We now come to the part of the evening where I play "Is that a bit of onion in my jar of pasta sauce, or fungus?"

Oh well, mushrooms are good on pasta. shrugs shoulders

Hey, Buffistas, has Shir posted recently? I feel like I haven't seen anything from her in a long time (but I also know she's a busy person).

Matt, is it a new jar of sauce, or has it been hanging out in your fridge?

Teppy, dementia sucks. I'm so sorry. I know of an elderly male patient whose inappropriateness went beyond speech (to his own actions um upon himself, in the presence of his caregivers). It's a terrible condition that robs people of their dignity.

I'm sorry it's happening, Teppy, but thank you for bringing it up. I've been carrying around an emotional grudge against my dad for that behavior when I was younger and knew much less about dementia. Today's discussion provided a click to the horizontal hold that suddenly absolved my dearly loved father of behavior I'd previously not spoken to anyone about because I found it horrible and unforgiveable. So thank you.

H has been driven to gnashing of teeth by the signup form for boosters our local pharmacy insists on--either online or by phone. Trouble is, they're asking for info they already have, which is irrelevant to this occasion anyway, and by the time all that info gets typed in, the call times out. Four times, so far. We're looking into other providers and locations.

I'm so sorry some of you have had bad psychiatrists and therapists in regard to the meds you need. My MD has been incredibly helpful, having me taper the first drug she wanted to try and starting me on a second one that seems to be working well. She does listen, and not once has she suggested weight loss, although she does encourage exercize. I feel really lucky to have found her.

Happy birthday to Hil! May you have a wonderful day and a year to come filled with delight. Miss your font!

I've been carrying around an emotional grudge against my dad for that behavior when I was younger and knew much less about dementia.

The increased discussion about mental health issues is so badly needed for this reason. If I had more of an understanding of the issues that confront people in my youth I surely would have benefited. I hope my children and the current generation will gain some added compassion and empathy from open discussion. I know I see a lot of openness about mental health struggles among my younger friends, and this is a very good thing. We still have a long way to go, but these struggles are discussed a lot more than they were a generation ago.

I wrote a note to Shir to see how she was doing. Her reply -

Hi! Thanks for checking in. Life is indeed very busy, but I am still alive. I will check in as soon as I have the chance.

Hugs,

Shir

Thanks for checking in! Sorry that I neglected this place for so long (I am still lurking here a bit every now and then but I am very behind on all posts. I skipped just to update. You are a good and sane place, as far as sanity has to offer in 2020-2021). Hugs and ~ma and belated celebrations to all of you.

I am trying to finish my thesis and work as usual, but most importantly, I am trying to survive a bad roommate situation (how bad? I'm not stressed about my thesis). I'm constantly stressed about picking up after her because she is not taking care of things that she is saying she'll take care of/waking me up (by making a lot of noise, not intentionally) late nights and very early mornings, which happens 3-4 times a week). She will be thankfully gone in the beginning of December, but until then, my life is under Hurricane Roommate. I really hope that I won't have to ask for an extension because it's difficult to write (and live) like this.

Next roommate looks a lot better and a lot more responsible, but my lords, next place I'll be renting alone. I'm 500% done with roommate drama.

Ugh, I do indeed hope for much better roommate compatibility next time. Is there a peaceful spot like a library where you can write?

Yes. I'm now at the library most of the time (or on the grass outside the library, if the weather is nice).

Matt, is it a new jar of sauce, or has it been hanging out in your fridge?

The latter, though I had sealed it really tight. Everything tasted okay and no aftereffects today, so whatever the case the mystery blob was harmless.

Yay for harmless mystery blob!

I'm trying to purge a bunch of stuff from my house and closets, without as much success as I would like. I tried taking several formal type dresses to a couple of consignment shops, no luck. My sister bought a bunch for her son's wedding, and never returns anything. Dresses with tags still on them! Most of my piles of clothes that are too big are headed for the women's shelter, but these are inappropriate. Next call is to the community theater. They were pleased decades ago when I gave them Stephen's tuxedos. So maybe?

eta: Found that the Women in Distress thrift store in Fort Lauderdale like fancy stuff donations, as well as any of my other clothes or household stuff. So it is likely that they are headed there. American Cancer Society picks up, but it isn't a big deal for me to cart stuff down to the thrift center.