If It Even Smells Like Drama And A Headache

 

In Real Time it's still Superbowl Sunday just past Noon, I went to Two Grocers to pick up the Buffet Spread.  "Sprouts" had the best Deals, 50 Cents for Strawberries... $1.50 for a Melon Bowl of Fruits... the Street Taco Kits on Sale... Gourmet Meats, Cheeses & Condiment Deli Trays on Sale that has Pepperoncini & Olives as the Condiments.  Everyone is in a Good Mood, even those of us who aren't that Into Football.  *LOL*  A Buffet Spread brings out the Best in everyone around here.  *Winks and Smiles*

There's a lot on the Floor in the Livingroom near the Mantle right now coz we had to clear off the little Table it was all on in order to set up the Buffet Spread.  But, The Grandson was in a Good enuf Mood to agree to be Photographed {Rare} so I wanted to take advantage of getting some nice Pixs taken.   He got dressed up Pretty for Superbowl and is climbing out of the Emotional Funk of a pending Divorce that is inevitable.  It's always hard when Relationships End, any of them.

I actually got Three of the Street Taco Kits on Sale, so we'll have enuf for 18 Tacos.  All the Grocers were super busy and most folks seemed to be Buying for the Game judging by what I saw in Carts.  *Smiles*  All the Grocers had good Sale for it going on, I got 12 Pacs of Sodas for Buy 3 get 3 Free.   The Daughter is Grooming Amber's Dog again, she gets Paid for Washing, giving him a Haircut and Pedi, and he feels Pretty after she's done, so it's adorbs to watch how much he primps afterwards, knowing he's lookin' good now. *Ha ha ha*  She Adores Animals and most Animals Adore her, which is why it pains her that Eli the Cat HATES her!  *LOL*

 

We don't know Why, but then again, Eli doesn't Like most Humans and barely Tolerates the Select few like me who are his Staff.  He only Adores HIS Human, Princess T.  He's nice to me becoz he knows he gets Groomed, Fed, Watered and I do play with him too to keep him from getting so Bored he tears up her stuff in the Room they Share.  *LOL*  He's been in a Good Mood Today too actually and is behaving.

The Two Above Pixs were taken at The White Tanks County Park Yesterday when The Man and I went there.  Nobody litters there but they don't Recycle either so we glean Aluminum from the receptacles so there's less Landfill bound.   Lots of people drinking and Picnicking, Horse Riding, Biking, Hiking and such, so we got a lot of Aluminum to Recycle from there.  The Weather was so perfect, about 80 Degrees most of the Day, Today, for Superbowl Sunday it's around 83 predicted for all Day too.

I went out and did some Environmental Cleanup by myself, The Man hadn't been Well enuf all day to join me.  There were a LOT of Cans, lotsa drinking going on during Superbowl Sunday, which, is what I expected.  I stopped at "Food City" on the way Home, a Hispanic Grocery Chain, to bring Home more to eat for the Game, some Flame Grilled Chicken, which was excellent, some Flan, also excellent, some Chips & Salsa.   I watched some of the Super Bowl with the Kiddos and all of the Halftime Show with Bad Bunny.   We all liked the Halftime Show but felt the Commercials this Year were lackluster for the Superbowl.  Usually the Commercials are Clever, they tried too hard this Year to be Clever and it fell flat IMO. 

I didn't feel good by later Afternoon so didn't finish watching the Game with the Kids.  The Man wanted to watch it off and on too, he mostly watched his NCIS reruns, the Seahawks and Patriots aren't his Teams of preference so he wasn't that Into it to keep it on the Channel in the Bedroom, where he sequestered himself.  He's not been feeling like being interactive with Family and was being rather cranky all day coz he was having trouble with his mobility too.  He said his Legs aren't working good so we've got to bring that to the attention of his Nurse and Doc too, along with The Fall that happened.  I still think he may have had a Mini Stroke and that's why he actually fell?  And now is having trouble with his Legs working well?  He's acting more confused and more irritable too.

 

That's primarily why I went out by myself for a while, to catch a break from him.  The Son said his Dad kept looking for me even tho' they told him I'd gone out to do "Errands" for the Superbowl Meal.  They kept it at that explanation, which he accepted, and he can't Track Time anymore, so he kept asking them where I was and didn't really know how long I had been gone.   They made sure he was fed and kept Safe, that's all anyone can do for him really.  The Niece Alex did finally call me about her Mom, her challenges, and who she's upset with.  The conversation didn't Track like I expected it would so quite a bit of the Drama was unexpected and involved some of her Mom's Friends who came down to see her Mom and try to be of Help.  One, all the way from Oregon to Texas, and the visit apparently didn't go Well.  *Le Sigh*

I had an Opinion about it all but kept it all to myself, I was available to just Listen and have her Feel Heard, which I'd decided should be the Purpose to the Call.  Not to try to solve all the Relationship Issues both my Friend and her Youngest Daughter are having with everyone else, both Family and Friends.  I do think perhaps The Niece has unrealistic expectations, being Young, of what people who visit can Help with or even should.  I think Medicaid is providing a Home Hospice Nurse and perhaps she should be utilizing that Service and Person more to do the more personal things for her Mom, like Bathing and changing Bedding.  Rather than the expectation that a Family Friend would even be comfortable doing it and expected to want to do it, or feel it appropriate to do it?

I've been a Caregiver to numerous Family Members for Decades now, so I have a lot of Experience Caregiving.  Male and Female Family, Young, Middle Aged and Old Family Members, in various Points of Need and difficulty of Extreme Caregiving.  There are some things I'd never ask or expect a Family Friend to do for them on my behalf.   Or, if I was traveling to go see this Friend from Arizona to Texas, what I would even offer to do in spite of my Experience, becoz I wouldn't feel it was something I'd be comfortable doing or skilled enuf to do well.   I wouldn't want, nor should anyone Visiting, be adding to burdens rather than being Helpful.  If it becomes Drama and a Headache, even unintentionally, it's not being Helpful.  Emotions can run very Raw with the overburdened and overwhelmed Caregiver and with who they are Caring for.

 I think Friends could be expected to keep the Person Company for you so you get some respites and Visit with them, Socializing.  Preparing a Meal, doing their Hair or Nails, helping make sure they got their Meds on Time, taking them to Appointments.  Mebbe even doing some light Housekeeping for you if they Volunteered to or help with your Kiddos if you're juggling Caregiving with Parenting.   I know my Loved Ones requiring some Caregiving might not feel comfortable with just anyone assisting with the more intimate Needs other than a Nurse or a very close Family Member, mebbe even of a certain Gender, helping with that.  I did follow-up with a Private Message via FB to the Niece outlining some Caregiver suggestions that I thought might be Helpful and she can at least consider.

One Family Friend of her Mom's came all the way from Oregon to Texas and the visit had not gone Well at all and caused more Drama and a Headache than being Helpful.  It wouldn't Track IMO for anyone to make a Pilgrimage that far and not have the best of Intentions and I happen to know this Woman from Years ago, long History with any Family and you get to know a lot of their other closer Friends and extended Family.  So, when The Niece vented about the Visit, I could tell it was being told from her perspective, which, may have not been realistic.  This Woman is Older and been one of her Mom's BFF's as long as I have been.  If she Traveled from Oregon to see our Friend, that was Sacrificial to her.  But she butted Heads with our Friend's Caregiving Daughter, which wasn't Good.  You have to stay in your own Lane.

I just think Lynn overstepped Boundaries and ran interference, thinking she was being Helpful with our Friend, and with The Daughter's Children, and my Niece took Offense with it becoz it is her Home and her Family?  It happens, I've had Friends come and stay with us that are LIKE Family and forget they aren't, and stray out of their Lane with your Home or your Family.  Lynn presuming to take over wasn't received well, not with the Kids, the Home, or even with what was the Point of the Trip, to see her Dying long time Friend and try to be Helpful as much as she was capable of being and comfortable being.   So, I've had that happen with Houseguests who feel so comfortable they forget it's YOUR Home and YOUR Family, but it's usually not intentional to cause conflict.  I told her it's my subjective perspective she could consider.

There was a LOT to unpack in that conversation and it was mostly just allowing her to Talk about it and me Listen during the Call.  I do Hope that what I offered, based on what I'd heard so far, in a PM that was very measured with my Words, would be somewhat Helpful and put a different perspective to what transpired?  I don't want her getting Caregiver Burnout before her Mother Passes, coz she's apparently all her Mom has got at this juncture and she may be running people off, including Siblings, by not Receiving well what anyone is trying to do, or doesn't want to do???  It's a delicate and complex Balance when things are very difficult, not everyone behaves as we think they should, or Hope they would.

Anyway, I'll wait and see how she receives the PM first and if she responds to it, before Calling again.  I don't do Phone Calls well anyone, Hate talking by Phone.  Much more adept at Writing or Talking in Person.  Plus, my Phone is acting up after one of the Kids dropped and broke it, so isn't holding a Charge worth a damn and often cuts off mid conversation now if the Call is lengthy.  And that one went Long, much longer than I really was prepared to receive and going in the direction that it did.  It had less to do with Caregiving and her Mom's Condition, much more to do with other Relationship dynamics the Niece is finding problematic with other people... Family, her Mom's Friends, her own Friends... it just sounded like a lot of Drama and a Headache to me actually that isn't necessary and could be avoided.

I must say that tho' this Family is near and dear to us, we've always known they are like Drama Magnets and I did mention that to The Niece.  She claims she's no longer prone to Drama now she's Older, but, I think the Verdict is still Out on that one.  She might think she isn't, but, it sounded to me like not much has changed with all of them and it's constant Drama and a Headache.  They all know, the whole Family, that I'm a Drama Free Mama and anyone that even Smells like Drama and a Headache, I limit my exposure to.  I've even had to with them from time to time when it all became too much and they all were embroiled in so much Drama it was unhealthy to be any part of it, even from afar.  Nope, not engaging with all that nonsense.  *LOL* 

 They all know that once you become Drama and/or a Headache, Peace Out.  I'll come back once you Get Over the Dramatic Performances and can once again Get Along And Play Well With Others.  What I have Learned about folks who thrive on constant Drama, most of which they cause or invent themselves, if they don't have any going on, is that it just never Ends well.   It fucks up their Relationships, their Quality of Life, and disturbs everyone's Peace, which is too Precious to allow anyone to do that to YOURS.  I Guard my Peace and my Calm carefully, I don't allow anyone to Steal it from me.  Becoz I know that without my Peace and/or my Calm, Dark Dawn will become Dominant and then you won't be Dealing with Dawn Of The Light anymore.  That's never good for anyone else.  *Winks*

Anyway, it sounded more like Lynn came down from Oregon to spend Quality Time with her Lifelong Friend whose Dying, and not to step in and be a Home Nurse or Housekeeper.   And I don't know what condition the Home is/was in?   I do know my Niece has never been much of a Domestic Goddess tho' and struggles on a Good Day, coz she's got Mental Illness and Health Issues too, and Three Young Kids, and her Husband Travels for Work, and now she's Full Time Extreme Caregiving, so, it's a LOT.  I do know some of the House Guests might have had concerns that things have already becoming overwhelming and deferred to a point of legitimate concern, I dunno?

  Saying something, doing something, or just running interference during a difficult time wouldn't be the best tactic tho' even with the best of Intentions.  Not everyone Lives as we Live either, even when things are going Swell.  And The Niece dropped some info I was Surprised to hear and won't Blog about, but Concerned me.  She's in over her Head.  Her Mom always Helped with that struggle.  As you do with your Special Needs Child(ren).   And I don't know how much Help they're being Qualified to even Receive?  Sometimes The Cavalry ain't coming and it all is Too Much and In over your Head Deep.  Even if you don't have Special Needs yourself to overcome in order to do it without any Help.  That's what I worry about most with my Crew here when I'm Gone.  They all got Special Needs, and the Cavalry ain't coming, ever.  I have to try to Prepare them for that inevitable Reality.

I know her Mom Living with her for Years now has been a Present Help with the Housekeeping and the Kiddos, so now my Friend is Sick and Dying, she hasn't been the one to be able to keep on top of all of that.  She is a Special Needs Child, always has been.  Perhaps her Daughter became too dependent upon that Help and now expects others to stand in the place her Mom offered Help, which, isn't a Realistic expectation either.   Your Home, your Family, is YOUR Responsibility, it's not the Responsibility of other folks.  Nor should it be. 

 So, I dunno, I think she may run off anyone who could or would try to Help, but isn't gonna be exploited to do more than they should either.  So, that's a tough conversation to have with someone who may not Receive the Facts or the Truth very well?   And have more perspective on mebbe WHY her Siblings have stayed away too?  They don't wanna Deal with Conflict between them all AND their Mom Dying.  And their Mom has been SMI all her Life, so, a little bit of my Friend can go a very long way even when she's Physically Well, let alone Dying!!!   And I don't know if she can be on her Cancer Meds AND her strong Psyche Meds or not?  And she tends to Double Dose, so I'm sure they have to watch her like a Hawk coz she has had a History of Substance Abuse "Self Medicating" for a very long time off and on.  And what the Docs administer to The Dying can be intentionally overdosing near The End IMO to Speed things along.

 And just coz you're Dying doesn't mean your Mental Illness goes away, it doesn't.  So, it's just a layered Hot Mess of Physical and Mental Disabilities and Illness combined now.   And to be Fair, my Friend and her Daughter got on the MAGA Crazy Train that left the Station in 2016 and so a LOT of their Friends fell away over it... or distanced themselves coz it always got Politically Insane with them.  You had Crazy aligning with Crazier, it was a LOT.  They often didn't talk to me either over it and contact waned becoz of it.  I can't Take "Cult Crazy" when it's deranged and you're Morally Opposed to what they're Buying into, coz it transcends Politics and goes to Plain Decency now becoming compromised.   And it has destroyed some Families, it really has.

The Young Prince had actually Nailed It even before the Call by telling me he could understand why his 'Cousin' was having the Problems and Drama with Family and it doesn't Surprise him in the least.  He's known this Family ALL his Life and spent a LOT of Time with them all.  She's the Youngest, was always treated like her Mom's Favorite, and from The Young Prince's perspective, that will cause problems at all levels when a Parent and a Sibling then need some Help and there has been Favoritism shown in the Past and the Present.  He's Right about that, and unfortunately many Families do struggle with Favoritism being shown and the consequences.  Its Natural to have everyone, even in Families, have their personalities and dynamic that we either do well with, or don't do well with,  And have that play out becoz it's just easier for all of us to get along better with some folks and not as well with others, whether they're Family or not.

She wants me to Call her Mom and gave me her Mom's new Phone Number.  Her Mom had quit Calling me some time ago, she's like that Sister you sometimes have a hard time with becoz they're being controversial and you're not having it.  My Friend can be like that, she's always been like that.  I Love her Unconditionally, but have Conditions on her Behavior and know it's Negatively impacted sometimes by her Mental Health and screwing leanings.   She really latched onto Donnie Two Dolls, but she's Nuts, so, I can't say it Surprised me... I think she Likes his Drama and Insanity, becoz, it seems a bit Normal to her?  It isn't, I told her it isn't, so she quit calling me until she got very Sick, then her Kids have reached out to me, as they always have. 

  Aunt Dawn, you have to talk to our Mom... and be a Mediator, and the Voice of Reason so, I have TRIED, out of genuine Love for her and her Family.  She can be difficult tho', and Unlovely when she wants to NOT be Nice, so, don't know how this next Call will go?  It could go either way.  She's Dying so has NO shits or fucks left to give about Diplomacy.  *Bwahahaha*  I can Take it, but, I don't know how Helpful Calling her will be, or not be, and I don't want for her to endure more than she already has and is, Cancer is a brutal way to go out.  And my Friend is Tough, but, this is so hard for her to go thru with Dignity and Grace intact and she's done very well to thus far I think, Bless her.  If she wants to get Mean Spirited, I can endure that if it makes her Feel any better to project it upon whoever, and I'm "It" at the Moment.  Often it Feels Safe for someone to Project their Anger about Life, upon someone they know won't totally forsake them at their lowest low.

 I'm not sure of what they expect me to say, but, I do Care, my Friend knows that about me.   I keep it Real and 100%.   I've been Ride or Die our whole Friendship, especially during Crisis, and she has with me as well.  We got some Stories that you just wouldn't Believe, Novella worthy ones!!!    So, mebbe the Call could go Well... or NOT?   I'll really TRY, on my part, to just let her Vent if she Needs to and not respond to it or take any of it Personally.  Apparently Lynn couldn't.   Lynn got Mouthy... and THOUGHT she had Control of that Situation... Big Mistake...

 And got punched in the Face, or so I'm told!!!  Ruh Roh.  *Insert inappropriate Gallow's Humor coz what WAS Lynn Thinking?*  But, I know Lynn too, Lynn can be a Ratchet Bitch, and has a snarky Mouth on her, which is why she was never MY Friend, but just THEIR Family Friend.   We didn't much Like Lynn, but she was close to my Friend so I tolerated her... and resisted punching her in the Face myself... which often took Restraint.  *Bwahahahaha*  And, furthermore, I've been with that Family when they go Sideways Mentally, and I know when to Exit Stage Left and just tell them, Peace Out, I don't Need this shit.  Call me when ya'll ain't going Mental Okay?  Coz we're all Stocked Up on Crazy at MY House, so I don't NEED to be here at Yours Dealing with it.  *Winks*

 Alex, at the Age of Two, was already Bat Shit Crazy, she once took a BBQ Fork to The Daughter, who was the only one Crazy enuf to ever Babysit her, besides me, and backed her into a Corner with it!!!   The Daughter had me on Speed Dial, coz she knew how Alex could be, the Child was a Step away from Institutionalization always.  But, so was The Daughter, so they were rather Equally Matched frankly.  But, I had to get on the Phone and tell Alex, don't make your Aunt Dawn come over and handle this, behave for your Cousin and don't make her have to Call me again!!!   Coz if your Uncle and I have to come over there, we will NOT be Happy.   Remember how Aunt Dawn Unhappy LOOKS?  *Winks*

  And, don't you DARE Stab her with that Fork, you Hear me, remember, she's Aunt Dawn's "Baby" and she's doing your Mom a Favor by even Babysitting your Crazy Lil Ass, so put that Fork Down NOW!   Problem Solved.  *Ha ha ha*   The Daughter still likes to tell that Story to this day.  *Ha ha ha*   Alex never wanted Dark Aunt Dawn to Show Up and have to sort Shit out.   Dark Aunt Dawn don't Play, all my Friend's Kiddos knew that Fact, so did my Friend.  *Winks*  But, I have seen THAT Family at their Craziest, it's some Wild Stuff and not for the Faint of Heart.  If you can't Hang, best to stay away completely is my Best Advice.  And so, no Surprise many just have, or it could get Messy.

 So, Alex always confesses to her Aunt Dawn when she's gone Mental on someone.  Lynn got punched in the Face.  Apparently she strayed out of her Lane and Triggered Alex and my Friend, then got Mouthy, which, Lynn does.  *Le Sigh, Not Wise, Ruh Roh, End of Visit from Oregon.*  To say it didn't Go Well would be an Understatement.  But, Crazy Folk be doing Crazy Shit, what can I say, you don't get Confrontational with them without Consequences.  A Mentally Unwell Person under tremendous Stressors can be quite volatile.

 So, I did remind Alex that punching Folk in the Face is Frowned Upon and she doesn't Need right now, to catch Charges or end up in Psyche Lockdown.  You don't have to remind Non-Crazy People of that Fact, but it's often Wise to remind The Crazy of it from time to time.  Her Mom and her Three Kids Need her to Stay Centered and Stoic/Calm.   So, Dial it Back, Calm Down, don't be Reactive... even when someone is being Not at all Helpful or even may be causing Drama right now that she certainly does not Need on top of everything else.

*******

Life can be complicated to an extreme... Dawn... The Bohemian

Sharing The Creep Factor

 All of Princess T's Co-Workers were standing Outside this Morning, nobody from Management Inside to unlock the Doors and let them in, to Clock In at 7:00 a.m. when they should be starting work!  I don't know what was going on and they didn't seem to either, so those being dropped off weren't sure their Rides should stick around or not?  I eventually drove off coz I was in my Jammies still and nothing I could do.  She hasn't Called so I'm assuming someone eventually showed up with a Key? 

  She was with a large group of mostly Older Women, so it was Safe enuf to just leave her there.  They are replacing Young Workers with Seniors now it seems.  Princess T said the Younger Workers were faster tho' and the Old Timers are conscientious, but too slow for a High Production Position.  So it puts more stress on her Position now.  And Management is complaining about Speed, but, they hired the Geriatrics, and she talked to Management about them firing the Younger, best & fastest experienced people, as why Production is Negatively impacted.  

She consults me often about Managerial Issues.  Coz she knew when I was in the Corporate Grind I was Top Tier Management and she wants my input and advice about problems at Work.  She's not Wrong about any of what she's determined are Problems and how they could be remedied, but, she's not Management, so they don't respect her advice, she's only 20 and has Special Needs, but I've had her Working her Hustle since she could Walk.  The Kid knows Good Business, Good Work Ethics, and how to make a Buck.  You don't NEED to be an Academic to be a very prosperous and successful Hustler one day.  *Winks*

Besides, there's a lot of Educated Fools out there who have more Degrees than a Thermometer but couldn't find their Ass with Both Hands.  Your Higher Education won't Impress me if you can't successfully apply it to Real Life Situations and need to always have a Textbook Case to figure shit out about having Solutions to Problems.  Life isn't a series of Textbook Cases, you may go thru an entire Career and never have that Textbook Case you Learned about as if it was Real Life.  Word Up, it was imaginary or hypothetical in most Cases, Life is REAL.  And Life will hand you some shit to figure out on The Fly, if you can't, you're useless, no matter how much of an Academic Achievement you got Degrees for.

I had more Arrogant Academics Wash Out when I was in my Corporate Lives than I ever had someone without an advanced Education Wash Out.  Often someone with a Masters Degree would begin a Career already thinking they knew everything there was to know about what they'd be doing.  With Zero Experience, and you couldn't Teach them a damned thing more.  Coz a Know It All assumes they already know it all.  Someone willing to be Mentored and absorb Real Life Knowledge gleaned from Experienced folks who've already enjoyed Success and Earned their Positions, can do much better.   Coz we ALL know what we know, and don't know what we just don't know.  But those who THINK they know what they don't know are problematic where ever they go.

Princess T is already exploring her Options of going further.  I think she could be Managerial Material if she can overcome her Anxiety and being such an Introvert.  But she wants to have her own Transportation first and learn to Drive, so she has Independent Mobility to have more Options.   She likes what she's doing now and her Co-Workers are great. But, she gets frustrated with the Posturing and Politics of Corporations, which often Upper Management aren't on site, it's coming from Corporate, somewhere else entirely. 

  And I told her that's always gonna be a Given anywhere, so, Work around it with diplomacy and keep just working with Excellence.  Cream always rises to the Top and someone influential is always paying Attention to the Cream of their Crop.  Be the very best at whatever you're doing and your Gifts will make Room for you, as you also Cultivate Contacts in any Business and Show Out with your performance.  

My Observation is that a lot of places now don't have the Sage Experienced Mentors in the Top Tiers anymore and Younger Executives just aren't as Seasoned, even if they're really Smart and Improvisational.  A Young and Successful Genius is still Young and has much to still Learn about Life.  If you Live long enuf, you gain Experience in Life you just don't have when Younger.

Even as a very Young Corporate Executive, I knew enuf to surround myself with Sage Experienced Mentors who knew far more about most things than I yet knew at a Tender Age, even being prematurely Successful at what I was doing.  They were invaluable.  Always surround yourself with folks you feel know more than you and know what they're doing.  I know some Retired Executives or who used to own Successful Businesses who now choose to work at menial Positions just coz they got Bored with Retirement and want something Fun to do.  They still are a Wealth of Knowledge and Treasure Trove of Experience that their Young Bosses and Management could Learn much from.  I know one whose a Greeter at a local Super Wal-Mart and that Guy could be running that Store easily.  But, he's almost 80 now and doesn't wanna be in Management, he Loves Greeting Customers, it's just Fun for him.

And he is a Vendor at our Antique Mall Selling better Quality Merch, and he doesn't even need the Money, he was a Made Man when he Sold all his Businesses Years ago.   I struck up conversations with him and I don't interrogate people about who or what they are, used to be, etcetera, but, I have found most folks will just Volunteer information if they feel Heard.  Coz they do like to comfortably open up if you are approachable and receptive enuf to Listen, and you can Learn a LOT about them and from them.  But, I bet most of his Co-Workers at that Wal-Mart likely just see him as a Friendly Old Timer with an entry level Position he 'Needs' and have no Idea?  *LOL*  Cultivate your Contacts thru Life, always.  Who you Know is Important, probably more Important than What you Know.

No telling what invaluable Contacts he's Cultivated over a Successful Lifetime that he could Connect them to?   And be the best Mentor they ever have, giving them a Free Education that Money could never Buy.  I taught my Kiddos, both Generations, that very early on.  Look for THOSE folks and have them Mentor you, take you under their Wings, introduce you to their Contacts carefully Cultivated over their Lifetime, and be Fast Tracked in where ever you are going and aspire to.  Even tho' The Daughter is Unemployable, and very SMI, she Learned fast how to Cultivate Contacts and find very Influential folks who took her under their Wings and now look out for her like she's Family to them.  She Knows People, the Right People.  Knowing the Right People is Priceless.

Last Night when I Cashed my Check at the Bank Drive-Thru ATM the Lady in front of me had forgotten to take her Card and wouldn't stop when I honked like Hell at her to get her Attention.  I had to take her Card out to put mine in and there were Lines behind me of folks waiting to use the ATM and it was quite late, after my Night Shift.   So, since The Bank didn't have a Drop Box I'll have to go back this Morning and turn her Card in so they can contact her and return or replace it.   People often leave their Cards accidentally if the Tap Feature isn't working at an ATM and that's what they got used to using.  You can't just leave someone's Card laying around, too many nefarious Types would steal it.

LATER:  I took The Man out for the Day, he wanted to do something even tho' he's been pretty Unwell lately and Tires quickly and easily.  So, he can't do much Physically right now and hasn't since his Fall.  So, I'm almost wondering if his Fall had nothing to do with bending to pick something up and more to do with his Heart, Blood Pressure, etcetera?  I didn't see him Fall and he gets so confused about things he does or doesn't even do and Thinks he has done. 

  I had asked him what he's bent to pick up by Hand since he had his Grabber Stick at the time and picks up Cans with that.  He couldn't tell me, which is why I questioned whether he was bending to pick anything up when he Fell, or not, and just knew he had been picking up Cans before he Fell?  Now I keep him within Sight all the time when we go out and only let him go very short distances from the Truck when we're out, or in a Store. 

He mostly wanted to be driven around so that's what we did, we went to The White Tanks County Park.  We learned an Annual Pass has gone up by almost 50% now, new Pricing effective January.  Our Annual County Parks Pass, which is a Disabled Veteran's Discounted one, expires in Mid April of 2026.  We had paid $35 for it in Spring of 2025.  Renewal of it will now cost $60!   Paying per Visit, if you don't Buy an Annual Pass, went up from $7 a Carload to $10 a Carload. 

 That's a hefty increase in pricing IMO, and that's for Disabled Veterans, I think other Tiers went up even more for Non-Veterans and Non-Disabled folks who can't really do any of the Hiking Trails, so are more limited in what the Parks offer for them during a Visit.   I bought The Man a Walking Stick with a Whistle for part of his Birthday Gift at their Gift Shop, it was $19.99 which wasn't a bad price and it's beautifully varnished Wood.

While we were out we stopped by Two of my Fav North Eastside Antique Malls.   My Friend Nan's Antique Mall was having a big Sale and Customer Appreciation Day.  They were giving out a Free Lunch they served with any Purchase.  It was Pulled Pork Slider and your Choice of either a Fresh Baked Cookie or Bag of Chips and a Soda.  It was really good.  The Man Bought me his Valentine's Day Gift to me while we were there and I could choose what I'd like.  

 So, I got a Tote Bag that matches some Outfits I have.  And a Tiered Altered Art Tray made by "Rusty Saturday", an Altered Art Bottle, and a set of Antique Doorknobs with their Hardware where one side's Knob is Amethyst Glass Crystal and the other side's Knob is Porcelain with Floral Hand Painting on it, and the Hardware is Craftsman Style Designed Bronze.    

 

The Guy with the Beard is one of my Cousins in North Wales that I keep in contact with and have for all of our Adult Lives.  He's probably my Favorite Cousin even tho' he's Younger than me, coz over the Years we've remained pretty close in spite of being at great distance and not seeing each other in Person since we were Young Teenagers.  He's been a World Traveler too.  He is my Favorite Uncle's Youngest Son, my Favorite Uncle was my Mom's Big Brother and we were super close.  He said I was The Daughter he never had, so he was fond of me since the Day I was Born since he only ever had Sons.  Tho' he did eventually have Granddaughters to spoil as rotten as he spoiled me.  *Smiles*   Besides my Dad, my Welsh Uncle Syd was my Favorite Male Role Model in Life.

 My Uncle used to visit America almost every Year and either stay with my Mom, or stay with The Man and I for his Month-long Stay.  He and I had so many escapades together, he Loved going to Las Vegas with me.  We used to own a Time Share there at the SAHARA on The Strip.  And Two Weeks every Year for 20 Years made Pilgrimages there to just have Fun for a few Days at a time.  I can only take Vegas in smaller 3 Day Doses, same with Cali, wouldn't wanna live either place tho'.  But short Vacays to both were always Fun and we used to do often.  Now we can't, I can't take this Show on the Road with The Man's Health and Condition now. 

I did get Worried Today when The Man could only get around one smaller Shop before he had to Rest and stop.  I don't know what's going on since all his Doc Appointments and VA Nurse Appointments they tell us he's doing better, yet, he isn't, not really, he's doing worse.  And he's doing worse than he was before his Heart Surgery actually.   That seemed to be the Turning Point IMO, granted he had Two Major Arteries ready to shut down, so he had to have the Surgery and have the Stents put in to open them back up so he didn't have a massive Heart Attack.  But, since the Surgery he's gone into a downward spiral.  

  

Even tho' his Diabetic Numbers have greatly improved and his Blood Pressure has greatly improved, Numbers Wise anyway.  But, he's gaining Weight when he should be losing on the Ozempic, like I am on it, and he's barely eating now so it makes no sense he's gaining Weight unless it's becoming Congestive Heart Failure with Water Retention?   And I saw that happen with my Mom so I know the Signs to look for.  With her I noticed it before any of her Doctors did since I saw her every Day, I saw how she reacted and acted to her daily Activities.  Docs only see you for a little while every so often.  You could be having a Good Day during the Visit and then they're not going to be unnecessarily alarmed if your Numbers look decent that Day during a 15-30 Minute Assessment.  And if the Labs come back decent enuf too.

I did take The Man out for Breakfast too to "Snooze" and he ate about as much as I did, which was about half our Meal, taking the other half Home for later, as we do now.  Our Appetite is suppressed with the Ozempic, so even tho' everything tastes wonderful, you simply can't eat much of it, and that is okay.   I got the Bennie Duo with Fresh Fruit, the Bacon But Different, and a new French Toast Latte they just added to the Menu.  The Man ordered the Corned Beef Hash Breakfast which comes with Two Eggs and Toast with their Signature Jam.   Below is Pixs of mine:

 

The Young Prince is going out on what seems like a 'Date' with a Young Black Guy, and he and I always gives people comical Nicknames, and I'm tickled at the one he gave this one.  He initially dubbed him "The Boring Car Guy", coz, apparently he's Obsessed with Cars.  And of coarse The Young Prince could Care Less about talking about Cars, but, he must like this Guy enuf to endure the Obsession/Infatuation with them.  *Ha ha ha*  So, if I mention "Boring Car Guy" from here on out, if they last any amount of time together, you'll know who I'm talking about and the Back Story.  *LOL and Winks*  The Young Prince is very Intelligent and Deep when he talks about anything, so superficial stuff Bores him.

But, to be Fair, most folks Bore him, so it's Rare he finds someone his Age whose as Deep and goes Deep about Topics.  He's come to Terms with that, since, he doesn't want to Date Geriatric folk who might be Deeper, MENSA Minded, and more Interesting.  *Bwahaha*  Our Grandson was always that contradiction of being a 'Wild' Nerd, which isn't usually your Garden Variety Nerd, but is one who is embraced by the "In" Crowd.  He's always been the one in his Group that is a total anomaly that stands out from the others, yet, fits in with them despite being 'not like the others'.   I mean, when was the last time a Nerd was the 'Life of the Party'?!   *LOL*

I guess my Great-Grands of the Oldest Granddaughter back East were taken to a Professional Motor Sports Event called "Monster Jam" with Big Trucks, and I'm Guessing the Ear Protection is necessary due to Noise?  *LOL*   Their Parents take them to a lot of Events so they've had great early exposure to a lot of Family Friendly Activities that should create many Memorable Moments together.   I'm glad their Parents are Pathological Picture Takers so it all gets Shared on our Granddaughter's Social Media Page, which is maintained on The Regular.   The Oldest Great-Grand Big Sister was there as well, but I didn't like the Pix they took of her, she looked Possessed!   I don't know what or who the Kiddo was Channeling during Monster Jam, but, damn!!! *LOL*

I know, I know, NOW you WANT to see her Possession Pix, don'tcha?  *Bwahahahaha*   I mean, it truly Creeps me the Fuck Out, so I shouldn't... but... just for you, I reluctantly Saved it and will do a Share.  Even tho' I initially didn't, coz I'm not Kidding, it really Creeped me Out, the expression she has in it and so I don't Like the Pix at all!!!   Usually she looks Adorbs and not Pre-Demonic... you might disagree and think it's an acceptable Pix?   But, I'm telling you my Truth when I saw that Pix, I didn't like it at all.   Poor Baby, they should have retaken that Pix immediately so she didn't look like she's auditioning for a remake of "The Shining"!!!  *Shudder*

Alright then, I can't Look at it anymore, or I'll want them to get a Priest or something to come Exorcise the Child, to be on the safe side.   Don't risk to give her anything Sharp after this, otherwise.  *LMAO*   But, Sharing The Creep Factor gave me a perfect Post Title Hook.  *Smiles*  And I'm so very OCD that when a Fav Blogger mentioned an Anthony Bourdain Cookbook that caught my Interest, coz, gotta Luv me some Anthony B., I hadda then fucking have it, popped right on over to E-Bay at 1:00 in the Morning like the Maniac that I am, and so as to Score it on a Buy-It-Now Feature of some Retail Late Night/Early Morning Retail Therapy!!!   Sometimes you fellow Bloggers contribute to my Delinquency, I swear!   And, whatsmore... I don't even Cook!!!  But probably rival Barnes & Noble Bookstores on my Cookbook Hoard regardless!   Yes, I'm positively Insane like this.  *Winks and Smiles*

 

So, the 1970's Dreadlocked Dam Troll and Anthony's Cookbook are on their way now and I never had to leave the comforts of Home to Score them.  *LOL*   I just like Anthony B's Style and Humor, tho' Sad about how he left this Earthly Realm.  So, have to assume he was another Tortured Soul and we all really just didn't know how Tormented he was while giving the Illusion of being just Fine and being such a wonderful Human Being who seemed genuinely well Liked.   Been there, done that, Life can be so complicated like that for any and perhaps all of us really.  His Legacy Lives on and I still Smile at all his Episodes even tho' I know how the Story Ended.

I got my Stock Dividend Check, it keeps going up every Quarter, so, yeah, the Stock Market is performing for me at least.   And I got that 40 Year Late Child Support Check too, may my Ex now Life Forever since it will take Immortality for him to repay me the 18 Years of Back Child Support Payments he never Paid when The Son was a Child.  *LOL and an Eye Roll*  We Divorced when The Son was 6 Weeks Old, he'll be 39 now in June, the Checks only began coming when the Ex filed for his Social Security and they automatically garnish any unpaid Child Support from it, who knew?  *LOL*   But, better Late than never I say.  *Smiles and Winks*

And Today being Superbowl 60 Sunday and the MAGA Cult Monkeys Meltdown about Bad Bunny becoz Kid Rock more aligns with their "Christian Values" is such an accurate reflection of them, isn't it?  They'd rather support a White Pedophile, whose Song Lyrics have Proudly announced his preference for Underaged Girls and Statutory Rape, than a Puerto Rican whose all about Love and Peace, coz some of it is sung in Spanish... Gasp... oh, the Horror!  *Eye Roll*  And OBTW, Puerto Ricans ARE Americans you MAGA Morons, who apparently know nothing about the History of America and Facts.  Including the Moron in the White House who thinks Puerto Rico has a different "Leader" than... you know... the President of the United States, which is... HIM!!!  *Double Eye Roll*

I could give a shit about Football, but I'll watch the Halftime Show of Bad Bunny and stand in Solidarity with him about Love and Peace versus Extreme Religious Hatred and Political Cult Hatred and their combined support of Child Rapists.  Letting them express their Worst Selves has at least exposed all of them, so there's no longer any pretenses about who they are and what they're all about.  Which is rather beneficial to Decent Society.   Neither Football Team are Favs of The Son or The Man but I suspect they'll each actually watch The Game.  I've got to run out and get their Food Buffet for it coz I forgot to get it earlier. 

 The Man is saying he won't watch the Super Bowl, he always watches it, so I don't know what's going on with him to boycott it?  But, since his Dementia set in, I noticed he doesn't watch Sports anymore, mebbe he can't follow what's going on any more?   Anything he has to figure out now, he's tending to avoid, even if he used to Love whatever it is.  Coz of the Mental Fog and confusion it causes him.  It's okay, I could never follow a Football Game either.  *Ha ha ha*  It's been 80 Degrees and perfect again Outside, we're very spoiled with the Weather here, we spent a lot of time at the Park Yesterday since it was over 80 Degrees and Glorious.  We saw loads of Out Of State License Plates there.

They're talking about the first Super Bowl Sixty Years ago on TV, I remember the first one.  My Parents never watched Football but the Parents of my Friends did and sometimes us Kids would be over a Friend's Home during it.   I remember Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers playing in that first Super Bowl, he was a Big Deal back then, mostly coz we lived in Upper Michigan at the time so loads of Green Bay Fans lived there.   I remember Bubba Smith playing for the Baltimore Colts, a lot of my Friends Parents were Colts Fans, so Johnny Unitas was a Big Deal too.    

I remember Big Jim Brown playing for the Cleveland Browns.  And Broadway Joe Namath playing for The New York Jets.   Even O.J. then called The Juice for The Buffalo Bills.  As a Kid I remembered the Players, now I couldn't tell you many, if any.  Including whose Playing this Super Bowl.  I just know Bad Bunny is doing Halftime! *LOL*  Apparently now only Halftime Entertainment matters to me during the Super Bowl and what will be the best Commercials?  *Ha ha ha*   And, Lucky for Attendees, The President won't be there, so that was a Super Bowl Bonus too!  *Winks*

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Enjoy the day whether you were watching a Game or not... Dawn... The Bohemian