Campfire

[Liz]

thanks ladies, putting that in my memory banks....rose breasted grosbeak. Now if I ever see one, hopefully I'll remember
what it is. I know I'll remember you told me what it was
@ Liz and Birdie,,,,,,so glad you got to see Sedona and Oak Creek canyon when you did because its all on fire now, called
the Slide fire cause its near slide rock

I saw the news article/update, Ava, thanks. They have evacuated all the cgs north of Slide a Rock SP. Such a shame. Hope they can control it quickly.

[BarbaraRose]

@ Liz and Birdie,,,,,,so glad you got to see Sedona and Oak Creek canyon when you did because its all on fire now, called the Slide fire cause its near slide rock

Oh no! That is on my bucket list! I have really been wanting to see that area and been reading books on it and looking at pics on line. What a shame! Sure wish I could ship all our extra water down to the southwest where they really need it! We've got way too much water around here lately.

[snowball]

just a note made it too Idaho...set up still have issues that need taking care of but in due time
anyone coming to Yellowstone and or Grand Teton National park give a yell and we will have a gtg
sheila

[bikerchic777]

So sad to hear about the fires, Ava One of my favorite areas. Yes, that bird is a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak. I love them and had them at my feeder, here in IA and in MI. The females are so different from the males and not pretty, I feel.

Been getting all my Dr. and dentist appts taken care of while I'm back in IA. So far, I'm liking my new insurance plan that I got through the Affordable Healthcare website. I'm paying less than I was for more and better coverage. YAY! I had my physical today, so when I complete my online health assessment, they will give me a $100 Visa gift card. That's a no brainer for me Now, just need to schedule my mammogram and I'm set. Want to see about rabies shots for the boys, too. I took Rags to a low cost clinic, here, a couple of years ago, so want to see if it's still here. I was going to have my DD give them their 9 Way shot that I buy at Tractor Supply, but they were out. Bummer! Went to Aspen Dental for their free exam and x-rays. Have to go back for my cleaning on the 30th. Was pretty pleased that I didn't have any cavities. I haven't seen a dentist in probably 6 yrs and a hygienist, for cleaning, in 3. I do have a cracked molar and the dentist recommended a crown. She said it would cost around $900 Not happening! She said it could go on for a long time, but then again, not. Now, I'm understanding why people go to Mexico for dental work.

I need to make an appt for Myrtle to get an oil change, too. That is always a lunch date with my DM, while we wait. It is in a small town and we can walk to the cafe'.

Still waiting for my drug screen and campground info for Amazon. I'm worried that I won't be able to get into a cg, since I'm supposed to check in on 4th of July weekend. Haven't heard back from HR about that.

Been hacking away at cleaning my DM's kitchen. She is 95 and insists on living in her house, independently. She now has macular degeneration and isn't seeing well. she won't wear her hearing aids and doesn't hear well. She fell, yesterday and hit her head and elbow on the pavement, but won't use a cane. She accused me, yesterday, of doing something with something on her counter. I told her I didn't see it and she was adamant! Guess what? She found it somewhere else. I told her it hurt my feelings for her to say I was lying. She said she was teasing me (baloney!). I told her it wasn't funny and she actually apologized I don't think she has ever said she was sorry to me for anything. I thanked her. She has snapped at me a few times, lately. Her memory is starting to fail, so hope it's not Alzheimer's. I know a temper can go along with it. I am so trying to enjoy my time here with her, but she is really testing me. It feels like role reversal. I am cleaning and picking up after her, like a kid. This is tough! Thank God my brother and his family help her out. They just don't do anything, housekeeping-wise. She needs it! She said she could get Merry Maids. We'll see if she will dish out the dough for that. I just feel that one day she will fall and break something and will have to go to a nursing home (her biggest fear). My doctor says that is how she gets her patients to use a cane. She tells them that if they fall and get hurt, they will go to a nursing home. Whenever I try to discuss it, she gets pissed off. What's a kid to do? Guess I need to pray more!

[mitch5252]

..
Have patience with your elderly parents...we're all gonna be in the same boat one day.
..

[JudyJB]

My mother ended up with severe macular degeneration. Although she objected at first, she ended up using a wheeled walker, one of the fancy kinds with hand brakes, a seat, and place for her stuff, and loving it. She did not need it to walk but it prevented her from running into and over things and tripping. She actually was able to zoom down the hallway with it--much faster than if she had used a cane. However, I know it can take some time to talk someone into an aid like that, so good luck.

I am recovering from helping my elderly aunt and uncle pack for a move. They can be really stubborn and set in their ways, but I hope I moved them a little. Poor health means they need to move down to their Florida house which is in a senior village area where they can get meals and health care when they need it.

Now I am back on the road, in Alabama, and headed west to Colorado. Feels really good. Amazing, isn't it, how good it feels to be alone and moving?? And people keep asking if I get lonely. Ha!!

[BarbaraRose]

Linda, at her age, your mom has earned her right to be cranky! I would imagine that the crankiness is partly from fear and frustration dealing with losing her hearing, eyesight and mobile ability. Also may be some alzheimers/dementia as well. Be patient! It is hard to do, but you just need to try to understand things from her perspective if you can, and that makes it easier to bite your tongue and take a deep breath!

[Bethers]

Linda, at her age, your mom has earned her right to be cranky! I would imagine that the crankiness is partly from fear and frustration dealing with losing her hearing, eyesight and mobile ability. Also may be some alzheimers/dementia as well. Be patient! It is hard to do, but you just need to try to understand things from her perspective if you can, and that makes it easier to bite your tongue and take a deep breath!

What Barbie says. I'd love to have just one day again with my Mom - even if she got cranky and picked on me. I hate to think what I'd be like in your Mom's position ... guess it's a good thing I don't have kids - I doubt strangers will put up with how I figure I'll end up.

[dayspring39]

Wow how timely the topic. I am 74 will be 75 1st of Dec.. Last year 2 of my kids wanted me to go into a senior apartment! There would be no help there but less space. Long story short I am still in my mobile home.. I got some help from Dept. of aging Illinois... I just need help cleaning. it is so frightening when you think of moving. and it is very hard. 95 wow she is so fortunate to be in her home... maybe see if you can get some assistance from the state you live in... I cannot imagine how she has been so independent for so many years...

I had my doctors apt this morning my rheumatologist gave me an injection in each knee... and said that the lump on my thumb and pain in my hands is osteo arthritis... guess we all have it coming... my gp gave me my physical for the cataract surgery... the 3 bottles of drops with my insurance paying some was $90 this is becoming an expensive fix...

Watching my daughters dog while they go camping if you can call staying in my mh camping!... there are 5 adults... they have called me 3 times while on the road asking questions... ah ah ah how I remember my first trip...

Take care everyone...
Me and My Shadow and Augie

[JudyJB]

Being difficult reminded me of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Coping-With-Difficult-Older-Parent/dp/038079750X I think I posted about it a long time ago, but it is worth posting again. I passed my copy on to a friend after my mother passed away.

I think I am getting to be more difficult as I get older. I am very impatient with people in stores making things harder for me. Also am getting grumpier when things don't go well for me--like yesterday when the power at my campsite went out after five minutes. Course I had already hooked everything up and put my slides out, so I had to put everything away and go to the office. Hit a curb on the way and it was 88 out. They checked out the post and said it was fine, but I told them I wanted another site because I did not want to have to call someone at midnight if it went out again!! I was dripping with sweat by then, also.

So, I guess I am getting to be a difficult older parent as well!

[BarbaraRose]

Judy, I read that book (on your earlier recommendation) and it is excellent! Really deals with all the different issues kids have with aging parents and how to understand them and handle them with minimal conflict and not let them push your buttons.
The only problem I had with the book was that almost all the examples/situations were with moms, so was hard to picture the situations with my dad since men can have different attitudes than women about things. But still very insightful!

[dayspring39]

Barbie you can never predict what a man will do... you just have to keep an eye on him... he sure has given you and your brothers fits as of late...

Me and My Shadow and Augie

[avalen]

having a dinner break after sorting out some stuff in my room that has been "in storage" underbed and far back drawers
and cabinet....hmmmm, remember when I needed to get my important papers together for my renewal of my drivers
license...finally found all those papers I duplicated and paid for. But of course. (knew eventually they would show up)
Light dinner...cottage cheese and pears with some crackers and cheese. Its too hot for a big meal and as soon as it cools
off a little as the sun goes down I'll go out and do a few chores outside. Need to trim some boards down by 4 inches and
get them painted. If all goes well with that chore I can get my frame out done for the deck, in the morning while its still
cool.

[bikerchic777]

Since my last posting, my mom did fall! Before I continue...she is OK. Had a big bump on her head and scraped her elbow. She was out to lunch with a bunch from the company she retired from. A lady was helping her out the door and when she let go of my mom, she fell backwards. She was pretty shook up, and a bit sore, but has done better than I expected. I explained to her, again, that she really should use the cane for stability and that she really can't rely on others to keep her from falling. She actually took her cane with her, yesterday, when I took her to look for a plant she wants...without me asking her to I thanked her, later, and told her how nice it was to not have to hold onto her and how it made me feel more relaxed. We had a happy hour tonight, she and I. With a glass of wine, she was pretty tipsy, so it was easier to chat about things. I complimented her on how well she is doing for 95 and how even I can't do some of the things I would like to, anymore, like rollerblading. We all have our limits. When we said goodnight, she thanked me for all I've been doing. I needed that I think she realizes how she was treating me and has backed off and let me clean, without complaining about where I put things. I'm trying to make things a little safer for her as I go, too. She will probably move everything back after I leave, but at least I'm trying.

Still waiting on campground and drug screen info for my new Amazon job. I really want to get the drug test done before I leave IA. It's so hard to make travel plans without knowing. I am planning to go to my nephew's wedding in IL, next month. My mom is even going! Think my DD and her family may go, so trying to convince them to bring their camping gear and let's make a camping weekend of it. My oldest sis lives not far from the wedding town and wants me to come early and spend some time with her. I have to wait, at least, until my DB and SIL get back from their vacay. Hate to leave mom alone. The wedding is going to be in a barn, so should be fun! May just wear my hair on cowgirl boots

[VickieP]

May just wear my hair on cowgirl boots

Can we get a pic of that?

I'm glad your Mom is okay.