Didn't win the Lottery. Have to go to work. Damn.

I'm worn out and I spent money like a madwoman all weekend. Not on anything fun or self-indulgent, either. It all started when I started to clean my room, and realized my sheets had holes in them. Like the leaking coffeepot, some things just stir you to action, you know? I bought these sheets. I really, really like them, they are luxuriously soft. I absolutely will buy another set. I bought a new hypoallergenic mattress pad that actually fits my mattress properly. The old one was a shrunken mess. New pillows - anybody else see the disgusting story about how many dust mites live in your pillow? I realized I couldn't remember how old those pillows were, and eeew. A drop spreader because I need to fertilize the lawn. Food. I bought the Girlchild a set of pillows and the mattress pad, but didn't buy her bedding since she needs to pick that out for herself. If she ever gets a day off work. The theme park without mice or whales is very busy and understaffed and she's working her ass off. Making decent money, at least, but at a price. She's exhausted, and when she's off she just wants to sleep.

Deb called my attention to this interesting stash management scheme: The Yarn Focus Challenge. I'm not sure it's for me, since I can easily go over a month without buying yarn these days, but it's an interesting and useful way to separate the craving from the need.

I'm still puzzling over the ideal work shawl. It doesn't have to be delicate and lacy, in fact drapey and casual would be much more appropriate. I've mentally (and physically) reviewed the stash and didn't come up with a winner.

Double damn. While I was writing this entry my mother called. My father's condition is worse, she's crying on the phone, but I think that maybe I got through to her - he needs to be hospitalized, evaluated, stabilized if they can, and then (if) when he comes home, she needs to get hospice services in, ASAP. She's exhaused and stressed and she's dealing with this all alone, and he is being difficult. He's already getting oxygen through hospice, and they brought a walker with a seat, so he can sit down when he's tired. He didn't like it and won't use it. Okaaaay. They would both benefit enormously from hospice, and it makes me crazy that they will not use all the services available to them. I told her that if he is not put in the hospital tomorrow I am going to call/visit the doctor myself and raise hell. I don't give a SHIT what he wants, he's killing himself and her at this point. Goddammit, this is EXACTLY why I wanted them to move closer to me years ago - because I saw this day coming, even though they were in cheery denial. Fuck.

This is going to be a long, hard week.