<p>aww #TM… so so sorry to hear about your dog. You have the whole cycle around your house these days… saying goodbye to both young and old. Tough all around if you ask me. Our vet however was really supportive of H staying with Sam when we decided to put him down. Shortly after though I heard that they actually have a service that will come to your home. Not sure I would have wanted the kids around for that. This was hard enough. And since he was our only dog, it’s amazing how often I walk in the door and expect to see him or … more typical… drop food on the kitchen floor while cooking and actually have to bend over and pick it up. I definitely miss our canine vacuum cleaner.</p>
<p>Fallgirl… Exactly why daughter can drive a stick. PLus! When they’re first learning, they don’t tend to speed for some reason because they pay so close attention to the RPM and MPH dials.</p>
<p>Son is looking better, but while his back is the most visually repulsive (and his pride), the one in the palm of his hand is the most painful and annoying. Helmet would be ideal, and I even suggested he just stick on his lacrosse helmet if it was in impromptu “killer run.” He didn’t dare argue with me, but I don’t think I convinced him either! Sister asked what a longboard was exactly and so I looked it up on wikipedia to be succinct. Was not relieved in the least when it said, longboarding is often called surfing on concrete. Who comes up with these things???</p>
<p>Thinking good thoughts for Rmom’s FIL… 90 is definitely a well-lived life, but still its hard, I know. H’s grandmother is 97. Still sharp as a tack, but can no longer see the tack. It’s a double-edged sword for sure. Plus, while she is in fairly good health for her age, it cannot be fun to have attended almost all your friends’ funerals, which she has. </p>
<p>I am not a huge fan of the fourth of July… but again, it’s just another reason to notice the missing dog who used to freak out with all the firework booms on a night like this. Raining here so not sure we’ll leave to catch the shows.</p>
<p>TM and Modadunn so sorry to hear about the dogs. H and I are on our 3rd pound puppy. Last two were wonderful dogs and this one is a joy as well. She is 4 and her life is spent trying to get from one place to another as fast as she can. D and H are both distance runners and the dog has been going with them since she was about 9 months old. At 4 the minute someone in the house puts on sneakers for any reason her butt is at the door. Too cute.</p>
<p>Neither one of my kids can drive a stick shift. We haven’t had once since my S was a year old and screamed for 3 hours in the car on the way back from vacation. Car didn’t have air conditioning and he was hot and had an ear infection. The following summer we bought a new car prior to vacation with air and an automatic. We have never looked back. Would be good to know how but they will now have to learn on their own.</p>
<p>Any one else started the college shopping trips? Even S needs new things as a rising senior in college. When does it stop?</p>
<p>Eggdad and Eggson left yesterday for a week of wilderness backpacking and bonding. It is sooooo quiet in this house. </p>
<p>When they get back S is having wisdom teeth removed and then working as a camp counselor. Insists there is nothing to buy for college… except a laptop.</p>
<p>My wife and I have on one side an unmarried sibling who is 52 going on 14 and periodically runs up credit card bills he can’t pay and doesn’t take care of his health and can’t figure out how not to get into fights at work with his boss and on the other side a married sibling in her 40’s and who with her husband has never figured out how to earn a sufficient living to cover what they are going to need. In both cases, our respective parents periodically step in and pay for things – in one case credit card bills and in another a minivan or religious school instruction, etc. This has always struck me as OK (though not great) for someone in his/her 20’s who can develop a life plan that makes sense but not for someone in his/her 40’s or 50’s as you are just subsidizing a life plan in which expenses exceed income. So, our parents have to weigh this and decide when to step in. So, Modadunn, I agree that it never stops and could go for 30-50 more years. Scary, huh?</p>
<p>Modadunn–aye yi yi. Just wait until his back starts to itch! </p>
<p>On the stick shift, sons 1 and 2 can drive our old Audi stick, and son 3 is lobbying or us to keep it. I think everyone should know how to drive one. And a boat.</p>
<p>Rmom, I’m sorry–even at 90, not an easy thing. </p>
<h1>TM, more than anyone I “know” here, you have had your share of Life in the past few months. Sorry about your dog Hope you’re happy with the pups’ new homes–are you keeping one?</h1>
<p>We actually had a neighborhood BBQ here–40+ people, lots of teen boys. It was fun–dinner here; dessert and pool at our best friends’ house. The kids kind of wandered the 'hood and lit off fireworks. Miraculously, S2 and his friends called it a night on the early (before midnight) side… S1 will be home this a.m. </p>
<p>Today feels like a bonus Sunday, because I’ve spent the last 2 days thinking it was Sunday. Happy 5th of July all–S2 turns 18 tomorrow, which I can’t believe!</p>
<p>We took a very business loan from my inlaws 15 or so years ago and we paid them off with interest in less than the time agreed. This is the only way I think it’s ok to take loans /money from parents. My H’s brother and sisters cannot seem to fit it in their budget to visit their parents and so their bill is footed by two retired individuals. A little pathetic if you ask me. On the other hand, I am the “poor” one on my side of the family and if my sister, who has no children, wants to take my kids with her to Africa and pay their way, I am not bound to let pride stand in my way to say, “no.” 24 year old only really needs our help with airfare but she knows how we feel about the relatives and so she always tries to do something sweet when she’s home. She’s trying. And too… I do not want her to feel she needs to be married or whatever so we’ll help her out as long as she needs it (but I think 30 is a good cutting the apron strings for sure!).</p>
<p>Seems Son’s injuries are really healing well. I think keeping them in antibiotic ointment is preventing the itchy’s. Amazing how great their skin is. Gotta love a good supply of collagen. :)</p>
<p>SJTH
Yes I have kept 2 at this point. A male and a female. I exhibit, so in case the boy’s testicles do not drop, I still have a show option. Plus she is the one that looks and acts most like her sire, a dog I lost over 10 years ago (we did an artificial breeding with frozen) who was my favorite dog of all my dogs, all of which I adore, but he was something REALLY special. S’s favorite pup was one that left yesterday. He was not happy, but he will not be here next year to help raise her, so…
Still, even though I screen my homes and I feel these are good, it is hard to let them go - way easier at about 4 months when they are tearing everything apart (but no one else wants them then either LOL)
I have had some trying times this spring (a real roller coaster experience) , but I am healthy (though I wish I had more collagen), my family and parents are healthy. I am lucky to be able to vent here with you wonderful folks and get over it. My heart goes out to those dealing with illness in themselves and/or loved ones. I hope the best for everyone.</p>
<p>Moda- Glad to hear your S is healing.
Rmom-Sorry to hear about FIL. It’s hard with aging parents.
TM-Sorry about your dog.
Sending good thoughts to all of you.</p>
<p>It sounds like so many of you have been on life’s roller coaster lately, hopefully it will stop soon and calmer times will prevail (at least for awhile). I remember so well how stressed I felt when kids were young and thought that when we got to this stage it would all be easier. Ha!
I’m older and wiser now and know better.</p>
<p>egg-40 days till drop off? It’s 57 (I think I counted correctly) here. The big day is not until Aug 30 - anyone later than that?</p>
<p>I actually had a co-worker say to me that it has to be sooooo much easier for me now that the kids are older. I indicated that it’s not easier – just different. I don’t have to get up to feed and change a baby but don’t sleep well until both are in for the night if they are driving which can be very late (or early) depending on how you look at it. </p>
<p>Still cost me money with all the “things” they need. Doesn’t really bother me as neither one is ever demanding about anything. Just when I ask if there is anything they need they usually have something plus college. Makes those days of diapers look like we were spending our spare change. </p>
<p>Took my dog for a short run this morning, than to get her nails trimmed and bought her a new outside ball. She’s been playing most of the morning. Just came in and she went right to her crate to take a nap. Not sure why she always goes in there – she must like it.</p>
<p>I was just thinking about whether D going off to college was going to save us any money on the day to day expenditures. Music lessons: $240 a month; allowance while D is away at college: $200 a month. I’m going to be money ahead and that’s only counting one expense!</p>
<p>Back from the cabin…truck broke down and had to be towed home! ugh… 26 days till D2 leaves…still no housing plan in place since fire. Word is they want to “squeeze” five girls in to four person apartments. Means no bedroom, no closets, no desks and no dressers. Still trying to get answers. Having a nice glass of Cab as I type. sigh…</p>
<p>Getting ready to leave for NY at weeks end. Lots of time to sit on the porch and watch the lake float by. Too bad it’s not a closer drive, but S has decided to join us for the full two weeks. While H is a little bummed he won’t have him a driving partner, I am glad he will be there with us. Beyond going to the grocery a couple of times, there are no carpools or driving of any kind. If you can’t get there by boat or bike, you just dont both going!! To think my mom used to do this for an entire summer!</p>
<p>I drove a stick in HS and taught my college boyfriend and husband to drive same. Once S2 gets the hang of driving, I’m switching him to the stick.</p>
<p>Moda- Glad everything was ok w/ S (I’m sure it’ll make for a good story when school starts…)
Rmom- Hope things are better with FIL.
TM-Sorry to hear about your dog. When we had to put down our cats (They were 18 & 17 years old) we have a vet that makes housecalls and took care of everything, was comforting at the time.</p>
<p>Regarding learning to drive a stick…it’s funny, D’s deciding to want to learn to drive a stick is not because we have one! Her reasoning was if she went to a party where her ride was drinking, she wanted to be able to drive home, stick or automatic…wow, never crossed my mind but…good thinking! Of course now we’ll have to find someone who has a stick we can teach her on… </p>
<p>We started shopping for some basic things but since she won’t know which dorm she’s in until late August we’ll have to wait on some stuff. She met someone on FB to be roommates with since her college does a totally random roommate match (as in no survey of any kind!) so at least they’ll be able to get to know each other a little. Not sure how that would work if they find themselves in a triple…could be a little awkward for the 3rd who hasn’t been ‘talking’ all summer.</p>
<p>D is still cleaning her ‘cave’, no job lined up yet (kinda hard to get one unless you are out applying everywhere…!), I guess she still has time since she doesn’t start till mid September! I think we are probably one of the late ones to start?</p>
<p>Classes for D start on Sept 9th but she needs to be there sooner because of sports. She won’t find out her roommate(s) until some time in August. I refuse to wait until then. I just can’t wait that long to get everything together. I like to plan and I’ll go nuts it I don’t have a list and everything planned by mid August. We actually drop her off on Sept. 1st.</p>
<p>Hi CC friends - several weeks out of touch and like cpeltz, haven’t had much to add. </p>
<p>Modadunn - yikes! sorry about S’s accident, glad he is healing nicely</p>
<h1>tm - can I come with you? no phones or Internet sounds heavenly! and sorry about your dog - you have been through a lot lately - if anyone deserves a heavenly vacation, you get my vote.</h1>
<p>RM - sending good thoughts about your FIL. the sandwich generation has always been just a concept, until my 83-yr-old dad moved nearby. physically healthy, but thinks the world is going to heck in a handbasket and tells everyone. and I mean everyone, like all my neighbors and friends over the 4th. how do you handle behavioral issues in an 83-yr-old?
downtoearth - sending hugs and good thoughts your way</p>
<p>D should be registering for classes this week, but she is working out of town, has limited free time, and doesn’t feel the same urgency I do about getting it done. so I lurk on the college website, watching as classes she wants start to fill up :eek:. but I swear this helicopter(mom) is staying on the ground. really. at least for a couple more days ;)</p>
<p>scoped out BB&B the other day. it must have been a slow day - the asst manager explained the pack-and-ship program in GREAT detail, printed out a college-specific list of suggested (and forbidden) items, along with driving directions from her school to the nearest BB&B. THEN he gave me a tour of all the college stuff in the store. we can’t really start shopping until D gets home in early August, a mere 18 days before she leaves for school :eek:</p>
<p>TM… I would go a little nutty with no internet. Admittedly, I don’t get much news where I am going and definitely find my laptop continuously fully charged, but no email? Worse than not getting it while gone would be the mountain when I got back!</p>
<p>Son is not reading his email at all…(old or college) and I have been mum on the subject. I am betting there is news to be had and acted upon. Wonder when he will engage in his future… although he did ask about a new computer the other day.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with a college linen service offered at offspring’s school? D’s school offer a connection to an outside service that will ship sheets, towels, blankets, hampers, pillows, shower kits - you name it - to your home. They come in tons of colors and really do look like a deal. Has anyone used this before?
I thought she would want tot do the BB&B thing, but she really likes what they are offering.</p>
I’m sorry–even at 90, not an easy thing. </p>
with all the “things” they need. Doesn’t really bother me as neither one is ever demanding about anything. Just when I ask if there is anything they need they usually have something plus college. Makes those days of diapers look like we were spending our spare change. </p>