Author Archives: Karen Everett Watson

About Karen Everett Watson

Karen Everett Watson is a gerontologist and a freelance blogger/journalist. Her parents, grown children and 10 grandchildren keep her busy learning about life while living in the Sacramento Valley with her chickens and dogs.

Am I Making the Right Choices for my Elderly Folks?

Decisions, Question marks

My parents have always been so independent and able to make their own decisions until the past few years. Slowly, they began to depend on me and now want me to take care of very big decisions. Scary! I’ve had a lot on my agenda these days. When I’m not trying to take care of […]

Grandpa Dino – He Was Made of Tough Stuff!

Statue of liberty

The story of my husband’s grandfather is nothing short of remarkable. He was definitely made of the right stuff and what he overcame to thrive in America would crumble people in any other generation. He is now gone but I will always remember the story of how he came to our great country to make […]

Forgiveness and Gratitude – the Essentials of a Happy Life

Gratitude / Forgiveness

Years ago, I used to carry around grudges for far too long. Those “chips” on my shoulders became “boulders” after time. In the end, carrying those grudges did nothing more than hurt me and poison relationships that would have been such a blessing to me. It’s easy to become so bitter that it taints everything […]

The Juggling Act

To Do

Caregivers have so much on their plates they really need a platter — and an extra waiter! If you’re like me and taking care of an aging parent or even perhaps two, your plate (or platter) is running over. Then you wonder why you are tired and stressed! The statistics say that most caregivers are […]

When Caregiving Stress Takes a Toll

stress

Updated April 2025 Don’t doubt for a moment that caregiving can take a lot out of you. If you don’t take care of yourself, your body might force you to give it up! It started a few months ago. Daddy got sick and then he got sicker. Mama was doing everything she could think of […]

Weak as a Kitten But Still Wanting to Drive

Watch the sunset while you drive

My family has been dealing with my daddy’s illnesses for some time now. He’s been prone to kidney infections and the winter blahs for the past five winters. This year he’s really been down both mentally and physically. While he’s still sharp as a tack, he’s just downright blue and depressed over not being able […]

Adventures with My Momma and Daddy – in the ER

emergency room sign

It was a very long day yesterday. Daddy had been sick for a few days and even though I wanted to take him to the doctor days earlier, he and Mama had resisted. I should have put on my big girl pants and insisted but I’m still “the child.” Day 1 – Late evening… “Your […]

The Wonders of Ginger

Ginger

The day of Thanksgiving I came down with a bad head cold and a queasy stomach. It was a long bout with that bug and I’m still getting over some of the symptoms. I started drinking ginger ale for my stomach ailments along with a multi-purpose cold pill. After a few days I noticed my […]

Turn Off that TV and Exercise that Brain

TV

My mama often complains that my daddy spends too much time watching television. He loves sports and those crazy judge shows along with James Garner in Rockford Files. He tries to ignore her but in the end, she does make a difference. Too much time watching the “boob tube” will indeed turn your brain to […]

If You Ever Want to Know, Ask Now!

The stories of your family and the people you come from are locked away in your elders’ minds. The holiday season is the perfect time to ask them, “Who am I and who did I come from?” If you don’t think the answers will be very interesting, just hold on to your hat! There’s a […]