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Just checking in. Hope Tut's surgery goes well, and his blood sugar comes down, Deef. All that spring cleaning going on. I have so much I need to catch up on here too. But, yesterday, was getting 900 pounds of hay in the barn, replace the car battery, and work on the rental houses. Already 90 degrees here, and the pump went out on the swamp cooler on one rental house. Plus I think the compressor is going out on the A/C on the car. Have to get to my day job at the dentist office. Hate to sound ungrateful, but money is more of an issue without Sam's pension, and SS.
Meanwhile, money isn't everything, but d*mn I would sure like to have enough to pay the bills! With two empty apartments it's going to be really tough to get by. I really didn't need the added expense of Tut, but I can't let him suffer. Just got back from dropping him off. He was so good and I hated to leave him. If all goes well I should be on the road to pick him up by mid afternoon. The hour and a half in the car this morning almost put me to sleep. I let Tut sleep with me last night and got about 4 hours so I'm going back to bed for a bit. 90 degrees, oh my! I hate the heat so the thought of no air with those temps makes me shudder! Good luck on that front!
Meanwhile, money isn't everything, but d*mn I would sure like to have enough to pay the bills! With two empty apartments it's going to be really tough to get by. I really didn't need the added expense of Tut, but I can't let him suffer. Just got back from dropping him off. He was so good and I hated to leave him. If all goes well I should be on the road to pick him up by mid afternoon. The hour and a half in the car this morning almost put me to sleep. I let Tut sleep with me last night and got about 4 hours so I'm going back to bed for a bit. 90 degrees, oh my! I hate the heat so the thought of no air with those temps makes me shudder! Good luck on that front!
Sweet dreams, Deef! Sending good thoughts for you and Tut.
Bills are hitting us hard this month too, with the addition of the work being done on the house getting accelerated a bit, so now I need to buy supplies for that, plus get the van ready for our trip north, plus pay child support for my youngest who lives with his dad...ugh. I just picked up 2 more clients, which means working an extra 10-12 hours a week, and if a 3rd potential client comes on board, another 4 hours a week on top of the 60 I'm working already. I'll have to start sleeping at my desk to make this all work, but the money has to come from somewhere....
I hear ya'll on the spring cleaning, for me it is more like spring, summer, fall winter and spring again cleaning, LOL!!Where does the money go, how to repair things,...time and money are the issues.
Oh poor Tut, I know how much my Tiger kitty means to me and I spent $450 on him back in Sept. Hubby was not happy about it either.
My daughter will be here tomorrow for Saturday's gender reveal. My house is so unorganized with boxes shoved in the garage, in closets,etc. Most of it is my mom's summer and winter clothing. I already warned her ahead of time.
The reveal should be fun as we will have buttons for people to chose their team...boy/boy, girl/girl, or girl/boy. Then for the 4 great grandparents, we will have buttons with "My great grandkids are better than your great grandkids". To keep it in tradition, the 2 great mother's will slice the cake together, and the great father will lift the slice out to reveal the appropriate color of M&M's in the cake. The great grand parents will introduce twins to the rest of the family. No games will be played...my daughter doesn't want shower games. Lots of food and socializing...I will be glad when it is over as it has taken up more of my time than I expected with everything else I am trying to do.
I hope everyone has a peaceful mother's day with their friends, family or just yourself and spouse/sig other. I learned a long time ago not to put too many expectations on this day. My mom's community will have a brunch on Sunday we will go to...they put on a big spread and well worth the food plus spending more time with mom as well has having her with us on Saturday.
Tut is doing well. We brought him home late in the afternoon and he ate for the first hour here! He's used to grazing on dry food all night and couldn't have any after midnight the day of surgery. The polyp came out easily and they believe they got it all in one piece. But he has little adenomas in the ear canal as far down as they could see. Samples were taken for biopsy and we should hear something in a couple days. Vet thinks they may be caused by food allergies so that could mean a very expensive diet for Tut. It will not be easy as we have 4 cats and they all eat together. We won't be able to leave dry food out all the time if Tut can no longer eat it. The other choice would be to feed them all the same food and that would be a huge expense. As it is they all eat Weruva wet food and a good grain free dry. Apparently protein, specifically meat products are what cause allergies in cats. Go figure, his favorite foods are meat and fish! Then he still has to be tested a couple more times after he's feeling better to see if his sugar is still high. If it's down, it was stress causing the spike, but he can be turning diabetic and that would be another reason for a different diet. He came home with a cone around his neck. Fortunately they now make soft padded ones instead of those hard ones. He spent all his waking moments trying to get the thing off! He can still reach his ear to scratch, but it does deter him some. I'm going to have to rent him out to make him earn his keep! I have antibiotics and pain killers for him. You should see him 10 minutes after he gets the pain killer. He's higher than a kite and his pupils are like saucers! He lays on his back and stares at the ceiling and gets a silly look on his face. We're hoping he's more used to the cone and will sleep better tonight. Took three 2 mile walks today! First with my daughter at 9 this morning, then in the afternoon with my husband and they my friend called after dinner and asked if I wanted to walk with her. I said why not! All that fresh air has me closing my eyes as I type. I did weeding and raking at Blanche's after lunch and trimmed her rhododendron that was getting choked out by bittersweet. Then I raked up more stuff around her house. After that my daughter and I went to Lowe's and picked up plants, mulch and rock to use in our yard. Took a stop at the greenhouses again and got a cherry tomato plant, some herb plants, peppers and jalapena plants and more flowers for Memorial pots for the end of the month. Sharyn, sounds like a fun party! Hope you get through it and everyone has a great time. Jen, your mom doesn't know how lucky she is to have you! Susan, glad you are getting more clients, but sorry you have to work so hard! $$ is always an issue here as well as in almost every household that supports a care giver. Just one of the many draw backs and one I haven't found a solution to yet. Okay, my restless legs are jumping like crazy!!!! Going to take my meds and get to bed! Night everyone! Hope you all have a good week! Deef
Deef, so glad Tut is doing well! That soft cone sounds like a Godsend. I remember my 100-lb monsterdog looking like a demented Hoover walking around in the yard trying (unsuccessfully) to sniff the ground.
Today has been *insanely* busy. --Received Mom's new scooter today. It was delivered by semi, so there was a huge semi parked on our very small residential street, causing no end of curiosity from the neighbors. One of them actually parked a chair in his driveway across the street and sat there watching the goings-on. LOL I wrestled it out of the humongous box it came in, unwrapped all the foam and such, and rolled it up the ramp and into the house. It's charging now, so we'll test it out tomorrow.
--Old family friends that we hadn't seen in years dropped by unexpectedly for a visit - really brightened Mom's day, and I was SO glad she had showered this morning! (After tearful pleas from me last night and my explaining as patiently as possible that she is NOT the only one living in this house, and to make me live with the odor caused by her not showering is very unfair....that seemed to get through. I hope it lasts.)
--A case of wine showed up via UPS today - a mistake on my part for not canceling a "wine sampling" program I signed up for. (Sigh) Love my wine, but wasn't planning on getting a case! I noticed the charge on my debit card a week ago and tried to get the company to cancel it, but they wouldn't, so I'm the proud owner of a case of wine, I guess. I did get them to cancel any future shipments.
--Another shipment, this time from USPS of Mom's incontience pads from Amazon - I ordered 3 huge packages so that we don't run out, now that she's finally changing them more frequently. This way I don't have to run to the store.
--And ALL FIVE of my clients decided they needed work done today, so here it is 7pm and I'm still working, with another 5-6 hours ahead tonight. I'm re-heating Chinese food from yesterday for dinner for me, Mom had a Stouffer's lasagna. Not exactly the best start to my "healthier eating" plan!
However...with all of this, there are blessings. With my work, I can afford to buy Mom's pads, etc that she needs. The new scooter will enable her to get out and about more and perhaps go for "walks" with me and the dog (her on the scooter, me walking). And I got more than my share of exercise today wrestling with the scooter, plus the visit from old friends was a wonderful surprise. One of them has had cancer for a long time, and lives in another state...so who knows if we will ever see her again - so this visit was very special. I know Mom hadn't seen this person in at least 20 years.
Well the neighbor with MS is home for 6 weeks. He has been staying with his daughter last couple of years. 1st day here and he fell off his ATV and couldn't get back up. Fortunately he carries his cell phone at all times. My sister and I managed to get him up and back inside. It is so sad, he is 2 years older than I am, and in a wheelchair for the most part. Before the MS he was in law enforcement, very strong, now he has to have help with so much, and it really hurts his pride. Before he went to stay with his daughter, my mother had adopted him. Took him meals all the time, cleaned his house. I don't think he realizes mom can't do any of that any more. The next 6 weeks may be busy for me.
Happy Mother's Day! Hi to all! Been a while. Busy here-and have been in a terrible funk. I turned 50 yesterday and today is Mother's Day so my spirits are lifted. Fun with family and friends. Mom sang to me by phone twice yesterday! Once while I was on a surprise horseback ride that my son took me out on! Haven't been in 12 years and it was just like riding a bike! Loved it! And the hubby who said he would never get on a horse (they have a mind of their own!) went with us! It was amazing. Maybe I can ride on this for a while and keep that funk from settling back in. Hoping this will be the month hubby finds a job! Been too long. Mom is good at the NH and all that is falling into place as time marches on-but it has really been a tough and anxiety/guilt ridden adventure for me! But,I am getting there! Weather is good here so that helps! Birds are singing, dandelions are taking over but that's ok I guess...we can't control everything! As hard as we may try! HA! Hope all are well. Been reading but not replying...forgive me please but when I am in a funk I just can't muster the energy. Love that you are all here for me! Thank you!!! Have a good day. Mame
Mame, change can be hard to deal with. So glad you had a great birthday, you deserve it. Deef, hope Tut is doing well. My sister and I got to ride at a friends place on Sunday. Had a great time, and another friend showed up with her horse. She had a stroke year and half ago, that left her in the hospital for 3 months and many more months of rehab. So was so great to see her back riding again. We took lots of breaks, and took it kinda of easy for Linda, but she did great.
Bobbie good to hear from you I had my gb out a few years ago-Carlo did a couple of months ago-not a bad surgery nowadays -maybe FP will be nice to you for a while. My cat is home but they did not have the med in stock to stimulate his appetite so have to pick that up today-he only ate a bit so far so hope the meds work -I am not ready to have him leave me-we have been through so much together the last 11-12 years. My brother did not get admitted but goes for a breathing test Sat and to a lung doc in two weeks-why he has to wait that long is beside me-the medical group he goes to-really the only one in 3 counties is much too big for their britches -the 4 docs who formed that group in the mid 40's would be so discouraged if they could see their dream today.
bobmiester! Agree, take the d*mn thing out and shoot it, I wondered if I could even see it, but I know medical waste has become a "security issue"...what ever. I had it for 43 years...hope they don't kill me on the operating table. I know how much doctors hate fat women...slightly less than teenage boys and slightly more than Rockstars...OY is right...Wish I could throw my uterus in as a bonus...
Okay, I just have to gross you all out with this one!!! I'm still washing my hands..... Blanche told me yesterday that her toe hurt and she took off her sock to show me. I took a very quick glance and said I would bring special clippers today and try to trim them for her. Big MISTAKE!!!!!! Not only were the nails Howard Hughes look a likes, but there had to be 10+ years of what my family lovingly (joke!) calls toe cheese!!!!! Oh my God!!!! She has not been able to shower or bathe for years and does as many elderly do by washing herself at the bathroom sink. She always says she has to wash her feet before getting dressed in the morning, but my guess is that does not ever include a soak. So not only were the nails, all of them, a half inch or longer, but they were thick from layers of dead skin and whatever else found it's way under them. that stuff was flying in every direction as I slowly clipped away! Even got hit in the head a few times. Don't know how I made it through without losing my lunch! Hands down, had to be the worst experience of my life!!! How many points do I get for this one?????
In the meantime, been super busy with yard work and planting. My daughter and I built us a patio along side the fence. Of course we got the bright idea on Monday morning, the first really hot day we have had here. So halfway through, I got sick! I figure it was heat stroke and me not drinking enough water. Needless to say, I was in bed most of the day. Of course we didn't get enough pavers and had to go back the next day for more, but we finished it on Tuesday and the results were very satisfying. Of course the best part was doing it ourselves without the men to supervise. We out our glass topped umbrella table in the middle and bought 4 barn red plastic stacking chairs and a new umbrella. Then we built a corner area for a plant box and made a small brick wall around the edge and then added our pots of herbs. Have 3 pots of basil going now and can't wait to harvest some for pizza and bread. we should have leaf lettuce and radishes in 3-4 weeks and will probably plant the rest of the veggies this weekend. But first I have to clean out the weeds and prepare the ground for planting. Hope to get all of that done tomorrow. We already have buds on our raspberry plants and a few tomatoes on the cherry tomato plant. My neighbor just told me she has rhubarb to harvest, so I found some great recipes and plan on trying a few. Jen, let them have it! Don't know why we have a gall bladder in the first place considering how many are walking amongst us without one! Hope you have good luck at your appointment. I have to take Tut to the vet tomorrow where they will determine if he is diabetic or not and I imagine will be getting a prescription for his food from Then we go from there. Okay, this is early for me, but my head is spinning from too much doing today! Talk soon,,love Deef!!
ohhhh Deef. You hit my Achilles Heel. Feet/toes. Mom's feet are a wonder of grotesqueness to behold. No amount of soaking, scrubbing or lotion helps. Doc says it's not a fungus, just thickened skin from old age, and that nothing will help. She has what almost looks like layers of dirt all over her ankles and heels and on her toes. I say it's a fungus, because it will respond to some treatments temporarily and then continue growing when treatment stops - and how can it *not* be a fungus? I've seen plenty of older people whose feet don't look like this, so it's not just "old age". I just don't buy that. Nails are thick and if not cut every week, can darn near require a brush hog to cut - and they have that lovely cheese-textured crap under them, Deef, just like you mentioned.
I have moved past the athlete's foot cream and powders (which don't work), the vinegar-Listerine combo (that started to clear it up, but made her feet burn, so had to stop), and the Vicks Vapo-Rub (which didn't work) and now I'm on to trying Tea Tree crystals, which are supposed to clear up darn near anything.
Now here's the kicker (pardon the pun): we have a cat - a stray that we adopted, got fixed and updated on shots. He has the oddest habits and will chew on or eat just about anything. Now, I'm pretty grossed out by Mom's feet as it is - but add this into the mix and I'm about to toss my cookies: I'm cutting Mom's nails one day, trying desperately not to gag as the toenails are flying up at my face and across the room...when I suddenly hear this *crunch* *crunch* noise. I look over, and there sits the stupid cat - EATING A TOENAIL. I swear, the cat has gone insane and is determined to take me with him. It will be a short trip at this rate.
Toe nail fungus is slow growing and slow to get rid of. In advanced stages it affects the skin around the toes...looks like dirty skin built up thick and callused. It can become painful too. When you clip the nails, there is a powdery flaky dust. You can use OTC products like Fungicure or Fungicare but you must use it 2x's daily for months mostly likely 9-12 months. Tea Tree oil will also work as well as Oregano oil but you must follow the same procedure of 2x's a day for many months because the fungus is slow growing. Once it looks like it is under control and possibly cured, do not stop using...it will come back so it is a life time procedure like brushing teeth. My mother has it too, we use tea tree oil...$10.99 for 1 fl oz. and if used 2x's a day will last a month. It is comparable to the OTC Fungicure. If the infection is really bad, it will take longer to see results. Cut the nails as short as you can to begin treatment as nails take about 6 months to grow back out. You can go to a podiatrist to have them cut the nails as short as possible to begin. The tea tree oil works because I have used on myself, but it is an on going treatment and even if you only apply it once a day, it will still work but takes longer.
My cat had to go back to the vet's yesterday he just will not eat even with taking the med for appetite stimulation so they are giving him IV's and going to put a tube down and force feed -I will call this afternoon to see what is going on-it is very upsetting -I think there has to be something wrong with him-this is not normal.
Austin! I hope they figure out what's going on with your cat. Sorry to hear that he is back at the vet's.
I was lucky with mom's feet. She had the most beautiful feet and toes and didn't have any of that fungus or thick skin so yes, what the doctor is saying about old age is bs.
A beautiful day here after a real frog strangler of a rain yesterday.
Morning everyone Time is flying by, been nearly 2 weeks again since i have been here! I need to check in more...i have been so crazy buzy and completely exhausted at the same time so it has been really difficult. I need to get my follow up appt at dr's done and see if there is something more wrong.Besides complete and utter exhaustion and isolation from the 24/7 without a single sole who is here for companionship or assistance. i literally physically shut down by mid afternoon, for the past several weeks/month this has been going on. I mean how the heck am i supposed to get out or get us out to find a church or social group when i can barely keep things going as is and they are only getting more draining, more to do as she declines. I must reflect on where i was a year ago and at least i have a better disposition on things. and a better understanding and relationship with my mom and am much more patient with her. that has enriched both our lives. negative energy doesn't do any good. Your comment jen about how aging degrades one. i could not agree more. I was upset a bit by a comment friend made about mothers day...said just enjoy your mom at least you have her.....that is farther from the truth, there is no mom there anymore....she is my newborn, needing me for survival. and how the hell can i enjoy her when it is just another day of never ending diapers feeding lifting,and then watching her stare into her lap and pick dog hair from the blanket for the entire time we are "enjoying each other". on the positive, it is worlds away from where i was when i joined this thread. i was bitter angry depressed distraught, and many more words. unable to cope or move forward with anything. I do have a much better attitude and patience with mom. things are so completely different for us in that respect!!!! it is the exhaustion that shortens my patients now and i recognize it right away and correct it. anyway battery is dying & got to get my stuff done now. Hope all goes well for everyone, deef and Austin, hope kitties are doing ok! Peace, Juju
Mom took a shower this morning, and apparently didn't realize she hadn't cleaned herself very well after her last BM. Guess where that ended up....yup...embedded in the surface of the shower chair and literally plugging one of the drain holes in the shower chair. Gross, gross, gross. Mom is still somewhat independent and will not allow me to help her with toileting or showering...so I have to just clean up after her when I find these things. The amount of "stuff" on the shower chair was incredible...I told her about it and asked her to please ask me for help if she feels she needs it. Trying so hard to help her maintain some independence, but there comes a time....
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APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
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We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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Have to get to my day job at the dentist office. Hate to sound ungrateful, but money is more of an issue without Sam's pension, and SS.
Just got back from dropping him off. He was so good and I hated to leave him. If all goes well I should be on the road to pick him up by mid afternoon. The hour and a half in the car this morning almost put me to sleep. I let Tut sleep with me last night and got about 4 hours so I'm going back to bed for a bit.
90 degrees, oh my! I hate the heat so the thought of no air with those temps makes me shudder! Good luck on that front!
Just got back from dropping him off. He was so good and I hated to leave him. If all goes well I should be on the road to pick him up by mid afternoon. The hour and a half in the car this morning almost put me to sleep. I let Tut sleep with me last night and got about 4 hours so I'm going back to bed for a bit.
90 degrees, oh my! I hate the heat so the thought of no air with those temps makes me shudder! Good luck on that front!
Bills are hitting us hard this month too, with the addition of the work being done on the house getting accelerated a bit, so now I need to buy supplies for that, plus get the van ready for our trip north, plus pay child support for my youngest who lives with his dad...ugh. I just picked up 2 more clients, which means working an extra 10-12 hours a week, and if a 3rd potential client comes on board, another 4 hours a week on top of the 60 I'm working already. I'll have to start sleeping at my desk to make this all work, but the money has to come from somewhere....
Oh poor Tut, I know how much my Tiger kitty means to me and I spent $450 on him back in Sept. Hubby was not happy about it either.
My daughter will be here tomorrow for Saturday's gender reveal. My house is so unorganized with boxes shoved in the garage, in closets,etc. Most of it is my mom's summer and winter clothing. I already warned her ahead of time.
The reveal should be fun as we will have buttons for people to chose their team...boy/boy, girl/girl, or girl/boy. Then for the 4 great grandparents, we will have buttons with "My great grandkids are better than your great grandkids". To keep it in tradition, the 2 great mother's will slice the cake together, and the great father will lift the slice out to reveal the appropriate color of M&M's in the cake. The great grand parents will introduce twins to the rest of the family. No games will be played...my daughter doesn't want shower games. Lots of food and socializing...I will be glad when it is over as it has taken up more of my time than I expected with everything else I am trying to do.
I hope everyone has a peaceful mother's day with their friends, family or just yourself and spouse/sig other. I learned a long time ago not to put too many expectations on this day. My mom's community will have a brunch on Sunday we will go to...they put on a big spread and well worth the food plus spending more time with mom as well has having her with us on Saturday.
He came home with a cone around his neck. Fortunately they now make soft padded ones instead of those hard ones. He spent all his waking moments trying to get the thing off! He can still reach his ear to scratch, but it does deter him some. I'm going to have to rent him out to make him earn his keep! I have antibiotics and pain killers for him. You should see him 10 minutes after he gets the pain killer. He's higher than a kite and his pupils are like saucers! He lays on his back and stares at the ceiling and gets a silly look on his face. We're hoping he's more used to the cone and will sleep better tonight.
Took three 2 mile walks today! First with my daughter at 9 this morning, then in the afternoon with my husband and they my friend called after dinner and asked if I wanted to walk with her. I said why not! All that fresh air has me closing my eyes as I type. I did weeding and raking at Blanche's after lunch and trimmed her rhododendron that was getting choked out by bittersweet. Then I raked up more stuff around her house.
After that my daughter and I went to Lowe's and picked up plants, mulch and rock to use in our yard. Took a stop at the greenhouses again and got a cherry tomato plant, some herb plants, peppers and jalapena plants and more flowers for Memorial pots for the end of the month.
Sharyn, sounds like a fun party! Hope you get through it and everyone has a great time.
Jen, your mom doesn't know how lucky she is to have you!
Susan, glad you are getting more clients, but sorry you have to work so hard! $$ is always an issue here as well as in almost every household that supports a care giver. Just one of the many draw backs and one I haven't found a solution to yet.
Okay, my restless legs are jumping like crazy!!!! Going to take my meds and get to bed! Night everyone! Hope you all have a good week!
Deef
Today has been *insanely* busy.
--Received Mom's new scooter today. It was delivered by semi, so there was a huge semi parked on our very small residential street, causing no end of curiosity from the neighbors. One of them actually parked a chair in his driveway across the street and sat there watching the goings-on. LOL
I wrestled it out of the humongous box it came in, unwrapped all the foam and such, and rolled it up the ramp and into the house. It's charging now, so we'll test it out tomorrow.
--Old family friends that we hadn't seen in years dropped by unexpectedly for a visit - really brightened Mom's day, and I was SO glad she had showered this morning! (After tearful pleas from me last night and my explaining as patiently as possible that she is NOT the only one living in this house, and to make me live with the odor caused by her not showering is very unfair....that seemed to get through. I hope it lasts.)
--A case of wine showed up via UPS today - a mistake on my part for not canceling a "wine sampling" program I signed up for. (Sigh) Love my wine, but wasn't planning on getting a case! I noticed the charge on my debit card a week ago and tried to get the company to cancel it, but they wouldn't, so I'm the proud owner of a case of wine, I guess. I did get them to cancel any future shipments.
--Another shipment, this time from USPS of Mom's incontience pads from Amazon - I ordered 3 huge packages so that we don't run out, now that she's finally changing them more frequently. This way I don't have to run to the store.
--And ALL FIVE of my clients decided they needed work done today, so here it is 7pm and I'm still working, with another 5-6 hours ahead tonight. I'm re-heating Chinese food from yesterday for dinner for me, Mom had a Stouffer's lasagna. Not exactly the best start to my "healthier eating" plan!
However...with all of this, there are blessings. With my work, I can afford to buy Mom's pads, etc that she needs. The new scooter will enable her to get out and about more and perhaps go for "walks" with me and the dog (her on the scooter, me walking). And I got more than my share of exercise today wrestling with the scooter, plus the visit from old friends was a wonderful surprise. One of them has had cancer for a long time, and lives in another state...so who knows if we will ever see her again - so this visit was very special. I know Mom hadn't seen this person in at least 20 years.
luvCuz
lovbob
Hi to all! Been a while. Busy here-and have been in a terrible funk. I turned 50 yesterday and today is Mother's Day so my spirits are lifted. Fun with family and friends. Mom sang to me by phone twice yesterday! Once while I was on a surprise horseback ride that my son took me out on! Haven't been in 12 years and it was just like riding a bike! Loved it! And the hubby who said he would never get on a horse (they have a mind of their own!) went with us! It was amazing. Maybe I can ride on this for a while and keep that funk from settling back in. Hoping this will be the month hubby finds a job! Been too long. Mom is good at the NH and all that is falling into place as time marches on-but it has really been a tough and anxiety/guilt ridden adventure for me! But,I am getting there! Weather is good here so that helps! Birds are singing, dandelions are taking over but that's ok I guess...we can't control everything! As hard as we may try! HA! Hope all are well. Been reading but not replying...forgive me please but when I am in a funk I just can't muster the energy. Love that you are all here for me! Thank you!!! Have a good day. Mame
I had to fire my gallbladder as well.
Tried to get them to put it in a mustard jar and give it to me but for some reason they said no.
Did feel better after that for sure.
Mame!
Meanwhile!
Cuz!
DEEF!!
Susan!
Austin!
Kuli!
Sharyn!
Assanache!
Everybody!
lovbob
Blanche told me yesterday that her toe hurt and she took off her sock to show me. I took a very quick glance and said I would bring special clippers today and try to trim them for her. Big MISTAKE!!!!!! Not only were the nails Howard Hughes look a likes, but there had to be 10+ years of what my family lovingly (joke!) calls toe cheese!!!!! Oh my God!!!! She has not been able to shower or bathe for years and does as many elderly do by washing herself at the bathroom sink. She always says she has to wash her feet before getting dressed in the morning, but my guess is that does not ever include a soak. So not only were the nails, all of them, a half inch or longer, but they were thick from layers of dead skin and whatever else found it's way under them. that stuff was flying in every direction as I slowly clipped away! Even got hit in the head a few times. Don't know how I made it through without losing my lunch! Hands down, had to be the worst experience of my life!!!
How many points do I get for this one?????
In the meantime, been super busy with yard work and planting. My daughter and I built us a patio along side the fence. Of course we got the bright idea on Monday morning, the first really hot day we have had here. So halfway through, I got sick! I figure it was heat stroke and me not drinking enough water. Needless to say, I was in bed most of the day. Of course we didn't get enough pavers and had to go back the next day for more, but we finished it on Tuesday and the results were very satisfying. Of course the best part was doing it ourselves without the men to supervise. We out our glass topped umbrella table in the middle and bought 4 barn red plastic stacking chairs and a new umbrella. Then we built a corner area for a plant box and made a small brick wall around the edge and then added our pots of herbs. Have 3 pots of basil going now and can't wait to harvest some for pizza and bread. we should have leaf lettuce and radishes in 3-4 weeks and will probably plant the rest of the veggies this weekend. But first I have to clean out the weeds and prepare the ground for planting. Hope to get all of that done tomorrow. We already have buds on our raspberry plants and a few tomatoes on the cherry tomato plant. My neighbor just told me she has rhubarb to harvest, so I found some great recipes and plan on trying a few.
Jen, let them have it! Don't know why we have a gall bladder in the first place considering how many are walking amongst us without one! Hope you have good luck at your appointment.
I have to take Tut to the vet tomorrow where they will determine if he is diabetic or not and I imagine will be getting a prescription for his food from Then we go from there. Okay, this is early for me, but my head is spinning from too much doing today!
Talk soon,,love Deef!!
I have moved past the athlete's foot cream and powders (which don't work), the vinegar-Listerine combo (that started to clear it up, but made her feet burn, so had to stop), and the Vicks Vapo-Rub (which didn't work) and now I'm on to trying Tea Tree crystals, which are supposed to clear up darn near anything.
Now here's the kicker (pardon the pun): we have a cat - a stray that we adopted, got fixed and updated on shots. He has the oddest habits and will chew on or eat just about anything. Now, I'm pretty grossed out by Mom's feet as it is - but add this into the mix and I'm about to toss my cookies: I'm cutting Mom's nails one day, trying desperately not to gag as the toenails are flying up at my face and across the room...when I suddenly hear this *crunch* *crunch* noise. I look over, and there sits the stupid cat - EATING A TOENAIL. I swear, the cat has gone insane and is determined to take me with him. It will be a short trip at this rate.
Austin! I hope they figure out what's going on with your cat. Sorry to hear that he is back at the vet's.
I was lucky with mom's feet. She had the most beautiful feet and toes and didn't have any of that fungus or thick skin so yes, what the doctor is saying about old age is bs.
A beautiful day here after a real frog strangler of a rain yesterday.
OK, boaters coming up. Love to everyone.
lovbob
Time is flying by, been nearly 2 weeks again since i have been here! I need to check in more...i have been so crazy buzy and completely exhausted at the same time so it has been really difficult. I need to get my follow up appt at dr's done and see if there is something more wrong.Besides complete and utter exhaustion and isolation from the 24/7 without a single sole who is here for companionship or assistance. i literally physically shut down by mid afternoon, for the past several weeks/month this has been going on.
I mean how the heck am i supposed to get out or get us out to find a church or social group when i can barely keep things going as is and they are only getting more draining, more to do as she declines. I must reflect on where i was a year ago and at least i have a better disposition on things. and a better understanding and relationship with my mom and am much more patient with her. that has enriched both our lives. negative energy doesn't do any good.
Your comment jen about how aging degrades one. i could not agree more.
I was upset a bit by a comment friend made about mothers day...said just enjoy your mom at least you have her.....that is farther from the truth, there is no mom there anymore....she is my newborn, needing me for survival. and how the hell can i enjoy her when it is just another day of never ending diapers feeding lifting,and then watching her stare into her lap and pick dog hair from the blanket for the entire time we are "enjoying each other". on the positive, it is worlds away from where i was when i joined this thread. i was bitter angry depressed distraught, and many more words. unable to cope or move forward with anything. I do have a much better attitude and patience with mom. things are so completely different for us in that respect!!!! it is the exhaustion that shortens my patients now and i recognize it right away and correct it. anyway
battery is dying & got to get my stuff done now.
Hope all goes well for everyone, deef and Austin, hope kitties are doing ok!
Peace,
Juju
Mom took a shower this morning, and apparently didn't realize she hadn't cleaned herself very well after her last BM. Guess where that ended up....yup...embedded in the surface of the shower chair and literally plugging one of the drain holes in the shower chair. Gross, gross, gross. Mom is still somewhat independent and will not allow me to help her with toileting or showering...so I have to just clean up after her when I find these things. The amount of "stuff" on the shower chair was incredible...I told her about it and asked her to please ask me for help if she feels she needs it. Trying so hard to help her maintain some independence, but there comes a time....