined us.  We had a treat at McD then I took Harlan back to the VA and I joined them and Denese for a Lasagna dinner.  Our dessert consisted of home made cheese cake it was so good!

Harlan had a good day and talked about going to church tomorrow, if he is up to it I'll help him get ready to go and we'll see about eating out afterward.  He is not taking any pain medication for his leg and didn't complain about any pain, that's so good, the clot seems to be gone.

Today was a very good but busy day.........Fran  

Hello From Rockville

Harlan called me several times today wondering when I'd be coming in.  He was waiting for me when I finally made it.

He was eager to get out.  When I suggested the Pizza Ranch he said, "The one on the hill."  I know it's not on a hill but when we go through K-Marts parking lot there is a little incline before getting to the Pizza Ranch.  We hadn't had pizza for so long, it was back last year and it was so good!

While I was going back to the VA Harlan worked on getting his gloves on and he really worked at it finally he says to me, "I have a finger left over on my gloves how come?" I looked at him, "You have two fingers in one finger but that's okay."  He says, "I had that same problem with the other glove but I got that one fixed, I fix this one too."

We had a good time today, tomorrow is bingo we'll see how that goes....Fran

Hello From Rockville 

I made my usual trip to St. Cloud to spend time with Harlan and I had been there about 15 minuets when the following conversation took place -

Harlan:"Can we go out for a treat?"
Fran: "Where do you want to go?"

Harlan: " Can we go to that place that has those little hamburgers?"

Fran: "Sure".  It's cold you'll have to dress warm! We'll go to the Park Dinner for the hamburgers"

This is the first time I have taken Harlan out of the VA for quite some time.  When we got to the signal by the river he says, "If we go straight ahead we'd go to Perkins."  And then he asked, "Does she work or is this the week-end?"

We shared the sliders then back to the VA where we took a little rest then it was time for me to leave.  I helped him with his meds and stopped at the desk to check on his pain meds, he was able to walk from the elevator to the car with out pain, I didn't think the pain meds was necessary.

Each day I can spend with Harlan and enjoy the time with him is a blessing and this was one of those times....Fran

Hello From Rockville

My day started with a phone call from Harlan, what a surprise, the Dr. changed his medication and he was able to use the phone, unbelievable!   He had such uncontrolled jerks he was not able to hit the right numbers on the phone and it appears the meds he was on caused the problem. 

I got my hair cut and stopped for breakfast and picked up my mail before coming home.  I had been home a short time when Ricked called me, he was visiting Harlan, we chatted a while and decided to take Harlan to eat at the canteen.  Harlan had a lot of coupon books to be used at the canteen, he had enough to buy us lunch.  We enjoyed eating then Rick took him back to his room.  I took him for a walk on his floor  and he did so well I seized the opportunity to give him a much needed hair cut.  He was tired so I just gave him a buzz job then he could lay down for a rest.  I put heat on his leg and we both took a nap. Today I stayed with him until supper time then left for home and guess what he called me when he got back to his room after eating.  He is so thin that anything I can get him to eat should help as he eats so little.  Many days he may only eat one meal or maybe none.  It seems each day is a surprise and I never know how things will go for him....Fran

Hello From Rockville

Today was not at all like yesterday, Harlan slept while I was with him not too much aware of what was going on around him.  He had not eaten anything (breakfast or lunch) and didn't appear hungry or thirsty although his mouth seemed dry.  When I got there his upper plate was in a small container of water, I cleaned it up and he put it back in his mouth but decided not to have me clean his lower one. He did drink a little when he took his meds,  I helped him with that and gave him his nebulizer and I came home.  The parking area where I usually park was full and as cold as it was I didn't want to have to walk any distance out side so I went around the back of the VA and parked several buildings down and walked a distance but it was an inside walk with no wind. I made a mental note to remember where I had parked so I wouldn't walk the wrong way well guess what I guess I didn't press SAVE when I made the note and headed to my normal parking area I had a longer walk then I had planned but as I said before it was inside.

Will let you know what tomorrow brings....Fran

Hello From Rockville
We are getting more snow, it's still winter!!!

Today was an exciting and reality day.  I went in to see Harlan this afternoon and he was more alert then he has been so I took him to the canteen, he has canteen books he can spend on food etc. we had ice cream.  On the way back we pass by the "Eye Glass Place" and his glasses needed some TLC, he sleeps with them on and I've found them on the floor, we got that taken care of and then back to building 50-1 and Harlan's room.  I took him in a wheel chair as it's much too far for him to walk.

We watched TV, Harlan had his meds and it was time to go home.  Before I left I decided to see if he was able to call me on the phone and he was unable to push in the right numbers, so many things are changing and they certainly are not for the better, these are things that are hard for me and so again I cherish each day I have with him, days that I can enjoy, today was an anther special day and I thank God for each of them........Fran