Tuesday, August 30, 2016
We had macaroni and hamburger casserole and broccoli. Mom had already finished her beverages when I arrived. They didn't serve her until 6:15. The server didn't leave enough desserts at the table. Mom was upset about this.
She kept saying she wasn't hungry and hardly touched her meal. She did eat her dessert. We got some chopped up oranges and I gave mom a piece and she ate that.
I tried to encourage her to eat her veggies, but she was being difficult. She even put a spoonful of broccoli on my plate. I told her that if she ate her veggies, I would give her another piece of orange. Eventually everyone had finished eating and left the table. She asked why she had to stay so I told her she had to eat more. She did eat a little more broccoli and casserole so I gave her a small piece of orange.
We went back to the room so the girls could use the washroom before we went to play card bingo.
Mr. George and his wife were there. He was being such a smarty pants today. He told the volunteer that he hated her because she wouldn't give him his own cards to play with. He has to share with his wife because she can't play. He asked the woman across from him if she was pregnant. She said that she had a hernia and they couldn't operate on it. She said she was 96. He told me he was 102. He said he was born in 1911. I doubt it. He had two bananas. He told me that he would give me one if I wanted to put it between my legs. Irma was not impressed. I was so shocked I couldn't say anything. He started telling all the women that they were pretty. Then Anna asked him if he wanted to go downtown with her. He said sure. He said that he wanted to lie on top of her. I told him that he was going to have to sit in the corner if he didn't behave himself and he was going to be in big trouble.
Once we started playing card bingo he was quiet.
Neither Donna or mom won card bingo today. After card bingo the girls got their jackets and we went to the dog park. There were a lot of dogs, but they were already leaving when we got to our usual bench. There were 3 dogs that seemed to be part of the same family even though they were 3 different breeds: Australian Shepherd, Weimaraner and a black dog. They were running around the dog park. It was entertaining for mom and Donna.
When we got back, Donna wanted to sit with Michael in the television room, so I thought it was a good opportunity to go and visit Uncle Tom. I told the nurse because I didn't want mom to miss cocoa. It was almost 7:00 p.m. already. Mom was happy to see Uncle Tom. She was acting almost normal. I think Uncle Tom was happy to have company. He was impressed that mom could remember song lyrics. He said that after his surgery his memory wasn't so good.
When we got back upstairs, it was 7:15 and they still hadn't served the hot cocoa.
Tuesday 30 August 2016
Saturday 27 August 2016
Uncle Tom
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Went to visit Uncle Tom at the hospice. I entered St. Michael's on the main floor and took the elevator to the hospice one floor below. He seemed rather thin, but fine. He said that he had tried to visit my mom, but she wouldn't even look at him.
I went back upstairs to get mom. Donna and mom had left the television room and had returned to their room to use the washroom. I explained to Donna that we were going to visit an old friend at the hospice downstairs.
We walked together back towards the television room where Donna went to continue watching the news. I told her we would be back for cocoa in 20 minutes. Mom was a little apprehensive about going into the elevator, but I told her not to worry.
I don't know if she remembered Uncle Tom, but she was all smiles. Uncle Tom chatted in Japanese to her and offered her a Japanese ginger-flavoured cracker. Mom put the whole thing in her mouth. I told her to chew. I forget that she is just like a 3 year old child sometimes. I should have watched her so that I could have told her to bite off a piece.
Mom looks so robust compared to poor Uncle Tom.
Mom was conversing a little and it seemed she was almost a regular person, but that didn't last long. She can't carry on a conversation. We sang a few songs together and mom and Uncle Tom sang and we enjoyed ourselves for a few minutes.
Before we knew it, the 20 minutes was up. Actually, mom reminded me. I told mom to give Uncle Tom a hug. He was surprised. It was probably the first time they embraced. I gave him a hug too. I felt kind of emotional because I thought he was probably going to die soon. We told him we would come again.
Mom was a little worried about the elevator again. It took a long time to come. I held her hand.
When we got off the elevator, I tried to get her to run, but she just walked really fast. Donna was already waiting at the regular table for cocoa when we joined her.
There was nothing again in the laundry basket. I found one pair of soiled underpants in the drawer and possibly two pairs of worn socks.
Mom's toothbrush was missing. I informed the nurse, but I don't know if she will get one.
I'll try and go tomorrow and bring a toothbrush.
Went to visit Uncle Tom at the hospice. I entered St. Michael's on the main floor and took the elevator to the hospice one floor below. He seemed rather thin, but fine. He said that he had tried to visit my mom, but she wouldn't even look at him.
I went back upstairs to get mom. Donna and mom had left the television room and had returned to their room to use the washroom. I explained to Donna that we were going to visit an old friend at the hospice downstairs.
We walked together back towards the television room where Donna went to continue watching the news. I told her we would be back for cocoa in 20 minutes. Mom was a little apprehensive about going into the elevator, but I told her not to worry.
I don't know if she remembered Uncle Tom, but she was all smiles. Uncle Tom chatted in Japanese to her and offered her a Japanese ginger-flavoured cracker. Mom put the whole thing in her mouth. I told her to chew. I forget that she is just like a 3 year old child sometimes. I should have watched her so that I could have told her to bite off a piece.
Mom looks so robust compared to poor Uncle Tom.
Mom was conversing a little and it seemed she was almost a regular person, but that didn't last long. She can't carry on a conversation. We sang a few songs together and mom and Uncle Tom sang and we enjoyed ourselves for a few minutes.
Before we knew it, the 20 minutes was up. Actually, mom reminded me. I told mom to give Uncle Tom a hug. He was surprised. It was probably the first time they embraced. I gave him a hug too. I felt kind of emotional because I thought he was probably going to die soon. We told him we would come again.
Mom was a little worried about the elevator again. It took a long time to come. I held her hand.
When we got off the elevator, I tried to get her to run, but she just walked really fast. Donna was already waiting at the regular table for cocoa when we joined her.
There was nothing again in the laundry basket. I found one pair of soiled underpants in the drawer and possibly two pairs of worn socks.
Mom's toothbrush was missing. I informed the nurse, but I don't know if she will get one.
I'll try and go tomorrow and bring a toothbrush.
Wednesday 24 August 2016
Beef dip
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Mom was already being served food when I arrived.
She got up and said she had to go to the washroom.
I went with her since I wanted to leave my things in her closet.
When we got back to the table she was ready to eat.
She seemed hungry. Probably because she hadn't had her beverages yet.
She immediately grabbed a spoon, so I substituted a fork. She was okay with it.
They served us coffee. We usually have tea.
They forgot my milk and apple juice.
They forgot Ailene and Donna's desserts. I went to go and ask the lady with the cart, but she was so slow that by the time I got back to the table, Ailene had already wandered off in her wheelchair, pushing with one leg and one arm to the kitchen. I had to shout for her to come back because she doesn't hear so well.
Jackie wasn't there for the beef dip.
It was dinner music day too.
I had to show mom several times how to dip her sandwich. She protested, but then seemed to get the hang of it. She even sat up a bit so that the beef dip sauce wouldn't drip.
Mom won two bags of chips from the Bingo. I told her to give one bag to the young woman who was helping us, but she kept resisting. In the end, she only had one bag, but I don't know what she did with the other.
Santa insisted on giving me a banana.
We went to the dog park, but there were ony two little dogs that we could see from far off.
We saw a woman with a baby buggy and her two children. We all exchanged greetings and the kids waved. Mom and Donna enjoyed that.
Mom was already being served food when I arrived.
She got up and said she had to go to the washroom.
I went with her since I wanted to leave my things in her closet.
When we got back to the table she was ready to eat.
She seemed hungry. Probably because she hadn't had her beverages yet.
She immediately grabbed a spoon, so I substituted a fork. She was okay with it.
They served us coffee. We usually have tea.
They forgot my milk and apple juice.
They forgot Ailene and Donna's desserts. I went to go and ask the lady with the cart, but she was so slow that by the time I got back to the table, Ailene had already wandered off in her wheelchair, pushing with one leg and one arm to the kitchen. I had to shout for her to come back because she doesn't hear so well.
Jackie wasn't there for the beef dip.
It was dinner music day too.
I had to show mom several times how to dip her sandwich. She protested, but then seemed to get the hang of it. She even sat up a bit so that the beef dip sauce wouldn't drip.
Mom won two bags of chips from the Bingo. I told her to give one bag to the young woman who was helping us, but she kept resisting. In the end, she only had one bag, but I don't know what she did with the other.
Santa insisted on giving me a banana.
We went to the dog park, but there were ony two little dogs that we could see from far off.
We saw a woman with a baby buggy and her two children. We all exchanged greetings and the kids waved. Mom and Donna enjoyed that.
Sunday 21 August 2016
Wrapped in a napkin
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Mom spotted me as I walked into the television room. Donna waved hello. I explained to mom that I was going to put her clothes away. She decided to stay with the others.
I noticed a few things in the dirty clothes hamper: a pair of underpants and an undershirt.
I opened her clothes drawer and started taking out face towels, a bib, pairs of trousers, etc. I hung up her clothes in the closet after I checked for stains.
Mom appeared. I had her try on some things that I thought might not fit. A couple of pairs of pants were too tight.
I found something wrapped in a napkin. Mom didn't know what it was. I turned out it was a pair of soiled underpants.
I bought some new underwear that I took to the nurses' station to get labeled.
I grabbed a jacket for mom and told Donna to bring a jacket. When we got to the dog park, all the benches were taken, but when I asked a couple if we could join them, they got up and said they were leaving. They had a beautiful white dog with them named Won-won. I guess Japanese and Chinese dogs speak the same language.
We saw a Pekinese today too. The other smaller dogs in the park came to check her out.
The wind came up so mom wanted to put on her jacket. We all agreed it was a good thing we brought out coats since the weather was changeable.
Mom spotted me as I walked into the television room. Donna waved hello. I explained to mom that I was going to put her clothes away. She decided to stay with the others.
I noticed a few things in the dirty clothes hamper: a pair of underpants and an undershirt.
I opened her clothes drawer and started taking out face towels, a bib, pairs of trousers, etc. I hung up her clothes in the closet after I checked for stains.
Mom appeared. I had her try on some things that I thought might not fit. A couple of pairs of pants were too tight.
I found something wrapped in a napkin. Mom didn't know what it was. I turned out it was a pair of soiled underpants.
I bought some new underwear that I took to the nurses' station to get labeled.
I grabbed a jacket for mom and told Donna to bring a jacket. When we got to the dog park, all the benches were taken, but when I asked a couple if we could join them, they got up and said they were leaving. They had a beautiful white dog with them named Won-won. I guess Japanese and Chinese dogs speak the same language.
We saw a Pekinese today too. The other smaller dogs in the park came to check her out.
The wind came up so mom wanted to put on her jacket. We all agreed it was a good thing we brought out coats since the weather was changeable.
Friday 19 August 2016
Picking up guys at the dog park
Friday, August 19, 2016
Arrived during the horse races.
Went to mom's room to sort out laundry.
Mom's laundry basket was full of stuff.
Mom was happy to see me.
After the races, mom didn't want to leave.
She didn't know it was all over.
She didn't want to get out of her chair.
Donna and I had to explain that it was over and she had to get up and get out of the way.
Finally she could see that everyone was leaving. I thought mom and Donna were well on their way so I went to get Santa. First I had to help Irma unlock her wheelchair and get her out of the way.
Mom was motioning me to hurry so I told her to go with Donna back to the room.
Santa told me she won 3 times at the races and gave me a chocolate. I left Santa at her usual spot and left the chocolate at the nurse's station.
We didn't get to the dog park until 7:00 p.m. All the benches were taken so we joined an older Chinese gentleman. He explained that he was from Taiwan and that he had been studying English for one year. He said that his English teacher told him that he should practice speaking English by talking to strangers.
After a few minutes, another man walked by. He asked the Chinese man how he had managed to be surrounded by 3 lovely women. The old man told us he was 79 and asked us how old we were. Donna said she was 80 and I told them mom was 82 in October. The Chinese man was 68. The 79 year old bald man was hilarious. First he thought I had dyed my hair so I assured him it was natural. He told us about his trip to Cuba and how Billy Joel had done an impromptu concert on the beach. He also told us that rum was $2 a glass. He said he was in Cuba for the beaches but not the women because he was gay. Then he told us he wasn't gay.
Donna said she had been to Cuba as well. I think when Donna had repeated the same story, the man clued in that something was odd. He asked us where we lived. He asked me if I was working at St. Michael's. Then, mom thought it was time to go and we parted ways.
When we got back, mom and Donna's hot cocoa and pastries were waiting.
Arrived during the horse races.
Went to mom's room to sort out laundry.
Mom's laundry basket was full of stuff.
Mom was happy to see me.
After the races, mom didn't want to leave.
She didn't know it was all over.
She didn't want to get out of her chair.
Donna and I had to explain that it was over and she had to get up and get out of the way.
Finally she could see that everyone was leaving. I thought mom and Donna were well on their way so I went to get Santa. First I had to help Irma unlock her wheelchair and get her out of the way.
Mom was motioning me to hurry so I told her to go with Donna back to the room.
Santa told me she won 3 times at the races and gave me a chocolate. I left Santa at her usual spot and left the chocolate at the nurse's station.
We didn't get to the dog park until 7:00 p.m. All the benches were taken so we joined an older Chinese gentleman. He explained that he was from Taiwan and that he had been studying English for one year. He said that his English teacher told him that he should practice speaking English by talking to strangers.
After a few minutes, another man walked by. He asked the Chinese man how he had managed to be surrounded by 3 lovely women. The old man told us he was 79 and asked us how old we were. Donna said she was 80 and I told them mom was 82 in October. The Chinese man was 68. The 79 year old bald man was hilarious. First he thought I had dyed my hair so I assured him it was natural. He told us about his trip to Cuba and how Billy Joel had done an impromptu concert on the beach. He also told us that rum was $2 a glass. He said he was in Cuba for the beaches but not the women because he was gay. Then he told us he wasn't gay.
Donna said she had been to Cuba as well. I think when Donna had repeated the same story, the man clued in that something was odd. He asked us where we lived. He asked me if I was working at St. Michael's. Then, mom thought it was time to go and we parted ways.
When we got back, mom and Donna's hot cocoa and pastries were waiting.
Tuesday 16 August 2016
Greek dinner
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Charlene drove me from work to mom's place today. Mom and Donna enjoyed chatting with Charlene.
We had a nice Greek dinner today. We had Greek chicken thighs, salad, mixed vegetables and rice pilaf. Mom ate most of the veggies and rice and a tiny bit of the chicken. I cut up some moister bits of chicken for her and she was adamant she wouldn't eat it, but she did. She protested against eating the green pepper and cucumber, but she did.
After dinner mom wanted me to stay and clear the table. I just waited a minute and then followed her.
I couldn't find any laundry. None in the laundry basket.
Dinner was late today.
We played card bingo and mom was able to concentrate a bit. Donna won a bag of potato chips.
After bingo we went to the dog park, but not before Donna went to the washroom and then grabbed her sunglasses and hat. Donna goes to the washroom a lot.
There were a few dogs at the park. There were some small dogs and medium dogs. We saw someone walking two black pommeranians - at least that's what they looked like. Really fluffy. They must have been so hot.
We got back in time for hot cocoa and a cookie. Their table had something sticky spilled on it so I grabbed a bib and put some disinfectant on it and wiped the area.
Charlene drove me from work to mom's place today. Mom and Donna enjoyed chatting with Charlene.
We had a nice Greek dinner today. We had Greek chicken thighs, salad, mixed vegetables and rice pilaf. Mom ate most of the veggies and rice and a tiny bit of the chicken. I cut up some moister bits of chicken for her and she was adamant she wouldn't eat it, but she did. She protested against eating the green pepper and cucumber, but she did.
After dinner mom wanted me to stay and clear the table. I just waited a minute and then followed her.
I couldn't find any laundry. None in the laundry basket.
Dinner was late today.
We played card bingo and mom was able to concentrate a bit. Donna won a bag of potato chips.
After bingo we went to the dog park, but not before Donna went to the washroom and then grabbed her sunglasses and hat. Donna goes to the washroom a lot.
There were a few dogs at the park. There were some small dogs and medium dogs. We saw someone walking two black pommeranians - at least that's what they looked like. Really fluffy. They must have been so hot.
We got back in time for hot cocoa and a cookie. Their table had something sticky spilled on it so I grabbed a bib and put some disinfectant on it and wiped the area.
Sunday 14 August 2016
Chihuahua
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Mom and the gang were watching the news when I arrived.
Mom and Donna decided they wanted to go to the dog park.
I went over the photo book with mom as we waited for Donna to use the washroom and get her sunglasses and visor.
It's interesting that she said "father" in English when I pointed to her dad.
She said "mama" for her mom.
There were a lot of dogs at the dog park today. There were 3 very small dogs playing together. One was maybe a chihuahua about one year old. Then, some boisterous samoyeds showed up. One in particular, a female was practically attacking the chihuahua so the owner had to pick it up. There was a shiba inu as well. Very cute.
Mom thanked me for coming from far away.
Mom and the gang were watching the news when I arrived.
Mom and Donna decided they wanted to go to the dog park.
I went over the photo book with mom as we waited for Donna to use the washroom and get her sunglasses and visor.
It's interesting that she said "father" in English when I pointed to her dad.
She said "mama" for her mom.
There were a lot of dogs at the dog park today. There were 3 very small dogs playing together. One was maybe a chihuahua about one year old. Then, some boisterous samoyeds showed up. One in particular, a female was practically attacking the chihuahua so the owner had to pick it up. There was a shiba inu as well. Very cute.
Mom thanked me for coming from far away.
Laundry hamper
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Mom and the gang were watching the news in the Fraser Room when I arrived.
I had bought a laundry hamper for mom. I tried to explain what she was supposed to do, but I don't think she understood. I even wrote in both English and Japanese "laundry." I found some dirty underwear in her drawer.
Mom is getting so fat. Her clothes are all tight. There was a large pair of pants in her closet and someone had written her name on them. I thought they were huge, but she was wearing them today and they fit. She was wearing a top that was huge at one time, but now it is bursting at the seams.
She has to wear clothing brands now she disdained in the past.
We went out to the dog park. The weather was beautiful! A nice breeze and warm. Unfortunately there was only one dog in the park. We did see someone walking a fat pug that looked kind of like a pig, but the owner walked by quickly.
It was still early when we walked back. No one was in the Fraser room so we could watch whatever we wanted. I flipped through the channels until I found a cooking show. Both Donna and mom seemed interested. The meal was fried red cabbage, potato pancakes and pork belly.
After the cooking show we went to the fish tank room and sat with Santa. They were about to serve hot chocolate and cookies.
I wish mom could have milk and a piece of fruit instead.
Mom and the gang were watching the news in the Fraser Room when I arrived.
I had bought a laundry hamper for mom. I tried to explain what she was supposed to do, but I don't think she understood. I even wrote in both English and Japanese "laundry." I found some dirty underwear in her drawer.
Mom is getting so fat. Her clothes are all tight. There was a large pair of pants in her closet and someone had written her name on them. I thought they were huge, but she was wearing them today and they fit. She was wearing a top that was huge at one time, but now it is bursting at the seams.
She has to wear clothing brands now she disdained in the past.
We went out to the dog park. The weather was beautiful! A nice breeze and warm. Unfortunately there was only one dog in the park. We did see someone walking a fat pug that looked kind of like a pig, but the owner walked by quickly.
It was still early when we walked back. No one was in the Fraser room so we could watch whatever we wanted. I flipped through the channels until I found a cooking show. Both Donna and mom seemed interested. The meal was fried red cabbage, potato pancakes and pork belly.
After the cooking show we went to the fish tank room and sat with Santa. They were about to serve hot chocolate and cookies.
I wish mom could have milk and a piece of fruit instead.
Saturday 13 August 2016
Mom's wearing her glasses
Friday, August 12, 2016
Mom seemed happy to see me when I arrived. As usual she had already finished her beverages. My place setting wasn't there. It's just as well since mom sometimes drinks my beverages too. I should copy her and fill up on drinks before the meal.
Mom was wearing her glasses. This is the first time in months.
The chicken was already cut up, but I cut up the roasted potato wedges. She ate half the chicken and potato wedges, hardly touched the veggies and rice pudding. Although I tried to encourage her to eat the veggies, she insisted she wasn't hungry.
Today's topic at the dinner table was speaking an additional language. Jackie speaks some Greek because she worked there for a year. Ailene speaks some Ukranian and Greek. Donna said she taught French, but doesn't remember any and maybe learned some German.
Mom enjoyed the horse races. She made comments in Japanese about how people were throwing the die. Of course Donna couldn't understand. They enjoyed the activity.
After the races, Donna wanted to make a pit stop before we went to the dog park. I combed mom's hair. Her red comb had reappeared.
I had mom try on a pair of elastic-waisted jeans. She didn't like them before and she still didn't like them, but she tried them on and they fit. I took them to the nurses' station to get them sent for labeling. I noticed a rather large pair of pants in mom's closet. Someone had written her name in them. I'll have to remember to get mom to try them on.
Luckily there were dogs at the park today. Mom and Donna enjoyed their antics. Mom said she wanted to walk so we left Donna on the bench for a bit. Although she was hesitant when we got to the grass, she eventually came with me to get a closer look at the dogs. I wonder what she sees in the grass. I've heard that a dark floor mat could look like a hole in the floor.
Mom seemed happy to see me when I arrived. As usual she had already finished her beverages. My place setting wasn't there. It's just as well since mom sometimes drinks my beverages too. I should copy her and fill up on drinks before the meal.
Mom was wearing her glasses. This is the first time in months.
The chicken was already cut up, but I cut up the roasted potato wedges. She ate half the chicken and potato wedges, hardly touched the veggies and rice pudding. Although I tried to encourage her to eat the veggies, she insisted she wasn't hungry.
Today's topic at the dinner table was speaking an additional language. Jackie speaks some Greek because she worked there for a year. Ailene speaks some Ukranian and Greek. Donna said she taught French, but doesn't remember any and maybe learned some German.
Mom enjoyed the horse races. She made comments in Japanese about how people were throwing the die. Of course Donna couldn't understand. They enjoyed the activity.
After the races, Donna wanted to make a pit stop before we went to the dog park. I combed mom's hair. Her red comb had reappeared.
I had mom try on a pair of elastic-waisted jeans. She didn't like them before and she still didn't like them, but she tried them on and they fit. I took them to the nurses' station to get them sent for labeling. I noticed a rather large pair of pants in mom's closet. Someone had written her name in them. I'll have to remember to get mom to try them on.
Luckily there were dogs at the park today. Mom and Donna enjoyed their antics. Mom said she wanted to walk so we left Donna on the bench for a bit. Although she was hesitant when we got to the grass, she eventually came with me to get a closer look at the dogs. I wonder what she sees in the grass. I've heard that a dark floor mat could look like a hole in the floor.
Tuesday 9 August 2016
Card Bingo
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
I saw one of the activity workers from St. Michael's at the skytrain station. I wish I could have chatted with her.
Mom seemed kind of grouchy today. She had already drank all of her juice, coffee cream, and milk as usual. She told me she wasn't hungry, but she seemed anxious about not being served.
She wasn't wearing her bib. I put a bib on and then she put hers on too. She was slouching in her chair. I asked her to sit up like everybody else, but she was uncooperative.
When we were served, I cut up mom's fish for her, but she objected.
We all started eating. Mom was hesitant at first, but then she started eating. As usual, she ate only half. She said she didn't want to eat the mandarin orange sections. I asked her to try one piece and she ate it. I think she liked it, but she only ate half. I told her to eat her carrots because they were vegetables and vegetables create good poop. Finally she ate all her carrots. Donna and I praised her.
Mom had had her hair cut today.
She had some dirty underwear in her drawer. She had soiled a few pairs of underpants. I wish she would put her dirty clothes in the bag I provided for that purpose. I will have to bring in a laundry hamper maybe.
We had half and hour before card bingo so I sang some songs and did some movement exercises with mom and Donna. We sang and marched/moved to the Grand Old Duke of York, Do-Re-Mi, Yuyake koyake, Hokey Pokey, etc.
It was a full house for card bingo. There weren't any volunteers so Ming asked me and I asked one of the visitors to help. Audrey and George played together. Audrey was flipping cards randomly, but I didn't notice. I just noticed that a card was flipped that wasn't called. It turned out that it was called early in the game, but that it had been flipped back and forth. I felt bad that I had pointed it out.
It was a mad dash after the game with aggressive wheelchair driving.
I saw one of the activity workers from St. Michael's at the skytrain station. I wish I could have chatted with her.
Mom seemed kind of grouchy today. She had already drank all of her juice, coffee cream, and milk as usual. She told me she wasn't hungry, but she seemed anxious about not being served.
She wasn't wearing her bib. I put a bib on and then she put hers on too. She was slouching in her chair. I asked her to sit up like everybody else, but she was uncooperative.
When we were served, I cut up mom's fish for her, but she objected.
We all started eating. Mom was hesitant at first, but then she started eating. As usual, she ate only half. She said she didn't want to eat the mandarin orange sections. I asked her to try one piece and she ate it. I think she liked it, but she only ate half. I told her to eat her carrots because they were vegetables and vegetables create good poop. Finally she ate all her carrots. Donna and I praised her.
Mom had had her hair cut today.
She had some dirty underwear in her drawer. She had soiled a few pairs of underpants. I wish she would put her dirty clothes in the bag I provided for that purpose. I will have to bring in a laundry hamper maybe.
We had half and hour before card bingo so I sang some songs and did some movement exercises with mom and Donna. We sang and marched/moved to the Grand Old Duke of York, Do-Re-Mi, Yuyake koyake, Hokey Pokey, etc.
It was a full house for card bingo. There weren't any volunteers so Ming asked me and I asked one of the visitors to help. Audrey and George played together. Audrey was flipping cards randomly, but I didn't notice. I just noticed that a card was flipped that wasn't called. It turned out that it was called early in the game, but that it had been flipped back and forth. I felt bad that I had pointed it out.
It was a mad dash after the game with aggressive wheelchair driving.
Sunday 7 August 2016
Not hungry
Sunday, August 7, 2016.
We were almost out the gate, but mom held back. She said she had to go to the washroom. Luckily Hiroko was with me and could take mom to the washroom.
I accompanied Donna and Michael to our usual bench. There was only one dog in the park.
I asked Michael to look after Donna while I went to check on Hiroko and my mom.
A nurse saw me by the door and told me that she had seen Hiroko and my mom go to the guest washroom at the entrance to the building. I thought it was odd that they would go there, but maybe mom couldn't remember how to get to her room.
I saw Hiroko and my mom come around the other side of the building.
There were no dogs at the dog park. Anyways we sat and chatted awhile and then mom said she was cold so we headed back. Michael wanted to linger in the garden outside the door.
Mom and Donna headed back to their room.
The nurse stopped me and told me that mom had not eaten dinner tonight. Of course mom didn't remember anything. Later in their room, Donna said that mom had left the table at one point and didn't return.
Hiroko suggested that we give mom the left over California roll. Mom offered one to Donna and then ate the rest. She must have been hungry although she denied it.
At this point, mom still looks overweight so I don't think that her missing a meal is an issue. I suspect she is filling up on drinks before the meal and snacks so that she is not hungry during her meal.
We were almost out the gate, but mom held back. She said she had to go to the washroom. Luckily Hiroko was with me and could take mom to the washroom.
I accompanied Donna and Michael to our usual bench. There was only one dog in the park.
I asked Michael to look after Donna while I went to check on Hiroko and my mom.
A nurse saw me by the door and told me that she had seen Hiroko and my mom go to the guest washroom at the entrance to the building. I thought it was odd that they would go there, but maybe mom couldn't remember how to get to her room.
I saw Hiroko and my mom come around the other side of the building.
There were no dogs at the dog park. Anyways we sat and chatted awhile and then mom said she was cold so we headed back. Michael wanted to linger in the garden outside the door.
Mom and Donna headed back to their room.
The nurse stopped me and told me that mom had not eaten dinner tonight. Of course mom didn't remember anything. Later in their room, Donna said that mom had left the table at one point and didn't return.
Hiroko suggested that we give mom the left over California roll. Mom offered one to Donna and then ate the rest. She must have been hungry although she denied it.
At this point, mom still looks overweight so I don't think that her missing a meal is an issue. I suspect she is filling up on drinks before the meal and snacks so that she is not hungry during her meal.
Mom's dilemma, the spider and the mouse
Saturday, August 6, 2016
I visited after dinner today. I was on my way to mom's room, when I suddenly stopped. I think mom and Donna were just coming from the Fraser room. They flagged me down and I joined them. I asked them if they wanted to go to the dog park. Donna was enthusiastic and Michael said he wanted to go too. The plan was to go back to their rooms, get jackets and then meet in the hall.
Mom and Donna both used the toilet. While I was waiting for the girls, I put clean clothes in mom's drawer, hung some up and checked the laundry bag. There was a big spider. Luckily I was able to dispose of it quickly outside via a side door. Then, I had to help Donna zip her jacket. It was difficult for me and I don't have arthritis like Donna. We said "bye" to Gerry who was watching the Olympics and set off to the nurses' station to sign out.
Michael was waiting for us. I told them to go ahead. I couldn't remember which room Michael was in so I couldn't sign him out in the book and no staff was around. I decided to just go. The gang was confused about which way to go so I had to lead the way. The gate was closed, but unlocked so I locked it after we had gone through.
I could see Santa and her companion sitting on the bench that I wanted to use. Normally the girls go to the farthest bench, but Michael is not as mobile. Today we saw some beagles at the east end as we approached. We watched them as we waited for Michael to catch up. We joined Santa and her "daughter-in-law" on the bench. Michael and Donna sat on the bench and mom sat in Donna's walker. Donna made sure that the locks were engaged on her walker. Good thing, because I never thought of it. Santa was happy to see us.
We sat and watched the dogs. Donna and Michael chatted about the dogs. We saw a friendly chocolate spaniel. I think he had been shaved. He looked so soft. He was rotund. The owner stopped and chatted a bit. Michael asked her some questions about the dog's breed and Santa asked how old it was. Santa's sentences are usually only one or two words, but she gets her point across.
We saw a cute, brown, miniature poodle. It was the smallest dog in the park. Today there were mostly smaller dogs at the park. They all seemed to play nicely.
Mom started to complain that she was cold so I decided to head back. Michael wanted to stay longer. Santa's companion volunteered to take Michael back.
After I locked the gate and caught up with the girls, Donna told me that she had seen a tiny mouse scurry by.
At the nurses' station I explained that I had taken Michael out, but that Santa's companion was going to bring him back. The staff member said it was fine and that he could come back by himself.
We played cards in the fish tank room. We played "war." Donna kept saying that she had never played the game before. I asked them which card was the strongest and they were able to do this more or less. Mom kept wanting to look at her cards to pick the strongest ones. She won both games. Donna wanted to continue playing, but I suggested we join Santa and her companion who had just returned. Santa's companion pointed to Michael who was sitting outside to let me know he was safe.
I went back to mom's room to pick up my things and when I came back, the girls had their hot chocolate and a big oatmeal cookie. I went to hug mom and say "good-bye," but I could see she was wondering what to do with the cookie in her hand. She didn't want to put it on the table, but she had no napkin. She offered it to me, but of course I refused. Reluctantly she put it on the table and gave me a hug. We laughed and said good-bye.
I visited after dinner today. I was on my way to mom's room, when I suddenly stopped. I think mom and Donna were just coming from the Fraser room. They flagged me down and I joined them. I asked them if they wanted to go to the dog park. Donna was enthusiastic and Michael said he wanted to go too. The plan was to go back to their rooms, get jackets and then meet in the hall.
Mom and Donna both used the toilet. While I was waiting for the girls, I put clean clothes in mom's drawer, hung some up and checked the laundry bag. There was a big spider. Luckily I was able to dispose of it quickly outside via a side door. Then, I had to help Donna zip her jacket. It was difficult for me and I don't have arthritis like Donna. We said "bye" to Gerry who was watching the Olympics and set off to the nurses' station to sign out.
Michael was waiting for us. I told them to go ahead. I couldn't remember which room Michael was in so I couldn't sign him out in the book and no staff was around. I decided to just go. The gang was confused about which way to go so I had to lead the way. The gate was closed, but unlocked so I locked it after we had gone through.
I could see Santa and her companion sitting on the bench that I wanted to use. Normally the girls go to the farthest bench, but Michael is not as mobile. Today we saw some beagles at the east end as we approached. We watched them as we waited for Michael to catch up. We joined Santa and her "daughter-in-law" on the bench. Michael and Donna sat on the bench and mom sat in Donna's walker. Donna made sure that the locks were engaged on her walker. Good thing, because I never thought of it. Santa was happy to see us.
We sat and watched the dogs. Donna and Michael chatted about the dogs. We saw a friendly chocolate spaniel. I think he had been shaved. He looked so soft. He was rotund. The owner stopped and chatted a bit. Michael asked her some questions about the dog's breed and Santa asked how old it was. Santa's sentences are usually only one or two words, but she gets her point across.
We saw a cute, brown, miniature poodle. It was the smallest dog in the park. Today there were mostly smaller dogs at the park. They all seemed to play nicely.
Mom started to complain that she was cold so I decided to head back. Michael wanted to stay longer. Santa's companion volunteered to take Michael back.
After I locked the gate and caught up with the girls, Donna told me that she had seen a tiny mouse scurry by.
At the nurses' station I explained that I had taken Michael out, but that Santa's companion was going to bring him back. The staff member said it was fine and that he could come back by himself.
We played cards in the fish tank room. We played "war." Donna kept saying that she had never played the game before. I asked them which card was the strongest and they were able to do this more or less. Mom kept wanting to look at her cards to pick the strongest ones. She won both games. Donna wanted to continue playing, but I suggested we join Santa and her companion who had just returned. Santa's companion pointed to Michael who was sitting outside to let me know he was safe.
I went back to mom's room to pick up my things and when I came back, the girls had their hot chocolate and a big oatmeal cookie. I went to hug mom and say "good-bye," but I could see she was wondering what to do with the cookie in her hand. She didn't want to put it on the table, but she had no napkin. She offered it to me, but of course I refused. Reluctantly she put it on the table and gave me a hug. We laughed and said good-bye.
Tuesday 2 August 2016
Not hungry
Tuesday. August 2, 2016
Mom didn't seem very happy to see me. She said that she wasn't hungry. She hardly ate anything except for her dessert. She drank her juice and milk. She kept insisting for me to drink my juice, but I told her that I didn't want it. She kept insisting I eat her food. In the end she drank my juice.
Dinner was macaroni casserole and broccoli. Dessert was strawberry shortcake. I thought it was pretty good. We had dinner music today. Jackie likes to sing-a-long in a loud voice.
Donna said mom usually ate breakfast and lunch. Jackie said she didn't seem to like the cottage cheese for lunch today.
Mom and Donna headed back to the room while I put my chair back in the Fraserview Room. When I got to mom's room, she was just standing there. I asked her if she had gone to the toilet, but she couldn't remember. We looked at her photobook. I pointed to a photo of me as a toddler and she thought it was herself. I corrected her and showed her a photo of her and me. I showed her a photo of Chris and she thought it was me.
After Donna joined us I said we were going to play card bingo. She asked me if they had to bring anything. I told her that she just had to bring herself. Mom was hesitant to sit down next to a man at first, but then she was okay. At one point she told me that I should go home because I had things to do.
She had trouble picking out cards today. I would give her the number and that helped a bit. Most of them can only focus on one attribute at a time, like the number or the suit or the colour.
There is one couple that makes me laugh. The husband says he's 95. He holds his wife's hand a lot. He won a bag of chips and asked, "Is that all?" The facilitator asked what more he wanted. He said he wanted a car. He told the woman in front of him that she was beautiful.
Mom and Donna didn't get bingo today. but Michael and Santa did. After I wheeled Santa back to her usual perch in the fish tank room, she insisted I take her bag of potato chips. I gave them to mom.
This time mom had to use the toilet so the girls went back to the room. Then the girls went back to the Santa's table to wait for hot chocolate and I hugged them good-bye.
Mom didn't seem very happy to see me. She said that she wasn't hungry. She hardly ate anything except for her dessert. She drank her juice and milk. She kept insisting for me to drink my juice, but I told her that I didn't want it. She kept insisting I eat her food. In the end she drank my juice.
Dinner was macaroni casserole and broccoli. Dessert was strawberry shortcake. I thought it was pretty good. We had dinner music today. Jackie likes to sing-a-long in a loud voice.
Donna said mom usually ate breakfast and lunch. Jackie said she didn't seem to like the cottage cheese for lunch today.
Mom and Donna headed back to the room while I put my chair back in the Fraserview Room. When I got to mom's room, she was just standing there. I asked her if she had gone to the toilet, but she couldn't remember. We looked at her photobook. I pointed to a photo of me as a toddler and she thought it was herself. I corrected her and showed her a photo of her and me. I showed her a photo of Chris and she thought it was me.
After Donna joined us I said we were going to play card bingo. She asked me if they had to bring anything. I told her that she just had to bring herself. Mom was hesitant to sit down next to a man at first, but then she was okay. At one point she told me that I should go home because I had things to do.
She had trouble picking out cards today. I would give her the number and that helped a bit. Most of them can only focus on one attribute at a time, like the number or the suit or the colour.
There is one couple that makes me laugh. The husband says he's 95. He holds his wife's hand a lot. He won a bag of chips and asked, "Is that all?" The facilitator asked what more he wanted. He said he wanted a car. He told the woman in front of him that she was beautiful.
Mom and Donna didn't get bingo today. but Michael and Santa did. After I wheeled Santa back to her usual perch in the fish tank room, she insisted I take her bag of potato chips. I gave them to mom.
This time mom had to use the toilet so the girls went back to the room. Then the girls went back to the Santa's table to wait for hot chocolate and I hugged them good-bye.
Monday 1 August 2016
Reorganizing the drawer
Sunday, July 31, 2016
The gang was in the Fraser Room when I arrived at 6:00 pm. They had just had dinner. Some type of pasta, maybe tortellini with a tomato sauce and rice pudding for dessert. Donna said everybody enjoyed it. I don't think mom likes the rice pudding very much.
I helped Michael find the news with the remote. Michael likes to watch the news. Donna and mom often join Michael in the Fraser Room to watch television. Santa, pushed in her wheelchair by one of her sons, came to join them.
I went to mom's room to reorganize her clothes drawer. I noticed the last time that there were a bunch of towels in there. Mom is hoarding towels and napkins. I think they place towels on her bed every morning and every night and she doesn't know what to do with them so she puts them away. She's been hoarding napkins for a long time, even when she was at home. She usually doesn't use her napkin and then she puts the unused or lightly used napkin in her pocket.
I took everything out of her drawer and checked each item to see that it was clean. I found a pair of slightly soiled underpants, some socks that may have been worn and a couple of pairs of lightly stained trousers.
Mom and Donna came to investigate. I guess they got bored with the news. Donna asked what we were going to do and I suggested going to the dog park, but she didn't seem too enthusiastic. She said that her hips were sore. Then she went to use the toilet.
Mom watched me as I sorted and folded her things. I pulled out her purse and wallet and asked if I could put them in her closet. I checked the purse and wallet and her money seemed to be intact. I returned the towels to the laundry bin and threw out most of the napkins.
After Donna returned she seemed ready to go out. She got her sunglasses, a visor and put on a sweater. I grabbed a jacket for mom.
It was a bright sunny evening with a light breeze and there were a lot of dogs in the park, big dogs. There was a group of 4 Samoyeds. They were cute with their thick white fur and black noses. Their owner climbed over the fence and left the enclosure so they all were standing by the fence and we could see them clearly. I explained that they were waiting for their mom to come back. Mom smiled. There were other smaller dogs in the dog park as well. The dogs were having a great time chasing balls and each other.
I gave mom and Donna some grapes to munch on. They enjoyed them. But they only ate a few.
On the way back, Donna stopped to chat with a male nurse. She told him that we had gone to the dog park and there had been a lot of dogs to see.
Donna and mom joined Michael and Santa in front of the television. I took mom and Donna's jackets, etc. back to the room, gathered mom's laundry and was ready to go. I met mom on the way to the Fraser room, she said she had to go to the washroom. We hugged and mom told me to be careful on the way home.
The gang was in the Fraser Room when I arrived at 6:00 pm. They had just had dinner. Some type of pasta, maybe tortellini with a tomato sauce and rice pudding for dessert. Donna said everybody enjoyed it. I don't think mom likes the rice pudding very much.
I helped Michael find the news with the remote. Michael likes to watch the news. Donna and mom often join Michael in the Fraser Room to watch television. Santa, pushed in her wheelchair by one of her sons, came to join them.
I went to mom's room to reorganize her clothes drawer. I noticed the last time that there were a bunch of towels in there. Mom is hoarding towels and napkins. I think they place towels on her bed every morning and every night and she doesn't know what to do with them so she puts them away. She's been hoarding napkins for a long time, even when she was at home. She usually doesn't use her napkin and then she puts the unused or lightly used napkin in her pocket.
I took everything out of her drawer and checked each item to see that it was clean. I found a pair of slightly soiled underpants, some socks that may have been worn and a couple of pairs of lightly stained trousers.
Mom and Donna came to investigate. I guess they got bored with the news. Donna asked what we were going to do and I suggested going to the dog park, but she didn't seem too enthusiastic. She said that her hips were sore. Then she went to use the toilet.
Mom watched me as I sorted and folded her things. I pulled out her purse and wallet and asked if I could put them in her closet. I checked the purse and wallet and her money seemed to be intact. I returned the towels to the laundry bin and threw out most of the napkins.
After Donna returned she seemed ready to go out. She got her sunglasses, a visor and put on a sweater. I grabbed a jacket for mom.
It was a bright sunny evening with a light breeze and there were a lot of dogs in the park, big dogs. There was a group of 4 Samoyeds. They were cute with their thick white fur and black noses. Their owner climbed over the fence and left the enclosure so they all were standing by the fence and we could see them clearly. I explained that they were waiting for their mom to come back. Mom smiled. There were other smaller dogs in the dog park as well. The dogs were having a great time chasing balls and each other.
I gave mom and Donna some grapes to munch on. They enjoyed them. But they only ate a few.
On the way back, Donna stopped to chat with a male nurse. She told him that we had gone to the dog park and there had been a lot of dogs to see.
Donna and mom joined Michael and Santa in front of the television. I took mom and Donna's jackets, etc. back to the room, gathered mom's laundry and was ready to go. I met mom on the way to the Fraser room, she said she had to go to the washroom. We hugged and mom told me to be careful on the way home.
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