Mrs Van

Now that you're both aware of it, you could probably see where you could work something in, even if only a short hug. Agree with the touching as @KB Girl said ^^^. I also need touch, while B doesn't, but he'll give me a quick hug in the morning or try to touch my shoulder or back when either of us walks past the other. He likes me making him coffee, doing things like opening the gate, helping him to put the cover over the car, etc. So doing things for him. Hope you both get some much needed sleep. Hugs to Little Bit.

A treat on your birthday should be ok. Just keep an eye on the portion size. And happy birthday! Hope it is a great, blessed year. You've been busy, and looks like you are handling things. The food looks delicious! and I see that steak peeking out at the top I concur on the garlic-goodness with mash. Yum!

Nicely done on finishing the walls. I like painting, but it is hard work - all the prepping (sanding and washing the walls, ceiling beforehand), and one average bedroom takes me at least a whole weekend (Friday to Sunday). And yes I do end up with blotches and splotches too. Glad your ankle is better and you were able to go for a walk.

25hrs without electricity and Brandt not able to work (or play), had him rush out this morning to buy a generator. The municipality are finding faults everywhere, and apparently one big fault they are struggling to repair (had to break up a tar road for that one). Now we have this big, powerful generator running outside the house (by the car), and our main appliances, lights, computers (UPS' etc.) are working, but what a noise! I'll rather have it than not. More things on my To Do List, but that's how it goes. Our fibre termination point was installed yesterday, and the boys managed to do the school work not on computer. Life is sort of back to normal. We were very frustrated this morning (due to ^^^) so I took the boys for a walk around the block, and both are now keen to do this every Wednesday morning. Zuzu on the other hand has totally forgotten his leash-walking-how-to's, and I'll first have to retrain him (if he was ever properly trained before coming to us) before taking him out on a walk again. Although that once or twice we tried right in the beginning when we got him, went well. So maybe he just doesn't want to? It has been nearly 3 years. Challenge-wise: Exercise: Wednesday quick walk - done! This wasn't official (if I remember correctly), so it is nice to add an extra. Housework: Wiped down bathrooms and kitchen. Finances: Up to date. New things to finalise, organise, arrange, add in all the other words that mean to get something done.

There are so many sites that are now catching light (a break) with Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp being unpopular (overplaying their hands). I looked at MeWe and it seems very easy to navigate. They get their money when you pay for extras - paying to use special emoji's, or voice chat options, etc. If you use the basic app there are no fees. From reviews I've read Gab also seems like a good, secure option, but I didn't look at it. I currently don't have anyone who want to join me on another group like Fb, so "shrug", I guess I don't have to have an account. I would however like to get a different option for YouTube, but currently a lot of the boys' school stuff is on videos on YouTube. When YT tried to block me from viewing certain other videos on Covid, on police helping people, on politics, etc. I sent a complaint. Now I see I only get a message saying they don't recommend me watching these videos as it could portray false information, etc. but I watch anyway (I'm assuming it changed over the whole board of watchers - with people complaining). I'll listen and make my own choice. For me this whole debacle is more about the censorship and some on the selling of data. If they ask a fee, we are happy to pay an annual donation, because they are companies, and have to make money. But don't portray yourself as one thing, then do the total opposite, or censor on a twisted or biased scale/scheme. Did exercise this morning so Tuesday done! Jumping Jacks 30x Squat --> Up Knee X Elbow touch 10x each leg Walkout2HighPlank 3x Weights Superset 1: only managed two sets not three, due to heavy deadlift weight. Didn't want to take weight plates off Brandt's dumbbells. Deadlift 10x30kg (this was a bit much but manageable for two sets) Standing Fwd dumbbell row 10x5.25kg Jumping Jacks 20x fast Weight Superset 2: two sets Bridge + barbell chest press 10x20kg (still a bit much but manageable for two sets) Bicycle crunch X Elbow touch 20x One legged deadlift (balance) 10x 5.25kg (this was difficult again on my right leg) Stretches I did all the washing on Sunday, so nothing to do today other than the usual food, schoolwork, admin, making beds, etc. Hope you have a good day and a great week.

The one on Fb was in general and one for the homeschool group. I wrote a similar one on Whatsapp specifically for the Friends (grannies) group and got the bad reaction. Yip, people are very worked up over a lot of things. I didn't think that I was on social media groups that often, but I'm surprising myself with just how much I check my cellphone and computer during the day for messages or notifications. Almost everything used to come through Whatsapp (on cellphone), but now I've set things up on Telegram and Signal, and they are mainly on my computer. It is QUIET. At first it was disconcerting, now I'm kind of enjoying it. Brandt was really in a bad way. Now he is joking again, even exercised a little bit. He slept so much; even slept in over the weekend (until after 8h30!) I told him that he seemed run down, and playing games till midnight wasn't helping. His stress levels are high, frustrated with some of the one client's issues. He might start working from home permanently again. We did school work for nearly the whole day today! I don't know why it is taking us so long, but we were busy from 8h00-15h30-ish, covering only four subjects, with each subject taking at least an hour. We have breaks in between subjects, but it is only about 15min. Maybe one break of 30min. I need to keep my eye on this. The boys did enjoy the new chemistry lessons, and was not very impressed with me for not having steel wool in the kitchen. They wanted to try the experiment the lady did. Sorry boys but copper scourers doesn't work exactly like steel ones. Adam's cooking lessons are also coming along nicely. He now makes us brunch every Sunday. These last three Sundays were scrambled eggs (2x) and boiled eggs, respectively (I prepared the sausages to go with the eggs). No eggshells! He is also insisting on presenting the plates nicely (thank you Gordon Ramsey kitchen videos on YouTube). He seems very keen to learn more, and Rocco is happy to test 'anything'. I'm just keeping an eye on his heavy hand with the spices and flavourings. The garlic in the scrambled eggs could chase a vampire away! 🧛‍♂️ I did manage to gather my non-existent energy after school work, and vacuumed the floors. The boys dusted, even my room and the desks. Then I immediately started with supper after that, and Brandt arrived while the latter was cooking. As I'm sitting here I'm yawning so much... It's just after 21h00 and I think I'm going to hit the bed after finishing this up. Tomorrow I need to be up at 5h00 to exercise, and then around 8h30 the fiber people are supposed to come install our connection point. We still won't have live fiber, but it is the next step. Challenge: Monday - Everything is seemingly up to date, even the finances. Cleaning - Thanks to the boys everything was dusted, and I vacuumed the floors.

This week was a bit hectic. Brandt worked from home Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the usual Thursday and Friday. He was in pain for most of the first three days. Wednesday he saw the Urologist who almost scolded him for waiting so long before he went to the hospital. He was shocked at the severity of the infection. Brandt is now on his second course of antibiotics, and feeling almost like his old self (his words). Until about Thursday night Brandt and I hardly slept, because each time he turned I was awake, worrying, or waking up when he went to the loo. Thursday and Friday were the first nights we slept through. So because of little sleep and feeling a bit down in the dumps, I just didn't exercise or do anything other than the absolute necessary/minimum, even though I know I'd feel better if I exercised. I got out of the dumps by Friday, and did manage most of the finances. Just statements for the month, and some filing to do. Missy saw the vet and the latter is happy. We are keeping her on the anti-inflammatories for the rest of however long she'll be with us. If she needs more pain meds to manage a day, we'll take the next step. Rocco is fine. His old self. We are catching up nicely on school work. He'll start fencing again next week. I was scolded by some for "falling for this data and censoring nonsense, and wanting to stop Facebook and Whatsapp" from 'friends'. When I asked other friends whether they would be willing to join up on Telegram or Signal to chat/continue with our "Friends Forever" group, I was told in no uncertain terms (actually quite aggressively by the one lady) that their choice was to stay with Whatsapp, and I should respect their choice. I just pointed out that my invitation message very clearly said, "if they wanted to, it was their choice," then said goodbye to them and removed myself from the group. This was actually very hurtful, because it was the "oumas"/grannies group with whom I have been friends for a very long time (since before the boys were born, from church). Francoisana is part of that group, and admittedly the two other ladies have always been her friends. Francoisana hasn't said one word either there or in private to me, at all. So, yes, I'm hurting a bit. I've actually lost a lot of friends for wanting to change, which makes me wonder whether I was always just the good-weather friend/acquintance, when they needed a shoulder? Or is it a case of "finally, and good riddance?" Was also surprised for finding one or two other people (whom I didn't expect it from) who actually joined the homeschool group I created, and posted a link to. Also saw other friends who joined those message/chat groups, obviously for their own reasons, but they acknowledged me when I said "hello" or waved to them. So... here's to change and 'new beginnings'. Actually all this has done is to make me turn more to just a very, very few people, and wanting to withdraw from the rest of the world, or people out there. Have a good weekend. I'll catch up on your news tomorrow, now I have to tackle this neglected house.

We were back home just before midnight. We're both exhausted still, didn't sleep well. I need to get his antibiotics and pain meds today (hospital pharmacy was closed and I was too tired to drive around to find a 24/7 pharmacy), and see whether the Urologist will see him. Yes, both doctors told Brandt how severe the situation could be, and then is/was. He told me in the car on the way back that he should probably have let me take him sooner. Oh well... that's water under the bridge. He'll work from home this whole week. EDIT: The edge of tropical storm Eloise hit the north-eastern parts of South Africa yesterday, and where m.i.l. is, it's flooding with lots of damage in the area. It hit us last night, so that was when it started to rain. Luckily not torrents, but hopefully enough to fill our water tanks.

Thanks. ---------------------- Challenge-wise everything is up to date, except for washing and polishing/oiling the floors. Brandt came down with a fever during Saturday. I gave him medicine, long story short he dehydrated due to heat, exercising, sitting in that corner playing games, etc. etc. AND somehow got a urinary tract infection. I got the fever down somewhat by Saturday night; gave him Rehydrat, water, etc.; he refused to go to the hospital earlier today; which I can understand due to Covid, as well as everything you hear and read in the news, but eventually tonight around 18h30 I phoned the urologist he'd seen before (about two years ago), and he told Brandt to go to the hospital, or come see him tomorrow morning. I took Brandt to the hospital. It was quiet, no queues (not even on the Corona emergency side). They did the compulsory Covid testing while I waited in front, getting him admitted, then when they took him inside, I had to return to the car to wait. An hour and a half later he phoned me to say that he was getting a drip with fluids, anti-biotics and pain meds. It was quite a bad infection, and for some or other reason they also wanted to take x-rays. It was 21h00 by the time I got home. The boys had been home, with the neighbours keeping an eye on them. Brandt will phone me in an hour or two's time to fetch him as the doctor said he can definitely come home, they only keep life threatening emergencies (or Covid cases) in hospital. This is the first time since Adam's birth that we've been at that hospital, and it was quite a change. As much as I'm relieved that he is being treated, a part of me is also not quite angry, but something in that line because of his stubbornness. So much unneccessary pain for him, making his condition worse, and all round stress on me (and him). That's the main reason I'm sharing here now, to get rid of these pent up feelings. Thanks for listening. Hope the week ahead is way better and goes smoothly for you and us.

Done it! Exercises that is. Think I'm going to increase deadlift to 25kg next week, because I did chest press at 20kg! My arms were a bit shaky, and I don't think I could have done a third set. I'm going to feel it in my shoulders tonight. Jumping Jacks 30x (misty wet outside, so no jump rope) Squat into Knee X Elbow touch 10x Walkout2High Plank 3x 3 sets of the following superset: Deadlifts 10x20kg (44lb) Standing fwd bend d.bell row 10x4kg (8.8lb) Jumping Jacks 20x 2 sets of the following superset: Bridge + barbell chest press 10x20kg (44lb) Bicycle crunch Knee X Elbow touch 20x each leg Basically One leg deadlift for balance and stretching 10x4kg each leg STRETCHES! Wow it feels so good! Do you think it's a bit overdone to call myself Deadlift Mama?!

Thanks. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I told myself I should be proud that I stuck the week out, and didn't give up like previous challenges, so yes, I'm proud that I did those two workouts, and moving on. This week I've only done that one on Tuesday morning and my hamstrings have been pulling and talking to me, reminding me I did something totally different. But that's about the only discomfort I have from that session. Tomorrow I'm hoping to do the second one for the week. Electricity was only off Monday and Tuesday, and have been stable again for the last two days. Next week they will be working on another sub-station, then ours will have to take up all the extra supply, so we're expecting it to be off most of the time they are working on the system. Rocco's tummy bug were two days and gone! I doctored him with Pegasus (and those vitamin drinks) from the moment he felt sick. Tuesday was not good. By late night the fever medicine had kept his fever from rising above 39C, but didn't actually let it drop, so I stood over him, praying that the fever is drawn out of him. Thanked the Lord, and went to bed. Woke up about an hour or two later for something (I think Brandt accidentally woke me because of something on the computer), measured Rocco's temp and it was down! As in around 37C (which is normal). He didn't sweat, he was calm and just said "Jesus did the job", turned around and slept again. And that was it. Next morning his tummy still rumbled and ran a bit, by midday it too stopped. By evening you didn't know he had been sick. Of course this meant we did school work again today Yeah, I'm a slave driver. We only did the science work and we'll slowly catch up on the other work. I have enough break days or "extra days" worked in for us to be able to catch up soon. Brandt spoke to the financial guy today. We actually have more saved than he thought, so he is now busy planning, calculating and other things that the two of them discussed (eco-friendly options which Brandt doesn't think is adequate). I'm leaving that to him. Oh, he also sent me a link to some computer glasses one of his colleagues uses at the office: Sophia Moda Computer Glasses There are different styles but all of them do the same thing: I complained that morning that my eyes were taking strain and I would probably have to replace my glasses, but this time get some or other computer anti-glare tint. Anyway... I ordered each of us a pair of these SM Computer glasses (to their liking), and we should receive them in about two weeks. I'll let you know at that time how it works. I might have to start wearing contacts again, as these are not prescription lenses. And that's all I've got. Hopefully I can update again tomorrow evening. Have a good one!

Even with older kids, and waking up for dogs during the night, these broken sleep nights can lead to feeling even more tired. So as one of the other ladies commented before, your fatigue is probably a lot of things stacked on top of one another - working together to culminate in you being tired - physically and mentally. Woot! Woot! for the sugar coming down, and all those exercises you've been doing. Nicely done. Uhhmmm there's no Rooibos tea among those boxes you bought... Oh well, I know it isn't everyone's cuppa. Enjoy the tea. I still have some boxes of different kinds from when Brandt went on a tea -spree. Does tea go off? It's dried leaves, so I hope not.

Well done EG. You only tested 1 brownie! One brownie only! Seriously that is will power too. Sorry you hurt your back, but glad it is already feeling better. Take care of yourself.

What is it with our house and things happening around 2am? This morning Rocco woke me up. Yes just after 2am. He was nauseous and unhappy. It seems like he picked up the neighbour-kid's stomach bug. I've been treating him since then, and he is ok. Lost a lot of fluids both ways, but kept in toast with peanut butter and meds (fizzy in water with lots of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes - also helps with fever). We decided to take the day off from school work. He played a little bit of computer games, but otherwise slept. We'll see how he feels a little later tonight. Due to ^^^ I slept in a little bit again, but was able to exercise this afternoon. I changed things up totally. I was just in the mood for deadlifts again, and saw a video of PJ's yesterday which wasn't what I'd expected but gave me ideas. EDIT: I did my housework for the day too. So this is how I adapted it for myself, and what I just did, and hope to do twice a week going forward. On the other days I'll try to either walk in the morning or a quick walk in the afternoon, hopefully with Zuzu. Warmup (but actually part of the exercise): Jump Rope 30x Squat --> Stand up Knee X Elbow 10x each leg Walkout 2 High Plank 3x Strength training (supersets): 3 sets of- Deadlifts with short barbell 10x20kg (Brandt is using the long barbell and I don't want to have to change it every time) Standing fwd bend rows 10x4kg (will increase to 6kg) dumbbell Jumping Jacks 20x fast 2 sets of- Bridge form and short barbell 10x10kg (will increase to 15kg) Bicycle crunch X elbow touch 20x each leg Stand on 1 leg --> bend fwd, lift one leg up, while lowering dumbbell in hand 10x4kg on each leg (I did 10 on left leg, but at 7 on right leg it started to go into spasms at my hip, so I stopped) Stretches And now I have cramps because ... that time started this morning too. Load shedding went on till yesterday afternoon. We only finished schoolwork late afternoon (16h00-ish) because the electricity kept tripping due to the load stress on the substations. And we are being warned by experts w.r.t. South Africa's electricity situation that we have a possible stage 8 loadshedding to look forward to, specifically around the autumn/winter months; stage 8 could be days without electricity. So the quicker we can get those batteries and generator the better. Now where did I plant that money tree? Another neighbourhood has started a night time security guard group, whereby they pay for night guards to patrol the streets. Their crime rate has come down drastically. We are now trying to get enough people in our neighbourhood to start that here too (same owner/manager as for the other n.hood). More people paying monthly, more guards. Brandt's mom is going for an MRI scan this Thursday. Apparently the specialist told her she would have to have a disc fusion (lower back). I told Brandt the news and then also told him gently that I would prefer NOT to have to go up again to look after her like I did last year (just before Covid and lockdown started). He was quiet for a bit then said he thought that it wouldn't be necessary; that it would be an operation similar to his hip replacement, where she would have to stay in hospital for a couple days, and when she went home, she could basically slowly but surely just go on. Taking care that she doesn't hurt her back, but she should be immediately without pain, etc. He also agreed that if she did have someone with her at home, it should preferably be a trained nurse. Now I'm just hoping this is how it will work out. I know it is bad of me not to want to go and help, but last year after all I did, it was like a slap in the face when she kept saying the last two or three days and for some time after I'd come home, that I was there to rest and relax, and just kept an eye on things, while I worked very hard, and it took me nearly two weeks of a LOT of sleeping when I was home to feel energised enough to handle my own home - physically and mentally. Not to mention that it was after this that the calls to Brandt started and she started complaining about me, the boys, their school work, their 'lack of sport', etc. and he starting finding fault and later shouted at us, and criticising. So nope... not in the mood for a repeat. I actually feel good after this work out (did it just before writing here), so now I'm going to have some coffee.

Sunday evening update: Loadshedding should be over at the moment, except when there is an emergency again. We are discussing getting two big deep-cycle batteries to run the computers on permanently, and then follow that up with a generator that can keep the electrical appliances running for a couple hours a day, for a week, for the future. Our neighbours are doing the same, so we are swapping information, brand names, etc. Exercise was not good this past week; only managed two inside mornings. Housework was good, maybe not everything done 100% on the days they were supposed to, but by this afternoon I had the washing done (now folded and packed away too), bathrooms and kitchen wiped down, inside windowsills wiped off, and even the finances are up to date. This was my week 3, and I'm still here, and still trying, which is good. Brandt took me for a spin in the Celica (his off road rally car) this afternoon (about 30min.); driving to sections where we went on dirt roads of plantations, etc. It was awesome! I've forgotten what a good off-road driver he is. Took me back to when we were dating and I visited him on the plantation (where he was Plantation Manager), and he took me out in his bakkie (truck). Good times ❤️ We didn't say much (loud engine, etc.) but I think we both had a good time, especially just the two of us. Just had a wet Stampy Cat jump on my desk and rub his wet fur against me. It was not so nice. I don't like wet fur; and I don't like muddy footprints on my planner; but I do like kitty love and purring.

This is how I solve a lot of my computer time: I work on the computer a lot, but play on it too, but I set alarms on my cellphone for things, like when to start school in the mornings, when to exercise (when I did it in the afternoons), etc. That really helped me to keep track. I also set the washing machine, tumble dryer, etc. that their alarms go off as soon as they finish a cycle.

Woot! Woot! for so many wins. Hopefully you had a bit of a breather over the weekend and will have your mojo back for this coming week. You did good! Also proud of you.

I know you have long hours at work at the moment, but still hope you get sufficient rest/sleep in when at home. Sounds like a good boss, who is willing to accommodate you as soon as is possible.

Woot! Woot! Nicely done.

I found similar grading system at some of the other online private schools or colleges, and of course HLA is registered as an online private school. Also when I searched grading, assessment, etc. I found numerous home school families and others mentioning that college tutors/teachers, like to give a grade for participation and not necessarily the (home) work done, especially when it comes to doing work at home with no/little assistance, projects (but these have other grading criteria too), and reading out loud (also with other criteria). This is what we use generally throughout South Africa, so it is a bit of a shock to switch to the other system. The lady who created the Afrikaans curricula answered me back with regards to an idea of how to tackle their Afrikaans this year, keeping in mind that they are now definitely learning it as a second language, and they are becoming confused between Afrikaans and English letter sounds, adding the dyslexia, and that their Afrikaans reading and thinking (discussion) are much more important than writing (at the moment). Whatever they learn to write in English (letters, essays, summaries, etc.) they can use for Afrikaans too. So w.r.t. schooling I think everything is really ready now. I took Missy for her preliminary appointment yesterday, and for the op+ this morning. It was in fact two growths on her eye, and not abscesses. They've broken through the skin and looked like sores. They said the top one was very large, but due to it being on the eye lid they couldn't cut everything out, and minuscule parts was left behind, otherwise it would affect the form of the eye. She has a further small growth on her neck (left side) and a bigger one on her right side (ribs). Her vertebra has overgrown (fused) severely in this last year, but her organ function is still good. Dr. Estee said this is basically the point where we start managing her pain, and what we are able and willing to do, and afford, and what Missy can handle. Country-wise we are officially on a 4-day loadshedding (rolling blackouts) schedule, as some of the main coal plants that supply electricity broke (due to lack of maintenance), and others had been shut down to do some maintenance. So we officially don't have electricity twice a day for at least two hours at a time. I managed to finish two story books yesterday, and this morning we played board games during loadshedding. I think that's probably going to become the routine: morning loadshedding: boardgames; evening load shedding: read. Doesn't sound too bad. Compulsory breaks. Hope you have a good weekend. Chat again next week. ❤️

Thank you everyone. Yes, I know she doesn't mean to, and in part it is my fault because I switched her meat to canned (in stages, but...), and she has a sensitive tummy. Missy is seeing the vet this afternoon. This will be the initial appointment to see where we stand with her, whether she is in a condition to operate to remove the growths (which seem to turn into abscesses every time). I gave her another dose of her inflammation meds as her legs were also struggling to stay upright and under her. And the heavy breathing... To be honest I have an idea what the main vet will suggest, because she told me last time that it is risky to put her under to take xrays, or operate. Last time (couple years ago) her heart stopped, but they got her back again. So... yeah... On a lighter note: I had to take Rosy to the groomers again and this time she was not impressed. Gave her some dried jerky afterwards when I fetched her, but she took it, gave me a look, and dropped it on the car seat. Then literally turned away from it and me, and curled up. When we got home she was fine, inspecting everything. Funny that while she was away Zuzu actually took over guard duty! He literally hang out on the stoep (he is usually on our bed) and growled or barked at any person walking in the street or coming too close to our gate (we didn't get any advertisements in our post box!). He sounds like a huge dog, with a deep, loud bark. Then you see this big sausage X come running towards you, and I think most people don't know what's going on. The boys are doing well with the school work. They (read Rocco mainly) are not impressed that I now grade them on participation (actually working and not trying to waste time, or distract themselves or the other with whatever). It is only a small weight on the overall year mark 5-10%, but will affect them if they keep it up. The academy's grades are also not what we're used to. If they get anything under 70% they basically fail. I don't know if that is standard for America? % and letter grade A+ = 100% A = 94-99 B = 86-93 C = 77-85 D = 70-76 F = <69 Challenge wise, the week so far: Days 2&3 - Tuesday and Wednesday Exercises: Both days - inside exercises. Housework: Washing done, and only some of the bathroom and kitchen x-tra stuff cleaned, because I had to drive around so much. The last thing: I am slowly but surely changing over from Whatsapp to Telegram and Signal. I'm also slowly but surely cutting down on Facebook and YouTube and will probably stop using it in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately some of the boys' school videos are still on YT and I can't view it on anything else, but I'm looking and will change where I can. Hope the rest of your week is good. ❤️

Me too. And your new name. Is this the same one you used to stable and ride? Glad to see you here.

Ah cuteness and so ❤️ ! Stampy won't jump on the bed (except when I make it and he plays under the sheet that I try to get neat), because of the dogs. But I love the cuddles. I got a beheaded lizard (just the head) and a dead baby house snake, when cleaning floors at 2-4am again due to dog tummy issues (again). I forgot to mention that in my own thread.

I think our dogs definitely plays a part in our not having had break-ins. Also because we actually react when they bark, almost every single time. Even when they bark at the neighbours, because we look whether it is actually them next to the fence (the little we can see through the foliage). It quieted down a bit the last two days. Now it's come out that a lot of police officers are sick due to Covid in our area (one detective died), and they have transport problems, so won't be able to patrol the neighbourhoods regularly. Things are a bit topsy-turvy, but we work from home people are trying to keep an eye out as much as possible. Yes, I'll always have to enforce boundaries with her. She contacts me every morning and evening with a "good morning, have a nice day", and then "good evening, sleep well" which is part of her ritual which "keeps her stable". That doesn't bother me anymore. But I don't answer more than once a week. Medical personel seems to be in two camps. The older personnel seems to be of a mind that just because it is your parent, you have to accept their behaviour and live with it, or in my mom's case that she is basically mentally unstable, so "Shame, poor lady. Humour her to keep the peace, and make our work easier." The doctor doesn't see the pills as harmful and it does help to keep her behaviour more stable, less tantrums, as she keeps a rigid way of doing things. She knows she has to take this number of pills in the morning. Breakfast is strictly at this time, and they have to tell her, no, calm down it is a little bit earlier, or later. She keeps a strict schedule of things that she does. She has two friends (the three of them are call The Musketeers), and the three of them walk together, eat together, watch tv together, play games together. If one of them can't do something with her (exercises, colouring, etc.) then she refuses to do that thing. Other people would probably call it idiosyncrasies I think? But these are things that she has to do, each and every day, in a set order, her way... So to a certain extend I'm starting to agree with the older sister (main one in charge) that my mom is... to put it bluntly or not in a nice way: not all there. When I spoke to my mom on her birthday in November she told me about the gift box her sister had sent (first time in two years, so I guess she is also starting to make peace with my mom), but every time she spoke about her sister to me, it was as if she thought I didn't know her sister at all! As if I don't have a clue who this person was. Then there are days where something is different/off, and I think those are the days that she tries the manipulation. I think it is so much a part of her, that it is normal behaviour to her, and she just does it, doesn't think anything about it. Or that is how I'm starting to see it. So I think, as much as I know it is emotional manipulation, and it brings back old hurts and feelings, I can shove it off easier thinking about it in that way, and NOT fall for it. Not all the staff at the home sees her like this. The lady doing the gifts and arranging events for donations, etc. made a point of telling me that firstly it is noted on my mom's record that there should be no to little contact between us. Especially no physical contact. And secondly that I have no need to feel guilty, that I don't have to buy gifts to appease my mom, but if I want to buy a gift, and give to someone else as well, then that is my choice, because of who I am. I'm acting on who I am and what I want to do, and not to keep the peace, or humour someone, or what others might or might not think of me. But very few medical personnel that I've come across over the last couple of years, seem to be in the latter camp. Most seem to still keep to the old way of thinking, and "have not updated"? I often wonder whether there is really any discussions going on between psychologists and other medical personnel who look after people about the actual condition and just exactly what it entails, other than give him/her this medication per this prescription. I think after last year and a lot of other factors, a lot of people have to start over. And then... it is New Year; the time of year for new beginnings. Glad to see you, and not much to caught up to -------------------------------------------------- I used my time this morning to try and catch up on your threads. It's been a bit hectic here. I've done everything for last week. Then it was weekend. I did the washing and I did wipe all the switches, etc. Then I remembered with a shock that I never worked out the actual way of grading for the boys' school work, so I sat for late nights to get that set up, because I seriously hate starting something new and not having things in place. That's done now. Also had more of a look at the high school math that I thought we might use next year (which the support lady suggested), but I really don't like it. It is boring. No... past boring. The man is a professor, but he drones on and on. There is almost no change of tone; I actually fell asleep! There is no engagement, and it still comes back to book learning, and not using what they are good at, listening, VISUAL, and kinesthetic aids. So I looked for and found a second-hand Teaching Textbooks 2.0 Pre-Algebra set of CD's, bought it, and it arrived yesterday. Just from the introduction both boys were already interested, and looking over my shoulder at the first lesson. They now had a review on Roman Numerals. So I think this is the better option. And Missy had another tummy upset. I woke up again around 2am, with Missy actually pushing her nose against me to get me up. I realised immediately from the smell what was going on, switching lights on as I rushed to the front door (so as not to step in 'mines'). Got her outside. Cleaned up the floors half-heartedly. Got back in bed, and had to rush her out again about half an hour later. Another mess... This time I cleaned up and washed all the floors (except bedrooms and bathrooms). Got in bed just before 4 am. I reset the alarm for 6am and didn't do any exercises. Day 1 - Monday: Exercises: No Housework: Most floors were washed, including the kitchen floor. I did dust our bedroom and my desk. That's it. I'll have to help with the fencing record keeping again. No other parents are able or willing to. It seems the music lessons are definitely coming to a stop. I also definitely have to make an appointment for Missy, as she has another growth that has now appeared on her eye lid. Same eye.

This ^^^ I understand how you feel, especially after this last month and last year, and... yeah... He is in control, even when things look out of control to us. *hugs* and prayers for peace and wisdom for you. Woot! Woot! We have a couple Bibles in the house: from an old Afrikaans one (which is almost not understandable - Afrikaans/Dutch language), to more recent versions. I tend to use one or two only, along with a more recent children's bible for when I do Bible study with the boys, but for my own Bible study I seem to be using online Bibles mostly. But it's nice to have an actual Bible. From your comments previously, this seems like something that will give you a bit more security in thoughts about what and how much you are eating, or not eating. Just bring back a bit more perspective. Good luck for this week ahead.