Ok .. so it's been only one weeks since I handed off my baby Peanut. I swear I am in mourning .. I miss her sooooooo much. This is nuts .. she is only a cat .. and I know where she is and will get to visit her very shortly. But I still miss her. She has such a sweet dispositon and she is so full of love and life. But I guess that's why my parents now love her dearly. When my mom first spoke of adopting her from us she had asked us to make sure she didnt sleep with us at night. She didnt think either my dad or her would be able to adjust to a cat in the bed. Well .. we didnt stop her from sleeping with us .. nor did we encourage it .. she just did it. And in our bed .. she was lucky she was tiny .. any given night there are usually at least 5 cats and one dog in the bed with us. Anywho .. the other night my father awakened to use the washroom and no Peanut in the bed .. he quickly went to the washroom and then searched the house for her and brought her to bed with him :o) I keep thinking that should one of my parents pass .. Peanut will be there to keep the other one company and give them all the love they will need :o) Humm .. I guess it isnt so bad that she is there. But boy do I miss her!! Tiffy I am so glad you little one is fitting in with the rest of the family. Are you able to post a photo of her??? Take care Laura

Oh my! I understand the roller coaster you're on, garden wench. Mum had a stroke in July 04 and is back home with me, mercifully. It's difficult to watch a parent struggle with things that used to be reasonably simple. It's difficult to be "in charge" of not only care and medical decisions, but finances, as well. Clothing: pull on pants are WONDERFUL! I bought 4 pair of the pull on, stretch cordouroy ones that were in the Lands End catalogue last fall. Mum LOVES them; they wash and wear like a dream, and they fit her well. I had good luck with LL Bean in fall 04, buying slacks in a heavy-weight knit AND buying the coordinating tops, too. Mum has trouble with buttons, so I try to find things that pull over the head and have buttons as a pretty detail, or a pretty neckline/collar. I've had great luck at Eddie Bauer, too... lovely cotton sweaters and stretchy turtlenecks. I generally order 1 of something from a catalogue, once it's been tried on and receives the thumbs up I get right on line and order several. Buy things that will tolerate the industrial laundry service at a nursing home. Mum lives with me, so I am able to spend time with stain removal and the few "handle with care" items she has in her wardrobe. I was trained as a tailor, and I sew for a living. I do all the required alterations myself, saving snippits of the fabric to take with me when I stop by a store. I'm able to match things and get wonderful bargains. I insist that Mum have socks that match her slacks, lol, I insist the woman who helps her bathe use them, too! Mum was very fashionable before her health crashed and I have maintained that aspect of her life for her. She has pretty scarves, nice accessories, and they are all there for the "bath lady" and Mum to peruse and choose. I have patterned things that she likes particularly well, and have made new ones for her in new and exciting fabrics. I have found several stores where the saleshelp is patient and fun. I scout the stores for "good stuff" and then take Mum OUT, we go midweek when things are not very busy; we have a blast. I find shopping for shoes to be particularly trying. She is incredibly fussy, and she has to have "good, sensible shoes". I have to take her shoe shopping again, and I dread it. I take her for a haircut every 4 weeks. She has great hair, and gets a stylish, short haircut (easy to maintain and style), and has her nails trimmed, shaped, and buffed. I refuse to allow her look "shaggy", sloppy, and "old". Even her eyeglasses are fashionable! and we have to address the need for some sunglasses, a new wallet, and a "user friendly" handbag, too. Ugh... The helpmeet is often frustrated by our lack of freedom, too. But he is wonderful with Mum. I get her up in the morning, make sure she's washed and dressed and at the breakfast table. I usually see that she has taken her morning meds. and has her bowl of fresh fruit and a cup of tea/coffee (decaf. only). He takes over and prepares her an egg, pancakes, french toast, etc.. He returns home for lunch and sees that she has lunch with him. I'm home in the afternoon and see that she has a snack, water, and goes outdoors for exercise. I do the lion's share of her care (urostomy changes, and requisite daily maintenace), involving her as much as is practicable, but he is wonderful with her! good humored and patient beyond measure. I have to do her finances tonight, as a matter of fact. It always seems worse than it turns out to be, but it does add an additional 1/2 hr. to what's already been a long day. I understand. Hang in there; you will find a way to make it all work, but it takes time, patience, and sense of humor.

Thanks for asking. Things have gone from bad to worse. First of all, the memory care unit costs approximately $1500 more per month than her assisted living apartment, and I really have not seen a tremendous improvement in care. The bottom line for us is that we can no longer afford to keep her at that particular facility. The administrator wants to "work" with me, but I doubt if she can give me a $1500 discount. Things were tight even before this move. Secondly, my mother has become even more suspicious & unhappy. In fact, last night she barricaded herself in her room and wouldn't open the door for the aides. I ended up having to go there at 10:30 PM to calm her down. (I live about 30 minutes away) Part of the problem is the constant change in staff -- from shift to shift, day to day, and turnover. With my mom's failing vision, she gets anxious because she doesn't know who's taking care of her. We've decided to move her in with us. We're in the process of fixing up our guest room for her and installing some ramps. I have no idea how it will work, but the finances dictate it. I'll put her on some waiting lists in my area and contact a home care aid agency for help.

If you post her listing many posters here will help you. One problem is listing it as commercial, you get a different type of buyer who may not want the residence you describe. Is it possible the house would be attractive for someone wanting income also? Has she lowered the price during this time? What is your market, how is it doing?