July in DC is turning out to be a very rainy time. This area has had extensive rain damage in the last couple of weeks. Sometimes accompanied by high winds and lightening, the view from our 6th floor balcony has been interesting! We did see actual fireworks also, on July 2nd and then again on July 4th from our balcony. We're guessing they were fireworks from Montgomery Mall, but we aren't certain of that.
Work has been somewhat hectic. I thought it would slow down a little due to all the vacations, but alas, no rest for the wicked. My boss in actually in Switzerland, but there is plenty of unfinished business. I'm working on learning about ssh as it relates to web editing, but it is slow going with no teacher. Trying to self-teach a subject of which I am nearly completely ignorant. Well, at least I am self-aware. This job definitely does not make my heart sing, but I appreciate the many good parts of this job. I'm grateful every day for it.
My parents aging saga continues. Dad, at 89, is still in the nursing home. Quality of life is diminished greatly, but he continues. He is actually looking forward to going on an outing - I think he is going fishing with someone from the home. I hope he is OK. He shakes pretty badly and probably will have problems holding the fishing rod. I am praying it won't be too frustrating for him.
My Mom, at 84, is pretty much weak and nearly bedfast. She spends most/all days in her recliner, unable to walk any distance at all, using home oxygen. She is (understandably I guess) very very angry. I can only imagine what her life is like. She has to pay out of pocket for her home care worker and hates that --- hates needing a home care worker at all. The home care worker is a woman named Joy, and she is great. We are lucky to have her help. She has done a lot to help.
My sister is bearing the brunt of all this caregiving. She has given up her home and her life mostly. She & her disabled husband have had to move into Mom's home to help handle Mom, and also my sis goes to the nursing home at least daily -- every single day. She still has her own house, but they can't live there as Hubby has become too disabled to handle the multistory dwelling and bathrooms on 2nd floor. Did I mention my sis works full time too? Guess I'll have to nominate her for Martyr of the Year. Yes, I think she is taking on too much. I think she needs to take better care of herself before she collapses too. But, what can I say? I can't quit my job and be there. So, I try to shut up. I wish I could think of ways to be of more help. I'm trying. H & I go there on weekends and long weekends, where we do the "maintenance list" for the house. It is never enough that we do. I am really sad about this part of my life. Needs improvement!!
On the other hand, H is doing really well at work. His travel has momentarily let up, so he is home more this month. We are going to the beach for a week with his family. It will be fun and I'm looking forward to it.
I have set aside a week in October to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and go to Asheville, NC. I hope we get to do that, I'm really looking forward to that. I am working to appreciate the East as much as I appreciated the West. There are many wonderful things here to see and do, I just need time and money enough -- and energy -- to do them.
My mammogram went well, looks OK for now. Another in 6 months. I feel fine. My feet have quit hurting! Yeah! We went walking at Brookside Gardens last weekend, it was really nice! I love being able to walk again. Its awesome!
My daughter drove from Phoeniz to SF over the 4th to see my son(her brother.) The kids had a nice weekend - lots of fun. They are great kids. Oh, to be young and have the energy for the long drives! Life is good.
We saw the prettiest birds this morning on the walk to the Metro. Bright yellow pair, small, flitting around. They were beautiful. Beauty amidst the urban blight! H gets credit for spotting the pretty birds. He is a very different man these days.
