Mamaw and Papaw Update

I got a call from Mamaw yesterday. She hasn't been sleeping since the doctor discontinued her sleep medication and she wanted some relief in the form of another prescription for sleep meds. I called and talked to the nurse at the Hampton's and Mamaw had already talked to her and she had in a call to the doctor about it. He got back to her and said Mamaw needed to give the anti-depressants he'd given her a chance to work. Mamaw agreed to give them a couple of days. I called her today and she said she woke up this morning in a new world. She was happy and talked about how nice the hairdresser there was and what a good job she did on her hair. What a nice change of attitude for Mamaw. She told me that depression was a bad thing--that she wanted to do nothing but sleep and to be left alone before today--but that things were much better now. I'm sure she'll still have some bad days, but she deserves more than the constantly sad times she's been having for too long. On another note, Papaw called Rodney at 3:30 this morning. He seemed surprised we answered--he said he had just been pushing buttons on the phone. He cheerfully told Rodney to go back to sleep. Rodney's going in the morning to meet with the lady from the Alzheimer's Alliance to activate Papaw's bracelet just in case he goes exploring and can't find his way home.

A Message from Me to You

Another Adventure

Thanks to our weekend home on wheels, we're seeing parts of Texas we've never seen before. We just got back from a small U.S Army Corps of Engineers park on the edge of Martin's Mill Lake called Pecan Point Park. It was almost impossible to find (Google Map had it all wrong), but a friendly fisherman in a roadside store gave us good directions and we managed to finally get there. There were about fifteen campsites, and only three had water and electricity. It may have been hard to find, but that was a blessing. We had the park almost to ourselves, and it was absolutely beautiful. The bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes were in full bloom under just budding pecan trees. The park jutted into the lake, so we had water on three sides--a view from every window. The only problem, which wasn't really a problem, was that the wind blew non-stop and rain threatened almost all weekend. That didn't keep us from exploring with our four-legged traveling companions and it did keep the temperature very pleasant. We slept in, napped, took several walks, checked out the local Wal-Mart, ate some great home cooking at a little local cafe, and I read The Glass Castle, a riveting memoir by Jeannette Walls. I feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvinated (if sneezy from the wind), and ready to face the office and related tribulations tomorrow.

Mamaw and Papaw Update

Mamaw went to see the doctor today. He prescribed her medication for depression and new meds to help her sleep. She seemed more cheerful just thinking about some relief from her constant state of the blues. I don't blame her. I really think it helps to know all of us care, so please keep the phone calls coming. She tells me when she hears from any of you, and how much it means to her.

Happy Birthday Susan!

It seems like yesterday when my sweet Susan was born. Now she's a mother herself, looking forward to another baby to join their happy family. Time is marching on, but isn't life grand!

Christopher's Visit

We had a great weekend with sweet Christopher! This was the first time he stayed with us by himself, and he had fun being the "only child." He's such a good little fella, and played well in the children's room on the rainy Saturday when he couldn't go out. After no nap and lots of play, he fought sleep (just like his mama did at his age) until he just couldn't. But once asleep, he was out for the night and slept in Sunday morning (not like his mama did!). We had pancakes for breakfast and more play time until Cindy came to pick him up. Then I had to run to Wal-Mart for Mamaw (Steve was out of food again!) and to buy the makings for our meals this week. Mamaw is very aware that she is depressed, and plans to ask the doctor about it when she goes this week. Papaw is now wearing a monitor on his wrist that will show his location if he wanders off. He seems content, but was vague as usual. However, he and Mamaw told me about when they were young, growing their own food and slaughtering animals and storing the meat through the winter. It was a piece of their history. Our world has changed an incredible amount since they were children, and I think they enjoyed sharing their memories.

Easy Meals

After an evening diet of too many meals out and too many bowls of cereal and snacking at home, I decided to try cooking again. It's not easy to come home brain-tired at 5 or 6 in the evening and come up with an idea for dinner and then cook if I have everything I need in the kitchen. So I checked out E-mealz and signed up for three months of menus and attached shopping lists. You can pick the store and whether you need meals for two or for a family. After a week of meals, we've had three great meals and one not-so-great. We also ate out one night and had leftovers one night. Dinner for tonight is in the oven now, and tomorrow's dinner is ready to cook. Tomorrow, we'll shop for next week's meals and start over again. The meals are varied, nutritious, quick, and not-from-a-mix. The deal was that, since the instructions are there and so is the food, the first one home would start cooking. By some strange coincidence, I've been the first one home every day. Imagine that...

The Hunt Goes On

Here are more photos of the hunt. A little update on our Christopher--since Christmas, that little fella has started talking a blue streak. He's also a smart kiddo. He knows his colors and can count to ten. He was a little slow getting started, but he's making up for lost time.

The Hunt for Easter Eggs

Cindy and the boys came over for Easter Dinner this afternoon. We had a great dinner, then the boys dyed eggs and had a full-force Easter Egg hunt. I had trouble taking pictures because I wasn't expecting the speed of the hunters and my shutter speed wasn't close. Mamaw and Papaw were planning to come for dinner but decided not to because of the storms outside. We hunted inside, though, so the rain didn't slow down this gang.

I took Mamaw a little TV for "her room" and she seemed pleased. I hope it makes her a little happier. She's aware that she's depressed, and plans to discuss it with the doctor when she goes April 21. Rodney already has, so maybe the doctor will up her "happy pill" dosage. We visited a couple of times this week and she seems a little less angry, but I think she tells the people there what she thinks when she thinks it. They seem to be a patient crew.

I shampooed the motor home carpet and cleaned under and behind the furniture. The previous owners had cats, and my allergies kicked up every time I got in it. Now I won't have to rely on Zyrtec to enjoy our adventures. Speaking of which, it's about time to get on the road again!

Happy Easter to My Punkins!

This little cartoon is going out by special Easter Bunny delivery to the sweetest kids in Longview, Tampa, and Houston. A note to moms: Turn off Nana's music player so you can hear the funny little bunny music!

Funny Little Bunnies!

Mamaw and Papaw Update

Since we were out of town the last two weekends, Steve was running out of dog food (that dog should weigh 100 ponds, as much as he eats). Wednesday, we went to WalMart and bought his regular order of 18 cans, and took it to Mamaw and Papaw. She was in high spirits and seemed to feel good. Papaw was his usual happy self. Steve was a little stinky, but he was scheduled for grooming Thursday, so I'm hoping that helps. Anyway, a little stinky is a big improvement. His medicine is finished, so I'm taking him back to the vet this afternoon or tomorrow for a follow-up appointment. Papaw still had a big bump behind his ear from his fall, but I don't think it's hurting him. He's been going to bed after getting his meds, instead of staying in the recliner, so maybe he won't fall again. They got lots of wedding pics from Ed and that made Mamaw so happy. And Carol mailed her a couple of patio dresses so she doesn't have to spend time dressing for breakfast, and Mamaw loved them. She complains about Papaw watching CNN all the time, so I'm going to take a small TV to put on the dresser in the room with the daybed in it. She's in that room laying down most of the day, so that will give her a little entertainment she can be in charge of. We all need that.