Absolutely Anything Else

    Seems like I am doing an episode of true confessions here!
Actually been waiting for days for a home delivery and a bit tired of it.
That long holiday must of backed up orders but they are not very good at e mailing when to expect the delivery.
I feel a bit like a hostage!

I now feel a bit bad about my crazy teenage days. I feel bad about shoplifting.
Was pretty good at it actually...Got everything from smokes to bottles of Southern Comfort.
I have repented!!
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

Why don't you have your delivery sent to the collection boxes? 

There are so many of them around here - at Tesco, Aldi, petrol/gas stations and just in the street. They installed a new one last week.  There are like 3 in row next to one of our bus stops.

Those collection boxes are a godsend.  We use them all the time.

Interestingly enough I was looking at dementia and shoplifting. It's very common for dementia sufferers to shoplift. They get confused and walk off.   My MIL could do that if she could walk properly. Bit too far gone now - this morning she was on the floor again.  She said she didn't know she was on the floor.  Whole other reality.

I used to work in a supermarket way back and a bank much later.  If anyone came in threatening the staff we were not allowed to intervene - let them take what they want and at the bank, just give them the money.  A tin of beans wasn't worth arguing about.  And bank money was insured.  On the other hand we had armed guards sometimes some of whom had machine guns.  You wouldn't want to mess with those guys.

It made me think anyone over 60 could reasonably claim dementia and it's hard to prove.  Unlikely it would lead to prosecution.   Upshot is, claim dementia and get free shopping!

Our order is COD so they will not drop it off.

All fine, nothing  to lose on our side except time!

My half sis finally arrived in Minn.

We all must pray  out of human decency for my eldest sister!

I could not put up with my half sis for a 5 day visit in Hawaii!

As my friend would say; she is cra, cra!

No updates on my bro,a bit  of a stress on me.

Funny how ones live is just fine but caring about others throws you into it!

Went to Tesco today. Did not buy  much but did notice prices are high Even so,in the US it would of cost us at least twice as much for the same items.

I am grateful to be able to afford what is needed without any worries.

    Our order is COD so they will not drop it off.All fine, nothing  to lose on our side except time!My half sis finally arrived in Minn.We all must pray  out of human decency for my eldest sister!I could not put up with my half sis for a 5 day visit in Hawaii!As my friend would say; she is cra, cra!No updates on my bro,a bit  of a stress on me.Funny how ones live is just fine but caring about others throws you into it! Went to Tesco today. Did not buy  much but did notice prices are high Even so,in the US it would of cost us at least twice as much for the same items.I am grateful to be able to afford what is needed without any worries.        -@Marilyn Tassy

I think with some drop boxes you can pay by card at the box so it's COD.

Never done that one myself but Mrs F says it works.

Tesco is really quite expensive. We got a new broom handle in PepCo for 400 HUF.  I cannot say it's bargain.  On the other hand we went to Obi to get new toilet seat and it was 10K HUF.  That's crazy money. Obi is really a rubbish shop. It was an emergency however as the old seat was broken at the fixings. I could have tried to find some fixings to repair it but I don't know where to get them cheap. In other words, I had nothing to go on.  Boom-Boom. Oldies but goldies.

Good to hear the drive to Minn worked out.  Your Sis wanted some company. Now she's got it!

"Upshot is, claim dementia and get free shopping!"

But isn't one of the hallmarks of dementia claiming that you don't have it?

You don't have dementia.

Do you?

    "Upshot is, claim dementia and get free shopping!"But isn't one of the hallmarks of dementia claiming that you don't have it?You don't have dementia.Do you?        -@zif

Haha, I should ask Captain Yossarian about that conundrum.

I'm no expert but I'm living through a period where my older relatives and in-laws are dying off with regularity.  Some of them have not had dementia and some others clearly do.   It's our observations.

Some dementia sufferers do know they have a form of dementia. At least in the early stages.  Some know the hallucinations are just that and are not disturbed by it.

It's tricky to  know what is just senior befuddlement, just human behaviour or some other medical issue (dehydration being common or Pakinson's).

There are some odd human behaviours which people might think sound like hallucinations - like seeing faces in objects - but are not really sufficient to class as hallucinations.   It's a really interesting thing.

My MIL is the latest one to develop new symptoms. Looks like she's got epilepsy now.  Apparently that's part of the brain injury progression caused by dementia and blood pressure regulation.  GP says nothing can be done.  No meds.

Poor woman.

She really should not be alone.

My friends mother was getting dangerous so they put her in a home when her dementia got really bad.

My friend and her daughter, the husband and everyone lived on a huge compound and were close to her.

She and her husband had their own home on the land close by but he found the gas on etc; Whenever he jumped to the store and came home.

Just hate to think Mrs. Fluffy might feel bad later if things go really bad.

It is difficult.

My eldest sister already seeing problems with the younger one . She brought her small dog with her but did not bring any food for him, took too much space in her car!

Came with no funds at all and physically looks in bad shape.

Not very cool to expect a 76 year old women to take care of her.

I am busting my brain trying to think of what sort of job she can find without standing or walking.

Call center work is all I can think of ATM.

Did not know until recently that she is selling her blood plasma!!!

In sane to do that. it takes all the protein out of your blood and it takes time to replace it.

In the US they allow people to donate 2 times per week§

In Europe I think it is only 1 time per month and they do not pay for it in Europe.

By paying people for plasma; many just do that for income!

No wonder she is bloated with swollen ankles and mentally not there all the time.

Very emotional, crying and not crying etc. Her body has been abused by donating too often.

She must also have track marks up and down her arms fro,  the needles!

I can not believe she allowed herself to get that low.

She is that lazy, would rather sit with a needle in her arm giving away her life energy then get a 9 to 5 job;

I know they make allot of drugs out of human plasma; disgusting to think the drug co. make billions of $ on drugs by getting desperate people to sell them selves; I wonder how many people even think of where the plasma comes from in the meds they take? Most of it comes from homeless people or druggies.

Learn something new everyday! Most of the plasma sold in the world comes from these sources in the US.

Someone say in a wealthy country like Switzerland takes meds thinking some great clean person donated out of the goodness of their heart while not knowing it came from a junkie in the US! They say they screen it but , really? Once again the poor are being taking advantage of.

I told her this is her chance to change her life and not waste it with old habits.

I am very disappointed in her.

I am very concerned about my older sister taking this on.

We will not and can not support a person who is not willing to help themselves. Heartbreaking.

I know how excited and overjoyed my parents were when she was born. They must be tossing in their graves now.

    Poor woman.
She really should not be alone.
My friends mother was getting dangerous so they put her in a home when her dementia got really bad.
My friend and her daughter, the husband and everyone lived on a huge compound and were close to her.
She and her husband had their own home on the land close by but he found the gas on etc; Whenever he jumped to the store and came home.
Just hate to think Mrs. Fluffy might feel bad later if things go really bad.
It is difficult.

    -@Marilyn Tassy

I have the same view.  She should go in a home.  The care worker Mrs F and my BIL pay for says that if she goes in a home, she'll probably die in months. But in my mind it's not living where she is, in her own, run down and dilapidated home. It's just existing. And more often than not, the lights on but no-one is home.  Her reality looks very different to ours.

You wouldn't do it to a dog, keeping it alive for no reason.  It's harsh to say that but she's not really there any more.  It's seems like too much prevarication going on between Mrs Fluffy and her brother. I told the BIL, that she's not going to get better and it's taking up all your energy. It's got to happen in the end, she's got to go into care sometime so might as well be now while there's some life still.  The alternative is she's found dead in bed or on the floor or she's in hospital and never comes out.  The epilepsy is quite worrying. If she falls, she could just bash her head and die there and then.

Just out of curiosity, what are elder care homes like in Hungary?

    Just out of curiosity, what are elder care homes like in Hungary?
   

    -@zif

Hard to say, the good ones cost and the gov. run ones are anyones guess.

About 15 years ago our HU friend put his mom in a hospital setting type home.

He said it was horrible; just beds in a row and people waiting to die.

I know about 8 years back our neighbor looked into the home inside the hospital just acrross the st: from our building.There was a long waiting list to get in. She went and checked it out, said it was not too bad, she thought of putting her 85 year old in there because she had some heart issues and was too overweight for her to handle her care on her own. She died at home not long afterwards.

My brother in the US ATM is in hospital with sepsis in his spine. He had been in rehab for a bit; maybe a month or so. He was in a so called good rehab but my SIL told me he feel out of bed. They cut off his leg in May to save his life due to sepsis.

He was about to be asked to leave rehab because his health coverage was running out.

After that he probably would be in Gov; care with medicare. Just like being in HU with TAJ covering your care.

Not good.

At least now since he has a new or recurring issue with sepsis they probably have reset the time limits on further rehab care.

Just sicking how they mess with peoples lives because of costs. My bro is only 55.

I have seen some adds on u tube about retirement homes in HU. Looks like some are really nice but money talks.

Behind the city park there is a old folks home.

Couple years ago my husband and I were sitting in the park across from an elderly HU couple; in their late 80s.

They loved the home; said they sold their home and that paid for their care.

It all comes down to how much you pay.

Sorry, fell out of bed.

He is using a wheelchair ATM but getting a new leg soon.

I know in Las Vegas they have some really pricey homes for the elderly,on call staff, exercise rooms, swimming pools, hairdressers etc; Those cost in the thousands per month.

Back in the late 1980s my brother who had a great paying job, paid for his 2 in laws to be in a retirement home with nurse care. Medicare paid for part of it but he paid out of pocket for the slack.

I visited his MIL once in the home.

The staff was super nice to her and she had her own room that looked like a small cozy apt.

Perhaps it works that way here too. Taj pays for a min; of care and one can pay on top of that for a nicer home?

I ask because that's what it really boils down to. Nobody wants to put a relative -- or themselves! -- into some of these places.

In the US, really good places have waiting lists and require an interview: they don't want someone who's too much trouble. Point is, you can't get into the places you really want on the spur of the moment

    I ask because that's what it really boils down to. Nobody wants to put a relative -- or themselves! -- into some of these places.
In the US, really good places have waiting lists and require an interview: they don't want someone who's too much trouble. Point is, you can't get into the places you really want on the spur of the moment
   

    -@zif

It's the same here really. It's not so much an interview as an assessment.  They have to see if they can cope with the demands of the prospective resident.

What it's probably really about is checking your finances.  They will accept someone for like 3 years with the 1st year to be paid upfront.  That stops a lot of people in their tracks.  Another model is 80% of pension currently being paid. It's not too good.

It's far worse in the  UK - about £2.5K a WEEK!

@fluffy2560

Depending on the area I guess. I don't know how much my old relatives paid as it goes back 20 odd years but each of them was pretty well off.

Our relative here in Austria is in a home, its a state owned home and its pretty nice. I have only been a couple of times, she has her hair and nails done twice a week.

    @fluffy2560Depending on the area I guess. I don't know how much my old relatives paid as it goes back 20 odd years but each of them was pretty well off. Our relative here in Austria is in a home, its a state owned home and its pretty nice. I have only been a couple of times, she has her hair and nails done twice a week.         -@SimCityAT

I wouldn't be surprised it's nice in Austria.   

Here, the lowest level is like dormitory style places with say, 4 to a room and the top end is full service like a hotel with bar.

I've heard of one place near here which is really on an industrial scale - 200+ residents, 10s of staff,  on site nurses and doctor.

It's a private place so it's all about the money.

America has invented the most disturbing euphemism for dealing with dementia etc patients. It's called memory care.

    America has invented the most disturbing euphemism for dealing with dementia etc patients. It's called memory care.
   

    -@zif

That's daft. Dementia is not only memory. It's a whole body experience.

My grandfather lived in a VA home in Conn; He went in around age 50 something, would check himself in and out over the years.

It was his safe haven in the 1930s during the depression; He worked off and on, mostly off because he was the family outcast and German.

During that time in the US, people who had German background were not wanted.

They were on the so called, list, because of WW1 and then seemed to always be targeted.

I mean German/ Americans. They just heard his name and would not hire him.

He came from a well to do family but was disowned at age 14 when he joined the US Army. Only son who was suppose to take over the business.

Anyways, they US USED to take good care of military vets so he lived in their home until his death just before age 95.

He was a bit of a super star in the home, one of the eldest vets from the Spanish American war.

No one else in my family has lived long enough to go into a elder home.

I knew some people in Vegas that worked for older people who had care in their own homes. That,s about it except for my bros in laws.

Usually by that time, most people are not long term residents. They die off rather quickly.

I have no idea how much it has cost my bros insurance to keep him alive these past 3 months. He is back in the ICU because of the sepsis in his spine but not under hard core treatment like he was for the first 6 weeks in ICU. I am sure it is well over a million bucks or more.

He is young , really 55 so this drama can happen to just about anyone any time.

When he fell at home due to his fever it seems he damaged the rotator cuff in his shoulder as well!

Great, more surgery coming up!

I honestly wonder if he lived in HU with Taj if they would work so hard to keep him alive?

Went to the lake yesterday. Never really bother on weekends because of the crowds.

It was fine, even got a bit sun burnt, end of summer sun burn.

Took the train over to the lake.

Went to Velence this time.

They had a huge dog show going on .

Speaking of dogs, looks like the drama of my 2 sisters living together is just starting.

The homeless one brought her little curly haired dog with her.

The eldest is crazy about pets so that is not an issue.

The issue is my crazy half sis never house trained her dog!!!

The 76 year old nearly broke her neck because she slipped in her own bathroom on dog pee!

That would be a deal breaker for me!

    My grandfather lived in a VA home in Conn; He went in around age 50 something, would check himself in and out over the years.It was his safe haven in the 1930s during the depression; He worked off and on, mostly off because he was the family outcast and German.During that time in the US, people who had German background were not wanted.They were on the so called, list, because of WW1 and then seemed to always be targeted.I mean German/ Americans. They just heard his name and would not hire him.He came from a well to do family but was disowned at age 14 when he joined the US Army. Only son who was suppose to take over the business.Anyways, they US USED to take good care of military vets so he lived in their home until his death just before age 95.He was a bit of a super star in the home, one of the eldest vets from the Spanish American war.No one else in my family has lived long enough to go into a elder home.I knew some people in Vegas that worked for older people who had care in their own homes. That,s about it except for my bros in laws.Usually by that time, most people are not long term residents. They die off rather quickly.I have no idea how much it has cost my bros insurance to keep him alive these past 3 months. He is back in the ICU because of the sepsis in his spine but not under hard core treatment like he was for the first 6 weeks in ICU. I am sure it is well over a million bucks or more.He is young , really 55 so this drama can happen to just about anyone any time.When he fell at home due to his fever it seems he damaged the rotator cuff in his shoulder as well!Great, more surgery coming up!I honestly wonder if he lived in HU with Taj if they would work so hard to keep him alive?Went to the lake yesterday. Never really bother on weekends because of the crowds.It was fine, even got a bit sun burnt, end of summer sun burn.Took the train over to the lake.Went to Velence this time.They had a huge dog show going on .Speaking of dogs, looks like the drama of my 2 sisters living together is just starting.The homeless one brought her little curly haired dog with her.The eldest is crazy about pets so that is not an issue.The issue is my crazy half sis never house trained her dog!!!The 76 year old nearly broke her neck because she slipped in her own bathroom on dog pee!That would be a deal breaker for me!        -@Marilyn Tassy

In some ways, going in the VA hospital must be the equivalent of the TAJ card. It's hard to get one's head around the lack of universal healthcare in the USA and that the cost is even an issue. 

Here, I don't think your bro would have got the same level of attention.  There's  no profit motivation and limited technology.  On the other hand, my MIL was looked after adequately and she was better when she came out recently. Hard to tell when someone is not very communicative. But apart from her brain issues, she's not really that sick.

Your sis should have trained her dog.  That's one of the pleasures of owning dog.  Most doggies are eager to please and very motivated if food rewards are on offer. 

We've worked on our dog training for years now. Some stuff is easy, other things difficult.  House training is mid-range difficult. Essentially the dog needs to go to the door and bark.  We've trained ours to bark when she wants to go out or come in.  She got that quickly - under an hour training. 

Coming when we whistle was easy too. The hardest thing right now is training her to walk by our side without a lead.  That's proving difficult.  Also roll over, she doesn't get that one at all.   

We've tried to get her to find objects based on smell - like I hide and then she smells my socks and tries to find me.  She can do it but she's easily distracted by anything like a butterfly going past.  Forgets that's she's on the job.

Upshot really is that a trained dog is a happy dog. And if your sis has nothing to do, she could start right away.  YouTube videos are pretty good for this.

I probably will never have another dog. I LOVE large working breed dogs and now they are too much for me to train.

I enjoyed training with my Doberman but unless you are ready and strong enough, it is a challenge.

He once got me and took off on lead. To this day; my shoulder clicks and aches.

You have to have enough slack on lead to do a quick turn about and catch your dog before he can hurt you.

A 6 foot leather lead with proper sort of collar or in my dogs case; a chock chain. He was so strong I though he would snap his chock chain at times.

I am not very heavy or superbuilt. He was. I was only about 12 to 15 lbs less then I was so he could hurt me if he knew how strong he really was.

Months and months of group training classes. In the end he knew how to walk off lead but I rarely let him; We lived in a busy area and anyone seeing a huge Dobbie male running near by would freak out.

I had people crossing the  st. as we we approached even when he was on lead.

I was actually wooried someone might get crazed and hit or hurt him. He was a very smart and gentle pet but seeing 108 Lbs of pure energy running towards you would scare just about anyone.

He was not hard to housebreak. He even knew he was not allowed on our nice carpet in the living room. Exception was a holiday and he always looked at me twice to make sure it was OK to enter.

He was an indoor/ outdoor dog; had a pet door so he could go out at night if needed and guard the yard if he wished to.

I remember once we played hard in the house and his paw crossed over onto the living room carpet, he made a sound like, sorry mom and pulled his paw back.

I invested so much time in training him that I know I just can not do it again.

He was even invited to my aunts home and my mothers . 2 old fashioned ladies who wanted things clean and tidy. They knew he was a good trained pet and asked us to bring him over since they also liked dogs.

He would just wait and lie under the table and never beg of make any fuss until it was his turn to eat.

I do miss him; I would go insane seeing my sister dog peeing in the house, God what the heck?

Went to a large Lidl today. Drove over.

Sort of nice to fill up the cart knowing you do not have to carry it all on your back for blocks walking home.

I suppose we could always order online but IDK.

My friend in AZ does that and she is always unhappy with her produce.

She lives too far out to return items so she just tosses them in the trash.

What a waste.

    Went to a large Lidl today. Drove over.
Sort of nice to fill up the cart knowing you do not have to carry it all on your back for blocks walking home.
I suppose we could always order online but IDK.
My friend in AZ does that and she is always unhappy with her produce.
She lives too far out to return items so she just tosses them in the trash.
What a waste.
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

I suppose in the city, Lidl is an option when walking and one feels like a donkey  Ugh.

Out here in the burbs, we have to use the car as we've got the pets/pet food and the two horses, sorry kids, oops, teenagers who eat like tomorrow is the end of world and every meal is the last supper before the apocalypse.

We make compost with our waste vegetable and garden clippings.  It's really rich and excellent for plants.  I was out there earlier today trying to get the last of the tomatoes and to pull weeds but the sun was just too much and the temperature so high, I couldn't stand it.  I'll wait until 19h to try again.

    I probably will never have another dog. I LOVE large working breed dogs and now they are too much for me to train.
I enjoyed training with my Doberman but unless you are ready and strong enough, it is a challenge.
He once got me and took off on lead. To this day; my shoulder clicks and aches.
You have to have enough slack on lead to do a quick turn about and catch your dog before he can hurt you.
A 6 foot leather lead with proper sort of collar or in my dogs case; a chock chain. He was so strong I though he would snap his chock chain at times.
.....
I invested so much time in training him that I know I just can not do it again.
He was even invited to my aunts home and my mothers . 2 old fashioned ladies who wanted things clean and tidy. They knew he was a good trained pet and asked us to bring him over since they also liked dogs.
He would just wait and lie under the table and never beg of make any fuss until it was his turn to eat.
I do miss him; I would go insane seeing my sister dog peeing in the house, God what the heck?
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

Our Goldie is just in it for love. It's all mouth and no trousers. Barks at strangers but really wants to get some cuddles from them.  If they've got food, she's ready and willing to do anything.  Her love of food is what makes her so pliable. She's easily bought.   We tried a choke chain but she's not that kind of dog that needs a level of discipline. I felt guilty using it.

I do think people put too many human characteristics on dogs.  And other animals.  Mrs F's cousin used to look after horses. There's no way you can mess about with them cuddling them. They need a firm hand to control them. I don't mean violent hand, just a firm voice and very direct control.   

Mrs F just said it took a long time to bring in the house training and be successful. I don't remember that. I do remember we didn't really get far with training until the dog was like 4 to 6 months old.

Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.

    Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.
   

    -@zif

Yes, I know what the VA is.

But I've read the same kind of comments.  The rules are difficult and the care doesn't cover everything. 

Makes you wonder how such a healthcare system evolved and how anyone can think it's acceptable.

    Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.
   

    -@zif

WW2 veterans were not entitled to VA care in their own right until Nov. 10, 2023.

I know here in the UK that they have been entitled to use US military healthcare.

        Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.        -@zif

WW2 veterans were not entitled to VA care in their own right until Nov. 10, 2023.
I know here in the UK that they have been entitled to use US military healthcare.
   

    -@Cynic

That's terrible.  Unless it covers everyone who served, what's the point?

Mind you UK has been notorious in not looking after veterans - my paternal grandfather for example, who was seriously injured in WW1 and shafted over his pension and benefits.

    Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.
   

    -@zif

Yes, it is a huge crime how US vets are treated now.

My grandfather was lucky they still had respect for soldiers when he lived in the home.

The Spanish American war was back in 1898. He was 14 when he ran away from home and joined the Army. He was super tall, 6 feet 4 inches so was able to pass for 16.

My step father and father both were medics in WW2.

My step dad had serious PTSD, he had been held as a POW in both WW2 and again in Korea.

He witnessed more then any human should see.

He hardly was treated for his mental issues and drinking issues.

All due to his war experiences.

Almost all my male cousins on my fathers side served in Vietnam.

All seem to have had normal family lives; good jobs and got with the program.

I guess it has been about 8 years now that one cousin who has a PHD in Education and his lovely sweet Thai wife came to Budapest to visit us.

They actually made the trip 2 times in 2 years.

Well; long crazy story but a ticket agent on the tram got after us because my cousins ticket was not right for use. My husband who was over 65 and had riden for free told us to just leave the station and he would handle the agent himself. He was embarrassed that he had not double checked the tickets to save being harassed by an agent.

I was silly; like going back to childhood with my cuz and told he and his wife to run. We ran out of the station while my husband talked to the agent.

My cousin was fine for a moment then stated to panic and walk back. I told him to just wait for my husband to come out.

He was experiencing PTSD for leaving a man behind.

His wife later told me it happens allot and at the weirdest times

            Just to explain, "VA" in the US stands for the Veterans Administration. It runs hospitals and such for military veterans. But only a relatively few seem to qualify. My WWII veteran relatives never could get VA help. Shameless how they were forgotten.        -@zifWW2 veterans were not entitled to VA care in their own right until Nov. 10, 2023.I know here in the UK that they have been entitled to use US military healthcare.        -@CynicThat's terrible.  Unless it covers everyone who served, what's the point?Mind you UK has been notorious in not looking after veterans - my paternal grandfather for example, who was seriously injured in WW1 and shafted over his pension and benefits.        -@fluffy2560

Probably because they had a different name for it back then (The Veterans Bureau and National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers); link.  PTSD (although certainly a reality of combat stress) was not a thing back in those days, people were expected to grow out of it.

        I probably will never have another dog. I LOVE large working breed dogs and now they are too much for me to train.I enjoyed training with my Doberman but unless you are ready and strong enough, it is a challenge.He once got me and took off on lead. To this day; my shoulder clicks and aches.You have to have enough slack on lead to do a quick turn about and catch your dog before he can hurt you.A 6 foot leather lead with proper sort of collar or in my dogs case; a chock chain. He was so strong I though he would snap his chock chain at times. .....I invested so much time in training him that I know I just can not do it again.He was even invited to my aunts home and my mothers . 2 old fashioned ladies who wanted things clean and tidy. They knew he was a good trained pet and asked us to bring him over since they also liked dogs.He would just wait and lie under the table and never beg of make any fuss until it was his turn to eat.I do miss him; I would go insane seeing my sister dog peeing in the house, God what the heck?        -@Marilyn Tassy

Our Goldie is just in it for love. It's all mouth and no trousers. Barks at strangers but really wants to get some cuddles from them.  If they've got food, she's ready and willing to do anything.  Her love of food is what makes her so pliable. She's easily bought.   We tried a choke chain but she's not that kind of dog that needs a level of discipline. I felt guilty using it.

I do think people put too many human characteristics on dogs.  And other animals.  Mrs F's cousin used to look after horses. There's no way you can mess about with them cuddling them. They need a firm hand to control them. I don't mean violent hand, just a firm voice and very direct control.   

Mrs F just said it took a long time to bring in the house training and be successful. I don't remember that. I do remember we didn't really get far with training until the dog was like 4 to 6 months old.
   

    -@fluffy2560

Still waiting for the delivery man. Been a week now!

We ordered the exact same product before and it arrived within days.

Not sure why they are dragging their feet on delivery.As I mentioned it is COD so their loss if they do not deliver.

Yes Goldies are sweet dogs. Everyone likes them.

Dobbies, not so much so but only because people do not know them.

My mother used to think I was crazy for having one. She said I needed a more, Girly; dog.

Whatever that meant.

He was about 4 months old when we adopted him. It was not hard to house train him; It seemed to be done fast.

Even in his old age , he never had accidents in the house.

My German friend is active on FB with photo after photo of her dogs.

She is a bit too much already with her dogs.

She posts photos of her deceased dogs too. Like someone who is missing a deceased child.

Them sleeping;them eating etc.

Like enough already!!

My 2nd cousin on my fathers side as show dogs who compete in large US  agility events.

I swear she is too much at times as well.

.

Every holiday she posts professional photos of her 3 babies in custom made outfits.

She had huge Birthday cakes and parties for each of them, again with candles and outfits, hats too!

I can see where she where she would show off a bit with putting up videos of them doing their agility runs and posting their times etc; but the family photos with outfits is cra, cra.

Of course, yes, I will say it no matter how unpopular it is to say, neither of them ever were real mothers.

My eldest sister is almost as bad, another dogie mother, no human children of her own. In fact she admits she can not stand human children, yikes.

Our beloved Max the dog was a huge part of the family for all of his life but , sorry, we drew the line on thinking he was a human child.

At least I think we did, our son used to tell people his brother was a dog!

Still waiting for the delivery man. Been a week now!
We ordered the exact same product before and it arrived within days.
Not sure why they are dragging their feet on delivery.As I mentioned it is COD so their loss if they do not deliver.

Yes Goldies are sweet dogs. Everyone likes them.
Dobbies, not so much so but only because people do not know them.
My mother used to think I was crazy for having one. She said I needed a more, Girly; dog.
Whatever that meant.
He was about 4 months old when we adopted him. It was not hard to house train him; It seemed to be done fast.
Even in his old age , he never had accidents in the house.

My German friend is active on FB with photo after photo of her dogs.
She is a bit too much already with her dogs.
She posts photos of her deceased dogs too. Like someone who is missing a deceased child.
Them sleeping;them eating etc.
Like enough already!!
My 2nd cousin on my fathers side as show dogs who compete in large US  agility events.
I swear she is too much at times as well.
.
Every holiday she posts professional photos of her 3 babies in custom made outfits.
She had huge Birthday cakes and parties for each of them, again with candles and outfits, hats too!
I can see where she where she would show off a bit with putting up videos of them doing their agility runs and posting their times etc; but the family photos with outfits is cra, cra.
Of course, yes, I will say it no matter how unpopular it is to say, neither of them ever were real mothers.
My eldest sister is almost as bad, another dogie mother, no human children of her own. In fact she admits she can not stand human children, yikes.
Our beloved Max the dog was a huge part of the family for all of his life but , sorry, we drew the line on thinking he was a human child.
At least I think we did, our son used to tell people his brother was a dog!
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

That's crazy waiting for the delivery guy.  What I find is some of these businesses don't have stock locally and have to send it from some other country.   We've done COD for all sorts but usually HU suppliers only.  I buy stuff on AliExpress and it takes months to arrive.

Our Goldie is of course loveable but there's no way she's a human in disguise.  She'd eat our faces off if she was hungry and she'd join in eating something else if she was in a pack.  Just doggy nature.   The cat's the same.  We don't give the dog or cats cakes on their birthdays either.  They don't know and don't care.

The cat brought a lizard in the other day.  We tried to grab the lizard but it went into panic mode and dropped its wriggling tail and hid behind the wood burning stove.  I couldn't see it so I left it.  Mrs F said today she spotted it in the cellar. I guess it'll be OK down there for the winter and we won't have as many spiders which might be an upside  There's no way we'll find it to get it outside back to normality.  Lizard should think itself lucky.

Yes, my husband checked on the delivery on line this morning.

Was going to just cancel the order but they finally left a message that they have ordered it. You are right, they do not carry it in stock and who knows where they sent out for it.

Guess it was about 2 weeks ago, I woke up to a loud crash.

Husband was washing out the huge glass airfryer bowl in the bathtub. He is usually very careful but he noticed one tiny spot left on it so started rubbing it off and held the heavy glass bowl in one slippery hand.

Thankfully he did not cut himself.

Just a reorder of the same fryer.

Lizards!!!! Snakes and lizards are my biggest fear.

I would have to move out of the home until it was removed a mile away!

Me; living in Hawaii and being afraid of lizards was a bit of a joke. I never knew they are suppose to be lucky to have in your home. That is what they think over there on the Islands at least;

When our son was an infant and we were just poor Hippies on Maui we bought a second hand baby play pen. Never really used it much but thought it could be handy for the beach  or when we visited friends. A safe place for him to be.

Ok so I was scrubbing it clean and noticed a super tiny rip on the bottom of the mattress. It was plastic.

Out pops the tiny head of a lizard!!!

I scream; grab the baby and his bag and high tail it to the neighbors next door. Instructions to my husband were, we are not going home until he finds that lizard and gets rid of it.

Took several hours and then he knocked on the door saying the coast was clear. I almost did not believe him, thought perhaps he was just getting hungry and wanted us home. I slept with one eye open for weeks but I never saw the little bugger again.

Fast forward to 1990 and we take a family trip from Ca. to Honolulu for a week.

My husband jumped to Hilo to look around as we thought of moving there;

I and our teen son went to dinner at our boys fave place at the time. The Red Lobster.

I ordered just a seafood salad and we started our meal.

I took a couple of bites then let out a scream.

A tiny lizard popped out of my salad, looked me right in the eye and ran off!!!

I called the waitress over and she just laughed and said I was lucky!

WTH?? How is that lucky? I was not able to eat the salad and I was freaked out.

I have heard of people who bring hairs or bugs to put into the restaurant meal to try and get a freebie but this was not the case! 2 bites of salad and it was over with. I paid the bill in full and left a tip but never ate there again!!

Yes, on Hilo or dog had a huge Buffo Toad in his mouth!

He often would drag home white field mice ; looking all proud of himself.

He went from house pet to real guard for a year.

He would come home with a bit on his nose from running after wild mongeese. Or is it mongoose?

They were brought to Hawaii to kill off snakes.

The thing is when our dog was being released from his 4 month long quarantine in Holonlulu, I had to attend a class for his safety in Hawaii!

Had no idea before hand it was so dangerous there for pets.

Buffo toads excrete a posion and can kill a small dog. They ask you to put up chicken wire around the property to keep them away. As we rented a 40 acre place, we could not do that.

Then you have to watch out for skin issues, he would run threw the cane field and scrape his skin raw in places. He got a staff infection which cost a pretty penny to take care of.

Last but not least, a true fact, he being a black dog was highly prized. Not for being good looking but for being good tasting!!!! They love a large black dog for the BBQ pit over there!!

I must tell you when I found that out I man sure someone was always home to see what he was up to and to make sure no strangers were around. There was a pig farm up on the higher ground from where we lived. A dirt road lead up there.

Sometimes a truck full of guys would head over there. I always called my Max home when that happened.

Well; one day he comes home carrying a hairy dirty pig leg in his mouth!!!!

It was time to leave Hilo!

English, such a sometimes confusing language.

Staph infection, not a staff infection.

The less I write the more I am  losing it!

I was told by different people in Hawaii that black dogs are suppose to be delicious!

Not even making it up! Wish I was!

First time I heard that was when my dog was still locked in quarantine. An older man who worked there told me he saw how much I cared and visited my dog each day over the long months and he gave me some advice.

He said one reason he still worked was to try and help people who had pets locked there.

He had been a wealthy American living in Vietnam when the troubles happened there.

He told me about his family; his wife and 2 American sons and his 2 adopted sons from Vietnam.

He had a nice home, a driver and a successful business in Vietnam.

All lost with the war. Came home one day to find his American wife and 2 sons murdered.

He escaped on a ship with his 2 adopted sons.

They went to Honolulu penniless and lived on the st.

Slowly they got it together and he put his 2 sons in collage. They wanted to take care of him in his older age but he loved working with the dogs at the gov. run quarantine.

He told me he started working there just as a big scandal was happening there. They had caught a gang of workers who came in at night and stole large black dogs. At first I thought he might be trying to just play me but no it was true. They would sell each stolen dog to locals for different reasons. For dog fights, for food etc.

Horrible.

Then in Hilo the home owner we leased from told us to watch our dog because he was good eating to some people!!

He told us that down the hill where he had another home that a lost Rottie was seen. He and his wife called to the dog but it refused to come to them; He said,We no see him no more!

Later when I worked with some local ladies in a salon the confirmed it to be true!!!

    English, such a sometimes confusing language.
Staph infection, not a staff infection.
The less I write the more I am  losing it!
I was told by different people in Hawaii that black dogs are suppose to be delicious!
Not even making it up! Wish I was!

First time I heard that was when my dog was still locked in quarantine. An older man who worked there told me he saw how much I cared and visited my dog each day over the long months and he gave me some advice.
He said one reason he still worked was to try and help people who had pets locked there.
He had been a wealthy American living in Vietnam when the troubles happened there.
He told me about his family; his wife and 2 American sons and his 2 adopted sons from Vietnam.
He had a nice home, a driver and a successful business in Vietnam.
All lost with the war. Came home one day to find his American wife and 2 sons murdered.
He escaped on a ship with his 2 adopted sons.
They went to Honolulu penniless and lived on the st.
Slowly they got it together and he put his 2 sons in collage. They wanted to take care of him in his older age but he loved working with the dogs at the gov. run quarantine.

He told me he started working there just as a big scandal was happening there. They had caught a gang of workers who came in at night and stole large black dogs. At first I thought he might be trying to just play me but no it was true. They would sell each stolen dog to locals for different reasons. For dog fights, for food etc.
Horrible.
Then in Hilo the home owner we leased from told us to watch our dog because he was good eating to some people!!
He told us that down the hill where he had another home that a lost Rottie was seen. He and his wife called to the dog but it refused to come to them; He said,We no see him no more!
Later when I worked with some local ladies in a salon the confirmed it to be true!!!
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

Wow, that's quite a story.  I didn't realise that kind of thing went on in Vietnam.  I guess he had PTSD and working with animals limited his time with people.  Simpler life.

I didn't know they like eating dogs in Hawaii.  I suppose it could be a legacy of Japanese or Korean influences.   I thought they stopped in Korea as more people have dogs as pets but maybe it goes on in the countryside.  But why black dogs? Do they taste any different to brown or white dogs?  Who knows?!  I'd rather eat crocodile.

I suppose if things got really bad, we'd have to eat the Goldie.  Maybe the cat first.  But I think dog will eat us before then. Dog society puts limited value on owners when the chips are down.   

No idea about black dogs.

I swear it creeped me allot.

Yes, Honolulu seemed like any other city but living in a rural area was another story.

I am not  over stating how different it was.

I used to drive about 30 mins to the gym when we first moved to Hilo.

Rented a friends home for a month before finding out own home to lease.

As I drove down the mountain road, it was common to see cock fighting birds just tossed on the side of the road, all torned up.A dog or two once in awhile as well!

You could see clearly behind fences that many people had cockfighting rings set up in their back yards!

I am sure the local police knew about it but they let it go on.

At the time, I was still a vegetarian and thinking of anyone eating someone pet was mind blowing.

My brother sent me a line, not allot of information but still, nice to hear from him.

It sounds like he has been moved again to another rehab.

Does not sound like the nice one he was in before.

Sharing the room with 2 other men.

One is talking to himself all day long and the other is messing with the lights all the time.

Told him to have his wife bring him an eye cover and a good set of ear plugs!

I think this might motivate him to get out of there ASAP!

We took the train yesterday to Balaton. IDK, a 3 hour round trip ride is sort of too much.

    No idea about black dogs.
I swear it creeped me allot.
Yes, Honolulu seemed like any other city but living in a rural area was another story.
I am not  over stating how different it was.
I used to drive about 30 mins to the gym when we first moved to Hilo.
Rented a friends home for a month before finding out own home to lease.
As I drove down the mountain road, it was common to see cock fighting birds just tossed on the side of the road, all torned up.A dog or two once in awhile as well!
You could see clearly behind fences that many people had cockfighting rings set up in their back yards!
I am sure the local police knew about it but they let it go on.
At the time, I was still a vegetarian and thinking of anyone eating someone pet was mind blowing.
My brother sent me a line, not allot of information but still, nice to hear from him.
It sounds like he has been moved again to another rehab.
Does not sound like the nice one he was in before.
Sharing the room with 2 other men.
One is talking to himself all day long and the other is messing with the lights all the time.
Told him to have his wife bring him an eye cover and a good set of ear plugs!
I think this might motivate him to get out of there ASAP!

We took the train yesterday to Balaton. IDK, a 3 hour round trip ride is sort of too much.
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

Good to hear your bro is actually with it and can comment on the others around him.  I think his issues sound less than they were before.  I mean, he's engaging which is a good sign for the future.

I was looking at the webcams down at Balaton and it's surprising it's still busy.  But it won't be from today.  It's the first day of school.

My MIL is on the floor again so Mrs F has rushed over there to help the care worker get her up.  I don't know why she's in her house alone. It's the same discussions every day.    Why is she not in the care home?  It's a no-brainer.  She might die in the care home but she's hardly living now.

And the dog has a sore paw.  We'll have to take her to the vet.  I hope it's not serious. I think she's got something in it like a piece of wood or something.  If we touch it, it's really sensitive and she pulls away.  But she's not biting us for looking at her.  I think they'll x-ray her leg and then knock her out to remove whatever is causing the problem.   If they have to chop off her leg (), I'm not eating it like they do in Hawaii

Poor dog. Maybe you can shave the area and get a good look at what could be happening?

A pair of good glasses might help.

Perhaps soaking the paw may dislodge whatever is there?

I always check things out with Web MD before seeing the doctor.

Had enough doctors to last the rest of my life.

They do not listen or care that much.

My oncologist, the professor of the dept.seems like he hates his patients.

I dislike going to see him so much that I put it off till last min.

Had a test about 3 months ago, was not conclusive but not bad either.I just did not wish to ruin my summer by seeing his face of seeing all the ill people in his waiting room.

I should get to it though, just because he probably will be ordering another CT in Dec. and it takes time to get an appointment for it.

He seems so bored with his patients.Gives us a good 90 seconds of his time and then calls in another number.

I take that as a sign that all is well  but still a bit of the old brush off.

It has to be hard to run to your MILs home with her waiting for help; Stressful drive over.

This morning I awoke to the sounds of children laughing outside. Grumpy me, at first I thought darn I could sleep longer but then I rethought it and it was a joyful sound; At least they are out of our hair for a few hours each day!! Still a grumpy attitude! Let the brainwashing begin!

My bro wrote me again; So glad he is up to writing;

He is so bored but still so weak.

He stands for about one min with a walker then gets tired.

So hard to hear that, he was so active and strong and ready to do anything before getting ill.

If he is this weak, most people would not be able to go through what he has.

He wants to go home but of course he is not ready yet.

He says the hospital food is terrible; I am sure it is BUT he never had Hungarian hospital food either!

I asked his wife to bring in fresh fruits and salads to him if they allow it;. Hate to be pushy with her but unless they have uber eats in hospital; he is on his own.

I know he needs allot of protein now for his muscles to rebuild themselves.

I had my husband bring me some hard boiled eggs when I was in hospital. They seem to give mostly carbs with the meals here;

My sweet husband tried, he brought me some but he undercooked them, yuck. Did not have the heart to tell him they landed in the trash with the rest of the food given to me.

Only 5 days, my poor bro is going on 4 months!

We plan on a lake day this week, just need to sic myself up for the train ride over. Easier then driving and all free but all that shaking gets to be too much.

The spa is closer and an option.

Good luck with the paw, are vets super expensive here?

    Poor dog. Maybe you can shave the area and get a good look at what could be happening?
A pair of good glasses might help.
Perhaps soaking the paw may dislodge whatever is there?
....

Good luck with the paw, are vets super expensive here?
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

It's very difficult.  She'll have to be knocked out for a proper investigation and she's a big dog to move around.  She's at least 40kg so it's a heavy lift job.  She won't stay still while they mess about with her injured paw.  She wouldn't let me look at it.

Vets are not that expensive here but vet medications and services like x-rays are quite pricey.   

I am quite concerned about the poor doggy both for her health and the cost.   She's so obviously very subdued.  She wouldn't even come for a biscuit and she's up for treats non-stop.   She's still able to bark at people passing so it must be something relatively small.

In the UK, this could run into thousands but here I reckon we'll be into 100s (of thousands of HUF) if surgery/anaesthesia is required.  She might just have some infection which could be cleared up easily.  I'm thinking thorn or similar stuck in there.

Gosh, too bad it is hard to hold her steady to see what is going on.

My guess would be to think back on where she walked in the past few days and what could possibly be inside her paw.

IDK if warm water with some epson salt might help. Perhaps she just needs to soften up her skin a bit and whatever is stuck may work itself out?

There are a few things that could be going on. I looked online.

Allergies can cause sore paws

Nails that need trimming

A parasite such as a tick

Ringworm or a yeast infection

dry or cracked paws

Some can be treated at home with antifungal creams but many need a vet to double check what is going on.

I wonder if putting ice on my numb it enough for you to get a decent look at the paw?

I hope it is something minor and will work itself out.

We spent a ton of money on the staph infection or dog got just from running through the sugar cane fields in Hawaii.

The top of his head, his chest and his front legs were bleeding and raw from getting scrapped by the sharp cane.  Short fur on him which gave little protection.

First I took him to a normal vet; he was not sure what to do.

He had me make an appointment with a dog dermatologist from San Diego.

This guy came to Hilo once a month from the mainland.

Just to see him and get a biopsy back in 1996 cost us another $400. without the cost of the medications needed.

Pets can really cost allot at times.

I could add up what we spent and what we lost in 18 months just on our dog in Hawaii.

Airfare to Honolulu , can not remember the cost but it was around $300; in cargo; only area large enough to hold him;

His crate was $160. the health check and documents for travel cost , then the required Hawaiian quarantine was another $850. plus all his daily treats bought at a pet shop, just a way to handle my guilt for locking him up for 4 months.

Then not being able to find a place to live in Honolulu that would take such a large dog, forced us to move off Island.

I could of worked in Honolulu those 4 months doing hair but had no time for work since I spent all my time visiting the dog.

He had back surgery when he was 8. The vet did it for half price because he had nevr done it before, only observed the surgery. That was  another $800. As he aged he needed meds for arthritis, that was another $125. per month, the larger the pet the more things cost.

He was worth every penny but still, they have you over a barrel.