In most respects, I'm a lucky guy when it comes to relationships with family members.

I get along with my two sisters rather well. One (Barbara) is escorting me to my colonoscopy procedure on the 17th.

I've never had a cross word with my father. Sure, I disagree with him at times. Plus he can irritate me and try my patience. We went to Pizza Hut together the other day for their lunch buffet. Then to Aldi. He's a spry 93 yr old, but dotters around when it comes to eating and shopping. Now THAT tries my patience! But, we had some good conversation--at my prompting. I asked him how he wanted to be remembered--then gave him some hints, like "generous?". It helped. He "loaned" $5000 to my daughter and SIL for their farm operation (large expenditure, no income, this time of year). Plus, we're making progress on him transfering our family farm over to me ("Can't take it with me", he says.). I'm good at "manipulating" and infusing thoughts into his head.

Now the bad news. My ex-wife, mother of my above mentioned daughter, has separated from her husband (the one she left me for), and has "moved in" with Nate and Emily. I'm not happy about that.

First, having a mother-in-law living with you, can't be good (Nate tolerates her, that's about all). She is a big help cooking, washing, baby sitting, etc. But still.....

Which leads to the second negative: her presence prevents me from seeing my grandson. I just don't feel comfortable when she's around. I want him (and his parents) to myself (if that doesn't sound selfish). It's been 23 years since she walked out on the kids and me, and I haven't (in my heart) forgiven her. Plus, she's a nut case--a religious fruit cake. I try hard to be "civil" to her. (Keep in mind, I'm the "Anti-Christ".)

Third, I don't like the idea of her influence on my grandson. She has become the parent (it seems). She's with the child more than Nate and Emily. She was babysitting him at her own house before this 4 days a week, but now it's 24/7. NOOOOOOOO! This can't be good--for the boy or the marriage. Supposedly, it's temporary, but you know how that goes.

Other than that, like I said, I have a great family!
Have a good weekend.