Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[oliviabenson]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Does anyone have expertise on the best type of dog food for a Shitzu?  He belongs to my niece and  I’m helping with his care lately.  I haven’t had a small dog since childhood.  The dry food seems so unappealing.  He’s so sweet and such a cutie.  Oh, he’s 2 yrs old.
 

Try the pets section 

[saber5055]

2 hours ago, Mindthinkr said:

 Could you please help answer my friend’s question? 

Thanks for thinking of me @Mindthinkr, I will do my best. Hi @SunnyBeBe, I just "met" you today on the Alaska Daily thread! Your niece's Shih Tzu is adorable and lucky you being able to share him. I've been involved with show dogs for more years than I care to count (more than 40 ... YIKES!). I've bred more than 100 AKC champions and have shown dogs professionally (including Shih Tzus!) and have worked for many professional handlers, showing dogs all around the United States. All those dogs had to eat, and we "dog people" love discussing dog food.

The first thing to know about dog food is that it's for dogs, not for people. So many of the newer foods, "gourmet" and "boutique" brands, are aimed at the owners, making them feel they are not good people if they don't feed THEIR food. The bottom line, so to speak, is what the dog's stools look like. You want to feed a food that produces a very small, solid, dark stool. If a dog is pooping out a big, huge mushy pile, the food is crummy, which is why he's pooping most of it out. You should be able to pick up a Shih Tzu stool easily with one hand ... safely inside a plastic bag of course! And it should be quite small, dark and solid.

I tend to like the chicken and rice, and lamb and rice foods, for my younger show dogs, although I also feed beef and corn kibble to my older retired dogs. (Note that grain-free foods are being linked to heart problems in dogs, avoid them!) I like a higher protein for active dogs, and even for my older dogs. Dogs on the show circuit I worked with professional handlers, most were fed Purina. Purina Pro Plan really is of the highest caliber, I've been to the Purina kennels outside of St. Louis, they are top notch in knowing nutrition. I also like Purina One.

My dogs get kibble with warm water for their meals, and everyone chows down. If I have a dog that needs some encouragement to eat, I mix in a tablespoon of canned food. I really like Pedigree canned. (I also fed Pedigree kibble for many years.) Remember, dog food is for dogs, not people, to eat, and a good quality food from a respected manufacturer contains what a dog needs to grow and be healthy. Hopefully, your pup does not have allergies or sensitive skin or tummy. Those problems require a specialized food.

This is just a Cliff Notes answer. Every show-dog person will tell you they feed something different. This is just what has worked for me and my dogs through the decades. I get the creeps when I see Rachel Ray dog food (hate it!), and for personal reasons I hate Blue Buffalo. I also don't like the foods that make you feel like you are feeding a wilderness wolf. Please, we are talking companion dog here, not Cujo.

Feel free to message me if you like. I'm here most every day. And oh, this morning I stopped at the feed store and bought 100 pounds of dog food and 100 pounds of horse food. You could get by with a five-pound bag for your darling pup! And if it makes you feel better, mix in a bit of canned with that kibble. It can make all the difference!

[SunnyBeBe]

10 minutes ago, saber5055 said:

Thanks for thinking of me @Mindthinkr, I will do my best. Hi @SunnyBeBe, I just "met" you today on the Alaska Daily thread! Your niece's Shih Tzu is adorable and lucky you being able to share him. I've been involved with show dogs for more years than I care to count (more than 40 ... YIKES!). I've bred more than 100 AKC champions and have shown dogs professionally (including Shih Tzus!) and have worked for many professional handlers, showing dogs all around the United States. All those dogs had to eat, and we "dog people" love discussing dog food.

The first thing to know about dog food is that it's for dogs, not for people. So many of the newer foods, "gourmet" and "boutique" brands, are aimed at the owners, making them feel they are not good people if they don't feed THEIR food. The bottom line, so to speak, is what the dog's stools look like. You want to feed a food that produces a very small, solid, dark stool. If a dog is pooping out a big, huge mushy pile, the food is crummy, which is why he's pooping most of it out. You should be able to pick up a Shih Tzu stool easily with one hand ... safely inside a plastic bag of course! And it should be quite small, dark and solid.

I tend to like the chicken and rice, and lamb and rice foods, for my younger show dogs, although I also feed beef and corn kibble to my older retired dogs. (Note that grain-free foods are being linked to heart problems in dogs, avoid them!) I like a higher protein for active dogs, and even for my older dogs. Dogs on the show circuit I worked with professional handlers, most were fed Purina. Purina Pro Plan really is of the highest caliber, I've been to the Purina kennels outside of St. Louis, they are top notch in knowing nutrition. I also like Purina One.

My dogs get kibble with warm water for their meals, and everyone chows down. If I have a dog that needs some encouragement to eat, I mix in a tablespoon of canned food. I really like Pedigree canned. (I also fed Pedigree kibble for many years.) Remember, dog food is for dogs, not people, to eat, and a good quality food from a respected manufacturer contains what a dog needs to grow and be healthy. Hopefully, your pup does not have allergies or sensitive skin or tummy. Those problems require a specialized food.

This is just a Cliff Notes answer. Every show-dog person will tell you they feed something different. This is just what has worked for me and my dogs through the decades. I get the creeps when I see Rachel Ray dog food (hate it!), and for personal reasons I hate Blue Buffalo. I also don't like the foods that make you feel like you are feeding a wilderness wolf. Please, we are talking companion dog here, not Cujo.

Feel free to message me if you like. I'm here most every day. And oh, this morning I stopped at the feed store and bought 100 pounds of dog food and 100 pounds of horse food. You could get by with a five-pound bag for your darling pup! And if it makes you feel better, mix in a bit of canned with that kibble. It can make all the difference!

Great info! I appreciate the tips.  I’ll pm you later too.  Thanks!  

[Absolom]

Rachel Ray dog food is the worst.  I bought one container as a treat food.  It's the only dog food that made the dog barf in less than 10 minutes plus also gave him diarrhea for a couple of days.  

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, saber5055 said:

Thanks for thinking of me @Mindthinkr, I will do my best. Hi @SunnyBeBe, I just "met" you today on the Alaska Daily thread! Your niece's Shih Tzu is adorable and lucky you being able to share him. I've been involved with show dogs for more years than I care to count (more than 40 ... YIKES!). I've bred more than 100 AKC champions and have shown dogs professionally (including Shih Tzus!) and have worked for many professional handlers, showing dogs all around the United States. All those dogs had to eat, and we "dog people" love discussing dog food.

The first thing to know about dog food is that it's for dogs, not for people. So many of the newer foods, "gourmet" and "boutique" brands, are aimed at the owners, making them feel they are not good people if they don't feed THEIR food. The bottom line, so to speak, is what the dog's stools look like. You want to feed a food that produces a very small, solid, dark stool. If a dog is pooping out a big, huge mushy pile, the food is crummy, which is why he's pooping most of it out. You should be able to pick up a Shih Tzu stool easily with one hand ... safely inside a plastic bag of course! And it should be quite small, dark and solid.

I tend to like the chicken and rice, and lamb and rice foods, for my younger show dogs, although I also feed beef and corn kibble to my older retired dogs. (Note that grain-free foods are being linked to heart problems in dogs, avoid them!) I like a higher protein for active dogs, and even for my older dogs. Dogs on the show circuit I worked with professional handlers, most were fed Purina. Purina Pro Plan really is of the highest caliber, I've been to the Purina kennels outside of St. Louis, they are top notch in knowing nutrition. I also like Purina One.

My dogs get kibble with warm water for their meals, and everyone chows down. If I have a dog that needs some encouragement to eat, I mix in a tablespoon of canned food. I really like Pedigree canned. (I also fed Pedigree kibble for many years.) Remember, dog food is for dogs, not people, to eat, and a good quality food from a respected manufacturer contains what a dog needs to grow and be healthy. Hopefully, your pup does not have allergies or sensitive skin or tummy. Those problems require a specialized food.

This is just a Cliff Notes answer. Every show-dog person will tell you they feed something different. This is just what has worked for me and my dogs through the decades. I get the creeps when I see Rachel Ray dog food (hate it!), and for personal reasons I hate Blue Buffalo. I also don't like the foods that make you feel like you are feeding a wilderness wolf. Please, we are talking companion dog here, not Cujo.

Feel free to message me if you like. I'm here most every day. And oh, this morning I stopped at the feed store and bought 100 pounds of dog food and 100 pounds of horse food. You could get by with a five-pound bag for your darling pup! And if it makes you feel better, mix in a bit of canned with that kibble. It can make all the difference!

What a thoughtful post- I learned a lot, so thanks. My boy Cosmo is a big boy, who’s not picky at all, but I agree with you about the stools. I realized I was feeding him TOO MUCH when he first came to me because there was so much loose stool (I didn’t realize dogs just loved to beg, I thought he was actually hungry- I come from a cat family).

6 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Does anyone have expertise on the best type of dog food for a Shih Tzu?  He belongs to my niece and  I’m helping with his care lately.  I haven’t had a small dog since childhood.  The dry food seems so unappealing.  He’s so sweet and such a cutie.  Oh, he’s 2 yrs old.
 

He’s so cute! That little face. 

[SunnyBeBe]

Little Chase stares at you while you eat and it’s because certain people feed him a bit of their food.  I don’t do it, because I can’t stand begging.  Hard to break the habit,  But, even if he gets a bit of people food, he won’t eat it.  He’ll just lay it on the floor or hide it in the couch. Lol 

Edited October 8, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[Mindthinkr]

@saber5055 Thank you for your expertise. Love you 🥰

[BetyBee]

I got a flu shot yesterday and I'm getting my omicron variant booster today. Our pharmacy is so annoying. The beeyotch clerk (she's really awful!) insisted that though they sometimes do walk-ins (as advertised without the "sometimes"), they were too short-staffed yesterday to give me both shots. I'm sick of that place, but the other pharmacy in our small town is even worse. Their pharmacists keep quitting and prescriptions go unfilled. My pharmacy has a parade of helpful, young clerks who disappear quickly, but the crabby woman stays! The pharmacist is ok, but it takes a long time to get to him and he's kind of scattered, since he has to approve everthing they do! My husband had minor surgery and had to wait hours for them to get around to filling his prescriptions, including pain pills. It's so different from when we lived in a more populated area. I used to go to the doc, get a scrip and it would be ready by the time I got to the pharmacy a short distance away. Same pharmaceutical chain! Sorry for the rant. I'm annoyed! Anyway, I felt fine after the flu shot. Hopefully the booster will also go well. I don't usually have a reaction to vaccines. 

[BitterApple]

2 hours ago, BetyBee said:

I got a flu shot yesterday and I'm getting my omicron variant booster today. Our pharmacy is so annoying. The beeyotch clerk (she's really awful!) insisted that though they sometimes do walk-ins (as advertised without the "sometimes"), they were too short-staffed yesterday to give me both shots. I'm sick of that place, but the other pharmacy in our small town is even worse. Their pharmacists keep quitting and prescriptions go unfilled. My pharmacy has a parade of helpful, young clerks who disappear quickly, but the crabby woman stays! 

Was it CVS by chance? My mother just had the same experience. There's a big sign in the window advertising walk-in boosters and flu shots, but when she got there they informed her they hadn't received the booster shipment, they were too busy to do the flu shot, it was appointment only, they wouldn't schedule the appointment and then had the nerve to have an attitude about it. I get that everywhere is short-staffed, but maybe they shouldn't advertise a service they can't provide? 

[Jynnan tonnix]

2 hours ago, BetyBee said:

I got a flu shot yesterday and I'm getting my omicron variant booster today. Our pharmacy is so annoying. The beeyotch clerk (she's really awful!) insisted that though they sometimes do walk-ins (as advertised without the "sometimes"), they were too short-staffed yesterday to give me both shots. I'm sick of that place, but the other pharmacy in our small town is even worse. Their pharmacists keep quitting and prescriptions go unfilled. My pharmacy has a parade of helpful, young clerks who disappear quickly, but the crabby woman stays! The pharmacist is ok, but it takes a long time to get to him and he's kind of scattered, since he has to approve everthing they do! My husband had minor surgery and had to wait hours for them to get around to filling his prescriptions, including pain pills. It's so different from when we lived in a more populated area. I used to go to the doc, get a scrip and it would be ready by the time I got to the pharmacy a short distance away. Same pharmaceutical chain! Sorry for the rant. I'm annoyed! Anyway, I felt fine after the flu shot. Hopefully the booster will also go well. I don't usually have a reaction to vaccines. 

 I have gotten the original two Covid vaccines, plus two boosters, though not the Omicron one yet. Most everyone I know who has done any traveling lately has managed to pick up Covid, even though they are vaccinated, but I flew down to visit my son back in late July, and now have just come back from England a week ago, and, knock wood, seem to be fine. In the meantime, while I was gone, my daughter and her family all got their second rounds of Covid, and some sort of 24 hour flu-like virus while I was gone and while I decided to isolate at home for a few days after my return, just to be on the safe side. Mr Jyn was also sick (not with Covid) during my trip. So either my timing on all this was just lucky, or my immune system is really on its toes. 

Finally getting together with both Mom & daughter's family for dinner today. I did watch my grandson for a bit yesterday since he was home from daycare with a gloopy eye, so hope I can continue my streak.

[Salacious Kitty]

I'm sick with *something* not sure what. I tested negative on Thursday, but I have an appointment at Urgent Care in a couple hours to try and figure out what's wrong. I think it's laryngitis. My boss thinks it may be strep. I've had a horrible sore throat since Tuesday (also lost my voice):and a cough since Wednesday. 

Maybe it's really Covid, and my test was wrong? At any rate, I hope to get some answers. I've barely slept since Monday night.

[Scarlett45]

13 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

I'm sick with *something* not sure what. I tested negative on Thursday, but I have an appointment at Urgent Care in a couple hours to try and figure out what's wrong. I think it's laryngitis. My boss thinks it may be strep. I've had a horrible sore throat since Tuesday (also lost my voice):and a cough since Wednesday. 

Maybe it's really Covid, and my test was wrong? At any rate, I hope to get some answers. I've barely slept since Monday night.

Being sick is the worst. Get better really soon. 

[SunnyBeBe]

My pharmacy is struggling too.  I think it’s staffing problems. They only do covid vaccines by appointment.   I’m going to stay put and hopefully they’ll get it together.  
 

I’ve had strep twice that I recall. It was intense, but urgent care diagnosed me quick, gave me a shot and I was tons better in a matter of hours!  Hope you feel better soon.  
 

 

Edited October 8, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[BetyBee]

1 hour ago, BitterApple said:

Was it CVS by chance? My mother just had the same experience. There's a big sign in the window advertising walk-in boosters and flu shots, but when she got there they informed her they hadn't received the booster shipment, they were too busy to do the flu shot, it was appointment only, they wouldn't schedule the appointment and then had the nerve to have an attitude about it. I get that everywhere is short-staffed, but maybe they shouldn't advertise a service they can't provide? 

No, not CVS. We have a grocery store/pharmacy chain in IL called Jewel-Osco. It went fine this morning. Someone called in sick (probably the mean clerk!), so the young girl and the pharmacist were going crazy trying to keep up. I really want to be fully boosted because I'm off soon to visit family in WI for about 10 days, where I'll be exposed to strangers who may not be vaccinated. I had no symptoms from yesterday's flu shot. Hopefully that will continue with today's vaccine! I actually slept well. 

[frenchtoast]

44 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

I'm sick with *something* not sure what. I tested negative on Thursday, but I have an appointment at Urgent Care in a couple hours to try and figure out what's wrong. I think it's laryngitis. My boss thinks it may be strep. I've had a horrible sore throat since Tuesday (also lost my voice):and a cough since Wednesday. 

Maybe it's really Covid, and my test was wrong? At any rate, I hope to get some answers. I've barely slept since Monday night.

My daughter had strep last week/weekend. We mentioned how surprised we were to the doc and she said it's been going around lately, more than the flu or Covid. We were also a bit surprised because daughter had gotten her tonsils out a few years ago. Yes, you can still get strep but it certainly helps reduce getting it. Not for my daughter, sadly. And it's the first time she' been sick in over 2 years, so there's that. Last year she wore a mask at school and this year she decided not to. 

[sagittarius sue]

2 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

My pharmacy is struggling too.  I think it’s staffing problems. They only do covid vaccines by appointment.   I’m going to stay put and hopefully they’ll get it together.  
 

I’ve had strep twice that I recall. It was intense, but urgent care diagnosed me quick, gave me a shot and I was tons better in a matter of hours!  Hope you feel better soon.  
 

 

Wow!  That reminds me of years ago when I visited my doctor for sinus infections, he'd give me a penicillin shot, and I felt back to normal the next day.  A few years later I'd have the 10 day cycle of amoxicillin pills, and it was at least a week before I felt better.  Fortunately I quit smoking, and haven't been troubled with sinus infections for several years.

Edited October 8, 2022 by sagittarius sue

[Cinnabon]

3 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

My pharmacy is struggling too.  I think it’s staffing problems. They only do covid vaccines by appointment.   I’m going to stay put and hopefully they’ll get it together.  
 

I’ve had strep twice that I recall. It was intense, but urgent care diagnosed me quick, gave me a shot and I was tons better in a matter of hours!  Hope you feel better soon.  
 

 

Short staffed pharmacy in my Walgreens, too. They simply don’t want to pay employees enough money. Maybe they’ll get a clue and figure it out. I’ve also had step twice, and almost immediately starting getting better as soon as I started taking amoxicillin. I’d much rather get strep than Covid.

Edited October 8, 2022 by Cinnabon

[Salacious Kitty]

Back from Urgent Care. Ruled out strep, no fever and no swollen lymph nodes. It's a bad case of laryngitis, so no meds for me, just throat lozenges and tea like I've been doing. All I can do to get better is rest my voice. Oh well, I really knew that, but I needed the letter for work. And if I don't feel better by Monday, I make an appointment to go back to Urgent Care on Tuesday to extend my leave. 

Interestingly, the doctor told me this is viral, so I am wracking my brain to figure out where I caught it. 

[BucFan]

Regarding Hurricane Ian 

my daughter in Cape Coral just got power back this morning and I’ve had power since last Sunday  

Like I said in the other thread we are both so very fortunate and my heart breaks for my fellow Floridians. 
I also want to thank all of you guys for the hugs and hearts icons you sent me In the other thread. It really means a lot to me, thank you

[BetyBee]

No side effects from my bivalent booster, other than a sore arm. Whew! 

I'm starting a new afghan (knitting) today with a new to me pattern. I'll need a notebook at hand to track what row I'm on, since the pattern changes frequently. I usually do the same kind of mindless pattern that I've done many times. Wish me luck!

[Scarlett45]

You guys have been very supportive of my struggles here to find a new weekend caregiver for my sister. The weekend caregiver we had for 5yrs retired at the start of the pandemic, and it’s been a headache to say the least. 
 

Well L, a woman I met in March, who my sister adores lost another client and how has availability 2 days a month. L is great, she comes to work on time, the kitchen is clean at the end of her shift , my sister LOVES her (I often come in to relieve her and my sister is holding L’s feet!). L is a social worker by education and in a life transition time right now. The reason she didn’t get the job right away in March was because she was upfront that she wanted to move away soon and was in a transition period. But again- my sister loved her so much and I needed the help, I said “let’s do one day a month while I continue to look for another long term person.”

I know L probably won’t be here in 5yrs, but my life would be made if she lost just ONE more client and had another day. 
 

I have been through the ringer interviewing, training, and dealing with people’s BS. My Mom has no problem raising the rate ($25/hr is the going rate in Chicagoland right now) but this is care for a human being- people have to be consistent. I am taking a break from looking for another weekend person right now- I have too much going on with my own life, I had my bday, Halloween, my trips and the holidays that I want to enjoy. 
 

I can admit my “picker” is off. I am 100% on the money on who my sister will LIKE, anyone I have come meet her she likes them (and she doesn’t like everyone), but on who wants this job? Nope. I have had people come for a training, receive their pay, and I give them at least 48hrs before I call them and ask if they are interested. Even after that, with a yes and a signed agreement they flake.

I did sign up for two agencies, who sent me 0 people, yes 0. The admin people did follow up but they either 1. Had no people who wanted to work in our area, 2. The people were looking for full time hours. 

The latest person texted me asking if she could switch to Sundays because she was Jewish (I knew she was Jewish during the interview in late August and asked “are Saturdays good for you although it’s the sabbath?” She said she didn’t observe the sabbath it was fine), and when I said switching was fine starting in November, and then a week later she asked if she could switch with another caregiver because she had a party to go to in the suburbs on FRIDAY so that would make it hard to get to work Saturday. If I ever said some shit like that my Mom would DIE of shame- you don’t want to come to work Saturday because of a party Friday??

I am not shitting you all.

At that point it was clear she didn’t want this job. I truly think she was interested in my sister on an academic level (she was looking to get her master’s degree next year) but when she realized this wasn’t an academic study, she actually had to TAKE CARE OF HER (like bathe her, cook her food, clean up after, do her laundry etc) it wasn’t so appealing any more. I find that is the case with many people who work in the special education field- they are “interested” in my sister in an “oh can I use the things I’ve learned in school, I’ve never met someone like this before” but don’t actually want to do the tasks required of the job. (bathing, toileting, laundry, cooking etc) I advertise this closer to a senior care job than one for children- my sister is 34.

I did reach out to several friends who know my sister well and asked them was our ad not accurate, how were the expectations etc and they said the ad was accurate, the expectations were fine ($25/hr is the new rate, which of course we passed on to M and L) but that we’ve had a pandemic, so many support people have left health care and it’s a “part-time” job compared to a full time job.

M (my sister’s weekday caregiver) has been such a trooper, I’m encouraging her to take some vacation around Thanksgiving. L will cover a few of her days and I will take a few days and it will be fine. 
 

My co-workers and network still know I’m looking, so if someone is sent to me through a contact that’s fine, but no more ads on public platforms for while. One thing that does annoy the bejesus out of me (and I know I’m highly sensitive right now, and again, I know that many people aren’t familiar with this field) is that people make suggestions to me about MONEY for services(most of their suggestions are inaccurate) , I don’t need MONEY, I need a BODY!! I’m not being coy I actually need a BODY to do the work. 
 

But my sister loves L, and she’s a great person, as long as she wants to be here we will have her. 
 

Thank you for all the supportive words and encouragement you guys are great. 

[BetyBee]

@Scarlett45 - that decision process sounds very stressful! I hope it all works out with a long term solution, so you don't have to go through this again any time soon! 

[ginger90]

I have worked with some very good caregivers over the years. I have also worked with some mediocre and awful people.

Sometimes I wonder if they have someone who wipes their butt. Imagine having to tell a grown person, caring for a female, front to back? 

I have to wonder how they take care of their own homes, or do they? Some are slobs. Written communication is awful with some, just awful. Agencies that don’t have adequate staffing  shouldn’t take on cases. They know who they have, they know their schedules, they make them.

Use of equipment is so perplexing to some. Correct lifting techniques, repositioning, how to give a shower, assist to the toilet, walk with a person who uses a cane or walker, staying off cell phones all seem foreign. 

Agencies need to have better hiring criteria and training. Online in-services, where used, are the most ridiculous invention.

If a person chooses this type of job, but just puts in their time, they suck.

Edited October 9, 2022 by ginger90

[lookeyloo]

46 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

I have worked with some very good caregivers over the years. I have also worked with some mediocre and awful people.

Sometimes I wonder if they have someone who wipes their butt. Imagine having to tell a grown person, caring for a female, front to back? 

I have to wonder how they take care of their own homes, or do they? Some are slobs. Written communication is awful with some, just awful. Agencies that don’t have adequate staffing  shouldn’t take on cases. They know who they have, they know their schedules, they make them.

Use of equipment is so perplexing to some. Correct lifting techniques, repositioning, how to give a shower, assist to the toilet, walk with a person who uses a cane or walker, staying off cell phones all seem foreign. 

Agencies need to have better hiring criteria and training. Online in-services, where used, are the most ridiculous invention.

If a person chooses this type of job, but just puts in their time, they suck.

All very true, but, I think there is a paucity of people to choose from.  Around here, it seems that no one is applying for these type of jobs since other ones have been made available to them.  I don't know what "other ones" are except that they seem to be there.  There are help wanted signs all over around here and eateries have shortened their hours because of lack of staff.  I don't think these people are all sitting home, just got better type jobs.  Whether pay, hours, schedules, etc.

[Absolom]

My mother's facility just increased rates 10%.  This is after rate increase 8 months ago.  

[Salacious Kitty]

14 minutes ago, Absolom said:

My mother's facility just increased rates 10%.  This is after rate increase 8 months ago.  

I dread the rate increase at my MIL's place. At least it's just once a year.

[Notabug]

On 10/7/2022 at 2:12 PM, ozziemom said:

@Scarlett45 100% agree with Talbot’s for pants. I’m retired now, but Talbot’s was my go to store for business wear. I still have all my Talbot’s sweaters too! Classic and basic.

All of a sudden I’m getting ads here on PrimeTimers. Did something change? 

Talbots is my go-to for workwear, too.  I can heartily endorse their stretchy corduroy pants.  I've got several colors and wear them to work all the time, I've got a tan pair on now.  With a decent shirt and a blazer, it's just a step away from a suit while being very comfortable.  Also, it's important to me to have machine washable clothes for work because I deal in body fluids all day and am too cheap to dry clean stuff all the time.  

I find that Talbots' sizes tend to run a little large and I can often size down.  However, tops seem to be a bit short, which, because I have a long torso, can be a problem.  Whenever I get a top from Talbots, I try it on first and do some bending and stretching to be sure my midsection remains covered.  In compensation for my long torso, I've got short, stumpy legs, so pants' length is not a problem for me.

Talbots' styles are pretty classic, you won't find anything too outrageous or trendy there; but, they carry a lot of stuff that anyone can wear and the prices are ok as long as you wait for a sale or get a coupon.  Talbots has sales nearly every weekend, I never pay full price for anything there.

Edited October 10, 2022 by Notabug

[Notabug]

19 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

All very true, but, I think there is a paucity of people to choose from.  Around here, it seems that no one is applying for these type of jobs since other ones have been made available to them.  I don't know what "other ones" are except that they seem to be there.  There are help wanted signs all over around here and eateries have shortened their hours because of lack of staff.  I don't think these people are all sitting home, just got better type jobs.  Whether pay, hours, schedules, etc.

There are so many jobs going begging these days.  I must say, I know several people, licensed medical assistants, who do home care on the side and I've never known any who would do housework too.  So, Scarlett, if you find someone who is willing to do laundry, prepare meals and clean the kitchen in addition to keeping an eye on your sister; she's worth her weight in gold.  Everyone I know who does this work will certainly keep their client warm and dry and do all their personal care, they'll strip and change beds as needed and serve a meal but they don't run the washer or cook or do dishes.  I'm surprised you can find people willing to be both caregiver and housekeeper for $25 an hour.

Edited October 10, 2022 by Notabug

[Scarlett45]

17 minutes ago, Notabug said:

Talbots is my go-to for workwear, too.  I can heartily endorse their stretchy corduroy pants.

Those pants are EVERYTHING. Everything. I am going to be so warm this winter! I have a shorter torso so that might be why I like their tops. The length in the legs is good, I do NOT like this cropped pant look, given where I live, if I want a long pant I want a LONG PANT, I don't want the wind blowing around my ankles. I am not tall (only 5'7) but give me a long pant please. I am happy with the length of my pants from Talbots. 

[Scarlett45]

26 minutes ago, Notabug said:

There are so many jobs going begging these days.  I must say, I know several people, licensed medical assistants, who do home care on the side and I've never known any who would do housework too.  So, Scarlett, if you find someone who is willing to do laundry, prepare meals and clean the kitchen in addition to keeping an eye on your sister; she's worth her weight in gold.  Everyone I know who does this work will certainly keep their client warm and dry and do all their personal care, they'll strip and change beds as needed and serve a meal but they don't run the washer or cook or do dishes.  I'm surprised you can find people willing to be both caregiver and housekeeper for $25 an hour.

The only housework the job requires is cleaning up after my sister, after you cook her meals wipe down the kitchen and load the dishwasher, do her laundry, and wipe down the bathroom after she has her daily care completed. I have never heard of a caregiver not cooking, how is the client supposed to eat? Of course they have to clean up the bathroom/ kitchen afterwards. But we don't expect them to do any cooking for my Mom or vacuuming or moping or anything like that.

Do you think we should up the rate to $30 an hour? I am not being facetious I am asking genuinely. Also, about half of the shift is actually caring for her, she's labor intensive for about 2-3hrs and then she entertains herself. So everyone has a couple hours to read or watch tv (being paid of course) just to keep an eye on her. 

If $30 an hour is what is needed, thats what is needed. I have no problem paying people for their time and skills, but I do want to attract more quality candidates in the future; who are able and willing to complete the tasks desired. I know we have been SPOILED having the same people with us for so long.

[Notabug]

22 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

The only housework the job requires is cleaning up after my sister, after you cook her meals wipe down the kitchen and load the dishwasher, do her laundry, and wipe down the bathroom after she has her daily care completed. I have never heard of a caregiver not cooking, how is the client supposed to eat? Of course they have to clean up the bathroom/ kitchen afterwards. But we don't expect them to do any cooking for my Mom or vacuuming or moping or anything like that.

I think most caregivers are ok with heating a pre-made meal in the microwave or something similar.  It seems like most clients have Meals on Wheels which come ready to serve or their family takes care of the prep for the caregiver who only need serve it.

Maybe I am just out of the loop, but I don't know any home health care aide who does their client's laundry for them or who does more than putting dirty dishes into the sink or dishwasher.  As long as they're not leaving dirty dishes on the table or the milk on the counter to spoil, I haven't heard of anyone expecting the dishes be washed.  Most aides are happy to toss soiled laundry into a hamper; they aren't as likely to wash and dry it, though.  Not leaving soiled laundry on the floor is reasonable.

As far as 'wiping down' the kitchen and bathroom; I suppose it depends on the expectations.  Hanging up towels to dry and not leaving puddles on the floor is routine, but I don't know many caregivers who are going to clean the tub and sink and countertops daily.  Same with wiping down all kitchen surfaces, sweeping the floor, etc.  Cleaning up any spills seems reasonable, doing a lot more than that is probably not going to be viewed as part of the job.

[Absolom]

I had mainly retired LPNs for my mother.  They didn't cook.  I included a weekly meal out in the plan (with my mother).  Two for the outstanding one.  They didn't vacuum, clean bathrooms except minimally, or do laundry unless there was an accident.  Frozen meals were bought by the weekly housekeeper who shopped and cleaned the house.  The caregiver would take my mom to see her husband at the hospital or SNF and out for ice cream and such.  We provided a car.  They had to get mom washed and dressed, fed from the freezer, or maybe the housekeeper would make spaghetti or lasagna if she had time and would buy bagged salad.  They managed her medication and let me know what was low.  They did walk with her when she walked the dog.  That usually took 3 to 4 hours a day and then they got to watch TV with her, listen to her prattle, or read if she was tired and napped.  

[Scarlett45]

28 minutes ago, Notabug said:

I think most caregivers are ok with heating a pre-made meal in the microwave or something similar.  It seems like most clients have Meals on Wheels which come ready to serve or their family takes care of the prep for the caregiver who only need serve it.

Maybe I am just out of the loop, but I don't know any home health care aide who does their client's laundry for them or who does more than putting dirty dishes into the sink or dishwasher.  As long as they're not leaving dirty dishes on the table or the milk on the counter to spoil, I haven't heard of anyone expecting the dishes be washed.  Most aides are happy to toss soiled laundry into a hamper; they aren't as likely to wash and dry it, though.  Not leaving soiled laundry on the floor is reasonable.

As far as 'wiping down' the kitchen and bathroom; I suppose it depends on the expectations.  Hanging up towels to dry and not leaving puddles on the floor is routine, but I don't know many caregivers who are going to clean the tub and sink and countertops daily.  Same with wiping down all kitchen surfaces, sweeping the floor, etc.  Cleaning up any spills seems reasonable, doing a lot more than that is probably not going to be viewed as part of the job.

My sister likes the process of cooking- she knows she isn’t to touch the stove, but she likes watching and seasoning the food, she finds it really fun. That’s one of the rare times she always interacts with the caregiver so that’s important to us. Also she’s a princess and chooses her own food for the day unless my mom orders delivery. 
 

For clarity-

By “wipe down the kitchen” dishes go in the dishwasher, skillets/knives are hand washed, counters wiped down, anywhere my sister has touched with her hands full of whatever (tomato sauce etc) is wiped off, seasonings are put back and where she’s made a mess is clean.

By “wipe down the bathroom” I mean, no menstrual blood (when it’s that time of the month) left on the toilet/floor, wipe out the sink after she spits her tooth paste out, make sure the floor isn’t hazardous after she splashed water every where after you shower her. 
 

My sister wets the bed every night. Her laundry (sheets, nightgown, bed pads etc) are washed daily and her bed changed. If the washing machine is broken or something we will leave the laundry in the basement until we can get it replaced/fixed or I run to a friends house like a bat out of hell, but laundry is done EVERY day here. 

14 minutes ago, Absolom said:

I had mainly retired LPNs for my mother.  They didn't cook.  I included a weekly meal out in the plan (with my mother).  Two for the outstanding one.  They didn't vacuum, clean bathrooms except minimally, or do laundry unless there was an accident.  Frozen meals were bought by the weekly housekeeper who shopped and cleaned the house.  The caregiver would take my mom to see her husband at the hospital or SNF and out for ice cream and such.  We provided a car.  They had to get mom washed and dressed, fed from the freezer, or maybe the housekeeper would make spaghetti or lasagna if she had time and would buy bagged salad.  They managed her medication and let me know what was low.  They did walk with her when she walked the dog.  That usually took 3 to 4 hours a day and then they got to watch TV with her, listen to her prattle, or read if she was tired and napped.  

Our previous weekend caregiver was a retired LPN my mom knew through work. She liked the couple extra hundred dollars a month of income and she would watch tv (she loved football) after my sister was clean and the food cooked. 
 

I appreciate your feed back @Notabug and @Absolom. I have no problem if someone doesn’t want the job, but what I don’t get is after the come for a training, see me do it,(they are paid for the training) they accept the job and THEN flake. It could be my sister is better behaved for ME, or more mellow. Or they actually do it and the money isn’t enough.

Im still taking my break looking, but when I get back at it I will raise the rate to $30. Again I appreciate the feedback I really do. 
 

[CalicoKitty]

I had posted a question on my local Nextdoor app, asking if anyone had switched their mobile phone service from Verizon to Spectrum/Charter, and if so, how is the service and reception.  I did a double take when I received a response from a guy named James Duggar.  I feel sorry for any non-related Duggar who follows this family.

Has anyone here made this switch, and, if so, are you happy.  It is so much more cost-friendly.

[ginger90]

@Scarlett45, For a flip side, I’ve never heard of a home health aide or caregiver not being responsible for the tasks you’ve posted.
 

Light housekeeping, laundry, preparing meals, doing errands, transporting to appointments, personal care, safety precautions, infection control precautions, medication reminders, socialization, assisting with exercising, range of motion, on and on. They are in someone’s home, that’s really the whole point.

[CalicoKitty]

My $0.02 worth.  The care givers who my brother and I used for my parents when they were still at home were employed by an agency.  They were expected to fix meals and do light housekeeping.  They would do the laundry, mop the kitchen floor (after I pointed out it was needed), clean up the bathroom, shower my parents, change bed linen, and go to the grocery store when necessary.   We left some money in a lock box, and the caregiver would use that for what they needed and leave the  receipt in the box.  The caregiver would take them to appointments if we were not available.  I had the lady take my mom, and my dad, to the salon to get their nails cut, for example.  When my dad was in a nursing home, the caregiver would take my mom to visit.  They did laundry and made sure my parents were dressed in clean clothes every day.  The agency made sure the caregivers were bonded, had a car and insurance, and were checked on by the owner of the agency.  The agency had insurance, and if one caregiver called in or was unable to work, they sent a replacement.  I think that services and expectations may be different for independent caregivers who are working on their own.  Kind of like apples and oranges--it is hard to compare.

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, CalicoKitty said:

My $0.02 worth.  The care givers who my brother and I used for my parents when they were still at home were employed by an agency.  They were expected to fix meals and do light housekeeping.  They would do the laundry, mop the kitchen floor (after I pointed out it was needed), clean up the bathroom, shower my parents, change bed linen, and go to the grocery store when necessary.   We left some money in a lock box, and the caregiver would use that for what they needed and leave the  receipt in the box.  The caregiver would take them to appointments if we were not available.  I had the lady take my mom, and my dad, to the salon to get their nails cut, for example.  When my dad was in a nursing home, the caregiver would take my mom to visit.  They did laundry and made sure my parents were dressed in clean clothes every day.  The agency made sure the caregivers were bonded, had a car and insurance, and were checked on by the owner of the agency.  The agency had insurance, and if one caregiver called in or was unable to work, they sent a replacement.  I think that services and expectations may be different for independent caregivers who are working on their own.  Kind of like apples and oranges--it is hard to compare.

I get that. Also this job requires no errands or transportation. My sister is fully ambulatory and not a fall risk. I always say she is a bit physically intensive but emotionally easy (she doesn’t need to be entertained by you, you can pop in your earphones and listen to a podcast, while you do your tasks the vast majority of the time). Her routine does need to be learned or she will act up, and as I say she is a “tall toddler”- toddler tantrums aren’t pleasant when your client is 5’9. (And I get not everyone wants to handle that- TRUST)

What we need is someone to keep her clean, make her food, do her daily laundry, and make sure she doesn’t get into “mischief” for 6-8hrs, a few times a month. 

Im not against using an agency, but I need a consistent person, as her routine has to be just so, and who knows if she will like everyone they send? And if people are going to be texting my mom 500x asking where xyz is, that’s not really relaxing for her. The two agencies I signed up with didnt send me anyone to interview, the hours weren't enough or they wanted a job in another part of Chicago (I get it, its a part time job, not a full time salary).

If she loved them the way she loves M and L that would be amazing- she does like to hold feet😂, but that’s not a requirement. Those people are hard to find. But she has to at least like the person or she will hide in her room- I’m always on the money with whom she will like though, I get the vibe. 

[CalicoKitty]

17 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

I get that. Also this job requires no errands or transportation. My sister is fully ambulatory and not a fall risk. I always say she is a bit physically intensive but emotionally easy (she doesn’t need to be entertained by you, you can pop in your earphones and listen to a podcast, while you do your tasks the vast majority of the time). Her routine does need to be learned or she will act up, and as I say she is a “tall toddler”- toddler tantrums aren’t pleasant when your client is 5’9. (And I get not everyone wants to handle that- TRUST)

What we need is someone to keep her clean, make her food, do her daily laundry, and make sure she doesn’t get into “mischief” for 6-8hrs, a few times a month. 

Im not against using an agency, but I need a consistent person, as her routine has to be just so, and who knows if she will like everyone they send? And if people are going to be texting my mom 500x asking where xyz is, that’s not really relaxing for her.

If she loved them the way she loves M and L that would be amazing- she does like to hold feet😂, but that’s not a requirement. Those people are hard to find. But she has to at least like the person or she will hide in her room- I’m always on the money with whom she will like though, I get the vibe. 

I get what you are saying.  My mother was very difficult and very rude to the caregivers. My brother and I met with the owner of the agency and explained the situation, and we had the same people 4-5 days a week, and another pair who covered the other days (we had to have 24 hour coverage).  I understand, it is very hard to find caregivers who will do the job and who my mother, mainly, would tolerate.  My dad was easy and liked everyone.  I wish you luck. I understand what you are going through.

[Scarlett45]

1 minute ago, CalicoKitty said:

I get what you are saying.  My mother was very difficult and very rude to the caregivers. My brother and I met with the owner of the agency and explained the situation, and we had the same people 4-5 days a week, and another pair who covered the other days (we had to have 24 hour coverage).  I understand, it is very hard to find caregivers who will do the job and who my mother, mainly, would tolerate.  My dad was easy and liked everyone.  I wish you luck. I understand what you are going through.

My Mom was thankful that my grandfather was pretty easy going until the dementia got really bad. Mrs B (who took care of my sister and my grandfather during my middle school/HS years) was ADORED by him.

He loved women and to chat, so he talked her ear off and he loved the attention she paid him. Thinking about it cracks me up. Mrs B only left us because she got sick in 2003 and she died in 2011. She had a real gift. I still miss her, they don't make people like her every day.

[Notabug]

15 hours ago, ginger90 said:

@Scarlett45, For a flip side, I’ve never heard of a home health aide or caregiver not being responsible for the tasks you’ve posted.
 

Light housekeeping, laundry, preparing meals, doing errands, transporting to appointments, personal care, safety precautions, infection control precautions, medication reminders, socialization, assisting with exercising, range of motion, on and on. They are in someone’s home, that’s really the whole point.

Thanks.  It could be that the people I know are specifically trained and licensed as medical assistants which lets them be more selective as to what sorts of household chores they will perform.  

There are so many different sorts of people with different sorts of problems out there who need in-home assistance, I could see how it could be tough to find the exact right fit.

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, Notabug said:

Thanks.  It could be that the people I know are specifically trained and licensed as medical assistants which lets them be more selective as to what sorts of household chores they will perform.  

There are so many different sorts of people with different sorts of problems out there who need in-home assistance, I could see how it could be tough to find the exact right fit.

That makes sense. 

[skatelady]

On 10/10/2022 at 12:59 PM, Scarlett45 said:

Do you think we should up the rate to $30 an hour? I am not being facetious I am asking genuinely. Also, about half of the shift is actually caring for her, she's labor intensive for about 2-3hrs and then she entertains herself. So everyone has a couple hours to read or watch tv (being paid of course) just to keep an eye on her. 

I paid for private care for my dad in the last 3 years of his life (he had mild dementia, but was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end and lived 3 months after diagnosis).

Up until his diagnosis, I hired "companions" (not medical personnel) that would drive him places (to swim class, museums, library, church, doctor appointments, and out to lunch every day). I had a "team" of companions so that he was never alone, but the schedule was somewhat flexible so that his companions could take days off as needed - they worked it out among themselves. We paid them $25/hour, and I based that on what the local agencies were charging for that service (except I hired the caretakers directly). There was no housework at all, just entertainment (although yard work was sometimes done simply because my dad loved flowers and plants and playing in the dirt). Sometimes they just played scrabble for hours. But, it was hands-on during the entire shift. 

He needed nursing care at the end, round-the-clock, which we opted for in lieu of a nursing home. For that we paid $35/hour, again, based on local agency fees. At that time there was little to do, as he was semi-conscious or sleeping much of the time. (The nurses administered morphine, treated bedsores, kept him clean/warm/dry, and made sure he didn't fall out of bed - he was restless at times). Probably 75% of the time the attendant had nothing to do. I didn't ask for any other services, especially since there were often family members visiting. 

For reference, this was in western Massachusetts. He passed away in March, before the recent dramatic rise in prices for everything. 

When I say "we" paid, it was cash and actually Dad's own money that would've gone to us (his children) as per his will. My siblings were slightly annoyed with me that I so generously spent their inheritance, but my feeling on this was "it's HIS money, HE earned it, and HE should be getting the fruits of his labor. YOU should not be basing your budgeting on a potential inheritance." I'm the oldest, and historically all these family management tasks have fallen to me; I know how to make them listen!

[Scarlett45]

@skatelady thank you for your feed back and sharing your experiences as a caregiver for your Dad. 
 

I also want to clarify, this isn’t “my money”, this is my Mother’s money. My Mom has never asked me to spend any of my salary on my sister’s caregivers or support. I just say “I will” because I’m the one who interviews, hires, trains and schedules people these days, and since I’m the one who will be taking care of my sister if the caregiver isn’t there, suiting my schedule is what’s important (my Mom retired in December). 
 

Unlike my Mom I don’t have “Mommy guilt” or a bunch of emotional baggage about this so I am open to listening to others who have different ideas. My sister is 34, times have changed a LOT since she hired Mrs B to come in 1997 to take care of my sister and Grandfather (our Great Aunt was our nanny before that, and yes she got a salary but she was so in love with us that wasn’t what motivated her to be here). 

[BetyBee]

52 minutes ago, skatelady said:

I paid for private care for my dad in the last 3 years of his life (he had mild dementia, but was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end and lived 3 months after diagnosis).

Up until his diagnosis, I hired "companions" (not medical personnel) that would drive him places (to swim class, museums, library, church, doctor appointments, and out to lunch every day). I had a "team" of companions so that he was never alone, but the schedule was somewhat flexible so that his companions could take days off as needed - they worked it out among themselves. We paid them $25/hour, and I based that on what the local agencies were charging for that service (except I hired the caretakers directly). There was no housework at all, just entertainment (although yard work was sometimes done simply because my dad loved flowers and plants and playing in the dirt). Sometimes they just played scrabble for hours. But, it was hands-on during the entire shift. 

He needed nursing care at the end, round-the-clock, which we opted for in lieu of a nursing home. For that we paid $35/hour, again, based on local agency fees. At that time there was little to do, as he was semi-conscious or sleeping much of the time. (The nurses administered morphine, treated bedsores, kept him clean/warm/dry, and made sure he didn't fall out of bed - he was restless at times). Probably 75% of the time the attendant had nothing to do. I didn't ask for any other services, especially since there were often family members visiting. 

For reference, this was in western Massachusetts. He passed away in March, before the recent dramatic rise in prices for everything. 

When I say "we" paid, it was cash and actually Dad's own money that would've gone to us (his children) as per his will. My siblings were slightly annoyed with me that I so generously spent their inheritance, but my feeling on this was "it's HIS money, HE earned it, and HE should be getting the fruits of his labor. YOU should not be basing your budgeting on a potential inheritance." I'm the oldest, and historically all these family management tasks have fallen to me; I know how to make them listen!

We spent much of my mother-in-law's money on caregivers too, which allowed her to stay in her home until nearly the end of her life. I don't remember if they were LPNs, but they were very kind women, mostly from the Philippines. I don't remember the hourly rate, but because we went through an agency, I do know that the agency got a portion of their pay. It takes a special kind of person to do that kind of one on one care in someone else's home. In the case of my MIL, this was 24 hour care, so the aides lived in her home. It's a very valuable service! My favorite caregiver left abruptly. She missed her little boy back in the Philippines too much. I felt so sad for her! MIL died in 2007. 

[Jynnan tonnix]

On 10/11/2022 at 3:06 PM, skatelady said:

I paid for private care for my dad in the last 3 years of his life (he had mild dementia, but was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end and lived 3 months after diagnosis).

Up until his diagnosis, I hired "companions" (not medical personnel) that would drive him places (to swim class, museums, library, church, doctor appointments, and out to lunch every day). I had a "team" of companions so that he was never alone, but the schedule was somewhat flexible so that his companions could take days off as needed - they worked it out among themselves. We paid them $25/hour, and I based that on what the local agencies were charging for that service (except I hired the caretakers directly). There was no housework at all, just entertainment (although yard work was sometimes done simply because my dad loved flowers and plants and playing in the dirt). Sometimes they just played scrabble for hours. But, it was hands-on during the entire shift. 

He needed nursing care at the end, round-the-clock, which we opted for in lieu of a nursing home. For that we paid $35/hour, again, based on local agency fees. At that time there was little to do, as he was semi-conscious or sleeping much of the time. (The nurses administered morphine, treated bedsores, kept him clean/warm/dry, and made sure he didn't fall out of bed - he was restless at times). Probably 75% of the time the attendant had nothing to do. I didn't ask for any other services, especially since there were often family members visiting. 

For reference, this was in western Massachusetts. He passed away in March, before the recent dramatic rise in prices for everything. 

When I say "we" paid, it was cash and actually Dad's own money that would've gone to us (his children) as per his will. My siblings were slightly annoyed with me that I so generously spent their inheritance, but my feeling on this was "it's HIS money, HE earned it, and HE should be getting the fruits of his labor. YOU should not be basing your budgeting on a potential inheritance." I'm the oldest, and historically all these family management tasks have fallen to me; I know how to make them listen!

It's the same with my mom. She is able to still do a fair amount for herself, and is still very "with it" mentally, so she is able to stay in her own home, which she lives, with only a couple of Polish ladies who come in to help her out for about 4-5 hours a day. She comes to stay with us in weekends, but prefers to stay in her own home when she can. Times that she has been unwell, she has stayed with us for a couple of weeks or months, but her community of Polish friends and acquaintances can generally find someone looking for a steady part-time job helping her out with cleaning, shopping, cooking, and what-have-you. She's pretty undemanding for the most part. She will be 89 in February, so we all sort of hope that she will be able to manage to stay there as long as possible in what time she has left.

[Scarlett45]

My Mom has her colonoscopy on Monday. She’s first thing in the morning so I am taking a sick day to drive her, hanging at Starbucks/Target during her appointment until she’s ready to come home. 

She’s done this a few times before since Grandfather had colon cancer, but I appreciate you all sharing your experiences here so I can keep her spirits up and be supportive through the weekend. I have my sister all weekend but I will not be eating in front of her in solidarity. Three days no food would have me in TEARS.

[Absolom]

Hm, I've never had to go three days without eating as part of the prep.  Good luck to you all.

[Scarlett45]

8 hours ago, Absolom said:

Hm, I've never had to go three days without eating as part of the prep.  Good luck to you all.

Her instructions were no solid food, clear liquids only starting today (water, ginger ale, apple juice etc)  and the prep pills starting Sunday.

[crazycatlady58]

25 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Her instructions were no solid food, clear liquids only starting today (water, ginger ale, apple juice etc)  and the prep pills starting Sunday.

Ugh, mine were never that restrictive. Lots of good thoughts and prayers for her.

[sagittarius sue]

16 minutes ago, crazycatlady58 said:

Ugh, mine were never that restrictive. Lots of good thoughts and prayers for her.

Clear liquids usually include coffee, tea, most sodas, popsicles and jellos as long as not red, broths and bouilions.  I found clear beef broth helped me a lot during these preps.