Yesterday, I took mum down to see her sister. They're twins, and this was the first year they didn't celebrate their birthday together, because of the lockdown. Since Monday last, we've been allowed to travel to other areas of the country, and mum's sister lives just over an hour away. I got them a birthday cake, for a belated celebration.
Mum really enjoyed the day out, and seeing everyone. Her sister did tell me later that the confusion did get more noticeable as the day moved on. Repeating things, totally confused about timelines, etc. Still, though, it was a very enjoyable time, and they were thrilled to see each other. Mum even enjoyed the drive down and back, as it was nice for her to see something different, after "cocooning" for so long, and then being in hospital. And it was lovely to get the annual "birthday photo", even if it is almost three months late!
Mind you, when I got home yesterday evening, I had a horrible scene waiting for me! My living room was literally swarming with horrible big flies! Literally, hundreds and hundreds of them! They were still swarming out of the chimney, which I knew was blocked with a crow's nest. I loathe flies. Can't handle them at all. I shunted the cats out of the living room, sprayed about half a can of fly spray into the room, and shut the door! Then I went in and taped plastic over the fireplace, and phoned my son in law for help. I don't mind saying, there was no way I could have stayed here with the flies. I was almost hysterical!
Anyway, son in law came straight over, and I got out the rods and the spiral hook for clearing drains, and he got to work. I hadn't dared to start clearing the chimney, because I was afraid of what might come down. Obviously, there was something in the chimney causing the flies! It took about half an hour to clear the blockage. Thousands of twigs, then moss, dried grass, dead crow, bits of dead crow, more moss and grass and tons of dust!! All cleared out now. I vacuumed up the fly corpses, and when SIL was done, I dusted and washed the floor. And definitely there's a cap going on that chimney now. I've been meaning to do it for a few years, and just not got around to it. And I'll put a bird cage on the other chimney. Apart from anything else, I couldn't believe the difference the open chimney made to the temperature in the house! There was a chilly wind blowing here yesterday (and today!), and there was a nasty cold draught blowing around the house! So, plans are to cap the chimney and cover in the fireplace with something decorative.
Mum really enjoyed the day out, and seeing everyone. Her sister did tell me later that the confusion did get more noticeable as the day moved on. Repeating things, totally confused about timelines, etc. Still, though, it was a very enjoyable time, and they were thrilled to see each other. Mum even enjoyed the drive down and back, as it was nice for her to see something different, after "cocooning" for so long, and then being in hospital. And it was lovely to get the annual "birthday photo", even if it is almost three months late!
Mind you, when I got home yesterday evening, I had a horrible scene waiting for me! My living room was literally swarming with horrible big flies! Literally, hundreds and hundreds of them! They were still swarming out of the chimney, which I knew was blocked with a crow's nest. I loathe flies. Can't handle them at all. I shunted the cats out of the living room, sprayed about half a can of fly spray into the room, and shut the door! Then I went in and taped plastic over the fireplace, and phoned my son in law for help. I don't mind saying, there was no way I could have stayed here with the flies. I was almost hysterical!
Anyway, son in law came straight over, and I got out the rods and the spiral hook for clearing drains, and he got to work. I hadn't dared to start clearing the chimney, because I was afraid of what might come down. Obviously, there was something in the chimney causing the flies! It took about half an hour to clear the blockage. Thousands of twigs, then moss, dried grass, dead crow, bits of dead crow, more moss and grass and tons of dust!! All cleared out now. I vacuumed up the fly corpses, and when SIL was done, I dusted and washed the floor. And definitely there's a cap going on that chimney now. I've been meaning to do it for a few years, and just not got around to it. And I'll put a bird cage on the other chimney. Apart from anything else, I couldn't believe the difference the open chimney made to the temperature in the house! There was a chilly wind blowing here yesterday (and today!), and there was a nasty cold draught blowing around the house! So, plans are to cap the chimney and cover in the fireplace with something decorative.