I got a cooking job...

[MissMillie]

...unpaid.

My mom (85 next month) is suffering from Alzheimer's-related dementia, and my dad (88 in June) has recently had some health problems. They live in the 2nd floor apartment in a two-family home owned by my twin sister, who has a full-time job.

While dad was in the hospital, my sister went through their fridge and wound up throwing out a bunch of food. My parents often don't know and don't check what's in the fridge.

Enter.... me. I live just a couple of streets over from them all.

I'm going to go over there at least twice a week to check the fridge, menu plan, compile shopping lists, cook a few meals, and maybe even take them grocery shopping. I figure I can even make some meals ahead so that all they have to do is heat them up.

I'm also thinking it would be smart to keep an inventory list of the fridge/freezer so that they KNOW what's in there (both ingredients AND prepared meals).

It's time I chipped in with their care. My twin has been doing so much of the day-to-day stuff, and she recently had a knee replacement, so she's been overwhelmed.

I'm not very worried that my folks won't like my cooking. They were the ones that taught me how to cook.

[Polly Hennessey]

1. Good for you.

Pretty sure your meals are delicious. Most importantly, you are keeping the fridge clean. Throwing out old stuff. By the by, I have a beautiful cat named Miss Millie. She is beautiful and tough. She was found wandering around Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas. She puts up with no nonsense from dogs, people, or other cats. 😊

[MissMillie]

2. My DU name came from one of my cats

Millie. She wasn't so tough, though. The only things she ever killed were the socks my son used to leave on his bedroom floor. She'd "kill" them and leave them in my chair in the living room.

We had to put her down a few years ago. She had intestinal cancer and despite treatment she just couldn't pull through.

Our Happy is quite gorgeous. He's our orange boy who is not so much tough, but impervious. Nothing phases him. He's as easy-going as it gets.

[marble falls]

3. Good kid! Sounds like you got a plan and it sounds like your folks are surrounded in love.

[ploppy]

4. How nice

that you can do that for your parents. I am sure they will love all your meals and that your sister will, too!

[dem in texas]

5. Yes, Food is Love

I am 79 years old and love to cook, I always cook too much. I wish my mother was still here so I could cook for her. Look around your neighborhood, are there elderly people there that don't get around so well anymore. I will bet they are eating TV dinners and fast food. Take them some good home cooked food, it will be a treat. At least one day a week, I take food to my next door neighbors and my sister who is having trouble walking. If I go to our local home style restaurant, on chicken and dressing day, I will get orders to go to them.

Life has been good to me, I am a cancer survivor, walk at little slow, but getting around and staying busy and I want to give back. Good food it is a simple thing, but what a way to show love!

[MissMillie]

6. Last week I made them some linguine primavera

w/ carrots, peas, onions, grape tomatoes and yellow squash.

I also made them some baked haddock.

Yesterday, I made them some sausage cacciatore.

Friday, I will be making them some pork chops and roasted potatoes.