Menollowerdaplace; When Life Twists And Turns

There's is no getting around the fact that the father's health is looming large in my time management now. You don't need all the details - suffice to say that Mac1 and I have had to formalise things somewhat, with father's go ahead. He recognised his deterioration and need for full attendance, which is positive. He's not the sort of fellow who engages easily in any kind of conversation beyond technical or political stuff!

I shall now be sharing a two-weeks-on-two-weeks-off roster with Mac1, with me being flexible to extend where required. Macs 2 and 3 will be taking up the occasional weekend here and there as 'respite' for us and to keep them in the loop.

Many of you have been in similar situations and I know you understand there are challenges - but also joys - in caring for an ageing and ailing parent. It is what it is and we will all adjust in our own way. I am perfectly content with the need for this to happen, but do have the one little heart-pull that my 'serious' writing has taken a hit. Have done nothing of any value for a month now and I will need to find a way to set a rhythm and get back to it. Mainly because it is my therapy, my balancer, my heart-salve.

I do also miss The Hutch. I was due to return there for a week last Wednesday. Things happened to change that. As a compensation, Mac1 called a 'family day trip' and drove father and myself over West... and blow me down it was an absolutely SPARKLING day. A rare one of blue skies, clear air and dry - though very cold.

That view along the Clyde from Dumbarton rock (on right) to Helensburgh (behind that tree), the Arrochar Alps behind and that peninsula at left in distance is over towards my bit.

Getting father to go out his front door has been a big challenge the past few months. Toileting matters. Found a solution for him and so he was quite comfy to make this full-day outing.

At home, I had to collect the few things for family Christmas to put under dad's tree.** I also had to put up my own decorations, which Mac1 happily helped with... and father put his two cents worth in by advising that my "two calling birds" needed to not be on the tree, but on the dried hydrangeas beside it. Great idea!

Mara's nativity set is now in place... note the angel up on high!!! I shall need to make some kind of diorama for next year, but I am loving these!

We had a fish N chip lunch (one of my very occasional breaking of sattvika), which held us in stead for the trip back, which took a whole hour more due to hitting rush hour in Glasgow AND Edinburgh. It was a special day and to be treasured in memory.

The next morning, emboldened by his new 'freedom', father wanted to attend his Men's Club for the first time this year. I was happy to help with the wheelchair and was invited to stay as it was their annual 'ceilidh'. Tremendous morning and so special to see how his old pals all sought him out to shake hands and share hugs and stories. The music was delightful.

These are the rewards of the not easy task of age and care.



** Thank goodness I had the energy and forethought to get pretty much all my festive mail sorted and posted as I left The Hutch two weeks back. Some of you have already confirmed receipt which is fab. Not all that many really, on the snail trail. Most of you for whom I have email addresses are going to receive the now acceptable e-card greetings from me in the next week or so. Crikey - stop the train someone!!!