Take my mother, Please.

My mother has moved to New Hampshire. From Florida. To be closer to "her grandchildren". I point out the fact that actually she has 12 of them, and there are only 3 that live here. I also remind her that I am not the favorite daughter, and I do, in fact, live the CLOSER to the NORTH POLE than any of my sisters do. This does not dissuade her. Did I mention that she has mobility issues due to a stroke, weighs about 110 pounds, and has more artificial joints in her than the bionic woman. Durning a visit here this summer, she came to a concert on the town green - in a long winter parka. And sat in the sun. It was August.

To say she is unprepared may be an understatement. The woman came here with a pair of slip-on boat shoes (and that's it, for her feet), no winter coat, one Christmas sweater, and one "Happy New Year" sweater, and I think 2 pairs of socks. Apparently, her winter coat is at one of my sisters, and boots are at another ones. She was not well prepared. And she was a girl scout for goodness sake. She drops hints to my friends when they are here about how cold we keep it in the house. I'm waiting for the day she slips a note in someones hand charging me with cruel and unusual punishment, or unjust treatment of the elderly.

She has been having trouble "getting started" in the morning more and more lately. She finally announced to me, "I think I know what my trouble is in the mornings. I think its the weather." "Oh....The humidity?", I said. "Oh!! You mean THE COLD...I warned you mom. I told you it was cold up here, this shouldn't be a surprise. It is January. In New Hampshire." I think I may have also said something later about the cold "getting her in the end", and the fact that "she will cry when this all sinks in - she does not live in Florida anymore."

Yes, I know I am cold hearted. Alas, I am a New Englander now.

I'll keep you posted.