A long rave

[Bunniekins]

@Mazarita Hi Mazzy a BIG congratulations on your achievement ditching the herb :D.  That is brilliant news as @eth said you should buy yourself something special as a reward for doing so well. Something pretty and feminine maybe :)xxxx

@eth Dear god eth I don't know how you are doing it with all this activity. Well done with everything you have achieved over the Chrissy period. You have done exceptionally well too. 😄 xxxx

[Zoe7]

I like smaller dogs because of the 'sit on your lap and cuddle' factor @CheerBear - might be better for Noodle and Mouse also ...but I never thought I would have a dog either - always been a cat person but the moment I saw Toby I fell in love with him and now I couldn't imagine my life without him. I have never taught him to jump on the bed (his legs are a bit short anyway lol) so Cat has that and her own room as her domains - that really helps to know she is happy and secure in her own territory. They really do get on well though - just the occasional scuffle when Toby intrudes on Cats territory. I think teaching Toby that he came second for things like food and treats really helped socialise him with Cat around.

[Zoe7]

@eth Your NYE sounds wonderful - time on the farm would be amazing and hopefully relaxing 

Hi @Bunniekins always lovely to see you here 

[CheerBear]

Mouse and Noodle are pretty highly strung @Zoe7 and don't like pretty much anyone or anything outside of their immediate family, and even that can be a stretch sometimes 😆 I can see the appeal in a little lap dog but also like the idea of a big one that can tolerate sometimes pretty boisterous kids too. One of mine wants a teacup dog to fit into a little handbag and wear necklaces and jackets. Yep, nope 😉

[Zoe7]

I have many jackets and jumpers for Toby @CheerBear but those tiny teacup dogs are not for me either. I love that Toby is small enough to sit on my lap to cuddle 

Cat is pretty tolerant of Toby and my sister's dog when he comes over. My previous cat wouldn't have tolerated either but she was definitely a one person cat. 

[eth]

@CheerBear @Zoe7 @Bunniekins sorry I disappeared.  My sister rang from Indonesia where she's spent Christmas with just her and her husband for the first time in 12 years together.  Sounding very relaxed which is nice to hear. 

Needless to say we spent a good part of the conversation talking about mum.  Somewhat reassuring to hear what she had to say as she's the one lives in the same city as mum and her help has been abused many a time.  Sis's daughter down south apparently spends a month at a time a couple of times a year hosting mum and they have a plan that mum will live with niece when the time comes that that's what she needs/wants.  First I'd heard of that.  And that's enough of my energy spent on that topic!!!

[Zoe7]

Nice to hear from your sister while she is away @eth - it must be a bit of a shock to hear the news of what your mum will do when the time comes but also a sense of relief that you will not need to look after her also - but also that feeling that if your mum can be like that with your niece why can't she be nice to you too - families hey - so tricky.

As you said though - enough of that topic - what are yur plans before you head to the farm?

[eth]

Disappeared again sorry @Zoe7.  Bro and I had a chat about sis's phone call content and how we feel about her opting out so completely of mum's care.  But to be fair, mum said something dreadful to her a few months ago that pushed sis beyond the edge of her capacity to be compassionate, so I do understand her (sis's) position.  Bro is more upset about it because in reality it will fall to him to meet mum's needs in the interim.  And he and sil are already caring for me and sil's mum here.

Between now and going to the farm I have almost nothing planned, need a good rest anyway after the last few days.  Just having a support worker for about 1 1/2 hours tomorrow morning to do a few things - chemist, grocery shop and I want to get the astrological and planting guide calendar from the new age shop.

Might  watch a few eps of something on iview in a while.  some sort of police drama probably.  To tired even to read, tho' I am into 3 books at the moment - will take them to the farm.  And gradually adding things to the pile of what to take to the farm.  I think we'll be there 4 or 5 days.  I like to be organised well in advance so there's no last minute rush.

What are you up to today?

[Zoe7]

@eth I like to have things orgnaised early too so there is so last minute rush. I hate being late for things too so often ready ahead of time to get to things on time.

I had a sleep this afternoon - I am still very tired so think it will be an early night tonight.

Going to try a little painting soon - was going to take Toby to the beach but too tired.

Also need to clean up a bit but that can wait - no rush.

It sounds like you all have a difficult relationship with your mother and that makes it extra hard to be around her - you have done so well these last few days to have her around and still get through okay.

[eth]

Thanks @Zoe7 yes it was hard but I managed to never be alone with her and she didn't come into my cabin once.  She told me she's been uncertain how to communicate with me since I exploded when she said something dreadful about my adult child's parenting.  I just said "I think I've been pretty clear about boundaries" ... !  Refused to be hooked in any of her attempts with me and bro.

Painting this afternoon sounds like a lovely idea.  Hope you are happy with the results. 

I don't feel like going anywhere today either.  I feel like I'm 'landing' after several days in caution mode and sometimes flight state.  Going to watch telly for a bit now.  Take care my friend.