Too early to call the plays for healthy, aging mom

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This article was published 04/12/2020 (2128 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts:  This is my response to Oldest Daughter Blues, who tried to get her late-60s mother to move in because she was a little lonely. (The mother told her to get lost, using an F-bomb! I suggested the daughter research a list of social activities for seniors for mom, and let it go at that. — Miss L.)

I’m almost 70 — a widow. I live in and maintain my home, and I’m not lonely. I’m in great shape, and independent.

Mom should stick to her guns! This might be her last chapter, and she should live it to the fullest.

No senior residence for me! I dance every day in my house, play fabulous music, paint and go for two long walks every day. I even have a couple of lovely male friends!

That oldest daughter can offer support from the sidelines, but only to cheer her mom on! — Living to the Fullest, Manitoba

Dear Fullest: Way to fill your life with fun — the essence of daily happiness!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: This is in response to Oldest Daughter Blues. I’m 89, living my own house and do all my own housework.

If my 60-something boys told me I should be looking for a care home, I’d start looking for a home — for them! — Still Their Mama, Manitoba

Dear Still Their Mama: Congrats, independent mama. Keep those boys in line! 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’d like to pass on a message to Bad Mommy (who’s afraid an outdoor skating rink for the kids will wreck her grass). I’m an experienced outdoor rink builder and a green-grass enthusiast in the summer.

One of the keys to building a good outdoor rink and keeping good grass is the lining you choose for your rink. Using cheap tarps or icing directly on the grass will kill your grass for sure.

There are several websites that specialize in thick, plastic rink liners that come in any size.

With a proper liner, I’ve seen grass that was covered by the rink better off in the spring than areas that were exposed all winter. There are also many good online resources for building and maintaining your rink.— Outdoor Rink Builder, Fort Richmond

Dear Builder: Thanks for the tips for building a quality outdoor rink. Outdoor rinks are all the rage this year with COVID restrictions and people staying home. Adding coloured lights and music makes it a family party area at night.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: This is in response to Bad Mommy. We built a skating rink once, and the only grass it killed was the crab grass, so she has nothing to worry about!  It’s important to make a snow layer on the grass before starting to make the ice. — Skater, Southdale

Dear Skater: You can’t keep a good skater down when there’s a fine patch of ice to be found. A backyard rink is the way to go, especially if you’re stuck in the house. Grass can be reseeded or resodded, but a kid’s winter can’t be replaced.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My son-in-law looks after an outdoor skating rink that covers up grass. The mark of the rink is there for a while in the spring, but is soon gone.

Pack down the snow, and gently begin sprinkling on water by spraying it into the air so that it’s nearly frozen when it lands. This will allow the ice to form easily, “locking” a floodable surface. Best of Luck. — G. F., Manitoba

 Dear G. F.: Thanks for the cool tip for a great little home skating rink. I’m predicting this activity will be one of the lasting legacies of the home-centred winter of 2020. Makes for fun childhood memories!

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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