Well, it's been awhile. As usual, I've got too many irons in the fire. I thought when my kids were out of school, I would have more time but it seems like I'm busier than ever now.
Daughter is keeping busy working and working out, as well as working on the racecar. She finished one spot lower in the final points than she did last year, but she also had some car problems this year. Hopefully working on the car over the winter, she will be able to correct some of those problems and have a good showing next year. On the personal front, I think she has bounced back from the relationship breakup. Sometimes, she thinks she'll never find someone who understands her passion for racing. For now, she's happy on her own and just having fun. I have faith that someday she will meet the right guy.
Son is finishing his first semester of junior college, and has hated most every minute. I fear that it may be his last semester of college. I've talked until I'm blue in the face about how important it is to finish at least one year of college, but he's not buying it. Unfortunately, I think he's been almost as bored with college classes as he was with high school. And it doesn't help that the college has cancelled the program he was taking classes in because apparently they don't transfer well to other colleges.
On a good note, a good friend put Son in touch with her friend who has a computer business in St. Louis. The guy has talked with Son, requested to see some of his graphics works, and has invited Son for a visit. We don't know if anything will come of this or not, but are hoping to make the visit before Christmas. It would be wonderful if they wanted to hire Son, but it would be nice if he could work from home for at least awhile. We can't afford to put him up in St. Louis! If it's meant to be, things will fall into place.
The parents are doing okay. Dad is definitely showing some signs of depression, although he won't admit as much. Mom seems to be staying fairly healthy and thankfully, clear-headed. I know she is back on some meds, but not near as many as she was at one point.
My father-in-law has been moved to a nursing home closer to his wife. I don't really know if she visits any more often, though. This nursing home doesn't have a visitors log like the old one did. Our visiting frequency hasn't changed. But we do think he's doing better. They keep him in a larger room with lots of other patients, rather than always in his room. But this nursing home also does not have a specific alzheimer's wing. My father-in-law has been rather happy the past few times we've visited, smiling and pointing at hubby like he might remember him. It's good to see him smiling and not just staring into space.
I mentioned last time that my mother-in-law had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opted to have her breast removed. She told me that when the doctor asked her if she was sure she wanted to
have the breast removed, she told him "What do I need it for at my
age?" The surgery was successful - thank you God! There was no sign of cancer in her lymph nodes so they are talking about giving her some pill but not treating her with radiation or chemo. She's in exceptionally good spirits about the surgery, although she is not healing as fast as she would like to be. They think the cancer was caused by her taking premarin for too long, years ago.
Unfortunately, a few weeks after that surgery, she ended up having emergency surgery for a hernia. This is not the first time for that type of surgery, and probably won't be the last. But we do hope she's had enough for awhile!
Hubby has been keeping us warm with fires in the fireplace. I'm really not ready for winter, but I think it's here to stay. I've been trying to work on writing but fighting self-doubts. It's all a part of being a writer, but it can get to you sometimes. I'm thankful for good writing friends who believe in me and encourage me to continue.
Several friends have been on my mind a lot also, as they are going through difficult times in their lives. I want them to know that I think of them often, even if I don't talk to them every day, and that I am here if they need me. I'm sending up daily prayers for my friends and their families, and sending positive thoughts their way to help them through their days. Love you all!
