Now I really did it :((

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@missy I sure hate to hear they are sending your dad home. I know they do that when the insurance runs out. Like @Slickk said it seems like if they get sent again from the hospital the coverage will start again. But it sounds like your mom already checked on that. The social workers at places often have suggestions of what services are available. It’s good to be a realist but not always pleasant. I agree with you, that your dad might be putting on a front when he talks to you. My parents certainly did that. It’s natural, you are their precious daughter and they don’t want to worry you. Best we can do, is be there for them. Keeping all of you in my thoughts. I think on grief, it doesn’t hurt less but you get more used to it. But those waves still come crashing in at time.I am delighted to hear Greg has been walking more and I hope his knee is doing better every day. And that knee looks bent easily at 90 degrees. Sounds like you had a real cat fight last week and it’s never a dull moment. I am shaking every package that shows up here listening for some meowing. Just sayin …

@MamaBee I sure hope you are feeling better soon, it sounds like whatever you got is hitting you really hard and the medicine is making you feel worse. I hate to hear your mother fell and cracked a rib and she is in so much pain. I have the same thing with a twitching eyelid. When I’m stressed, it starts. It’s usually just one side too. Nice to order yourself a treat from Tiffany. Marty has not heard from that guy again who didn’t show up to meet him.

@canuk-gal I hope you are doing better too. I hate mystery symptoms. I’m interrupting your fortune cookie to mean a delivery from Tiffany. No, my Mega Millions ticket keeps saying I won $0. And I never heard back from Tiffany on sizing my Etoile band. Again, poor customer service. They could at least say, NO. I hate to hear an arctic front is coming your way, that means it’s not too far from getting here. We are having absolute NUTTY high winds. My house sounds like an old rattly log cabin. And happy BD to your DH, your dinners sounds fun.

@Austina how is your shoulder doing? It sounds like the PT can help and it’s not a rotator cuff. You’d think people would be looking for work, but every where you go, places are shorthanded. Yes, Marty has built things before and does a very nice job. Cleaning up the mess afterward, not su much … I see where you are getting warm weather. Pool season! I did venture out to TBE twice this weekend. No change between Saturday and Sunday, but I ran a friend out there Sunday to show her where it is.

@Slickk your OEC ring is gorgeous. Enjoy your week off. I am sorry what you went through with your mom.

@mrs-b it doesn’t seem like you’ve had the place in California that long. But, if you aren’t using it, now might be to the time sell. Housing prices are high. Yes, the new vest is for me. I haven’t given the one to my friend yet, her birthday is April 1. The house (TBE) has the basement foundation poured. I might go out mid-week and see what they’ve done on it. It’ll be a long 6-8 months. I’ll get pictures soon. We’re here to listen to your news, any time.

Marty is in Kansas through Saturday so I kept myself busy all weekend between work, chores, knitting, TV and met up with sone friends. I did run out to TBE both Saturday and Sunday. Not much change from one day to the next. There was a big grass fire south of town Saturday. I hate to think fires are starting in February.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Honestly @marcy, you’d think people would be looking for work, it’s crazy that not only do they not bother to turn up, they haven’t even got the decency to let you know. Oh dear, I don’t like the sound of the fires, I hope they’re not anywhere near you.

Thanks @missy, my shoulder is already much improved. I’m sorry the weather is so cold where you are, would you believe it reached 88 today? I never thought I’d get used to it, but I have. This would be a really hot summer’s day in England, and now it feels just pleasant Honestly, I just don’t know where the days go. Fingers crossed everything went well today with your Dad, and that’s one less thing to worry about.

Physio went well, he said he can already feel a huge difference in my shoulder. More torture, but it’s obviously working

We went in the pool when we got back, who’d have thought it’d be warm enough in February?

I hope all the lovely NIRDIs had a good weekend and a good start to the week, thinking of you all and wishing you all nothing but good things.

 

[missy]

Good morning lovely ladies and happy terrific Tuesday!

@marcy yes exactly. Thank you for all your continued well wishes and kind thoughts. I hope Marty is enjoying Kansas though I know he is there on business.One of the girlfriends with whom I zoom with every other week (last night's zoom) lives in Kansas. Ugh sorry about the fire. So scary and destructive and I hope it was under control quickly and no one was injured. Hope the next time you visit TBE you see a lot of progress

@Austina sweet. It was mild here for Feb yesterday..in the 50s and sunny which for me is purrrrfect weather in February here. Today I am unsure of temps but know rain is on the way. Glad you are enjoying the pool. 88 degrees. Wow. Glad physio went well but sorry it feels like torture. I get it because I have to "torture" Greg every day multiple times a day to help him bend his knee. When the PA called yesterday afternoon he gave me the credit for Greg being able to bend more lol. I will take some of the credit but he is doing all the painful work. Keep up the good physio Austina and hopefully in no time you will be completely pain free

@Slickk hope the week is going smoothly...Greg informed me we are turning the clocks ahead soon. Nooooooo. Why oh why can "they" just pick one time and stick with it. Daylight Standard or Daylight Savings. I don't even care. Just pick ONE. This going back and forth is brutal. I will say I prefer Daylight Savings time though but would take either if we could just stay put. Have an easy productive day

@bling_dream19 hugs to your family and to you and hope the week is going smoothly and all the appointments are going well

@canuk-gal we are almost in March...the winter has gone pretty quickly for me and I hope for you too and yay Spring will be here soon. Hope you are having a wonderful week


Hello everyone else
Yesterday the temps were super mild here...50s and sunny and it was a very lovely surprise. I had an enjoyable long walk and Greg did join me for the first mile so woohoo. Also good update with Greg's knee. Yesterday morning we took photos of Greg bending his knee and sent it to the surgeon. His PA called yesterday afternoon telling us great job and we can postpone the March 8th appointment for a 2-3 months. So yay on that bit of good news. My dad had the retinal injections yesterday and that went smoothly too. What a relief. And he got back to rehab in time to do his PT. I had my marathon zoom last night and then bedtime and as I predicted the day went super fast. Today Greg is heading into the city for his derm appointment. Tomorrow, Thursday and Friday I have medical appointments too so it is a busy medical week for us. I hope you enjoy a terrific Tuesday and be well. XOXO

I only took one photo yesterday during my walk. This time of a different tree than the one @springerspaniel and I share
Finally all the ice is gone. It took weeks.



And one of the photos we took yesterday morning for Greg's surgeon showing his improvement




Enjoy a terrific Tuesday lovely ladies XOXO

 

[MamaBee]

@missy You did it! Greg’s knee made such a huge improvement!

That’s also great the your dad’s retinol injections went well yesterday…and finished before his PT session. Does your mom have a nurse ready to go when he gets home?

@Austina It looks like your shoulder is really improving from your physio appointments! I remember the heat in Texas. That's why it was wonderful having a pool. It sounds like you’re really enjoying living in Texas. When are you going back to England for the visit with your friends?

@canuk-gal Your mentions of food really get my stomach growling, if this stomach ever settled I’m getting Chinese takeout! I haven’t had any in years because of the salt…I have high but managed blood pressure. I just won’t take my blood pressure for a few days after that.

I need to lie down again. My son suggested that I get IV fluids because I can’t get much fluid in due to the nausea. A nurse came to the house and gave me two bags..She said my skin started pinking up after half of the second bag. My lips were peeling..and my mouth was so dry. It looks like I developed GERD from the antibiotics. Fun..I’m also hiccuping A LOT! I was up two hours last night trying to get rid of them so I could sleep..I’ve tried every trick to get them to stop. I did the sugar on the tongue as a last resort..That was a big mistake.

My Tiffany lace diamond earrings came. They are very sparkly and sweet!

XO

 

[missy]

@MamaBee I am so sorry you’re suffering. Have you tried this for the hiccups?

Amazon.com

a.co

Sending bucketloads of healing vibes and gentle hugs your way XO

 

[MamaBee]

@MamaBee I am so sorry you’re suffering. Have you tried this for the hiccups?

Amazon.com

a.co

Sending bucketloads of healing vibes and gentle hugs your way XO

I just bought it!! It’s coming tomorrow!!!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

I’m glad your earrings came @MamaBee but I’m really sorry to hear you’re feeling no better at all. Did the nurse have any thoughts on what could be the cause? We’re visiting our friends in just over 4 weeks now, and we can’t wait to see them again.

Wow @missy, Greg’s knee is looking really good, your physio has definitely worked wonders. I hope his derm appt went well, and good luck for your upcoming appts.

I went for a walk with L this morning, and then started on the pruning, still a lot more to do, but didn’t want to do too much as my shoulder is tender from yesterday.

Another glorious day here, we spent the afternoon in the pool and sitting outside. Bliss!

 

[missy]

I just bought it!! It’s coming tomorrow!!!

I hope it helps you!!! I’ve heard good things about it. Big hugs

 

[missy]

Thank you @Austina!! It went well. He was given the all clear. Next appointment with this derm is in July/August. And thanks for the good luck for my appointments. I can’t wait for this week to be over

I’m glad you enjoyed another lovely weather day! I was too hot today lol. It was in the 60s and after walking a bit I realized I was overdressed. I did my full walk but was quite sweaty by the time I got home. I took a nice long cool shower when I got home


I also visited with our friends (furry and human) and it was a good day.




@MamaBee forgot to tell you and maybe I’ll have more energy tomorrow to expand upon this but my mom isn’t hiring help. SMH

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@Austina that fire was south of town, we’re pretty dry here already. It’s worrisome. That is wonderful your shoulder is doing better already. Ironically, I went to supper with a friend tonight and both she and her husband are having shoulder problems. Nice you guys took a dip in the pool today. It sounds lovely. Are you and Colin going to the UK to visit your friends or are they coming to see you?

@missy Marty said he feels like he’s at home because it’s cold and windy in Kansas and they are expected snow. He is giving training classes and I guess the class tomorrow has some problem students. I suggested if anyone gets out of line to challenge them to arm wrestling. Nice the PA gave your credit for helping Greg bend his knee, And that picture shows how much further he can bend it; that’s awesome progress. Yay Greg! I remember well that is not fun to work on. I’m with you on DST, just pick one and stick with it. Arizona is smart, they don’t change. Nice that Greg went with you on part of your walk, I am glad your dad’s retinal injections went smoothly and was able to get back for his PT. Great news Greg got a good report card at the derm. I hope your appointments go well. I hate to hear your mom isn’t going to hire help. Let’s just say, my stubbornness came from my parents so I can’t say much about that.

@MamaBee I hate to hear you are having so many symptoms. I’m worried about you. It sounds like the IV fluids helped a bit. I am glad your pretty Tiffany earrings showed up already and hopefully made you feel a bit better. Big hugs to you.

I learned new tricks today on videos. I’m becoming more knowledgeable about them than I ever wanted to be. I generally enjoy them though. We had snow on the ground when I got up today but it petered out soon. However, it was quite cold and windy all day. I picked up a friend of mine for supper and we went out to eat before I dropped her off to pick up her mom’s car. On the way home, I noticed the stars were out so I ran out to TBE. The road running N to S were still snow covered out there, but roads going W to E were clear. Strange. I couldn’t tell if they’ve done anything on the house in the dark. I didn’t get out of my car, but rolled the window down and peered out at the sky. The stars were way better than in town. Not super dark like in the mountains around here but then again my eyes weren’t dark adapted yet either. Our neighbor to the north had outside lights on, but they were shielded down so shouldn’t interfere much with star gazing.

I got up to the armhole on the back of my vest after I got home tonight. Tomorrow is haircut day. I’ll decide when I show up if I want to try something different. The good thing about hair, it grows back.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[missy]

GM girls! Happy wonderful Wednesday!

@marcy kansas weather oh no. And double oh no to problem students. Hope Marty's class goes well and I like your solution for any students who are difficult. I am sure Marty can take them lol. Thanks for your continued kindness and good wishes. Speaking of stubborn my mom isn't planning on hiring help so this is going to be a disaster. And I can only watch it unfold. Yay for learning new tricks. Never too old to learn right? I learn something new every day whether I want to or not Sweet the stars were visible to you at TBE. I wonder why all the roads were not cleared of snow. Have a good haircut. I am so overdue. It is now 2.5 years since I had a hair cut. And in March it will be 2 years and 7 months lol. Big hugs

@MamaBee how are you feeling today? XOXO

@bling_dream19 big hugs..so nice catching up and I told Greg about a possible OC visit....fingers and toes crossed. XOXO

@Slickk it's hump day and you have officially made it to the middle of the workweek...hope all is going smoothly...hugs

@Austina hope you have another great weather day..we are experiencing rain today. I have a medical appointment in the middle of the day so it OK but I would prefer sun even so

Yesterday as I wrote in my post last night was a good day. Nice long (warm) walk and some socializing with friends furry and human. Greg got a good health report card too. All in all a very good day. I am nervous today as I have an appointment this afternoon and I also got an email from one of my specialists asking me to schedule an appointment due to lab results, Uh oh. If all was well he would have just called and said all was well. So this is not good. It's the specialist who I am legally not supposed to see because he is long distance but he is unofficially helping me and I hope that continues. I am frustrated with healthcare in this country and now they are limiting our access to competent skilled healthcare professionals. Anyway I am nervous and also very nervous about tomorrow and Friday and now I have to call Dr M and schedule an appointment. I did not look at my email yesterday and he emailed me yesterday morning. Oh well. I will call today but there is a time difference so will have to call after my medical appointment this afternoon.

I hope you enjoy a wonderful Wednesday lovely ladies XOXO

 

[mrs-b]

@MamaBee - I'm genuinely concerned about you. How are you feeling today? I often have to have bagged fluids due to my Crohn's, and I know how unwell you have to be to need them and how dehydrated you have to be to get the peeling lips phenomenon. Suuuuper dry! Please keep drinking as you're able; being dehydrated can easily lead to racing pulse, arrhythmia and all sorts of scary stuff. And - unrelenting hiccups?? I'm literally sitting here, shaking my head! Warm thoughts, too, for your mother. I know what Wendy has gone through with her broken rib, and she's active and works full time and is 33 years younger than your mom! It's been a HUGE pain for her. So I can onl imagine what your mom is going through! I'm so sorry for all of this, J. oxo

@missy - your mother is hiring -zero- help?? <jaw on floor> I just don't know what to say about this. My friend David's, father broke his leg due to a fall a few weeks back. He was ultimately released into the care of his 75 year old wife (a yoga instructor and reasonably fit, given her age) and he fell TWICE on his first night home. Both times his wife had to call the paramedics as she was unable to get him back up. But he'd had the same experience as your dad - he'd been released from rehab, and had to go home. I mean, this is just madness. He's 88 and has dementia. My parents both died in their 50's, and it was a horribly painful experience for someone in their 20's, as I was at the time. But the *one thing* I am thankful for is that I never had to go through all of this with my parents. I missed decades with them (I was only 20 when my mom died and 27 when my dad died), and I regret that, of course, But skipping the aging parent agony? No, I dont regret that at all. I'm really pleased for you that Greg's knee is doing so well! What a great job you've both done! Big hugs to you, my friend. David is coming out here this weekend as its Eleanor's birthday, and he leaves on Tuesday next week. Let's try to get a call in after that, if you have time. And good luck for your upcoming appts! oxo

@Austina - I'm SO pleased your shoulder is feeling better! I hope you continue to go from strength to strength with it. And I am, of course, super jealous of your time in your pool! 88 degrees? Lordy....! I'm going back to California in 5.5 weeks, and I have to say, I'll be thrilled to get back to my pool! It was interesting you talking about how 88 in England would be considered a really hot day. When Tim and I first moved to Portsmouth (we were 6 months in Portsmouth, then, later, 2.5 years in Epsom) we decided one Saturday to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight. It was a lovely, temperate day - 21 degrees celsius. We caught the ferry with an elderly, somewhat portly woman who was rather over-dressed for the occasion, as she was wearing a tweed skirt, a twin set, and over it all, a heavy, knee length wool coat with a knitted scarf and leather gloves. Standing out on deck, talking to people who I guessed were her husband, son and wife, she was complaining about "this damn *heat*!" As I say - and I remember it clearly - it was 21 degrees. Sure made this pair of dislocated Aussies giggle! She was truly offended by the pleasant, sunshiny day in April! Anyway - I agree - one gets used to one's climate. I didn't think I'd ever be able to tolerate MA weather. But, even over the time we've been here (9 years now), the winters have grown more mild, the snow so much less, and now it just seems kinda...normal. How is your garden doing?

@marcy - I'd be terrible waiting for a house to be built, so I hear you re "it's going to be a long 6 - 8 months", waiting for the TBE to be done!! I'd drive myself even more nuts going out there every day and seeing...no change! Ugh! How are you holding up with Marty away? You *always* seem to have plenty to do, and are just so naturally productive, but when Tim was working for Deloitte, and used to have clients in Chicago who he visited from Sunday afternoon to Thursday evening - every week for 18 months, it was a slog. That's when I started with dogs and got my first dog out here. It made all the difference, and certainly gave me company and something to do! I'm glad you have friends near you. Re the townhouse - we only lease it, as we knew it would be short term, so it's a joy just to be able to hand it back and walk away. It's been three years now, and we mainly got it so I could have legal residency when I adopted Eleanor. So it's served its purpose. I do love it tho and will miss it sorely! If I didn't live with the daily fear when I'm out there of "The BIG One" hitting and all of us sliding into the sea, I'd move out there permanently. Not sure how I'd cope with the lack of gardening options, tho....

@canuk-gal - I'm glad the weekend snow didn't amount to much. How is it now? Two more days till March, and things start to become more temperate. I brought my gardenia inside this winter, and I'm thinking about putting it out again next week; the lack of light doesn't agree with it, but the cold temps would have killed it - so I'm between a rock and a hard place here! How are you feeling? Has the shingles completely resolved? I've had shingles 3 times now, and they are a major pain, so you have all my sympathies! Seems like the Valtrex caught it in time and stopped it spreading? Leaves you very tired, tho, doesn't it?

@Slickk - are you back at work this week? Ughs, re that! And thank you for that lovely photo last week of the beautiful Bear! Do you get a spring break in March/April? It's a long ride to June if there are no more breaks til then! Warm thoughts heading your way, and I hope your gorgeous new ring is cheering your heart! Do you wear it to school? I'll bet it's received some admiring glances from your colleagues!

@bling_dream19 - thinking of you always, my friend. Would love to have a chat later this week if you have time. oxo

@springerspaniel - hallo and greetings from NE to NE! Are you going to be on the receiving end of this week's predicted storm? Temps dropping here from 58 today to 33 tomorrow. (sigh) But then it's meant to ramp up again and March is the month it goes from cold to...not so bad. So this is always a somewhat optimistic time of year! I'm so disappointed I'll be missing spring in MA this year, but I have to get all I can out of our CA townhouse before we let it go on August 1st. I hope all is well with you, especially at work! Hugs to you!

As for me, all is well here. Eleanor is still working on her grad cert in children's illustration (post her liberal arts degree majoring in art), on her long, long, *long* trek towards getting into children's publishing. So far, she's applied to 25 different companies about entry level jobs - and has had one reply - for an unpaid internship. She recently picked up a part time job at PerSmart - somewhere between 15 and 20 hours a week - where she'll work while completing her illustration course, and then while she does a one year CAP course (Certified Administrative Professional) at the local Community College. She'll start off working on the floor at PetSmart, then hopes to work her way quickly into office work there. After her CAP course, she wants to sit the MOS certification course (Microsoft Office Specialist), and that, *really* should be enough to get her an entry level job in children's publishing. In that industry, virtually *every* job starts out as an admin assistant and requires 2-3 years experience as an office admin. Publishing is a highly sought after industry, and the competition is fierce. But it really is her dream profession, so the ground work she's laying is extensive. Assuming she gets her foot in the door, she's then aiming to do a grad. cert. in business communications at Harvard, which segues into the management masters degree there. It uses the subjects from the grad cert towards the masters, and all of it can be done part time and either online, or in a hybrid scenario. And that should be sufficient to allow her to climb the ladder as an art director - which is her ultimate goal. But - gees louise - remember when an undergrad degree got you a job?? Those days are so long gone! She's also learning to drive, and David and I will go halves in a second hand car for her when she has her license and looks confident enough with it all. She's highly organized and motivated and I get exhausted just watching her buzz! She's awesome.

Still going back and forth re CADs with Amy. If anyone is interested, I'll post them here when I have the finals.

Much love to you all! <3

 

[missy]

Dear @mrs-b I am so sorry you lost your parents at such a young age There are no adequate words for such a tragedy and loss and while I know it happened a long time ago my heart goes out to you. Big hugs my dear friend.

I am shocked as well with my mom's behavior. She is turning into my grandfather may he RIP. Stubborn and impossible to talk to...she is 81but a frail 81 and my dad cannot dress himself nor get out of bed or go to the bathroom without help. So incredulous about how this is going to go. Not well. And my dad did fall the first day he was back from the hospital the very first time he was hospitalized in September. Which ended up being the reason he had to go back to the hospital a week or two later. Infection of the stitches from the ED repair. And now he cannot walk.

We are all overwhelmed but cannot do a thing about it since my mother is in charge. I speak to my sister daily and she was my mom's favorite who could do no wrong but now my mom won't even speak to her without yelling and hanging up. A bad situation all around and I cannot help but wonder if there is some type of dementia happening with my mom...but if there is it is subtle and we cannot take steps to take over for my father. Not yet at least.

Yesterday morning my mom locked herself out of the house. And had to call a locksmith. In her robe. In the cold morning. She waited an hour. None of her neighbors have her key anymore (and all the neighbors she knew all her life have moved so everyone in the area is new to her) and she forgot where she hid the spare on the property. SMH.

To her credit she did not call us because we could not have gone anyway. Too far and Greg was in the city at his medical appointment but she didn't know that. She asked me yesterday, when I called her, why aren't we moving back to NYC and I said because we have our lives to live and I do not want to be in NYC anymore. She can be very selfish but also so stubborn and I am sorry for this long reply to you but just trying to paint an accurate picture of what we are dealing with regarding my parents. It's a bad situation all around. There is no happy ending here. Nor will there be.

I guess we were "lucky" with my grandparents as my grandmother died on the spot never sick a day in her life and my grandfather's death while more drawn out wasn't too drawn out if you kwim. But he was lucky as he lived not far from my parents (walking distance next neighborhood over...my grandparents moved to be closer to my parents and us when we were little). My parents did everything for my grandfather after my grandma died. Cooking, shopping, laundry, cleaning, taking him to the many dr appointments and procedures, etc.

Both my sister and I live further away from my parents and my parents refuse to consider moving nearer to either one of us despite us both offering. I will not pick up my life and move to her. If my mom wants help she has to compromise but she doesn't know the meaning of that word anymore sadly.

Oh please share your bling when it arrives...I cannot read CADs but share here with the excitement and blingy joy...very excited for you

Yes, please let's do a call after David's visit...it is wonderful he is coming for Eleanor's birthday so you can all celebrate together. Love that. Have a wonderful celebration and a big happy birthday to sweet Eleanor.

 

[mrs-b]

Dear @mrs-b I am so sorry you lost your parents at such a young age There are no adequate words for such a tragedy and loss and while I know it happened a long time ago my heart goes out to you. Big hugs my dear friend.

I am shocked as well with my mom's behavior. She is turning into my grandfather may he RIP. Stubborn and impossible to talk to...she is 81but a frail 81 and my dad cannot dress himself nor get out of bed or go to the bathroom without help. So incredulous about how this is going to go. Not well. And my dad did fall the first day he was back from the hospital the very first time he was hospitalized in September. Which ended up being the reason he had to go back to the hospital a week or two later. Infection of the stitches from the ED repair. And now he cannot walk.

We are all overwhelmed but cannot do a thing about it since my mother is in charge. I speak to my sister daily and she was my mom's favorite who could do no wrong but now my mom won't even speak to her without yelling and hanging up. A bad situation all around and I cannot help but wonder if there is some type of dementia happening with my mom...but if there is it is subtle and we cannot take steps to take over for my father. Not yet at least.

Yesterday morning my mom locked herself out of the house. And had to call a locksmith. In her robe. In the cold morning. She waited an hour. None of her neighbors have her key anymore (and all the neighbors she knew all her life have moved so everyone in the area is new to her) and she forgot where she hid the spare on the property. SMH.

To her credit she did not call us because we could not have gone anyway. Too far and Greg was in the city at his medical appointment but she didn't know that. She asked me yesterday, when I called her, why aren't we moving back to NYC and I said because we have our lives to live and I do not want to be in NYC anymore. She can be very selfish but also so stubborn and I am sorry for this long reply to you but just trying to paint an accurate picture of what we are dealing with regarding my parents. It's a bad situation all around. There is no happy ending here. Nor will there be.

I guess we were "lucky" with my grandparents as my grandmother died on the spot never sick a day in her life and my grandfather's death while more drawn out wasn't too drawn out if you kwim. But he was lucky as he lived not far from my parents (walking distance next neighborhood over...my grandparents moved to be closer to my parents and us when we were little). My parents did everything for my grandfather after my grandma died. Cooking, shopping, laundry, cleaning, taking him to the many dr appointments and procedures, etc.

Both my sister and I live further away from my parents and my parents refuse to consider moving nearer to either one of us despite us both offering. I will not pick up my life and move to her. If my mom wants help she has to compromise but she doesn't know the meaning of that word anymore sadly.

Oh please share your bling when it arrives...I cannot read CADs but share here with the excitement and blingy joy...very excited for you

Yes, please let's do a call after David's visit...it is wonderful he is coming for Eleanor's birthday so you can all celebrate together. Love that. Have a wonderful celebration and a big happy birthday to sweet Eleanor.

@missy -

I dont know what to say first....

You are a darling and thank you so much for that little video! I'lll pass it on to Eleanor. She has a PS account but has never posted. Her name is Daughter_B - which I think is adorable.

And...I cried when I read about your parents, so now I'm typing through tears. The aging of your mom and the fighting and yelling and hanging up of phones - that's just SO sad. I'm so sorry! She really doesn't sound like herself and, yes, dementia sounds like a possibility. If she was more flexible, and open to being tested, there are all sorts of meds now that can slow down dementia progression - but it takes testing and compliance and that just doesn't sound like where she is right now. But getting locked outside in her dressing gown?? This sort of thing is downright dangerous. Lordy - the stress you're currently feeling must be off the charts.

And your dad - a fall -> stitches -> infection -> can't walk....that progression when you're elderly is SO easy and so dangeous! I have been thinking about your parents and Wendy a lot lately, and want to revisit lifting weights again. I need to build some bone.

We buried my mother a week before my big, black tie 21st birthday party, which had been modeled 100% on hers; we hired a yacht and chefs and wait staff and sailed Sydney Harbour all evening, giving out yellow roses to all the girls at the end of the evening. It was meant to be a truly joyous mother-daughter event, but - honestly - all I remember of it was being on sleep meds in an effort to avoid the nightmares and feeling sad and groggy all evening. But mom died while away for the weekend with my father, and my father died 6 years later, dropping dead having just walked off a squash court where he'd thrashed a 28 year old friend of mine. Mom was 12 years older than dad, and I think she feared growing old and being so much older than him ie dependent on him. So frankly, I think going at the age she did, in the way she did (she died in his arms from a heart attack) while still working full time and being fully independent, would have suited her. For my father, tho, 3 weeks short of 52 and 7 years later, it was way too soon. He had remarried, had retired from his job as a tax accountant, and was working part time in his own business and part time as pastor for our church. He'd taken up cross country skiing and was drinking the nectar of life, as one might say. So it was all fairly shocking and it took YEARS for me to stop wondering where Tim was and would he be ok when he was out of eyesight range. That stuff is trauma.

But I never went through what you're going through, and the ongoing, day to day struggle must be soul destroying.

I really am sending all my love, AG, and I'm thinking of you and @MamaBee every day.

 

[missy]

Tysm dear @mrs-b
I’m compartmentalizing as best as possible and taking it one day/one hour at a time

 

[MamaBee]

I hope it helps you!!! I’ve heard good things about it. Big hugs

I hope so! I keep looking up to see when it’s coming. I have them pretty bad right now. It’s due anytime in the next three hours.
I have an appointment with my doctor in Pa on Friday. She prescribed to Zofrans to take for the trip. She said if I get worse on the trip to go a local hospital.
I just read that your mom isn’t going to get any help? OMG I’m sorry you have this worry Missy.
My HiccAway came. I just did it..It worked!!! I had been hiccuping for two hours straight until I tried it!!!

 

[mrs-b]

My HiccAway came. I just did it..It worked!!! I had been hiccuping for two hours straight until I tried it!!!

THANK GOODNESS!!

 

[missy]

I hope so! I keep looking up to see when it’s coming. I have them pretty bad right now. It’s due anytime in the next three hours.
I have an appointment with my doctor in Pa on Friday. She prescribed to Zofrans to take for the trip. She said if I get worse on the trip to go a local hospital.
I just read that your mom isn’t going to get any help? OMG I’m sorry you have this worry Missy.
My HiccAway came. I just did it..It worked!!! I had been hiccuping for two hours straight until I tried it!!!

Yay!!!!!!!!! So happy it’s working for you!!!!!!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Thank goodness the fires weren’t too close to you @marcy, but yuk to snow, even if it didn’t linger. Your’e becoming quite the expert in a field you didn’t want to be involved in. I’m sure that you’re right, and Marty could deal with any troublemakers pronto! Maybe your friends need someone to torture them too to help their shoulders! It’s painful, but at least it’s working. We’re heading ‘home’ to visit friends in their new house, these are the friends that had the buyers from hell!

Oh my goodness @mrs-b, you’ve been through so much, I’m so sorry, your parents were so young. It sounds as though Eleanor is going to have quite a trek ahead of her to get to her chosen career. Wish her a very happy birthday from her PS Aunties! I’m honestly amazed that we’ve adapted to the heat, Shirley always said we would, she’d come from Michigan. Today the temperatures have plummeted because it’s been very windy, but normal service should be resumed on Friday.

I’m so glad you’ve stopped hiccoughing @MamaBee and also glad that you’ve got an appt on Friday, I really hope that the Dr will be able to help and have some idea what on earth’s causing all these awful symptoms you’re experiencing.

I’m sorry @missy, but I don’t think it’s going to take your mother long to realise that she just can’t do it on her own. My father had carers coming in a 3 times a day, and it was nowhere near enough help. I’m afraid the elderly often think they’re far more capable than they are, and it’s hard for them to realise they’re not up to it anymore. The only thing you can do is be there when she asks for help. You are absolutely right that you can’t give up your life, you’ve offered help which so far has been rejected. My parent did move to be closer, but sadly, ultimately didn’t appreciate all the things we did for them.

We did some more pruning today, and now the real excitement starts, we’re going to clean the fridge Could my life getting anymore glamourous?

No pool today, it’s too windy.

Be safe and well lovely NIRDIs

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

NIRDI shout out!!!!!!!!!!

@missy My heart goes out to you and your family. And I suspect your assertions are not unfounded, this will unfold badly. So Sorry. Your Mom is stressed and fatigued in addition to any other issues--and that doesn't bode well for making "sound decisions". She may get hurt herself. Regardless, those decisions are theirs to make. And FWIW, my two sisters alternated visiting my Mom at home EOD , took her to appts, assisted with ADL as needed, etc etc and it helped in the short term, but that didn't change things in the long run. And I travelled many times (staying one or more weeks at a time) to assist--post falls, strokes, and post op (knee replacement). We all do what we can but cannot solve every problem, especially without participation. Unfortunately. But on a happy note, I put on my Mom's gold chain and earrings today and felt beautiful. Have a look at your Opal ring and you'll smile. Guaranteed! Hope your MD appts go well.

@MamaBee I hope the IV fluids perked you up! Try crushing ice to chips and take a spoonful on a regular basis. Popcycles are also good. Hope your hiccups subside and that you are able to feel better soon. Zofran works very well but is sedating. Hope your MD can help unravel what is ailing you. And hope the earrings cheered you up!

@mrs-b I empathize with the early loss of a parent--I lost my Father a day before his 51st BD. I had just turned 26. Sad, but my Mother was widowed longer than she was married. Eleanor has a great plan--hope it all comes to fruition--you know what they say about slow and steady....... Our temps vary a lot this time of year--and I think snow is predicted over the weekend. That is fine as it has been relatively dry for a winter--and we need the precipitation. No one wants terrible crops and forest fires.

@marcy I am glad you keep busy while Marty is away. Glad you like making videos--I think you'd be a natural.

@Austina happy to hear your shoulder is on the mend. The only knot I want is with Tiffany jewellery!!!!!! And I hear you on levels of excitement--I spent more time than I care arranging DH and DS sock drawers. My DH had three--who needs 3 separate drawers for socks??? I fixed that..and amalgamated mine as well. Now I have two free drawers!

AFM, I make an appt to see my GP on Friday. While my ring finger swelling has subsided, yesterday my pointer joint was off the scale swollen and painful. It hurt pulling my long sleeved over my hand. Musical joint pain. Not as bad today but WTH? On a fun note, I plan to make creamed spinach and a Béarnaise sauce for the beef for Sunday supper. Been a while since I've made both--and I crave it!

cheers--Sharon

 

[missy]

GM ladies! Happy terrific Thursday! Writing on the go so keeping it short


@MamaBee how are you feeling today? Hugs

@canuk-gal thank you and I agree with all you wrote. Xoxo

@bling_dream19 big hugs

@Slickk thank you and hugs

@Austina yes I agree. Hope you get to enjoy the pool today xo

@mrs-b hope you have a great day XO


Had my transvag us so while I’m waiting for the results my tech said she didn’t see any change. Hopefully she’s right.
Busy day. Have a wonderful Thursday lovely ladies


Leaving you with photos of a few of our feral cats from yesterday. The temps were in the 60s and the kitties enjoyed themselves











Have a purrrrrrfect Thursday XOXO

 

[bling_dream19]

Nirdi shoutout! Thank you for all of the love and kind words... @missy @Austina @mrs-b @MamaBee @marcy @canuk-gal and everyone who is here.
We've all got so much going on! I'm enjoying a slower pace of life, not working as much, focusing on my health and time with friends and family. And of coarse bling!!! This is where we can come and have fun and talk about jewelry with no judgement. I got my tennis bracelet tightened last week so my mind is eased. It had loosened up a bit and we don't like that!!! Wishing all of you well and sending you love and Light always.

 

[mrs-b]

Got my mammaogram results - all clear. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, plus bloods this and next week - then I'll hopefully get an all clear and go to annual oncology follow-up appts. And not a minute too soon, either!

I am now going to spend the rest of the day like @missy's feral cats; curled up doing not much!!

Love to you all!

 

[MamaBee]

@canuk-gal Thanks for the suggestions about the ice chips. All the fluid I got from the two bags of IV are gone. I know that because I had gained 2.5 pounds from being pumped up. Today I got up and it’s all gone. Lips are peeling again. I FORCED myself to eat a half of a banana. Now I’m super nauseous. I’m worried I’m starving which is scary. Two saltine crackers a day is starvation. We’re going home today. I see my doctor tomorrow. My pulse was 49 this morning.
@missy I hate to post here because at this point it’s all about me..I feel awful to answer your question. We’re going home today. I’m VERY worried about being in the car that long. I’m bringing a wastebasket in case..
@mrs-b I’m happy your mammogram is clear.
I hope all your other tests will be the same.
@Austina That’s great that your shoulder is improving. No pain..no gain!
My mom slipped out of her chair last night. She’s okay but hit the area of the broken rib. They also told me my mom told her she can’t recall words. Not good news. She’s going to get speech therapy.
Big hugs and love to everyone.

 

[mrs-b]

@canuk-gal Thanks for the suggestions about the ice chips. All the fluid I got from the two bags of IV are gone. I know that because I had gained 2.5 pounds from being pumped up. Today I got up and it’s all gone. Lips are peeling again. I FORCED myself to eat a half of a banana. Now I’m super nauseous. I’m worried I’m starving which is scary. Two saltine crackers a day is starvation. We’re going home today. I see my doctor tomorrow. My pulse was 49 this morning.
@missy I hate to post here because at this point it’s all about me..I feel awful to answer your question. We’re going home today. I’m VERY worried about being in the car that long. I’m bringing a wastebasket in case..
@mrs-b I’m happy your mammogram is clear.
I hope all your other tests will be the same.
@Austina That’s great that your shoulder is improving. No pain..no gain!
My mom slipped out of her chair last night. She’s okay but hit the area of the broken rib. They also told me my mom told her she can’t recall words. Not good news. She’s going to get speech therapy.
Big hugs and love to everyone.

I’m so worried about you. Don’t be afraid to go to the ED if you can’t wait till tomorrow - tho I would be the first to admit that EDs are largely useless. Pls keep in contact IF you feel up to it. Praying for you. oxo

 

[MamaBee]

Thanks @mrs-b ..We got a late start because S had to pack everything. I have my ice chips and a bucket..The GPS says almost four hours to get home because of traffic. I’m going to be DITW by the time I get home.

 

[mrs-b]

Thanks @mrs-b ..We got a late start because S had to pack everything. I have my ice chips and a bucket..The GPS says almost four hours to get home because of traffic. I’m going to be DITW by the time I get home.

I'm praying hard that S drives safely. The last thing you need is a bumpy, scary ride!

And re your mother - there are just no words. I'm so, so sorry. <3

 

[missy]

@mrs-b yay!!!!!!! So happy for your wonderful update!!!!

@MamaBee please don’t feel like that. We all love you and want you to feel better. Please please see your doctor about this. And I’m so sorry about your mom
Safe travels and big hugs

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Firstly to the all clear @mrs-b, what a huge relief that must’ve been getting that good news. Now to just get the others done and dusted and back to yearly check ups.

Glad Greg got the all clear from the derm, and yay for your US showing no changes. I hope the rest of your appts went well too @missy. I hope everything goes well tomorrow with your Dad’s return home from the rehab place. The ferals are looking healthy and well fed, what a beautiful bunch.

I hope the Dr gets to the issue with the swelling @canuk-gal and you can get some answers as to the cause.

Oh no @MamaBee, it never rains but it pours. I hope your mother is doing OK, that must’ve been a nasty shock for her on top of everything else, it does rattle you up. I hate to hear how unwell you are and that it’s not letting up. Hopefully you got back without incident, and are resting and relaxing now ahead of your appt tomorrow. I hope the Dr can get to the bottom of your symptoms and can come up with some effective treatment, you can’t go on like this, you’ll waste away.

Lovely to hear from your @bling_dream19, and I’m glad to hear you’re taking time to concentrate of you and your well being. Phew to getting your bracelet fixed, you wouldn’t want to lose that beauty.

Don’t work too hard @marcy. When does Marty get back from Kansas? Our local town hall (I didn’t even know we had one!!!) is giving out eclipse glasses, so as some point, we need to go and get some. I can’t remember if you were going to be headed our way to see the eclipse, or did I imagine that?

Did our food shopping earlier, and a lady at the deli counter said “Gee, I just love your accent. I wish I spoke like you, it sounds so neat”

Would you believe it was 40 degs colder than Tuesday this morning? This weather is crazy! Supposed to be 75 tomorrow and improving temps from then on.

I know I say this every week, but how on earth can it be Friday again tomorrow?

Take care lovely NIRDIs

 

[MamaBee]

@Thank you Austina. I have no chance of wasting away.. I am concerned with not being able to eat..
@missy That’s great news your US is normal!
Wishing your dad a smooth transition home tomorrow. I’m hoping your mom did decide she can’t do it by herself…and hired someone.
@canuk-gal Should I force myself to eat even if I feel full before eating? I forced myself to eat a half banana this afternoon. All I ate today was the half banana and three saltine crackers. I’m in the car going home wondering what to do when I get home to Pa. I was thinking of eating some egg beaters. Should I force down more than two teaspoons which is what I can manage. It’s so weird. I’m craving food but I know I can’t eat it. I still have my appetite but no capacity to eat more than two teaspoons of anything without being really full. I’m taking Zofran which seems to be working but I don’t notice a lessening of the nausea. It seems to just keep me from .
The GPS says we’ll get home in 45 minutes. This has been a hellish trip.
XOXO