Day 45
Sophie was in at work this morning as tomorrow we have a Bank Holiday to celebrate VE Day - it was moved from Monday 4 May, so I keep thinking that it's Easter again as it's so rare to have a Friday off! Perhaps I would have been working, who knows?
Keith went shopping this morning and I pootled about cleaning the house as there was nothing else to do! At lunchtime I took a call from the manager of the care home in Moulton who did a care assessment for my Mum. At the end of the conversation he said it would be £900 a week each for them to stay... an astronomical amount of money and it would mean that we'd have to either sell the house or enter into a deferred payment agreement and rent it out to generate some income. This, however, would have other implications as the rental income would be taxable.
Keith said that at the moment it would be best to keep Dad in his care home as he is now undergoing rehabilitation for six weeks and at the end of this period he might be greatly improved. Binty could then care for them both at home for half the price of the home.
We went over to see Mum who seemed very upset today and said she was missing my Dad. That's natural but I honestly think she's best off where she is as if they both went into the care home, they would be isolated in their room for 14 days quarantine. At least now she can go out into the garden and go for a walk around the village.
However, she insisted that she didn't want to stay at home but seemed very confused again. She had trouble remembering the passwords and pin for the online banking, which worried me a lot. We stayed for about an hour and then left to go home where I was about to give notice for Binty, but at the last minute I decided to call my Dad. Luckily, he answered the phone and was quite adamant he didn't want to go to Moulton and said he wanted to complete his rehabilitation where he was - he seemed to be liking it there, which was in contradiction to what my Mum was saying!
Because of this I called Elder and said we were going to stay with Binty looking after Mum and see how Dad was in six weeks. I am just hoping that now this is it!
Sophie came home at 5pm and we sat and chatted in the garden for a while. It's been a glorious day and lovely and warm. Keith had treated me to a bottle of the Elderflower Gin I like, so, after catching five minutes of the news, which is all I can stand at the moment, we played cards in the conservatory which was lovely.
Sophie and I cooked dinner of breaded pork escalopes and after we'd eaten we watch Sleeping With The Enemy starring a very young Julia Roberts. Later in the evening the full Super "Flower" Moon appeared and when we went out at 11pm to get Monty in, we stood and gazed at it for a while. It was beautiful!
Thursday, 7 May 2020
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
May is the loveliest month.
Day 44
This morning I decided to clean underneath our carport as it was covered in cobwebs and spider nests...ugh! I also wanted to clean the two struts that are painted white so I could re-paint them. I took our old hoover out and with a combination of using the soft nozzle and a brush, I managed to dislodge all the webs and dust, so it looked much better. I noticed that Vince and Sue's next door was looking a lot cleaner than ours, so they must have done theirs recently!
It's been yet another gorgeous day with clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. At lunchtime we all popped over to Mum's but they were just about to sit down to a meal so we said we'd call back later. I found out that my Dad will be in rehabilitation for a good while so Mum needs to make some decisions over the next couple of days. One thing is clear - she still needs help in the house as I don't want her living on her own.
It was lovely to potter about in the afternoon and at 4pm Keith and I went back over and sat with her in the garden. She feels that a care home would be the best option for them both and I had to agree. I'm still not sure whether she fully grasped the meaning of her decision, though.
Back home, after Sophie finished work for the day, we all went out for a walk up to the village. This time of year is truly beautiful and the mayflower was out, as well as cow parsley and a host of wild flowers.
We walked through the sheep field and noticed that all of the ewes had been shorn! They looked so skinny and bald, bless them!
As usual, there were loads of people out and about - the roads are full of cyclists and the paths are full of dog-walkers and people getting out for some exercise. We walked into the village and I noticed that the horse-chestnut blossom was out. To me, this looks like candles on the branches and I think the trees are beautiful at this time of year,
We ambled back home and went to see the horses but they were far off at the end of the field and didn't seem interested in coming to see us. Back home it was time to relax and then Sophie made delicious fajitas for dinner. Scrumptious!
This morning I decided to clean underneath our carport as it was covered in cobwebs and spider nests...ugh! I also wanted to clean the two struts that are painted white so I could re-paint them. I took our old hoover out and with a combination of using the soft nozzle and a brush, I managed to dislodge all the webs and dust, so it looked much better. I noticed that Vince and Sue's next door was looking a lot cleaner than ours, so they must have done theirs recently!
It's been yet another gorgeous day with clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. At lunchtime we all popped over to Mum's but they were just about to sit down to a meal so we said we'd call back later. I found out that my Dad will be in rehabilitation for a good while so Mum needs to make some decisions over the next couple of days. One thing is clear - she still needs help in the house as I don't want her living on her own.
It was lovely to potter about in the afternoon and at 4pm Keith and I went back over and sat with her in the garden. She feels that a care home would be the best option for them both and I had to agree. I'm still not sure whether she fully grasped the meaning of her decision, though.
Back home, after Sophie finished work for the day, we all went out for a walk up to the village. This time of year is truly beautiful and the mayflower was out, as well as cow parsley and a host of wild flowers.
We walked through the sheep field and noticed that all of the ewes had been shorn! They looked so skinny and bald, bless them!
As usual, there were loads of people out and about - the roads are full of cyclists and the paths are full of dog-walkers and people getting out for some exercise. We walked into the village and I noticed that the horse-chestnut blossom was out. To me, this looks like candles on the branches and I think the trees are beautiful at this time of year,
We ambled back home and went to see the horses but they were far off at the end of the field and didn't seem interested in coming to see us. Back home it was time to relax and then Sophie made delicious fajitas for dinner. Scrumptious!
Tuesday, 5 May 2020
Running errands!
Day 43
I realised, during the night, that all of Dad's medication was at their home so this morning Keith and I went over, collected one box and drove to the care home. I also had his phone, which he had been clutching in his hand yesterday, so I took that as well. Keith and I managed to top up the credit on it so he can now make calls.
Mum seemed happy this morning and I said I would call back later for the shopping list. Once we'd dropped off Dad's things we drove to Beckworth Emporium as I wanted to see if they were open... which they weren't. I was a bit surprised as Farndon Fields are open for people to shop (not the restaurant) and I would have thought with social distancing (how I hate that term!) they could have remained open.
It's been an utterly gorgeous day today and after being at home for a short while, we went and collected the shopping list from Mum's. There were a couple of nurses there and Mum was a bit upset again, asking if she could come and stay with us. I felt terrible when I said no, a decision backed up by the nurses who said it wasn't advisable at the moment with the pandemic. But I just knew it wouldn't work and although Mike is with Abbie at the moment, his bedroom is not really a suitable place for her. Plus, he may come back any day!
Keith and I went and did the shopping (he accompanied me which was great) and then took it back to Mum's before returning home for lunch. Sophie was digging about looking for all of our of receipts from our trip to California last year (how horrified we would have been if we'd known what was a ahead of us) and we realised we hadn't renewed her exemption certificate for her medication! I called the surgery and spoke to a very abrupt woman who stated that we couldn't come into the surgery (I realise that!) but she said she would leave a form at the pharmacy window for us to collect. I will never again take for granted just going into a building as normal!
Keith and I drove over, collected the form and then I had a shower. There are a host of property programmes on TV in the afternoon and I'm scared I'm getting into them more than I should!
When Sophie finished work we dropped the form back off at the doctor's surgery and then carried on into town to sneak a hello to Mike. We had a lovely chat and then it was home to prepare dinner and Sophie and I managed to catch half an hour of Bob Ross and his Joy of Painting, which was wonderful!
I realised, during the night, that all of Dad's medication was at their home so this morning Keith and I went over, collected one box and drove to the care home. I also had his phone, which he had been clutching in his hand yesterday, so I took that as well. Keith and I managed to top up the credit on it so he can now make calls.
Mum seemed happy this morning and I said I would call back later for the shopping list. Once we'd dropped off Dad's things we drove to Beckworth Emporium as I wanted to see if they were open... which they weren't. I was a bit surprised as Farndon Fields are open for people to shop (not the restaurant) and I would have thought with social distancing (how I hate that term!) they could have remained open.
It's been an utterly gorgeous day today and after being at home for a short while, we went and collected the shopping list from Mum's. There were a couple of nurses there and Mum was a bit upset again, asking if she could come and stay with us. I felt terrible when I said no, a decision backed up by the nurses who said it wasn't advisable at the moment with the pandemic. But I just knew it wouldn't work and although Mike is with Abbie at the moment, his bedroom is not really a suitable place for her. Plus, he may come back any day!
Keith and I went and did the shopping (he accompanied me which was great) and then took it back to Mum's before returning home for lunch. Sophie was digging about looking for all of our of receipts from our trip to California last year (how horrified we would have been if we'd known what was a ahead of us) and we realised we hadn't renewed her exemption certificate for her medication! I called the surgery and spoke to a very abrupt woman who stated that we couldn't come into the surgery (I realise that!) but she said she would leave a form at the pharmacy window for us to collect. I will never again take for granted just going into a building as normal!
Keith and I drove over, collected the form and then I had a shower. There are a host of property programmes on TV in the afternoon and I'm scared I'm getting into them more than I should!
When Sophie finished work we dropped the form back off at the doctor's surgery and then carried on into town to sneak a hello to Mike. We had a lovely chat and then it was home to prepare dinner and Sophie and I managed to catch half an hour of Bob Ross and his Joy of Painting, which was wonderful!
Monday, 4 May 2020
Another setback...
Day 42
I really had high hopes for today, but sadly things haven't turned out the way any of us wanted them to.
Keith and I went over to Mum's first thing to find her dressed and doing things on the computer, so that was encouraging. From there we drove to Tesco to get some diesel and then onto Mawsley to pick up Dad's medication. We dropped everything back off at Mum's, made sure she was OK and then returned home.
Binty was due to arrive at midday and at about 11.30am she sent me a text saying she was about fifteen minutes away. I drove over immediately and met her (she was in a taxi) outside the Co-op in Broughton. Some horrible man had a go at me because I'd had to pull up opposite the lay-by, which I thought was completely uncalled for, especially as I was only there for about a minute! There are some nasty people around, unfortunately, and I suppose I should feel sorry for him rather than be angry. Imagine being like that!
The taxi followed me to Mum's house and we welcomed her in and I made them both a hot drink. Binty is very glamorous and had a very heavy suitcase with her! We all sat around the kitchen table and went through Mum and Dad's normal routine. I think my Mum was a bit bemused, if I'm honest, and I'm questioning myself as to whether this was the best course of action. I know it will take some adjusting to but I honestly don't know of any other route we could have gone down.
I stayed for a little while, showed Binty to her room and took her suitcase up for her. She wanted me to contact Social Services to change the bed my Dad has downstairs and to order a buzzer so he can call her in the night.
I returned home, had lunch with Sophie and then made some custard cream biscuits. The previously cloudy weather turned brighter and the sun came out, so that was a bonus! At 3.30pm I set off to the care home to fetch my Dad and when I arrived there was an ambulance outside... I prayed it wasn't for him!
When the ambulance had gone I rang the bell and they said they would bring my Dad down. I waited ages and finally he appeared, but he was in a wheelchair. I asked where his zimmer frame was and they said he hadn't been using it because of his fractured wrist, which was non weight-bearing. This was when I started to get a bit alarmed.
There was a physiotherapist with my Dad who seemed extremely capable but even he had trouble getting my Dad from the wheelchair to stand up. He never actually made it into the car. Another member of staff brought another zimmer frame down which had two gutters to put his arms, but I was in despair... how on earth were we going to get him out of the car at home and into the house? This was not what I was expecting at all.
The physiotherapist gently said that it would have been a good idea to have had a quick meeting with the care home manager to find out exactly how my Dad was, which I agreed with, but why hadn't they told me?
I asked to see the Manager who came out and was lovely. To cut a long story short, they have agreed to take Dad back as I felt there was no way we could look after him at home. Up until a few days ago they'd had to use a hoist to move him about.
I went home and felt terrible. Before going back to Mum's I picked up Keith and Sophie for moral support and we all went over to let Mum and Binty know what had happened. My Mum was upset and then started saying she didn't need Binty at home to look after her and would rather spend the money getting Dad into another care home. This was quite embarrassing seeing as Binty had only just arrived! Unfortunately, I do think my Mum needs looking after as she hasn't been eating at all and keeps feeling faint.
After a bit of a heated discussion, Keith, Sophie and I went home and tried to relax. I now need to try and sort something out tomorrow but I feel like I keep making the wrong decisions - this is the third time now I've tried to sort the situation out and I've failed.
Sophie cooked a delicious Paella in the evening and we did eventually manage to relax, thank goodness!
I really had high hopes for today, but sadly things haven't turned out the way any of us wanted them to.
Keith and I went over to Mum's first thing to find her dressed and doing things on the computer, so that was encouraging. From there we drove to Tesco to get some diesel and then onto Mawsley to pick up Dad's medication. We dropped everything back off at Mum's, made sure she was OK and then returned home.
Binty was due to arrive at midday and at about 11.30am she sent me a text saying she was about fifteen minutes away. I drove over immediately and met her (she was in a taxi) outside the Co-op in Broughton. Some horrible man had a go at me because I'd had to pull up opposite the lay-by, which I thought was completely uncalled for, especially as I was only there for about a minute! There are some nasty people around, unfortunately, and I suppose I should feel sorry for him rather than be angry. Imagine being like that!
The taxi followed me to Mum's house and we welcomed her in and I made them both a hot drink. Binty is very glamorous and had a very heavy suitcase with her! We all sat around the kitchen table and went through Mum and Dad's normal routine. I think my Mum was a bit bemused, if I'm honest, and I'm questioning myself as to whether this was the best course of action. I know it will take some adjusting to but I honestly don't know of any other route we could have gone down.
I stayed for a little while, showed Binty to her room and took her suitcase up for her. She wanted me to contact Social Services to change the bed my Dad has downstairs and to order a buzzer so he can call her in the night.
I returned home, had lunch with Sophie and then made some custard cream biscuits. The previously cloudy weather turned brighter and the sun came out, so that was a bonus! At 3.30pm I set off to the care home to fetch my Dad and when I arrived there was an ambulance outside... I prayed it wasn't for him!
When the ambulance had gone I rang the bell and they said they would bring my Dad down. I waited ages and finally he appeared, but he was in a wheelchair. I asked where his zimmer frame was and they said he hadn't been using it because of his fractured wrist, which was non weight-bearing. This was when I started to get a bit alarmed.
There was a physiotherapist with my Dad who seemed extremely capable but even he had trouble getting my Dad from the wheelchair to stand up. He never actually made it into the car. Another member of staff brought another zimmer frame down which had two gutters to put his arms, but I was in despair... how on earth were we going to get him out of the car at home and into the house? This was not what I was expecting at all.
The physiotherapist gently said that it would have been a good idea to have had a quick meeting with the care home manager to find out exactly how my Dad was, which I agreed with, but why hadn't they told me?
I asked to see the Manager who came out and was lovely. To cut a long story short, they have agreed to take Dad back as I felt there was no way we could look after him at home. Up until a few days ago they'd had to use a hoist to move him about.
I went home and felt terrible. Before going back to Mum's I picked up Keith and Sophie for moral support and we all went over to let Mum and Binty know what had happened. My Mum was upset and then started saying she didn't need Binty at home to look after her and would rather spend the money getting Dad into another care home. This was quite embarrassing seeing as Binty had only just arrived! Unfortunately, I do think my Mum needs looking after as she hasn't been eating at all and keeps feeling faint.
After a bit of a heated discussion, Keith, Sophie and I went home and tried to relax. I now need to try and sort something out tomorrow but I feel like I keep making the wrong decisions - this is the third time now I've tried to sort the situation out and I've failed.
Sophie cooked a delicious Paella in the evening and we did eventually manage to relax, thank goodness!
Sunday, 3 May 2020
Quiet Sunday
Day 41
Today has been a cloudy, overcast today with little sunshine, so a bit different to what I was expecting, weather-wise!
Sophie and I popped over to Mum's first thing and took her a newspaper. We made sure she had some breakfast and then returned home where I changed our bedding before having something to eat. Sophie prepped all the vegetables for dinner and hoovered downstairs, bless her! Next week I am hoping I will be able to get some more done in the house and maybe even paint a couple of exterior doors. The weather is set to be good again!
At lunchtime we all drove over to Mum's and I made sure she took her midday medication and we sat and had a chat. Mum was a bit quiet but I suggested she watch something good on the television. It was the kind of day to curl up on the sofa and relax.
We took a bit of an extended, scenic route home and then had lunch from yesterday evening's meal. I fried the leftover potatoes and we enjoyed ham, cheese and crusty bread. Delicious! The countryside is looking truly beautiful at the moment and I love the month of May.
At 4pm Sophie had a videochat with Daisy and Laura and it was great to hear her giggling and relaxing with her friends. She came with me at about 6pm to see Mum for the last time today and she was a bit brighter. I am keeping everything crossed that tomorrow will be OK.
Back home we enjoyed a drink and decided not to have the paella tonight for dinner as we were all still full from lunch!
Today has been a cloudy, overcast today with little sunshine, so a bit different to what I was expecting, weather-wise!
Sophie and I popped over to Mum's first thing and took her a newspaper. We made sure she had some breakfast and then returned home where I changed our bedding before having something to eat. Sophie prepped all the vegetables for dinner and hoovered downstairs, bless her! Next week I am hoping I will be able to get some more done in the house and maybe even paint a couple of exterior doors. The weather is set to be good again!
At lunchtime we all drove over to Mum's and I made sure she took her midday medication and we sat and had a chat. Mum was a bit quiet but I suggested she watch something good on the television. It was the kind of day to curl up on the sofa and relax.
We took a bit of an extended, scenic route home and then had lunch from yesterday evening's meal. I fried the leftover potatoes and we enjoyed ham, cheese and crusty bread. Delicious! The countryside is looking truly beautiful at the moment and I love the month of May.
At 4pm Sophie had a videochat with Daisy and Laura and it was great to hear her giggling and relaxing with her friends. She came with me at about 6pm to see Mum for the last time today and she was a bit brighter. I am keeping everything crossed that tomorrow will be OK.
Back home we enjoyed a drink and decided not to have the paella tonight for dinner as we were all still full from lunch!
Saturday, 2 May 2020
A bit of relaxation
Day 40
Sophie and I went over to Mum's house this morning at 9am and made her some breakfast and a cup of coffee. She'd had a good night's sleep and seemed OK, but she definitely isn't right. I am just praying that once Binty comes to stay on Monday, and my Dad is home, things will get better. I'm not sure they can get any worse!
After we'd made sure she was OK, we left and went home to have breakfast. It was a gorgeous day and we spent the rest of the morning sitting in the conservatory reading the newspapers. At last, I felt able to relax a little.
Sophie and I went back over to Mum's at lunchtime to make sure she took her medication and she said she felt very depressed, which immediately lowered our mood as well. She said she hated being on her own even though there must be millions of people in this country (and worldwide) who are facing this pandemic on their own without seeing friends and family.
While we were there we changed the spare bed and made room in the wardrobe and drawers for Binty's belongings. I just hope she likes the room! Back downstairs we suggested going out into the garden to sit in the sun for a while but I'm not sure it helped much.
My Mum is obviously depressed and I think this has been building for quite some time now. I said we could call the doctor's surgery on Monday to see if there's anything they can do. We sat and chatted for a little while and then Sophie and I returned home, had some leftover chilli for lunch and then went out for a walk.
We walked into the village and down the track to Mick's farm. It was utterly beautiful and all the trees and bushes have now burst into leaf and blossom.
There was a lovely smell in the air too, a sort of cow parsley scent that was really noticeable. Apparently our skies appear bluer at the moment because of the reduced pollution in the air, which is great news! One good thing about all this!
We walked for a fair way down the track and leaned on a gate, gazing out over sheep fields towards the village of Scaldwell in the distance. We turned back, trying to dodge the hordes of gnats hovering over the track and walked through the sheep field. One sheep really did seem to want to come and say hello but as we inched nearer, she lost her nerve and waddled off!
Back home I managed to catch the last hour and a half of You've Got Mail which was so lovely. Sophie made us both a small Martini and it was really lovely to sit and relax. I phoned my Mum who said that the evening carer who was coming to help her prepare dinner had stayed for all of six minutes! Ridiculous!
For our dinner we enjoyed cold Spanish meats, cheeses, bread and new potatoes with salad. Just before settling down to watch Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood, I called Mum to speak to the night sitter to make sure Mum had taken her medication. We had a bit of a confusing call but in the end I think we got there!
The film was a bit strange to say the least with a very weird ending, and not what we were expecting at all. Sophie and I were just glad we hadn't paid to see it at the cinema!
Sophie and I went over to Mum's house this morning at 9am and made her some breakfast and a cup of coffee. She'd had a good night's sleep and seemed OK, but she definitely isn't right. I am just praying that once Binty comes to stay on Monday, and my Dad is home, things will get better. I'm not sure they can get any worse!
After we'd made sure she was OK, we left and went home to have breakfast. It was a gorgeous day and we spent the rest of the morning sitting in the conservatory reading the newspapers. At last, I felt able to relax a little.
Sophie and I went back over to Mum's at lunchtime to make sure she took her medication and she said she felt very depressed, which immediately lowered our mood as well. She said she hated being on her own even though there must be millions of people in this country (and worldwide) who are facing this pandemic on their own without seeing friends and family.
While we were there we changed the spare bed and made room in the wardrobe and drawers for Binty's belongings. I just hope she likes the room! Back downstairs we suggested going out into the garden to sit in the sun for a while but I'm not sure it helped much.
My Mum is obviously depressed and I think this has been building for quite some time now. I said we could call the doctor's surgery on Monday to see if there's anything they can do. We sat and chatted for a little while and then Sophie and I returned home, had some leftover chilli for lunch and then went out for a walk.
We walked into the village and down the track to Mick's farm. It was utterly beautiful and all the trees and bushes have now burst into leaf and blossom.
There was a lovely smell in the air too, a sort of cow parsley scent that was really noticeable. Apparently our skies appear bluer at the moment because of the reduced pollution in the air, which is great news! One good thing about all this!
We walked for a fair way down the track and leaned on a gate, gazing out over sheep fields towards the village of Scaldwell in the distance. We turned back, trying to dodge the hordes of gnats hovering over the track and walked through the sheep field. One sheep really did seem to want to come and say hello but as we inched nearer, she lost her nerve and waddled off!
Back home I managed to catch the last hour and a half of You've Got Mail which was so lovely. Sophie made us both a small Martini and it was really lovely to sit and relax. I phoned my Mum who said that the evening carer who was coming to help her prepare dinner had stayed for all of six minutes! Ridiculous!
For our dinner we enjoyed cold Spanish meats, cheeses, bread and new potatoes with salad. Just before settling down to watch Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood, I called Mum to speak to the night sitter to make sure Mum had taken her medication. We had a bit of a confusing call but in the end I think we got there!
The film was a bit strange to say the least with a very weird ending, and not what we were expecting at all. Sophie and I were just glad we hadn't paid to see it at the cinema!
Friday, 1 May 2020
New month, new hope?
Day 39
I didn't sleep well at all last night and woke this morning feeling tired and drained. The night carer sent me a text before she left mentioning the cough my Mum had, which filled me with fear. I immediately called the hospital and asked a nurse if she had been showing any signs of Covid19 before she left. The nurse said she'd been swabbed before she was discharged and the ward didn't have any cases anyway. This reassured me a bit, especially when I looked at the hospital website which said that they were swabbing patients on a daily basis and the results were only taking four hours to get back.
Sophie went to work this morning and as soon as she got there I made plans to leave to go and see Mum. However, she called just as I was leaving and said she felt very confused and her head felt "funny"... I went dashing over there and Mum was up but looking a bit wobbly. I made her a coffee and some toast and we sat and chatted for almost two hours. She hardly coughed, so that was a relief.
Mum needed some things from Tesco so I went home, collected Keith to come with me (just for support) and ventured over to the supermarket. Luckily I didn't have to queue and the store wasn't that busy at all. I bought everything I needed, went through the self-service tills and re-joined Keith in the car.
The carer organisation had called to ask me about Mum's cough and wanted me to take her temperature but there were no thermometers anywhere! We dropped Mum's shopping off and went home, but at 1pm I went back over to make sure she had taken her medication and made her a sandwich for her lunch. We chatted for another hour and again, she hardly coughed, and when I touched her chest it certainly didn't feel hot.
At 2pm I went home, had a long hot bath and then fell asleep on our bed watching A Place in the Sun. I was shattered. I woke up feeling a bit better and at 4pm I had a long chat with our family liaison man from Elder who will be there to support us while Binty is looking after my Mum and Dad. It's great to know that's in place for extra peace of mind.
Sophie came home at just after 5pm and we relaxed with a glass of Prosecco and 90 Day Fiance. Although it was enjoyable, it wasn't like the usual carefree Friday night we normally have when we're looking forward to the weekend. This pandemic has robbed us all of that lovely Friday night feeling when you know you're not at work in the morning and a lovely weekend stretches ahead of you.
Dinner tonight was chilli con carne and very good it was, too. I was able to relax at 8pm when the carer arrived (I'd been calling my Mum frequently) and we sat and watched Gardener's World for an hour. Even that wasn't the same!
I didn't sleep well at all last night and woke this morning feeling tired and drained. The night carer sent me a text before she left mentioning the cough my Mum had, which filled me with fear. I immediately called the hospital and asked a nurse if she had been showing any signs of Covid19 before she left. The nurse said she'd been swabbed before she was discharged and the ward didn't have any cases anyway. This reassured me a bit, especially when I looked at the hospital website which said that they were swabbing patients on a daily basis and the results were only taking four hours to get back.
Sophie went to work this morning and as soon as she got there I made plans to leave to go and see Mum. However, she called just as I was leaving and said she felt very confused and her head felt "funny"... I went dashing over there and Mum was up but looking a bit wobbly. I made her a coffee and some toast and we sat and chatted for almost two hours. She hardly coughed, so that was a relief.
Mum needed some things from Tesco so I went home, collected Keith to come with me (just for support) and ventured over to the supermarket. Luckily I didn't have to queue and the store wasn't that busy at all. I bought everything I needed, went through the self-service tills and re-joined Keith in the car.
The carer organisation had called to ask me about Mum's cough and wanted me to take her temperature but there were no thermometers anywhere! We dropped Mum's shopping off and went home, but at 1pm I went back over to make sure she had taken her medication and made her a sandwich for her lunch. We chatted for another hour and again, she hardly coughed, and when I touched her chest it certainly didn't feel hot.
At 2pm I went home, had a long hot bath and then fell asleep on our bed watching A Place in the Sun. I was shattered. I woke up feeling a bit better and at 4pm I had a long chat with our family liaison man from Elder who will be there to support us while Binty is looking after my Mum and Dad. It's great to know that's in place for extra peace of mind.
Sophie came home at just after 5pm and we relaxed with a glass of Prosecco and 90 Day Fiance. Although it was enjoyable, it wasn't like the usual carefree Friday night we normally have when we're looking forward to the weekend. This pandemic has robbed us all of that lovely Friday night feeling when you know you're not at work in the morning and a lovely weekend stretches ahead of you.
Dinner tonight was chilli con carne and very good it was, too. I was able to relax at 8pm when the carer arrived (I'd been calling my Mum frequently) and we sat and watched Gardener's World for an hour. Even that wasn't the same!
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