Not permanently, but for an indefinite time period, probably extending through the holiday season.
On Tuesday, shortly after I wrote that last post, I received a phone call informing me that my 95-year-old mother had fallen and injured herself. Evaluation at the University Hospital here confirmed that she fractured her humerus when she landed on her elbow, driving the shaft into the head at an angle. She is now stable in an assisted living facility, but this combined with her dementia results in a variety of medical and social needs that require my attention.
I may pop back here every now and then to do a linkdump as a mental health break for myself, but I just can't justify spending hours per day blogging as I have in recent years.
Bye for now...
Family first. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJust put my life on hold for my mom's health issues so I understand your priorities, Take care and hope all goes well for her.
ReplyDeleteso long and thanks for all the fish. Hope it works out.
ReplyDeleteSending thoughts of gentle healing for your Mom ~ comfort & serenity for you.
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
Your decision is sensible and the act of a loving son. Cura ut valeas.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHealth and family first. All the best to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHealth and happiness. My prayers for your Mother.
ReplyDeletebeen there, done that. Best of luck to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYou are making the right call. Thanks for your blogging, and may your continued blogging be a blessing rather than a burden.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy! Best wishes for you and your mother.
ReplyDeleteDo what needs doing. Looking after my parents was a good chunk of my life for much of the last ten years, and while I made some difficult choices to do it, I don't regret them. We'll be thinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteZen hugs for you and your mom. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm very, very sorry to hear that - very best wishes to you and to your mother.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for keeping us all so very entertained over the years; of course your family must come first. You, your mother and the rest of your family are very much in the thoughts of at least one lady in England. I hope your holidays are restful and peaceful.
Best wishes for your mother, you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you have posted in the past, and I look forward to the day you post again. Clear skies!
I think you are in Dane co. If so, check the Dane Co. ADRC for assistance. They can help w/ resources, caregiver support (that's you even if she doesn't live w/ you), funding for long term care, fall prevention, options counseling and more. http://www.daneadrc.org/ If you are in a different county, every co. has an ADRC. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes and Aloha!
ReplyDeleteInstead of reading your blog my thoughts will be with you daily as you show your love for your dear mother, take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of your mother's health concerns. I hope that you and your family have all the help and support you need.
ReplyDeleteYes, what they said. I could not put it better nor add to it.
ReplyDeleteIf this is your last post it will be a real loss. Your kind of intelligent posts are a rare commodity in the blogosphere. I found TYWKIWDBI about 3 years ago and I do not believe I missed a post since then. If I was away from internet for any length of time, I would enjoy binge reading all the posts that I had missed. Even the posts I used to skip over finally got my attention. I never would have thought that blogs about stonework or butterfly migrations could hold my interest. Now I have a couple of books on stonework and compare the work I see here in Germany or in my home in Ireland with the images from your posts.
It is probably not appropriate to thank the person who got you addicted to your drug, but thanks anyway. If you come back to TYWKIWDBI I will be glad to send you images of German stonework from the same periods as some of the 19th and 20th century work you posted. As for the butterflies, well not yet.
In the meantime, family first. I hope to read more of your work in future, but if not, it has been a great ride. Take care. - Matthew
Sorry to hear about your Mom. All the best to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Mom's injury, I wish her (and you) comfort and happiness. I'll be here if/when you wander back. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and of your family!
ReplyDeleteI want to add my best wishes to those from your many other fans. May your pain in such a difficult time be eased somewhat by knowing that we are all thinking of you. I will miss you immensely, and look forward to the day when you'll be able to return.
ReplyDeleteYou have a tough row to hoe. I wish you well. I'm also confident that you will be back from time to time, and we will all look forward to those times.
ReplyDeletegood luck, stan.
ReplyDeletetake care. we'll be here when you get back.
Take care of mom. We love your blog. When I get to Wisconsin next summer to see family, I'd love to be able to meet you also. You're the first blog that I ever followed and have checked in on you daily since finding you about 4 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the enjoyment I've gotten from your blog, take care of your mother now.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be here if and when you come back.
Best wishes from Down Under.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you in these difficult times.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteoh, I'll miss you, but as the others, I understand. Please come back ... soon.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Do what you gotta do, my thoughts, along with everyone else's, are with you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mother. We'll keep you both in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteOur family has enjoyed your blog tremendously, over the years. "Stan's posts" are a frequent topic of discussion at home, and we've even explored some local stonework as a result. Thank you for all the time and energy you've put into them, and for sharing your interests and passion with the rest of us. Take care of yourself!
Your blog is the first thing I check in the morning, but I can wait : ) I am caring for my 91 year old mother and know how a fall can change everything. Will be thinking of you and your family and praying for the best possible!
ReplyDeleteHealing thoughts heading toward your mom...and strength to you. Don't forget to take care of yourself. We will all be here when you get back...
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you and yours- I live very much in anticipation of a similar call due to similar circumstances. Be nice if this country provided adequately and humanely for its seniors- but that's another post and another time... Best.
ReplyDeleteWill miss your posts. They never cease to brighten the day. All the best to you and your mother. 95! Impressive. May she continue to impress.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the time you've put into TYWKIWDBI. Best wishes for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your family. Take all the time you need, but I do hope you come back - this is one of my favorite blogs.
ReplyDeleteStan, sorry for your current difficulties. I (an others, I am confident) will be here when you feel ready to return. All best.
ReplyDeletePlease take my best wishes and thoughts with you. Take care.
ReplyDeletePraying for strength and wisdom for your Mom, you and the medical team. It's not an easy trail to ride, but you must ride to the end.
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your family well. Best to use your time for the more important things. Try to relax and take things easy over the christmas/new years!
ReplyDeletebest wishes to you and your mom
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your mother well. Will miss you, but family takes priority.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Phil
What stress and heartache. Light and love to your mom, and you and your family. Thank you for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes for your mother and you. I hope she'll be fine. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, and Godspeed to your dear mum!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your family at this difficult time ,- and many thanks for the hours of pleasure i have had reading your blog .
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well with your mom (and don't forget to take care of yourself). Many thanks for all the posts. I thoroughly enjoy them.
ReplyDelete--gem
I wish the best for both your mother and you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for so much joy, knowledge, good humor, and so much more that TYWKIWDBI has afforded me. I'll continue to daily check the blog as I've done for the past several years. I hope you'll be able to return at some point.
ReplyDeleteI'm another one that will definitely keep TYWKIWDBI amongst my daily bookmarks, both for the occasional linkdumps and as a reminder to send positive thoughts for you and your mother.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to your mother and to you. We look forward to your return.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to you all. I, too, will look forward to your return.
ReplyDeleteIt's cool, take care of Mom, and your head.
ReplyDeleteThanks for everything.
We'll be around if you get the urge.
Best wishes from Oklahoma. As others have said, we'll be here if/when you return.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your work here. I'm sorry to hear of your mother's condition and look forward to your return. All best.
ReplyDeleteKnow this: Your blog has essentially been a newspaper for an entire neighbourhood in downtown Calgary, Alberta (Sunnyside), for the last two years. We have been shaped by your transmissions, and are saddened to find out that you can no longer present this node. Thank you for everything, our little community has been 'increased' because of you.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, John R. and friends.
With any luck, the blog will be back perhaps after the new year.
DeleteJust want to add another set of well wishes from our family to you and your family. We have certainly enjoyed your posts these past many years. Thanks from Missouri!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your work on the site but, as others have said, family first…
ReplyDeleteCan add much, I'll just answer "here".
ReplyDeleteHi, as with all the above, thanks for the facts, the thoughts and the interest you have provided via your posts. All the very best to you and yours; I would love to see you back here when time and life permit.
ReplyDeleteRegards from New Zealand,
Josh
Thanks for all the efforts-- this is/was an exceptional blog. Best wishes to your family.
ReplyDeleteTake care of your Mom, yourself and your family. That has to come first. We'll be here when you are ready to return. I know I love your blog, visit regularly and wish only the best for you. You have expanded my horizons, gotten me addicted to some games I never would have otherwise found (they physics games and 2048 especially, thanks for the great time-wasters, haha!), and generally made my world brighter. Thank goodness for archives I haven't completely plumbed the depths of yet!
ReplyDeleteMy sympathy and best wishes, Stan.
ReplyDeleteSending you and yours thoughts of strength and healing from Florida. Mom is 85 and moved in with me 7 years ago, about the same time TYWKIWDBI became an essential part of my morning routine. Thanks for all the time you've spent helping me feel smarter.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you and yours. I know how draining caring for an ill family member can be. Do remember to take breaks for yourself, whatever form they may take.
ReplyDeleteDo your best and return when you need to. We'll wait.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the years you've given us.
My deepest sympathies. We'll miss you! Please pop in every once in a while so we know you're doing OK.
ReplyDeleteAnd remember to look after yourself-- being a primary caregiver this way is very draining. Make sure to make what use you can of social services like the aging resource center thing the anon above linked to.
Hugs & best wishes to you and your family. We'll be here whenever you are able to come back.
Thank you Stan for your work here on this blog. It's a cheerful part of the internet that I enjoy immensely. All the best to you and your family during this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI will miss all your wonderful posts but I am wishing all the best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your family, and many thanks for the years of fascinating posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog -- I'll keep it at the top of the list in the hope you will return. Take care of yourself as you care for your family.
ReplyDeleteMany well wishes to you and your family right now. I only discovered this space about a month or so again and really enjoy your posts. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be here when you get back, whatever that needs to mean for you. Take care, and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHoping things go well for your mother and you.
ReplyDeleteStan, I was sorry to read the news about your mother. Thank you for all the blog posts you have shared with us- through them you've kept alive a sense of wonder about the world and often I've found your posts are starting point for further reading about a novel subject. Any far into the future posts will be awaited eagerly.
ReplyDeleteMay your mother be as comfortable and as happy as she can be, despite her conditions.
Stan, thanks for sharing that personal news. My mother is 83 and doing pretty well so far. I hold myself in readiness to do just what you're doing when and if the time comes.
ReplyDeleteAll best wishes to you and your mom. And thanks for all the wonderful posts - hope to see more in the future.
I wish the best to you and your mother.
ReplyDeleteSame boat kinda. Thank you for the blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://31.media.tumblr.com/3b96154a127fb5b9d7ce956a8e695825/tumblr_nb2yju4nfJ1qz6f9yo1_500.gif
Sad to see you go, know you have to do what is right... Good luck, sir!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good reason (not that you need one). Best wishes for your mom, I'm sure you'll take good care of her.
ReplyDeleteStan,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and will miss your posts. As has already been said, much more eloquently, best wishes for whatever outcome.
Best for your mom and you from me, too! *hugs* May she get better soon. Will look out for you.
ReplyDeleteStan,
ReplyDeleteMay you and your Mom both have peace during this time. It may be a difficult journey for her during recovery but you being there will make it easier on her. Sending you and her both love and good healing thoughts.
Wishing you the best from the northern edge of Minnesotastan. Take care of your mom and don't forget to take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteRL, Montana wishes you and your mom the best.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your summary of your mother's story. All the best for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteTake care of your mom. Family first! Best regards and wishes to all.
ReplyDeleteWishes for speedy healing for Mother Minnesotastan. Be well yourself, sir. Happy Thanksgiving and a Christmas of love and light for all of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the years, Stan ...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you, your mum, and your family. I check you nearly every day and will miss the great posts. Many thanks for all the interesting bits.
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed, but not by your Mom and that's what counts Stan. XO
ReplyDeleteCompletely understandable, but I assure you you'll be missed. Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteSending you and your mom/family best wishes and good vibes.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about yer mum. Will miss this blog. Be lucky.
ReplyDeleteWish you the best. It's the only blog I check daily.
ReplyDeleteOne more well wish, Stan. I've been through this, too. Be sure to take care of yourself while helping your Mom. Blessings and Light!
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear about your mother's fall. Best wishes in dealing with this situation.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to join a large chorus of voices to say thank you for a terrific blog that has never failed to enlighten and entertain me. I wish the best for your mother's health and hope that you can return in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI will miss the blog while you're on hiatus. Best wishes for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
ReplyDeleteall the best for your mom. don't give up, dude.
ReplyDeleteAs so many have said,you will be missed. Good luck to you
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that. Take all the time you need and we'll be here when you get back!
ReplyDeleteWe wish your mother well - thank you so much for the time, effort, curiosity and knowledge you have poured into TYWIKIWDBI, and for enriching all our lives.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your mom... of course, you must be with her and do all you can! I - and I'm sure many, many others - will miss you, but wish you and your family all the best in the days ahead. Sincerely, A Fan.
ReplyDeleteI'm caring for my mom and my girlfriend just had back surgery so I know how it can be.
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well and will be waiting for your return.
Love, Boise Lib
I've enjoyed your postings immensely, and I've passed on links to your articles to many dozens of friends. Thank you for all the hard work, and congratulations on a thoughtful, intelligent, educational, and entertaining blog. You've been an example of the best the internet can be, and I'll miss coming here. Bless you for what you've done so far, and good luck with whatever you do next.
ReplyDeleteDon't go away forever! I intend to resume blogging in a month or so.
DeleteSending best wishes and comforting thoughts to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLongtime lurker here, just wanted to add to the well wishes. May your mother have a speedy recovery, we'll all be thinking of you and your family this holiday season!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family and wishing all of you peace.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you'll be back in awhile.
Among the people I'm thankful for - you.
As a person who's followed you for a few years now, but never commented, I just want to say thank you and hope that you get everything you can from time away. You enrich peoples' lives, and I hope you are okay.
ReplyDeleteTake care of your Mum x I have, and will continue, to enjoy your work here - but we are just people on the other side of the internet - family must always come first.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear that. Best wishes for her speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself. See you on your return.
ReplyDeleteSayonara.
I've been reading your blog since 2010 when my son was born and I had countless hours of naptime to fill. I appreciate the information, insights and lessons you've provided me over the last five years. I'll miss you here, but appreciate that your attentions are needed elsewhere. I wish you and your family a safe, healthy holiday season!
ReplyDeleteI do wish the very best for you and your mother and I'm glad that you never forget the truly important things in your life. I've been reading the blog for about 2 years now and it didn't only bring hours of amusement but a daily wealth of knowledge and inspiration that very few other sources can provide. Please take all the time you need - your readers will all be back, when you decide it's time to resume blogging.
ReplyDeleteI hope things are going well for you and your mother, Stan. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteVery best to your mother and to you. Thanks for your marvelous blog, too, and I hope to see you here again whenever you feel like continuing it.
ReplyDeleteHUGS
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
ReplyDeleteFamily comes first - take care of your mother (and yourself).
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, you have a wonderful and supportive blog community. We'll be here when you get back.
I hope I'm not too late to wish her a swift recovery. May your family be blessed having such a jewel around for a long time.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she recovers soon. I just discovered your charming blog today, while looking up "purple cow" only to read your sad news - will look forward to its return.
ReplyDelete