Sunday, August 6, 2023

We arrived home at 10 last night. Justice was as usual a great traveler but was incredibly nudgy all night. Spending 6 hours in a travel bag and eating late did not contribute to him (or us) having a sound sleep. A more normal routine with a long walk today should get him back to normal.

I kind of hated leaving yesterday. It was interesting to be there in extreme heat and find an acceptable way to deal with it. It helps in understanding why some people our age choose to live there full time even if they could afford a summer place further north. The heat was truly stifling in the afternoons. Not a good time for dog or human walks. Getting out to walk within an hour of sunrise was critical. Sitting on the beach under an umbrella with plenty of water was quite enjoyable during those afternoon hours as there was always a seabreeze. And the water was calmer than in the winter. I had only been fully in the water once before because it is usually so rough I am afraid I will be crashed down and break a hip (I know - old lady fears). But it was actually easy to get into during the summer.

Anyway we are back on Cape Cod at my house right now and transferring back out to DH's place for the next week. We have a dinner reservation at a fancy restaurant on the ocean tonight. Not the best day to do it but I made it over a month ago and it was the only day available when we were around.

My shoulder is aching like a tooth that needs to be removed. I am using a heating pad on it this morning to see if it helps.

I think the 5 pounds I lost are actually helping my clothes fit better. I am going to keep trying to follow the more or less Peps method of not dieting but eating wisely.

Time to get motivated for the day. Have a safe Sunday!

Liz, so sorry your shoulder is back at it! From what I remember with my knee the cortisone shot is only allowed every three months. I have heard (and know of one person who has had it) of a surgery that can be done prior to shoulder joint replacement. It's sort of a "roto-rooter" of the joint. The doc goes in and cleans up the arthritic build up. My understanding is that if you are a candidate this surgery can delay the need for replacement for a long, long time. Something to investigate, at least.

Not much going on with me. Dad seems okay holding his own. I think we are getting to the NO BUTTONS on his clothing stage. He did not line up the buttons and the holes on his shirt yesterday and didn't notice. He also seems to manage pull on pants more easily than his zipper and button waist paints. Interesting how there are such distinct stages of decline.

Liz, did you notice with Paul that sometimes the way his eyes looked made him look like someone you didn't really quite know? I see that in my dad and it's jarring. He seems to have facial expressions that he never had before - as if they belong to a person I don't know.

Food remains fine. I think my "wine" is dessert. I am unwilling to deprive myself (yes that's how it feels to my child's brain) of desserts. Ideally, I would like to have two desserts a day. I am doing my level best to limit to one per day, but sometimes that's hard. I know sweets aren't everyone's deal here, but sweets to me are like potato chips and crackers for some. You can't eat just one! LOL

It's fun and rewarding to me to see that my previous "low weight" is now my high weight. I have lost a solid 10 pounds since the beginning of they year.

I have a fun chore today - though it is a bit of a drive - Puppy Evaluations. Always a lot of fun to get together with other Airedale people and play with the pups.

Super Sunday to all!

I do enjoy hearing your success with your eating approach. So much less punishing.

With Paul, for his last year or two it was almost like either there was no one behind his eyes or maybe a wide-eyed child. And he often didn't seem to be able to focus them on anything. Because he had been such an intelligent man it was as if he had left the premises, which I guess he had.

Unfortunately I am not a candidate for less invasive shoulder surgery. The orthopedist was quite clear on that. I am in the last stage of arthritis where bone rubs on bone because the cartilage is essentially gone so cleaning up the rougher spots won't really accomplish much. We didn't discuss spacing of injections but I have read that they will space them more closely if trying to delay inevitable surgery. The 3 month rule supposedly is because they are concerned that it will weaken existing cartilage etc. but since mine is essentially gone it isn't the same. But it will be interesting to hear what he says when I go back (probably late this month).

Good Morning All, woke at 4.40am again. Grrrrrrr Busy Brain! I could have used the extra hours sleep.....

Thankful to have last week done. It was a very challenging one in so many ways. Firstly with my resignation and my boss taking it very badly, resulting in tension and misunderstandings. I think after a discussion prior to me leaving Friday, it will start settling. My mum ending up in hospital with her leg, thankful shes home. The swelling is coming down but shes still using a walker inside the house to move around. Im showering her every second day, groceries, most meals & housework. My beautiful sons are helping lots too with visits & each cooked her a meal and ate with her this week. It finished with my SIL having some sort of emergency after major back surgery resulting in the calling Code Blue. Took 4 hours to stabilise her in recovery. Shes currently in ICU. My BIL will update us once he knows more today. I was scheduled to go see her after work tonight but will see whats happening.

I am just exhausted- plain & simple. I was able to lay on the couch late Saturday afternoon and watch some netflix followed by an early night. It was much needed. This week is another busy one. I have drug & alcohol testing at lunchtime for new company. Have completed background & police checks plus finished the onboarding requirements. I finish at my current role on 28/8 and dont start new job till 4/9 - I will use the time to do several refresher courses in Excel plus shop for corporate clothing.

We head to Cairns with both my sons and youngest DS partner for a week 21/8-27/8. It will be a very welcome mini break and Im looking forward to spending time with my boys. Im hoping mum will continue to improve & be more able to care for herself - else my stepson will be around & help her. She turns 82 on Thursday- we are all going around to her place to share pizza. Should cheer her up

Liz- sorry to hear your shoulder is so painful again. It wears you down. Good to hear you are back home. Loved the artwork you bought too x

Peps - well done on the loss. You are my inspiration with your determination. You consistantly follow your exercise & eating plans. Well done x

Cec - sounds like you had a wonderful visit with cousins but it is always nice to have some peace & quiet too. Enjoy x

Diane S - Sounds like your place is getting put back together after floors. Its a huge task. Sending you whats left of my energy x

DD- Hope you are enjoying your trip. Loving seeing the photos and so great DS could join you all too

Ocean- Im loving your posts on TT. Its well deserved x

Well DH just left to catch the train. Im going to make another cup of tea then start getting ready for work. I have hours to make up from last week.

Have a restful Sunday all

S

I hope Mum continues improving- exhausting for both of you. And maybe your current boss will lighten up this week!

One can only hope on both counts! Fingers crossed

Greetings all

Sunny and breezy today. I went up to the gallery and that little tourist town is packed and the gallery is humming. Needed to take small bills and process cash. We keep running out of $1 bills so I am going to go to the bank next week and increase the amount we keep in petty cash. Always something.

Then I did some studio time and worked on a few things and caught up on gossip.

Our former neighbor stopped by and is looking for odd jobs work. We can find some around here and I will try to help her. I gave her this beautiful coat that I bought on impulse in my super skinny days. It's long and covered with beautiful asian style embroidery. I will never be that thin again and the coat needs to be worn. Her daughter college student might wear it but I think Lorraine wants it for herself. Fit beautifully.

Got some energy this morning and cooked chicken for a stir fry tonight. I seem to run out of energy at 5 pm and decided it might work better if I cooked in two parts. Like Duh!!! Now it's the plan.

Liz sorry to hear shoulder is giving you fits. Hope the cortisone can happen again soon. I may have mentioned years ago that a chiropractor really helped my shoulder but that was a specific injury. Some people use CBD gummies though they don't help me much.

Shirley your energy amazes me. You indeed deserve a couch potato day. Go for it and best wishes on the new job.

Peps sorry your dad is absent at times. No easy way through this stuff. They make special adaptive clothing for older people to get in and out of but sounds like that is not the issue. And congrats on the 10 pounds off. You may have just found the secret which may be not over thinking or over doing. Theory du jour.

We started the series "The Watcher". Sort of a spooky thriller about a family in a creepy house. Kind of good. Also watching the old series "Suits" which is newly popular due to Megan Markel. Big whoop but it's a good show.

The butchered tree is looking bad. The few remaining leaves are shriveling. Not a good sign. I am afraid it's going to die and it ****** me off to have paid good money to have it ruined. If it dies I will at least make him take it out for free.

DD thinking of you and tortillas. Sounds grand.

CC still have diesel smell alert?

Cheers. Diane S

The smell is gone, thankfully!

So sad about the tree Diane! I hope it snaps back.