Boy, I a horrible child! Dad died July 2000. Since he was pretty much the decision maker in the family, I kind of felt obligated to help Mom. I tried to slow down her decision making when it came to major decisions - she is definatly a snap decision maker, and it isn't always good. And maybe I feel even more protective because I feel like Ed talks her into making bad decisions. Well, apparently she is offended by my help. Well, at least what I thought was my help. She interpeted it as I was trying to run her life - as disrespectful to her and her abilities. Hummm, as I step back and look at this from afar, she might be right. I could have and should have been much more diplomatic. It is just that every time she decided to do something, it backfired and I ended up cleaning up the pieces. It was very selfish of me, but I was feeling frustrated that I had to deal with these things. Example - first "they" bought a pull type camper and of course a pickup to pull it. They could not use it - it was too much for them to put it up and take it down, etc. I had to deal with Mom and what to do with this camper. In the end they traded the camper for a boat! A boat of all things. They thought it would be easier to sell a boat than a camper that was very cumbersome to use. Well, that was late last summer and they still have the boat. Then they bought a motor home. The motor home ended up being a piece of crap! Now Mom was entirely upset about the motor home. I guess I was upset because in all of these cases I feel like she got "taken" even with or maybe because of Ed's help. They did spend an arm and a leg to get the motor home fixed and intend to drive it out to Vegas to see my brother. Neither one of them are very good drivers, and it is a lot different driving a motor home than it is a car. I am just very, very worried about her and her decision making. I don't worry because I want to inherit any of the little bit of money she has. I am worried that she is not going to have any money left to take care of herself in a couple of years. I feel bad that she is so offended. I am done trying to protect her. I don't want to be any more upset with me than she already is. I guess she is just going to have to deal with what ever happens. I guess I am too. I have 3 brothers that should be helping me and backing me up, but they don't want any part of it. Well, enough for tonight. I just have to let go of this and not worry.

Mother Nature is such a tease! The past couple of days have been so nice. Yesterday it was up to 71. We dug out the patio furniture, picked up sticks in the lawn and just enjoyed being out in the sun! Today it is about 31 and there are a few snow flakes in the air. Oh well, a good day to be in the house getting some things done. It has been such a busy couple of weeks I haven't gotten much housework done. This past week I was only home one night. I went to a seminar on "Pioneer Women in Southwest Minnesota" on Tuesday, Wednesday was Lenten Service, Thursday a meeting, Friday "Prairie Music" concert and last night was the George Washington banquet at the lodge. today is Travis' birthday so after church we all went out for lunch at the Hub (yum, yum). This afternoon I need to get organized for a meeting I have to go to in Sioux Falls tomorrow. Not especially thrilled to go that far for a meeting, but it is part of my job. this next week will be busy as well. I need to get the house cleaned and some food made for Easter. I have both sides coming over. My side is coming over for lunch after church and Leon's side for supper. I decided that if I was going to go through all the work of cleaning the house that well and making food, I might as well have both sides over. Well, off to get some more cleaning done!