I'm going to be off-line for five days, starting tomorrow.

[MineralMan]

Traveling to a place where there's no wi-fi. I'm going to visit my 91-year-old parents for a few days, to check up on them and see how they're doing. Even though I talk to them every afternoon, a real-life visit is in order. I'm going alone, since my wife is too busy to come along right now.

I'm not even taking an internet-capable device. Cell signal is poor at their house, which is where I'll be most of the time. In some ways, a break from online activity will be a blessing. I have a cell phone, but it's one of those stupid flip phones, which I prefer. Off-line is OK sometimes, I think.

I'm posting this only so people won't wonder where I am. See you all on Wednesday morning.

[woodsprite]

1. Have a great time visiting with your parents!

See ya' when you get back!

We're doing the visit to parents (my inlaws) this Christmas. At 83, they're still fairly active with friends and church that it's hard to catch up with them sometimes when we call. FIL has Alzheimers but is on meds to slow the progression.

[MineralMan]

4. Thank you. They're looking forward to the visit,

as am I. It's difficult, though, seeing them reach such an advance age. There are issues to deal with, for sure.

[jehop61]

2. Enjoy

your time with them. You are blessed and fortunate.

[MineralMan]

3. I am, but there are challenges when parents are that old,

and still trying to remain independent and living at their home. My siblings live in the same town, but it may be time for them to move into somewhere that has services that let them stop trying to do so much. It's a very sensitive topic to bring up with them, but it's something they really need to consider.

Not a pleasant thing to discuss with two fiercely independent people, but I'm the eldest son, so I guess it falls to me to bring it up again. Oh, well...delicacy and tact will be the order of the day.

[Brother Buzz]

5. Mmmm, avocados!

Our avocados come in the late Fall, early Winter in the Sacramento Valley. Will you have anything happening now?

[MineralMan]

7. Yes. They grow them on their farm, and

there are some trees that have ripe fruit this time of year. Not the usual varieties, but still good. I'm looking forward to picking some ripe ones straight from the tree. They also have berries and other fruits that are ripe now, along with an orchard full of oranges. I'll feast on whatever is ready to pick.

[Hekate]

6. Best of luck, MinMan.

[MineralMan]

8. Thanks!

[kentuck]

9. Be safe.

[csziggy]

10. Hug your parents for me

Tell them they did good with their offspring!

Have an enjoyable and safe trip.

[MineralMan]

13. I will certainly hug them.

Thank you.

[A HERETIC I AM]

12. ...

[MineralMan]

15. Wonderful beer-spewing gif.

I am so stealing it.

[randome]

14. Take care and come back soon!

[MineralMan]

16. Thanks. I will.

[bravenak]

17. I was gonna worry hard if you had not posted this.

Have a wonderful time with your Ma and Pa.

[mcar]

18. Safe travels

[malaise]

19. Enjoy them!

[Gothmog]

20. Be safe