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Now my inlaws have also moved in with us (but they are in excellent health and very self-sufficient, thank God). Mom is the one with dementia and ILs will watch her while I work p/t in a school so I don't have to worry about hiring caregivers for mom.


I'm not a hobby/puzzle person really but I need to keep myself mentally busy without leaving the house for too long. I need to keep mentally busy so that I don't miss my kids and have something to look forward to..we don't go anywhere or do anything much as it's a pain to lug 3 seniors along..never thought my life will be so empty. Husband is busy with his own job and hobbies.


Btw, I asked for ILs to move in with us so that I didn't have to worry about caregivers suddenly calling out absent before I rush out to work. ILs are super nice people

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Thank you to each and everyone who responded! It was so much fun reading all your responses. For now, I will do the GetLit book club on NPR - I'm trying to get a copy of the Great Mistake by Jonathan Lee so that I can join in their YTube discussion on Sept 21
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gladimhere Sep 2021
So many books, so little time! The Great Mistake sounds like something good one too and available for kindle and audio version which is free with an audible trial.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JK6GQ86/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
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There is website, meetup.com. You can initiate or join a group either in person or online.
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Try your local library for book discussions online. I did and enjoy it.
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There are many different clubs and games facilities of the type you mention. Simply type what you want into chrome or whatever you use and try some out. Some will suit you and be what you want and some won't, as we are not you we cannot say which you will feel most comfortable with but searching them out is simply asking the question of your browser e.g. "online scrabble play free". There are very large game specific sites for most games which will enable you to play against the computer, against a person, or in a tournament. Many with tutorials for improvement. Chess24, Bridgebase etc.
Hopefully you have discussed with the currently very fit ("thank God") inlaws what is going to happen for their care when they need it and are living in your house. Its never to early to manage expectations.
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wearynow: WordsWithFriends, WordBlitz and QuizPlanet are three social media game platforms.
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If you find that you don't have time to sit and pay attention but still want a mental break I love audiobooks. I use Audible and have the books on my phone, that way I can move freely about with my phone in my pocket and keep listening as I do tasks. Your local library may even offer audio books you can check out on-online for free.
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lastly, get into nature?! Are you near any rivers?
Stick toes in and enjoy the silence. ;)
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Reccomend also the "clubhouse app." Live people from around the world speaking on many subjects. You can interact by raising your hand and speaking,

I can nominate you.

;)
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Learning Magic? You have a captive audience.
there are also online clubs to practice and learn

try here wholesale. ;)
www.e-zmagic.com

Stranger things have happened and believe - me magicians cheer each other and other people up.

aloha,
elise
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Are there any hobbies or interests that you intrigue you? Thinking of photography (digital cameras /phones are relatively reasonable these days and composition is everything); drawing or painting; writing. There are lots of things to do... browse google and youtube for all sorts of ideas. And enjoy this golden moment because it could easily change without warning as we all age.
Peace and blessings on your journey.
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Atlas Obscura has some interesting options - newsletter, online seminars, workshops: https://www.atlasobscura.com
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Words With Friends 2 Google play store app. Download to phone. If you like decorating, download Redecor app.
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Be sure to take some breaks for "you time" so that you have something to look forward to. Try to find something more substantial than puzzles. Can you get connected with some online groups that you find mentally stimulating, relaxing or inspiring? Or take an online class? Is there something you've always wanted to learn? Normally I'd suggest volunteering, but you already have your hands full with that kind of activity with 3 seniors in the house. Some people find it very satisfying to clean a closet or get their paperwork in order. All the best to you!
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If you have a local library, ask if the have any online book clubs.

Check Goodteafs.com for their groups.
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Personally I love listening to online books. I use libre vox. They are free and have a great selection. Working through the Dumas classics.
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I like to play Words with Friends online. It is like Scrabble where you make words that intersect like a crossword puzzle. You can play with any number of people or do a solo.
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I don't know of a scrabble club. but, maybe you could start a Book Club and have a weekly get together with a few friends to discuss the book.

Sounds like you and hubby need some time away and let the In Laws that moved in watch mom for a night out or preferably a weekend away and a date night out once a week.
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Zibby Owens of Moms Don't Have Time to Read hosts a virtual book club. I don't particularly care for some of her selections, BUT . . . She uses Bookclubz as the platform. Through that sight you could find another online book club if you like.
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gladimhere Sep 2021
I just looked at Zibby Owens site. The book on the agenda September 14 is The Plot which I have wanted to finish for awhile. I might have to get that done by then. Very interesting site, thanks for sharing.

AC has a thread that revolves around reading, not a discussion by any stretch, but we share books we are reading so others may enjoy them too.

https://www.agingcare.com/discussions/what-are-you-reading-right-now-448374.htm?orderby=oldest
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I am glad you enjoy all the parents in your life. What are the things you enjoy doing? if you're a "creative type", there are plenty of projects for the home or for pleasure and getting supplies is pretty easy through Amazon Prime. Youtube has lots of good classes for just about anything. If you are more of the "social type", Facebook has been advertising about groups as part of their "community." I also know that several faith groups also have online worship services, classes, and smaller groups that use ZOOM platform to "meet" online.

I would suggest considering a "sitter" so you can get out a little more every week.
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Sudoku is not a math game. Those numbers could easily be 9 of anything. Letters a-i, 9 different shapes anything.....

Isn't oprah's book club also discussion? Each month a different book is recommended. I have read some good books from her list.

Also Google for anything you may be looking for.

Sudoku with letters https://1sudoku.com/sudoku-variants/wordoku-letters-sudoku
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cwillie Sep 2021
Sudoku might not be a math game but I think it takes a math brain to solve the puzzles. I was proud of myself when I solved my first Sudoku until I found out it was one designed for primary school kids.... I find them to be frustrating rather than entertaining.
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I get my mother crossword puzzle and cryptogram books from Amazon. I crochet when I need to occupy my mind and it's been helpful when sitting with my father who is transitioning. I brought him home from the NH last Friday.
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Scrabble Go - can get for iPad on the App Store. Can play scrabble with others or against the program. Very good.
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Check out Mahjongg - you can play online by yourself, with friends (and a chat is possible) or with strangers from around the world - I play weekly with friends who have moved away - an excellent way to connect and catch-up - site name is RealMahjongg - take care -
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Weary, as things settle down in the world, you can plan a vacation and have someone come in to help all 3 get through the days. Having 2 healthy adults to help with mom should make this doable.

I will believe with you that you have a lovely holiday on your horizon.

That could be a goal you set and sort out the details.
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wearynow Aug 2021
You are right...thank you for keeping it positive!
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You can get the Microsoft solitaire collection from the Microsoft store, it's free.
I've been playing Pogo Scrabble for years, you can join for more options or just play as a guest.
If you're into word games you might also like crosswords.
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wearynow Aug 2021
Free is great! Thank you
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Weary, what s great solution for all.

Your family is blessed to have one another.

I know that yours is not an easy journey but, I am happy for you that you now have some in home help.

You and husband should take advantage of the help and do a date night at least a couple of times a month, even if it is a picnic during the day.
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wearynow Aug 2021
Yeah but I worry about turning 80 myself (im 55) with all these seniors at home and getting jealous of other folks going on vacation without a care in the world.

Guess I should count my blessings for now.

Thank you
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Check your local library. They still have book clubs although the meetings are Zoom. The library has other programs that are done mostly Zoom as well not just the book clubs.
How active is your mom? Is it possible that you could get her involved in an Adult Day Program? She will have some activity and that will give you a break.
As for on line activity..I am hooked on the Microsoft Solitaire and Sudoku programs.
And nothing beats getting out for a walk. If mom is able take her as well. Fresh air can do wonders.
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wearynow Aug 2021
Thank you. Do I download MS Solitaire or is it on the MS website? I'd love to play this but Im not a math person and terrified actually of numbers games!!
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