Friday, July 9, 2010

Settling In

Hey, Y'all,
Well, Gramps seems to be settling in pretty well at Bishop Davies, and I am as well. We are getting acquainted with the routines and also the lovely people who work there. They are very caring, and ever so helpful. Gramps' roommate is named Wendale, and is a very interesting person. He comes from Oklahoma and owns a cattle ranch there. I asked him what he enjoyed doing there and he said that he enjoyed watching the cattle get fat. I also found out that he prefers to be at the nursing home than at home with his wife because she is too bossy. That made me laugh!

He told me about how the people out in Oklahoma back in the old days would pick up mail for their neighbors when they were in town and deliver it to them along the way when they returned home. Wendale also said that he had relatives named Campbell (like my maiden name) in his ancestry, and also Young (my present last name). I told him that maybe we were kin, and he agreed we could be.

Gramps apparently has been getting tired of people asking him what he did before retirement, so the other day he told the therapists when they asked that question that he used to sell umbrellas to midgets. Ha! (No reflection on "little people" you understand).

He seems to be doing very well, and loves having his grandchildren come to visit him. Carol and I have been kept busy filling out all kinds of paperwork for our move taking place out here. (Mine and Gramps move, that is). It is easy for fatigue to set in when there is so much going on but we are doing our best to keep ahead of it all.

I am learning the route to the nursing home, and driving Emily's little Corolla that I gave to her seven years ago. it is still running well, and it is fun to drive. She graciously is letting me drive it and is driving her mom's big Avalon.Thank you, sweet Emily and darling daughter, Carol. I am taking Carol to pick up her county car each morning and then pick her up where she parks it in the afternoon after work. I drive to the nursing home to spend time with Gramps and also eat lunch with him. I get a tray of good food for only $3.00. You can't beat a deal like that. It is much better than going out to eat fast food.

I was a little nervous at first, having to learn a route, but I am much more confident now. Carol graciously drew me a map of the area where I am driving, so I am learning it. I am also getting to know the layout of the nursing home pretty well.

Yesterday, Carol and I met the real estate agent that we are dealing with in the purchase of the house, and I got to see the inside of it. it is a sweet little house, and I am really excited about moving into it. I am flying home on Tuesday and will be packing everything for the final move. My good friend, Ina Ray, is going to drive back with me and we will have a great time traveling. We are really looking forward to it.

Well, it is ten o'clock and I need to get to bed. I am sitting up in their kitchen working at Carol's laptop, and I think I hear the sounds of Morpheus calling to me. Ha. I need to get to bed so that "sleep can knit up the raveled sleeves of care" and I can awake rested in the morning. Because "after all, tomorrow is another day". This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends. More later. Thank you again for your support. Bye for now.

7 comments:

myletterstoemily said...

i love to hear how well you both are
adjusting to your new texas home.
it is just wonderful to know that
those who you have loved and cared
for are now doing it for you.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Pleased that Gramps is settling in and loved the joke about the umbrellas.
It must seem strange for you but before long it will feel like home.

Take care and enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Lisa said...

I imagine it could not be easy but still it sounds so exciting. And the sweet house you mentioned will just be so charming.

You take care too Grammy.

Jan said...

Ruby,
You are amazing! I can't believe you are not falling down exhausted with all you have done in the last few weeks.
I am sure it will be both a relief and a challenge to settle into your new place.
Keep your upbeat habit and hang in there.
I am praying for you everytime I think about you.
Jan from Maine

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Glad Dub is settling in. Sounds like he has a better roommate, too.

Margie's Musings said...

It sounds like you are both doing fantastic, Ruby. By the way, Ruby was my mother's name.

Take care of both you and Dub.

Clara....in TN said...

Hi Ruby, it makes me tired just reading about what all you do. You amaze me. I'm glad everything is working out for you and Gramps. The house that will be yours sounds charming. I'm glad you are close to Carol and the grandchildren. Try to rest now and I'll be thinking of you.