Friday.........

Waiting for the post again, and of course........... nothing. So I phoned the solicitor in Torquay and was told that a letter had been sent and I should receive it tomorrow or Monday. It will probably ask me to supply more information or certificates, and won't be the Wills that I've requested.

Shopping this afternoon, but we didn't need very much. There's a fridge and freezer full to use up. Our meals have altered this week, only having to cater for the two of us has rather reduced my menu. Cag prefers vegetables to meat so I've got hold of two rather useful vegetable cook books that a neighbour was going to send to a charity shop. I will be working my way through those when I get the chance. One good thing is I've managed to get her to eat fish. She would never have fish in the home while my mother was here. I leave it to your imagination to guess why.

I've started on going through all the old paper work my mother brought down with her. The majority is rubbish but there are some documents that I feel I should hang on to, at least until the sale of the house is completed. I've also gone through the framed photos. Most of the frames will have to be discarded, so the photos have been added to the piles I already have for sorting ......... on that rainy day.

The wind is howling, and rain is lashing against the windows at this minute. I'm keeping an eye on the weather forecast for next week. The funeral's on Tuesday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We might, just might, be lucky. Nothing worse that the smell of wet mac's at a funeral............. unless it's a wedding.

Thursday..... an outing.

I spent much of the morning waiting for the postman. The post seems to be arriving later and later these days. It finally arrived at 11.30am and of course, the package I was waiting for was not delivered. Perhaps tomorrow.

Cag wanted a trip into town this afternoon. She wanted a clock for the mantle shelf and eye makeup. I'm good at clocks but rubbish at makeup! We were in and out in twenty minutes, an instant choice in clocks, a glass model on steel pillars and base. Eye makeup took longer. It was cold and we were both glad to get back home.

My cousin's husband is back from his few days away. They live a couple of doors along the road. Cousin (a stoke victim) is in respite care till the weekend to give them both a break. I dropped in to see him tonight, to keep him up to date as to what's been happening. It's someone local with family knowledge that I can bounce ideas off. I spent a bit longer than I intended there....... but you can't hurry good wine.

Looks like another wait for the post tomorrow, so hope I'm more lucky then.

Wednesday......day three.

......... and day five of being an orphan.


Not a lot happening today. I had hoped that the solicitors would have sent the original Wills I had asked for, but you know solicitors. It's about all I have left to do now, to get the Will through probate. I did manage to pick up the Death Certificates from the registrar this afternoon, so the day wasn't a complete waste.


The vicar had asked me to make a few notes of those things I would like said about my mother, especially some of the early recollections. I thought it would be difficult, but it came easily once I started. The later part of her story he knows as he has been a part of it. Anyway, I think it will give him some food for thought.


I spent some time this afternoon giving some thought to a few little gifts I would like to give. A good bottle of Malt to the undertaker for making things so easy. One to a neighbour of my Mum, who did little jobs for her, change fuses, light bulbs etc. To the vicar a suitable donation to the Church and a decent bottle of Cognac for his enjoyment. To her next door neighbour, almost a daughter to Mum, a sizable gift. She won't want it I know, but she has a son who has just started collage and I know she could use a little financial help. It will make her Christmas a good one and it would give me so much pleasure.



I will of course make sure my daughter and her children have a good Christmas, but they will have to wait for the bulk of their inheritance until the house is finally sold. For ourselves, we want for nothing. Perhaps a food processor for me and another finger for Cag....... so she can ware another ring!



It was my birthday today. I was ......... sorry, the number keys aren't working!

Tuesday........... day two.

More phone calls today. Two to the undertaker, two to the vicar, and incoming from the Officer to the Coroner, to inform me that it was a heart attack, and that her heart was in a very poor condition with signs of an advanced disease. At least I can get on with registering the death and getting the Will through Probate. Four or five more calls this afternoon to family, with details of the arrangements. Should have reversed the charges. This evening, emailing other family and friends.

The funeral is all sorted. Time, place and cremation arranged. The vicar is also arranging for tea and biscuits in the Hall afterwards, to give me time to thank everyone properly. Hope they have custard creams.

I'm still feeling a little tense, but life is getting easier. I feel more relaxed in myself, less on the edge even with the arrangements to make. It was never the physical caring that caused me problems. It was the responsibility for two people that troubled me the most. That's definitely a lot easier.

And the home is so much bigger. I've rearranged the furniture back to how it was, and it's given us so much more room, there's even space to hide. The collection service for the loan equipment my mother had is coming tomorrow. I should be able to return the bedroom she used to some semblance of order. We've promised ourselves new carpets throughout the home, but that will have to wait a while. Our dog like the ones we have.

Monday........ day one.

It's the first day that I have been able to do anything, to get some of the problems sorted. The main one, the funeral arrangements are well on the way. We need a date for the body to be released from the hospital, then it can be taken to Torquay. The service at my mother's church has to be arranged. It 's the vicar's day off today, so that should be finalised tomorrow. Detail have to be worked out but I have that planned, a similar service to my father's two years ago.

I've contacted her bank, the pension service and her private pension supplier. Nothing can be done there until I can forward a death certificate. Both pension suppliers stop the pension as of the date of death, but that's fine, as any over payment would have to be returned in any case.

I've taken all her unused medication back to the chemist for them to dispose of, and the black bags, some to the dump and the new or nearly new to the charity shop. The jewelry's been checked over, it didn't take long. My mother was not a jewelry person. Four rings, a gold cross, a locket, a gate bracelet, plus a couple of small chains, some broken pieces, and that's it. The was a load of 'distance jewelry', looks good till you get close, so the best of this can go to the charity shop next time I'm passing.

I phoned our daughter tonight, to keep her up to date on things. I explained the Will and told her what I intended to do about it. Everything has been left to me, for me to dispose of as agreed with my parents, but I've given her the decision about what should happen to her children's share and when they should receive it. I thought that best.

The real winners in all this will be the Equity company that supplied my parents private pension. They will receive 85% of the sale of the house, less what they have paid to my parents over the years. A tidy sum. Be warned against Equity agreements............ unless you plan to live until you are 130!

And now we've heard that Cag's mother was admitted to Taunton hospital today with an irregular heart beat. The dark side of me wonders if I can get a quantity discount on funerals.

So roll on tomorrow..............

Sunday......

I awoke at about 4.30am, my pillow a bag of bricks. Watched the clock, my head full of thoughts. Saw 5.30 and 6.30, must have dropped off and in minutes the alarm went off at 6.55am. Don't you just hate nights like that!

We set off about 11.30 to visit Cags sister P, her husband D, and another younger sister K. An easy journey, plenty of traffic but it kept moving. I had been looking forward to talking with D as he was in a similar situation only a few years ago. He had also recently finished settling the estate of a cousin, acting with a solicitor as joint executor, and guided K through sorting her husbands affairs when he so suddenly passed away, so is well versed in the joys and pitfalls of the whole business.

There was a lot to take in but he's only a phone call away................ and works cheap.......ha, ha! I should be able to get the ball rolling tomorrow, at least doing some of the preparation work. I've been warned about the amount of letters I will have to write, and visits to make, so if my posts are a little small, please forgive.

We left a little later than usual. Nothing to rush home for now. We missed driving into the sunset, but there will be other sunsets. A good day, in good company, and good cake.......... mmmmmmm!

Saturday, the day after........

It's been a surreal sort of day. Everything to do, but can do nothing. I have managed to contact the relations I was unable to email yesterday, and I was definitely more difficult to speak with them, but they were more upset than I expected.

I spent the afternoon sorting in my mother's room. It didn't take long. A lifetime in six black bags. It was all she brought with her and all she wanted, but six black bags.........

It also gave me time to go over the happenings of yesterday. I ask myself many questions, reviewed my actions and wondered......... if. The more I thought about what happened, the more I was sure it was what my mother would have wanted. True, there were a few minutes of distress, but after months of agony? I'd read, only this week, that everyone dies alone, but that was not the case in this instance.

And now the thoughts on what to do. Most of her friends and family, those who are left, are in the Torbay area, so it would seem to be right to have a commemoration there, rather than here, where there would be a very small attendance. I have to contact the family undertaker on Monday and will take advice as to what he can offer. Hopefully a service at her church in Torquay, I'm sure the vicar would go along with that, cremation, and her ashes scattered where my father's were scattered. She would have liked that, providing it didn't cause too much trouble.

Cags reactions have surprised me today. She's been a little more awkward, a trifle more demanding, and more vocal in her complaints. Feelings of being left out? I wonder. I have had to be firmer when dealing with her. I was hoping for an easier day but.......

An early night is beckoning. I shall be up early tomorrow as we are planning to visit her sister and brother-in-law in Devon. Good for me too, as I will be able to bounce ideas and questions off people with knowledge, a rare occurrence for me of late.

Friday 23rd...........

My mother died this afternoon.

.

She was still unwell this morning, so I call for a doctor to visit to check her over. The doctor came about 1pm, gave her a thorough check, and thought she had a mild infection, for which she prescribed antibiotics. I picked up the tablets this afternoon and gave her a tablet when I returned home about 3pm. About ten minutes later she was breathing erratically and very distressed. I went into her, held her hand and she stopped breathing. I called 999 and paramedics were here within ten minutes. They tried the full range of C.P.R, but to no avail.

.

The rest of the afternoon was spent watching forms being completed, by the paramedics (so much paperwork!), the the doctor, and finally a police officer who was representing the coroner.

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I removed her rings, said my goodbyes and she was finally taken from the house at about 7pm............. a long afternoon. The rest of the evening, after a few bites to eat, has been spent contacting family and her few friends.

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I'm not sad. My heart was tugged at a couple of times this evening, but I was thankful to be there and to know it was quick. In reality, I would have hated to have her resuscitated, only to have suffered more, and the same thing happen again in a few weeks time.

.

I did phone her friend, the vicar, tonight. It was his birthday and he was having tea with some friends. He was shocked. " Well I'll be dammed......", were his words. Strange coming from a vicar!

Thursday 22nd.....and...

And if yesterday was easy, then today turned out to be the most difficult for a long time.
.

My mother was not feeling well when I awoke her this morning. It was rather the same on Tuesday last. She was very slow, not really switched on, and her walking was painful. She brightened up during the day and I thought it would be o.k to take Cag out for an hour or so. We left just after 2pm and went to M&S in Truro to raid their food section.

.

We arrived home at about 3.30pm and when I went to see how things were I saw my mother sitting in her chair with a rug around her shoulders and another around her knees. She was shivering and moaning. I quickly checked the thermometer and it read 75f, boosted the heating, got Cag in from the car and made a hot drink for my mother.

.

She was in a state, moaning with cold and shaking...... but it was not cold. She's eaten very little today, been making the most awful noise all night, and asked to go to bed at about 8pm. I've helped her to the toilet twice during the evening and each time she's tried to dress afterwards. I think, hope, now she is settled for the night but time will tell.

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One piece of great news. My ticket has been drawn on a Spanish Lottery that I haven't entered. All I have to do is to forward all my personal details and my bank details and they will send me my winnings. How lucky is that? My name is cupid..... not stupid!

Wednesday 21st......

As expected, an easy day. The nurse arrived a few minutes after 9am to see my mother. She was only just out of bed but between us we managed to change her dressings and left her to dress in her own time.

I had the afternoon for myself, so I decided to have a look around one of the big D.I.Y stores on the outskirts of town. It's cheap and has got even cheaper since my last visit, in quality as well as price. I didn't spend a lot of time there and won't return any time soon.

I'm thinking of updating our television after Christmas, and the afternoon would have been better spent making enquiries as to what set up I will need. One with a Freeview tuner or separate box? New DVD recorder, or a HD model? It's something I used to be very 'up' on, but lately modern technology has left me behind. What ever we buy will be out of date by the time we get it home.

Tuesday 20th........

Another early start, and today I needed it. My mother was not on form, and everything took an age. I needed to have both my ladies breakfasted by eleven. The chiropodist was coming to take care of my mother's feet at 11.15am........... and I only just made it. My mother bucked herself up later and had quite a sensible day.

.

Boy, did it rain today........... and I had to go shopping this afternoon. The driveway was a quagmire where the new wall is being built, and the main road was flooded in several places making driving .......... interesting! When I arrived home I found that I was not the only one who was wet. Cag had catheter problems, so I put on my plumbing hat and flushed the system. It seems to have worked, touch wood. I do feel sorry when that happens, especially when you can't find a reason. It's no fun being catheterised and the reason for it is to keep you dry, but no system is perfect it seems.

.

I picked up my mother's new glasses from the opticians. They should really be fitted, but the chances of her being able to get there are practically nil at the moment. She's having enough trouble making the bathroom, let alone walking to the car for the trip out.

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Easy day tomorrow, with nothing to do................... yet!

Monday 19th..........

An early start, but for others it was even earlier. I passed my mother's room at 6.05am and she was sitting on the bed, dressed and cold. All I could do was to help her under the covers to get warm and then I went back to be until 7.30am.



My early start was for an appointment at the Doctors to give a blood sample. The results were needed to make a more informed decision about the gallbladder problem I have. It seems that Paul, a slightly gay male nurse, was taking blood for multiple tests. I ask if it could include cholesterol, so he ticked the box. The way he put his gloves on you would think he was lining up for an internal, but I missed the joy of that. And I'm glad he didn't say " .....you'll feel a small prick!"



Because of the morning visit to the surgery, I had to leave going to the village Post Office until the afternoon. It gave me the excuse to drive up the hill to Five Turnings, the highest point in our area. It was beautiful. Clear, quiet, without a breath of wind, one of those days where you could see for miles........

.

And a shadow of me watching the world go by.......

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A very leaky evening. Thank God for a Vax Rapied XL.

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I saw on the news tonight that a local couple got married after only four weeks of courting. He was 92, and she was 84. It will never last!

Sunday 18th.......

The gale had blown it's self out by daybreak, but left a great deal of debris on the driveway. I didn't hear the rain, but others with better hearing told me that it kept them awake.



I think I'm turning into my father. This cold has left me with a tickely cough and when I clear my throat, I sound just like my father used to! Two double coughs!!



I went shopping at the Super Market this afternoon, not for anything particular, but just to be amongst other people that didn't need my attention. Spent some time browsing magazines but didn't buy. They would only get put to one side when at home. I wouldn't have time to read them.

I spent the rest of the afternoon completing a tax claim for my mother. I should mean a return of about £70, not a lot, but better in her purse(wallet) than in our Chancellor's coffers.



My mother's knees have been very bad today. I need to take her to the opticians this week to collect her glasses, but what with the promised weather and her mobility problem, fixing a day could be difficult.

Saturday 17th.........

Neighbours were all out when I delivered their papers this morning, so I've missed out on all the local gossip today. Not a lot of 'who's sleeping with who', as most are in or close to their 80's, and they sleep all the time anyway!



I did get Cag out to the Market this afternoon, for our usual bacon butty. The girl at the chuck wagon just says 'usual?' when she sees me. Am I being taken for granted again?



I bought a 7 inch and a small 31/2 inch Santoku kitchen knife from the Kitchen Ware stall, then put them to use on a leg of lamb and vegetable preparation when we arrived home. They are both excellent......... and no blood yet. I've just about exhausted all I can buy from there, but I shall still visit as often as I can, I love those kind of stalls.

My mother has been quite 'switched on' today. Nothing out of the ordinary at all. It's funny how she can be perfectly normal (whatever that means) for a couple of days and then talk nonsense the next day. Funny old world!

Friday 16th..........

I didn't sleep well, and awoke feeling I'd already done a mornings work. Must have been the dream. I can remember being in charge of large shop or store, and having to get away by a certain time, but every time I went to leave, something, someone or a problem stopped me. I can remember feeling terribly frustrated at not being able to do what I wanted or needed to do. A bit like my life at the moment.

Bank, chemist and then shopping this afternoon. Just a few bits and pieces for the weekend. Met a couple of neighbours there and had to listen to their tales of woe. I really needed that!

Our driveway is becoming a bit of a mess. It's being widened and a new stone wall is to be built. The start of the £11 million development of the site next to our little estate. The digger driver did manage to find the main water pipe that supplies the caravan park. He noticed it when the water shot about 4 metres into the air. Opps! I'm hoping there will be some top soil left over when they finish their work, as I could use a few barrows full.

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I'm thinking about another trip to the market tomorrow afternoon. I could do with another one or two of the Japanese kitchen knives to go with the one I already have. I need to bleed some more!

Thursday 15th.............

I'm glad to get this day out of the way. Every thing went to plan, no surprises, and I allowed enough time so I didn't have to rush. So quite an easy day until I had to leave to go to the Clinic.

I arrived at 5pm, my appointment was at 5.05. I was called at 5.10 and was out by 5.20!

.

It was an Indian doctor, no feathers or a turban. Viewed the hernia, agreed it needed attention sooner rather than later, explained the operation, discussed the after care needed, shook hand and goodbye! Ten minutes.

It won't be done before Christmas, and he's left me to phone his secretary around the middle of January to arrange a time slot for about four to six weeks time. This means I will be done around the middle to the end of February. It will give me enough time to set up cover through Social Adult Care, or at least see what they can offer. A much needed breathing space.

The hernia is not a problem but it will get worse, and the cough I have at the moment, make me know of it's existence a dozen times a day................. or more.

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Good news........... Managed to get my mother a tax rebate on year 2006/7. Will now try for several previous years when I get some figures from the Pension Service.

Wednesday 14th......

I couldn't believe it. Everything this morning went so smoothly that I knew it couldn't last........ but it did.

I was working all morning towards my visit to the doctors at 2.30. I arrived about 5 minutes early, and was called in on time. The doc reviewed my scan results with me. The two polyps that were on the gallbladder five years ago were still there, but had not increased in size. The stone was small and did not need attention as yet. He has arranged for a further blood test, to check liver and kidney function, then another consultation to see if we need to proceed with any treatment. Sounds good to me!

He did take my blood pressure, 130 over 80. He was pleased with that, and so was I, all things considered. Now all I have to do is to get through tomorrows visit to the Clinic, and the assessment for my hernia problem. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!

Called in at Lidl's on the way home and bought some venison steaks for the weekend. Will spend the next few days scouring recipes no doubt!

Tuesday the 13th........

Thirteen, unlucky for some............ and I should have known all would not run smoothly.



6.35am, I'm out of bed. Not through choice, but cramp. I can hear movement. I look in on my mother and she is dressed, sitting in the chair. I knew I was a mistake to say I would be calling her a little earlier, so we had some spare time before the hairdresser arrived. I cover her with a blanket and go back to bed for an hour.



I got Cag up for coffee at 8am, and made my mother a cup of tea. She promptly poured it over herself. It was hot, but there was no sympathy from me. The hairdresser arrived at eleven and I had just managed to get both my ladies ready. She has a beautiful body.



Everything seemed to take twice as long as it should. The more I tried to hurry, the further behind I became. My mother wasn't helping, or rather her legs weren't. I've never heard her knees crack so much, or seen her in so much pain trying to walk............. and there's nothing to be done.



An hour for me this afternoon, shopping. I didn't have a lot to get, so spent some time walking the aisles I wouldn't usually visit. Dangerous in a Supermarket, but I wasn't tempted.



It's just gone 11pm now and I've finished. Hopefully.

Monday.........

Start of another week, a busy one for me at least. Hairdresser, nurse, doctor, clinic, optician, throw in a couple of afternoons of shopping......... roll on the weekend. I know I must stop wishing my life away, but I will be glad to see the end of this week.

My mother's mobility is a growing problem. Some days are better than others but she's had a difficult time recently. I was going to try to get her to the opticians today, but will have to leave it until Friday. It would have been too much for her today. I'm not sorry as I could do with a little 'me time'.

Her mind seems to have settled down although she says she feels she ought to be doing something. It's all she can do to get from bedroom to lounge to bathroom and back. She's been talking to herself while she's asleep, nothing coherent, just odd words and mumbles. She never says anything while she's awake.

Cold is still hanging on. Looks like I'll have to give it away.

Sunday, a day of rest....

A bad nights sleep. Coughing kept me awake, but thankfully is no worse than yesterday. Would have loved to have been outside today, finishing the boxes I am making, but the wind was too cold and I thought it wise to keep warm.

My mother has had 'one of those days'. She asked me about my brother. Was he the one that was here yesterday? No, I insisted, there's only me, but she was having difficulty believing me.

She still can't believe she's been with us for nearly eleven months. She seems to have lost all sense of time. She can't remember she came to us for Christmas, and never went back.

We did have one laugh. It was when I helped her put her shoes on this morning. I put them on the wrong feet (easily done because they are large with hardy any shape to them). She didn't realise it until she looked down when she was walking. Her feet were turning outwards and she was walking like a duck.

I brought her a cup of tea about 9.30 pm, with the tablet she has to take at night. She said I had made a mistake, as she should take three tablets. I pointed out to her that she took the three tablets in the morning. Isn't it morning she asked?

She seemed troubled tonight when I helped her into bed. It makes me wonder what the future will bring, but better the problem here than 75 miles away.

Saturday..........

It was supposed to be a day for cleaning and tidying, but to be honest, I just couldn't be bothered. I had to visit the chemist to change some dressing they had supplied in error, and to get some help with the chesty cough that's developed. I took Cag with me and then we went on to the market at Par. A couple of odds for the kitchen and a boarder spade for the new beds.



Helped Cag eat the inevitable bacon roll while we were there, and saved a corner for a drooling dog. It always amazes me what people wear to such a place, everything from overalls to evening dresses........ I kid you not! The Carol's have made an audio appearance through the tinny sound system, but they've done nothing to add seasonal cheer to the market visitors.



Phoned my daughter when we returned home, to thank her for Cag's card and to get her new post code; she's just moved. Told her my tales of woe, and she was quite sympathetic, didn't laugh once. She now has a phone line so it looks like she will be on line again any time soon. Better watch my step!

Wednesday, Thursday, and now Friday......

Wow! Off line for two whole days. Not like me at all.



Wednesday. We made the trip to Truro. Birthday Girl wanted to try some Coco Mademoiselle that she saw advertised. There was a small store next door to Marks and Spencer that sold Chanel which was ideal. The perfume was far too sweet, even after it had worn in........ but we tried.



We called into M&S's food hall and to my regret bought Duck in Orange sauce for our evening meal. It seemed a good idea at the time . Whether it was that, or a bug I had picked up from elsewhere, I managed later to spend an hour with my head in the sink, too afraid to move. I can't ever remember feeling or being so ill. I did finally fell safe enough to crawl into bed at about 3.30am.



Thursday. Quite a bit of catching up to and feeling very frail. My throat was so sore, and a croaky voice to go with it. Managed a little shopping in the afternoon. Even refused a sample of cheese at the deli counter. I did manage a little to eat later, just a few vegetables, keep it simple. It's given me chance to cut back on my alcohol consumption, so will try to keep it up............. or rather, down.



At 7.20pm the lights went out! There was a fire in the transformer that supplies the whole Park Site and the mains had to be shut down before the fire brigade could do their work. So it was a night with candles and the joys of Radio 4. At least it solved the problems of what to watch on the television, as the choice was rubbish or rubbish!



We were finally reconnected at about 4.30am, and I awoke to the whole house ablaze with light. Lights that were off, I had switched on by mistake, and the timers on others that should have been off were, of course, on. To crown it all, my bedside clock was flashing, so I reset it to the one on Cag's side of the bed, not realising that some how it had gained about an hour. Yep! I got up an hour earlier than I needed to this morning. First job...... replace backup battery.



Friday, and I've had an easy day........ at last. Still have the sore throat and have developed a little cough to go with it, but am feeling a lot better in myself. Wonder what it was all about? Other's had eaten the same food, but they were fine. Just lucky I guess.

My mother has been in a lot of pain today. Her knees are cracking, even while just sitting, and there's nothing to be done until the spasms pass. Oh, the joys of arthritis. What will tomorrow bring?

Tuesday, the 5th plus one...

The 5th plus one............ must be the 6th. Just an ordinary day........ at last. The usual morning, then breakfast. The usual afternoon, shopping then making the evening meal.

I did manage to grab some time for me this afternoon. I worked outside on the raised beds I'm building. Two down with one to go. I don't really mind if nothing grows, at least the garden with be looking neat.

It's Cag's birthday tomorrow. She'll be a year older than me........ for three whole weeks! Three weeks a toyboy, married to an older women.

Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no idea of what to do with them. Makes you think, uh?

Monday the 5th..........

The fireworks started on Friday, more on Saturday, and still more on Sunday night. At least those that were let off tonight were on the right day................... but what an utter waste of money.

I spent most of the day preparing and waiting for my appointment at the hospital for a scan. I got there early and went straight in. The end result is that the two polyps that were in the gall bladder five years ago are still there, and there's also a small stone to go with them. I now have to wait until next week to talk it over with the doctor to see which is the best way forward.
More waiting.

Sunday..............

Oh for a day without pee.

Now that's an opening statement. Moan time at the light house, I'm afraid. Two very leaky women and a fed up carer.

Cag's had catheter problems for the last couple of days, which is getting to be annoying for both of us. I've tried everything to solve the problem including daily flushing, but nothing seems to be working. I think it will have to be a phone call to the Community Nurses unless it settles down in the next 24 hours.

My mother can't quite understand why I keep reminding her about going to the toilet. You'd think it wouldn't be necessary to remind someone after five hours. They would, or should, know. She's well padded, but a pad can only hold so much. And I do get a little fed up with having to clear up after people when there is no need. That's life...........I suppose.

I didn't manage to get back to the Market today. It was just a hope. I did manage to finish the first of the raised beds for next years vegetables. More difficult than I thought, because the original woodwork I was adapting was built to follow the ground, and was not level. Still, one down, two to go.

Scan at the local hospital tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that................. I don't think!

Friday 'n Saturday.....

I missed out last night (hope nobody else did!). I had an email through GenesReunited asking me about the family of a gt. gt. grandmother, and by the time I'd got all the information together, it was nearly 1 am. So blogging took a back seat for a change.

I did take a trip into town yesterday afternoon, to pick up a couple of items for my mother and to get a birthday present for Cag. She easy to buy for, as long as it's Chanel's CoCo. Our only stockist in town is Boots and they were offering 10 points in the £, so I bought her a Christmas present at the same time. I saved a fortune. Always an eye for a bargain!

I also bought a present for myself, a cholesterol testing kit. Looks like fun........ and hoping I'm less than 5.6, the last time I was tested.

Saturday.........

The start of another weekend. Freebird reminded me that nobody bloggs at weekends....... except us chickens! I had to go Market shopping this afternoon, so I took Cag with me to give her a change of scene (and to show her handbag daylight!). I wanted a border fork for the new growing beds I'm building, also a spring rake to clear the Autumn leaves and the moss that's made it's home in the grass.

I was also tempted into buying from my favourite kitchen stall, a potato masher, a 6 inch Santoku knife, and a diamond sharpening steel (I hate dull knives). And the knife works! I managed to 'blood' it while slicing onions, when preparing our evening meal tonight. My piano playing days are over!

I made the mistake of parking near one of the chuck wagons. The smell of onions was too much for Cag to bare. We shared a bacon butty, heavy on the onions, before making our way home.

Think I may have to make another Market visit tomorrow. A few other tools I could use........ but we shall see.

Tharsday.........

Move scavenging this evening. I couldn't resist it. It will be handy if we get a lot of rain this winter. I could build an Ark!

The afternoon was spent shopping, veg and salad items for the weekend. Did a chicken korma for our evening meal and Cag ventured a few mouth fulls. She's become very fussy as to what she will eat, so I'm glad to find something else that she will try. I think it's all to do with the fact that she uses very little energy during the day so doesn't need the amount of fuel a normal person would need. As long as she eats something.

No problems with my mothers appetite. Another clean plate. Just wish her mobility was a little better. It would be easier to get her out, then give her more to see and think about.

No time to read other Blogs tonight, it's Iam.

Nice sunset tonight.