Wednesday, November 02, 2016

Backlog

Eleven suits that need sewing!

After the wettest October on record (we're situated between McMinnville, which received 10.05", and Salem, which got 11.19"), November is starting out drier. While Rick takes advantage of the weather to work on a backlog of outdoor tasks (leaves, gutters, etc.), I have been tackling a backlog in the guest bedroom. For awhile now it has been the catch-all for clothes that Brian has outgrown, sheep suits that need mending, magazines we haven't had time to read, even Christmas gifts already purchased. It's easier to shut the door than deal with it, but deal with it I now must. My MIL needs that room for at least one night next week and maybe more; everything is rather up in the air. She has lost most of the vision in one eye from glaucoma; Tuesday she is having surgery on her good eye in hopes of preserving her remaining vision. She will need to stay with us for at least a night or two – longer if she decides she is not comfortable having anyone stay with her in her home (a half-hour away), as she won't be able to drive for six weeks post-surgery – IF all goes well. (Her eyesight already limits her to careful daytime-only trips around town.) She's interviewed a responsible young woman who needs temporary lodging in exchange for chores/driving, a perfect solution for both, IMO, but my MIL's opinion usually differs from mine. :-/

Then there's my dad in Spokane (400 miles away) with stage 4 cancer; he and his wife can no longer take care of everything by themselves. My folks in Texas (1700 miles away) are doing okay at the moment . . . if by 'okay' you understand that even with Dad's bad back and residual effects from cancer surgery and Mom's recent foot surgery meaning four more weeks using a knee scooter, they are heavily involved in church and helping Dad's 94-year-old sister, and my step-brother is getting out of prison in a month and will be moving in with them (hopefully ONLY) temporarily. I'm feeling torn in at least four directions; how to keep from coming apart at the seams? For now I talk to God a lot, and just keep taking one bite of elephant at a time. Oh, and I fight for time with my mental health mustang. ;-)

That's it for now from . . .

8 comments:

thecrazysheeplady said...

I was looking at the picture trying to figure out who's suits those were and then saw they were sheep suits and it all made sense :-). Sorry you are having so many family issues. {{{hug}}}

A :-) said...

So many things on your plate - no wonder you feel torn. Hang in.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Wow...your rain is amazing! Here, we're sorely lacking in rain...praying and hoping for some today. Michelle, all too well I know the bitterness of being too far away from family...it wears on soul and mind, Talking to God is good...He has a plan and He is able.

Susan said...

That's a lot of stress - make sure you take care of yourself, Michelle. I was with Sarah, as I was trying to figure out just who would be wearing those suits...sheepies! My thoughts are with you and your family, near and far. Thank goodness for your mental health mustang.

Fat Dormouse said...

Distant families can be a worry. My thoughts are with you as you juggle everything that's coming at you at once. God bless.

Michelle said...

Sara, of COURSE, sheep suits! ;-) Thanks for the hugs.

Thanks, A, I am hanging in.

I'm so sorry it's so dry there, Sandra. I hope it doesn't all come as snow for you!

Thanks, Susan, I try – taking time to ride my handsome horse is one of the best ways!

Thanks, Alison; I appreciate your thoughts and prayers from afar!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry about all the things you are juggling and worrying about now. I hope it all works out for the best.

Michelle said...

Thanks, Donna; I'm feeling more positive at the moment. :-)