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February 8, 2016 / diannegray

Writing and working and caring for the elderly

Half way through a Skype meeting for work (two Fridays ago) I heard my mother-in-law yelling out for me. I dropped everything and ran next door to find my father-in-law lying on the kitchen floor. He had slipped over and broken his leg. After the ambulance call, trip to the hospital, organising a walking frame and wheelchair and everything else that goes with an 80 year-old with a broken leg, I finally sat down on Tuesday and got back to my meeting (but everyone else was long gone – gee wiz, I wonder why).

Good organisation is the key to juggling work and writing and caring for the elderly. I try to be organised, but things can go very haywire, very quickly.

A typical day

I get up at 5:30am (this used to be 4:00am, but I’ve been sleeping-in lately). I get all my writing and blogging out of the way by 9:00am. At this time I visit my parents-in-law and chat with them about their day. Now my F-I-L has a broken leg this also means organising doctor’s appointments and food for them now that he can’t drive anywhere. (M-I-L doesn’t drive as she is in the early stages of dementia).

After 10:30 I get into my ‘paid work’ writing articles for government websites and meeting with co-workers online (the best job ever!)

The craziness continues until evening – making sure everyone is fed and I’ve taken the dogs for their hour-long walk to the creek and into the mountains (this is a great mental health break!)

Then I fall into bed exhausted by about 8:00pm. I used to be a night owl – I wonder what happened?

On a lighter note – a frog jumped into my mouth before the broken leg incident. I’m sure it was trying to kiss me, but there was no handsome prince on the other side of those lips. It jumped at my face just as I’d finished taking its picture. I was saying hello to it (I’m lucky I wasn’t yawning at the time).

Kissing frog

The guilty party AKA The Kissing Frog

The Kissing Frog looks big, but he’s actually quite small (about 1/4 the size of Jazzman).

How can you resist those eyes?

Back to the grind for me.

xxxI hope you have a great week!xxx

126 Comments

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  1. T. W. Dittmer / Feb 8 2016 8:08 am

    Stay sane, or try to.

    Like

  2. Theo Fenraven / Feb 8 2016 8:17 am

    Tough schedule. I think it’s great you can take care of your family and your husband’s parents; not everyone’s day is so flexible (though it sounds like astute planning on your part makes all the difference).

    I worry a lot about my future (as someone in their 70s or 80s). I have no family, so I’ll be on my own. When I can’t drive anymore, then what? Nearly everyone needs a car if they live in America; inner city digs, where buses are available, are either pricey or slums. The US generally doesn’t offer seniors much in the way of helping them stay in their homes unless they can ante up a lot of money (once again, the more cash you have, the better care you receive). I’m sort of hoping for a massive heart attack to take me out so I won’t have to deal with it. 😉

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    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:40 am

      Please don’t have a massive heart attack just yet, Fen! xxx

      It’s tough for the elderly here as well. I worry about my future and care for my parents-in-law because they are at the stage where they can easily be taken advantage of. Their computer has already been hacked by the ‘cold-caller’ from Word telling them they had a virus. We all know not to take notice of those stupid phone calls, but sometimes older people get a little confused and worried when they get a call like that. I put them on the ‘do not call’ register and turned off their voice messages and this has gone a long way to keeping the scammers at bay. Because we live in the country there are no buses so a car is vital to get to and from the city. And we’re the same here with cash – the rich ones seem to be looked after okay, the others just get shoved around from place to place. I believe that the longer I can keep them safe in their own house, the better off they’ll be 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      • Theo Fenraven / Feb 8 2016 6:33 pm

        I’m sorry to hear it’s as bad there as here; it seems a lot of countries are emulating the US, to the detriment of their citizens. 😦

        When did it become a bad thing to take care of vulnerable people? To legislate against them and look at them as a problem rather than a valuable resource?

        I really don’t like the direction our societies have taken, where only the elite get to enjoy a wonderful life and the rest of us scramble for the few crumbs they toss our way.

        Liked by 1 person

      • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 6:29 am

        I often look at other civilizations who respect and care for the elderly as a matter of everyday living and importance. I really don’t know what happened to us…

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      • Theo Fenraven / Feb 9 2016 6:51 am

        I do. Greed trumped everything else.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Jill Weatherholt / Feb 8 2016 8:17 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law, Dianne. I must say, he’s got one awesome nurse.
    Oh my, I laughed out loud when I read the little green fella took a flying leap at your mouth. He does have some captivating eyes. Hang in there! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:44 am

      I was so shocked when it jumped at me and hit my lips! LOL – maybe frogs are attracted to me 😀

      I’m sure my father-in-law will be okay. He’s pretty down at the moment because of mobility issues, but this will only make him more determined to get up and about (the fact that he’s had a stroke in the past doesn’t help, but he’s as strong as an ox and wants to get up and about – which is always a good sign) 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Pat / Feb 8 2016 8:23 am

    That frog is a real cutie, but kisses may be pushing it. 🙂 I took care of my mother the last ten years of her life. She had dementia, also. It’s a labor of love. God bless.

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    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:29 am

      You’re so right, Pat. It really is a labor of love – and it’s such a cruel disease 😦 Bless you too, my dear xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  5. livritome / Feb 8 2016 8:35 am

    That was the frog’s way of trying to say: you’re awesome!!!!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:46 am

      Haaaaa! I wonder what he saw when he looked at me to think he could jump at my lips! Hopefully he thought I was awesome 😀

      Like

  6. gina drellack / Feb 8 2016 8:35 am

    You tug at our universal threads, my I-L’s tapestries are similarly unraveling. Thank you for reminding me of the inherent beauty as we weave our way through.

    I love Theo’s comments, too!! Personally, I’m going for Happy, Healthy, Dead! (as per Dr. Christiane Northrup!)

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:49 am

      Sometimes we look at these people and wonder if this is our future (I really hope not) and this is why I loved Theo’s comment as well. My dog walk in the afternoon absolutely saves my sanity – walking in the bush and through creeks and loving nature really brings me back to earth 😀

      Happy, Healthy, Dead is the only way to go xxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

    • Prior-01 / Apr 23 2016 5:22 am

      I have to chime in here and say how much the comment section here brought some nice mood my way yesterday – I actually came to read your latest post Dianne, and found I read and read – and glad I did because our pet went just this way and my spouse was saying how nice it was to not have him suffer years of problems – and Gina’s (Northrup) comment “happy health – dead” said it exactly. Still never easy…..

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  7. Polysyllabic Profundities / Feb 8 2016 8:38 am

    Your in-laws are lucky to have you so close. And your kissing friend is adorable. Hugs to you. xx

    Liked by 1 person

  8. avwalters / Feb 8 2016 8:50 am

    I think that the frog-to-prince thing works when you kiss the frog. The story never covered what happens when the frog kisses you. (Maybe he wanted to turn you into a frog!)
    As you know, my January was harried in a similar caregiving way as yours. The payment has to be in the warmth of it, the knowing that those we love are well-loved and tended.

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    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 8:57 am

      You of all people know why we go to such lengths to look after and protect those we love, Alta. The payment is the warmth of their comfort. The story of your Uncle Mike has stayed with me because it’s so powerful, heart-wrenching and loving xxx

      The frog kiss was one of the more ‘awkward’ moments in my life. If I take a selfie soon and look a little green (or have reptilian alien features) please let me know 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  9. raphaela99 / Feb 8 2016 9:29 am

    You are wonderful! Thinking of you and your family. Xxx

    Like

  10. JackieP / Feb 8 2016 9:47 am

    I had to laugh when I read your frog tried to kiss you. His eyes are saying…’come here baby and let me give you some lovin’ LOL

    I hear stories of elderly parents all the time. I feel lucky that my mom at nearly 87 still has her mind and still takes care of herself for the most part. She lives alone too. She is what I want to be at that age, because aging scares the crap out of me.

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    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 2:47 pm

      Your mum is so lucky (and obviously strong), Jackie! That’s what I want to be like at that age too xxx

      Oh yeah- that’s some McLovin froggy I’ve got outside LOL 😀

      Like

  11. Carrie Rubin / Feb 8 2016 10:23 am

    What a day you have. By the time you start your paid job, you’ve already put in half a day. So sorry to hear about your FIL. As for the frog jumping at your mouth thing–well, that would be the end of me for sure!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 2:49 pm

      I laughed so much I nearly cried, Carrie (and washed my mouth about ten times!)

      My days are fuller now than when I worked full-time with three small kids 😉

      Like

      • Carrie Rubin / Feb 8 2016 2:50 pm

        I hear you. It seems mine is too. Aren’t we supposed to add less to our lives as we get older? 😉

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      • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:15 pm

        You’d think so and now I look back I wonder how I used to cope before. But I think I was better at planning back then and knew I had to work, come home, cook, do the washing, put the kids to bed, etc, etc. Now life seems quite unstructured – but I’m trying! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Invisible Mikey / Feb 8 2016 10:37 am

    You now qualify as a medical assistant in most U.S. states! Good work, bravely done. Sorry he was injured of course, but accidents do happen at some point to most everyone.

    Like most animals, I bet the frog was just looking for a meal. He thought you might have a bug in there. (Frogs aren’t smart, and are literalists. I know your bugs are imaginary.)

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 2:51 pm

      Maybe I had a bug on my front tooth, Mikey! Yikes – I’ll have to check that next time I smile at a frog 😉

      Like

  13. Jacqui Murray / Feb 8 2016 11:41 am

    What a day. What a blessing to have them next door. I hope FIL is doing well.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 2:54 pm

      He seems to be going okay, Jacqui – just a bit down because he can’t drive himself anywhere (the lack of independence is a big problem for him) – I’m thinking he’ll be up and running in no time, so he can get back in the car and go visiting his friends 😉

      Like

  14. pommepal / Feb 8 2016 11:50 am

    So sorry to hear about your F-I-L and the broken leg. It is one of the biggest fears as we get older. You are marvellous to be able and willing to take care of them. As long as your f-I-l is still wanting to get mobile he will come right. It is the useless feeling that can be so depressing. That cute little frog certainly knew the right person to give a kiss to. Take care and best wishes

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 2:57 pm

      I’m just really glad he didn’t do a hip, Pauline (that’s what I first thought and so did the ambos). Strangely enough, I took a tumble the next day when I was walking the dogs to the creek and I fell exactly the same way he did (one leg slipped forward and the other crumpled beneath me). It really hurt and when I got home he asked me, ‘how come your leg didn’t break?’ LOL

      Like

      • pommepal / Feb 8 2016 5:55 pm

        You were lucky, pleased you didn’t break anything. A hip break would be disastrous for F-I-L. Hope the legs coming along ok.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. prior2001 / Feb 8 2016 12:55 pm

    He does look big / so thanks for telling us – and actually I know the size because back in 2002 I had a job at science center and we had to go and collect “tule” to teach about the Indians in Northern California – anyhow – saw similar frogs but no kisses! 💋
    Sending get well wishes and quick healing to your FIL

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:00 pm

      I can’t believe you were never kissed by a frog, Yvette 😉 😉 😉 Your job at the science center sounds like it would have been really interesting.

      Thank you so much for your well wishes xxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      • prior2001 / Feb 8 2016 3:46 pm

        Well the best part with your frog kiss is that he stayed around for a photo opp! 🐸

        Liked by 1 person

      • Prior-01 / Apr 23 2016 5:17 am

        Had to come back and first say sorry I reversed the order with your small frog – I must have read too fast at the end that day – and he came after you got the shot – lol – and I wonder if he saw his reflection somewhere on you or the phone….

        Like

      • diannegray / Apr 26 2016 8:52 am

        I hadn’t thought of that, Yvette – he probably saw his reflection! haaaa 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      • Prior-01 / Apr 28 2016 4:47 am

        Ha! or he saw the twinkle in your eye and said I need to give this author another piece of something to write about – it is how the cycle of the universe works – llol

        Liked by 1 person

  16. anotherday2paradise / Feb 8 2016 1:09 pm

    So sorry about your fil’s accident. What a thing to happen! Sounds like you’re kept ultra busy now. I thought preparing to move house was bad enough, but I think it’s nowhere near as bad as what you’re going through at this time. Take care and you’ll get through this. The frog is really cute, but I don’t think I’d want a kiss from him. 😅

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:03 pm

      I’m sure you would love that slippery froggy kiss, Sylvia 💋 💋 💋 😀

      Preparing for a house move is really exhausting so I’m glad that’s over and done with now because I don’t know if I could juggle that with what is happening now. Best of luck with yours xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      • anotherday2paradise / Feb 8 2016 10:18 pm

        Thanks so much, Dianne. I’m sure ours will all work out, but we’re really juggling with time at the moment. All the best for your busy week ahead. xx

        Liked by 1 person

  17. francisguenette / Feb 8 2016 1:43 pm

    Your plate is full and you handle it with grace. Continued best wishes that you maintain the pace. If writing slips you mustn’t fear – life lived is the greatest fuel for any writer.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:06 pm

      That is so true, Francis! I’ve had enough happen in my life to write several novels 😉 Speaking of which, I got a great idea for a novel last night – at the moment it’s percolating, but I hope it will emerge soon 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  18. nrhatch / Feb 8 2016 1:58 pm

    You rock! That’s what that handsome prince wanted to plant one on ya! Best of luck to you all during your FIL’s recuperation.

    Like

    • nrhatch / Feb 8 2016 1:58 pm

      oops . . . that’s why

      Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:07 pm

      He certainly planted it, Nancy! 💋 Haaa – how embarrassing 😉

      Thanks so much for your good wishes for FIL xxxx

      Like

  19. tchistorygal / Feb 8 2016 2:27 pm

    I’m sorry about your FI, but you really got me on the frog kiss. He looks princely enough. Much prettier than our frogs here. 🙂 Have a great week. Don’t work too hard! (Yeah, like it’s possible to slow down, right?) 🙂 xxx

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 8 2016 3:12 pm

      I’d really like to slow down one day, Marsha – but I’m hoping it will happen on my terms and not through a broken leg like FIL 😦 Yikes (I slipped the same way he did the day after when I was at the creek with the dogs. Thank God my leg ‘bent’ instead of ‘broke’).

      I’ll tell the frog you think he looks princely (but I’ll keep my mouth tightly shut after that 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      • tchistorygal / Feb 8 2016 4:33 pm

        LOL! I hope you don’t break a leg either. I twisted my knee dancing last Wed, and feel instantly old! 😂 I can’t afford to stop moving mid-diet!

        Liked by 1 person

      • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 5:48 am

        Dancing is the only way to do a knee, Marsha! Any other way would be just plain boring 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  20. prior2001 / Feb 8 2016 5:28 pm

    Yes!!!!! Broncos won (more later- but still in shock) have a nice day

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 5:50 am

      Wooo Hooo!!! 🏆

      Liked by 1 person

      • prior2001 / Feb 9 2016 6:08 am

        Yes and it is maybe one of the sweetest wins ever – they were blown out two years ago and I think that was in everyone’s head – 28 of 30 analysts predicted the other team! We are still stunned and my spouse said his cheeks hurt from smiling last night

        Liked by 1 person

  21. davidprosser / Feb 8 2016 5:30 pm

    So this was just another disappointment in life, another broken promise. You do not get a handsome Prince from kissing a frog. If you’re lucky, all you get is a nasty taste.
    It’s just as well you live so close to the in-laws Dianne, your poor F-i-L and your M-i-L must have been scared too but shock horror, your meeting didn’t wait- how rude.I hope you caught up.
    Hoping for a better week for you.
    xxx Sending Hugs Galore xxx

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 5:53 am

      Thanks for the hugs, David (and also thanks for the tweet!)

      One day the frog of my dreams will appear and he may even have sweet breath 🙂

      xxx Sending Hugs Galore back at you xxx

      Like

  22. climbing bean / Feb 8 2016 6:16 pm

    What a lovely picture! Not sure Id like any kisses from him, though!

    My parents are in their seventies and are so far healthy and mobile, but I do worry about the future. Especially since my children are still quite young… I see myself as part of the ‘sandwich generation’ at some point. At this stage, though, it’s only the children, thank goodness. I hope your FIL recovers quickly.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 6:27 am

      I’m so glad you like the picture of my ‘Prince Charming’ – he is very cute 😉

      Healthy and mobile 70 year olds are great and it’s wonderful for the children to see them that way. Enjoy them all! 😀

      Like

  23. the eternal traveller / Feb 8 2016 8:16 pm

    Ooooh Dianne, I can’t believe that frog jumped into your mouth. I’m cringing. I hope FIL makes a speedy recovery.

    Like

  24. Kate Johnston / Feb 8 2016 9:28 pm

    Sorry to hear about your father-in-law. They’re very lucky to have you. I know it’s a lot of work, but you’re a good egg for giving them your time and help.

    That frog sure is cute!!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 6:37 am

      Awww – thanks, Kate. I do for them what I would like done for me in the same situation. I’ve had a few comments here about the way our society kind of pushes the elderly to one side – and it’s pretty sad. We need to spend as much time with them as we can and make them as comfortable as possible – I know you totally understand this, my darling xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  25. ocdreader / Feb 9 2016 1:33 am

    Oh man, best of luck to you! You have a wild schedule but you are amazing for doing all that.
    That frog is gorgeous!

    Like

  26. Charissa / Feb 9 2016 2:46 am

    You’re such a sweetheart taking care of so many things and people. And I love how you just take it all one day at a time. The kissing frog cracked me up.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 9 2016 6:42 am

      Each day is different, Char – and I just love being called a sweetheart 💋‍

      Hubby said the frog may have just thought I had a bug in my mouth and he was hungry hehehe!

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Sheila Morris / Feb 9 2016 6:57 am

    Dianne, I so totally understand what’s going on with your elder care existence – I did it for 4 years with my mom and aunt. The activities you do are incredibly demanding so that you don’t realize the mental burden of everyday worrying and wondering. The grief when I lost the women who were so important to me was overwhelming, but the relief was absolutely amazing. I am sending good thoughts to my favorite Australian author. from South Carolina.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 10 2016 8:37 am

      Thank you so much, Sheila. Your good thoughts and strength shine through here at the RUC xxx

      Liked by 1 person

  28. writeknit / Feb 9 2016 10:41 am

    Hang in there – it is tough when our older parents/in-laws have health issues. But that froggie kiss was excellent, and made me chuckle.

    Your job sounds great – let me know if they are hiring, I’ve just updated my resume! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Feb 10 2016 8:40 am

      I’m glad the froggy kiss made you chuckle! I chuckled as well (after the shock left me) 😉

      Thanks so much for coming by to say hello 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Amy Reese / Feb 9 2016 11:42 am

    I hope your F-I-L is doing better. That’s a lot to take on, Dianne. it’s no wonder you are exhausted at the end of the night. That little frog is a cutie!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 10 2016 8:42 am

      I sit in front of the TV and can never finish watching a show, Amy 😉 I feel like an old woman sometimes, but hopefully It’ll be a while yet till I need a carer 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      • Amy Reese / Feb 10 2016 1:29 pm

        Is it because you fall asleep? I don’t finish a show because I have interruptions. It usually takes a couple viewing sessions. 🙂

        Like

      • diannegray / Feb 11 2016 2:39 pm

        Yes – I definitely fall asleep 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  30. agjorgenson / Feb 9 2016 1:08 pm

    So sorry for your trials! Yikes, life gives us a handful or two some days. Very interesting to hear your schedule. Mine is more the opposite, with late work, or sometimes up in the middle of the night to work. I’m glad to hear of joy too in the midst of the busy life you lead. Here’s to finding some balance for all of us!

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Feb 10 2016 8:44 am

      I used to work all night, Allen and I’m not sure what happened but my body clock must have gone haywire. I’d love to be able to do that again 😉

      Like

  31. danniehill / Feb 10 2016 12:27 am

    It’s tough getting old- this is me talking about me– but it is a relief to know there are those that care. My mom’s 87 and lives 1000 miles away so every few months I’m off to spend time with her– wish it was more often but she likes her solitude. You’re paying it forward and will reap the benefits in the future. Well done. As for the tree frog, eeeug. They are pretty but they know to find a hiding spot when I move in on them.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 10 2016 8:47 am

      I like the ‘paying it forward’ comment, Dannie. I’d never thought of it like that. Thank you!

      It sounds like your mom is a very strong and independent woman – kudos to her for loving her solitude (I’m hoping that’s what I’ll be like when I’m 87) 🙂

      …and thank you so much for the tweet! xxxx

      Like

  32. Sharon Bonin-Pratt / Feb 11 2016 3:18 am

    Dianne, I’m so sorry to hear about your FIL and hope he’s much better. Aging shouldn’t be about the injuries and illnesses and appointments but so often it is. When they are well, our aged family and friends are a wealth of love and ideas.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 11 2016 2:47 pm

      They are such lovely people and really appreciate the help. I’m just so glad I can be here for them 😀

      Like

  33. jmmcdowell / Feb 11 2016 9:52 am

    Dianne, I can’t imagine coping with your schedule! You life is busy enough without accidents happening to your father-in-law! It’s wonderful that you and your husband are able to help him and your mother-in-law through what are difficult times. Positive thoughts to you all!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 11 2016 2:47 pm

      Thanks so much for the positive thoughts! You’re wonderful xxxx

      Like

  34. EllaDee / Feb 13 2016 3:18 pm

    You amaze and inspire me… and take me out of my own little life. I’m new to the world of the elderly, it’s been creeping up on me as our families get older but I need better skills, and a lot more patience. We have my in-laws in town, neighbours in their 70’s and my Dad also in his 70’s a few hours away but on the phone. You work some serious magic and hours to fit it all in, and the time you make for yourself is gold. I’m so happy you devote part of it to the blogging community, oh and the froggy… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Mar 10 2016 4:17 pm

      I’m briefly dropping here Dale to say hi. At the moment I’m in canberra because my mother has gone into palliative care (it doesn’t rain it pours!) Hopefully I’ll be back online soon as i am without my trusty laptop 🙂

      Like

      • EllaDee / Mar 10 2016 6:38 pm

        Hi Dianne, Thanks for letting me know. That’s sad news. I was thinking of you the other day. We’re currently travelling – in the Grampians at the mo. I haven’t managed to fit in blog posts, and less visiting and commenting as usual. Let me know if there’s any thing we can do – email me on my gmail address. We’re due back at TA just before Easter, and you are welcome anytime if your trips take you that way. Best wishes and kind regards, Dale

        Liked by 1 person

  35. harulawordsthatserve / Feb 13 2016 5:15 pm

    Dearest Dianne, what a tender, beautiful, ‘real’ snapshot of your life right now. I’m so glad you have the dogs, because I imagine you need that walk as much as they do, and your sense of humour is so unfailing (5.30 is sleeping in hey ?!) I have no doubt, though it may be exhausting and with tough moments, that you love your life, and its profound depth and richness in terms of people, nature, homemaking, work, creativity – it’s all mixed in, with varying proportions depending on the day (!). But you know what I take most from this post – creativity is not frivolous. You get up early to be SURE you still get to write, you start your day that way like the most powerful of prayers. I imagine that’s your soul taking care of itself before it spends a busy day taking care of all those other wonderful souls you love. That cute frog – it sure was kissing you – and it didn’t need to be a prince, it represented life itself saying – thank you!!! Love and hugs, Harula xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    • diannegray / Feb 14 2016 12:04 pm

      What a beautiful comment, Harula! You’re right about my soul taking care of itself and it had never occurred to me before this moment that my morning prayers (writing) is all about me and keeping myself and my soul healthy 😀 You truly are a wonderful human being xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Glynis Jolly / Feb 13 2016 11:27 pm

    Your life seems extremely orderly. Although I have a daily schedule, my days still feel deranged. Maybe it’s the fact that I don’t do the mental break.

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    • diannegray / Feb 14 2016 12:06 pm

      I think the mental break is so important, Glynis. When it’s raining heavily and I can’t go for my walk I feel like I’ve missed something really important. And I may sound orderly, but that’s not always the case 😉

      Like

  37. cocoaupnorth / Feb 14 2016 2:55 am

    I take my hat off to you Dianne, juggling writing with other responsibilities is not easy. I hope your father in-law is coping well, these injuries can take long to heal. On a lighter note, you freaked me out with the frog jumping on your face. I’m terribly scared of frogs. Of course, when served on a plate, that’s a different story:-).

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 14 2016 12:08 pm

      Haaaaa – maybe I should have just granted his wish and swallowed him (although I don’t raw is the way to go with frogs) 😉

      Father-in-law is doing well thank goodness xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Andrea Stephenson / Feb 14 2016 7:13 am

    I know how hard it is to care for someone while working and trying to live a life of your own. I no longer have to care for anyone and I wonder how I did it at the time. Don’t forget to look after yourself – that hike into the mountains each night must help 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 14 2016 12:10 pm

      That hike really helps, Andrea. It gets me away from the stresses of the day and gives me time to reflect and exhale 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  39. roughwighting / Feb 14 2016 7:17 am

    I think the frog was trying to tell you something. And with that loving face and soulful eyes, I think he was saying, ‘you are a sweet soul, and you are appreciated.’ That’s what I think. Taking care of the elderly is one of the most difficult jobs in the world (and right after that, is taking care of young children). My dad was quite independent and stubborn, so he wouldn’t take any help from my brother and me. I lived hours away, so I’d send him homemade cookies and cards and call every day. He did allow me to be there with him when he passed away, which was a gift beyond compare. My mom has dementia and truth be told, I don’t have the constitution to take care of her. She’s in a lovely assisted living home. I honor you Dianne, for all you do. And I honor you for sharing your day with us in your blog. Sending you a huge hug.

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    • diannegray / Feb 14 2016 12:15 pm

      Oh Pamela, you made me quite teary with this comment. You’re such a lovely soul xxxx

      I know there will be a time when my mother and father-in law will go to a home, so I’m just trying to make life easier for them before that step. People worry about my mother-in-law ‘wandering off’ but she is nowhere near that stage yet and if she does start to show signs I’ll be the first to say something to the family (who all live elsewhere). Hubby bathes his father daily because of the broken leg and he says his life has come full circle 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      • roughwighting / Feb 14 2016 12:41 pm

        Well, the idea of your guy bathing his father just got ME teary-eyed. I’ll never forget watching my brother help my dad sit up (literally the day before he died) so dad could have a last drag of a cigarette. My brother and I hated my dad smoking, but what an act of love, between son and father. Taking care of those who took care of us is the ultimate act of love.

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      • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:18 am

        So true, Pam. Now my mother has just gone into palliative care 😦

        Your brother is wonderful for doing that. What a sweetheart xxx

        Liked by 1 person

      • roughwighting / Feb 19 2016 12:17 pm

        So sorry about your mom. Soooo difficult to see our parents age to the end. xo

        Liked by 1 person

  40. Sharon Bonin-Pratt / Feb 14 2016 12:48 pm

    Dianne, I see that people are writing about your MIL. My mom has advanced Alzheimer’s disease. She started wandering while she was still in early stages. It can be extremely dangerous as they get confused and don’t know where they are even when they are in familiar surroundings.
    May I suggest that you get an identity bracelet for her. Her physician should know where to get one that will have a phone number on it that will link her vital information so she can be returned safely and/or will allow her to get emergency treatment that will not put her in further jeopardy, like if she’s allergic to anything. Getting this on her earlier is safer than later because you don’t know when you’ll need it. If she’s resistant, you might suggest your dad get one as well, so she can see they’re doing the same thing.
    My heart goes out to you and your family. My father passed six years ago and my mother is my legal responsibility. Though she doesn’t live with me, she’s in a residence for people with memory problems. I still find myself running to be with her for many emergencies as well as visiting her as often as possible for social reasons.
    Dementia is a heartbreaking condition and becoming an international crisis with burdens many families are ill-prepared to face.

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    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:21 am

      You’re so right, Sharon. My MIL doesn’t wander (yet) but this is a false sense of security because when she does we’ll all say we should have got her the bracelet before this. I’ll look into it. Thank you so much for the advice and loving words xxxx

      Like

  41. ParentingIsFunny / Feb 14 2016 1:43 pm

    Wowsa! I hope your father is feeling better! And cute frog, as always. One of these days one might turn into a prince. Keep trying. 😉

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:22 am

      I don’t know how many times I’ll have to kiss him before he changes (lol).

      Thank you so much for the well wishes xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  42. beeblu / Feb 14 2016 7:57 pm

    And the frog didn’t turn into a prince?!Sorry about your father-in-law, Dianne. They are fortunate that you were there to help.

    My mum is currently seriously ill in hospital and I’m 12,000km away. Just waiting on news from my brother as to whether I should go.

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    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:24 am

      Strangely enough, I’m in in the same position with my mother who is 3,000 miles away and has just gone into palliative care 😦 I really hope your mum is okay and will be thinking about you and sending you love, my darling xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      • beeblu / Feb 19 2016 6:14 pm

        Oh, that’s sad, Dianne. I’m sorry about your Mum. 😦

        Liked by 1 person

  43. restlessjo / Feb 15 2016 7:13 pm

    Well, it’s 9.10 and I’ve obviously just missed you for the day! 🙂 Hard to know how you keep it up, Dianne, but you obviously have boundless energy. It’s important that you enjoy the day job, isn’t it? So life’s not all slog 🙂 Hoping your week turns out happy!

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    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:26 am

      Me too, Jo! It’s all become a bit much lately, but I know I’ll get through xxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  44. mcwoman / Feb 16 2016 5:18 am

    Dianne, Your schedule would kill me. After six years of caring for my husband, I have learned to pace myself so I have enough energy for the bad days. . . and lately there are more of them than we used to have. You have great discipline, but you need to make time for yourself, too.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:27 am

      It’s so lovely to see you here, Barb! Have you not been blogging lately? I haven’t seen anything come up in my reader – I’ll check again 😀

      Like

  45. Minuscule Moments / Feb 16 2016 8:05 pm

    Dianne it sounds like you are very busy, I know what its like caring for family that need extra visits. Your days fill up quickly. That photo is stunning and you should enter it into a photo competition. Have you heard of view bug? A photo site where you share your pics with other photographers. I joined but just did not have the time to play in there. They have competitions too. I had a brown frog sitting on my clothes rack last night (so cute), we don’t see those beautiful green guys like yours.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:29 am

      I’ve been looking for a place to enter my photos, so thank you for the suggestion, Kath. I saw this morning that ABC online has a photo of the day that we can enter so I’m going to try that as well 😀

      Like

  46. Britt Skrabanek / Feb 17 2016 3:55 pm

    Oh, Dianne! I’m not care-taking over here, but I have really been trying hard to regain some life balance as the demands of my already demanding job have grown. Think I’m finding my way, especially with upping my meditation game. It’s not easy.

    Wishing you much relaxation and creative freedom, darling!

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:39 am

      Best of luck to you, Britt. The meditation is a great idea – and I’ve also been doing the 528 Hertz meditation as well and it’s quite invigorating! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Rustic Recluse / Feb 17 2016 7:37 pm

    That frog story ohmygosh. Take care while busy-ing with the folks, and the wannabe prince froggy! 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 19 2016 10:40 am

      LOL- I love “the wannabe prince froggy” call! I might call him WPF for short 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  48. Susan A Eames / Feb 21 2016 8:37 am

    Coming to this post a bit late, Dianne. Hope things have settled down a bit for you. Love the froggy – is it a Dwarf Green Frog? I photographed a similar little fella when I was camping in the Top End.

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 23 2016 3:27 pm

      I may be, Susan. I hadn’t thought to google it to see what it is. It’s still there, waiting for another smooch! 😀

      Like

  49. Zen A. / Feb 25 2016 5:05 pm

    Like Susan above, I’m way too late for this post.

    Sorry to hear about your father-in-law! 😦 A broken bone is never fun, and it must be worse for someone of his age. I hope he recovers quickly!

    Haha, that frog is cute! Maybe he did believe he was a prince and was trying to test out his theory! xD

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Luanne / Feb 27 2016 11:20 pm

    Having just spent the last two weeks with my elderly aunt and uncle and my mother also being here, I know that you have taken on a lot, caring for your elderly in-laws. You probably even need a massage :). The frog is adorable though. At least you got that kiss hahaha.

    Liked by 1 person

  51. reneejohnsonwrites / Mar 5 2016 11:27 am

    So sorry about your father-in-law. It can take some time for the elderly to heal. But I’m wondering what’s up with the animal kingdom. Frog in your mouth, bird on my leg…yikes! Must be a sign for 2016.

    Liked by 1 person

  52. Cynthia Reyes / Mar 10 2016 12:23 pm

    Wow, your hands are full. How good that your relatives have your kind help.

    Liked by 1 person

  53. jmgoyder / Mar 14 2016 9:45 am

    I just saw your more recent post. I am so so sorry for your loss xxxx

    Liked by 1 person

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