Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Some personal appointments did not give me an opportunity to get to MB today.

I spoke to Momu to let her know and that I would see her tomorrow - she then gave me a list of things she wanted - mostly some of her jewelry

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I had a doctors appointment so Dan went to MB solo. When he arrived Momu immediately asked him if he knew where her checkbook was. He said no so then Momu called Chris to ask her. Momu was very upset and angry because she had no money or credit cards and she insisted that Donna was coming to take them out for dinner. Momu asked Dan for his credit card but he told her he would get her some cash from the MB account. Instead he went to get her a glass of gin and she calmed down.

Popa continues to be blank/absent and needs complete care for his hygiene.

Dan bought Momu her 2 palette cups so I am hoping she begins to paint again.

Thanksgiving 2011

Authored by Peter:

Thursday.

I arrived around 10:30 and brought Momu "Here Comes Trouble" signed by Michael Moore. I brought Poppa an authentic Yankee cap from the 1998 World Series win. Thanksgiving dinner was actually quite good and since it was planned that Christine and Christopher were also going to visit the sun room opposite the nurses' station was reserved for "the Krasnows". Poppa picked at his food, Momu ate well including Poppa's stuffing and cranberry sauce (you'll hear that story a few thousand times I'm sure) and old fat me cleaned my plate. We then sat in the patio for almost an hour in the hot sun, then it was back to the room for naps; not me but almost. She asked for her pocket book again saying I need things in there. I left early around 4 to drive partially in the remaining light of the day. Nothing was opened in Pittsfield, except a Dunkin' Donuts so that was dinner.

Friday.

I arrived around 10:30 with pocket books without much in them. It was then Momu said I need my check book to buy things and take cash out of the bank. I asked why and she didn't really know but doesn't like anyone in charge of her finances...again and again and again. We ate lunch with Doc and Stephan. I learned Doc has a daughter living 15 minutes from Meadowbrook with her husband. She is a pediatrician and he is a sport orthopedist. We sat in the sun patio for a very short time since they were tired and wanted to nap. I watched a little TV with them and then decided, OK, I'll take them to Antonio's for dinner. I first stopped at CVS for hair color kits and hearing aide batteries and the liquor store nearby for beer. Dinner was good as we split one meal (all of us) and each had soup. Momu had TWO Martinis so I knew she would sleep well that night. I dropped them off around 6:30 and headed back to Pittsfield.

Saturday.

I filled up the car and waited for Miller's Art Supplies to open at 9 am. I bought "odorless" turpentine and a new pallet with a few brushes so Momu has no excuse but to start painting again. I arrived at Meadowbrook around 10:25 hoping they were up and ready for Bingo at 10:45...they were fast asleep. I got Betty their aide to get them up, washed and dressed but it was no where in time for Bingo...so next time. I saw they hold it one afternoon during the week so perhaps that will work for them. I ate lunch with them and their two boy friends again and the food at Meadowbrook is quite tasty. I guess it's time for me to move in.

After lunch went back to her room and I took Poppa out the front to sit in the sun...it lasted just ten minutes when he said he needed to go back to the room since he was tired, again.

I left around 2:30 to drive back to NYC in the light of day.

Finally, Momu is in good spirits although she told her friend Renee on the phone while I was present they are going home soon to be with Kitty and will buy Poppa a toy bulldog. She is convinced of this although she recognizes Poppa's extreme decline during the past month or so. The pictures make him look quite attentive and happy but I'm sure other than being with Momu anything of interest in life remains. It's getter harder and harder for me to see him like this and I'm amazed that Erica and Dan are visiting almost daily.

Monday, November 28, 2011

We arrive at 4:10 - door was shut, lights were out and they were in their beds but woke up as soon as I opened the door. Popa immediately asked if we were staying for dinner - I think he thinks he is home?

Momu immediately went into needing her checkbook so she can but things. She understood Chris was doing the finances but said she could do them at MB when she visits and that the checkbook needs to be left with her.

Momu kept repeating 'Popa has lost it' and then goes into the continuos loop story of Townsend Harris School.

Momu put in her hearing aides but they did not work so she put new batteries in (thought she had just put in new batteries?)

We chatted for a while and then took them to the dining room for their dinner. Dan walked ahead with Popa and I was behind with Momu - she told me that Dad (Peter) was worried about them going home and while Momu did not disagreed she simply said to me she was not too happy with the idea of not going home. But she no longer talks about going home so I am sure she understands the situation.

I am going to get her 2 palette cups tomorrow - one for oil and one for the turp and then she can start painting

Thanksgiving Week

Road trip to NC for the holiday -blog to be continued when I return on Monday

Sunday, November 20, 2011

We arrived at 12:40 (me, Dan and Phillip). It was 60 degrees and sunny so I convinced them to go outside - they did not want to go at first. We sat outside for almost an hour - Popa silent, Momu was in her normal mode of the continuous loop of story telling. Momu said to me that they should sit outside more often. And she is the one who did not want to go in the first place. Momu also has started saying Popa has 'lost it'. It makes her sad but I truly think is also confirms they are not going any place.

Popa was extremely tired and absent today - I asked him if he was tired and he said yes. Today was the first time in a while that he was noticeably weak and exhausted.

Dan got the leftover cake out of fridge and served them both the last two pieces.

Will bring over the turpentine later.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Dan went to MB early evening for a solo visit. I opted for a 5pm yoga class, which I desperately needed.
Dan brought Popa a NY Yankee hat - he looked at Dan and said "I guess she wants me tower a hat.". Momu ranted again about the 'butcher' hair dresser. Dan also brought over some candy and nuts and Popa's glasses.

Dan asked both of them what they had for dinner, which they just finished, and neither could remember.

That's all folks.....

P.S. last week I finally found out why E entertainment was always on the TV in Popa's room. Last week he said put on channel '49' which is E at MB but was MSNBC in Pittsfield. So he really meant to be watching news instead of gossip - wait - I guess some news could be classified as gossip.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Arrived at 5:40 and they were still in the dining room. We did not bother them and just waited in the lobby. Popa came out first and was happy to see us. Momu came out a minute later and was so angry about Popa's haircut - she said when she sees the hair lady she is going to get it! Yes his haircut is short - it will grow back.

We got to their room and I set up her art stuff - she needs turpentine in order to paint. So I opened up the pastels and pad she got for her birthday and suggested she draw her doll. Off she went and I think she enjoyed it.

We will replenish candy and snack supply tomorrow but Momu keeps saying she needs candy for The Doctor - not going to buy stuff for other people but we will get some candy so she can give the doc as a thank you for her earrings.

We asked Momu if she brought her birthday cake to the dining room and she said yes, it is all gone - so that was good.

Popa's new thing is to ask us if we are coming tomorrow but he says it as soon as we get there. We will be bringing him a baseball hat - he does not like his haircut either. I told him I would bring him a Red Sox hat and he said "no way"

We said goodbye at 7 - but we did check the fridge and gee - what did we find, the birthday cake, untouched from Wednesdsy. We went back to their room. I told Momu the cake was still there and she then said 'what cake'. I sliced them two good size pieces and said goodnight again.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Happy 94th Birthday to Momu
Dan and I arrived at 4:30 with shrimp cocktail, pizza and Caesar salad. M&P ate pretty darn well. They kept saying "wow this is fantastic".  Momu then showed me her new earrings - the 'Doc' - resident that dines with them, brought Momu to his room and gave her the earrings - get your mind of the gutter people!  (On our way out, we chatted with the receptionist Dorothy and a nurse was there and we mentioned the Doc and the earrings, etc.  They both laughed and said he has a bag of costume jewelry and always likes to chat it up with the ladies.)

Even more fantastic was when we got to MB the room door was open and lights were all on and they were watching the news. Lots of good stories to talk about on MSNBC - Newt, Penn State, presidential primaries, etc. Makes for some great conversation!

Candles were lit and we all sang Happy Birthday. Yummy vanilla cake with fresh strawberries in middle and real whipped cream was enjoyed by everyone. Momu told Dan he made a great cake choice - she did not remember I had asked her what kind of cake she wanted.

A few cards arrived today - Paul and Nan sent Popa a belated bday card.
The best card to arrive, however (no offense to anyone else) was Momus bday card from Joanne which included a picture of Kitty! I taped the picture to the foot of Momu's bed so she can see it all the time.

Then a package was brought to the room - a very nice set of 'artist quality' pastels and a special charcoal pad. Momu really liked them. She also liked the nice floral calendar that came as part of the gift - I told her it was 2012 so input it away for a January appearance on her dresser and no negative reaction

I also brought over the doll that Joanne had given to her a while back - Momu was soooo happy and after dinner and cake she took the doll off the dresser and is lying in bed with it!

Lastly - Dan suggested we bring over a kitchen table with 4 chairs so when guests come there is a place to sit and have a snack. M&P both thought it was a good idea - but only when larger bed comes so there is some room.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A short visit tonight based on our schedules. We arrived at 4:15. We brought over Momu's easel, paints, pallets and canvas (which she had started months ago - portrait of President Obama). She was happy to have it all in her room and was surprised that she had painted more than she remembered. I also brought over her earrings and wedding band as she requested. She was very happy to have the jewelry. I did not bring her pocketbook. She wanted her pocketbook so she can write checks - for what I have no clue.

Dad (Peter) called while we were there - as Dan picked up the phone - Momu got up out of bed (room was dark and door was shut when we arrived) and as she headed towards the phone said "Peter - you know he got rid of the car - he said I can't drive anymore". Next time if there is a next time - we will remind her she can't dress herself let alone get behind the wheel!!

We discussed the birthday dinner menu - jumbo shrimp cocktail, pizza, Ceaser salad, beer and Cake. Momu thought she had no beer left but she has 5 left. Popa was extremely excited about the shrimp and cake. We will arrive around 4 tomorrow. Momu said she would prefer to go out, and I quickly said the weather willbe bad and she quickly said ok.

I signed them both up for hair appointments on Thursdsy - Popa needs a cut and Momu needs a set and color.

Tomorrow I will let the nurses know that Momu wants to do the 10:45 painting session on Thursdsy so she needs to be up and dressed. Momu wanted Popa to go to men's club today but he had no interest.

I hung the 3 birthday cards she received on the blinds - better than having them in the drawer.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

All 4 of us arrived at 12:45 (yep Lucy and Daisy). Momu was so happy to see the dogs and Daisy loved having Momu pet her.

We watched 2 Dean Msrtin DVDs - Momu was in the chair with her headphones, Popa in bed. Momu has a smile from ear to ear and was singing along and laughing out loud. While Popa kept his eyes closed most of the time, he was tapping his hands to the music.

We left at 3

To Family - phone calls are extremely important - please make 2-3 minutes in your schedule to call them daily - I don't think that is too much to ask and it makes them happy!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Late morning visit - arrived at 10 in hopes of taking them to Bingo at 10:45. Popa was up, showered and dressed. Momu still asleep in her pajamas. No bingo. We stayed until noon.

Popa said he felt old - I told him he was old. He said "old, 95, no way". I then said he was just feeling his age. He laughed.

Momu and I looked at the watercolor kit Valerie sent - she is going to give it a try.

Same stories, different day. While it was sunny outside, it was 40 degrees and windy - too cold for the courtyard.

Momu called me late afternoon asking me to bring her pocketbook and pearl earrings - I will bring the earrings over tomorrow (well, I will ha e them with me - if she asks I will give them to her)

We brought the power strip over and moved the TV.

Birthday cake was ordered today.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I arrived solo at 5:45. They were both in the dining room eating ice cream. We chatted and then walked back to their room. I decided to sit near Popa and together we did a crossword puzzle. We chatted during the puzzle about many different things. Momu chimed in from across the room.
Although the same stories were told - what I noticed this week during my visits was no mention about going home. Rather the request for certain things from the house be brought over - I.e Don Rickles tapes.
Momu also said several times that Dad (Peter) would be so happy because Popa was walking alot!!
Dan called on his way home and Momu requested once slice of pizza which he brought over and which she ate completely.
We left at 7:30
Tomorrow we are planning on taking them to bingo at 10:45 am.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

We arrived around 4:15 and saw some beautiful flowers.  Card read:  Happy Belated 95th Herb and Happy Early 94th Zelma, Love the Haas Kids - Included were 2 very nice size Lindt chocolate bars - (so my picture editor is not working, so just tilt your heads. ) The flowers reminded Momu of some great Helen/John stories which always makes her smile.  Momu wants to know if Paul still sleeps with his blanket underneath his belly - as an infant/toddler the blanket would start out flat and end up scrunched up - it was a running joke with Momu and Helen

M&P were lying down in bed, but both awake - they did not even know it had been raining all day long - they were surprised when I told them.
Momu finished her book (Patricia Cornwall novel) and I had planned ahead and brought her the Novel Cavalier and Clay - I think she will like it.  I will bring a power strip with a long cord because the TV is not in a good place and needs to be moved.  Dan is busy tomorrow so I will go back after their dinner, fix the TV and plan to watch Jeopardy w/them.  I also told them we will do a Crossword Puzzle as a Group.

I will end with a very funny story - Momu said that the Doctor wrote her a prescription for arthritis medicine - the funny part was it was the Doctor (patient that sits at their dining table) who wrote it on a paper napkin.  The funniest part is that Momu told me to go get it filled.

I finally met Tracey, the activities director.  I told her I am bringing the paints/easel over this weekend.  I told her I understand they have to be kept in Momu's room because of the wanderers and toxicity of paints if anyone gets into them, etc.  Painting session is next Thursday.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dan and I arrived at 4:25. M&P were 'resting' but we woke them up. They were happy to see us and did not seem to even realize I hadn't seen them in 10 days. Momu is almost done with her book which is good. I was talking with Momu and Popa, from across the room, asked what day it was and then in same sentence said Tuesday. I cheered and said he got it right and he laughed!

I talked about painting with Momu and I will be setting her easel up in her room tomorrow.

Momu wanted to go to the dining early because she wanted to get there before the non wheel chair man showed up to take her seat. We were too late - so they have to sit across from each other instead of next to each other. Shrimp Stir-fry was on the menu.\

No repeating stories tonight, think the visit was too short to allow for it.  But the new one today was 'when we get home, we are getting a toy bull dog'

October 31st - November 6, 2011

Summary of week.... I am only the messanger:

Dan and Erica were in Florida for business this past week while the majority of Connecticut remained without power from the October surprise storm...the power finally came back on at their house in Simsbury around 8pm Sunday 11/6.

Meadowbrook ran on their emergency generator so it had heat and some lights until power came back on mid-week. Cable TV was also out and the phone lines were quite limited. The last blog Dan entered said that Momu and Poppa got a double bedroom after a month or more of waiting. They moved the two beds together but the building code requires 3' on three sides of each bed so they were moved back to opposite sides of the room. A special order was placed for a double hospital bed.

Peter, aka Dad visited Meadowbrook on Friday morning (11/4) and stayed through Sunday  (11/6) afternoon leaving just before dinner. Most of the visit was good although after lunch on Sunday both Momu and Poppa laid down for an afternoon nap and three hours later....

Dad stopped by our Simsbury house late on Saturday to say hi and retrieve Momu and Poppa's stereo, CDs and DVDs. he set it all up in their room and hopes that the aides can help them with the operation of both the stereo and the DVD player.

Dad spent two nights at their deserted and spooky Pittsfield home on Friday and Saturday. He brought back more clothing they requested and is thinking of moving some furniture to Meadowbrook once their double bed arrives and one half of the room could be arranged as a living, dressing, TV, music area. Their small kitchen table might fit in the corner of their bedroom. They have a wonderful sunny room with an open view of the courtyard that they should frequent more often. They are getting more exercise at Meadowbrook than at home having to walk to/from the dinning room three times daily.

Momu's 94th birthday is November 16th and Dad may return on the following weekend for a visit. Poppa asked several times when Dan and I would be stopping by and Dad told him many many times that they were clearing their yard of storm debris and would be by for visit during the week.

That's it for now and I've attached a few photos Dad took during his visit.