Monday, December 23, 2019

Is it really 2 days before Christmas? I need to make the Christmas cookies DS counts on and wrap (bag?) the small number of presents today. Tomorrow DD arrives, then the other DD on Christmas morning.

DH will likely be in the hospital through Christmas. They say it could be the drugs but DH looks like he is preparing to die: Like my DD, mother and MIL did in their last days. He was on Haldol for 24 hours, but last night they were switching him to Seroquel to see if they could get the calmness but bring him a little more alert. He is barely eating ice chips and magic cups (like frozen ensure). He never opens his eyes even when he is alert enough to chew the chips. I am okay if it is his time. He has been so miserable these last few weeks. If that is what is happening, I would guess that after he sees his daughters that he will leave us.

Debby downer again, but this wasn't unexpected and sooner rather than later is probably better for him at this point. Of course, I could be surprised when I see him in a little while.

Have a moving Monday!

Good morning Liz. Whatever is transporting right now, I'm glad to hear Paul is not pacing and agitated. I hope the arrival of your children bring some support and cheer.

Today I'm running a few errands with my daughter. Weirdly, two of the types of cookies I've been making for 30 years did not turn out. A message from the Universe perhaps, that I should step away from the carbs.

The weather here is pretty nice, almost 40, no falling snow. DS is starting out from Wisconsin after work for his 5 hour drive, so he should have good roads.

Not a Debbie Downer at all. It's real life and it's what you're facing right now and we all want to support you however we can. Even if all we can do is read your posts and grieve with you for what you?re going through.

We had rain last night and it's going to be cold and rainy this week. Sure beats hot and 85 at Christmas, which we get every once in a while where we're trying to simulate a wintery Christmas with the a/c on. But now that I think of it, hot Christmases are the norm for Shirley!

Today I'm getting my hair colored and other than that I have no plans. Ferg's been walked - he loves when it rains I think because it reconstitutes all the dried up smells and brings them to life again.

I read a trick for getting the Christmas tree to drink water and that's to pour boiling water into the water holder. It melts the sap and makes it easier for the tree to drink. Thought I'd pass it along while I was thinking of it as I was facing a fire hazard of a tree in my house for a month when it wouldn't drink even with a fresh cut. It worked!

Day 7 of eating well has begun. No weight lost today as I woke with a headache, so I figure now all te water weight is really gone and I'm dehydrated. So I'll be drinking a lot today. I was thinking as happy as I am to have lost what I've lost, I'm still 9 pounds from where I was when I left for vacation, which means in less than 2 months I had gained 15+ pounds. If that's not disordered and compulsive eating I don't know what is. That I seem to be able to turn it off when (and only when) it reaches a crisis point is perplexing to me. I must "need it" as a coping mechanism at other times and my brain won't let me turn it off. The only thing stronger is fear of outgrowing everything I own to wear and that is the switch. I need new wiring.

Have a good Monday all. Peps, any decorations yet?

Not a single one! However, floors are scrubbed, rugs are cleaned, and walls have been washed! Tree will go up today. I don't care about any other decorations really, but I know Ron will want a more festive atmosphere, so I'm sure by the time we go to bed tonight Christmas will have puked all over the house!

Puking Christmas.....Inspired theme! Go for it----

Good Morning Gorgeous Tribe, I have missed you lots. The party prep has been and gone, I had the most wonderful night and was super spoilt. So blessed. Everything went off really well. The kids all rallied (with a small few prods from DH) I liken it to an army of ants. There is a ridiculous amount of food left -even though I have sent container after container of food home with people. Yes I am an overcaterer. The chooks are welcome recipients.Thank you all for your lovely comments on Facebook. I wished you could have all been there too :)

Last day at work today - thankful. I will finish at noon. My boss and his wife gave me a sizeable bonus again. Very spoilt. I have popped it away for our next holiday. Have quite a few things to finalise and tidy but hoping I can finish with a clear slate as Im not back till 6th Jan

Have done all the presents and got all the food for Christmas Day (did a Hello Fresh Christmas Box for convenience) - We are hosting the evening meal so I expect our kids will be arriving with full bellies and we will likely be taking a lot of leftovers up to the farm the next day. The temp should be around 85 ish so that will be pleasant. Will set up the tables and set them all tonight too

Our Menu will be

Crostini - Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese & Tomato Fetta and Basil

Ham with Marmalade and Rosemary Glaze

Turkey Thigh with Cranberry Sauce

Lemon Roast Chicken with Sage & Macadamia Stuffing - Gravy

Garlic & Rosemary Potatos & Honey Thyme Carrots

Green Beans & Brocollini with panko parmesan crumbs

Pear and Pecan Salad with marinated goats cheese

Strawberry Eton Mess

Chocolate Brownies

I dont think any of them will starve somehow!

Liz - I have just caught up on everything and my heart is breaking for you all. I am so very sorry to hear about DH. You are the most amazingly strong person and Im thankful you have your DD's and family coming. Lean on each other as you go on this very hard path. Much love to you - I wish I was closer. I could at least do some cooking or help you.

Cec - well done on the weight loss. You are doing so well. Especially at this time of year. I havent weighed - may do tommorrow but likely I will have put a wee bit on after all the party eating

Diane O - So glad to hear DH is getting down to the lounge area. Atlas and Sadie are sweethearts. There is nothing like a dogs company. They are super intuitive I think. I hope that the coming week allows you some time to rest as you have had such a lot on! Moving pellets - windows replaced and no doubt shovelling etc. You are no doubt flat out.

BB- Welcome back. I am loving seeing all the pics on FB - your girls are just treasures. Glad your Dad enjoyed his birthday dinner.Sounded delicious. Your Grandmummy is with you x

Leap - Love the pics of Adalyn. Shes a little doll. Dont they warm your heart. I adore our two little grandsons

Ann - Welcome back - your trip looked completely amazing. Its on my bucket list so I hope to chat to you about yours once this "silly season" is done

DD- You sound like you have been embracing what I see as the true spirit of Christmas - spending quality time together. Your evening with your BFF sounds fabulous

Diane S - Glad you have some plans for Christmas and hope the gift shopping isnt too stressful. I would have loved to have you at my party x Welcome anytime doll x

Peps - Good Luck with the Preps for hosting. You sound like you have everything in perfect shape. I havent cleaned up much. There are some decorations and the tables need to be set once I finish work today . It will happen I guess.

Miss150 - Hope you are well

Paula - Same to you

Have I missed anyone - in my tired state if I have I apologise

Well I had best go and get the washing out on the line, make a cuppa and start tackling my final work day list

Much love to you and thank you for the beautiful comments on Facebook.

Shirley

Dear Liz

So much you are going through right now. I had suspected that since your DH conscious mental functions had gone down so rapidly that the autonomic stuff was going down too. Sorry you are going through all this and your family and DH too. He is not having any fun but is hopefully free of fear and pain. You are not Debbie downer - you are Debbie dearest! Eat some cookie dough with a glass of wine.

When my mother died, her nurse told her she was me and that everyone was there and that she was going to open a window and if she felt like she wanted to go it was ok. She was gone in minutes. Bittersweet. The hospice people will know the stages.

Wishing you all Peace with a capital "P". Diane S

Beautifully said Diane S x