What a beautiful photo, Jessica.

As far as your dad goes... I'm so sorry to hear all that. Are the doctors indicating this as dementia or some other  degenerative neurological ailment (Alzheimer's for example)?

The reason I ask is, my dad also had dementia at the end... it came on like gangbusters after my mom past. We think she helped hide it /keep it at bay while she was alive, and when she passed it just overwhelmed him.

But obviously me and my sisters became experts really quickly on all that, and something you said really raised all the flags for me - you dad mentioned wanting to go home soon. THAT is a quintessential symptom of dementia. The patients all want to "go home."

And as things progress, if you probe them (gently!) and as where "home" is... you will sometimes hear them tell you it's the home they just lived in, and sometimes it might be the home they were raised in.. time is no longer linear for them.

It is a lot to handle. If you indeed are about to deal with all this, PLEASE feel free to reach out at any point if you just need someone to vent to or if you have any questions or anything.

Love,
Allie

So sorry to hear all that Jessica. The more I read about that awful Cass study, and how the UK really has become ground zero for the Terf movement... it makes me so sad.

Social media is one thing, that's a cesspool. But what's happening there is people really making concerted efforts to dismantle rights. I do hope smarter heads prevail.

Until then, please be careful and live your life among those you love as best you can.

The scenery is stunning! Enjoy the rest of your well-deserved mini-vacation!!!

Hi Danielle and Tooth Fairy

I love the pictures especially the mountain view with the water and the food looks so delicious I could eat it off the screen.

Sounds like your shopping spree is based on the; "out with the old and in with the new".  That definitely is a vacation to remember, short (should be longer) and sweet.  As long as you have fun that is the main thing.

As Lori says; "stay safe and thank you for sharing your vacation with us"

Take care and have a nice weekend and when you get home please let us know that you arrived safely.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter

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Dear Members:
  8 members Birthdays to recognize on April 27, 2024

Wishing each of you a very Happy Birthday
             

On your birthday, check your profile for a special gift...

    Again, wishing you well and enjoy your special day.

Warm Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                         

Yes, a backlash is happening.  Of course, where I live it never got better, so the backlash is getting worse than ever.

My grandfather, father and father-in-law all worked and saved to the end.  They did enjoy some nice things, but particularly my grandfather and father lived on a small fraction of what they earned.  My grandfather never went on a single vacation (was worth millions). My dad went on a few, but was afraid to be away from his business more than 4 days.

Maybe they enjoyed working?  Maybe I tell myself they did because otherwise it is sad.

My father-in-law planned to see the country when he retired, with his wife in an RV.  Then, his health became so bad he had to quit work, and wasn't able to travel. 

My advice is, work some, play some, save a good bit, but spend wisely on yourself and those you love.  Make memories with the people you love. Spend time with them doing stimulating things. And, see what you can of the world.

Happy birthday to each of you!

Chrissy

Looks like it will be a Chinese buffet meal this Friday evening.

Chrissy

White House bolsters transgender health protections, rolls back Trump admin rule

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/white-house-bolsters-transgender-health-protections-rolls-back-trump-admin-rule/ar-AA1nJY0w?ocid=windirect&cvid=b808de6a3fae42559df255deb930308f&ei=61

Story by Nathaniel Weixel (26 April 2024)

The Biden administration is bolstering health care protections against discrimination for gay and transgender people, reversing a Trump administration rule that gutted the protections.

In a wide-ranging final rule released Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) strengthened the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) rules that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, in certain health programs and activities. 

"Today's rule is a giant step forward for this country toward a more equitable and inclusive health care system, and means that Americans across the country now have a clear way to act on their rights against discrimination when they go to the doctor, talk with their health plan, or engage with health programs run by HHS," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

The rule involves protections in Section 1557 of the ACA that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability in certain health programs and activities.

Advocates were concerned that the previous policies would have made it easier for doctors, hospitals and insurance companies to deny care or coverage to transgender and nonbinary patients, as well as women who have had abortions.