Good Health

I got Dad to the Dr. this morning. He is in perfect health and has an appointment for a recheck in 6 months. That was all he wanted to hear. He takes a pill in the morning that helps keep his veins open (a holdover preventive since the stroke 30 years ago.) And if you believe in the tooth fairy, then aricept is taken in the evening to slow the natural effects on the brain from getting older faster. And I give him two Tylenol PM with the hope that it makes him sleep for a longer stretch at night. I do think it keeps him sedated enough so I don't worry about him walking out of the house. As far as continuous sleep you know it ranges from 4 hours to 8 hours most nights. So probably the Tylenol is more for me than for him.

Not missed

Pat and I spent Wed. and Thurs. evenings at camp. Brenda took Dad to a camp about 40 miles away on Thursday for dinner. She had arranged it as a surprise for Dad. The Browns have kept in touch with him by stopping in each summer. Then she also took him to dinner at a restaurant on Friday evening.
I got some advice on how to properly crisp the bacon like Brenda did it.
The photos are last night when they returned and this morning after breakfast.

Overnight at Camp

He slept the whole night. Then he seemed groggy in the morning and couldn't decide what he preferred to wear. Once Pat got him fed he sat in a straight backed chair and put his head on his arms and there he stayed for hours. He was quiet the rest of the day coming home and into last night.

He would not eat supper because he was sure Brenda was taking him to dinner on Thursday. (Which she did last week.) I am sure all is forgiven because she called early this morning to confirm for tonight.

Short Visits

The McMahons provided a fun day for Dad. He really makes an effort to be alert and act as the usual host. He wasn't going to join us at the Black Pond, Ontario Lake trip. He would be ok by himself. I reminded him that he sometimes says that he would like to make my life easier and that going with us would be something he could do to make me happy. So we loaded Brenda's wheelchair and enjoyed the sun.

Later we all went out to eat. Kate and Lauren were free with their affection and Dad ended his day happily.

Worth the Wait

We sat in the driveway most of the day. But wasn't our patience rewarded ? And then Pat served a great meal before bedtime.

Predictions?

We went to bed about 9pm at camp. Dad slept about 10 hours solid. He went out last night because Brenda had other obligations for tonight. He started preparing himself about noon and was almost worn out before she arrived. For the past 4 weeks he has had stomach problems twice each night after a drink and dinner out. So I predicted the same for last night. Wrong again. He slept from the end of the game about midnight until 8am this morning. Then had the bathroom visit.

Here are his favorite sneakers. They are almost as old as Dad, but he won't allow any new ones.

Waiting

We are waiting for visitors. Tomorrow we three, (Dad, Pat, and I) go to camp and return on Thursday so Dad can make a dinner engagement with Brenda.

Traffic Watching

An uneventful weekend. Dad still gets up about 2-3 times each night. Last night he covered about 10 topics in a few minutes. He was still talking about all the stuff we had to do when I flipped him back into bed. As he gets physically weaker he seems to me to be trying to be more independent.

The sun is hiding again this evening so Heather has moved him inside.

Hurray for the Future

After 7 hours of sound sleep we were up at 6:30 watching tv trying to get awake before clean-up time. There were tears in his eyes and he was chocked up saying, "He's a pretty good ole boy," as the president spoke of world understanding in Egypt.

Routines

About 9pm, before the pills, Dad enjoys a small ice cream. Bedtime is about 10 now that there are no NBA games. Up at 3, 6, and 8.

He wants to "wake up" with a face wash and hair comb before breakfast.

Today is warm enough and sunny so I expect he will have outdoor time.

Medical Advice

The nurse that checked me out today used to work with old folks. She advised that Tylenol pm, besides helping one sleep, has benedril which closes off the water works, especially in old men. Even with the pills he still gets up once or twice a night to pee and give me advice.

The drug rep said that 40% of the cost of medicine goes to the wholesaler and the pharmacist.

This morning we were going to look at a cement project. The barn needed new gutters. Nothing fancy, no mechanical cleaners. A nice clean job for cash. At 4am I was excited to hear of our next adventure.

Lernin

Dad has learned that the Norwegian Cow Bell makes a startling noise as it falls off the dresser. Of course that is the point so I can sleep a little deeper knowing that when he moves I will be awake. Now I find him quietly removing the bell and setting it on the walker so no one will be disturbed.

For my part I have learned not to try to converse while he is under the influence of Tylenol PM (10pm-8am). This morning at 4 I was told that someone would have to supervise the opening of the coke bottles and see to the distribution among the multitudes.

He is very independent thinking lately. He does not think he needs any help. Even though I caught him 3 times yesterday to prevent serious falls. He will sit still for hours and the minute I am out of sight he will get up to move.

He values highly his night out with Brenda. This week she is with her sister on Friday, so they plan a Thursday meal out. I am lernin that the night out night precipitates at least two very complicated trips to the bathroom.