what are you doing right now?

[chiver78]

Dec 30, 2022 13:06:55 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

Dec 30, 2022 4:08:50 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Yup, we went the warm mist humidifier on your rec and it has been a game changer. I rarely wake up coughing my fool head off anymore and even DH's chronic sinuses have given him a break!

What was the one recommended and where did you buy it? Please!

mine is a pretty basic Honeywell, bought at Walmart maybe 3 or 4 years back. hi/lo warm mist. hi setting doesn't last the night on a full tank, but it's a nice way to quickly equilibrate the room when it is first turned on.

[andi9899]

Macy is limping and I don't like it. I felt in between her toes and there is nothing there and nothing wrong with the pad. The only thing I can think of is she bent it wrong or something rough housing with Jackson. She's walking fine, just a limping and she lifts the leg when she stops. We go to the vet on 1/3. It's the earliest appointment we could get.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dec 30, 2022 13:51:29 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Dec 30, 2022 13:31:40 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Browsing Esty io see what people are listing glassware for.

I'll have to stop by one of the antique stores in town and talk to them.  I know two pieces are actually depression glass but IDK about the rest.  If it is real it still only goes for as little as $5-$50 a piece so definitely not worth what she thought it was but there is enough that the small amounts add up and are worth me looking into. 

If they are replications they might as well go to Goodwill and to DH's sister for the church bazaar.

My grandma's stuff went quick SIL said that there are a lot of churchgoers who are into that type of stuff.  So that would be a good way to off load it with minimal work on my part.

If I could get something for the collection I might see if I can offload it at one of the antique stores.   

But remember that they have to make a profit, too.  If you could get half the value, you would be doing great!  A place like Replacements only offers 25% and requires you to pay shipping as well.

My former MIL ran an antique store.

Yeah I know.  I forgot what dad said the estate lady in Treynor paid out if he even got that information we ended up not needing to use her after all.

It may be just more trouble than it's worth to try to sell it.  I got time we don't have to empty the storage unit till sometime in late March/early April so I can mull it around in my head.   Maybe divvy up some of it to go to the church and pick a few pieces I've seen online to have appraised and sell myself.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 30, 2022 13:14:40 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Dec 30, 2022 12:55:12 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

You all are right. Idk what was wrong with me last night and I’m a bit ashamed of myself. I’m glad I was only a bitch about it here, and not IRL. I didn’t try to correct him or say anything about it or act any kind of way.

I do have compassion for him, because I understand what dementia does to a person. 

I don't think your thoughts/reaction to the situation make you a "bitch". I think it's totally normal to think and feel how you did about the situation. Certainly in my family that reaction would be totally normal! My FIL had dementia and in the 5 years or so leading up to his death, my DH felt like you did a lot.

I remember a time when FIL said something kind of shitty to DH that was TOTAL out of character for him. He was just starting to show signs of dementia, and DH got pissed, yelled at him, then stormed out and we left. Then DH yelled at me when I said, you know, you're dad is showing signs of dementia, I don't think he meant what he said. Anyway, we went back and FIL had no recollection of WHAT the argument was about, though he did remember they argued. It really hit home for DH that his dad was starting to decline.

He rarely said anything to his father about it (just to me) after that, but it's HARD to remember that dementia makes them such a different person. And it's hard to watch. I think for me, it was especially hard to watch since it wasn't my parent because I felt like I saw the situation a little clearer but there wasn't much I could do other than support DH in whatever way he wanted to move forward (which was not always the way I thought he should).

Anyway, none of that is super important, other than to say, I get it. And you're doing a good job of navigating this new terrible situation as you go. Hugs.

Thank you.

[chiver78]

Dec 30, 2022 12:55:12 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Dec 30, 2022 5:46:02 GMT -5 finnime said:

Pink Cashmere , I agree with the other invisipeeps, Mister's dad isn't lying in the responsible, knows what he's doing, sense. He is trying to make the world he is in ok and for you and Mister to think all is well. Because he doesn't know, really.

My grandmother had Alzheimers. In the earlier years of it she, who would never dream of stealing or lying or being inappropriate in any way, stole flatware and salt and pepper from restaurants and stoutly denied wearing my grandfather's underwear (which infuriated him).

She took my diamond engagement ring from the bureau in my room at my parents' house where we all were staying and put it on. I noticed and told my mother, who sat with grandma and helped take it off again, saying I think this is finnime's ring. No, said grandma, it's mine and I want to wear it. My grandmother was a lovely, classy woman who wouldn't dream of speaking a mistruth or hurting anyone or anything. She would be horrified at herself were she in her right mind. Before she got to that point I sometimes noticed she would sort of startle at a family gathering and look nervously around. I understood that she had just 'come to' and realized she didn't know what was going on.

Don't regard Mister's dad crazy. And don't accept what he says. He's trying to make a world that works for him, too. And he's scared.

You all are right. Idk what was wrong with me last night and I’m a bit ashamed of myself. I’m glad I was only a bitch about it here, and not IRL. I didn’t try to correct him or say anything about it or act any kind of way.

I do have compassion for him, because I understand what dementia does to a person. 

ETA: I also want to say that I appreciate those of you that tried to talk some sense into me.

big hugs, I'm sorry. I wanted to add that, reading as an outsider with zero experience caring for anyone with dementia, that I don't think anyone was trying to beat you up over your post. just validate your reaction and feelings. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Urgh.  Grandma hates the chair and it is apparently not appropriate for her needs.  Now we have to figure out how to return it.

ETA:  NFM can take it back and are arranging with me to go pick it up.  So that was easy.

In my defense I had no idea that there were differences in lift recliners and it is not like I had a ton of time to research my options.   I was back into a corner and the purchase is what Medicaid recommended I do to spend down funds.

I am a bit ashamed of myself because there is a part of me that was hoping it couldn't be returned, the nursing home would throw a fit and yank POA from me too. [img src="//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/embarrassed.png" alt="" class="smile"]

Grandma is an insanely potent trigger for me which I am working on but even the therapist said it's understandable I freak every time they contact me.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 30, 2022 14:19:57 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Dec 30, 2022 12:55:12 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

You all are right. Idk what was wrong with me last night and I’m a bit ashamed of myself. I’m glad I was only a bitch about it here, and not IRL. I didn’t try to correct him or say anything about it or act any kind of way.

I do have compassion for him, because I understand what dementia does to a person. 

ETA: I also want to say that I appreciate those of you that tried to talk some sense into me.

big hugs, I'm sorry. I wanted to add that, reading as an outsider with zero experience caring for anyone with dementia, that I don't think anyone was trying to beat you up over your post. just validate your reaction and feelings. 

Oh, I didn’t think anyone was trying to beat me up at all, just trying to help me see things differently. Which I genuinely appreciate.

Thanks for the hug.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 30, 2022 13:22:00 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Dec 30, 2022 13:06:55 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

What was the one recommended and where did you buy it? Please!

The rec was more moving from cool mist to warm. When I bought my last humidifier, cool mist is what the pediatrician recommended. I never questioned why before until chiver78 recommended a warm mist (that she had actually bought accidentally). I googled the differences, and found that cool is mostly recommended for child safety and for colds. Warm mist is cleaner and more helpful with allergy and chronic sinus related congestion.

I first bought the Walmart brand. It made a difference immediately but I wasn't happy with the way that one was set up, so I returned it and bought a Vicks.

ETA - I am currently looking for a warm and cool mist one, but haven't settled on one yet. I think that will be more helpful for the bedroom. The Vicks will move to the central living area, where I usually run one in the winter to help with dry air and static electricity.

Reading you all talking about humidifiers, I ordered one about an hour ago, and chose a dual mist. I just picked one and ordered it from the Honeywell store. Otherwise, I’d be fiddle faddling for forever trying to choose one lol.

I’ve never had a humidifier because I was always afraid it would be a chore keeping it clean. I know you do have to keep it clean, but idk why it got stuck in my head that it was difficult and time consuming.

ETA: I went with Honeywell because I have 2 Honeywell air purifiers and I like them. Otherwise I would’ve went down a rabbit hole about brands and such lol

[teen persuasion]

DD1 sent video of new baby possibly batting at toys.  As DD1 is narrating unseen from behind the camera, she's commenting to the baby that she's 7 weeks old today.  Big brother (also unseen) chimes in, something about "and tomorrow is Christmas?".  No, tomorrow is NYE.  "And what about the day after that?"  New year's day, first day of 2023. "And then Christmas?"  Sorry, buddy, Christmas is a long way off.  

DGS was REALLY wishing Christmas comes every day, or at least every week.

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 30, 2022 10:34:54 GMT -5 busymom said:

Dec 30, 2022 9:50:38 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Sister was a little kid.  Mom cleaned it up.  It was on newly installed indoor/outdoor kitchen carpet.  

     We had that in the kitchen of the 2nd apartment that DH & I lived in.  It was awful to try & keep it clean!  

Mom loved that horrid carpet.  She put it in the three houses they lived in after it came out.  Also in the bathroom.

When I was looking for houses, I told my realtor do not show me a house with kitchen or bathroom carpet.  

[bookkeeper]

Dec 30, 2022 13:58:00 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Dec 30, 2022 13:51:29 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

But remember that they have to make a profit, too.  If you could get half the value, you would be doing great!  A place like Replacements only offers 25% and requires you to pay shipping as well.

My former MIL ran an antique store.

Yeah I know.  I forgot what dad said the estate lady in Treynor paid out if he even got that information we ended up not needing to use her after all.

It may be just more trouble than it's worth to try to sell it.  I got time we don't have to empty the storage unit till sometime in late March/early April so I can mull it around in my head.   Maybe divvy up some of it to go to the church and pick a few pieces I've seen online to have appraised and sell myself.

I have been doing a little glass collecting as a retirement hobby. I have learned quite a bit on Reddit.  Check out this subreddit. 

www.reddit.com/r/glasscollecting/

[toomuchreality]

Dec 30, 2022 9:05:31 GMT -5 finnime said:

Back from the beach where the sunrise was beautiful, all in reds and pinks.

I'm kind of anxious. A couple of dozen of my books have sold but there are no reviews at all. Do people dislike it? Or is it just no one is writing anything? Trying to keep positive. It's probably silly.

FYI- I bought it under DD2's name, or her husband, so I can't write a review. Sorry.

[bookkeeper]

Mid Century decor glass is very hot right now.  Uranium and Vaseline glass is also a sought after category.  If Drama's depression glass glows under a black light, it is more valuable.

[chiver78]

Dec 30, 2022 14:36:36 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Dec 30, 2022 13:22:00 GMT -5 daisylu said:

The rec was more moving from cool mist to warm. When I bought my last humidifier, cool mist is what the pediatrician recommended. I never questioned why before until chiver78 recommended a warm mist (that she had actually bought accidentally). I googled the differences, and found that cool is mostly recommended for child safety and for colds. Warm mist is cleaner and more helpful with allergy and chronic sinus related congestion.

I first bought the Walmart brand. It made a difference immediately but I wasn't happy with the way that one was set up, so I returned it and bought a Vicks.

ETA - I am currently looking for a warm and cool mist one, but haven't settled on one yet. I think that will be more helpful for the bedroom. The Vicks will move to the central living area, where I usually run one in the winter to help with dry air and static electricity.

Reading you all talking about humidifiers, I ordered one about an hour ago, and chose a dual mist. I just picked one and ordered it from the Honeywell store. Otherwise, I’d be fiddle faddling for forever trying to choose one lol.

I’ve never had a humidifier because I was always afraid it would be a chore keeping it clean. I know you do have to keep it clean, but idk why it got stuck in my head that it was difficult and time consuming.

ETA: I went with Honeywell because I have 2 Honeywell air purifiers and I like them. Otherwise I would’ve went down a rabbit hole about brands and such lol

in the 5y I lived in my last house, I filled my humidifier from the 5gal water cooler in my kitchen. I actually never broke the things down to clean them during the winter, just the deep clean at the end of the season before storing. this winter, with my difficulties finding bottled water for drinking, I'm just going with the well water and I feel like with what's been depositing down the outside of the tank.....I might need to find myself a new unit next year. ugh. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dec 30, 2022 14:53:26 GMT -5 bookkeeper said:

Mid Century decor glass is very hot right now.  Uranium and Vaseline glass is also a sought after category.  If Drama's depression glass glows under a black light, it is more valuable.

I've read that.  I am skeptical any of it is uranium glass but it's possible.  

[TheOtherMe]

There is a dementia simulation house in Cedar Falls, connected with the University of Northern Iowa.  They put the caregiver through what it is like to be the person with dementia.   I don't know exactly how it is done.  

They do a session after the simulation.  Some caregivers cry because they think they have been doing it all wrong.  Others are relieved that they now have insight in to how the dementia brain can work.  

They do some counseling afterwards for the caregivers.  

My parents are both gone so I have no need to go there.  I wish it had been there when my dad was alive and going through the walk of dementia

[minnesotapaintlady]

Dec 30, 2022 14:36:36 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Dec 30, 2022 13:22:00 GMT -5 daisylu said:

The rec was more moving from cool mist to warm. When I bought my last humidifier, cool mist is what the pediatrician recommended. I never questioned why before until chiver78 recommended a warm mist (that she had actually bought accidentally). I googled the differences, and found that cool is mostly recommended for child safety and for colds. Warm mist is cleaner and more helpful with allergy and chronic sinus related congestion.

I first bought the Walmart brand. It made a difference immediately but I wasn't happy with the way that one was set up, so I returned it and bought a Vicks.

ETA - I am currently looking for a warm and cool mist one, but haven't settled on one yet. I think that will be more helpful for the bedroom. The Vicks will move to the central living area, where I usually run one in the winter to help with dry air and static electricity.

Reading you all talking about humidifiers, I ordered one about an hour ago, and chose a dual mist. I just picked one and ordered it from the Honeywell store. Otherwise, I’d be fiddle faddling for forever trying to choose one lol.

I’ve never had a humidifier because I was always afraid it would be a chore keeping it clean. I know you do have to keep it clean, but idk why it got stuck in my head that it was difficult and time consuming.

ETA: I went with Honeywell because I have 2 Honeywell air purifiers and I like them. Otherwise I would’ve went down a rabbit hole about brands and such lol

I know myself well enough to know that I'm not going to break down a humidifier often to clean it, so I put bacteriostatic treatment in with every fill.  If my furnace ever dies beyond me being able to fix it I'm going to replace it with one with a whole house humidifier.  I am so sick of filling mine every day.  It runs non-stop and I add at least 4 gallons of water a day.

[chiver78]

so I feel like I need to document this, as I'll be back in the house within an hour or so. I'm actually sitting out on the deck right now. the "Duke Mayo Bowl" is finishing up streaming on my phone, since the connectivity of this laptop sucks so bad. I mentioned it to the IT guy a couple weeks after getting this new laptop, but never got an answer. I'll be pushing the issue, come spring. if I have to buy another wifi hub for the kitchen counter 4ft from where I'm sitting rn, I will, but I'll be expensing this one. I didn't need it with the last laptop. 

anyway! it's December 30th in New England, and I'm sitting out on my deck with a cocktail and bowl football. what?? it's still 49 degrees as of 3pm, but the sun is lowering through the trees. I'm out here in a hat, heavy hoodie, and fuzzy slippers. but I'm soaking in all of the fresh air. some windows are open in the house, too. both bedrooms, to help with the "dogs sleep here" funk. sunset's in the 4o'clock hour here now, so it should be dusk in about 20min. ugh. 

[empress of self-improvement]

Dec 30, 2022 15:08:15 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

so I feel like I need to document this, as I'll be back in the house within an hour or so. I'm actually sitting out on the deck right now. the "Duke Mayo Bowl" is finishing up streaming on my phone, since the connectivity of this laptop sucks so bad. I mentioned it to the IT guy a couple weeks after getting this new laptop, but never got an answer. I'll be pushing the issue, come spring. if I have to buy another wifi hub for the kitchen counter 4ft from where I'm sitting rn, I will, but I'll be expensing this one. I didn't need it with the last laptop. 

anyway! it's December 30th in New England, and I'm sitting out on my deck with a cocktail and bowl football. what?? it's still 49 degrees as of 3pm, but the sun is lowering through the trees. I'm out here in a hat, heavy hoodie, and fuzzy slippers. but I'm soaking in all of the fresh air. some windows are open in the house, too. both bedrooms, to help with the "dogs sleep here" funk. sunset's in the 4o'clock hour here now, so it should be dusk in about 20min. ugh. 

It's 61 degrees up here. Truly bizarre!

[chiver78]

Dec 30, 2022 15:21:29 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Dec 30, 2022 15:08:15 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

so I feel like I need to document this, as I'll be back in the house within an hour or so. I'm actually sitting out on the deck right now. the "Duke Mayo Bowl" is finishing up streaming on my phone, since the connectivity of this laptop sucks so bad. I mentioned it to the IT guy a couple weeks after getting this new laptop, but never got an answer. I'll be pushing the issue, come spring. if I have to buy another wifi hub for the kitchen counter 4ft from where I'm sitting rn, I will, but I'll be expensing this one. I didn't need it with the last laptop. 

anyway! it's December 30th in New England, and I'm sitting out on my deck with a cocktail and bowl football. what?? it's still 49 degrees as of 3pm, but the sun is lowering through the trees. I'm out here in a hat, heavy hoodie, and fuzzy slippers. but I'm soaking in all of the fresh air. some windows are open in the house, too. both bedrooms, to help with the "dogs sleep here" funk. sunset's in the 4o'clock hour here now, so it should be dusk in about 20min. ugh. 

It's 61 degrees up here. Truly bizarre!

I remember a typical January thaw that always lined up with HS half-year "finals" where most of us wore shorts. but never in December.... but I do remember my first winter on Cape Cod, mooch and I closed out Christmas night at the late-night Chinese place, and I wore capris and flip flops. the previous xmas had already been buried in snow, the same snow that Punk was born into north of Worcester in 10/2014. these waves are fascinating for me as a scientist, but alarming as someone who lives here. I'm inland enough now to not have to worry about global warming eroding my oceanside property. that doesn't mean I'm not still paying attention. 

and for those keeping track, it's 3:40pm and I'm still outside.    Punk is at my feet. clear blue sky, no sun in sight. as a reminder, I'm very vocal about New England needing to move to Atlantic Time. I hate winter for the time changes and how much it sucks, and my love for this area keeps me here. there is zero reason for Boston to be in the same time zone as Detroit. it's an 8h drive from Worcester to Buffalo, I've driven it many times. 

[chiver78]

wait! we're past Solstice, so sunset will be a little later.   I pulled out some mittens, but it's still daylight! LD went inside, but Punk is still out here with me. I give this another hour, maybe. I so hate being closed up for the winter. I'm the asshole with my sunroof open, leaving a ski slope. 

[Deleted]

I've been a busy bee today, showered, breakfasted on leftover lentils with rice and sausage and a runny egg. Mopped the floors before getting a haircut and hitting the grocery. After lunch I cleaned the toilets and took down the Christmas cards.

We got a lovely handwritten note from a board member of a charity we support. I feel really old because I remember her as one of the little sheep in a Christmas pageant at our church, maybe 4 years old with a homemade costume.

Today was a gorgeous blue-sky 70 degrees so we filled the bird feeders and sat on the deck for a bit. I too needed a fresh air, outdoor respite

[tractor]

I'm sitting on a balcony in San Juan drinking wine and watching the people on the street down below. Life is good.

[cooper88]

Today was our last work from home day. We just got an email that the hybrid schedule is extended to February 2. Fingers crossed we'll get another email before that date.

[daisylu]

Made it to the grocery store, now I can stay home tomorrow.

Bone broth going in the pressure cooker, should finish around 8 - just as DH will be getting home from work.

Garage did find a small seeping leak in a supply house for my power steering. Said it can't have been there long, as fluid is still full. Makes me wonder what happened in that garage Wednesday. With the holiday weekend, he likely won't get the replacement until Wednesday. Luckily, after today DH didn't work until next Saturday so I'll be able to take his truck to work. I discovered on my grocery run that the small truck inspection did tomorrow. That's DH's mistake, as both trucks are due the same month. He forgot. That worries me, because we specifically planned it that way. He even drove it several days this month.

[daisylu]

It got to 63 here today, so I turned the heat off and opened up the house for some fresh air. Hitting dusk now but still 58. I plan to leave it open as long as I can.

[Artemis Windsong]

Today has been better than Christmas.

One friend texted me asking if I'd like a light weight comforter and matching sheets or else it was going to second hand. Also a bota box of red wine. I took both.

Another friend dropped off a pair of nice, heavier leggings. She is a high end shopper so I'm sure they will be nice.

People have been ringing our door bell and dropping off late Xmas gifts. So far a treat bag and a beanie hat with my name on it for the pot luck outside tomorrow night.

A week ago a friend gifted me with minibooks. About 3" x 4". 5 are Holy Bibles. Tied with pretty ribbon. One is a blank journal and one is Manet paintings. These little books cost almost as much a full size ones.

[countrygirl2]

Gosh, anytime I sit down, I have one cat laying on my legs and the other behind my head. I think my boys missed me. They have been so loving even with hubs. Tigger heard DD and was rolling all over trying to see her. I had her come over and pet him, he purred up a storm.

We found a car for the tenant. More money than we wanted to pay but cheap cars that run are hard to find. It's a 2008 Chevy Impala, hubs thinks those are pretty good cars. Sadly has a 140k miles on it. We never keep one that long anymore except our last truck did have 160k on it. We bought it in the little town near us and the lady that runs the sales is having a wheel bearing fixed as the ABS light came on. She lowered the price when we said why we were buying it, ate the cost of fixing the wheel bearing and included the taxes in it too. We are giving them cash money, probably made a difference. She said she has helped people too, selling a few cars with no interest and just paying her back. She seems like a decent person but you never know. Used car people have such a terrible reputation. Anyway will take her Monday and Tuesday to get insurance and plates, fill it with gas and give her $50 for future gas. Then she is going to have to do something to get a job. 

I got a treat for all of us tonight, something we don't get very often. A large milkshake for hubs, a medium strawberry for DD, and me a banana split. Can't remember the last time I had one. Told all that was our new years treat. Tomorrow night I will make popcorn.

[susana1954]

It is funny to read about you guys running humidifiers.  I am still emptying two dehumidifiers every day.  I did shut them off when it got below freezing since they are in the unheated basement, but otherwise that is part of my daily routine.

I raked up 5 large black bags of pinecones and pine straw today.  I wish I could say that I got it all.  I would say that's about half.  Now it is raining, and there will be more.

My neighbor, whose land adjoins on two sides, has planted a grove of pine trees on both sides.  Since it is downhill and away from the road, I am going to toss the pinecones back into her field when I have to start picking them up.  "It's too far for me to lug them up to the road" will be my passive/aggressive defense.  After all, I will be 70 by then.

[Deleted]

I'm going to change the towels and run a load of laundry while we watch TV tonight. DH will help with cooking the black-eyed peas and collards tomorrow. It looks like Sunday afternoon will be a good time for pulling up dead plants and trimming off frozen things. Unicorn generator person will be here sometime Monday to put on the new monitoring sensor so that may be another "dead" time I can work on the yard.