Laga, stick to your guns on this one. Try to gently remind your mom that not being accepted into the group is part of the natural consequences for the habitual behaviors of this sister rather than a "punishment", and that protecting others from the consequences of their behaviors is what enablers do, and it keeps them from facing the true need to change. It hurts like hell, stopping the enabling, because so much of what it is feels like being loving and helping. Telling such a person that there will be unpleasant consequences of continuing in a behavior then giving in on those consequences is rather like giving a child a cookie to shut 'em up out of a screaming tantrum. Doesn't solve the root of the problem, and reinforces the idea that carrying on is the way to get what they want.

SO MUCH THIS!!!!

God, I'm tempted to phone your mum myself and say this! Your sister is so far over the line that she can't even see the damn line with binoculars. Mixing up your 'this is not acceptable, and we do not accept it' message would only serve to fuck you all over.

Your sister is so far over the line that she can't even see the damn line with binoculars.

"The line is a dot to you!"

This morning when I went to work it was 19°. This Wednesday the temperature is supposed to reach 59°. Crazy.

The big giant hand's notes say that Autumn left yesterday too. But I only see three puppies today.

Laga, I hope everything works out.

Raq, lots of healing ~ma for your step-aunt.

Today is some sort of feast day, so it's a holiday at my U. I volunteered to work since my DH has to work anyway, and it's really dead around here. There are students (we're in the middle of finals) but the library is the only thing open in the building -- all the other offices and the cafe is closed. Zzzzz!

Yes, but now they owe you!

So much ~ma to your indispensable relative, Raq. And to the rest of your--and her--family, too.

What would be good catalog to get pajamas and workout clothes from for an old woman 5'1" medium waist?

Vermont Country Store is a go-to when getting any kind of gifts for the Old Folks. [link]

Tons of ~ma to your step-aunt, Raq

Vermont Country Store is a go-to when getting any kind of gifts for the Old Folks.

I did find this [link] rather startling when I got my catalog.

Also, TB, both Penney's and Sears are pretty reliable for age-enhanced persons, and Hanes.com is a good source for cheap, good quality fleece pants and the like.