Thistle, you sound simply exhausted. And of course being cold doesn't help.
You ask why is caring for the elderly so stressful. I can't remember if you have children, but your experience with your MIL sounds a lot like the stress of caring for a child. The diference being that kids are so cute. And as an adult caring for a child, you at least have the advantage of size.
Maybe you could manage your MIL in the same way you manage a child. A friend described his child rearing technique as "A threat quickly followed by a bribe." I think child care experts use more PC terms such as 'rewards systems', etc.

Maybe the rest of having some time without the stress will renew you. Hope both your furnace and your spirit heals.
smile

[ December 20, 2004, 11:25 AM: Message edited by: smilinize ]