Today was report day for Dad. Eight of the official people discussed him like we all have with our children. Imagine sitting there hearing others tell how they see your parent. He was visited by mental health but the recommendations are not in yet. He has no sleep schedule and does not spend as much time horizontal in bed as everyone would like. His ankle is very swollen. He also will only accommodate the helpers on his own time when he is ready, not always when they ask him to. At such times he can be nasty. But at other times he is talkative and charming. He seems content and does not ask about moving home. When someone mentions a person or place he knows, he talks about it. But he does not inquire about others. After the offical meeting, one of the cute caregivers told me that she was wearing white slacks so she bent over to pick up something and was surprised to be goosed. Dad giggled and was quite pleased with himself. If you want to get a feel for his life now, read "Water For Elephants." It is told by an old man about his circus days. But his life in the home is exactly like I see Dads'. The picture was taken while he was telling me about the stiff brush used to clean between his toes. "It was just like the one we used to clean the milkhouse."

Dad seems to be settled in. He gets very good care. There are many activities and tons of food. They provide way more food than what we check on the weekly menus. For most feedings he needs help, but he will fork some and pick up a glass. I commented that he ate more for dinner (lunch at 1pm is the largest meal) than I could in a week. He said it was easy, "start at the bottom and work your way up." He always has something going on in his head to worry over. The car needs gas, the snowmobiles need service, he lost his jack-knife and needs a new one to peel potatoes. A cute helper left our table and he asked if I had hired her. I said, "no, but I would if given the choice." He said, "you haven't lost all your taste then." He needs two to help move around. They often walk him some, but he gave up the regular morning physical therapy. He calls us by name coming and going, but mostly talks what seems balony to me. But he is friendly and not complaining and certainly way beyond our home care.

Tuesday. One week in his new home. It appears as if he slept a bit for the first time. He talked some sense today and knew Pat was the best wife in the world. I felt a bit guilty this morning as I sat around while Dad was going to the gym.

Dad was looking pretty well today. We finished lunch about 1:30. Shaved and went outside for some sun. I read to him from my latest book. Too cold so we returned to the inside where he would doze in the chair, wake up and suggest we go inside where it would be warmer. I think he sees me without a coat and worries that I might be cold. He would make comments that were true and the next sentence was nonsense. He seemed to know that he was not in his home, but he spoke well of where he was.
The dining room is across from his room and is about twice the size of the picture.

Ninety eight