Saturday 5/11/24

5:57a.m. I’m feetter. I had a lot of rest. I slept without too many weird dreams. Speaking of dreams I had this one dream where I was a king of an ancient kingdom. I think this was a kingdom of former slaves. I guess it was weird after all. I dunno

Anyways I’m above the dirt and feeling fine.

12:37p.m. It turned out I had a shitty morning. Breakfast was skimpy. I had scrambled eggs and a cupcake. I didn’t eat all of it for fear of getting sick. The coffee was cold again so I went without. The aides kept me in bed all morning so I could miss the coffee social. They finially got me dressed and in my wheelchair by 11:30. By then I was in a bitch of a mood.

I made it to the Fiesta Room for lunch. I had a half a cup of cold coffee. They served beef stew with a lot of gravy and a biscuit. I was very careful and managed to eat the stew. I had peaches for dessert. I was surprised the stew went down ok. I made my way back to my room. I called Chocolatechip but no answer. She is probably still doing laundry.

I tried to read this morning but didn’t make much progress. I read the first few pages of Chapter 4. I was reading about how General Lee finished reorganizing the Army of Virginia. Then he began the initial movement for the invasion of Pennsylvania. I think the author said it began on June 3. It ended one month later at Gettysburg on July 3, a disaster for the Confederates.

I read this book a long time ago. It became one of my favorites on the Civil War. As I read over the pages it is like reading for the first time. Perhaps if I can defuse I can get lost in a good history book. I really need some reading therapy this afternoon.

3:03p.m. I’m doing much better thanks to reading therapy. It took me two hours but I finished Chapter 4 of Gettysburg. This was about the beginnings of Lee’s Pennsylvania campaign. I was reading about how he ordered the most of the Army of Northern Virginia up through the Shenandoah Valley.

But there was a surprise cavalry battle at Brandy Station between Union and Confederate forces. This, I think, was fought on June 10. The Federal cavalry lost this engagement. I think the author said it was the largest cavalry battle fought in the war. After the battle hek fought the Battle of Winchester which cleared the Valley of zunion forces

I enjoyed reading this chapter. It was a long one but I’m up for Chapter 5. There is nothing like getting lost in a good book that puts me in a great mood! Life is very good with plenty of books!

6:23p.m. I read until they served supper. I got chicken and dumplings, carrots, a dinner roll and two chocolate chip cookies. I ate the dessert and dinner roll. I was afraid the main course would. ake me sick.

I called Chocolatechip. We talked about old time country music which we both like. Today’s people do not know what they are missing. We break up with the likes of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette , the great Johnny Cash, George Jones and other wonderful artists. We were saying country isn’t country any ore and something was lost in the process. We talked for a half hour on this subject then said our goodbyes.

I’m ready to be put in bed. I’ve been sitting in my wheelchair for seven hours. My butt is hurting like hell. I probably won’t get help for another two hours. The aides tend to slack on the weekend

I was talking to Chocolatechip today about Misery Towers. I saw if I miss that place. It was my home for the last twenty some years. Up also had a nice arrangement with Chocolatechip. We had our own apartments. We could spend as much time together as we wanted. Then we could retreat to our own place. We had it made in so many ways. I said I’ll probably never see the inside of that place again. It sure as hell was better than a nursing home.

I’m about halfway through Chapter 5 of Gettysburg. I hope I can stay up and finish it tonight. It was about the movements of both armies before the battle. Stephen W Sears was talking about how the Confederates would occupy a town and force tribute. ,Then they would capture Black people and send them South to slavery. These were the saddest part of the whole invasion the author said.

8:01p.m. I finished Chapter 5. I’m pleased with myself because I read over eighty pages today. I just wish I could remember what I read. I’d be a genius on American history, my favorite subject. Oh well I never claimed to be a genius.

I’m in bed now . Aides put me to bed early. They also did id like a good job. Still I went without getting my briefs changed for almost eight hours. That is not right. Also, I’m without water. I’m ok now but my mouth will be a sandbox come morning.

I’m still in good spirits though. My morning was rough but the day got better. I forgot about everything by getting lost in a great history book on the Civil War. Thank God I have these books! Reading keeps me sane. Thanks to reading I had a pretty good day. Life is good.

9:44p.m. I’ve been reading over past entries. My first entry was in August of 2024. I can’t believe I kept this diary for so long. I can’t believe I’ve been in this nursing home four years. I can’t believe started out liking this place. Now I hate it and want out in the worst way.

I cannot sleep. I’ve done enough reading for the day. I don’t know what to do with myself. I don’t want to watch tv because I do not wish to disturb my roommate. He is fast asleep as always. Oh they heck with it. I’ll see what’s on CNN

11:14 p.m. I’m up past my bedtime. I’m wound up for some reason. I put my time to good use by reading Chapter 6 in Gettysburg. I read three chapters today. I think this idk is a record. Also I finially got some water. The aide was a bit nasty but I got ice water. I got changed as well.

I don’t know what is keeping me awake. I hope I get some sleep soon