Morning everyone,
I think shell shocked best described me after yesterdays 1-1 review with the HBM! OH and I arrived at the home, and it didn't get off to a great start. As we drove into the car park, we spotted a gentleman that we knew was a resident, by himself and carrying a mug of tea, leaving the car park on foot. OH went to intercept him, whilst I rang like fury on the doorbell - it was opened by a member of staff, I explained the situation as OH guided the resident towards the front door, and we got him in - it was only when the manager emerged from her office (right by the front door) that I spotted the HBM was also in there, and watching what was going on. Given her tendency to question the homes competence to try and deflect from her short-commings, it wasn't the best thing to have happened
Anyway, we went into Mil, found her (as usual at the moment) 'fiesty' - very shouty (and sweary) and she had apparently been trying to wrestle the 1-1 file from her staff and hit them with it. She also didn't look too well - her face looked drawn and quite 'grey', though there was no other sign that she was poorly. Very clingy, not wanting to let go of OH's hand, and asking repeatedly would he or I take her 'home' or take her to 'our house - very rare we get the pleas for home these days, but it still has the effect of making me so sad for her.
Through to the meeting, both OH and I prepared for a battle - and we had the wind completely taken out of our sails by HBM and her little minion (she generally has an underling with her), when the first thing she did was announce that she had 'no intention' of cutting or removing any of Mils 1-1 hours! While OH and I sat there, completely shell shocked, she went on to say that she was, however, drawing up a list of 'activities' that she wanted implemented with Mil and asked us what we thought she would enjoy doing?
I don't know what has prompted this sudden change. Talking afterwards, we wondered if me submitting the formal complaint earlier in the week had something to do with it? Or could it be that Mil had once again attacked a member of staff the day before, managing to grip him and inflict some really nasty scratches and gouges on the poor guys arms (the manager described the resulting injuries as 'looking like a bad case of self harm
) ? Or (more likely) HBM has something else up her sleeve? Either way, we got a very firm promise that Mils hours would NOT be changed whilst we were away, and in fact, they wouldn't be changed at all unless we were consulted first. We left the meeting relieved that we wouldn't have the fear of her care being cut whilst we were away hanging over us - but also with an itch between our shoulder blades, as we can't and don't trust the HBM at all!
(The manager also told us that two days ago, Mil had started to sing some 'really rude' ditties and recite some 'really rude' poems - apparently, she gathered quite an audience around her, and had staff and some residents almost crying with laughter! I didn't even know that she knew any 'rude' songs and poems!)
Back to Mil, who totally blanked me, only had eyes for OH - which didn't stop her hitting him at one point. I did try and talk to her, but she turned on me, quite aggressively telling me where to go, so I backed right off - it ws only shortly before we left that she was suddenly 'friends' with me again. No idea why I was out of favour - she hadn't a clue who I was, but at one point was calling me 'Cyril' (?), so maybe this 'Cyril' is someone from her past that she doesn't like? Who knows? We sayed for about 45 minutes with her, before leaving - and for the first time in a long time, she tried to get up and follow us
Been thinking about carrying lens/camera
Is there a harness type thing that you could wear like a back pack thingy, clip lens/camera to this thingy, so it takes the weight??
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I go to Minsmere (RSPB) for coffee sometimes. I don’t think I have seen anyone who can carry camera and scope with any ease!
I have a 'camera harness', 2jays - but its really awkward and annoying to put on, or take off - and to be hoest, I don't find it makes much of a difference. When I have the 'big lens' on the camera, I actually carry it by cradling it close to my body - like a baby, lol - and I found it not too bad at all.
Enjoy Lands-a-grotty - not been there yet, but (like a lt of other places) its on the list! And so glad that the Grandkids, especially the one having the especially hard time - are getting some distraction and comfort from school. Good news on the boiler too - though really bad about the origional builder!
No - not easy to carry, Spamar, but cradling it as I described to 2jays makes it easier. I was more worried about lifting and holding it steady to take pics - but I also invested in a very lightweigfht (and expensive!) camera bean bag, which weighs very little, and clips to my camera strap. Its brilliant - any handy wall or fence or surface, and I can rest the camera on the bean bag, and it holds it as steady as my tripod would
Lucky you, living near Minsmere - isn't that where either Spring or Autumn watch have been broadcast from in the past?
I have to watch out if I sit in the same position for too long too, Spamar - OH says its like sitting next to an eel sometimes, because I constantly have to move a reposition myself to try and stop either of my hips or back aching. Same in bed - we have a really good orthopedic mattress, and mattress topper, but still there are many nights where I just toss and turn because any length of time spent in one position causes pain . No fun at all
Still got the hair to deal with, food shop for dau and the scripts to do - but just about everything else done. Fitted camera gear in padded cases inside my cabin case - just hope they don't weigh it! Actually got packing done without discovering that I'd forgotten to buy one or more essentials - usually ther is a last minute dive to the shops, but all good this time. The plan now is to put Kindle, phone and cash in the front pocket of cabin case, in a small bag, which I will whip out just before OH loads the case into the overheads for the flight, so I will have my reading material handy. OH printed off all documents yesterday (Yes -I know most can just be shown on your phone, but a couple of trips back, OH dropped phone whilst we were away, broke it and there was panic as a result - now he takes no chances). He is in work the next two days, right up to 9pm tomorrow and dau's weekends are currently taken up with her level 2 swim teaching training, so I have peace and quiet to 'pootle' and get everything I need to sort done before we go
I don'tknow if I will get chance to get on here again before we leave, so will send much love to all of you xxxxxx See you all when we get back xxxxx