Hey Reynolds. Yes, you are now an official Blogger! :-) I talked to Mom this morning. They have Angela this weekend. Mom says it's too early to tell about her. So I take it she's not as great as Chantal or Keesha. Mom said Chantal (only she can't ever remember her name) was all decked out when she left this morning; on her way to see Sex and the City.
I talked to Mom this morning about us going to the bank and getting my name put on her accounts. She's actually agreeable to it! So one day I'll go down during lunch and we'll get that done.
With her dementia showing more and more, I'm going to read her Long Term Care contract this weekend and see what it says about benefits for her.
Rosemary from VA called Mom Friday about Dad's physical therapy appts. on Monday. The VA still doesn't seem to realize that Dad has to have HOME health care. Rosemary was going to check further and call Mom back, but she hasn't heard from her yet.
One of us has got to get Mom to her Dr. and get her on some dementia medicine. Robin or Fran - do either of you remember the names of the meds Teresa suggested? I suspect Mom knows she has dementia.
Reynolds - you're right about Dad's right hearing aide. Robin got it on Monday and is going to get it fixed.
Fred and I are going to see Mom and Dad tomorrow.
Y'all have a great weekend!

Official Blogger

Kathy, I finally signed-in. Does this mean I'm now an official blogger? :-)
Last Sunday, we stopped by the house after having lunch with Granddaddy Joe & Ruth. Dad was in good spirits, but seemed frustrated with his right hearing aide. I wonder if he has lost his hearing on the right side? Mom seemed to really like Keesha and talks well of Chantal. It was a good visit.

Yeah but who is helping me to know what's going on?

Friday, May 30

No Kathy, keep posting, it does help.

Thursday, May 29

I wasn't going to post anymore on this blog because I'm the only one who communicates. But Chantal just called me so here goes. She has a dr. appt. Monday afternoon so she needs the other service to come and stay until Tues. instead of Mon. She asked if Mom ever told me and I said, "No". She said, "I told her 2 days ago. Yesterday when I asked her she said she did tell you, and today she couldn't remember." I said, "Chantal, it's a good thing you called me."

The VA

Good News, Good News!!! Mom called me last night and left me a message. She said Dad does NOT have to go to the VA June 2nd. A social worker from the VA came by yesterday, talked to them, and gave Mom the name and phone number of a visiting physician that is going to come to the house to see Dad. So now Dad once again has got a doctor to write orders and prescriptions without trying to transport him somewhere.
BTW, Mom said the physical therapist did try one day to put Dad in the car. It apparently was a disaster. She said Chantal (only she couldn't remember her name) was so mad at them for doing that to him.
So what a relief that he gets what he needs at home without being transported anywhere!!!

Monday with Mom and Dad

Robin and Dylan stopped by Mom and Dad's on their way home yesterday. Robin said Dad was right - his right hearing aid is not working. Just wanted y'all to know she has it (because Mom probably won't remember). Robin is going to try to get it fixed for him. Hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful long weekend. I know I sure did!

Keesha

Went to see Mom and Dad yesterday. Robert was there and cut their grass and took Papa for a walk up the street. Keesha, the weekend caregiver from the new agency, is Wonderful!!! What a relief! Dad sat in his wheelchair the entire time I was there. Didn't want any part of that bed. He told me again how he gets confused and can't remember. He's always complaining about his hearing aids. He thinks the right one is broken. Asked, "If I pay you, will you get me another one?" They were $15,000 for the pair. He told me he is scared. I guess scared of not hearing. I was there for 3 hours and Mom was constantly looking for something. I finally got a check for reimbursing me. I only had to ask her for it about 6 times. Then she had to go look for her check book. She couldn't find the letter from the VA. That took about an hour. I'm going to call them Tuesday and ask why the therapists can't come to the house since he can't ride down to Clairmont in a car. I also have her bills from Comcast, Ackerman, and one for the hospital bed table to call and inquire about.

Brandon

CONGRATULATIONS to Brandon! He is now officialliy a GA Tech student!!!
Brandon - for you I will learn how to buzz like a bee! (I already do a pretty good bull dawg bark.)

Zachary

Congratulations to Zachary!!! He received a Scholar Musician patch for having a CUMULATIVE GPA of 3.5 or higher. Way to go Zach!!!

Friday

One month from yesterday ..... Sea Spray!!! I'm starting to get as excited as a little kid!
I'm going to Mimi's and Papa's tomorrow, too. I want to check out the new caregiver from Choice. Plus I'm going to make sure Dad's meds are in the Sun., Mon., Tues pill pack. Choice won't dispense meds unless they're in one of those pill packs. I never did hear from Brad - the owner of Griswold, which I find kind of strange.
Fran - tell Conner I said CONGRATS on his BB wins!
And CONGRATS to Trey and Dylan on their graduation from elementary school.

Thurs. May 22

Well, I didn't make it down to Mimi & Papa's today - I had to get Trey's immunization records and proof of residency together for him to turn in by tomorrow for Middle School (nothing like waiting until the last minute!). AND I found out they really want them to wear "dress clothes" tomorrow for his graduation ceremony so I ran around trying to find all that. I did talk to Mimi though and she said the visiting nurse came while she was at the dentist and was coming back (?) this afternoon. I tried calling her back, but her line was busy but I am about to call again to see what the nurse had to say, and if he/she really came back. We are all (me, Robert & boys) going down this Saturday and Robert is going to cut the grass.
Kathy, I did get the message from you and Fred - Thanks! When we got home from Conner's BB game it was almost 10pm! He was not fun to wake up this morning! But they did win, and were undefeated in the tournament games so I think they MAY be in the local newspaper. Whew! I am glad they are done!

Thursday

I hated that I missed the Eagles! Fred said it was a great concert! The only way I could have gone was with Papa's bedpan strapped to my butt! :) Cathy told me they really liked Smokejack's BBQ. We'll all have to go back there and eat sometime soon.
Even though I was home sick yesterday, I kept my 11:00 appt. with Nicole from Choice (another agency). She came to the house and we did all the paperwork. I gave her a check for $840., so I hope Mom reimburses me on Sat. I'm sure she will. Maybe I can go to the bank with her too and get my name put on her account. One of our names needs to be on that account. I don't care who, but somebody. Fred said it made things so much easier when Maria was dying with cancer because John's name was on her account. Mom and Dad are now lined up with a weekend caregiver from 7:00 a.m. Sat. morning to 7:00 a.m. Mon. morning. I emailed Bruce this morning at Griswold and told him I was changing our contract with his agency from 7 days a week to 5 days a week. Kind of surprised I haven't heard from him yet. The caregiver from Choice starts this weekend.
Hey Franny - Did you have a good birthday yesterday? Did you get our serenade we left on your machine??? :)
We are looking forward to Sunday. Fred is calling all the guys tonight to get all the food lined up. Reynolds - we will miss y'all. But if y'all haven't seen Lyn's Dad since Christmas, you're past due for a visit with him. Please tell Joe Hi for me. I've always thought highly of him.

Wed. May 21

We really missed Kathy at the Eagles concert last night! Don't get me wrong, it was a blast, but we really missed her! Kathy, hope you are feeling better today. We are headed out to Conner's LAST baseball game of the season!!!!!!!!! Yippeeeee! (Can you hear the Hallelujah chorus?!? Can ya? Can ya?) Anyway, I am going down to check on Papa and Mimi tomorrow and will post again w/ a report after tomorrow's visit. Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday. Reynolds, Lyn, Rey & Zach - we will miss y'all!!!

Tuesday

Well, I thought this blog was a good idea for us ALL to communicate. Wish I wasn't the only one doing the communicating.
Looking forward to the Eagles tonight. I seem to have been hit with a little stomach bug this morning. So I'm just sipping water and trying to stay relaxed and not sick.
Tomorrow I'm working from home. Nicole from Choice (another agency) is coming to the house to see me about a weekend CNA for Mom and Dad. She seemed confident she could find a good CNA to work from 7 a.m. Sat. morning to 7 a.m. Mon. morning. We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed.
Talked to Mom yesterday and the birds still do not like the new bird food. Of course they don't. It was $15 for a little bag!
Dad got a letter stating he has an appt. on Clairmont 6/2 for physical therapy. Mom called them and was told to call Dr. Uja to arrange transportation. I told her I'd call her today, get the details of the letter, and try to help her our with all the VA red tape. He should be in their home care program, but I guess that takes an act of Congress. Since I'm feeling yuck today I'll call her tomorrow.

Sunday

I went to Mom and Dad's to visit. Got to see Lauren and Caitlin (& Jake) before they left. Chantel was off between Sat. morning and Sun. morning. I told her I didn't mind as long as Lauren was there because Lauren is an ot. (In other words, don't try that if Lauren is not there.) I will call other agencies this week about weekend help. Chantel mentioned our contract with the agency; that we have to give them some advance notice. I said, "Well, I have to find someone first." She really, really is great with Dad and Mom. Saw hummingbirds at their feeder yesterday. There is no way to squirrel proof their bird feeder. A squirrel can jump 5 ft. straight up in the air. So I bought a bag of hot meats. It's sunflower meats injected with hot pepper. The birds don't mind it but the squirrels don't like it. Well, the birds didn't like it at first either. But we all thought that maybe they'll get used to it. Wasn't the weather beautiful yesterday?!? Chantel took Dad up the street for a walk. The couple in the old McReynolds house came out and had a visit on the street with Dad. It was a good day.

Fran

Cool! You're a Blogger, too!!! :)

Saturday, May 17

Robert talked to Lauren briefly this morning and Lauren said Papa slept through the night last night. Chantal stayed again last night, but Lauren wasn't sure if she was staying all weekend.

As of this morning Cassandra does not have anyone to work for Chantel this weekend. I tried to explain to Mom again that Chantel may have to work 4 days on/4 days off until Cassandra can find a weekend person. I didn't call Cassandra yesterday. I let Mom deal with it.

Lauren is coming up this weekend. I hope she's feeling better from her shingles. I keep meaning to call her and ask her. What a Sweetie she is!

BTW, Mom has already seen a hummingbird at the feeder!

Chantel

Mom called last night. Chantel wants me to call Cassandra today and find out who is coming this weekend. I asked, "What happens if they don't have anyone yet?" Mom replied, "Well, I guess Chantel will just go." Talking big; no concern. I suggested Chantel may have to work 4 days on/4 days off for a while until they can find someone that suits her schedule. Mom said, "Chantel's not going to do that. She's like family." So now I'm wondering, Why can't this "family member" (Chantel) call Cassandra herself???

Sunday Night

Dad didn't sleep good Sunday night, so needless to say, neither did Mom or Brandon. Mom said Dad hollered for her all night. She gave him a pill for agitation but no morphine. She said "everybody" acts like I'm doing something so bad when I give that to him. I reminded her that everytime he gets moved, or has a busy day, he does not sleep that night, so to give him the morphine. I told her when the visiting nurse comes to ask her about a prescription for Ambien. But I don't think a visiting nurse is coming anymore. We're caught in never, never land between the hospice and the V.A. Mom was worried that Brandon was shaken up after Sunday night's experience. I'm sure it's hard on the kids to see their Papa like this. He's not the big, powerful man that they grew up with all their lives.

Please read the labels of all foods you bring to family gatherings

If you'll go to this website, you'll see that there's literally hundreds of foods that could contain pine nuts. That's why it's so important to read the labels of all foods that you bring to family gatherings. Please make that a habit from now on. The last time I was in the hospital with anaphylactic shock, it was such a struggle for me to stay here. I almost lost the fight. An intuitive nurse in the emergency room sensed that and kept screaming in my face for me to stay with her. So please, read the labels.

http://allrecipes.com/Search/Ingredients.aspx?WithTerm=&SearchIn=All&Wanted1=pine+nuts

11:06 a.m.

Just talked to Cassandra. Suzy won't be back. Claudette won't either, unfortunately. Claudette is an hourly person, not a live-in. She was apparently doing the agency a favor the weekend she came. Fred yesterday said we're going to run out of people. I told him Griswold might, but we won't. They're not the only game in town, and there's lots of home health care agencies out there! Fortunately I still have all my original info. I never deleted it.

Monday, May 12th

Waiting for Cassandra to call me back so I can tell her Suzy is a "NO"!

Yesterday was good. I always enjoy being with my family!

Some things I learned yesterday:

1. Dad's oxygen is now on level 8. I've heard for years that emphysema is a chronic and progressive disease.
2. Mom gathered (found?) all her bills together yesterday to be paid, and she says they are all late. Maybe I can convince her to take me to the bank with her next Saturday morning to put my name on the signature card and her checks.
3. When Anna came Saturday, she brought 3 books to loan to us on caregiving for elderly parents, etc. I'm sure Mom won't get around to reading them, so help yourselves. But please return the book to Mom's house so that one day we can give them back to Anna.
4. Chantel makes a salad or something healthy for Mom every night. But Mom keeps getting up from her dinner and wandering off looking for something. One night Reynolds was there and Chantel asked him to sit at the dinner table with her until she finished eating.

BTW, Mom seemed stuck for a while on the riding lawnmower. They paid Sears around $400 to fix it, and around another $50 on a new battery for it. When she asked me a few weeks ago, "What are we going to do with that lawnmower?", Dad got very agitated. He kept saying Reynolds' name. I asked, "Reynolds is going to take care of it?" and he said, "Yes". I motioned to Mom to let it go. Mom told me Reynolds was going to bring his own lawnmower over. But then Robert mowed their grass last week. So it's a good thing the riding lawnmower is still there. I just hope we don't go over there one day and it's gone. What did she do with the treadmill that was in the computer room? Does anyone know? I'm hoping she gave it to one of us. But I'll always remember the time we visited Grandmother and her car was gone. She sold it she said. But she didn't remember who she sold it to or for how much.

Happy Mother's Day

Our annual Mother's Day Extravaganza has been postponed to the weekend of May 26th. Today we will all gather at Mom and Dad's house. Chicken and fixin's from Publix. We will set Mom's hibiscus in a pot on the back porch and set up the hummingbird feeder. Her Mother's Day presents from the 4 of us. We think she and Dad will enjoy having humming birds as part of the bird menagerie that they enjoy watching from the family room window. BTW, Dad's in a hospital bed that is set up in the family room. It affords him a great view of the birds and back yard, and also the t.v. (Thus came the name "Operation Remote Control") Assume the pose everybody!