KarenK

I am in lounge clothes and homebound most of the time except for haircuts and doctor visits. The big difference is that I choose to live like this. If I could turn the clock back to when I had decent eyesight, decent teeth, and no dizzy spells, I might venture out, but even then I can't think of anyone I'd want to interact with. I'm not the outgoing person anymore that I once was.

Somehow Dee needs to understand that you will never have a romantic interest in her. She can't force you or guilt you into feeling that way. I just don't see this ever getting better.

Why couldn't Dee help you with the walker and oxygen and drive you somewhere just to get out of the house(if you trust her driving with all the drinking)? Sweats are fine for street clothes. You won't know if you can do it until you try. Just a thought....

I really have no idea how the caregiving industry works. This place says they customize the care to the patient's needs, but that may not be entirely true. Let's face it. There's probably not too many nutty people like us that keep these crazy hours, except in places like Vegas.

Glad it's finally over! I'm really sick of all the "potshot" ads. "Clean Elections" my ass. What a joke!

I hear you about watching tv, Gwen. I could watch things on the Kindle, but much prefer the tv, plus I'm usually reading a book on the Kindle while I watch tv.

Sounds like the situation with Dee is not improving. Can't remember if I mentioned this before, but I frequently see ads for "Home Instead" for caregivers. Looks like it might fit your needs. Just something for you to check out. Is Dee still planning her trip?

Hope all goes well with your shower.

I guess our tv channel access is different, Gwen. Cox has an on demand feature that has access to non pay channels like tubi, pluto, peacock. I watched Gracepoint on tubi. I can't afford Netflix and can't use streaming as the device is not compatible with all the electronics we have here. I really have plenty to watch as is, just not the newest movies.

Finally shut off the AC, although it's supposed to be 80 on Monday. Weather can't make it's mind up. Fired up the furnace just for cool times at night. I'm just so acclimated to heat that anything below 70 makes me cold. As much as I'd love to live in the mountains, this old body would freeze up in winter.

Just finished a 10 part miniseries that you might like, Gwen. It's from 2014 and called "Gracepoint", a murder mystery that keeps you guessing.

Still running the AC a bit in the daytime as house gets stuffy, but we're in the 40's-50's at night.

I applaud you and your wife, Kevin for raising your granddaughter. I'm sure I could no longer keep up with a youngster. Bet she keeps you hopping.

Ron and I drank a bit in our 20's. It was just what you did. Neither of us used drugs although that was when the LSD rage came along. Drinking made me carefree and probably stupid, never angry, only sleepy. Ron, on the other hand, became frighteningly angry and mean. Not a good situation. A few years into marriage, we gave up drinking. It sounds like Dee is a mean, angry drunk and if she's an alcoholic as you once said, she really needs to seek help. You can be supportive, but the desire to get better has to come from within. I hope she is strong enough to ask for it.

I've never had to deal with mice or rats, but couldn't you put some rodent poison or poisoned cheese in the recycle bin for it to eat?

For about 3 weeks my right eyelid was swollen and sore to the touch. I just put a cold washcloth on it a few times a day. Couldn't see anything wrong with it unless it was an infected eyelash. It finally went away on its own.

I don't know if Dee pays room and board, but you are are providing a nice home for her. Where else would this be provided for her with her volatile personality? The handwriting is on the wall.  Stay safe!

Oh, what a great idea, Marg! There's so many parts of our married life that I'd run through that shredder. Save only the good parts. If only there were do overs, but there aren't so we have to learn to live with the whole of it, forgiving them and ourselves.

Your living situation is definitely causing you extra grief, so don't think twice about discussing it.

Please don't let her put you in the mindset that you are constantly doing something wrong. Don't let her manipulate you. I have been there, Gwen and it will destroy your soul. I would definitely double check the meds. It's just common sense, especially with your unpredictable situation.

Hope today's appointments have a positive outcome. What ever happened to the pain clinic idea?

No need to apologize at all. I certainly don't mean to put more stress on you by voicing my opinions. You have put it in a nutshell. You don't owe her any explanations. She is not your partner(although she may have other ideas about that). You have made that quite plain, yet she exhibits jealously. Threatening you is definitely abuse, and especially cruel as you are so vulnerable right now. I hope she makes her trip and you can find an alternate solution when she's gone. I doubt that any discussion will change her personality.

Hope your fence does not cost too much. It will be nice to get the SS raise next year. It is badly needed. Of course with the price of everything constantly rising, it probably won't make much of a dent.

Gwen, this is all just so wrong! I know there are no easy solutions, but you need to send her packing for your own self preservation. Controlling you with threats is not a sign she cares for you, no matter how much of an "angel" she acts at times. People like this are very good at hiding their true nature. She is too unpredictable and she is using you. I know it's none of my business, but I am very worried about you.

What do you do with the nests, Kay? I always heard that birds carried a lot of diseases?

Drat on the air quality! I thought the rain might make it better.

Thinking of you today, Joyce. Next month will be 50 years for me. Still seems like yesterday.....

I love Yellowstone being a big Kevin Costner fan. I'm disappointed that 1883 is on a pay channel like so many good shows now. I thought about getting Paramount+ next year when our SS raise comes through, but my cable company doesn't offer it. I read that another spinoff is in the works during the 1930's timeframe.

The many doctors you have seen have done you a disservice by giving you so many medications. I know my BP meds are necessary, but I sort of wish I'd never started with the Tramadol. It is what works for my headaches and also has a bit of a calming effect, but creates a dependency. I only take half the dose, but skipping it for more than a day makes me a nervous wreck on the inside. Definitely not good.

I finally caught the cold I've been chasing for a week due to the weather change I think. Tried heading it off with orange juice, but it didn't work.

I've been watching a 12 part miniseries about Mata Hari. A little hard to follow, but interesting. Really didn't know much about her except that she was a spy.

Gwen, time to tape a sticky note with "Thank You" to the bathroom faucet and call it done. I doubt she thanks you for every little thing.

This one is very special, Marg.

Not sure it ever ends, just becomes a bit easier to bear. Not much else you can do. Sending a big hug your way.

Did you decide against having your shower person as a caregiver? Maybe she could help you while Dee is gone.

I rarely use my computer since I got the Kindle. Can do everything I need to on it, except empty the email trash. Not sure that's possible on the Kindle.

Still using AC here, probably through end of Oct. Pretty typical.

Marg, don't stray too far. Being old does not make us useless. It makes us experienced. Nothing silly about your advice. It is greatly appreciated.

From one old codger to another, take care.

I remember you said you had a good relationship with your shower person. Maybe she will be a light in this dark tunnel you are in right now. Hope it all works out for your benefit.

I sometimes lose track of the days also. Doesn't really matter to me as I have no place to go. Last time I left the house was maybe 6 weeks ago for a haircut. Heck, even if I could drive, I couldn't afford the gas to go anywhere.

Good grief, Marg! We always tend to think that small towns have friendlier people and less crime. NOT!!! How disgusting to steal groceries from someone's car, especially someone our age. Too bad you don't have a big mean dog.

Kay,

Happy Belated Birthday! Glad you were able to be with at least part of your family.

What is with your DIL? She always seems so disrespectful to you unless she wants something. Did she just expect you to disappear when she married your son? I'm glad she at least brought your grandkids.

It seems really unethical and dangerous to wait until you are out of medications to order more, especially those types of meds. You can't just quit them cold turkey.

I've never felt in partnership with any doctor. Of course, I rarely needed to visit one at all until the last few years. Had a hysterectomy at 38, so didn't that doc any more. Did feel a kinship with my dentist of 40+ years and was a bit surprised when he retired suddenly without any warning. He is close to 80 though, so it could have been for many different reasons.

I also thought salmon would be relatively inexpensive in your area. Way back when, we used to get smoked salmon from Costco or Sam's Club as a special Xmas treat. It's always been expensive here, but was so yummy.