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.
Sunday, 7 August 2016
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.
Saturday, 30 July 2016
Visit with Ethel
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Ethel came for a visit today.
There was a concert in the Fraser Room.
A man with a guitar was singing. I could tell that Donna was really into it.
We didn't want to bother the girls so I took Ethel to mom's room and then we went to the dog park.
I had trouble with the gate again so reported it to the nurse's station.
After the concert the girls went to use the toilet.
While Donna was in the toilet, I combed mom's hair and clipped her bangs a bit.
I had Ethel do the sniff test on mom's clothes.
Her nose is better than mine.
Then we went to get a coffee, but coffee time was already finished so I went to get juice, but that was gone too. I didn't see any yesterday either.
I asked for water and one of the workers went to fill the juice container and began to dispense juice to the latecomers. We were all thirsty because it was a hot day. The performer came and sat with us. He was thirsty too. We all chatted a bit. Mom was smiling.
When it was time to go, she walked us to the door. I had to get her to stand back from the door just in case she triggered the lock. She seemed happy.
Ethel came for a visit today.
There was a concert in the Fraser Room.
A man with a guitar was singing. I could tell that Donna was really into it.
We didn't want to bother the girls so I took Ethel to mom's room and then we went to the dog park.
I had trouble with the gate again so reported it to the nurse's station.
After the concert the girls went to use the toilet.
While Donna was in the toilet, I combed mom's hair and clipped her bangs a bit.
I had Ethel do the sniff test on mom's clothes.
Her nose is better than mine.
Then we went to get a coffee, but coffee time was already finished so I went to get juice, but that was gone too. I didn't see any yesterday either.
I asked for water and one of the workers went to fill the juice container and began to dispense juice to the latecomers. We were all thirsty because it was a hot day. The performer came and sat with us. He was thirsty too. We all chatted a bit. Mom was smiling.
When it was time to go, she walked us to the door. I had to get her to stand back from the door just in case she triggered the lock. She seemed happy.
Friday, 29 July 2016
At the Races
Friday, July 29, 2016
Bus was late, missed connection had to walk from Metrotown. I was about 10 minutes late, but it was okay. Dinner was late today. We had lasagne, garlic bread, Caesar salad and ice cream.
Jackie really likes the garlic bread. Ailene asked for extra lasagne.
Ailene said that I should bring food for mom to eat. She was concerned because mom wasn't eating all her food. Jackie thought so too. I explained that mom had gained 10 kilos. Everyone noticed mom was only eating half of her meal but all of her dessert.
Mom ate most of her meal today.
She has trouble with her utensils. I gave her a fork for the lasagne and the spoon for her ice cream but she fought me on it. She refused to drink the water I poured for her. I worry she doesn't drink enough water.
After dinner she went back quickly to the room to use the toilet while I put my chair back. I caught up with Donna on the way to the room. While we were waiting for Donna, I looked through mom's closet and drawer looking for dirty clothes. They are supposed to be put in a pink bag in the closet, but there was only one pair of underpants.
Gerry's daughter said that she had brought in two pairs of brand new pants to be labeled and she hadn't seen them for two weeks. She said she often found strange clothes in her mom's drawers. I had the same stories. Once I found a huge bra that was obviously not mom's.
We went to the horse races. I assured Donna that we didn't need to bring anything but ourselves.
Donna picked horse number 4 and mom copied her, even though, I told her to pick horse #6. Santa's horse #2 won 3 times! Neither #4 or #6 came in.
After the races I asked Donna and mom unbeknownst to each other about going to the dog park, but they both turned me down. Donna said she was too tired today and mom ditto for mom. So mom and I placed chairs around Santa's table. George D. was there too. I wonder if he is deaf. Was asked me what we were waiting for and I told her hot cocoa. Donna wears a watch and seems to have an idea about time. I told her about 10 minutes.
I gave mom a hug, but she was hesitant. I guess she was embarrassed. Everyone waved good-bye except George D.
Bus was late, missed connection had to walk from Metrotown. I was about 10 minutes late, but it was okay. Dinner was late today. We had lasagne, garlic bread, Caesar salad and ice cream.
Jackie really likes the garlic bread. Ailene asked for extra lasagne.
Ailene said that I should bring food for mom to eat. She was concerned because mom wasn't eating all her food. Jackie thought so too. I explained that mom had gained 10 kilos. Everyone noticed mom was only eating half of her meal but all of her dessert.
Mom ate most of her meal today.
She has trouble with her utensils. I gave her a fork for the lasagne and the spoon for her ice cream but she fought me on it. She refused to drink the water I poured for her. I worry she doesn't drink enough water.
After dinner she went back quickly to the room to use the toilet while I put my chair back. I caught up with Donna on the way to the room. While we were waiting for Donna, I looked through mom's closet and drawer looking for dirty clothes. They are supposed to be put in a pink bag in the closet, but there was only one pair of underpants.
Gerry's daughter said that she had brought in two pairs of brand new pants to be labeled and she hadn't seen them for two weeks. She said she often found strange clothes in her mom's drawers. I had the same stories. Once I found a huge bra that was obviously not mom's.
We went to the horse races. I assured Donna that we didn't need to bring anything but ourselves.
Donna picked horse number 4 and mom copied her, even though, I told her to pick horse #6. Santa's horse #2 won 3 times! Neither #4 or #6 came in.
After the races I asked Donna and mom unbeknownst to each other about going to the dog park, but they both turned me down. Donna said she was too tired today and mom ditto for mom. So mom and I placed chairs around Santa's table. George D. was there too. I wonder if he is deaf. Was asked me what we were waiting for and I told her hot cocoa. Donna wears a watch and seems to have an idea about time. I told her about 10 minutes.
I gave mom a hug, but she was hesitant. I guess she was embarrassed. Everyone waved good-bye except George D.
Wednesday, 27 July 2016
Santa is back!
Tuesday, July 26th, 2016
Mom was happy to see me. We had beef stroganoff for dinner with mango pudding for dessert. Now that I know mom has gained 10 kilos, I don't care that she tries to reduce her consumption. I've also gained weight and starting from today will no longer eat everything on my plate.
When we were leaving the table, mom was concerned that the dishes had not been cleared. She wanted me to stay behind and clear the dishes. Although I tried to reassure her that it was fine to leave the dishes on the table, she seemed anxious.
Dinner was served on time today so we had plenty of time before card bingo. We went for a little walk around the back of the building.
Santa was back. I hadn't seen her for a very long time. She's so tiny and doesn't really speak English although she seems to understand very well. She said "hospital" and held up 4 fingers. I think she must have something wrong with her lungs. Her son wheeled her up across the table from my mom because that's where she wanted to be. Santa seems only to be able to move one hand and has trouble turning the cards over as do many of the people at card bingo. Mom has very good finger dexterity and is able to help the others around her. Mom was actively participating and was even able to notice when others had a card that was called and alert them. She still has trouble, but she seems to have improved for today. She turned around often to make sure that I was watching her cards carefully.
Mom and Donna both got "bingo" and won bags of potato chips.
After card bingo I wheeled Santa to her usual table by the fish tank and took mom and Donna to the dog park. We had a nice time.
Mom's orchid has lost all its flowers.
Mom's bangs are getting long. I will try and trim them next time.
I'll have to remember to bring a seam ripper and let mom's non-stretchy pants out a bit.
I should probably discontinue mom's telephone line.
Later when I got home, I realized that I had forgotten to put Santa's wheel chair brakes on. Yikes!
Mom was happy to see me. We had beef stroganoff for dinner with mango pudding for dessert. Now that I know mom has gained 10 kilos, I don't care that she tries to reduce her consumption. I've also gained weight and starting from today will no longer eat everything on my plate.
When we were leaving the table, mom was concerned that the dishes had not been cleared. She wanted me to stay behind and clear the dishes. Although I tried to reassure her that it was fine to leave the dishes on the table, she seemed anxious.
Dinner was served on time today so we had plenty of time before card bingo. We went for a little walk around the back of the building.
Santa was back. I hadn't seen her for a very long time. She's so tiny and doesn't really speak English although she seems to understand very well. She said "hospital" and held up 4 fingers. I think she must have something wrong with her lungs. Her son wheeled her up across the table from my mom because that's where she wanted to be. Santa seems only to be able to move one hand and has trouble turning the cards over as do many of the people at card bingo. Mom has very good finger dexterity and is able to help the others around her. Mom was actively participating and was even able to notice when others had a card that was called and alert them. She still has trouble, but she seems to have improved for today. She turned around often to make sure that I was watching her cards carefully.
Mom and Donna both got "bingo" and won bags of potato chips.
After card bingo I wheeled Santa to her usual table by the fish tank and took mom and Donna to the dog park. We had a nice time.
Mom's orchid has lost all its flowers.
Mom's bangs are getting long. I will try and trim them next time.
I'll have to remember to bring a seam ripper and let mom's non-stretchy pants out a bit.
I should probably discontinue mom's telephone line.
Later when I got home, I realized that I had forgotten to put Santa's wheel chair brakes on. Yikes!
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Clapping hands
Sunday, July 24th, 2016
Visited mom for the first time in a week. I was away on vacation. Mom recognized me. What a relief! Chris said he visited mom and Donna last Wednesday. He complained that Donna always asked the same questions.
When I arrived, mom, Donna and Michael were watching the news. So cute!
Mom and Donna were happy to go to the dog park, but Michael said that he already been there many times before and didn't need to go.
Mom is always anxious about the gate. She always thinks that I won't be able to open it.
We walked to the farthest bench as usual and looked at the dogs and the sky.
Both mom and Donna smile as they watch the dogs.
After about 15 minutes mom says she is cold and we head back.
We spend some time looking at the vegetables growing on the deck and then join Michael in front of the television. I go to the washroom, then head off to mom's room to get a comb for her hair which is matted at the back. As I walk across the cafeteria I hear clapping. Mom is trying to get my attention. She doesn't know my name. She is wondering why I am not joining her. I explain that I had to go to the washroom. All is forgiven. I go and get the comb and comb her tangles out.
I make sure her orchid has water and make sure she has toothpaste.
I pick up her laundry and bring her clean pj's and underwear.
When I go to give mom a hug when I am leaving, she tells me that she thought I was bringing her something. I tell her that they will be serving hot chocolate in 10 minutes. Donna suggests they go to the fish tank room and wait there.
I notice that mom's pants look snug.
Visited mom for the first time in a week. I was away on vacation. Mom recognized me. What a relief! Chris said he visited mom and Donna last Wednesday. He complained that Donna always asked the same questions.
When I arrived, mom, Donna and Michael were watching the news. So cute!
Mom and Donna were happy to go to the dog park, but Michael said that he already been there many times before and didn't need to go.
Mom is always anxious about the gate. She always thinks that I won't be able to open it.
We walked to the farthest bench as usual and looked at the dogs and the sky.
Both mom and Donna smile as they watch the dogs.
After about 15 minutes mom says she is cold and we head back.
We spend some time looking at the vegetables growing on the deck and then join Michael in front of the television. I go to the washroom, then head off to mom's room to get a comb for her hair which is matted at the back. As I walk across the cafeteria I hear clapping. Mom is trying to get my attention. She doesn't know my name. She is wondering why I am not joining her. I explain that I had to go to the washroom. All is forgiven. I go and get the comb and comb her tangles out.
I make sure her orchid has water and make sure she has toothpaste.
I pick up her laundry and bring her clean pj's and underwear.
When I go to give mom a hug when I am leaving, she tells me that she thought I was bringing her something. I tell her that they will be serving hot chocolate in 10 minutes. Donna suggests they go to the fish tank room and wait there.
I notice that mom's pants look snug.
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