Monday, April 14, 2014 

Mom is having a tough morning. I was with her earlier, then took the dogs for a walk with Aunt Betty. We saw “Uncle” Doug and Kahlua and “Uncle” Dick, who fed them their treats. The bugs were out in force this morning, probably because of the coming rain. Otherwise, a beautiful morning. “Uncle” Joe was getting his super-duper riding mower ready for his first go-round. Daffodils all over the place. And my pink star magnolia is in full bloom. This year I might trim the bottom and make it look more like a tree. (It’s fully 20-feet high.) But then again, maybe I won’t. I can see my beautiful tree from my office window as I type. Next in line, my redbud. Can’t wait. Bought another redbud last year. A smaller variety that changes leaf color throughout the season. Ah, glorious spring! 

When I returned, I heard mom stirring. Thought I could get the pup’s breakfast ready before she reached the bathroom again. No luck. Mom was quick this trip. She strains something awful, but refuses to drink water. Back to MiraLax, but it won’t work this quickly. She missed her dose yesterday. So I put it in cranberry juice and gave it to her while she sat earlier. Back to the dogs, who are waiting for their morning yogurt. 

First thing mom does in the bathroom is to close the window. It’s too cold. You had the window opened! She sits, I go back to tend to the dogs. Mom is calling me, begging for help. But there is little I can do. She seems to think that if I wipe her continually, it will help. No deal. Sit! Finish! Then I will come in. She calls and cries out for me while I am dishing out the dogs’ yogurt. I give them each three teaspoons-full: first to Lucy, then to Val, and so on. After the third teaspoon, it’s a “licky” each. Dog dishes in the sink, back to mom.

I take care of mom and she is off to bed again. It’s only 8:00 am, and grooming day for one of the dogs. They’re scheduled on two consecutive days. And tomorrow, we are supposed to have torrential rains. Val is the best candidate for today, as he does not like to go out in the rain. Then I will run over to the gym until Val is ready to be picked up.

Bathroom window is opened. Fan is going. Later I will open mom’s bedroom windows and sit her on the porch, where the screens are not yet in. It’s quite warm out there. She protested yesterday that her room was too cold and made me close the windows. Does not portend well for the summer. It was quite warm in her room and it desperately needed airing. If need be, I will keep her sweaters on hand for when the A/C is on. 

It is 8:19 am, and I feel as though I have put in a day’s work! Time for my own breakfast.

 

Later—

Dropped Lucy off at the groomer, much to her dismay. Stopped at the post office, where I mailed most of my savings to the Feds, then, on to the gym, where I was the youngest person there, barring one fellow apparently in his 20s. Most of the women were in their 80s. Well, at least I know I will fit right in 20 years or so. Just got the call to pick up Lucy. Off I go again! Heavy rains tomorrow. Must get as much as I can done today. Also need to drive to Pottstown. My patient needs supplies. I feel as though I am back at the gym. Don’t call me now, mother!