Briefly, my step-father-in-law is very ill and requires constant care, yet is not cooperating with the home health workers to the point that my mother-in-law is absolutely stressed out and is having health issues because of it. My husband flew down, and after quite a bit of unpleasantness, his step-siblings have agreed that his step-father must go into a nursing home. He hasn't been told yet, and the unpleasantness will multiply when that happens. There is no happy outcome in this situation. We just hope my mother-in-law's health improves once it's a fait accompli.
One aunt is scheduled for surgery to replace a shunt in her groin, and then fell and cracked her ribs. She's 87. We just found out that she has cancer, as well. Treatment options are still being discussed, but for pity's sake, she's 87!
Another aunt's Parkinson's has progressed to the point that she can't be left alone, yet she's also uncooperative. Her mental abilities are rapidly deteriorating, and she's become combative and paranoid. My poor cousin regularly calls in tears, and is now looking into a nursing home for her. Again, no happy outcome.
Two close friends in different cities are having major surgery the same day. I expect to be putting some miles on the car traveling to help out post-surgery.
And my husband threw out his back a couple weeks ago. Fortunately, he was able to receive treatment from an excellent chiropractor and is feeling better, but he's limited on what he can do, so he can't take on as much as he used to.
Add to that all the small dogs nipping at my ankles, and I'm feeling just a bit overwhelmed. I'm fine, personally, but trying to be everyone's prop and support, to do research and make considered suggestions for treatment and options for the future means that a lot of the time I find it difficult to respond to folks, even if it's just to say 'congratulations,' or 'I'm so sorry.' But I do read everyone's posts, and you're in my thoughts.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
This morning I took A to the Metro, the first stage on his trip to Florida to visit his mother and ailing step-father. Tragically, the Navy Yard shootings happened, and unfortunately, all flights from National Airport were suspended for a time (I guess because of the helicopter searches so close by), so the poor thing was delayed for hours. He finally arrived safely and will, I hope, be able to help his mom decide what needs to be done; whether his step-father needs to go into a nursing home, or whether home health aides will be sufficient. Not an easy decision at any time.
My aunts are both failing, albeit slowly. That's hard to watch, but I'm grateful for as much time as we have.
A lot of loss, lately. That seems to be my life in a nutshell.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
Fannishly, I'm so far behind everything I'm still (metaphorically) watching 1st season \"due South.\" Well, except for Nightvale.
All hail the glow cloud!
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
Her Amelia Peabody books helped me through many rough patches, and revived my childhood interest in ancient Egyptian history. I still listen to Barbara Rosenblatt's audio versions nightly, comforted by the epic antics of the Emerson family and friends.
Rest in peace, Barbara, and take pride in the fact that you brought joy to so many.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
What's happening in my life right now. . . Very, very briefly:
- Had a great time working at Malice Domestic, our local mystery convention. Saw many friends and acquaintances, had some precious facetime with a few, and sold many books.
- Finished the conference on Sunday, returned home, and found out our son is coming back to stay for a while. A short while, I hope. As in, not too long. This should be interesting. . .
- Met with the real estate agent on Monday, she listed mom's condo on Tuesday, we received an offer on Thursday, and I returned the contract on Friday. Settlement is the 23rd! I was all prepared to be patient and wait around for months before it sold, and now I'm pleased and a bit stunned at how quickly things happened.
Now I'm sitting on the porch, enjoying the crisp spring air and wondering if it's really too early to have a glass of wine. . . Nah.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
I'm sending out good will to all -- I've tried to comment when I had time to check the internet, but I know I've missed much. Please grab hugs and good wishes as necessary, and now that I've almost got mom's condo ready for sale, I should have more time to hang out with my fannish family soon.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
::sobs::
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
We drove down to Richmond yesterday, and meet up with our friends El and Rich, and caught the exhibit of Chihuly glass at the VMFA. Absolutely spectacular! The exhibit was beautifully staged, and the glass installations breathtaking. Then El and I bonded over some retail therapy, while Rich and A made sweet, sweet music. After a little rest and a restorative cocktail (with Virginia potato vodka -- smooooooth), we had a delicious dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant. The Pama martinis slipped down the gullet like the Devil in velvet trousers -- so we were blissful and boneless by the time we returned to their house. This morning dawned cold, with fitful bursts of flakes. The drive home was uneventful, but we were accompanied by flurries most of the way.
In the meantime, I've been sending out good thoughts to all the folks who need them. I hope to be around more in the future.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
The dismantling of mom's condo proceeds apace, taking far more time than I originally expected. She wasn't a packrat by any means, but there's just so much stuff that I have to go through before we start painting and upgrading the bathroom and kitchen, and then we can finally put it up for sale. It's been a bit overwhelming at times, I have to admit. Still, one drawer at a time, one closet at a time, one room at a time and I'll get it done.
A took me to the movies this afternoon as an early birthday treat -- we went to see The Hobbit. Generally underwhelmed, and the pacing was chronic. However, I did enjoy revisiting Middle Earth, seeing beloved characters again, and meeting new ones. Then we went to dinner and are now home, curled in front of the fire watching classic acts from The Old Grey Whistle Test -- Alice Cooper, The Edgar Winter Group, Elton John, The Wailers. . . My youth, revisited. (God, the hair! The tight trousers!)
And tomorrow I turn 57. Right now, I'm feeling every single year.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
Yesterday I attended a family friend's funeral at Arlington Cemetery, which was difficult emotionally. My mother's burial won't be until the spring, when it will be easier for her elderly sisters to attend, but I did shed more than a few tears for mom during the service.
And on a slightly geekish note: Nate Silver = Hari Seldon?
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
I think I'm going to find a cave and hide until 2013.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
For the past several months, she's been saying that she was growing weary of being in pain. I'm so thankful that she died quickly and peacefully.","comments":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/180081.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179894.html","pubDate":"Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:40:31 GMT","title":"More wine? What a good idea.","author":"beledibabe","link":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179894.html","description":"Life is a tad challenging at the moment. Several family members are going through really tough times, and while we can help some, we've had to make some heart-rending decisions about others. I know it was necessary, but I hope it doesn't lead to an estrangement. I suspect the repercussions will be long-lasting, unfortunately.
To add to all that, my mother's back in hospital for a couple of health issues, some treatable, others that are still a mystery and require further evaluation. She'll probably have to go for rehab after she's discharged, and now we're wondering if she needs to go into assisted living sooner, rather than later. I'm a little weary, because the burden for her care is squarely on my shoulders. My brother lives across country and had surgery recently, which limits his mobility for a while. He can offer moral support, but nothing more substantial. Ah, well.
On a more positive note, contribute to the OTW's October fund-raising drive!
OTW Membership Drive
October 13-17, 2012<\/big><\/a><\/div>","comments":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179894.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179505.html","pubDate":"Sun, 30 Sep 2012 20:06:53 GMT","title":"So I did this thing. . .","author":"beledibabe","link":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179505.html","description":"Now that I've reached the late-afternoonish time of my life, there's a certain impetus to do those things I've always said I wanted to do. So yesterday I stepped off a plane flying at 10,000 feet.
Yes, I was firmly strapped to the front of a husky professional, and yes, he had a parachute in a pack on his back. (I'm not stupid *or* suicidal, thank you.) Together we plummeted toward the ground at 120 mph for several seconds. After a bit he deployed the chute, and we wafted on the breezes above the stunningly gorgeous, rolling Virginia countryside. We twirled, turning in tight circles, then came in for a perfect, spot-on landing back at the airfield.
It was brilliant! Fan-fucking-tastic! I canNOT wait to do it again. As many times as I can afford.
And now I want to do parasailing. And hang gliding. And maybe get certified to do solo jumping. . .
All before I reach 70. I think I need to get a move on.","comments":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179505.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179301.html","pubDate":"Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:47:33 GMT","title":"Tickling those ivories","author":"beledibabe","link":"https:\/\/beledibabe.livejournal.com\/179301.html","description":"The hubster and I saw Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band this evening. Great music!
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
And today, thirty-four years ago, I married my sweetheart. I hope we have at least thirty-four more years together.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
And on this mild spring day, I'd like to wish
Another birthday shout out to the fabulous Johann Sebastian Bach. You don't look a day over 200, Johann. Way to go!
I haven't been terribly involved in fandom for the past ::koff:: months, but I enjoy reading stories by my favorite people, and check out everyone's recommendations. I haven't really felt the urge to write, but who knows, that may change. There's been a lot going on at chez beledibabe -- mostly good -- but it hasn't left much time for me to really engage in fandom as I have in the past. Still, I read most posts, so at least I feel as if I'm cognizant of what's happening in everyone's lives.
Oh, great. Now there's a police helicopter circling the park nearby. I think I'll go lock the door, just in case.
::waves::
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
That is all.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
Wow.
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. It puts the 'sub' in subtle.
The acting is spot-on, the dread palpable. I can't wait to see it again.
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (
You can also read this entry on Dreamwidth<\/a> (