Having a Spell

Last week, I met with several friends -- the workout girls. We were celebrating three birthdays and catching up on the various things in our lives. Just because my oldies are gone doesn't mean I'm not in touch with Oldieville. Some are facing surgery, some are hanging on in homes, some are waiting for the next shoe to drop. I look around at this girlfriend group and I'm certain they are willing to pick up the pieces.

We're all good friends, good daughters, good wives, good mothers/stepmothers. We all put on the chameleon suit and rise to the occasion. I looked around the table and realized that all of these women spend their days asking clients, friends, children, parents and friends: "What do you need; how can I help?" Then, she digs in and does it.

Big Sal's husband was hospitalized. Our doctor (saint-in-training) ran a battery of tests. He's probably healthier than 90 percent of the population.

She called us and said, "Pour me a margarita. He's just having a spell."

Smart women know when to stop coddling. They know when the coast is clear, your best course of action might be some laughter and a margarita with some friends.

Idiots and Dummies

I'm a huge fan of the books that simplify things: The Idiot's Guide to (Put subject here) or (Put Subject Here) for Dummies. You know I like things explained to me like I'm a 5-year old.

Hangdog is in the hospital. Nothing urgent or life-threatening, just some tests to hopefully resolve some ongoing stomach issues. (Enough said or you might lose whatever is in your stomach.)

Headaches and stomachaches have not made his index finger immoble. He can dial that phone.

If I could stop answering the phone, running to the Home, running to the hospital, etc., I might put a book proposal together. I'd have to go through the proper channels because they own the copyright. I'm considering:

The Idiot's Guide to Oldies
Conquering Oldies for Dummies
The Idiot's Guide to Homes, Hospitals and Healthcare
The Sandwich Generation for Dummies
The Idiot's Guide to Cooking Like an Oldie

I have more but you'll have to wait. Maybe I'll see you in the bookstore.

The Feeding and Watering of Hangdog

Well, the trip just about did them in. They returned to us exhausted. The mother-in-law was obviously ill. The husband took her to the doctor and she was immediately admitted to the hospital. She has a mild case of pneumonia which is responding to medication. Other tests are happening as I write this.

The husband told our physician to wear his coat of armor when he does rounds. She is not a happy camper.

In the meantime, Hangdog must be fed and watered. This is not a tough job because even if he hates what is put in front of him, he will tell you, "It is EXCELLENT!" (He is well trained.) But, it does involve a few interruptions in the day. Her medication disbursement system is unintelligible to anyone but her -- that's on purpose -- so we are spending inordinate amounts of time deciphering what he needs to take and when. This involves several calls to the doctor's office.

The banged-up car is still in my driveway. Hangdog is very concerned about getting it fixed. I've obsessed with getting it out of here. She's not driving on my watch.