168 hours in a week: How I spent many of mine.
Bathed/showered, assisted Dave with bowel movements twice (yes, many of you know what that means, as Dave can no longer "bear down" and pass things on his own), shaved him every other day, clipped his fingernails, trimmed his beard and mustache, gave him medicines every day, flushed his PEG tube every day, shopped for, prepared, fed Dave every meal, cleaned up after every meal of the day. Changed his incontinece underware and pants at least 4-5 times this week and gave him a "bed/bowl bath", and put on new t/shirt & pants. Transferred him manually (max-assist, stand-lift/pivot transfer) every day to either wheelchair or shower/toileting chair, then back to recliner or bed) and made sure he was outside most days on the deck for evening and sunset/wine/talk.
Did at least 4 loads of wash.
Respiratory therapist visit on Wednesday; 1 hour.
ALS clinic this past Thursday - 3 hours.
Took Dave for a haircut after ALS clinic
Took Dave out to early dinner after haircut.
Used the power-washer my neighbor Chris loaned me to power-wash the back patio (stone) all windows on the house, window screens & a few other items.
Windexed and squeeged all the windows on the outside.
Mowed for 1.5 hours.
Weeded some (not well)
Fertilized 104 potted plants (plus several in-the-ground plants). Also watered everything again today due to very high temps.
Clipped off / "dead-headed" many of the potted plants and roses.
Skimmed & vacuumed pool, checked chemicals, backwashed filter, shocked/algaecide pool twice.
Filled bird feeders 3 times.
My back hurts ......... arthritis and wear & tear.
On a positive note, I did go into our pool (& took 2 beers along) tonite at about 7:30 after a long day of work (see some of above, HaHa!). I took our Springer Spaniel "Snickers" with me and we floated and hung out for about 45 min. Then I went to Olive Garden for take-out because I was fried (it was 95F here today with 85% humidity - hard going with outdoor work).
I am now sitting on the front deck with our new propane gas "firepit" going and having far too much to drink (& having pitty-party I guess?)
A week in the life I suppose? I sound like I'm complaining......, but I'm so glad Dave is still with me and I am thankful that he can still eat, and talk and enjoy our outtings. I just got done recounting the above to my brother (via email) who is somewhat clueless of what our life entails. He kinda/sorta thinks I'm not all that busy 'cause I'm no longer "working". HaHaHa p what a hoot!:mrgreen: