“No man is an adult while his parents are alive. Until they die he is merely a performance to either please or punish them.”
― Adjustment Day
Things have been crazy for me in Brazil.
I am juggling work and the household operations at my parents. My brother helps my parents, and as they age he has to step in more and more. I came to Brazil to see my parents, but specially to give my brother a break. He just took off on 2 weeks vacations now, and I intend to have him take some more time in August.
We have 2 ladies that come to clean and cook. One comes Mondays and Fridays and the other comes Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are fairly new to the house, so they are a bit lost, and still have to been told what to do. We used to have one person 2 days a week. She was great, but she relocated and we haven’t been able to replace her.
I got here right at month’s end and beginning of the new month – my busiest time at work. I have an audit to do and bonuses to work on, so it will get a little crazier before it gets better.
I have been cleaning and organizing. Every time I come to Brazil, I try to leave things better than I found them. I like to think that I often succeed.
I have been able to start Pilates. I will be doing it at least 3 times a week. Some days it will be at 7am and other days it will at 7pm. My body needs it. My body is showing the effects of over indulging in the cruise and all the amazing Brazilian sweet desserts.
Have you ever Coffee flavored Coke? I tried and I am not a fan.
I want to be persistent as this flower. They grow anywhere, even sprouting from the cement in my mom’s backyard.
Michael adores animals, specially these little monkeys that we have in a park in a neighboring town. There are about 50 of them living there. Unfortunately, I have been told that most of them have diabetes because people feed them sweets. They live in an area full of kiosks selling all kinds of treats, so it is very easy for people to give them some, without realizing the harm they are doing.


Taking care of elderly parents while still working is hard. You’re doing a good thing by being there for family but also finding time for self care like Pilates. Take it easy and sending you strength!
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Hi Ab,
Thank you for sending me strength. I felt it and appreciated it.
It has been tough juggling it all, but I try not to lose sight of how blessed I am for still having my parents here.
Pilates has been great! I love it!
Blessings to you!
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Poor monkeys. I hope people realize that they too need healthy food. I hope your work and the care for your parents goes as planned.
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Hi Sadje,
They are like humans, they love their sweets, but it is not good for them.
So far I am happy I have been able to accomplish a lot of the improvements I wanted to do.
Thank you and blessigns to you!
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Thanks a lot 💞
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Love the video! Have fun in Brazil! Xo
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Thank you, Carol Anne!
Blessings to you!
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Brazil is beautiful country with beautiful people
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Thank you!
Indeed it is! We are, for the most part, very welcoming. And the country so rich in amazing nature.
Blessings to you!
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Well, I confess that I love Coffee Coke. (That doesn’t mean that anyone else has to love it, of course.) The grocery store in our neighborhood used to carry it for a while, but it doesn’t anymore.
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Hi Paul,
Really? perhaps it is an acquired taste. Perhaps I need a few more tries. Here, I saw it in a couple of places, but it is not a hit.
Blessings to you!
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I also take care of a parent but he lives with us. It’s difficult as he has health issues that affect his memory. As a result it’s often a thankless situation but of course, none of this is intentional by him.
Bravo for you to support your brother as much as you do. I get no support from my brother and never will based on 45 years history.
I like hearing about your trips to Brazil and I am glad also that you seem to be able to work “off campus” and that must be a blessing.
Stay well and my best wishes to you and Michael. I am loving having a grandson, he has named me pop pop, and his sweet smile is a treasure most every morning when I spend a few hours with him as he begins his day.
hugs – David
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Hi David,
it is tough sometimes, as my parents are very stubborn and reluctant to changes. I imagine how difficult it must be to lose their independence, so I keep choosing patience over and over again.
We are 3 siblings, and I am blessed that we all do as much as we can.
Working remotely is a blessings and I am fulling embracing and taking advantage of it. There is a lot of the day to day stuff here, that I would like to write about, but the days seem shorter and shorter.
Since my brother is on vacation, Michael has taken some of his duties, such as going to the bakery in the morning, and playing the lotto for my dad in the afternoon – every day!!
How wonderful that you get to spend time with your grandson every day – what a blessing! Enjoy every moment!
Thank you for the nice words and hugs! Hugs and blessings to you too!
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I’m sure your parents appreciate what you do and all your help. I know how it is. It must be quite a juggling act, with work as well. You are quite an amazing lady to do it all. Do have some breaks and enjoy the time… And the monkeys. ❤️👍 Take care of yourself too.
Love your appropriate quote….so true.
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Hi Ute,
They so appreciate, even though some times they get a bit annoyed with all the changes that I want to do. It is all for the better, but they are resistant to changes.
Thank you for the support! Blessings!
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It is sometimes hard to convince them, I keep thinking I might get like that too one day! Who knows. sometimes we are happy in our old ways! Do your best and help in any way you can. They will appreciate it. Mainly enjoy just being with them. That time is precious! Have great conversations with them talk about the past , there are so many things they can tell us. I loved listening to my grandmother and my parents. I do miss it now but they are in my memory and I am grateful for that.
hugs Ute xxx
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It seems that Coca-Cola is bad enough without adding coffee to it 🙃
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That is s right! There is nothing better than an ice cold coke on a summer’s day!
Blessings to you!
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So sorry I haven’t see this sooner! I hope you’re doing well, staying strong and also finding the time to take care of yourself! I’m another one who will confess to liking Coca cola com café, not going to lie. It helps my permanently exhausted self stay awake enough for work. Sending love and blessings your way! ❤
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