The Caregiver & Dysfunctional Families: How are you doing?

I do not have medical POA. I have also thought about APS but I have two siblings (one I don’t get along with) which I don’t wanna stir the pot with, I’m trying my hardest to not go these options but I might have to some day. I do not live with my mother, never stated I did. For many many many years my mom/parents would call me hundreds of times a month to do some chore or errand. For whatever reason, my siblings wouldn’t be called. I absolutely do not mind helping my elderly parent but multiple times a week? 100-200 calls a month based on records. 300+ times couple times. The passed month or two I’ve just stopped answering the phone most of the time. I told my sister to please just check in with her to make sure she’s alright. I don’t know what the final straw was but when I went food shopping for my mother 2-3 weeks ago, she told me to “go to hell” when I interrupted her daily soap opera marathon. I cannot, will not be verbally abused anymore! I will not listen to the outrageous theories she has on people or life anymore. To describe the dysfunction within our family, I could write a book. I am just done.

Daniel; Do you live with your mom? Why so?

Maybe you need to let mom be on her own and stop being at her beck and call; the fact that your mother wants something does NOT make it your responsibility.

Do you have somewhere else safe that you can live?

Daniel, are you legally a person in charge for your mother? Do you have power of attorney (POA) over her accounts, medical? If your mother is not mentally incapacitated then there is not much you can do. You can try calling Adult Protection Services to check on her. I assume you don’t live with your mother. APS/adult protection services will come out to talk with your mother, observe her living conditions and ability to take care of herself. If you have no legal paperwork such as a POA, then it’s a tough situation.

i was lucky because my mother had a former co-worker who kept in touch with her This co-worker also kept me informed of what was going on with my mother because my mother did not trust me or my sister. Eventually we were able to gain my mother’s trust so we could help her.

Others on here will have other information to share. Keep checking back for more info from others.

Me and brother don’t like each other. Me and sister are fine. I have been my parents (now my moms) caretaker for years, especially since my father passed away in 2017. My mother refuses to get a CT, trying to get my siblings involved, encouraging her has been tough. My sister has been trying a little bit, brother could care less. My mother has turned into a mean old lady who verbally abuses me and some other people, she badmouths everyone she’s ever known, she accuses people of the most awful things that she simply comes up in her head. That’s not the reason to get her a CT, she can barely walk, she has falls, her house isn’t in the kind of shape it should be in, she won’t go to doctors appointments, she won’t even leave the house. She isn’t good with taking her meds, I can go on and on and on and on.... I don’t know how many more different strategies to get my mother a caretaker she needs. Imo she should be in assisted living but I’d settle for a CT. My siblings (particularly my brother who’s never liked her) won’t follow through in insisting she gets help around the house. I have done almost everything, outside legal remedies to get my mother help. I DO NOT want to go through the courts but I’m running out of options at this point. I’ve been at my parents, especially my mothers beckon call for decades, I have to start living my own life and know that my mother is being taken care of. I don’t think I’m asking for suggestions necessarily because every suggestion someone has offered, I’ve tried. Perhaps I’m just venting. I don’t know anymore but something needs to be done as things will get worse, if that’s even possible.

So Blessings and protection to everyone.

We can't show a smile under a mask, but we can speak and show kindness.

Sleep Tight and be safe.

Oh and I am still trying to do my taxes on line free. I used to go to this place the last 6 times and did them on line for free. Now after finishing on two different sites each one starts out free and then state a fee you see and then a processing fee that can be taken out of the federal refund. I dont see any refund and wont for a long time because I owe I am feeling a little twisted seeing the fee and then a processing charged that's not even shown. Because just about everyone who do not have an account or person to do taxes is going to go to these type of options. I am still searching and emailed the old place to sign up for virtual email option to start soon.

Rays of love, light and healing to all.

Golden, so the kittens are all grown up and sound so cute. I remember my 1st and only cat slipped out and was missing for weeks my son was about 11 and it was really his cat he. I would search, constantly and boy oh boy one rainy morining around 6 as I left for work she was by the door downstairs. I was so happy to see him and was thrilled to wake up my son with him.

Then when my nephew left his cat here who just died last year. I used to call her a punk becuase she was scarred to go out. Then she started easing out in the yard when I was working on my first garden. Got bolder and then started fighting with my friends cat who was a tom. I was so proud of Minnie she would go freely but always returned. She stopped when she got scarred to come down or scale the fence.

Ali!!! Its so nice to see you posting. I hope you are feeling better. I am not all caught up. Did you use your sense of taste and smell. Have fevers? Anyways I am hearing that deep breathing and holding breath with inhales, as well a lying prone helps. There is more lung tissue in the back and being prone helps make it easier for oxygen exchange and increase lung capacity. Something like the breathing exercise in yoga and otherr place using the stomach to breath like a baby.

I hope everyone is in good spirits and keeping safe and distancing ourselves. I am now getting taken to work and back home it was a wonderful blessing. The trains were stressing me. One thing to see the ugliness in people from the stress of the virus. People were being mean over space and boundaries. So people were clueless and every now and then a nice conversation ensued about issues with the virus.
So tonight is my third and last night for the week getting the rides and its most awesome. I am so grateful, I sleep 1/2 hour later. I get home and hour earlier and leave 1.5 hour later than usuall. So I have time to really sit and get my mother to eat when I come in and when I leave. I feel a lot lighter, almost happy!! one of my concerns now is gaining weight. I gain in my stomach so I look very pregnant now with much less excersise and the stress eating I am prone too do its getting a little scarey. I almost got very close to 200lb before I even noticed I moved to a 14. Now everything is tight and I am just not having it.

Hip pain still there its like once its triggered its a rapp. But guess what, its easing up since I started riding to work and back home. I think the tendons or ligaament or muscle whatever is causing this sharp pain is getting some relief and healing. I am greatfull.

I was feeling depressed off and on. Sometimes it sets in when I start thinking of the way things were and then realize I want seeing the whole picture and my two most closes relatives counted on that and used that to gas light and reinforece alott of issues I am so desperately trying to figure out and grown out of.

One of the things I deal with is getting angry at my lack of ability or need to blind my self to a lot of the same shista that is the basis of what is going on now. Including my mother.

So I am angry and unraveling and it makes me vulnerable to every thing.

So I smile with my eyes and I try to extend a little peace or happiness to break the tension when I am around other. One kind or funny word can change a sitution around. Also learning to keep my mouth shut. I yelled hard a a young man who just couldnt understant there was a line to get into the grocery store and kept coming back to the door asking this or that dumb question then trying to get in. I was second in line so I was in the movie plus he was jumping the line everytime he came back. Finally I yelled, He's not going to let you in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He say tend to your MF business. I say did I curse at you, Have some respect for me and yourself!!!!!$$%$# Then he asks me if I feel better now. Some of my sails were knocked out and I say I was alright from the beginning.,,,@. It could have got bad.

ali - how are you? It does sound like the virus! Glad you're looking after yourself. Planting in containers is a great idea. Seeds work too!

answry - you do seem to be the sane one in the situation. Sometimes you have to let go and let people experience the consequences of their choices. I think blocking calls is a good idea. Your hubby has a point, but if you are already managing their finances - hard choice. I think you need to listen to hubby. He says he is burnt out. In the order of what is important, he comes before your family. Since mum and dad are at your sibling's you have much less control and say. It's a very difficult situation. (((((((hugs)))))

lavet - welcome - we are familiar with manipulative people. They can make your life very stressful. Some always want to be the victim. Sounds like you are aware of her game. Try to steer clear of FOG - fear, obligation, guilt. They use those to get you to do what they want.

sissi - hi the lock down may be the best thing for you. It's not OK for you to go there - period! Wait till restrictions are lifted at least. Sissi, she will always blame you for things. That's how her brain is wired. I am sorry about your dad's cousin. Blocking her number sounds like a good idea. I agree the relationship can probably not be repaired. I don't think she can change, but, as you say, you can so it doesn't bother you so much. Good! Hope you had a decent Easter.

sharyn - must be hard not hugging those little guys. So glad you are posting again. Sorry about the SAD. That's hard. Glad your bro is doing well. He has been through so much. I guess I am not surprised about your sister. I've gone n/c with mine. Stacey posts once on a while and Margeaux did quite a while ago but then dropped out again. Things about the same, I gather.

Trying - great to see you posting too, So glad your mum's ups and downs don't bother you as much. Detaching is a great skill - not easy to get there but very worthwhile. Happy you are doing better. You have helped me and others too. it's not a one way street.

Kitties loving the better weather. Pumpkin has been gone for hours today, Still lots of snow but it will melt as the temps rise. Adjusting mentally to the changes in society takes a little time. We have gained some things and lost others. Right now it is easier to see the losses.

The city is sending out a weekly meal to seniors during this lock down but I had to decline due to allergies. Nice thought, though.

Hope everyone is safe and staying home!!!

I haven't posted here in forever. Although the level of family drama has calmed down since Mom went on Phych meds things still go up and down, it just doesn't bother me as much. I think I am detaching from the dysfunction better than before.
I think of you all most every day. I'm doing better because of you all. Take care and be safe.

Golden, it feels good to post again and read how everyone is post caregiving/in the trenches. I read but don’t post. The winter months are hard for me dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

my dd accepted a position with a local bank, back where she started with working in Idaho. Her in laws are still living with them. Her fil just went back to work a couple months ago after being released by his dr for the pulmonary embolisms. Now her mil is laid off due to covid -19, she is a registered dental assistant.

My sister has been laid off and I suspect they will not call her back. I tried calling her on Palm Sunday but there was no answer. I had the same response prior to Palm Sunday as well as to an email I sent her. I know she is ok because her daughter has not said otherwise. I’m leaving it up to her to get in touch with me. My brother is doing good. If I don’t call him, I’ll text.

has anyone heard from Stacey and Margaux? I hope they/family are well.

Happy Easter, everyone

Good night, sharyn Almost feels like old times seeing you post here.😊

Quiet day here -waiting for one of the kitties to return home.She does roam a bit.The other one is settled for the night, thankfully.

Will be back tomorrow to respond to posts below. Tired today for some reason. Need my 💤!

I hope everyone had a peaceful day. We stopped at our dd’s to drop of baskets for the grandsons. We stayed 6+ ft apart. L looks so stinking cute with his new eye glasses. Hugs for the boys will have to wait for safer days ahead.

Happy Easter!

The ups and downs with my with the quarantine in effect have been like a roller coaster - on crack. One day she's pretty positive, then one night she called me saying we'll never see each other again - we're all gonna die! Then switch that back up to having my brother shop for an Easter ham. Why? He merely comes in and drops off food and does any tasks for her - switching up batteries in smoke detectors, etc. He actually thought I was travelling there for Easter. Uh, no. Let me get this straight - not a good idea for you to stay there and possibly infect her, but ok for me to travel 4 hours, stay overnight a couple of nights. I don't get it. Anyhow, she heard from two of her friends (one who has a large extended family) they are not having family get togethers over Easter. Then she was ok with it.
But I was like no, she's going to have a fit on Easter. Every day less and less ok with it. She has to have Easter candy and colored eggs for Easter. It's just "not Easter" without it! So brother got her the candy and egg dye (she had already hard boiled the eggs). Today, after finally getting groceries for myself - my plan is not to go out until possibly end of April - stay put - she calls me. Yeah, upset. "Do you want some eggs?" She just didn't know how she'd do it - color the eggs. Honestly, it's such a trivial thing. Like a kid saying I want the Easter egg hunt. Then she went on to say how she's the forgotten one, and …. it's all my fault. Yes, we're back to that again. I didn't go with her "plan" for us to live together. She'd spoken with another friend who has 3 grown children and grandchildren, has had major medical issues, yet has her own apartment in another town now. This person is getting together with people in her area for Easter - small gathering and they are keeping at least 6 feet away. She gets to have a better holiday than me, sob, sob! Well, this woman took charge of her life and planned ahead, not assuming that everyone else would upend their lives for her (especially when she also can be difficult - but she owns it). Then I heard, I'll probably just have a peanut butter sandwich tomorrow - sob. It's like fake crying by a kid who wants the latest toy (trust me, I know how she tries to work things).
I noticed I have a large rash on one side of my back - one spot is sore - felt like a bee stinger was there. I kind of freaked and thought oh please do not be shingles. I mentioned to mom - who promptly changed subject back to her lousy Easter. Uhmmm no one is having a regular life now. And just yesterday she called me to say that my dad's cousin passed away from Covid-19. She had only told me there were so few cases in their county. Yes, because they have only tested maybe 2,000 people out of 300k. So that was all forgotten because of her rotten Easter. Ok.
Then a few hours later she calls me back. Wrot wroh. Guessing egg coloring went badly. I couldn't grab the phone quickly enough to answer. So I've called back - like 6x. Finally she answered - VERY ANGRY - shouting DO NOT CALL ME. All righty then. Blocked her number for a while.
I'm sure she's upset that I got a bunch of supplies in now. She'd said I was so callous and selfish for doing that - when she's all alone. Ok, guess I'm supposed to go out daily? She's angry at the world, and again, takes it out on me, but it's really gotten so old. I don't think this relationship can be repaired at this point, but I can adjust my response, try not to let it bother me so much.
I hope everyone has a peaceful Easter, even though it's not close to normal. Stay safe.

Boy is this topic for me!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey everyone!!
Caring for my mom (72) has been tough on me. My mom is a manipulative person. Tries to make you feel sorry for her.

Hi Golden 23. Still under stress because it seems I'm the only one trying to find a happy medium and protect. Other siblings and professionals are turning a blind eye I guess since no near-death experience has happened. APS even says they can only make suggestions but not enforce anything.

I'm getting better at being okay not talking to siblings. At first I was trying to try the talk about anything but that approach and it isn't working. So I have blocked everyone as of last week.

Dad has a cell phone to use so I don't have to interact with live-in-sibling but they often turn the volume down or hide forcing him to go through house phone as to eavesdrop.

Yes, I've started looking into that transport idea and thanks for suggesting. Dad was okay with me doing the POA but will not be able to get it for mom. Probably would have to apply through the courts for guardianship. However, hubby says he is just exhausted with this dynamics and not sure if POA will help or cause more drama.

I manage their finances through records and receipts, but financial POA still may be a good idea. I believe the medical POA may still be of use but what do you do when the one you've always had on your side when it comes to this says, ahh so sick of this.

The live-in-sibling claim dad was encouraging mom to stand up and so she just stood up and fell out wheelchair. I don't know the last time I've seen mom stand up on her own. Upper body strength not there to push up. Aide told me she did not answer to me and got hostile as live-in-sibling. Aide's employer says aides don't have to report such incidents and that it is up to live-in-sibling to call for help or not. If parents are not well, it is up to live-in-sibling. The company and aides are not liable.

The only outcome was that hospice went out after I called and took pictures for their records. Live-in-sibling claim accident was first week in month last month and that lump and bruises just so happen to be still showing by end of month.

Since I'm no longer there on a daily basis, unfortunately, I will never know what goes on. Other siblings knew of the accident but I had to discover on my own.

Ali,

Take care of yourself. I'm glad you are getting rest.

I've been sleeping 10-12 hours or even more lately. I don't have anything to be up for and I suppose it's good that I rest, if I'm sick.

I think I'm fine, I feel all but better today, even the cough is going away after a couple of weeks with it. I was taking a daily dose of Vitamin C for some months up until this point. I figure it may have helped keep this bug short lived.

I don't think I can get a test here in Chicago for covid, no. The general guidelines that I've read is for us to shelter-in-place at home unless you're very sick, then you should call in and give symptoms to someone on the phone, go from there.

I don't remember having a temperature for years and years, though, up until this past couple of weeks. Some of you may remember that I had a bad Toxic Mold exposure in my grandma's old house. I had so many illnesses during that time, but never a temperature. Maybe my system is getting back to a more normal state, who knows. I keep taking vitamins, and recently did some green juicing again, as a way to keep immune function up.

I wish there were some nurseries open where I could get spring plants, though. Maybe I can get small ones in the mail. I want to grow some herbs and lettuces this year. I don't have any yard now, but I can make window boxes and I have planters.

((((((duck))))) sorry about your hip pain. Most things are on hold for the virus. Emergency guardianship sounds like a good thing. I have self quarantined since Mar 13th, not that my rather solitary life has changed much. I take precautions with (sanitize) anything that comes into the house and choose my times to go get the mail (in the crescent nearby) when nobody is around. Groceries and other stuff gets delivered.

God bless you too!

Many times I think of you all and just dont have the energy to express my self. Theis forum is always on my mind in my heart. My joy or pain or sorrow are all triggers to think of this forum and how much the wisdom and love and understanding that I have felt has changed my life for the better, has givne me hope and understanding. You all have helped me in ways that words cannot express thought your sharing and caring.

God Bless and Keep You All

Rays of love, healing and protection to all. Be safe. Sleep tight

I lost my post.

I hope everyone is maintaining safety and protective meaures.

Golden, Barb, Book, Sissu, Girl, Glad, I hope you are all okay and in good spirits.

I am not caught up and I am trying not to do my MOA of mixing up names and events.

Akababy, finances is a bottom line for the crazy nasty things sibblings do thing that we will never understand. A motivation for the crazy ugliness. I sympathize with you as my situation has many similarities.

Someone msg me with refference to "Still I Rise" and its so true and has been a comforting inspiration.

I was stressing out over a backed up toilet my mother kept putting stuff in there. Everyday when I came in from work or came downstairs I was scooping out waste, and all other sought of things, plastic candy rapper, cloth, torn plates cups. It was crazy and on top of that plunging the tolilet. Got a snake also. I was getting depressed and angry at the lack of help or attention. Its like no one looked past seeing my mother with her eyes open and saying something anything before moving on.

Wed, a profession plumbing company truck was sitting on my corner waiting for me as I came home from work. I was like this is God working, no way can I walk past and not inquire. I say you guys work off the books,Yes!!!. It was a job and obvious good work guy says something big was in there and finally got it to move. said sewer line was backed up also he could smell it from drain when he walked in. I got his card notified nephew that I had a professional come and unclog toilet and reporte3d that the sewer linee needed work and I could not afford it and that this is the reason my mother has a case with the courts,. 5 weeks only one time did someone plunge and clean mess in and around toilet. its like no one cares to check, she could have thrown up back there, or cut her self or bled in toilet no one would know becaue they dont care enoughtr to check.

So same ole same ole, the lawyer says they have applied for emergency guardianship. Which is great.

Golden and Barb, yes I realize the reality of a nursing home for my mother even if I dont ever want it to go there.

Today I came down in an orange oversize tee shirt. and not my ususal periwinkle blue and white housecoat. My mother was being very nasty telling me to leave and get out give her my keys like she was going to beat me up or something after I got past the hurt I realized that she didnt recognize me. She went to the door and called for me in hall. I tried to feed her and she was having none of it.

My sister has been home about 4 weeks now. Did nothing about toilet. When I came in this morning she had left a homecup tea on table with notheing else. I cant rely on her feeding my mother so I made her a nutrri shake from powedered formula and gave her some cookies just incase my twisted didnt bring her anytghing. When I came down it obvious she had notheing else. I heated up her meal and she refused it and said she didnt want it would take it and put down or say put it here or there. she really thought I was someone else,. So I text DN and explained she hadnt eaten and to please see if he could get her to eat. He hasnt been around in a while so she might not eat for him either.

So its going to be an issue getting a home attendant and her cooperating.

Meanwhile this hip pain is getting crucial. Its weird because it comes and goes but past few days it makes me yell out in pain. If I walk a certain way with out twisting and turning much when I change direction Iam good but the least little change can give me bad pain.

with this pandemic doctors are not even seing people, I call wtc and my new city gotham plan for refills for meds they did it right away.

So I am staying in prayer for my friend and loved ones and all of you to remain safe from exposure or harm from this virus.

I have no choice but to work, I wear gloves and mask. I do my best to keep my distance and remove myself from someone I think is sick

akababy - sometimes no contact is the way you have to go. Money often is the issue. I am sorry they are treating you like this. I felt safe after going n/c with my sib. I am quite content to never see her again. I am glad your stress is less. Keep looking after yourself.

real - I agree!!!! I have let the lawyer deal with my sib.

answry - I can see you still are under a lot of stress. Whether they are doing it intentionally or not, they are wearing you down and you need to take care of yourself. Honestly, I don't see it as them winning but I do see that not seeing or talking to them is hard for you. I can see the transport thing is a problem. Is there money for cabs or is there seniors transport? In some places, volunteers transport seniors to appointments. For your own protection would it not be wise to get POA or get non family to do it. ? Can you use email to communicate with your sibs? Easy to keep records this way. Did you find out how mum got bruised?

yoda - that's right!

glad - happy you are over that bug but sorry your assistant is sick again. Does that quarantine you again? That instructors sounds like a dud. Good you had a chance to voice your opinion.

send - we all have wondered about sharyn and have hoped she is well. Thanks for posting that. Remember your vitamins!!!

girl - it's a lot of extra work isn't it.. Good for you for working on your PT. I know it is hard to keep at it. Sorry your hub is having problems again. Yes life can be very unfair. I am glad you are being careful.

sharyn -so good to hear from you. Glad you are still working. It's hard not to focus on the latest news isn't it? 400 is a lot and scary. Some people just don't seem to get it and that spreads infection. Look after yourself and don't be a stranger here!!!! You must miss the twins.

ali - it certainly could be the virus. As long as that is all the weird room mate does I guess you are fortunate. Replacing the roll makes sense. SMH. Who would know that countries would ever be so fixated on TP. Let us know how that bug progresses.

ga - that's a good article. Thank you. I think eating anti-inflammatory foods is the right way to go. Another point about the immune system is to reduce stress as stress decreases your immunity. Easier said that done these days.

shell - I completely get that. I had that sense of relief too. I think once this crisis is over, or more manageable, life will be different. Not sure how though. People's values may change for the better. I hope so. Glad low life bro is not on your scene.

stacey - wondering how you are...

duck - you too ....

sissisu - now you can't go!

everyone - check in and let us know how you are,\

Before mother got dementia she would have found living through these times exciting. I know it's weird but that was her. The really big stressful stuff didn't bother her, but the little imagined slights, or things that didn't go her way caused huge strife. Go figure.

Still a little snow this morning but we are getting up to freezing point so it will melt. The sun is warmer.

Someone came to the door yesterday looking for someone who wasn't here. Again they didn't observe the 6 ft rule. That's the fourth one since the virus came here. So I wrote on cardboard "Please back 6 ft away" and have it handy by the door. Normally no one comes to my door except the delivery guys n gals. I really want to have a sign saying "Go away" but I guess that would be too much. Sigh!

Other than that the kitties and I and kids and grand kids are fine.

Looked online for hair dye and it's a choice between Purple Passion or Bad Boy Blue. I don't think so! Hopefully some other colours will become available before too long or I will let it grow out and that's ok. Just call me Snow White! lol 👩‍🦳

Take care all. Sleep well.

This may seem strange or just odd, but sense this whole lockdown I feel more relax. Yes, I am scared of getting Covid-19 not just because I don't want to give it to my mother no matter how mean she is, but also because I have a autoimmune disease and the Covid could kill me. And yes it is sad how many cases there are and how many people have died. However, it is nice that things have slowed down. Now, no one is in a hurry...there is no more pushing or people running into me in the stores. There is no cars driving like mad-hatters. As if everyday is Sunday! It is a nice change of pace. Plus, I haven't seen or heard from my low-life brother. If only we could have this lay back life style without the threat of Covid-19.

Interestingly, had a call from the college today asking about satisfaction with this program. I downloaded. This weeks assignment is not at all appropriate! The instructor is not good at planning, not prepared, does not post items until the day of class, actually a couple of hours before, bases quizzes on a powerpoint presentation. Has never presented his own information.

I was told, not the first time they had heard it. Others had called to complain. Told them that if I had paid for these classes I would be ticked! I am sure he will hear about it and narrow down some of the complaints based on my comments on submitting the blank template for the personal financial statement. Tell me? Did he really not even think about how inappropriate this was?

Send, I don't recall if I posted this elsewhere or not, but it's a list of foods to boost immune systems:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/27/opinions/healthy-diet-immune-system-covid-19-mozaffarian-glickman-nikbin-meydani/index.html

Note to self:
Taking Vitamin C is a good thing, so take it every day!
Missing a dose of Vit. C can give one cold symptoms.
(It is said...I don't have the reference.) 💊

Hello Ali!
Hello Sharyn!
Nice to see you posting after so long a time. It is reassuring and helps with the loneliness to see you are both still around. 🌞🐦🌱

Glad, Our county is just under 500,000. It includes the city of Boise.

Ali, stay in take care of yourself and keep us updated. Sounds like it may be the virus. How hard is it to get a test there?

Gives a whole new meaning to toilet paper war, doesn't it?😄 keep a sense of humor about it.

I'm not sure if I have the dreaded covid, or just a bit of normal seasonal sick, but I haven't been good for a week. I have a cough and a slight temperature, some GI distress. I don't expect it will get any more serious, just unusual for me. Everyone take care, lots of bugs going around, and the novel virus pandemic.

The weird roommate has a long history of doing strange things, Golden. I refuse to ask them why they take the paper off the rolls in the bathroom and don't replace the roll. I feel like there are just some questions I shouldn't have to ask in life. LOL. I believe they do it because they wipe down the bathroom before or after they use it with that paper. It's all fine. The only issue is -- why not go ahead and replace the roll, since it's now empty? This person lacks what I would call "common sense" sometimes, but that's the worst of it, they're not mean spirited or criminal or anything.

Sharyn, I was just asking about you! Great to hear from you! 400 in your county sounds like a lot to me. Population of county here is about 24,000, we just had a tally of 17 a couple days ago which was double the number of the day before.

Take care and stay in touch.