Realization

[John9]

April Ballou,

I am sorry that you are lonely as well, but at least you have some friends from Church. I know it isn't the same but human contact is a good thing. But nothing will ever replace the loss of our spouses. I miss the companionship of my loving wife in every way all of the time. This was one of her favorite times of the year for many reasons. Take care, John

[John9]

Kevin O,

I am sorry that you will also have to endure the Holidays all alone. This loneliness is by far one of the hardest parts of the grief, especially after having been with someone for any length of time. My loving wife and I were together for 35 years and there were many traditions that are all gone now. Some changed in the previous years and all of the rest changed when my loving wife died. I miss my loving wife more and more each day and night and it just hurts so much. Take care, John

[April Ballou]

Yes its true when I go to church I have friends there.  But I only see them at church.  Nobody cares about me.  My children are grown and have their own lives.  There are a few people I call friends but I don't get to see them because they have families and lives.  So all I see is myself.   I hate this but I will survive someway.  God is here with me.

Yes its true when I go to church I have friends there.  But I only see them at church.  Nobody cares about me.  My children are grown and have their own lives.  There are a few people I call friends but I don't get to see them because they have families and lives.  So all I see is myself.   I hate this but I will survive someway.  God is here with me.

[steveb1]

Hey April, 

It is truly hard living without our soulmates and waking up to an empty home.  Like many of us, I’ve learned who my true family and friends are.  Some folks may not reach out because they don’t want to acknowledge they will eventually be in the same situation as us.  They have their blinders on.  People do have their own lives, but a kind word or gesture can go a long ways.  I hope your loneliness soon diminishes. 
 

Take care, steve

[April Ballou]

Thanks

Thanks

[KayC]

21 hours ago, Kevin O said:

So I will miss the fact that he is missing those days for the first time.

Yes, the only reason I decorate...no one comes over, so only Kodie and I see it, but I do it for George, hoping he sees my effort.  He loved all the holidays.

19 hours ago, April Ballou said:

I'm just going through the motions most of the time.

I'm so sorry, April.  I keep to my schedule, but get hit with weather events like we're having this week and beyond...I feel I'm in survival mode..

14 hours ago, John9 said:

I haven't heard from any of my loving wife's family in months

George's family did not keep in touch.  His dad didn't bother coming to his funeral (he lives two hours away and was offered a ride) but called a year later badmouthing him.  I reminded him of the caring things George did for him (horrible old man that he was!) and told him to call back when he had something nice to say and hung up...he never did.  So much for his family...11 kids in his family, only one lived too far away, one was deceased, the rest all could have driven to the funeral but only 3 did.  Didn't hear from them again except one wrote from prison wanting something he didn't have.  Nice.  Leeches.

3 hours ago, April Ballou said:

But I only see them at church.  Nobody cares about me

Uh-huh!  I get it!  Sounds like my life.  I'm sorry, April!

 

[Kevin O]

John9 I've been trying to figure out a way to word this without offending anyone. I met my partner when I was in my mid 40's and we we together for just over 20 years. I had a life before I met him. I spent 20 some years living alone in apartments and was relatively happy. I have moments when I tell myself 'yes it takes time. Relax. Process your grief. No time limit. You got this. You did it before you met him. It's all going to be fine someday'. 35 years seems like that could be most of your adult life. Where do you find the strength to go on? What helps you get through your day?  How do you create a new routine?  How does someone create a new life when there's nothing to base it on?  I'm hoping this post is not upsetting to you because the point of the post is my admiration in how you appear to be handling your daily struggle.  And I have no doubt that this is the struggle of your life.  But you are still willing to help others with your words. And it is appreciated. Take care John. 

[Gail 8588]

Just a few thoughts on this topic of loneliness. I certainly struggle with this too. 

It is hard to make new friends. It takes a lot of time and effort.  In my early grief, and even now nearly 6 years out, I just don't have the energy to make the effort. 

First you have to find someone who isn't too busy with their own life to make time for you. Then you have to assess whether they have the potential to be someone you would enjoy being around.  For example, I don't really want to make friends with someone who enjoys "getting wasted" by drinking too much or other ways. Other criteria can be non-starters for me too, angry belligerent people are no fun, narcissistic people are not my cup of tea, cigarette or cigar smokers I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time around.  So it takes a fair amount of effort to even be able to evaluate if this is actually someone you would want to have as a friend. 

Once you have identified a potential friend, then you have to spend quite a lot of effort actually being a friend to them. Listening to their stories, encouraging them in their activities etc. Because you can't actually have a friend without being a friend to them.  And that takes time and energy. 

Quite frankly even at 6 years out, I still feel emotionally drained.  It's all I can do sometimes just keeping up with repairs on my house, tending my garden, and babysitting my grandchildren. 

I moved away from "our" former friends.  So building on an old friendship isn't an option for me. Frankly it's depressing just to think about how hard it is to make a new good friend at my age.  

Yet I am really lonely.  I may get a dog to partially fill this void.  It is certainly not the same as having a human friend, but a good dog can provide a lot of companionship and affection and is considerably less work than developing a strong friendship with a stranger.  

Today is a day when I have not left my house and have not seen a single person. I called my older son to see if he had made it home yet from the holiday weekend. He had not. 

No one has telephoned me today. No reason that they should.  It is just a very quiet lonely existence much of the time. 

Gail

 

[KayC]

18 hours ago, Kevin O said:

You did it before you met him.

But it's not the same as before, that's the thing.  I was alone (even while married) BEFORE I met George and was certainly used to being "on my own," making decisions, handling things, but somehow when you have found and had "the ONE" and known what it is to have that person in your life and suddenly lose them, suddenly being alone and on your own is different.  We know what we are missing.  And we are missing it, so MUCH!

I am in survival mode at this stage of my life, living in the mountains, struggling through summers of fires/smoke, winters of snow, unable to afford a 4WD vehicle, very much on my own, and yet I have my network of community here, the wonderful neighbors and way of life here, I do NOT want to move to the city with traffic, lights, noise, concrete...to some it feels comforting, like being nestled in and not alone, but nope, I did that in my younger years.  I love the country, trees, wildlife.  It's not for everyone but it's for me.

My George knows all too well what I'm going through.  I know he not only knows, but understands and his thoughts are with me.  I have him here in his invisible form, unable to cross that vapor between our worlds, but still, the caring is there.

19 hours ago, Kevin O said:

But you are still willing to help others with your words. And it is appreciated. Take care John. 

Yes, very much so.

[John9]

Kevin O,

Honestly, I don't know how I keep going. I am so lonely all of the time, but I have to keep going until GOD or whomever says it is enough. I have stated before that I was with my loving wife for more than half of my life and two thirds of her too short life. Of course that being said, that is also part of why it hurts so much that her family has deserted our Son and I. I have known them for half of their lives as well AND our Son unlike me is actually a blood relative to them. I do try to respond/reply/answer or whatever you want to call it and maybe my experiences will help someone to at least know that some of their feelings are not just them alone. I don't know if I would still be here if not for these forums and the people who have taken this journey nobody wants to be on. Take care, John

[John9]

12 hours ago, Gail 8588 said:

No one has telephoned me today. No reason that they should.  It is just a very quiet lonely existence much of the time. 

Gail 8588,

As you are aware, I am no where near as far on my painful journey as you are. I understand most of what you have said and I fully agree with it. It is funny in a way what you say about drinking and smoking. I don't do either but when I first met my loving wife she did smoke and she drank some. I never tried to stop either of her habits because I loved her. She stopped drinking after our Son and when her Grandparents died in 2007 she stopped smoking. I know it isn't quite the same in regards to a friend versus a person who you might want a relationship with. But that discussion has come up and I see similar things no matter who you might want to be with. I said before that things have definitely changed in so many ways since 1986 when I met my loving wife. I am a lot less trusting now of anyone, because I don't know if they have an ulterior motive. I am also too old to make new old friends. for that same reason. I hope that this doesn't sound as if I am looking for a relationship because I am not and feel that I never will again. Take care, John

[Gail 8588]

John9, 

I understand your comments and I know what you mean that when you cross paths with someone who will be important in your life many of these characteristics I list become less important.  I have never had a beer, glass of wine, or other alcohol. My husband drank them, but not to excess. It never bothered me in the slightest. 

But for a friend that I want to be able to hang out with, share a meal, watch a movie, see the local sights with, I'd like that person to be rather easy going and patient. At my age it takes me a bit more time to do things but it would be nice to have someone to them with.  For example, during the month of October the Monarch butterflies swarm in St Marks Wildlife Refuge before flying across the Gulf of Mexico.  I'd love to go there (about a 45 minute drive) and stroll among them for an afternoon and then stop in a local restaurant on the coast for a grouper sandwich before heading home. I just don't have anyone to go with and I don't really want to go alone.  So another October has passed without me strolling through the butterflies.  Maybe next year. 

Most people are busy with their own lives.  It is just hard to develop an easy relaxed friendship with a new person.  You build that sort of friendship over years. 

Gail

 

[April Ballou]

Yes finding a friend with common interests and has free time at least twice a month  would be nice.  Most of the people I call my friend have very busy lives.  I have 1 friend that I have known almost 15 years, but she lives 5 hours away.  Needless to say if I go visit her I would need to stay in a motel because she doesn't have an extra bed or couch for me to sleep on.  If she comes here I have both.  But it costs gas to drive which she can't afford.   So I just don't know.  I understand people have lives and are busy.  I'm not asking much, just 1 day a month would be nice.  But they have spouses and responsibilities.   I have Noone and hardly any responsibilities.   This life I have now takes a lot of adjustment.   But I will make it with God's help.

[steveb1]

1 hour ago, April Ballou said:

 But I will make it with God's help.

April,

You certainly will make it:)!

[Roxeanne]

4 hours ago, Gail 8588 said:

Maybe next year. 

It happens to me too Gail!

Putting off something i liked to do with him...! 

With him it was so easy and beautiful, we had many interests in common...the only thing we had to do was doing it and enjoying everything!

now it's complicated...lot of efforts, fit each piece together like a damn puzzle..

Sometimes i did the effort,

Sometimes i feel it's not worth it

In any case i miss the great fun doing things with him!

 

[April Ballou]

@Roxeanne I understand what your talking about.   I find myself just going through the motions sometimes.   Especially when it comes to his family.   I find myself asking him if I should or not.  But I know he's not going to answer.   I hate making decisions by myself.   I just want to forget all about the holidays and pray next year will be better.

[John9]

6 hours ago, April Ballou said:

I understand people have lives and are busy.  I'm not asking much, just 1 day a month would be nice.  But they have spouses and responsibilities.

April Ballou,

I understand what you are saying. That was one of the reasons I took care of my friend, he had nobody. And even though I was married, my loving wife was okay with most of what I did. Yes, it cut into family time and now I would like that time back, but can't have it. My loving wife and I knew he needed help and we figured that when we were done caring for him and MIL, we would have our alone time again. Now I have all of the alone time and I am sorry to say, IT SUCKS. What I find "funny" is that everyone who is too busy to call or visit me, were able to find time when my loving wife was alive. But that goes back to the fact that I am not their family. I hope you can find someone who is able to spend time with you even for that one day a month. Take care, John

[foreverhis]

6 hours ago, Gail 8588 said:

My husband drank them, but not to excess. It never bothered me in the slightest. 

In our case, John was the one who didn't/couldn't drink.  He was diagnosed with a sensitivity to the enzymes in alcohol that's akin to how celiac patients react to gluten.  It wouldn't kill him, but he'd be miserable for 3 days. He was always fine with me having a glass of wine with dinner or having the occasional cocktail when we went out with friends.  We're friends with local, well respected owners of a small winery, so he'd attend the various events for the food, music, and company.  At first, I couldn't bring myself to even consider going to any of the parties or anything.  Now, my good friend and baking partner comes as my guest.  I've introduced him to everyone and we have a lovely time.  His wife, also my very dear friend, isn't a wine drinker and is happy for us to have the time together.  I'm so lucky that way in that we had casual friends in the neighborhood who have become my good friends and support system.  We're all middle aged or a bit older and look out for each other.  It's a real gift that I do not take for granted.

[Ronni_W]

5 minutes ago, foreverhis said:

[...]  It's a real gift that I do not take for granted.

Dear foreverhis, you so lifted my heart and spirits with your post! Thank you for sharing. ❤️.   Ronni

[KayC]

April, since you have the room and she does not, could you split the gas with her for her to come once a month?  It'd be so nice to have that to look forward to!

My BFF moved to TX 7 1/2 years ago to remarry.  To say I miss her is an understatement.  I thought she'd come back for a visit but she never did.  Her life has moved on.  I haven't been able to find a friend like her since.  We had such a good friendship, did things together, crafts, cooking, going places or just hanging out with a cappuccino.

[April Ballou]

@KayC never thought of splitting the gas money.  Next time I speak to her I will mention that.   Thank you. 

[KayC]

It might help her to accept it that way.  And the price of gas is beginning to go down a bit.  The lowest here in Oregon was $5.50/gal - $6.00.  Now Costco is 3.80, everywhere else here over $4.  (Eugene/Springfield, OR)

[April Ballou]

Our gas price have went down to $2.75 a gallon.   I pray they go down more.  

[Gail 8588]

@Sim7079. Where I am in Florida, prices have clearly gone up, but not too bad.  Gas here is about $3.20 a gallon, down from $3.70 a few months ago (for a short time gas was $4.00 a gal.), but still up from what it has been in recent years.  Groceries are definitely higher. A dozen eggs used to be $1.75 now they are over $4.00, but this is mostly due to Avian Flu wiping out so many poultry farms here.  Hundreds of thousands of chickens have been slaughtered to try to stop the spread of this disease.  But it is in wild birds, so it is really hard to stop.  The price of chicken has skyrocketed for the  same reason.  Many foods have increased a little, but are not huge increases. A brand  of frozen dinner I often buy was $3.20 for the past several years. Now they are $3.80.  Still quite affordable' but more than before. My utility bill (electricity, water and sewer) is up a little but is still less than $200 a month.  I live alone in a 1,400 sq foot home. People with a larger home, with more people in it, or living in a colder location than Florida may be seeing higher utility costs. 

All in all, costs are not too bad where I live. 

I feel very fortunate. 

Gail

[April Ballou]

My house is all electric and I know that last year my electric bill was $300 for December,  January,  and February.   I pry its not going to be like that.  I will get my December bill tomorrow.   I'm lucky we have a well for water, no water bill.  God blessed me with my house back in January of 2021.  Just in time because we had a very bad cold spell then.  I know that God will supply me with the funds to pay my electric bill.  I will stay warm.  That's why God gave me my house,  so I can stay warm in the winter. 

[KayC]

Gas was $5.50 at Eugene Costco and has recently gone down to $3.80, everywhere else higher.  Not sure about heating oil but think it's higher.  I quit using it years ago for that reason.  Am on all firewood now.  Messy but fail proof.  Six winters ago I got a new wood stove and it's so nice not seeing smoke coming out of the chimney!  The combustor is great.  Unfortunately the thermostat isn't working right, have to have it turned all the way down and still it burns too hot but it's better now that the temperatures have dropped, it's mainly in the shoulder season (Fall, Spring).  I love it still heats when the electricity is off, nearly four years ago power was off over 8 days!  Which also meant no water, internet, telephone, road crews, mail delivery, etc.  Couldn't even pee in the back yard!  Couldn't get back there, 4'5" snow frozen to a brick of ice at 18 degrees F.  It was rough, I hope never to see that again.

[KayC]

How is the current bill, April?  My electric is about $85-95/month, but my firewood is on top of that, it used to be $90 but now has risen, I just paid $135 for not even 1/2 cord!  And it'll last me maybe two weeks.

John, how are you doing?  Thinking of you as we go through this holiday season.

[foreverhis]

4 hours ago, KayC said:

My electric is about $85-95/month, but my firewood is on top of that, it used to be $90 but now has risen, I just paid $135 for not even 1/2 cord! 

My electric hasn’t gone up (yet). We switched to mostly LED bulbs years ago once they got the color spectrum and diffusion right. Our TV is LED as well. And I’m very good about timing use for the best rates. I average between $50 and $75, depending on the time of year.

Gas is another matter. I like a warm house and have a forced air furnace. It’s been in the 50s for highs and 30s for lows most of the time for the last 6-7 weeks. I have the thermostat set low for overnight, but this old house isn’t insulated as well as it could/should be. My bill doubled from what it was in October, highs average in the 60s and lows in the 50s to high 40s, to nearly $140. That’s a 20% or so jump from last year. We’re not even in our coldest months of January and February, when yes, even the coastal towns have freezes. It’s not as cold as 15-20 miles inland, where freezing temperatures from November through early March are typical and we even get snow in the hills at times, but for a lifelong coastie girl like me, lows in the 20s are 🥶.

I will pay the price because I hate being cold in my own home! The first winter after John died was the worst because I already felt cold all the time. The last couple of winters haven’t been as bad that way.

Stay warm and safe, everyone.

[John9]

7 hours ago, KayC said:

John, how are you doing?  Thinking of you as we go through this holiday season.

KayC,

Thank you for asking, All I can say is I am still here. I am not doing well, this loneliness is terrible and the weather is all over the place. We had 2 different high wind advisory events within the same week. Rainy, dreary and cold also. I just want all of this to end. Sorry to sound so down, but this is just so wrong.

1 hour ago, foreverhis said:

I will pay the price because I hate being cold in my own home!

foreverhis,

I agree about paying whatever you have to pay to be warm, however it isn't always something everyone is able to do. I sit under a blanket most mornings after I wake up because I just have a chill. I know if my loving wife was still alive, the heat would be set at a higher temperature than it is now.

[foreverhis]

2 hours ago, John9 said:

however it isn't always something everyone is able to do.

So true.  I consider it a blessing that I'm able to make that choice.  When I turn 65 next year, I will lose more income (as is typical, I lost a bunch when John died) and only pick up a portion in retirement benefits.  I've already sat down with my inner CFO/accountant to look at areas to cut day-to-day expenses.  I've found at least $200/month of things that I can "live without," but a warm house isn't one of them.  I'll give up a lot to be warm in my home.  I mean, I don't set it (or want it) absurdly high, but 67-69 during the day depending on what I'm doing and how the outside weather makes me feel, 70-72 in the evening so I can just knock around in my pjs (top and bottom, but no robe unless I have visitors), and then down to 59-60 an hour or so before bedtime for overnight.  I actually don't like an overly warm house then.  I have enough trouble with insomnia and get overheated with my auto-immune issues during sleep, so a cool house is a must.  Then I have it set to come on enough to take the chill off about the time I usually get up. 

Every time I complain to myself about yet another home repair or maintenance cost, I try to remind myself that there are millions of people around the world who would give anything to have a warm, mostly dry (have a few persistent, annoying leaks we're working on fixing), comfortable home with food in the fridge and pantry, running water, and working plumbing.  Plus I live in a wonderful, peaceful neighborhood with friends who look out for each other.  I don't take any of it for granted.

[KayC]

When it's 72 in here I'm freezing!  Have to bundle up, it doesn't hold the heat very well, older mobile homes are notorious for that.  I feel a chill.  The $135 for wood I bought will last me a couple of weeks, not exactly a "truckload" as promised.

[John9]

4 hours ago, KayC said:

When it's 72 in here I'm freezing!  Have to bundle up, it doesn't hold the heat very well, older mobile homes are notorious for that.  I feel a chill.  The $135 for wood I bought will last me a couple of weeks, not exactly a "truckload" as promised.

KayC,

Sadly there are many factors in why we feel a chill, even when the temperature says we should be warm. I know when there is any rain or snow I just can't get warm. And then on the days when the outside temperature is a little too warm, and still cold the house can't seem to get warm either. My loving wife used to always seem to have a chill on those days and now it seems as if I do as well. Too bad you aren't near me because I have all kinds of "firewood" you could have. When we first were clearing for the house, one of my loving wife's Aunts had a house that used a wood burning furnace and she took wood whenever she would visit. Now it is just a place for all of the small critters to live in. I had at one time piled some by the side of the road, but the city didn't like that so I don't do it anymore. I had looked into converting or purchasing an outdoor burner that would connect to me furnace but there was an issue with the installation so that went nowhere.

[April Ballou]

5 hours ago, KayC said:

When it's 72 in here I'm freezing!  Have to bundle up, it doesn't hold the heat very well, older mobile homes are notorious for that.  I feel a chill.  The $135 for wood I bought will last me a couple of weeks, not exactly a "truckload" as promised.

I understand that's why I got a newer mobile home in 2021.  I wasn't able to stay warm by myself in the mobile home Darrell and I lived in 26 years.

[Gail 8588]

I am also one who is really thankful that I have a dry, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, safe home. 

It could have gone differently for me if I hadn't been able to sell our big old rundown house after my husband died.  It had a big mortgage that I couldn't pay on my own.  If it went into foreclosure, I would have been in a very different situation.

My house is an old (1935) wood frame house, so there will always be this and that that needs to be fixed up.  But the previous owners put in all new windows that are very energy efficient. They put in extra insulation, so my heating and cooling costs are about as low as can be.  

I am very grateful to have this house. 

Living in Florida there aren't too many cold spells, so winter heating needs are not as much as a priority for me. 🙂 

Gail

 

[KayC]

Just discovered the shop floor rotted out finally...smells like skunk in there, don't think it's big enough for them to get in but likely they're underneath and it's coming through.  Sigh...

Went to Dermatologist yesterday, about 135 miles of driving, had a possible skin cancer removed, said I'd have to come back to have more aggressive removal if positive.  I didn't want to have to come back...snowing tonight on.  Tried to call them about how to do my shower as they don't want it wet but they didn't call back.  Sigh...medical care is not what it used to be.

[John9]

7 hours ago, KayC said:

Sigh...medical care is not what it used to be.

KayC,

Hopefully what you had removed isn't cancer, but if it is hoping that you caught it soon enough for treatment. Sadly the comment about medical care, fits just about everything now. And everything is so much more expensive to be treated so poorly. Hopefully the shop floor can be fixed , at least temporarily to keep the skunks and other critters out. Take care, John

[April Ballou]

@KayCpraying for you 🙏🙏🙏

[KayC]

I can't afford to hire anyone right now.  It'd be major.

Praying for this to be non-cancerous...have had several melanomas...

[foreverhis]

Praying for you too, Kay. I know melanoma cancer has been a long time concern for you. ❤️

[Robert D.]

KayC

Praying to the Lord Jesus for you KayC!! 

[annie123]

Prayers for you KayC.

[KayC]

I got the call yesterday after burning myself severely.  It's cancerous.  Have to go under the knife on 12/20, I pray it doesn't snow that day. 

My burned hand is bad.  I didn't even think to go in yesterday, it was afternoon, they'd have made me go in emergency, 1 1/2 hours away.  Not looking to be a good Christmas season.  Wondering how I'm going to get wood in, load the fires let alone shovel snow.

[Sparky1]

Kay, I am saddened to hear that it was cancerous. I pray that they can get it and you get better. The burn is another blow that you definitely didn't need right now, I also hope it gets better. Wish I was there to help you with the wood though.

I'm noticing that as I get older, I'm hit with new afflictions, one after the other. I have to go next month to the hospital to see an orthopedic surgeon to sort out why my shoulder doesn't heal, family doctor couldn't figure out. Thursday I went to the optometrist, and guess what, 2 days before I got a nice big fat stye on the inside of my eyelid. What kind of fate is that? I pray to God that everything goes well for you, and try to get someone at least to help you with the wood. God bless.

[Gail 8588]

Kay,

I am so sorry about the burn and the cancer.  I hope you can get some help from your kids.

Avoiding getting an infection in that deep burn has got to be a priority.  Maybe the skin cancer doctor will call in a prescription for antibiotics for you because of the burn.  

Take some photos of the burn to send to the Doctor's office.  I did that for a tick bite that I though was likely Lyme disease. The Dr. looked at my photos and agreed, calling in a prescription without my having to actually go in to the Dr office. 

The Dr doesn't want you to be battling an infection when you come in for surgery on 12/20. 

This is one of those times when  you really need some help.  If your kids won't take you in I hope you will ask for help at church or elsewhere. 

Gail

 

[John9]

KayC,

I am sorry that it was cancerous, hopefully it was caught in time and they can treat you. I am also sorry that you have to deal with a burn as well. I agree with Gail 8588 and hope that there is someone who can help with the snow and firewood. Hoping that your hand gets better and keep us posted on everything. Take care, John

[steveb1]

KayC,

I’m praying that you quickly recover on both your health issues and get the help that you need as you heal.  You’ve helped so many people, time for some of them to assist you in your time of need. 

God bless and take care,

steve

[Robert D.]

KayC

 Very sorry to hear of the cancer and burn. I am praying for you and also hope family and or friends will be there, as they should, to help you now. 

God bless!!

Robert

[April Ballou]

@KayC my thoughts and prayers are with you.   I know that God will help you.  I don't know what to say about the wood issue.   I trust that God will lead you and guide you.  

[Gail 8588]

Kay, 

I am reading about blizzard conditions in the northwest. I hope that is not the situation at your house. 

Thinking of you and praying for the best. 

Gail

[KayC]

8 hours ago, Gail 8588 said:

I hope you can get some help from your kids

My kids don't live here, so no help there.  I had someone offer to get wood in for me, but it'd be a long drive for them...

I'm managing for now, just worried the blisters will pop, one in particular is really bad.  Will try to get to the doctor Monday.  We don't have a blizzard here yet.

I got an offer for a ride to the dermatologist if I need it.  I'm actually much more worried about the burn.

Thank you, you all!  My family...