03/19/19,. Tuesday

Good Morning !

For the first part of our stay, high tide was roughly 10 PM and 10 AM. Each day it is about 45 minutes later, with high tide in the salt marsh being about 45 minutes after the beach side, making separate tidal charts necessary. Anyway, high tide is 7:30 AM today, with extremely high tide anticipated due to full moon. I am fearless in the water, but I won't swim in sal****er after dark (thanks JAWS) or when the water temperature is cold enough that I couldn't get to shore before hypothermia. When kayaking, you have to always be prepared to swim. As much as I wanted to kayak the high tide this morning, the air temperature is just under 50, and I'd have to add layers to my usual wicking light weight REI type clothing and they would soak up water like a sponge and make sloshing to shore too difficult, so no kayaking today. I may have to invest in a wet suit or additional light weight outerwear for future adventures. I am looking at long term rentals as a first step toward accepting the destiny that is calling to my spirit.

Isn't it exciting how differently we face challenges in and outside our perceived skill sets ?! I wouldn't walk across a crevice or dangle from a rope if you paid me, nor could I take a photo of a snake, birth cows or pupples etc. I so admire journeys back from alcohol addiction and regain . You all give me so much to aspire to, consider and learn from !

As I read your post, my first thought was 1) this is why I don't kayak (even tho I like the idea of kayaking) and 2) get thee a wetsuit.

FYI, my stupid arm LE starting flaring yesterday. Its usual chronic self is annoying but you know how much worse flares are. Popeye arm is back.

Wrap, wrap !

Good morning from Iowa!

Floods in my parent's immediate area have mostly receded. I know this because my Dad and I took a walk whi*****luded visiting Keg Creek (and its new bridge!) just outside of town. We walked much of the town's perimeter and the whole time my dad greeted every kid playing the street, chatted with every adult and waved at every single car that went by. I now know who takes care of their yards and who doesn't. He is disturbed by poor sidewalks and wonders if there is a way to get a grant to help people fix them so people (like him) don't fall and break a hip. He disclosed he has already fallen once and bruised his shoulder. We both think the cashier at the local store (I needed half and half) acted like she is on drugs. He walks fast, almost Cecily fast.

The moment I walked into my family home I could feel regression. By the end of night, I had looked into all the various pantries and food stores. Over time, they have reduced things like crackers in the house (my dad's doctor told him to avoid whites at one point and he actually does what his doctor says) But, most other things like peanut butter, nuts and cereal are available. My mom has long made homemade bread and there is an excellent rye currently available as well as a fancy banana bread.

There is also a cabinet of company carbs which would have looked good in my youth. These are ultra processed and have less appeal this days. Plus, I know are likely stale because my parents won't eat them so they end up restocking just before company comes. They, of course, won't restock for me because of my longtime weight issues. That's ok. I am who am I am. Mostly, they eat like I usually like to eat....lots of above the ground plants (with nuggets of ones from below the ground) protein and good fats.

There is a dessert in the upstairs fridge, literally sharpie labeled "low fat key lime pie." That is my mom's nod to 1) my current weight is acceptable for a dessert and 2) but let's not get fat again, ok?

Also, by end of night, my childhood bedroom floor is again covered by my stuff. Clothes everywhere. I tried to pick it up this morning but it was too hard. I can't fight my de-evolution.

Food intake, so far is on point. I'm meeting peeps for lunch and dinner. I feel prepared for that. It is made easier, I think, that I so rarely see this people that it is easier to be more excited about the people than the meal.

Have a great day, all!

Shel

Interesting insight on regression when in your family's home. I remember that happening when my DDs returned home a couple of times after college. I never slept in my mother's home after I got married at 17, so never had that feeling myself.

I love an immersion post! I feel like we're there with you. Ugh the pie. I get that with my dad - worthy of dessert, but not worthy of too large a serving. Parents!

I'm 57 years old, and I find myself mindlessly grazing all evening when I'm overnight at my parents house. Still not sure why that happens, they do have more treat type food around, is it soothing myself because there is always an undercurrent of drama, maybe a combination of both.

"undercurrent of drama" is certainly a contributor to a pistachio flurry!

Weight and eating are still not good and my clothing is getting tight. DH is not doing well again perhaps because the full moon is on Thursday? He paced much of the night, put his clothes (including his depends) on backwards causing a mess when he used the depends, and told me he wants to go "home" with a nasty manner. But he isn't sure where that is (I'm not sure he knows who I am when in this mood). It is like Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde between last week when DS was here and this morning. And Friday is the 14th Anniversary of eldest DDs death. So maybe I'll feel better after that?

On a better note, my other SIL is coming late this afternoon for a 12 day stay which I am looking forward to. She is a much more decisive person that live-in SIL so that will be helpful. I hope DH isn't too difficult this week...

It is a very rainy day, but the weather should be good after the rain subsides at the end of the day. Have a thoughtful Tuesday!

It sounds like taking care of a toddler in a grown man's body, with grown man's strength and irritability. You are a strong woman, Liz. I know you don't have much choice in the matter, but you're strong nevertheless! Put the SILs to work when they're there. Give yourself as much of a break as you can manage.