Morning all,
Just look at those big bright eyes, Red - what a little beauty! How is your daughter doing now? I hope she is better xxxx
I feel for you JM, trying to deal with strops from teens and your Mum too. As for your brother, I think Red is right - from what you say, it sounds like you would end up putting in a lot of time and energy to get at most, very minimal support for him. Not worth your time or the stress, hun, sadly. And when a family event brings into sharp relief the deterioration in our pwds, when they forget a birthday, or who someone is - it doesn't matter that you know that it will happen at some stage, its still a horrible shock when it does. I don't think that any of us can really prepare ourselves mentally for it. All that combined with your usual juggling of family activities and work, and you really do have a massive amount to cope with at the moment. Sending {{{{{hugs}}}}}
Its too early to tell if the swimming is helping physically, Spamar - though, to be fair, I think I have slept a little better these last few night. But its definitely helping mentally - I just feel like I am doing something positive, and that has to be a good thing. Would you not consider a kindle, for reading, if books are an issue? I never wanted one, felt that nothing could be as good as the feel of a real book, but OH bought me one, must be about 6 or 7 years back - and I really love it. And was thrilled when the kids got me the latest version last Christmas. I still read books - can't resist a charity shop or market stall stocked with real books, lol - but there are a lot of bonuses to the kindle. When I go away, I can - if I want - take literally dozens of books with me, and they don't add to the weight of my case. Kindle books are cheaper, I can adjust the screen brightness when my eyes are tired, and I can - if I want - access any social media sites, or my emails, as well as read with it. I've also downloaded some music onto it - again, great when on holiday (sometimes, if I am lazing round the pool, I prefer my own playlists to what is on offer poolside).
Slugsta, glad you had a nice lunch out - we also had another gorgeous day yesterday, and took full advantage, sitting outside for most of the afternoon - no wagtails, but both the garden blackbirds and the robin kept us amused
We visited Mil yesterday, and - hurrah - found her sitting in the lounge, with her cushions! And in a cracking mood. No idea who we were, but she greeted OH with a massive hug - all whilst calling him by her brothers name. Never mind - at least she was happy to see him!
She was - for want of a better description - absolutely full of it! Very childlike, lots of face pulling and excited 'Ohhhhs' and 'Ahhhhhs', but big smiles and clowning around. No nasty comments about anyone walking near her, in fact calling out either affectionately, or jokingly to staff. I asked her to smile for a photograph for me to send to the kids - I got a 'Naana-na-narnar' instead.
So I said to her that she was a tinker - and got the 'butter wouldn't melt' face!
And the staff told me that this was the second day in a row that she had been like this. There had been just one minor meltdown, where she was banging on doors and windows, the evening before - but she hadn't attempted to physically go for anyone. Two days of no aggression might not sound like much, but after the last few months, its a bit of a record for Mil. The anti-biotics, pain relief and sleeping tablet have now been used for 5 days, and I am hoping like mad that the combination is making this difference and that it continues (though I am also telling myself not to pin too much hope on it, trying to be sensible).
The only fly in the ointment was that the OTT staff was there, and again, was a bit of a pain, butting in with her silly and OTT almost 'baby' talk to Mil. However, Mil didn't seem to mind, so we said nothing - and to be honest, given the good mood Mil was in, both OH and I were able to more or less ignore the staff.
We stayed for about 40 mins, before heading off for a swim, a jacuzzi and a session in the steam room. Then home for a sandwich, and a bowl of fresh fruit, sitting outside and just relaxing. OH was glad to have seen his Mum, but I can't say he enjoyed it - just relief at her being in a good mood, combined with the sadness that once again, she just didn't know who he was. This is so hard for him.
Today, both OH and dau are working , pretty much all day. So, a quick flit around the house to tidy up, sort out and prep as much of tonights meal as I can, then its the garden for me
Need to check the bank holiday hours for the gym, to see if its open for when OH finishes work, and if so we will meet there for a swim - if not, I might head down there by myself.
Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend everyone - much love to all xxxxx