7-2-19 Tuesday

Worrying about our babies, it's all consuming. The real expert about their health is you. You are the one who notices when something is off in a way that no one else can, with the exception of their Daddy. You take very good care of your girls, keep trusting your own gut ....

Today starts with a sf latte, then on my way to the DVM to renew tabs for one of our cars. Minnesota bought a new system to renew tabs etc and it is a colossal failure. They are scrapping it, and starting fresh, meanwhile wait times are insane. I'll bring a book and water bottle :) last time I was there, someone waiting had Jimmy Johns deliver lunch. We are still a nation of innovators.

Quote: Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Hope it goes fast DD

It is a gorgeous summer morning here. I am enjoying coffee on the deck in the backyard. There is a lovely breeze and the temperature is perfect for shorts and a tee shirt in the dappled shade of the Blue Oak.

Still dealing with a lot of MIL stress. One of the SILs went rogue yesterday and upset the apple cart. She had to be reined in and it took 2 hours on the phone to settle her nerves. We all understand her angst, but we agreed on a plan of action and she did not follow the plan. A couple of the sibs were super pissed off by her actions. I come from a nuclear family of 2 parent and 2 kids. So much easier to navigate in times of turmoil. Six siblings is a lot to navigate! When the candy became freely available yesterday, I partook far more than I should have... I had several dips into the sugared jelly sours on the way to Barn Hunt class and then a Reese's PB cup while there. Still small potatoes compared to the bingeing I did in April and May during the height of my school stress.

I contacted my Superintendent (small districts allow for such personal relationships) letting her know that if she decided to create a full time position out of the part time position for a Reading Intervention teacher, I would happily consider the change. We will see. I would be able to tap into my Reading Recovery training and be able to teach reading in a way I believe. A change might be the thing I need.

A solo day for me today. Ron has left for Sonoma. He is interviewing Estate Sale companies. We are hoping for a buy out at this point. Fingers crossed we get a decent offer. As a family unit we decided to accept offers as low as $12,000, though we are hoping for between 13 & 15K. It is fascinating what is selling and is of value in today's antique and collectible market. Hand made oak Armoire with mirrored doors that once would fetch in the thousands is worth a couple of hundred, while the faded, chipped and worn wicker furniture is going to bring hundred and hundreds. Rusted buckets for backyard decoration sell for 25-50 bucks depending on size, but you can't give French linen away!

I am going to have some late breakfast, do a few chores and groom some of my OWN dogs today!

Sorry things are stressful re winding up MIL estate Peps - hope it is finalised soon

Greetings Special People

More sun here. And still at 159. I dreamed last night I was walking and walking all around various buildings. Woke up and my legs hurt. I don't think I was sleep walking!

Yikes Dave, sandpaper on the head! Ouch! Yeah you are gonna need hats. My DH wears one like a sports car driver hat. Smaller brim may be less claustrophobic. And horrors! Attack of the millipedes. I have heard baking soda can work like diatomaceous earth but maybe safer. If they like light can you make some kind of trap? EEEEWWWWWW. Time for a big shop vac.

BB sorry your girls are sick. Hard to watch them be uncomfortable. Hoping all is well soon.

Peps, looks like a nice morning on the deck. Soon we will have ours back though ours is best later in the day when shaded. We have nice trees but they don't shade the deck. And good luck with the estate sale. We sold some mid century stuff from my mom's house that would have been worth loads in California but not much in the midwest. Hope the drama dies down. Having handled many estates as a lawyer I know that people are often their worst selves in times of loss and stress.

Shirley hope the baby cow gets better.

My SIL with the twice replaced hip has been moved to the same nursing facility that her husband, my brother, is in. That makes it a little easier. I fear they will never get out of there.

Scrabble today and shopping for our July 4 party which is actually tomorrow. I bring cheese crisps and have been assigned chips and dip. Oh goodie.

Take care all. Diane S

Hope your legs ease Diane

Thinking of your Brother and SIL - at least they are together. Might help to lift their spirits and make it easier for family to visit in one place

Little boy is doing much better this morning - the antis must be doing their thing well :)

Late check-in. I keep hoping to see updates or gorgeous pics from Shel.

The trip into Boston yesterday with SIL went pretty smooth yesterday. She had pneumonitis from the Keytruda so has to come off if it. There is also some fear of colitis. The next step will be some sort of chemotherapy targeted to an EGFR mutation. I'm not sure if her prognosis is better or worse with the discovery of that mutation but clearly there is nothing sure.

The tree guys came today and removed a huge oak tree shading our deck in the back yard (we still have an uncountable number remaining). They also cut trees back that were touching the house and removed some unhealthy bushes in the front. Now I have to replant 3-4. I may just do all hydrangeas (I'm not sure yet).

While the noise was going on, I went for tours of two local Memory Care facilities near here. One I liked a lot - the other was okay but not any cheaper so it is off the list. I have two more I want to see. But of course now I have the usual post-visit depression. But I'm starting to see that not only will it relieve some of my responsibilities but DH will have more stimulation and social contact than I can provide once he moves to one. These places have activities all day every day so the resident can partake in as much as they want. The one I liked best has the same "neighborhood" setup as the one I like in Florida and also has lovely outside space. And they can provide care right to the end unlike the one in Florida.

Have a thoughtful Tuesday!

Sending you a huge hug Liz - you have so much on your plate - be kind to yourself

Hard decisions. Memory care facilities are also safer as DH wanders about more at night. They keep more staff per resident so they can keep an eye on everyone. As time goes on it will wear you out. You may already be worn out. Take care of your of yourself too. Sending thoughts and prayers.