Sunday, August 17, 2008

August 6-17

Day 546-557
31 years of marriage are behind us, and who can know where we will go from here? This journey was totally unexpected, but it is not for us to know, otherwise we'd just go hide in a corner somewhere and avoid life as much as possible. OK that was pretty philosophical, so let's get on with it!
We continue to practise dressing and Glenn completely dressed himself last week. It was in the afternoon, and he had just had a shower. He was pretty limber, and when I got back to help him, he was done! Yeah! He will do more now, although it is hard to do it all in the morning.
We had a bit of disappointment in that our PT wasn't too sure that she was in favour of a walker, but I think I'm going to go ahead and get one, and start working it anyway. She wants Glenn to be safe, and of course I do too. I can't help but feel that he needs to be on his feet more. Walking is a good exercise, so lets do more of it! I think Glenn was a bit disappointed too, so I asked him what he thought, was he willing to use the chair to get around, and he said he wants to have a good try to walk. Enough said, we will see what we can figure out.
We have gone visiting a bit, and have gone up some stairs. Out hosts are always willing to help, and once they see what we are trying to do, (Glenn takes the stairs on his feet, but needs help, of course), they are most anxious to help. I need to let people help, I forget that Glenn needs more interaction that just me. It is a test of trust, and letting go is a hard thing, but it will be better for us in the long run.
I wrote out a "to do " list today, and it is LONG! I hope to get a good start this week. Some things are just a matter of phoning and making arrangements, but that takes time, and you have to remember to do it. Good intentions and all that! I did sew a blanket for a new baby that arrived in the neighbourhood. It is very cuddly, and I was happy to be able to concentrate on it for the day. I washed the back deck today, and hopefully will be able to paint it later this week. Glenn was working on the pickup on the combine, so I had to go help him with a few things. It is amazing to see how well he does even at that. He comes in and needs to wash up! The ability to turn nuts the right way first time still gives me pause, but Glenn just does it. I admire that! The mosquitoes chased us in, but we had a look at the flat tire on the swather before we came in. That will be a bit more than I can handle.
I haven't figured out how to use facebook yet, but I seem to have a lot of friends! When I have a bit more time, I'll concentrate on it. Until then I'll just look at other peoples entries.
I have run out of news and information. It is Sunday evening, and I guess I'm a bit tired too. I think I'll go see if Canada won any medals today. Go Canada!
'Til next time,
Louise

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

July 23-August 5

Day 532-545
We've been on our road trip to Nipawin, and all in all did very well. I got sick the day we left, mostly from nerves I think, but was OK the next day for the wedding. The wedding was very nice, and my sister was very tired, but happy with the way things went. We had a bit of trouble with hardware for the power point, but got everything figured out, and it went well.
Glenn traveled well. We reclined the seat to relieve pressure on his butt, and he was able to snooze a bit. I was more uptight, trying to remember everything, but now that we have done it, we'll not stress so much about going again. We came home Monday, and the kids stayed and camped, so everything worked out.
Since then it seems we've done not much more than yard work. Glenn has been cutting grass, and we dug the combine out yesterday. I have some men coming to do a service call on Friday, so we took advantage of a couple of boys on holidays to do some work too. It shouldn't need too much done to it, but it is good to check it out before you start harvest, when you have the time.
I've been encouraging Glenn to dress and undress more on his own. It takes a bit more time, but he gets most of it done. Shoes and socks are still the biggest problem. He is getting a bit restless, and needs something to fill his time. I got him reading a book, and he is surprised that it is easier now. I think that he couldn't track very well for what ever reason, and now that is not much of a problem . If he can start reading more books, that will fill some time. He was pushing to get the combine out, so the farmer is still there. I'm feeling the strain of climbing in and out of the machines. Boy, take a year off and what does it get you? Sore muscles when you do start working! The summer is flying by, we celebrated Dad's 81st birthday yesterday. He is feeling very well, and enjoyed the family around. He is thankful for his continuing good health, and so are we.
That's about all for now, we'll keep getting stronger I hope.
'Til next time,
Louise