It's Cold Outside...

Gramma,

It's been a month since my last post.  (didn't that sound a bit Catholic)  We are experiencing another super moon.  The tree shadows on the ground last night were spectacular.  I love tree skeletons.  Too bad they don't photograph well.  The windchill is 25 below zero.  Prediction for tomorrow and the weekend is worse--45 below.  Snow will also be involved.  At these temperatures, the ice melting stuff does not work on the roads.  Glad I don't have to go anywhere. 

Last night I made several trips out to the rental unit in the shed.  One of the energy efficient heaters needed repair--since last summer.  Nothing like being on top of things.  Not my fault.  Our professional heating and air conditioning friend kept promising to do it.  By 7:30 last night it was determined he was unable to figure out the problem.  The off peak heaters are a breed that requires specialty training for installation and repair.  First thing I did this morning was call for repair. 

It has been crazy hectic around here this past month.  The only lull was on Thanksgiving.  We did not go anywhere or have anyone over.  I still make a large meal, freezing leftovers for soup and pot pies.  Eleanor gave up this holiday a few years back, but demanded that we show up for pie.  Forty-five minutes one way to forgo a nap and force down some pie.  Glad that's over. 

In a moment of stupidity, I almost ruined Thanksgiving by calling my estranged son to come over for food.  There is a large family gathering on his dad's side every year, but he was unwelcome.  This is not the first time he has alienated everyone with his vicious postings on Facebook and in the flesh.  He posted that he had dinner with an older couple that took pity on him.  I'm sure he was all charming and polite.  They don't have to deal with the Aaron we know. 

Eleanor had a stroke around Thanksgiving.  It was mild, with no long term effects.  She was laying on the floor in her bedroom when she called family for help.  She spent several days in the hospital before going to a nursing home for unnecessary transitional care.  She was afraid to go home because she might have another stroke and die,  She is over eighty.  WTF.  I would absolutely rather die than be in there. 

The problem for her was deciding which "Help I've Fallen And Can't Get Up" device to purchase.  Call your friends.  Ask what they have.  Nope.  She had to pester all three of her kids to research the market.  All three kids had different opinions.  We went to visit.  The nursing home was noisy--nonstop beeping equipment, loud voices echoing off bare walls and floors--bad smells and people slumped in wheelchairs.  I could smell Eleanor's halitosis before I got to her room. 

The weather was bad and we got there around dinner time.  We were practically chased off by Eleanor so she could go eat the food she was complaining about.  To get Medicare to pay for this unnecessary care, she was required to go to rehab classes that she complained about.  There were such activities as taking directions on how to make a sandwich. 

Dave's son Cory had open heart surgery this week.  When he tried to join the military ten years ago, he was rejected because he had a leaky aortic valve.  That was replaced with a mechanical valve.  He is in and out of consciousness with the pain meds.

Dave tried to get his mother to go with him to visit Cory.  Eleanor is busy having a full blown pity party for herself.  She's whining again about how she wishes her sons would get along.  She doesn't talk to one of  her brothers, but of course, that's different.  She can see the asshole in him, but not her beloved ass-clown of a son. 

In preparation for knee replacement surgery, Dave has had several doctor appointments this month.  I am required to go along so I know what's going on.  He has vague reasons why he is not telling his family in advance.  I will honor his decision.  Due to the nature of his work, he will be home for twelve weeks.  Good practice for retirement.  He also needs shoulder surgery and the other knee replaced.  Then it will be time to retire. 

I had a colonoscopy that revealed why I have had the diarrhea for several months--some breed of colitis.  The drugs are $1500 a month.  Co-pay was $150.  Hopefully two months of treatment will clear up the problem.  Cause?  Ibuprofen 800's or some prescription mental health drug.  Getting old is not my thing.  I do not like to talk about my ailments, because that is what old people do. 

Winter is here.  Going out to rearrange the snow.  Be back tomorrow.