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3 hours I've been trying to get the pool pump to prime. 3 HOURS!!! I've taken it apart for the hundredth time. I loo like a drowned rat.

I AM BOUT READY TO RIP IT OUT, STOMP ON IT, STOMP AGAIN AND AGAIN UNTIL I FALL EXHAUSTED INTO THE NOW MUDDY GRASS!!!!!
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Hope, I would love to read your life story! As I only really know the Caregiver part of you really, but I do know that you and I, well all of you guy's and I have so very much in common, it isn't any wonder we all ended up being Cargivers in the first place! So many things that we discover in this little bit of blogging, and we all chime in, thinking, yep, that's me too! Such as, I'm a homebody too, I just love being home, especially since raising my kids and loosing my parents and leaving my career due to disibility, I hated having to do that! I loved working, but now I'mqquite happy being retired, and although very rare anymore, I love being alone here too! Hope, yes, it is a huge realization that being a caregiver, is truly, ultimately satisfying, when all is said and done, and you have done the Very Best for someone who you love, and see them through all the difficult lifes trials, yes, we are so incredibly important, and will have that under our belts, so many cannot say the same, and will miss out on what is truly the most beautiful life lesson of all! Yes, most people will never know, how sad! My Husband's sister has always worked as a Nurse, in Nursing homes, and she never cared for either parent, only others parents, isn't that odd? To go through life in that capacity and Never ever even nurse your own parent through even the simplest cold or medical test, or post surgical recovery, let alone participate in the long road to the end? That irks me to no end! You are right Hope, life is precious!
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Oh, and YES HOPE, working as a a waitress in a Truck Stop, would be amazing! I, as you all know, am a big talker, and Love to hear about others lives and travels! You can then plan and future trip your own future, when you get one! Lol! That would be great fun, and waitressing is something that I've never done, but I would be great at I'm sure, I can hear my tip jar filling up right now! Ching Ching!
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Luckylu, Oh I am so jealous of you for having and being able to reread your Mama's diary of her life, especially during those formative year's, child to women during the depression! How incredible that she saved them for you to forever have that piece of her, that's fantastic!
I had previously posted that my own Mom had written down her memoirs about her life as a teen, working, meeting my Dad and then having to leave him when her family immigrated to the US, then him following of course! It was those memories that she was passing on to her Grandchildren to see what true love was really all about in her eyes. My niece put it all together and we all have a copy. I like to read it once and awhile, and I can hear her voice in the writing, it is my most prized possession. I sure miss her! It's been 11 years now, and boy does the time fly by.
JeanetteB, I can just see you jumping on the pump in frustration, but don't do it! Lol, they are probably pretty expensive! Don't you ever leave me gil! We are pretty close to one another, nd I know our lives will cross one of these days! I do hope so!
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So, I have posted about how I think my FIL is getting Dementia, well it just dawned on me that he all of a sudden he is NO LONGER, Stammering, Studdering and Humming to himself, constantly, as he used to, for Year's, Forever, and it is GONE, how is this even possible, and I know that it may be temporary, but it was CONSTANT! Could this be part of a new Dementia symptom? This one I can live with, it's a huge improvement, for sure, but how is it even possible for him to just shut that off in his brain, though I'm not complaining! We see his Dr tomorrow, but how can I even ask about it in front of him? It s so sad really to even think that he is going down that path. It has always been one of the things that he says he has, a sharp mind, well we will see with time won't we. But it's the little things that we notice going along, and in such a short amount of time, they are becoming increasingly apparent. That is my Whine for the day I hope, otherwise he is feeling better since last Sundays ER visit! All good in the poop shoot!
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Speaking of a poop shoot...Hope, I love the idea to call the compound "The Old Care Corral"....
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Jeanette did you get your blood check done today? I hope so. These things are important.

I found some great things when going through my Mom's things. She had an autograph book from when she went to high school. This would of been in the 1930's. Every page had a cute little saying or poem from her classmates. They were all so innocent and sweet.

Hope I understand wanting to be a homebody. But my hubby gets cabin fever so its not fair to him. Sometimes its so easy to just want to isolate from people but I have to try for him.
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Sorry been AWOL since my sister came. While sis was watching dad and the group this morning I was talking with the nurse.
Told her his doc is booked up all month so Will try calling as they usually have some same day appt. the only appt they had was the morning my sis is leaving so bad timing.
She wants dad to be on daily dose of alazopram instead of as needed as lately in the evening he goes from door to door trying to get out. Sometimes they can calm him down by having him sit in his Lazyboy and have him look out window but not always.
Also total assist for showers and the non shower days to help with washing up and teeth brushing. Once he tried to rub toothpaste on his face. :( also I think in the past 2 weeks he has taken his electric razor completely apart so they will put it away after he uses it.
Sometimes tries to dress in clothes from his dirty clothes hamper.
Toileting thankfully still good though sometimes he goes in other peoples room to pee.
So definitely on a decline since May. She concurs he is in stage 6.
Tomorrow having him at home for lunch simple- corn on the cob, will warm up come beans and have grilled bratwurst and cherry pie for dessert. My sis will pick him up and take back. Hoping this goes well.
Something has to go well.
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I hope it goes well for you too twin. Toothpaste might work for shaving. Ya never know. They say if you have a zit put toothpaste on it so who knows.
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Oh lucky, that is so precious to have such personal detailed memories of your mother.
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sigh... why does it just up and post for me??
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Gersh,Lucky and Stacey, it is such a beautiful gift to have of your mother's. I was able to find a few things but nothing as elaborate as the cherished gift you've received. So awesome!! Tons of pictures of her childhood days, as well as dads but no real words to go with. I did find 4 poems my grandmother (moms mom) wrote for each of her grandkids. To me it's so melancholy when those era's end.

Stacey, I wish I had a clue as why all the sudden The Old Man has suddenly stopped a very long habit(s). The brain is something to behold in many ways, hopefully the doc will give you some insight on it tomorrow?? I spose though if it's a welcomed change, don't FIX IT! LOL

57twin, if we were to go by those stages, then from your description of dad, I'd say he has really entered stage 6 now. For me (and mom) this seemed to be the longest most difficult stage. Not necessarily the most heartbreaking but definitely the most challenging. Everything remotely poisonous or dangerous needs to be removed from sight, better yet, from reach cuz they will snoop for days!! Perhaps it is best to set a daily dose, preferably evening with the alprazolam. For his safety as well as the other roomies? Enjoy your lunch tomorrow, cherish those moments...

Yes Gersh, I did indeed give away a pint of blood today. Even withheld a potty just in casies they wanted some of that as well Heck, now that I think of it, I still have "the hat" and several specimen containers ;) It's nowhere near my wish to have any sort of illness. The way I look at it now, this is just another step in birthing this baby called "new life". Thank you cmagnum for that. It all takes time and proper check-up to have the new life. I get cabin fever too!! Lately though I tend to rush things and end up making rash decisions on things to do. It's been a challenge for me to sit still and just heal. We both have time and I agree with you, not fair on hubs, so go ahead and get out there sweetie.

OH SH*T. I kept hearing this sound of water running (I'm outside on my laptop) and I went over to the pool..... I FORGOT to shut the hose off. OMG! It was overflowing.... holy moly, 10,000 gallons of water would wipe us out!!! D*mn stupid pump!! Lemme go empty 1000 or so out.... man :/
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57twin, I love hearing about your Dad, he just sounds so sweet, and peeing in thenneighbors bathroom, what a riot! God Love him, ya gotta laugh! I hope your having fun with your sis! Is she your twin? Identical? The stages are of interest to me, as I am only just, I think, starting down the path of dementia with my FIL, so I've been doing some research, and will be having him evaluated soon. Good luck with your Pop's, you are such a good daughter! Take care!
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I've never been a waitress either...spent all my years in the business/professional realm...legal departments, corporate American BS...I think I've had enough of the serious side of life to last me for the rest of my days...all the backstabbing, ladder climbing, stepping on other folks to work your way up...just can't see myself ever wanting to be part of corporate America again..I long for the simpler side of life now..spent the day in the back yard, raking and cleaning and pruning and burning and it is nice and clean and fresh and ready for what is supposed to be our first taste of a fall morning tomorrow. I'm looking so forward to a hot pot of coffee on a coolish morning with a pretty cozy neatly manicured lawn to enjoy with my babies around me.
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Dang I just lost my post, it was long and juicy too, lol! I gotta go potty now, so I'll get back to ya!
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Hope and Jeanette whenever I hear you gals describe your backyards it sounds so inviting. Even though I've become a homebody the lure of a campfire and that smoky smell just makes me long to be somewhere outdoorsy.

Hubby and I are making tentative plans for a road trip, either late August, early September. I just hate leaving the furkids somewhere though. They are so attached to us. I feel like its like punishment for them. But their vet do board as well and its a cats only office so at least I know they would be in good hands.

I'm feeling kind of blue today. I don't know why. Do you ever just feel ultra sensitive for no reason? Like if someone looked sideways at you you'd start to cry. Thats how I'm feeling. Ah well, this too shall pass.

I sent another e-mail to my sis. This time I came right out and said how come you never answer my e-mails. She e-mailed back this time and said her computer was down. I'd believe that. Except she has used that excuse a few times now. Don't believe her. Anyway.............
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Gershen, have you ever been to national parks, in an RV or tent? That trip would be fun, but be sure to plan one night in a four star hotel. Have you formulated your plan yet, or are you just going to take off and see where the road leads?
Of course you are feeling sensitive, your sister has not treated you well.
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I've never been a waitress either. We both seem to have a "gift of gab". Might be fun? Might be a life starter to give it at least a try? OH OH....LOL, loved the Old Kare Coral.

Gersh, big hugs. We've spoke about grief and the process. It's okay to cry at the drop of a silent pin, or if the wind blows a certain way. You loved your dear mother. I still avoid the deli section in Safeway. Mom loved her sweet n sour chicken. Near the end I started pureeing it for her...anything to get food in her.

Road trip? Really? Hmmm, either you dive further into Canada or... USA PNW bound baby!

Sorry but I don't think I would believe her either. Me, myself and I, have used that excuse before. Don't count the sis's out just yet... we all grieve different, right???

Oh, hey..... let's just add pool pump repair person to my ever growing resume' ... yes, by accident I over filled the pool, BUT by sheer detective work I found the problem. The clear plastic rollers from the vacuum...well, 2 fell off, lodging themselves places ...least I got my swim in, ha ha.....brrrrr

We can't burn anywhere here.... fire hazard is just too high. It's BANNED!!
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Gershen, you are going to need a good recipe for Smores. See you later over on the "What's for Dinner? " thread.
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I want to add another water feature to my back yard. I have a little rock fountain in the front, and a kiddie pool for the cats so there is always tons of water for the kids...which has actually saved me many times when Mama was in the hospital..never had to worry about them having plenty of water...only thing is ...having sources of water around is also an attractant for other wildlife...ie..coyotes...so I want to get a good sturday HIGH fence installed for the back yard before I do it..Also I want a giant boulder in the back yard...so I can climb up on it and just lay flat and look at the stars at night..I always wanted a giant boulder in the yard...I know it will be pricey and the biggest part will be having it hauled I suppose..still...one large flatish boulder please....


When I write a longish winded post I have gotten to where I copy it before I try to send because way too often it just gets lost and then I never can remember what I wrote...
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Jeanette its funny you should say that about avoiding deli section. I live smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood that Mom and I used to share. So because of that there is heartbreak around each and every corner here for me. The grocery store, the library, White Spot which if you are not Canadian is one of our local restaurants.

H*ll, me and hubby were parking underground at the Mall and I got sad cause I remember when my Mom still drove we used to always park there and window shop in the mall. The Food Fair. Can't go there anymore. Geeezzzzz!!!

I can just picture you Jeanette crying over the sweet n sour.......:(

Hubby and I might be heading out your way Jeanette. I love the Oregon coast.
We still haven't decided yet.

Anyway Jeanette add pool pump repair woman to your resume.
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OH...this morning was reading everyone's post and read one that sounded just like what I had gone through in life...I was thinking to myself..that poor old soul has had an identical experience to mine...and then I realized I was reading my own dang post....
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JeanetteB, what you need is a pool boy, ha! A hunky pool boy! He'll have you and your pool fixed up in no time! Lol! I am glad you got your blood work done today, hopefully they will soon figure out what is going on with your lustrous hair and your tiredness. We have a trunk of my inlaws up in our shed, that has a bunch of stuff from MIL'S teenage years, some of her old hats and long gloves, so posh. Some of all her kids school art and papers, report cards and also some old love letters from her previous boyfriend, hehe! She was a star Struck kid, and there is an Autograph booklet with Autographs from a few Star's from the 50's in it. She convinced my FIL to move to California when they were newly married, and she did some modeling. Her modeling pictures and portfolio is also in the trunk, and my husband was actually born at the Hollywood Hospital, isn't that a hoot? They moved back to the Seattle area soon after he was born, but he'll always have Hollywood! There are some juicy family secrets buried up in that trunk as well, but I haven't gotten to the bottom of it yet! I hope I don't find any skeletons!
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Stacey I saw some old pictures of my Mom and Dad too. I think my Dad was quite a flirt probably. I never got to know him cause he died when I was a toddler but looking at some of these pictures he had this flirtatious quality about him. My Mom always had the biggest smile on her face in all the pictures. Sigh.........
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Hope, that is funny about reading your own post. You must of thought "wow, who is this delightful, well spoken person on here. I can just picture you looking to the left and seeing the old big toothed jackass picture. LOL
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I have the perfect "compound" for us to live in. One of us needs to win the lottery first though....

Up in the far northwestern U.P. of Michigan - literally where the land ends at the tip of the Keewenaw Peninsula, lies the community of Copper Harbor. There are hundreds of little cabins along the lakeshore, most with saunas (it's a Finn thing) and all with a beautiful view of the lake and private lakeshore access to Lake Superior - the Mother of all lakes. Many of them are for sale - often, there are 10-12 properties in a row, side by side, for sale. I have long said that if I ever won the lottery, I would purchase several cabins in a row and use them as a family compound, where everyone in the family could have their own cabin. I suggest we do the same for our "care compound". Hey, if we win the lottery and buy those cabins, we should have enough money to hire out the snow removal in the wintertime, caregivers of our own choosing, security to keep pesky money-hungry family members away, and lifeguards to keep us safe when we dip our toes in the big lake. Oh, and a private chef for everyone.

Of course, if we didn't want private cabins, we could just buy one of the huge mansions up there and all live together....personally, I'd love to have just a little cabin, though.
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Susan sounds perfect! I'm going to run out and buy a lottery ticket right now. Unfortunately our Canadian dollar isn't doing too good though so it would be better if one of you guys won. :)
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Just a mere 6 hours from me! We vacationed up there lots growing up plus driving up to see fall colors.
Message from my cousin tentatively planning the cookout for dad in a couple weeks! Hopefully that will come together.
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Sendhelp, I have always wanted to go away on a RV road trip! Love it!
Gershun, Jeanette, it does get easier with time, I assure you! We did so many fun trips and we'll everything with my Mom and Dad, that visiting those places at first was a little painful, but as time goes on, they will eventually become happy memories, I promise! I've been a bit meh myself these past couple of days, not sure why, maybe just thinking about the Old Man just getting well, Older, weaker, and him changing before my eyes. It's all so uncertain. Gershun, I live in the beautiful PNW too! Hint hint!
Hope, that was funny, you reading your own post! I love the rock idea, do you have room for a big truck to drive into your back yard, with a big crane to move it? They would have to lift one up and over my house as the properties and fences are too close together. Sendhelp. Sounds like you are one who likes to cook? I used to before my FIL moved in, but he is so picky, and a very plain, no spices, no savory or casserole kind of guy, that I quit cooking very often, he prefers my hubby's bland menu, so hey, OK! I don't miss it. But only now make desserts and party and holiday foods, especially Christmas time.
Love to you all!
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I do have room for now. But if I build my cattery, the back yard will be blocked from trucks or other heavy equipment to access it...so I may have to put the boulder in my side yard...which there's still plenty of room there too...but either way has privacy ....I have a lot of plans but then, I also am seriously considering heading north northwest..in which case I won't be doing any of the additions because it would most likely be impossible to recoup the money I put into it...If I decide to stay here, I won't care because i will be gone wen it sells...long gone..
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