Off to NC tomorrow...

We're off to NC tomorrow....or at least we hope!  This time it's without the drama of our last attempt.  I told my mother that I would take her home but she needed to know that it was against my best judgement and against the advice of two of her doctors.  Once she got what she wanted, she became tearful and fearful.  I told her I thought all of the emotion was because she knew deep inside that she wasn't up to staying by herself.  Whenever she brought it up, I didn't argue...I just reminded her that she knew where I and her doctors stood, and that I would need to know what she wanted to do by today so we would know what to pack, how to prepare the kitties, etc.  When I asked this morning, she said she would come back with me!  It would be nice if that settled the issue and moved us one step forward, but.....

This week has been a good example of how things just snowball.  When I was out on my walk last Wednesday, Mama took her kitty Smokey for a walk in the yard.  In trying to keep him rounded up, she fell.  There was no bruising or swelling, but she fell on her weak side and kept complaining about it.  So, Monday morning I made an appointment for her to be checked out by her doctor that afternoon, which resulted in an anti-inflammatory.  Then Tuesday we had to take her little kitty to the vet.....he has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (and her other kitty is old and requires regular medication).  Then, since seeing her doctor on Monday, she's been complaining that her vision has suddenly gotten worse (even worse that the 20/200 - in the last 6 months it has gone from 20/60 to 20/200 in her "good eye").  So, today I made that appointment and they were able to see us at 3:30.  It was hemorrhaging and he laser-ed it.  In the meantime, we've been doing all of the usual thing and trying to prepare to go to NC!  Never a dull moment!

In any case, since my last post and the awareness that my blood pressure was higher than my mothers, I've given myself a good talking to and am being more consciously mindful of what is happening and how I react to it.  My doctor asked me to keep track of my BP daily, but I've actually been doing it three times a day and using it kind of like biofeedback....and it's really helping to keep me focused and calm.  I've also given up evening vino and practiced deep breathing when I feel myself becoming tense.  I'm trying to be aware and realistic about what I can do and what I can't, what I can affect and what I can't.  And, I've determined to have more time with friends, guilt-free!  So, I am making some progress and generally feeling less overwhelmed.

In addition to that "personal work", I've done the following:

• We've found a farmer's market that is close to home and easy for my mother to navigate (parking is close, not a lot of walking, etc.).  We're getting to know the vendors (local farmers) and enjoying the good, fresh produce and the chit-chat.

• Pamela and I had an afternoon out that finally felt like a "great escape".  We went into Savannah and bought Elton John tickets (September) and found one of only two Indian restaurants in the area.  We got to the restaurant mid-afternoon so we were pretty much the only ones there.  We struck up a conversation with the waiter, who was from Venezuela, and another worker there who was from Goa, India (which I've visited and have fond memories - of Allan being the hotel Santa!).  It really was one of those random conversations that was lots of fun....and it was great to have Indian food.  It wasn't the best I've had, but it was there and available! We ended our afternoon with a browse through Macy's. 

Ouch!

• We/I dug up three horrible bushes in my front yard....another project to interest my mother.  In the process, I did something to my finger.  It swelled and turned purple and looked terrible.  The interesting thing is that I have no idea what I did or when I did it.  I never even noticed it until I'd come inside, showered, rolled my mother's hair, etc.  I guess when it swelled tight enough to be uncomfortable, I finally noticed it!  I iced it and kept going.  As far as the bushes go, we've done nothing to replace them at this point.  That will be our next project when we get back from NC.

• There was one day when I socialize with two friends.  My neighbor Denise (recent brain surgery) told me just to ring her bell and stop in.....so I did one morning as I was starting my walk.  The minute she answered the door, she seemed more energetic.....and said if I could wait for her to put on her shoes, she'd join me.  That was a perfect way for us to catch up and I enjoyed the morning.  Later that day, Pamela called to say she was going to be out  my way, could we get together for coffee or something.  So, we met up at Starbuck's for coffee and a nice chat.  AND, we didn't spent the whole time talking about our mothers.....we talked politics, too!!  It's so good to have a liberal friend nearby.

• We also enjoyed watching the Queen's Jubilee.  It reminded me of how long it's been since I've been to the UK....and I wish I could see it (and everyone!) again.  In any case, the pomp and pageantry of the celebration were spectacular and it was great to see.  No one does it better.  I've seen the Queen, you know - years ago, when we were all much younger, they sailed into San Diego harbor on the Britannia, which is no longer is service.  My roommate Bill and I went down to see their little ship and then went to the church where the Queen and Prince Phillip were attending services.  We waited outside, along with a small group of people, to watch and cheer them as they came out of the church and departed.  At that point in our lives, we were all probably too naive to think that anyone would be celebrating a Diamond Jubilee!  My! How time flies!

• Last night I caught up with my Living Liberally/Drinking Liberally group again.  Pamela joined us and brought a friend, who happened to be someone I knew from the synagogue, so it was like old home week.  It was also nice to touch bases with some of the regulars whom I hadn't seen in a while.

That pretty well catches you up with me.  What have you been up to?  If I haven't heard from you lately, please drop me an email and let me know what's been happening with you.

I want to leave you with a little political humor.  Some of it is "old news" thatI intended to include in previous posts.....but I kept forgetting.  So, here goes.