Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Chiropractic appointment early today. Needed to arouse mom early. She had apparently had a BM in the evening and left evidence in the bathroom. I walked the pups, fed the pups, cleaned the bathroom, had breakfast, prepared mom’s cereal bowl (now almost all unsweetened Cheerios—we titrated down the Honey Nut Cheerios they same way we do dog food changes), and got mom into the shower. Then off to the chiropractor and the supermarket. 

But alas, we are ready for the waterproofing crew to come on Saturday. Much of the “stuff” from the basement is now on the porch and some will be in the garage come Friday night. Then Jake will come in June to work on the basement shelving. 

Heard mom ask again, Where did Sandy go? Can’t really spend much time with her. Must work. And she cannot accompany me to stores and such. Would like to get her out on the porch again, now that it’s warming up. But the porch is too crowded with basement stuff. We look like hoarders. Am hoping Rob will move some of his boxes back into storage. He refuses to part with his papers from the F.S. era. That hateful man did not pay Rob for 9 months. Of course, why Rob continued to work for him is beyond me. F.S. is sick, but he apparently has no trouble finding new wives. 

Had a great night with my new pillow. Actually slept through the night and didn’t want to get up this morning. Oh, there goes mom with Rob behind, saying Use your cane. As my cousin Marje put it, it’s an air cane—rarely hits the floor and is of very little use. Mom is now in her bedroom, watching television. Have been putting on old TV programs such as “The Waltons,” “Andy Griffith,” and “Gilligan’s Island.” (Oh crap, I had to ask Rob for the name of that last show. At times, I think I need the curcumin as much as my mother does.)

 Well, back to work.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 

Did not sleep well last night. Yesterday, a basement waterproofing company came by and gave us an estimate. I signed on. I knew all along we had no choice. Ever since I moved in, the spring thaw would bring small puddles and the cinderblock is showing limestone ash in some areas. Must do something now before it is too late. We signed on for work this Saturday, which means we have to move so much of the “stuff” to another place—the garage, the back porch. I kept imagining where things would go. I eventually fell asleep when Betty called to walk the pups, but I declined. I needed a few more minutes of sleep. 

Saw Barbara this morning. We are all planning to go to Barb Fisher’s funeral. Still a shock to all of us in the neighborhood. Making plans for Friday.

Mom awoke a few minutes ago. Nearly 10:00 am. I showered her and found myself in decent humor. Maybe it’s Swamiji’s red rock. It arrived yesterday from Arizona in thanks for editing I did on his latest book. It exudes some wonderful energy. Anyhow, when mom said That cat’s still up there, I agreed: Yep, he sure is. Might as well not fight the flow. Might as well not!

Sunday, March 9, 2014 

Betty called this morning. A little early, I thought. Forgot that the clocks were moved ahead. Awoke to find mom in the bathroom. Toilet filled with tissues and toilet paper. Quite a mess! Wasn’t about to fish it all out. Fortunately, it flushed. She had not washed her hands, so I counseled her. Then I will off to see to the pups. 

This morning, had to wash the Mutt Mats and dog bed covers. Lucy’s been leaking. Took an extra long walk this morning to be sure Lucy would finish her business outside. Met Bud and the Duke of Laurelee and Lois and Kirk. And I think that was Mr. George with a new little dachshund. Mr. George lost his wife some years ago and loves dogs. He often goes to shelters and walks them. But I think the little one we met today is his own. Nice to get out. Nice to breathe fresh air and clear the lungs. Nice to see the neighbors. I wish mom could get out. Wish mom could walk any distance at all. Wish mom knew where she was and remembered who I am, that her house was in New Jersey and that this is Pennsylvania, that it’s morning—not afternoon or evening, that Betty comes by every morning to walk the pups with me, that “the Black Dog” is Valentino and “the White Dog” is Lucia, that the television is in her room and there is none in the living room… 

Soon enough, mom will be able to sit on the porch and admire whatever flowers and shrubs survived the winter.

Friday, March 7, 2014 

Was too tired to do anything yesterday but nap. Just not feeling well. Overwhelmed. Needed uninterrupted sleep—something that’s not within the choices in this household at the moment. This morning was quite nice. Valentino was fine, but for some sniffing. He kept following a trail of something and exploring the upstairs rug. Nothing to be seen. Nothing I could smell. 

I let him out for relief and then used the leash to bring Lucy down the stairs. It worked well. One problem solved. But after I fed them and was cleaning the bathroom from one of Mom’s night purges, Lucy pooped on the newly cleaned hall carpet. I quickly picked it up, let the dogs out, then sprayed the special enzymatic solution, all the while mom calling, Sandy, needing to go to the bathroom. I shouted No! As soon as I was fairly sure it was safe to roam there and then cover the wet spot for the dog’s safety, I let mom go to the bathroom.

I have not even had my breakfast drink, and I am tired.