Sorry to hear about mother-in-law (anagram = 'woman Hitler'); hope she recovers soon. I'm pleased to say that, although my wife and I have our differences, I'm very fond of her mum and we get on well. Wife's dad died suddenly two years ago and I was close to him too - a good mate, sorely missed.
Good luck with the auctions - if any more come up. Have you ever used an automated sniping site?