Last Tuesday ofOctober

[Colliemom]

Good Morning. Woke up to a cloudy morning here after a day of on and off rain showers. Never got past 45 yesterday. Supposed to be nice weather next few days and temps in 50’s. Time to finish up the yard work, service my lawn tractor and put it away for Winter, change the oil in my small snowblower, put out my driveway markers and generally finish up odds and ends. There is a little sense of urgency in this, as next week there is a big area of cold supposedly heading in and dropping us into below average temps. We actually have snow in the forecast as well, but that will depend on the winds. We shall see. It could be rain mixed with snow too. There was some in the area the other day.

Shelia, I concur with what the others have said. Taking care of your mom is not an easy task. You need to set some parameters. Karen, I’m with you on the big wide tubs. I have a garden tub in my guest bathroom. It’s wide and deep and hard to get in and out of. I want it gone and replaced with a regular tub. I have a walk in shower in my bathroom, a small stall one, but I really don’t want walk ins in both bathrooms. Sometimes a tub comes in handy and good for resale purposes too. But having that sprained ankle, it was a bit of a wake up call. Decided it’s time to do a few things in the bathrooms here, like get a taller toilet in mine, some grab bars installed etc. Not that I haven’t been thinking about that. I’m hoping to stay in place as long as I can. Although it does take work to maintain a home and property, I think that is what keeps me going both physically and mentally.

So, guess I should get my day started. Want to run the vac before heading outside. Think I will work on woodcraft cutout till the weather warms a bit more. Everything’s wet out there. Breezy too. Need to get some gas for the leaf blower, so quick run to gas station. Y’all have a nice day.

[Shirlv]

Morning Sue and All. Whooee! Lots of rain through the night. Sunny now and wind will move in. Sheila, glad you are having the care conference today. Nothing exciting planned for today. I had several requests for this apartment, walk-in shower, high rise toilet, room for a upright freezer and no parking lot view. Management provided everything. In hindsight the parking lot view would not be as noisy and I could have spied on people. The traffic noise is gone by 8pm and I do see the farmer plow the fields, deer and a sailboats on the creek. Martha, I remember my Mom saying “horse feathers “ or “if you can’t say something nice , keep your mouth shut”. She would be mortified at the world today. Be safe

[Bethers]

It's 33* with tiny little snowflakes. As with any snow that came overnight, it's melting as it hits the ground. High today will be 40*. Wind to be less than yesterday. I went to bed and had trouble sleeping with the rocking and rolling last night, so I'm appreciative that it won't get that bad today. Other than walking Ty I intend to pretty much stay inside today.

Sheila, please listen closely today to what they say and recommend. I don't want to be a naysayer, but even if you and the family spend the money, can your mother get the necessary care at home now and in the future? Can you physically move her as necessary, even to the bathroom? And how much improvement are they hoping for? It totally pained my heart to make the nursing home decision with my mom when we did, but it was necessary. Did it pain me knowing I had a sibling that could have afforded paying for 24 hour a day care? It sure did. But that wasn't going to happen. You have to think of you. And keep in the front of those thoughts whether or not you'll be able to provide the care she needs. You comment on them moving the portable toilet closet to her .. would you be able to get her to the bathroom further away? By yourself? Would you be able to lift her to it even right next to the bed or chair? I want what's best for both your mom and you. And hopefully there will be more clarity after today's meeting.

It's time to walk Ty. I've been avoiding it so far and he's so good about it but he deserves his walks, and needs them.

Have a great day!

[Cudedog]

But having that sprained ankle, it was a bit of a wake up call. Decided it’s time to do a few things in the bathrooms here, like get a taller toilet in mine, some grab bars installed etc. Not that I haven’t been thinking about that. I’m hoping to stay in place as long as I can. Although it does take work to maintain a home and property, I think that is what keeps me going both physically and mentally.

Good morning, Sue, and all who follow.

Sue, I really look forward to your morning posts, they always give me a lot of food for thought. This post is no different. Were we sisters in another life? We seem to have a tremendous amount in common with one another.

I agree, it DOES take work to maintain a home and property, and I also agree 100% that this keeps one going, both mentally and physically.

I, also, fervently hope to "stay in place" as long as I can - I have been thinking about this very thing quite a bit over the last several weeks. One of my worries - thus also one of my "goals" - motivating me to continually work towards "staying in place" is my sweet Joe boy. He is getting a bit of age on him now , but still just as energetic and as much of a lover as he has ever been. Were he not here constantly by my side, I don't know how I would have made it thus far through this whole terrible plague thing.

Because of his size and his breed, I doubt there are many places that would allow me to bring him with me, which doesn't bear thinking about.

So. Like you, and probably like most all of us here, we continue to "soldier on" in our own way, as best we can.

Thanks for the thoughtful post, Sue.

Anne

[Bethers]

Staying in place for me is traveling. I hope to continue traveling for a long time, but the casita is there when I need to limit it. It was a lifesaver during last winter when traveling didn't feel safe. I'll only be there about 10 days, coming up soon. I already have my 3rd Moderna shot scheduled. Same day will stop at Safeway and get my flu shot. A few days later I'll have an appt with a nurse practitioner, then the next day I have an appt at the dermatologists. When I get to Texas I'll call and make an appt with my dentist. Hopefully that's it for a year!

It's up to 37 and might hit 40 today. My hope is that it doesn't get lower than 20 overnight. Then temps get back to upper 50's/lower 60's and I'll start heading south Thursday or Friday.

[JudyJB]

Sheila, it does not matter how far away they live or how busy they are--they can put regular checks in the mail to pay for help for you, and the post office will pick it up and deliver it!!! As the others have said, what would they do if you were not around? I am guessing they would figure out a solution of some sort.

I am planning to stay on the road as long as I can, but yesterday, I did order one of those senior medical devices I can keep in my pocket while I am out walking or shopping, and also when i am inside. I can even take it in the shower but since I don't have any pockets there, on the sink would make more sense! I have not fallen, but as I get older, I do worry that I am living alone and might be in trouble if I fall. This one works on Verizon and has a GPS component so they can tell where I am.

Ran out again and dumped my tanks and picked up a few groceries. Only four more days here and then moving on to the FLorida Panhandle for two weeks each at two campgrounds on the Gulf. First one has full hookups and big paved spots, so that will make things easier, plus I can ride my bike to nearby places.

[OregonLuvr]

Good afternoon. Been doing a few housekeeping chores this morning and a few chats on the phone with friends. I had to go pick up my mail as I knew the tax bill was here so I wanted to see what it would be. WELL my previous tax bill in Talent was $1380, it went up around $500 that year as we were "reassessed" as the tax people liked to call it. Used to pay around $800 so I was curious how badly I would be hit here..............$268 YES. So I was pleasantly shocked. I am liking this area more and more each day LOL

Damp and cloudy out today but supposed to be 70 on Thursday. I am leaving tomorrow with only a 30% chance of showers so that wont impact my drive. Just a little cooler in Medford so sweater weather for sure.

Leftovers for dinner so that is taken care of. Think it is time for hot chocolate and a little tv time.

[Acadianmom]

I went fishing for 5 hours today. The fish were bitting enough to keep me entertained. I caught enough perch to have a big fish fry but didn't keep any. I really need to get one of the portable fish cleaning tables. My arm is sore from casting. I don't know what I should have been doing today but it didn't get done.

I have one of the garden tubs in the big bathroom and a handicap shower. That garden tub is the biggest waste of space there is. The bathroom would have to be remodeled to replace that tub because of where the plumbing is. I really like the taller toilets. I hate the ones where I feel like I'm sitting on the floor. My knees make it hard to get up and down. You should see me trying to doctor the cat. I had to get my foam pad out of the camper to kneel on.

Shirl, that's funny about you being able to spy on people. When we got this house I had to choose which small bedroom to make my office. The smallest is on the front of the house and I'm glad I picked this one. I can watch who goes up and down the road. lol

We are suppose to have a front coming thru about noon tomorrow with possible severe weather. It's suppose to cool off a little.

Martha

[BarbaraRose]

Nice calm, clear weather here today!

We have a new manager at work. She is actually not new, but one of "us" that was promoted to manager recently. She actually asks me what jobs I like and want to work on, versus just getting whatever I am assigned. I actually like all the different jobs but the ones dealing hands on with the pot, make my eyes irritated a bit so I told her I would prefer to do something different for a few days. One of the gals I worked with when I started, took a leave of absence to spend time in Canada with her boyfriend (he lives there) for a couple months. She just started back today. She is Hispanic and her English isn't very good. The others I work with are also Hispanic so there was a lot of Spanish being spoken today. I just remember a few words from when I took Spanish in Jr High and High School, so I was pretty much out of the conversation today.

I looked at my latest paycheck stub and figured out that with commissions, I am making close to $20 per hour now! My next check will have 2 weeks with full-time pay and commission, so it should look pretty nice! I hope the new owners keep the pay + commission the way it is.

I actually walked around WM tonight and walked out empty handed! I am getting much better at avoiding impulsive purchases.

Sheila, I hope your meeting went well today.

Karen, glad your taxes are so much lower now. Do you own the property under your home?

[OregonLuvr]

Barbie, no I dont own the property. I pay space rent. Had kind of a lazy afternoon and I am still yawning sitting here so thinking I will just go to bed and read for a while. Usually by the time I get up from the chair and head to bed I am wide awake again but reading does make me sleepy. Did some laundry and heading to Medford tomorrow morning, will just mosey down the freeway. At least it is only 1 1/2 hrs away. And I get to stay with my friend and we always have lots of laughs. Will head back on Friday so just a short visit.

[snowball]

we did have a care meeting mom slept the whole time and then some really soundly in fact the nurse came in to give her a pain pill and she didn't wake up... I think she finally woke up cause she had to potty...
as to the meeting she isn't being kicked out tomorrow but some time next week they feel that due to the pain she is experiencing they can't do more at this time she can inch her way out of the bed put her feet on the floor and although one is there to catch her she can pivot to the commode I did ask why there wasn't more of a try to get her to the bathroom... understood it again as to pain and wanting to eliminate it as much as possible...
her sleeping today was a lot like she does her at home but deeper...
she will have home health and pt and some ot although not sure what they will need to do...
my middle brother called me after I got home to talk things over I basically told him that yes I will stay if needed however I am to be honest not sure if I can do physically what mom needs... he is thinking of things he can do that will help it's the commode
normally people sleep in a bed right??? at least most of the time mom has gotten so over the past 3 or more years she sleeps in her chair.. only she knows why... if she even knows why... she doesn't sleep well so she can turn of tv she has a heart condition as well as a H or is it I ? hernia so her stomach is floating around some I am sure that is part of her not eating she is also 95 and elderly don't eat well which is hard to understand...
one question I should have asked is how often will she be expected to see the dr...
brother's issues are that they HAVE to take niece every 7-8 weeks to get her pump refilled... it is one of those can not not do or wait till it's convenient it just has to happen
so we are both going to be doing more thinking it truly will be easier even for mom to go to brother's but it boils down to is it doable I even suggest that eldest brother could come over and watch her on those 3 days but he hasn't been upcoming with how much time his treatments will take he had a blood cancer and has said it's not a flare up of the cancer but something to do with his blood... if he would just be more forthwith we could understand better what to expect..
there are so much that needs to be done here that wouldn't have to be done at brother's
so hoped I would have answers and not still have to ponder stuff... At this time going in to a care center isn't what we are even considering I think we all feel like it would be a death warrant so we will do what we can and need to do ...
and on top of that need to figure out about the slides .... do we take it to a rv place in Idaho Falls and hope they can do it quickly or take it down to Q if I go and have mobile take care of it there if so what do I do until the slides are fixed guess I need to make some phone calls tomorrow just in case...
came home in the snow so not wanting this other than we need it.. so not going to complain but will in my mind murmur I think even though I ate late and am full that I am going to go fix a cup of hot chocolate... indulge in my favorite solitaire game maybe go to bed earlier so I can read longer
again thank you for your comments they do help
saw on FB that the winds were really high in Utah Northern part I 80 was closed out West with semi's overturned even today had heavy winds so no wonder you were rocken and rolling Beth
sheila