(Thank you to everyone for the condolences about my brother’s unexpected passing. I appreciate it. And I will head over to the bereavement thread/section. Ty to the poster who reminded me of that; I had forgotten. 
)
6 Likes
I’m so sorry about the loss and the sudden nature of your brother’s passing. That’s so hard
1 Like
I woke up before the crack of dawn again. Then decided whatever was irritating one eyelid wasn’t going away on its own and with the trip next week, couldn’t wait. Decided my regular ophthalmologist office would likely be a couple hours wait if I could even get an appointment. So I tried the optometrist where I got my last two refraction exams - he had been kicked out of his space by some group that took over the building. So I finally got an appointment at the optometrist in town - and it turns out I had a inch + hair lodged under the rim of my eyelid. Not an eyelash; a hair. All gone and whew.
Also did a couple of small loads of delicate laundry for the trip, some of which I may even iron.
And finally updated my iPad from IOS 18. whatever to 26. whatever. Tomorrow - the iPhone!
3 Likes
Maybe you’ll sleep better now!
1 Like
It’s certainly possible although I only noticed the irritation three days ago and the early waking has been six days. It would be nice if that’s it!
Today I hung around while the Solar company was repairing my battery backup and I hung around while the construction came in and drywalled the basement, and it was very loud and annoying with the drilling in the basement. I practiced my Spanish with Duolingo, and I did the Wordle. Then I drove to Home Depot and looked at flooring samples,and picked up paint samples, then I went to Trader Joe’s and bought groceries. Then I came home and ate yogurt and then I walked to a friend‘s house and hung around playing guitar while they made cookies. Then I walked home. I played the violin for a while and then I ate dinner. Correction: microwaved a potato and butter and that was dinner. 
. Watch some YouTube and PBS NewsHour with husband. This sounds like the journal entry of a third grader. First I did this and then I did this and then I did this and then I did this. the end.
7 Likes
So sorry. Bereavement counseling can be so helpful in providing a sort of road map for grieving.
2 Likes
I spent yesterday helping a friend with rapidly worsening dementia. I have gradually helped her get to a place where I can help with paying bills, dealing with insurance, a car that wouldn’t start and getting her to an MD tomorrow morning. She lives alone and has no kids. What happens to people in this situation?
5 Likes
My friend lives alone but has hired someone to come in and help her and drive her. She’s a widow and her son moved to OR. I live a 30+ minute drive so don’t see her as often as I should. It’s hard!
Does your friend have dementia? I am trying to find out how much money is available for hiring help. She has no idea. My friend needs a care manager. I am coming off 8 years of caregiving for my mother and many years caring for a kid with health issues and brain injury and am kind of getting old myself. I am being urged to have “good boundaries” but there is no one to help her right now.
3 Likes
Our elder care lawyer is POA and takes care of many people in this kind of situation.
1 Like
Yes, she has dementia, as many develop as they age. She was an excellent judge and mediator but had become increasingly confused in recent years. She recognizes it and voluntarily stopped driving and performing weddings. I’m not sure what other arrangements she’s made. She has a pension, SS, and sone investments, including a rental property.
Another travel day
Headed for the airport. Going to the Olympics! USA!
12 Likes
A guardian can be appointed by the court to make all the necessary decisions/arrangements. There are people who are “professional guardians”, usually social workers or attorneys and then the court oversees them if there is no one else. If there are no assets, the guardian would work to get Medicaid set up and the person into a safe care facility.
2 Likes
Laundry and bathroom cleaning this morning. Cappucinos and crocheting with my stitching gals at the club later. Last night’s chili for dinner as DH just needs a quick bite before heading off to his Spirits and Cigars club. Will probably watch a movie while he’s gone as I can’t watch any Yellowstone without him (we only have a few episodes to go). Then, read in bed until lights out. Another great day.
2 Likes
Walk with friends and a much over due salon appointment!
3 Likes
A lot of people at my mom’s very nice CCRC were there because they had no kids or relatives to step in. A CCRC takes care of all needs. They didn’t all have dementia, of course, but some like my mom did develop it. Does she have a will? Or advance directives?
I am going to…
X - balance the checkbook, pay bills and set up payments for those due while we’re away
- wash hair; tomorrow is cut and color
- do neck exercises
- perhaps a bit of ironing
- rethink packing list - likely one less sleeveless and one more long sleeved shirt
- begin re-reading the CC book club book which finally came through last night
- Get some Vitamin D; yet another warm sunny day
X - set up reimbursement from account from employer from many years ago that still gives me about $1000/year for medical costs
Now that I’ve written it down, maybe I’ll do it all!
Edited to add one more task accomplished and to check off (X) completed.
3 Likes
Does anyone else write something on the daily “To Do” list after they have done the task?
I do this simply for the satisfaction of crossing it off! 
4 Likes