Can't imagine why someone would want to do that. She's really got a problem when she wants to drug other fellow nurses. She really must hate them to do something like that. She may never be able get a job anywhere again. I sure wouldn't want to hire her. Wonder if she will get jail time and how long she would be in. Brenda

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.

"Yea, well this is exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about and aslo exactly the sort of stuff my DS would do as soon as I turned my back." I'm not talking about SD doing this when her mom turns her back, mom was participating in it. Okay, maybe I'm a little more than biased about that crap because SD gets hurt and BM calls CPS on US for not taking her to the doctor. I'll admit nobody's perfect, all parents make mistakes. Where I am coming from, if I let SD do some of the things her mom does, like riding a piece of cardboard tied to the back of her truck in the snow or riding an ATV or riding lawn mower with no helmet or safety gear, BM would throw a fit that I was putting her daughter in harms way, but it's okay if she does it. It's just ironic that she's a nursing student (and EMT certified) and her daughter gets hurt constantly doing stupid stuff at her moms, with mom playing right along. That's what BM considers fun. (and she doesn't work all day anywhere, let alone as an EMT or nurse, so she can't say she's under that stress) So, I'm sorry I'm a little biased there and I do know what you mean reacting with your mom hat on. I used to do the same thing when I had a hard case at work... go home and hug the kids with greater appreciation.

That's funny! I ordered Annabelle from Bluestone Perennials and got these six-inch plants. They did nothing the following year....and nothing the next year, either--I mean, they got leaves, but they stayed really, really small--no flowers. The next year I was thinking of moving them--I was convinced they were in too much shade.....and then they just took off! I have since moved and brought some of their "children" with me and they are doing well. So, I get it if they are in a prominent spot, that it's hard to have patience. Mine were in a side yard.