"Stranger" being the key word

I've always loved walking in and out of a room full of people just to hear the random snippets of conversation. When my parents are visiting, this little game is particularly entertaining. Here are some gems from the latest visit:

Dad, don't flip that guy off. (Me, yelling to the back seat)

We'd live here, but we don't think the doctors are as good as they are back home. (Ours is a top 100 hospital, they live in Two Dot, Montana)

What color is your hair? (to me)

You've certainly inherited the family eyebrows, haven't you? (to my daughter)

I've never wanted a scotch and a cigarette so bad in my life. (after being a sober non-smoker for 20 years)

Honey, your Dad had a little ovaltine accident. (Just had the carpet cleaned and more company comes the day after they leave)

They counted 15 polyps. (You don't want to know)

Let me show you my incision. (ditto)

I'll make something your hubby can finally eat. (no comment)

Tell the truth, how does she have blonde hair and the rest of you are brunette?

Truth is stranger than fiction, folks.

A girl who cain't say no

I love my parents, Lord knows I do. As the years have gone by we have developed a sweet relationship, hopefully making up for the years of distress I put them through as a teen. Now I have the teenagers and my parents are in their golden years. We live a couple of states away and don't see each other very often because, on my end we have kids and work and activities and just trying to take this show on the road is a unimaginable feat. But, one we accomplish once every summer. On their end, they are elderly and in poor health. Dad has had a quad heart bypass and two new hips, Mom has had three total knees (one twice, silly!) and a multitude of other problems. Driving to see us is out of the question and flying is iffy at best. They can neither sit nor stand/walk for long periods. What does that leave? But, bless their little hearts, they are absolutely determined the timing isn't going to get any better, and they are flying here to spend a few days. My siblings are in an uproar. Well, except my brother who never says much. My sisters think this is the worst idea and are predicting dire results. True, the last time they came Mom wound up in the hospital... I think part of the problem is that my parents didn't run this by the family for their approval, they just checked the date with me and booked their tickets like the big kids they are. Could I say no? No! Even though my husband is having surgery the day before they arrive? No! Even though I am up to my eyebrows in end of the school year paperwork? No! Even though I am planning a large event including another overnight guest in one week? No! Even though I have contractors in my house daily to fix the water damage in my roof and ceiling from the snowfall? No! Even though we have no place for them to sleep? No! No! and No! I haven't cried yet, but it's just a matter of time. I can feel the stress building up. Honestly, it feels better just having my party of personal woe right here. Therapy is great in all forms. I have my friend, Sylvia, up the street prepared to welcome me at any hour, sight unseen, should things here get really wonky. I can just run up to her house for a breather and she'll pat my back and send me back in for another round.

"Some People Are so Touchy" - Rizzo

Time for a new blog! Believe it or not, in this big old inter-webb world you can be "outed" for your blog. You think it's all anonymous and secretive, but it really isn't. How someone who knows me caught on to my blog is beyond me, but I'm starting over. Hey, I use pseudonyms! This blog is for my own personal sanity and enjoyment. I don't gossip in real time, but I do get a lot off my chest in here! So, new blog (looks the same, but I like this layout) so I can go on venting to my heart's desire and not crawl under my bed to deal with the world. Really, I'm sure this is very healthy.