Thursday Dec 30

Finished 7 full days, only three more to go. The new CDC guidelines aren’t being applied at this time, I guess due to the age and potential susceptibility if the community. I was hoping to be let out earlier but frankly I’d rather stay the weekend and leave only when my regular weekday sitter returns on Monday.

Trying to eat a little more wisely while confined her, not doing great but it’s acceptable for now. Today I did get more movement it, about 8000 steps by doing my chores and then just standing behind mom while she plays her computer Majong and marching in place. It also helps her because I work the game with her. Not to mention the several short exercise sessions we take during the day. Three more days - I am so lucky my mom is so sweet, but it’s still so sad to see her like this.

Nirvana, it’s very interesting about your mother. I believe they (we) do have some choice no matter how far gone they may be. My sister and I have always been the last to leave a family gathering. Her son stayed with her as long as he could, but ran home to change and she passed. He wanted to be there, but I think truly that she would not leave while he was still in the room.

Greyown, that snow and cold weather is really crazy. Looks like you have a couple more days of freezing temps. I hope your mom was able to get some food. If she can bake bread (assuming no power outages?) then she can survive. Fresh baked bread? Goid luck!

Rita, enjoy your family and the food. The new year is around the corner. We will never have our teen-age figures back, although mine was nothing to brag about. I was always on the stout side. It didn’t help my self confidence that in elementary school I was the tallest in the class (maybe the heftiest) and my best friend was the smallest little pixie in the class. I always felt enormous! But I digress. This is your well-deserved holiday break and you should enjoy it!

Kim, how are you doing? I hope your counselor’s COVID is as minor as my mother’s. Have you had any further fainting? That’s too scary. I do hope you get that under control. I also hope your seasonal blues lessen as we transition into the new year. Spring is on the way, days getting longer again, and maybe the worst of the pandemic will be behind us.

Heavensangel, how is the family doing? I hope you’ve had an uneventful but happy holiday with them. Have you settled on a plan for your mountain home?

This confinement has definitely been a challenge but has given me a clearer picture of my mother’s condition. It’s not comforting but it’s not as bad as it could be. I do worry about falls, that’s the scariest. For all of us, too.

Happy New Year dear friends. May 2022 be easier all around for all.

Desk, only the weekend to go. I hope some of the time is enjoyable although away from home. I’m so glad you’re allowed there.

My mother did successfully order groceries delivered and we’re both relieved. I really wish she would keep more in stock for such occasions but guess if she has potatoes, bread-makings and some meat and vegetables in the freezer that should suffice for most times. We had a few more inches snow yesterday but rain expected soon—which causes flooding and refreezes at night, so I’m still disgruntled about it and pretty much homebound. Still not eating as I should but at least trying to get there. I’m quite sure no weight has been lost at this point. I get hungry at night after eating an early dinner and then eat whatever so need to form a plan for that.

Kim, I hope your counselor can see you asap and hope you’ve been to the Dr about your fainting because even with stress that’s not normal at all. I’m hoping the new year brings some relief.

Nirvana, you never know. I think most of us know a similar story and I think people do leave in their own time.

Heavensangel, hope you are enjoying family.

Rita, hope you’re enjoying the rest of your break. I wish you had more time to rest.

Happy new year to all!