My update...

[CANicoll]

Hi folks,

I feel like it's been forever since I've posted so wanted to check-in and say hi and that I have not forgotten you.  I have so many things I could build I'm still choosing something.  I have diverted some time back to making a few pens, which is a quick-hit to completion - like 3 hours quick hit!  I had picked up some really nice-looking blanks.  Will post some pictures when I get a few more done.

Health update - actually, not bad.  Had a few kidney stones but been down that road before.  One quick (four hour) trip to the hospital for one of them and Morphine is a wonderful invention.  Passed no problem.  Otherwise, still (mostly) vertical!  

Cleaned out some people from my life who have not been as invested in our relationship/friendships as I have been.  Freeing up that mental space has been a really good feeling.  Helps that I found a new friend who continues that brings life and sunshine into mine.  She actually will ping me to say "Are you busy? I don't feel like cooking tonight.  Want to go grab a bite somewhere?". It's nice.

Taking care of my mother is a different matter.  Took her to dinner for Mother's Day (of course!).  During dinner she was talking about how her father was so good raising all of the (seven) kids by himself.  Ummm.. Yes, her mother left when they were young, but her father remarried shortly thereafter.  Even growing up I met her stepmother several times.  She had forgotten about her stepmother.  This is the most glaring of her memory issues and indicative of her continued decline.  She's 89 and in otherwise very good health, but I'm having to spend more time taking care of her affairs.  It is VERY hard to set up the guardrails for an elderly parent.  I at least am able to ensure her bank and investment accounts can't be emptied without me knowing she's trying to move some money.  If she has to go full memory care, that will drain her accounts very quickly...

Fortunately, she moved to an assisted living facility 10 min away from me, so I know someone is there 24/7 if something happens. 

So that is my update; Sorry to not be as active as usual, but I'll get a build started sometime soon and will try and be more diligent about at least seeing what great work you all are doing.

 

 

[Landlubber Mike]

Hey Chris, good to hear from you, though sorry to hear about the rough ride you've been experiencing.  Glad at least you were able to hit the bench for some pens - turning wood is a very relaxing experience, at least for me until something goes wrong

Sorry to hear about your mom, but it sounds like at least she is set up somewhere close.  My father in law moved in with us and is losing his memory and faculties.  While it's just the beginning stages, it's still a handful for us with three kids still in the house and all their activities.  Just have to do the best you can do.

If you don't mind, show some of your pens!  If you're looking for more blanks - wood, acrylic, etc. - I have plenty and can send some your way.

Mike

[mark31]

nice to hear

sorry to hear that from your mom but take good care over here.

I wish i could still see my momshe past away at a age off61 but still in my hart and mind

And like you said about friends its a relief to say goodbey to some people and that will helps you forward.

Would like to see some off the pens

 

take care

 

Mark

[CANicoll]

Mike and Mark, thank you for your support!  It means a lot. 

Mike, I do have some nice wood blanks - I really like spalted and stabilized blanks - and have one pen I'm having to work on the finish - it's getting there.   I've never turned acrylic but the guy who taught me only turns acrylic.   I'll get some pictures to post for you. 

Cheers, gents!

[ScottsGT]

Good to hear from you Chris.  I was in the same boat with Mom before she passed.  Long story, but it was my brother taking advantage of her finances and I had to step in to protect her from getting drained as well as my future inheritance.  I was mostly concerned about Mom, but he had structured a Trust where he would take it all.  His impatience is what took him down.  
 

I found sitting at the bench was a great mind cleaner that took all that burden off my shoulders for a few hours. I’m sure your pen turning is the same. BTW, I almost went down that rabbit hole.  I already have too many hobbies as it is.  Glad I put the brakes on that one.  

[biggtim]

2 hours ago, ScottsGT said:

Good to hear from you Chris.  I was in the same boat with Mom before she passed.  Long story, but it was my brother taking advantage of her finances and I had to step in to protect her from getting drained as well as my future inheritance.  I was mostly concerned about Mom, but he had structured a Trust where he would take it all.  His impatience is what took him down.  

So lame. I can't imagine doing that to family.

[ScottsGT]

1 hour ago, biggtim said:

So lame. I can't imagine doing that to family.

Yea, he’s a real piece of…….. work.  Only reason he didn’t go to jail is because he had four lawyers, including mine, telling him to surrender the Trust to me or the judge would decide where he spends the next 5-7 years sleeping at night. 
 At one time Mom even lied to a police investigator about the time he took her into the bank to get added to her account. Bank manager is required to speak to the account owner alone before proceeding.  He lost his temper in the bank and got loud with them, making legal threats, etc.  They immediately sent them on their way and called the police.  Mom brushed it all off as a misunderstanding.  He was always her favorite and she would have handed him everything if he had simply asked.  All she wanted to do is make sure he didn’t go to jail.  
 

Needless to say we’re no longer on speaking terms.  Damned shame since we had so much in common. Both of us are into vintage cars and he’s also a model builder.  

[biggtim]

4 hours ago, ScottsGT said:

Yea, he’s a real piece of…….. work.  Only reason he didn’t go to jail is because he had four lawyers, including mine, telling him to surrender the Trust to me or the judge would decide where he spends the next 5-7 years sleeping at night. 
 At one time Mom even lied to a police investigator about the time he took her into the bank to get added to her account. Bank manager is required to speak to the account owner alone before proceeding.  He lost his temper in the bank and got loud with them, making legal threats, etc.  They immediately sent them on their way and called the police.  Mom brushed it all off as a misunderstanding.  He was always her favorite and she would have handed him everything if he had simply asked.  All she wanted to do is make sure he didn’t go to jail.  
 

Needless to say we’re no longer on speaking terms.  Damned shame since we had so much in common. Both of us are into vintage cars and he’s also a model builder.  

Makes me glad for my wacky family, problems and all.

[KevinM]

6 hours ago, biggtim said:

So lame. I can't imagine doing that to family.

 

8 hours ago, ScottsGT said:

Good to hear from you Chris.  I was in the same boat with Mom before she passed.  Long story, but it was my brother taking advantage of her finances and I had to step in to protect her from getting drained as well as my future inheritance.  I was mostly concerned about Mom, but he had structured a Trust where he would take it all.  His impatience is what took him down.  
 

I found sitting at the bench was a great mind cleaner that took all that burden off my shoulders for a few hours. I’m sure your pen turning is the same. BTW, I almost went down that rabbit hole.  I already have too many hobbies as it is.  Glad I put the brakes on that one.  

I have a friend of the family known for 40+ years I do work for her at her house her husband passed about 7/8 years ago who is going through the same exact BS with her brother next store living with Mom now.The friend is childhood arthritic using a wheelchair some days on a fixed income and the brother is retired living off Mom's husband's retirement.