TGIF

 It's been a rough week folks.  Mother's health issues once again and not for the last time .  I've got a thoroughly crispy fried dad on top of that.  He brings on most of his stress because he doesn't allow their caregiver to help because he cannot give up control of the various details of running a household and taking care of his wife.  The details are killing him and everyone  around him .  Does it really matter if the Soup Bowl has a dish underneath it or is placed directly on the placemat?

 This is nothing new in the land of my family.  It has been driving us bonkers all of our lives.  He cannot see that he is creating his own hell,  where nobody wants to help him or be around him because he is extremely difficult .  Bless their caregiver, she has the patience of a saint.

 I pray that when I am 84 years old I am not this picky and unable to accept help. Time will tell.

I needed a nap when I finished having lunch with mom. She is a sweet woman and is growing more mentally confused by the week. It's hard to watch.

I woke up and made coffee because -- thank heavens -- I'm going out to dinner with a group of friends tonight and I need the energy. I'm looking forward to the hilarity that is bound to ensue with this group. They sustain me. And so does my dear husband, with his humor and patience.  A brief respite before I dive back in to the family swamp and attempt to reason (ha!) with dad over the weekend. Wish me luck!