Whens day

The nurse called early today to check my mother's dressings and to administer her flu injection. Cag has refused to have one, but that's her choice. Hope she doesn't regret it.



We did manage the trip to Truro, and a wander around Marks & Spencers. It was as I thought, nothing much had changed. The city was full of kids, must be half term, many in fancy dress for Halloween. Where did all that silliness come from?



We ended up making some selections from their food range, mostly vegetable dishes, to have for a change. I get quite bored have to cook the same veg every night. Both of my charges are pretty set in their ways as to what they like and don't like, so any change would be welcome.



I went scavenging tonight. The caravan site adjacent to out Park is being dismantled and an £11 million development is due to start any time soon. Nearly all the caravans that are being removed have verandas or fencing, and this is just being torn down then left in piles. I called in at their site office and asked if I could have some of the wood, and I was told to take what I wanted as it was all going to be burnt. So I did just that.



I now have enough wood to build three 8ftx4ft raised beds for growing vegetables next year. A little sawing, a bit of drilling................ and some screwing (if I can remember how!) and we're all set for Spring planting. Can't wait!

Shoesday

The weather's changed for the better today. Cold but sunny. The best time of the year with the sun bringing added colour to the golds and browns of the Autumn leaves.

I'm still not over my aches and pains. It's taking longer to clear this time, so must be an age thing.

It was a shopping day. I didn't have much to get, but easily spent £50. It was hard to see where it went. Didn't tell Cag. She would have thought I'd been mugged!

She wants to go to Truro tomorrow, just to look around M&S. I doubt there will be anything different from the last time we were there. I expect I will be tempted with something from the food hall. Their prepared food is very good, if a little expensive, but who cares.

Munday.

Recovering from yesterday. It's surprising how much it takes out of me. What I would do without thinking a few years ago, now takes longer and often there is a price to pay.



Just one job today. To take my mother for an eye test this afternoon. She had new glasses about ten months ago but has not been really happy with them. The test was very thorough, and it confirmed what I thought. The sight in her left eye is practically nonexistent, after a hemorrhage a few years ago, and the right eye is being hindered by a small cataract.



The cataract could be operated on, but if the operation was unsuccessful, then her sight would be almost completely lost. Some choice! It's been suggested that she should wait a while, which I consider is good advice. So new glasses have been ordered, which hopefully will make it easier to view the television. I doubt whether they will stop her falling asleep, not much chance of that!



Time we left the opticians it was getting dark. I'd missed another interesting sunset.......... perhaps tomorrow.......... hopefully.

Sonday......

Sunday and an early start. The extra hour gained from British Summer Time to G.M.T came in very useful. Five hours into the day and we were on the road at noon but the weather was awful. An accident near Dean Pryor slowed the journey , so we arrived at Cag's sisters at two o'clock.



Another of Cag's sisters came over from Brixham, so we had good company, good conversation............ and trifle.



By the time we had to leave the weather had cleared, and we chased a golden sunset all the way to Plymouth. It was dark by the time we arrived home. Cag to change, dinner to make, washing up to finish, walk the dog, and I finally sat down at about 9.30pm........... a long day.

Sat....er.....day

I'm tired tonoight. Changing all those clocks to G.M.T....... but why we do it is beyond me. Something to do with a bright spark who had the idea in 1907. What a tosser! Cows can come in for milking in the light, but kids have to walk home from school in the dark.


Think I've got everything ready for an early start tomorrow. I found my mother fully dressed, but sound asleep in bed when I got up this morning at 7.50am. I expect she will make up for it tomorrow, and will need an explosion to move her.


I grabbed an hour off this afternoon and went to the local Market. One of those places where you can buy a double bed or a watch strap. 150 stalls, all under cover, and you'll find every oddball that's ever drawn breath........ if your not careful. My purchases were two wooden spatulas, two catering rolls of cling film and a stainless steel baking tray. I found a kitchen gadget stall, with a great range of Japanese knives and could have quite happily spent a small fortune there. Perhaps next week. I'll make a list.

I know others have asked before, but what happens to Bloggers at the weekend? Do they turn into pumpkins ( seasonal joke!).

Fr'eye'day.....

I had nothing to do today. Nothing planned, so I thought I would pick up a prescription from the chemist, to save a little time tomorrow. I spent the best part of an hour and a half going from chemist, to surgery, and back to chemist again, getting the prescription for my mother's dressings sorted out.

It's not rocket science. I write the request, stating the exact name of the dressing, even quoting the reference number, so how can the surgery get it wrong? But they do. And when I question it, I'm made to feel that it is my fault.

Almost panicked when I found out the clocks alter this weekend. I shall have to get up an hour earlier on Sunday for our trip to Devon, and thought that it would have to be two hours earlier because of Summer time/ G.M.T. Silly boy! Got it all wrong, and will be able to arise at my normal time, body clock wise.

Furseday

Another easy day, well not quite. I did have to go shopping this afternoon, rather than tomorrow as I had planned. I was told we were going to Devon on Sunday, to visit Cag's sister. I really could have done with another few days to get over this back problem, but I expect I will survive.

It looks like the original sale of my mother's house in Torquay has fallen through. I contacted the Equity Company today, because I had not heard from them in a while, and they said that they had accepted a lower offer. It was because of the difficulties in the housing market at this time. It won't mean a lot of difference to the amount my mother will receive, but has slowed the whole process. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can get everything sorted.

An article I was reading about a carer who had just lost their partner brought back to mind a conversation I had with my brother-in-law, a few weeks ago. He had asked me what I would do if anything happened to Cag. I must admit, it's something I had thought about (that's me), so I replied that I would probably sleep for a week.

My own plans are that I would travel. I know nothing about boating in any shape or form, but I would love to motor through the canals in France, heading south to the Med, sampling food and wine en route. Any offers?

Weddlesday

I decided it was going to be a 'me' day. I did the bare minimum all day. The nurse came early to see my mother, so I managed to get all my chores finished by 1 o'c .......... the rest of the afternoon was mine.

Spent quite a lot of the time, sitting outside, looking up, just watching the big silver birds chasing each other across the blue of the sky. No vapour trails today.......... I wonder why?

My easy day did nothing for my back problem. If anything, it felt worse for doing nothing. Can that be so?

A package from Amazon. Band of Brothers on DVD, Dirty Dancing's 20th anniversary DVD and a book on Vegetable Growing........ I really know how to boogy!

Published some photos on Lighthouse tonight. Me in tails, my dancing days. I always said I would go back to it one day. Not the seven nights a week I did then, but just for the exercise and the dreams. Perhaps one day.

Tuesday 23rd.....

Had to redress my mother's bottom during the night. She has some new lite dressings that I'm sure will do a better job, but they are not a robust as the old ones, and so need more attention.

My back has been better today, but I'm still not pushing things. Took it easy for most of the day. This afternoon , I'd arranged for the central heating to be serviced , so didn't think I would be able to shop today, but the engineer arrived early, and I was able to get out at 4.00 o'c.

Rest of the day has been a breeze. What can go wrong now?

Had my 'point 'n shoot' with me when I walked the dog tonight. Saw a plane coming out of the sun and heading home. Often wonder what it would be like...... up there....... coming or going.

.

Moonday...

Heard that it was the best sunrise of the year today. Although I was up, I didn't see it, too cloudy.

The early start was because of visitors, and the fact that I knew I would be slow at getting my tasks completed. I'd slept well, but the back problem was still there, with a vengeance, at times.

I'd managed to finish Cags before I had to collect her sister from town, and left them to gossip while I washed and dressed my mother's legs. Breakfast out of the way and the clock said 1.15pm!

The afternoon was spent in good company, with good conversation. It was wet however. A faulty legbag, a change of clothes for Cag. A coughing fit, a change of clothes for Cag. My mother added to the problems by leaving too long before going to the bathroom. Luckily our guests had just left so no embarrassment was caused...... just annoyance. Extra lifting and clearing up that I didn't need.

My back has been easier tonight, so I'm hoping the corner has been turned. Shan't be long before I turn in. It's been a looooong day.

Ssssunday..........

Can't believe it. We watched Dirty Dancing AGAIN. Video on Thursday last, and Channel 5 tonight. "Nobody puts Baby in the corner!"

Finished the cleaning up today, ready for the visit from Cag's sister. There's been a change of plans, as the railway line between Par and Truro is closed for repairs, so they are coming by car. I'll still have to collect her from town, as she wants to have a look around before she comes to us. I've told her it should only take about three minutes, as the town is a building site.

It me that's had problems today. A trapped nerve in my back has made me stop and think before I've made any movement. I haven't had a lot of trouble lifting, it's when I turn the pain kicks in, and does it kick in! It's a problem I've had before. It's a case of tablet and rest. Rest? Yeh, right!

Satonday?

Saturday is clean up day, house work, Seeker's favourite. Kitchen floor to wash, carpets to hoover with a Hoover and dusting, then windows to clean....ugh!. It would have been done anyway, but I have the added incentive of Cag's sister coming down for the day on Monday.



Her husband has some business in Truro, so she is coming down with him on the train, I'm picking her up from our station and the dropping her back when he makes the return journey later in the afternoon. I only hope the train he's on stops, other wise I will have to set her running as the train goes through, and hope she can gain enough speed for him to catch her and lift her onto the train.



Everything went rather smoothly today. Can it last? I do hope so, at least for 48 hours.

Friday catch up.......

It's been one of those days where there was never quite enough time. Half a dozen telephone calls fixing up central heating service and chasing prescriptions. Then an extra trip to the chemist to collect a prescription, finally got it right after a week of waiting and re-ordering. Call from a neighbour the help him sort out a printing problem on his P.C and ended up printing the pics myself just to save time .............. and no spare time for me.



My mother had a couple of 'senior moments' today. She thought she had left an egg on to boil. This was 1.30am, so another dream and thinking it was reality. The other was during the afternoon. I was just about to start preparing the dinner when I noticed she was upset. I asked what was wrong and she said she was worried because she was letting the other players at the whist drive down for not being there.



She hasn't been to a whist drive for forty years, but insisted that she had played only a few weeks ago. It took a while but I managed to convince her that it couldn't have happened. She seems to have lost all sense of time, often thinking she has been with us for only a few weeks rather than 10 months or more.



I expect things will get even more 'interesting' as the weeks go on.



But what a beautiful day, and a golden sunset.

Thursday or thirsty.....

Something forced me into consciousness at about 2.30am. I could hear my mother moving around. I went into see what the problem was. She was covered in blood. The dressings on her bottom had rolled back and she had been scratching.

It took only minutes to clean up the area and apply new dressings, but it was another night call that I could have done without. The nurse had redressed the area in the afternoon, but their dressings don't seem to hold in place as long as the ones that I put on.

I did manage to get Cag out shopping this afternoon. Marks and Sparks must have noticed the increase in their trading figuers for today. A pair of leather gloves each, and a vegetable bake from their food hall for diner tonight. Very good it was too!

Ended the day by watching Dirty Dancing again. I love that film. Thinking now who I could dirty dace with?

Wed nes day....

6.55am and my mother is dressed. I've got the feeling that it could be 'one of those days'. I help her with her shoes, get her into the lounge, settled in her chair........ and go back to bed for a half hour.

One or two little mind games during the morning. She asks me to get her a new string for her violin and reminds me about the cakes in the oven. All news to me. No violin, no cakes. The rest of the day falls into place, except that the nurse doesn't arrive until the afternoon to check my mother's dressings. At least she sorts out the confusion between surgery and chemist as to which dressings they need to supply.............. I hope.

5.00pm and my mother's in tears. She can't walk to the toilet. Her left knee is the size of a football (soccer ball), so much pain. I strip down Cag's wheelchair, sit her on it and wheel her to the toilet. She manages to walk back with help. Another problem solved.

I've heard from the Clinic today about the hernia operation. I have to go for an assessment on the 15th of next month. I phoned them to see if my initial contact had been noted and they said they had posted a confirmation with the date on the 4th. Couldn't understand why I hadn't received it! Anyway, all sorted.

Two's day.....

Rain, as promised, and more rain, but that should be that for the rest of the week.

Yesterday was far too easy, and I paid for it this morning. My mother had a 'turn'. Tightness across the chest, dryness in the mouth, felling very unwell. It took about an hour for her to come around. I suspect it is caused be low blood pressure, so will get it checked out be the Community Nurse that calls tomorrow.

Her knees have been very painful today. She said she wished she had never come down with us as she's so much bother, but she could have never managed on her own. I assured her that we would deal with things as they happened, and would have a laugh along the way.

I was undressing Cag tonight, getting her into bed, and I started humming 'The Stripper'. The re-action I got was "Don't, NO, NO, NO,NO, you're pissing me off!"

What language! How could such a gentile woman use such words? The real language came when I started singing 'My Way'. You don't want to know what she said. Believe me.

Moanday...........

Monday and no moans. It's been one of the easiest days I've had in weeks. Nothing very much to do other than a little shopping, fresh bread etc. I was tempted by a chocolate roulade, not for me, for the two ladies. Cag had hers straight and my mother dressed it with a little ice cream. And plenty left for tommorow.



Went shopping for underware, for me while I was there. All the sizes have altered. I used to be 'large grob' and now I'm 'medium mittel'. Confusing? You betcha! And before you ask what a 'grob' is, the sizes are in English and German.

Not looking forward to tomorrow. The weather forecast looks terrible. I've the weekly shop to do, another excuse to be out of the house, but in truth, I love shopping. Must be my feminine side coming out.

Sunday, a day of rest?

A Beerfest, being held over two days, on the holiday estate next to our little residential site. When it was first announced, nearly everyone living on our estate was up in arms about it. I thought it would be better to find out more before making a decision. From the enquiries I made it all seemed in order and was going to be properly managed. Others thought the area would be full of drunken yobs, using their gardens as toilets.

All day live music, 50's & 60's theme, guest real ales at a special price,vintage vehicles, W.W.II hardware and reenactments, hog roast, stalls, and all the fun of the fair.

In truth it's been a bit of a wash out. It's drizzled most of the weekend. I doubt whether any more than about two hundred people have been in attendance at any one time. As to effecting us residents, I haven't heard any more racket than would normally come from the local Inn.

There was the noise of an odd thunder flash going off and the occasional burst of machine gun fire from the reenactment (a typical Sunday, ha, ha!), oh, and a rather poor firework show at about 8 o'c tonight, but apart from that, I wouldn't have known it was all happening. And our gardens are still pristine!

My mother stopped me in my tracks tonight. She ask me what had happened to her mother. She hadn't been in contact with her since she'd been here, not even sent a card, and it was bothering her to know where she was. She was a little confused to hear the she had died in 1974, in hospital, after a short illness.

I spent some time with her going over what I could remember of the facts, and added the details I could remember about the loss of her two brothers. She remembered them passing but not the hows and wherefores.

I then asked her a question that I'd asked about a month ago, how long did she think she had been with us? The answer was the same as she gave then, about two weeks! It's actually been over ten months! Time flies when you're enjoying yourself!!

How strange, and how fragile the human mind can be.

Sat er um day.

Phew! Sleepless nights bring out the zombie in me. I did what I thought I would do, looked in on my mother three times during the night. I was aided by the effects of drinking two cups of tea late at night, and cramp.

Twice I found her sitting on the edge of the bed, after using the toilet, but she hadn't been sitting there long, as the bed was still warm. Helped her lift her legs back into bed, settled her down and every thing was fine.

She has still been in pain today but is much improved over yesterday, thankfully. I managed to suggest she had an early night tonight, so she was in bed just after ten, hopefully for all night.

I've spent the afternoon trying to sort out the right dressing for my mother's pressure sores. Another cock-up at the doctors meant the wrong details were faxed to the chemist, hence no dressings, or rather the wrong dressings for the weekend. I can manage, but it's not brain surgery to get a prescription right, surly?

An early night tonight I think.

Fry day and nearly didn't make it!

12.20am Saturday morning and my Friday has just finished. Everything went smoothly today...... far too smoothly!

I did manage to get my mother out for an hour but she was struggling to get back into the house. By dinner time she was not very hungry so I guessed something was wrong. She eat a little but refused a chocolate and a cup of tea. Definitely something wrong.

She was in increasing pain from her knees, and by eight o'clock, unable to move. There was little I could do except watch her fight it, adding encouragement where I could. Come 10.30 I managed to get her into one of Cag's wheelchairs and get her into the bedroom. Over the next hour and a half, I toileted her, undressed her and finally managed to get her into bed.

I am not expecting a full nights sleep. Even if she sleeps through, I know I will have to check several times during the night, just for my own piece of mind.

Good night......... and wish me luck.

Thor's Day.

Up and running a little earlier than usual, trying to get the chores out of the way so we could get out at a reasonable time. It was another beautiful day (it can't last) and we managed to be on the road by about 1.30pm. Little traffic, which was a surprise.

Shopping was a disaster, or perhaps not! Cag didn't buy a thing. Nothing jumped out at her, so we spent about an hour just picking over things. What I did notice was the dowdy colours of most of the clothing. It's no wonder nothing tempted her. Anyway, it was an outing for her, so not a complete waste of time.

I could hear my credit card singing on the way home. It was so happy!

My mother had one of her turns tonight. She wanted to know where the young boy had gone. I often ask myself that one! She insisted there had been a young boy in the room, but who he was she did not know. I told her she had been dreaming again and this seemed to satisfy her, but I could still see she only half believed me.

I'll try and get her out for an hour or so tomorrow. A change of scene and fresh air may help to blow away cobwebs. Some of mine as well!!

Wednesday

Wednesday is an 'at home' day. I try not to go out but it's not always possible. I did manage it today, and seeing the weather was fine, the grass had my attention, hopefully the last cut of the year. Can't understand why it takes some people seven hours!

We had post today, despite the continuing threats of strike action from our postal heroes, I jest! Amongst it was 'the' brown envelope, an invitation to an ultra scan. Thankfully, it's at our local hospital and not at Trelisk, the main county hospital. 3.40pm on November the fifth, hopefully no fireworks for me at least.

The Community Nurse called to see my mother today and I mentioned Cag's golden rain problems. She agreed with me that most likely a spasm was the cause, and there's not much you can do about that.

Looks like I've started a trend. I've just finished building some small raised beds for vegetables next year. I was passing my neighbours today and I see they have dug over a large area of their back lawn to grow vegetables. I've emailed them a 'Dig for Victory' poster from WWII. Should bring a smile.

Cag has asked my to take her out tomorrow to an 'out of town' clothes shop. It will be another chance to take her handbag for an airing, but I bet the inside doesn't see the light of day!

Tuesday, grey day........

A really grey day, at least to start with, although it did brighten up later. It was another early start, about 7.30am, as the hairdresser was due at 11 o'c. I needed all that time to get my two changes sorted. Even then, breakfast had to wait until after she had left.



She was early, and I had just finished. Mother first, a wash and set. Cag, a trim and then me. I asked her to cut out just the grey ones and leave my natural colour, but I'm fighting a loosing battle. At least most of it is still attached.



I did suggest that she cut my hair topless, but she said I looked better with my shirt on (hasn't she heard of HNT, happy naked Tuesday?). I must say, it's the way we catch up on all the gossip from around, and being her last call, we hear about everyone else without information going the other way.



Cag's water problems seemed to have settled down, thank goodness. It's another problem we don't need right now. The Cornwall Care contact phone me back this morning, so I was able to ask about options. Like my previous contact, she suggested it was better to wait until I had dates, then contact Adult Social Care and get back to her so she can follow it up. So it's wait and see...... again.

Monday and water sports......

It's been a recovery day. I've been slow and everything has taken much longer than normal. I usually keep the day after a trip fairly clear for that reason.



Just to add a little interest to the day, we've had water sports, catheter problems. It's so annoying for both of us. I'm so careful in positioning and making sure there's a clear flow, but very time I put Cag back into bed it bye-passed. One of the problems with M.S is spasms, and I think this may have been the cause. As she relaxed.............! If it doesn't clear by tomorrow, I'll check things out with the nurse on Wednesday when she calls to see my mother.



I contacted Cornwall Carers today and asked for the local representative to phone me, but not between 1.30pm and 3.00pm as I would be out. Of course, she phoned about 2.30pm, but is calling back tomorrow. I want her to give me an idea about options and different care packages I may be able to access, and what I can expect in the way of help for funding. Better to be prepared and know some of the answers before you ask the questions.



I think the weather will break over night. There's a faint hint of drizzle in the air and the forecast is rain heading this way. Goodbye Indian Summer, you were great while you lasted.

Sunday's early start.......

We had made arrangement to travel to see some of Cag's family toady in Devon. It meant a 6.45am start for me, which with luck means we can leave by mid-day. I made it with minutes to spare.



A hundred and forty four mile round trip for two hours of good company (and chocolate cake). Cags eldest sister, her husband and a younger sister, recently widowed. Well worth the journey. It gave me a chance to talk over our problems, thoughts, and possibilities, with sensible people who know and care about our situation.



It's not always easy for Cag to keep up as M.S has slowed down her reasoning but she enjoys the company and the extra attention her sisters pay her. They are the same people who help me so much in my mother's house clearance recently, so I have a lot to thank them for. They've promissed to be there if I need them, although what they can do will be limited by distance.

We took the dog, he was on his best behavior, and for once, looking his best. I'd spent about three hours over the last few evenings clipping and grooming his coat. He's dropped lower on the pecking order over the last few months, so has not had the attention he deserves. But he doesn't complain.

Now for some reading............ you know who.

Saturday.......Alien alert!

I have to get an early night to night. I have a 6.45am start tomorrow, so here's one I prepared earlier.

Saturday and another beautiful day. More trails across the sky, with a few of those white fluffy things thrown in for interest, and this evening, wood smoke on the air. Love this time of the year.

I was 'flashed' this morning. Not intentionally, but it made for an interesting start to the day. I deliver a paper to my cousin on Saturday. She is recovering from a stroke and was being attended by nurses when I arrived. I was talking to her husband and glanced out of the window at a holiday caravan, about 20 yards away, sited opposite his home, when a naked young lady walked passed the glass door of this caravan.

I mentioned it to him so he turned to look, but by then there was no one there. Just as he turned back to me, she walked passed again. I didn't bother to say anything this time, there didn't seem any point. Just a beautiful start to a beautiful day.

I took a trip into town this afternoon, something I try never to do on a Saturday. The people amazed me. All I could think about was, did Matron know so many patients were out? It was either that or an Alien Ship had landed close by, and the occupants were trying to merge with Saturday shoppers. Identical twins were walking towards me, dressed in trainers, baggy jeans and 'Il Divo' sweatshirts. Unfortunately one was ugly, and so was her sister. If only Carlos, David, Sab and Urs could see them now. Fans? I hope not!

The Saturday paraders were there, breezing from one end of the town to the other. Big Issue sellers, canvassers, and a drummer asking for change. Trying not look out of place, I started talking loudly into my cupped hand, hoping people wouldn't realise that I didn't have a mobile phone. I was glad to make it back to the safety of the car without being 'taken over' by aliens or being spotted as an outsider.

And so to bed, but a little reading first. I'm up to March 2007 and no tissues need yet, but I recon I should have them handy Lady Stalker.

Friday.......... 4.50am.

The light comes on. Cag nudges but I'm already awake. My mother is looking around the door.

"It's the vet man. A lady came into the room and told me the vet man was here."

Vet man, vat man, what man? What's going on? My mother was insisting that a lady had come into her room and said that the vet had come to see us.

She made me check around the house to see if I could find the lady, but of course there was no one. It was a case of dreams becoming reality. I got her back into bed and settled her down. She still believed there was a lady, and she had spoken to her.

"You must think I'm daft", she said to me. I put up no argument. "But it was so real".

It was just a dream I told her. Now if she could dream about winning the lottery tomorrow, and that became reality..............

It was another beautiful day. Blue sky and more trails, warm in the sun, but with that hint of Autumn on the breeze. This is a great time of the year.

Thursday..........

I awoke early, still dark, not feeling too good. Nothing specific, just a general feeling of unwellness. A dull ache under the ribs, the area that has to be scanned. The feeling stayed with me most of the day, which was a shame, as it was such a beautiful day. Blue sky and vapour trails.

A lady from Social Care returned my call today and I told her the problem we could be facing, when I have my operation(s). As soon as I have the dates, they will call and set up some sort of care package, so it's 'wait and see' again. There won't be a lot of help from the family I'm afraid. They all live too far away.............. and the very thought of body fluids, throws them into a panic.

What a mailbox tonight. Five messages from one young lady, and 'thank you'. I shall read as you suggested, tissues at the ready.

Speaking of tissues, I bought a new brand today. They must be Trade Union Tissues. One out, all out............... no perforations! Don't you just hate it when that happens?

Wednesday and the news......

The news. Not so good. Doctors on Friday, letter asking me to make an appointment at the clinic of my choice today. Choice of four, so I went for the one the Doc suggested............ the nearest, about eight miles down the road. Now I have to wait. Nothing about the gallbladder scan, but it's a bit too soon for that.

We had two Community Nurses today. One to change my mother's dressings, whilst the other, an old friend, saw to Cag's catheter. I asked about my situation. At least five, perhaps six weeks for recovery from each............. and definitely NO lifting.

My day revolves around lifting. I judge the day by the number of lifts, so it looks like I'm going to need help.

It's early days but I contacted Social Services, a case coordinator I know, to see what the situation is regarding my two charges. She wasn't there but will get back to me. The sooner I know the options, the better I will feel........ and it will put the minds of those around me at rest.

Tuuuuesday

So, the truth is out. An altered ego, or perhaps nearer to the truth. Members of my family sometimes drop in at my other blog. I'm not sure I want them knowing too many details of my life, or what happens to me and my charges.

5.46am. Cramp! I had to get out of bed. Thought a walk would be the best thing to clear the problem. I heard movement....... my mother was up......... and dressed! Sh*t.

It was easier to get her back into bed than I expected, and then she slept through until about 9 o'clock. Just wish she would look at the clock before she got up, rather than after, when she was dressed.

The weather was better than promised, so I managed to get my mother out in the car for an hour. Only to the shops, but it was a change of scene, and added to things to talk about. She really needs the outings, even though the pain getting to the car and back can over shadow the 'trip out'.

Monday, Monday.......

Monday, Monday.............. Mamas and Papas........... Seems like a lifetime away.......... And no ones getting fat 'sept Mama Cass. No salt on my tail....... either.

Hi S.D, so good to have you visit. Too many questions and too many comments to answer all at once. I felt you were, or had gone through similar thoughts as myself. It's easy to see from you writing that you are looking for something that you haven't quite found as yet............. but you will, I know you will. Felt I needed space, so hence Late at Night.

More 'me time' today. Cag's eating habits are becoming more manageable, and as I was cooking lamb steaks for my mother and I, something I knew Cag wouldn't eat, I took myself off to Supermarket to do some 'looking around' shopping, rather than shopping to a list. Slices of Aberdeen Angus beef from the deli caught my eye. I knew she would eat this, so that was dinner sorted for her.

Planning on sausages and mash tomorrow. So I bought the best there were. I'll serve them with sliced onion, that has been slowly cooked, melt in the mouth, perhaps a little hidden garlic. Some local cauli, the last of our peas, with a little gravy. Comfort food.......Mmmmmmm.

Bought another two pans today. Another 10 inch frypan and a stirfry pan that can double as a wok. Plenty big enough for anything I have planned. Now I must stop. I have all I need, probably far more than I shall ever need, but that's the nature of the beast.

At least my mind hasn't spent a lot of time pondering the future today. Dealing with the here and now is enough.