Follow
Share
Read More
ohhhh, that is so sweet Susan!! Please let us know how awesome it turned out and darn it, I'd love to see the video!!!

hope baby... wooo hooo and YIKES, I saw YOUR weather report... LOL, another "Cold Spell" is zapping you. After last weeks wind/rain storm it's been pretty decent here, several hours of sunshine and short sleeve 60 degree weather! OH ... OH OH... all of my daffodils sprouted! Plus some of the other bulbs I forget the name of them (oh dear God) have also sprouted up nicely. Last year this time we had 20 plus inches of snow and it never snows in the valley.

Sally, I don't think anyone was quite prepared for just what all this task entailed. Truly hope your pups are all doing good. My oldest pup is 18 plus... next one is 14 and my newest rescue, my pibble is a youngster at 4 years. 80 lbs of life... keeps me going she does! Good night to you as well Sally!
(2)
Report

Thanks Dee, I hope so too! I think things will settle back down again. They always seem to. It's weird....things sometimes get crazy, everyday is a challenge and then things calm a little. It seems to go in some kind of cycle. Jeannette, I hope that you feel better too. I have high bp too. I don't think it's from caregiving (although I wouldn't be surprised!) but it seems to be hereditary for us. My whole family has it. I never dreamed that caring for my mom would be this difficult. My heart goes out to everyone here that is going through this. I am worried about the dog. My mom has two and loves them both so much. I love them too and it's so sad to see them getting old right along with her. My wish for us all is to have a great night's sleep tonight!!! Peace and Love and thanks to you all. It helps me to read all of your posts to know that I am not alone. Good night!!!
(2)
Report

I hope your night gets better, Jeanette and Mom settles down for the night.

Hope, here's hoping your car troubles are over soon!

This week has been insanely busy with one of my clients, the other is also ramping up with more work, and I have the funeral for my uncle to attend tomorrow, so I'm trying to do tomorrow morning's work, clean the house, do the laundry and get ahead of things for tomorrow here at the house. To top it all off, Mom started feeling light-headed and "woozy", as she called it, today. She was also pretty tired all day. She says she's better tonight, not sure what that was about.

I have a Barbershop Quartet coming in to sing a valentine for Mom tomorrow. I think she'll love it. She's going to cry too...Dad was a Barbershopper for many years, and these guys are from the Barbershop chorus he was a part of. I'll be getting a video of it on my phone.
(3)
Report

no, no... not hanging by a thread Bob, far from it. Just realizing how far I have let things pass me by. That's all. Mentally, caregiving has turned me into such a wimpy girl :/ and I do not particularly like that. At all.

Just trying to psych myself up and out of this. I know how to do it, it's just the "doing it" part that keeps me sedate. Some dear lady posted a week or so ago about being paralyzed... it IS at times like being paralyzed.

If I was drinking booze... haha, I wouldn't be pondering this shit so much. Not sure if it's a good thing or not. However, I do not want to die from a heart attack or stroke... no one would take care of mom like I do and NO ONE would love my dogs like I do. Speaking of mummy dearest... she's been pacing for a few hours now... full belly and all. Sigh. Decided to just let her walk it out for a few more hours... maybe we both can get those much need 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Swear... I could smack the sleep out of those people who promote sleep. What do they know!
(0)
Report

woooo hooooo...baby it's cold outside....We are going to get hit with this cold blast over the next few days and I am trying to make little nests outside for my possums, and any ferals we may have. I haven't really seen any feral kitties but just in case. I know one of the neighbors has a cat whom I do not believe is ever allowed indoors so I am going to make sure there is bedding around for him just in case...he knows where the food is and he also can get in our basement if push comes to shove....
(0)
Report

Ahhh, the furtots...most all of my babies live to be very old. One of my kitties was very very old but he was one cool cat....I found him as an adult and he had been severely injured..I tried to save his leg but they ended up having to amputate, which I was hesitant to do and questioned whether he would be better off euth...but they assured me that animals adapt well and so I tried...That sweet old baby lived another 20 plus years with me and he was awesome...He was over 23 when he passed at least...I still miss him...one time, one of the neighbors brought their Rottie out for a walk and the dog was not meaning to lunge at me, I think he was playing but he made a move towards me and my sweet kitty came flying around the corner on those three legs and that Rottie took off.....scared me to death because I would never put my cat or the dog in a situation of pitting one against the other but I didn't know the kitty was around the back...but he was a super protective awesome little old man..I still miss him..as I do all my furtots...
(0)
Report

Captain...help!!! That is exactly what they found today when they changed the oil...the oil was not very old either...the head gasket had blown about year and a half ago and that was all changed out..now it is the lower part of the motor...they drained about a quart of the new oil and put in something that they hope will help it until I get it figured out how to get it to the shop for whatever I have to do...so my question to you is this...I also saw the tiny metallic shavings...so is my engine a goner? what if anything can be done or do I just need to go ahead and plan on a reman. engine..
(0)
Report

jeanette,
" holy smokes man you need booze " .
thats what dr nick on the simpsons said once as he tossed a hobo a few dollars .
humorous because it was a medical dx from a doc ..
sorry to hear your hanging by a thread but if its any consolation -- i think everyone on earth only hangs by a thin thread . ( mentally ) .
(0)
Report

I extended the olive branch, one more time, today.

Once upon a time I thought the world revolved around them, they are 8 - 10 years older than I am and we all the love the same things. OUTDOORS. It's different for men to go out trucking through the woods than it is for a woman which is one of the main reasons I rescued a pebble. Thank God I did. I still do it though. Me and my big pib go fishing, exploring and have did some gold panning. I love this stuff. We anxiously await our 3 hours, 3 days a week to get the h*ll out of this house.

For those who remember from a few years ago.... I struggled with taking my mother back to FL with me. FL is where I had lived for the past 18 years... my son lives there and most of the best friends I have ever known., plus the job I held for 13 years ( my former boss says it's still there) Yet, I stayed here so she could be around her sons whom she (used) to know and love so much, yet they hardly visit her so she's forgot them..

Really, I wish I could just get so pissed off at them - for some reason I can't. I keep hoping they understand my plight as well as their mother's. Plus, I hate to take such drastic measures but these days.... drastic measures are needed or else mom will outlive me. Not only have I developed high blood pressure but I'm 97 % sure I'm now diabetic. My entire body has morphed from a year ago... every day I wake up saying I will do something different, but every day is the same. If it wasn't for my pib and her unending desire to be outside running around, I'd probably not go. Sleep? They say we are to have at least 8 hours uninterrupted a day... really?.... it's been more than a year that I've slept that long in a consecutive uninterrupted row.

Tomorrow I will do things different, those that I can be in control of. Those I can't control, I will probably try to control anyway ') Least I'm going to try. I am only 51 years old and feel like I'm a few steps away from my grave. I understand why my father was so tired and just wanted to sleep... in peace. Me... I NEED to change so many things here.

All is fine. I'm just in a huge pondering mode... plus tired and lonely and tired and hey, might as well throw in some overwhelmed to boot.
(3)
Report

FF, I'm with you on the sundowning cats. Once she got to about 16, my lamented Sweeney used to howl exactly six times every night at lights out. It was almost like listening to a weird clock and counting off the hours.

My exSO (not a cat lover, but never unkind to animals) fought a long-running battle with her about where she was to spend the night, because if she had the run of the house she used to wake him at five in the morning demanding breakfast. Whenever he managed to trick her into being shut in the (warm) utility room he'd give a cry of triumph: he'd successfully outwitted a geriatric demented cat. My congratulations.
(2)
Report

PS That should me "Take care" See what I mean!!
(2)
Report

I lost a very precious mutt years ago, named Scooter. Mixed bred and very smart. I too am having trouble with saying the word in my mind. Some times I forget the simplest words. As I am a writer, this really bothers me. Plus arteries in my hand doesn't help my typing either. I am still able to give myself an insulin shot everyday. Take all. I am shutting the down for the night.
(1)
Report

Worst feeling when you can't remember simple things, even words. It is so frustrating and infuriating and it really freaks me out. Can't imagine what my mom goes through. Scary stuff.
(1)
Report

Poor kitties. My sweet persian passed at 19 yrs. She was the sweetest little girl and i loved her to pieces. Had her since she was a little bitty kitty. I still miss her so much.
(2)
Report

dee1963, same here with my own memory... one doctor told me it was stress related. Doesn't matter, it still scares me :(

Worst time is when I am typing on the forums here. My mind will be dictating to my hands but my hands tend to have a mind of their own. Yikes, I see words I wasn't even thinking about. I have to proof-read many times over :P
(0)
Report

Yes our beloved pets can also get dementia. One of my cats lived to be 21 [since had passed on a few years ago] and she developed dementia when she was 17 years old. She use to get *lost* in the main hallway and loudly meow none stop while there. Currently I have one who is doing the same identical thing in the same hallway. The other cats I have had never had that issue.
(1)
Report

Oh Sally, major bummers! Really hope things settle down for you. One time my mom was admitted to the hospital and later the same day I realized her wheelchair wasn't in her room. Had the nurse call the ER to try to find it. I then remembered i had called the ambulance to take mom to the ER and her wheelchair was at home. Duhr. I felt so dumb. My memory really stinks this past year. It scares me sometimes.
(5)
Report

What is going on out in the Universe? Is it a full moon or what?! I lost my car keys at Costco with my mom. We had to be towed home. Luckily I had an extra ignition key, but I need a different key for the doors and trunk and have to wait a week while it's being made. The last two nights one of my mom's dogs has been so restless, pacing all over, just not acting like himself. I had to take him to the vet only to be told that it's probably just old age. Apparently, dogs can get dementia as well! The back sink is leaking hot water and do-nothing brother won't get it fixed even though he is the only one who uses it. So, the plumber comes tomorrow. Someone took my mom's wheelchair from her room when she was at the hospital, so I had no wheelchair for her at latest Dr.'s appointment. UGGGHHHH Major Whine!!!! Good news is, the hospital found the wheelchair, but now I have to find the time to drive back over there to get it!
Good news is mom is much better now. Still no show siblings, however. SIGH....
(3)
Report

Alot of car repair places will drive you home and pick you up if you ask? I know they do here, hubs used to do it all the time at the dealership where he worked.
(2)
Report

Thanks for the tip, Captain! My engine's been leaking a bit. 200k on it. Panels are starting to rust. Gotta hang on to it for a while though. Hope she keeps going for me.
(0)
Report

i can give you-all the best automotive tip ever . only check your motor oil level when the engine is cold - you get a more accurate reading and then rub the oil from the dipstick between your thumb and index finger . if the it feels gritty , get that metal laden crap out of your engine asap . engines can run 300 k nowadays but not with dirty oil in them . no schedule , stickers or recordkeeping . just rub the d*m stuff between your fingers . slightly blackened oil isnt a problem , its the detergent working well and is to be expected . microscopic metal shavings in the oil is the issue .
i just drove a 51 chevy truck for 18 years with the same used brake shoes on it so it is possible to be kind to your machines .
(2)
Report

Speaking of vehicles and repairs, that is one reason I keep my 1996 Jeep and never once thought of replacing it with something newer.... it has been very reliable and the maintenance very inexpensive since I use an independent garage for its care. In my area we see a lot of that generation of Jeep, which still used a truck frame, people keep them until the wheels fall off :)
(1)
Report

I hear you, Hope. Next time I get a vehicle it will be a solid, super reliable small/midsize SUV. Gotta have room for my pups, and for trips to the garden center!
(1)
Report

Jeanette I think my brother thinks I am the only person who "feels sorry for themsevles" in this situation..and that is exactly what he told me before when I was trying to talk to him about feeling so exhausted...yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself...excellent diagnosis....good grief..that particular day he had brought me a bag of green beans...that needed to be strung and broke..and yes I was happy to get them, but once he came out with that comment, I threw that bag of green beans at him and gave him some general directions on other places to put them....

I bet Dr. Phil could have a really good show with all of us on there... lol
(1)
Report

hahaha...your Mom is right for sure!!! Yes, my car has never given me any problems prior to last couple of years and now, it is to be expected with the mileage factor..still it is a good solid car and looks great...so I would rather pay the money and know the used vehicle I have than to buy a used vehicle where who knows what could go wrong..so I'll just go ahead and get the engine done and I will pay my brother's place whatever they charge, provided they will do it pronto...I think I may just handle it and be done with it...sadly it seems like any time he does even do something that he considers helping...it seems to cost me money
(0)
Report

Dee....you are so right..my brother is Mr. Wonderful to every human on the face of the planet, yet he has no issue with letting his "little sister" run the risk of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere and thus leaving OUR Mama home alone....what is he thinking? I guess he thinks oh well, she's not going far, she can walk home from the dollar store...truly that is his train of thought I am guessing.

Why do I feel so exhausted after figuring all this stuff out with these cars. I got the car as fixed as it is going to be without having the engine replaced and tomorrow I am having a wrecker pick up my truck and get it to the same shop and I made arrangements for all that today and I won't have to go there until it's ready to be picked up. I guess I can call the "short bus" folks and hitch a ride on that...I don't even have a neighbor I can rely on...really up the creek without a reliable vehicle. I have never had to worry about car issues that much until now and of all times now is not the time. looloo...I agree with all of you re the drug ads. I especially love when they say if this prescription has caused your death...call...blah blah blah...that one always throws me...and I hate the ED ones too. in the first place, not something I want to see in mixed company...I'll be so glad when the deadline for the health insurance is here. I won't have to watch all these same ads over and over.
(1)
Report

Hope, I really hate repair bills! It usually means I have to let other bills go. I'm averaging $1000 or more a year on my old van, but can't afford/qualify for a new vehicle. Sigh. I'm looking into a good bike (only half kidding). Hope they do it for you reasonable and you get many more miles out of it.
(1)
Report

Just like Viagra. You must really want "that moment" if you take it after all those cautions! Once there was a pharma commercial on and they were warning about all the side effects and to make sure you tell your doctor what medicines you may be taking and all the conditions you have, blah blah blah. My mom said "well, shouldn't your doctor already know those things? If not, you'd better get a new doctor!". Hahaha. You got that right, Ma!
(4)
Report

Yes, car problems are indeed the worst Susan.. ...Jessie, I did try to find a cab service and did not find ONE single cab service in this town..ha....This place is so much smaller than where I lived all of my adult life. As it turns out, I got Mama fed very good, got her all ready for the day and when she took her nap, I ran the car to the shop and they were able to get right to it. The fan relay was the problem so that was not a huge deal..BUT...there is an issue with the bottom of the engine and it is sounding like I may be replacing the engine ...after all the word done last year, now it looks like I am going to have to replace the engine anyway..why in this world did he not just do that last year...oh well....the shop I went is great and they know a couple of places that are very well respected and insured and bonded and a remanufactured one will actually be less than the replacing all the various components last year...go figure...oh well, still cheaper than a new car...and I love my car so that will be what i will be doing...
(1)
Report

Re commercials for drugs -- the endless list of side effects and warnings would be hysterical if it weren't so scary. After the announcer finally finishes reciting all the ways the drug could possibly kill you, you can't remember what it's actually supposed to help with.
(4)
Report

Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter