She was positively fascinated by your photo. It's actually during the daytime that she is afraid of monsters. She's a good sleeper, thank goodness.

So I am trying to play peacemaker with my family without my head exploding. It ain't easy. Short version without lots of emotional details is that Mom never had a will and the house she shared with DSD (dear-step-dad) was in her name. He could have made us sell it when she died, but being the person he is he took life tenancy with the house going to 4 kids after he dies. Personally I found it horrible and cursed Mom for not protecting him because I feel it is 100% his. A year passes, with most of the time him being up north and my brother living for free in the FL house as he has for the past 5 years. DSD can't bear living there anymore. Both because his wife died in his arms there, and living with bro is awful. He wants to sell but now can't unless all 4 agree. Sibs feel he is throwing out bro to be homeless. No way will they agree.

I have proposed to all of them that I buy out DSD's 50% and after bro is gone I end up with 62-1/2% share. Whatever, I seriously never wanted any share, but not really willing to buy out DSD for nothing. Or we can all buy him out, or bro and I buy him out. Something that leaves bro with all Mom's belongings and DSD free to go elsewhere.

If they don't agree then DSD could end up evicting bro and renting the place out because he can do that legally. Yeah, that would be a mess.

So really, some peaceful solution ~ma would be very much appreciated. I am unable to sleep or focus with all this hanging over my head.

Oh, Laura. I hope your sibs see reason and you are able to resolve things smoothly.

I am sorry your sibs are being so difficult Laura.

Ugh, that is a frustrating situation. Are the other two completely against those ideas? Hopefully they will see your compromises as the best solution for all involved.

Not knowing the people and all the details involved, I do find it interesting that the other two siblings see DSD selling as making bro homeless when either of them could (maybe) have him move in with them instead.

Crowley is spending the day with K-Bug so I can concentrate on school work. I have 8 assignments I'd like to get done today as I'm not sure what time I'll have available tomorrow. Tomorrow is earmarked for DCC - we have our team's kick off meeting and potential 3 interviews for 2 leadership positions. With my new role, I have to step up my involvement a bunch. Which, big picture, is ok, but through February is going to be a bitch. Thankfully my assistant director and director know the details of my life and are cool with covering when I hit max on work/school/pain.

Anyway, back to my second paper of the day, which represents item 4 on the school to-do list. -t and Lee - this will only get me caught up, not ahead, so homework on vacation - wheee?

Ugh, not having a will sucks.

I do find it interesting that the other two siblings see DSD selling as making bro homeless when either of them could (maybe) have him move in with them instead.

Easily, they both even have room. But neither of them would live with him either! I really hope they come around. I wrote to bro today and tried to persuade him to buy it with me or let me do it.

If they can't all come to agreement then DSD has every legal right to evict him and rent the place out for the rest of his days. Of course that would totally blow up the family. My frustration level is off the charts.

Ugh, Laura. As the person who literally had to kick my brother out of the house after I bought it, and after it became clear he'd never move out on his own, I can say I FEEL YOU on this one.

I'm sorry you had to do that, Burrell. You hear other people going through it and hope your family won't be that way. I feel like I should have bullied mom more about the will.

That sounds like a good solution, Laura. I hope everyone else can see that.

Suzi, will this be homework you can do sitting by the pool or lounging in a bar or suchlike? Speaking of, Ineed to start looking at nearby amenities and deciding which I absolutely must experience...