What’s top of my mind: I’m so glad I retired!
This is the first day back at work after the summer holidays for Victorian teachers.
I woke up early in solidarity, but I can’t tell you how glad I am that I’m not having to trudge off to McKinnon to spend all day at work, particularly with what’s going on here with Mum and Dad.
The photo is one I quickly snapped when Mum got up a couple of days ago. Scout was very eager to greet her buddy on a fresh new day.
Dad is not progressing from his hip operation as well as we’d like. He’s not eating much at all, and people are shocked when they visit and see how thin and frail he looks. The new plan is for him to spend two weeks at a rehab facility starting from Friday, which I’m very pleased about. I’m sure they’ll get the cattle prod out in a smaller facility and get him moving, while it also gives Mum a chance to settle into Bonbeach, get the lay of the land, and start making some friends before Dad turns up (and starts arguing debating with people.)
Where I’m going: To Mum’s podiatrist.
Old people have a LOT of appointments, I’m discovering. After we leave there, we’ll visit Dad and then head home.
Mum goes into the aged care home after lunch tomorrow (Wednesday.) That’s why I’m posting today – I think I’ll be dealing with some emotions with Mum tomorrow…
Where I’ve been: to Costco.
I’m hosting Tom33’s engagement party on Saturday. After all this kerfuffle, I’m catering via Costco platters and a mud cake. The only thing I’m baking is some scones.
What I’m reading: Mostly dead things.
Meh. The descriptions of taxidermy are really good, but I’m still waiting for anything much to happen and I’m nearly halfway through.
What I’m watching: the news.
Mum is a news junky, so I’ve watched more news programs in the last 3 weeks than I have in the last 3 weeks. I’m looking forward to going back to a far more positive existence.
What I’m listening to: Morning TV.
Oof. See above.
What I’m eating: home-grown rhubarb and apple.
Part of my revised eating plan is stewed fruit and home-made yoghurt for breakfast, avoiding carbs for one meal at least. Yum! I’ve lost over 6KGs since Christmas Day.
What I’m planning: how to spend the 2 full days I have to prepare for the party.
My plans to use the whole month of January to prepare have obviously been thrown out the window. Instead of lovingly preparing the veggie garden beds with layers of fertiliser, mulch, compost etc, I think I’ll be throwing pea straw over everything. Hopefully, it’ll hide a multitude of sins.
Who deserves a ‘thumbs-up’: People who work in aged care.
It’s good to know that Mum will get the care she needs. Dad’s just not up to it and hasn’t really been able to provide it for a while.
What has made me smile: Scout.
She’s a funny little scrap. I’m so glad we have her.
Dad joke of the day:
A tough time for you with your parents! I remember all the medical appointments with my Dad. But there’s hope for you now that you’ve found a good place for them to be.
Good luck with Tom’s engagement party. I know you like to have everything beautiful in the gardens before an event, but it sounds like you are wise enough to cut yourself some slack after all your plans got preempted by your parents’ problems.