Fronts Ease July Heat

The fronts have finally come through and things seem to be settling down.  

Weather-wise, the cold front came through and eased the 90-plus temperatures and the high humidity. The weather channel is predicting mid- to low-80's for this week.  It will be a welcome change. 

Last weekend we were tied up with Son's soccer tournament.  Two days, five games (four of them losses).  It's going to be a long year for us, after the great season we had last year.  Losing half of our team to graduating seniors really hurts.  We have a new crop of freshmen who will help but it's going to take them awhile to figure out the high school soccer scene.  Hard to believe this is Son's senior year.  I'm sure it will fly by much faster than I am prepared for. 

Sunday, we hurried home from the last soccer game to change clothes and head to the racetrack to watch Daughter race.  She did ok, but it was a special show which meant a higher car count, which meant she didn't make the feature.  It was probably for the best - there were quite a few cars torn up by wrecks.  She went home in one piece, and for that I am grateful. 

Work was a bear this week. Basically just busy with everyone back from meetings, but concerns are weighing heavy on my mind.  My office mate will be retiring in two months, and there are subtle indications that they may not replace her. I'm sick about it for several reasons, but I'll have to deal with it however it works out. 

On the family front, things seem to be going well for now.  My mom sounds amazingly strong, considering everything she's been through.  She's still off all the meds except asthma meds and one allergy pill.  I think it's great that she's doing so well!  She goes back to the doctor in another week, so we'll see what he says then.  Dad is holding up ok, although I think he is depressed. My brother has gone back to work and so far, so good.  I'm praying that things continue to go well with all of them.  It eases my stress some. 

Been a good, relaxing weekend.  Hubby went with a friend out of town but will return tomorrow.  Son and I had some nice conversations yesterday.  I miss those days when he talked with me more than he usually does now. 

Sending prayers out for family and friends, especially those who are facing difficult times right now. 

Squished Feeling Eased

For a short week, it was a long week.  

Mom has been slow to rebound from being on so many medicines.  I suspect her body is still trying to adjust to not having them.  But every day she sounds a little stronger, and she is determined not to go back on any meds she doesn't need.  The doctor was pleased with her progress when we say him on Wednesday.  Her appetite is still pretty slim, but she is trying to eat healthy foods every day.  Sometimes baby-steps are better than no steps at all.  

Dad is terribly down about life in general.  He isn't helping mom much at all, and although my brother being there is stressful for mom and dad, he is helping more than dad is.  I'm sure dad doesn't see it that way, though. My brother continues to have his own problems.  He spent Wednesday at the ER with kidney problems and then missed work, again, on Wednesday night.  That resulted in another suspension for missing his shift.  I suspect the next incident will get him fired.  I hope he can find another job.  I'm afraid if he loses this one, it will be the straw that breaks the camels back in a few situations.  

Overall, though, that squished feeling eased a bit.  It's a relief to see mom improving. Hopefully that motivate better interactions between dad and my brother.

We spent the fourth of July hiking and then enjoyed fireworks.  Friday we went on a short hike and then daughter was racing.  She had a bad night, though.  Car troubles prevented her from racing. 

Saturday we visited my father-in-law in the nursing home.  He seemed some better, and we walked the halls of the nursing home for about 45 minutes.  By then he was worn out, so we sat and talked to him for awhile longer before leaving.  We also visited my mother-in-law before we headed home.  She is doing very well, all things considered.  And when we got home, hubby and son put on our own personal fireworks show.  I would have enjoyed them much more if the mosquito's hadn't eaten me alive out there.  

Today has been a lazy day.  It was good not to have to go anywhere or do anything -- except laundry, of course.  Tomorrow the rat race starts again.  

It's hard to believe the year is half over already.

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July!