Welcome back. Sorry to hear the news about your parents, but happy to know that they are doing ok.
I had the shaky problem. Maybe my age or just inexperience. My tripod has helped a lot. I did get what I think is a sturdy one with in what I wanted to pay at the time. I have used it a lot and it has really helped in the prairie winds we can get here. And I'm getting a cable release soon. I did notice that when I was taking the picture on the tripod I was moving the camera some when hitting the shutter button.
I did go to get the cable release and got another bag instead
. Going back tonight to get the cable release
.