Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 28 July 2024

Rusty:  Yes, I definitely work on a reward scheme:  typically a glass of wine come dinner time and then a tiny chocolate ice cream treat (either a bonbon or two or mini-chocolate cone from Trader Joes) after dinner.  

Yes, I work on the reward system as well.  When I have done whatever, I can have a coffee, or some ice cream.  Mind you, it rarely works ,,, although I still don't get the 'treat', whatever it was that was top of the priority list is almost always overtaken by something more important.  So the important stuff, which let's face it is usually less interesting, gets pushed back.  Like right this minute - I have promised something by 'end of the day' today.  And here we are, 4.00pm and it's still not done ... NOW, Pat!!

I like these reward schemes. The problem is that I think I deserve one every day( I have a good imagination)! A glass of rose goes down well most days.

My G'daughter has just finished deadheading my sweet peas. She has shown no previous interest in gardening chores, but she has taken in upon herself to keep the sweet peas in order. I tell her I greatly appreciate her help, which I do. Then she removed all the dead leaves from the scented leaf geraniums. They now look immaculate.

Heather and others - thanks for your positive advice about my OH's fear of falling again.

Rosy:  You DO deserve one every day!  How old is your granddaughter.  

Heather B said:

UNNYKATE - I am getting on fine with my new cleaning mop - Thank you again for the recommendation.

Pleased to assist, and am sure ,like me it will truly help you,also giving a bit more ,safe independence, and don't forget Amazon do the replacement heads .

Good evening.  Sorry I was AWoL a while – just busy with various bits and pieces.  The wet day – Tuesday - was a good opportunity to do a bit indoors, although the evening turned out very pleasant, and it has been totally dry since.

RUSTY and Others – the leg has been improving.  It is just about back to its “normal pain” level and it managed to get me in and out of my wonderful car seat today.  Sorry your friend missed the Kingfisher – and that you were both disappointed in the café.  Sounds like they missed out essentials in the planning stage!

AQ – I hope the eventual care home will not be too hot for your OH to wear his new cardigan!  You seem to be getting used to the changes at home – well done.

HARELADY – the crow came earlier yesterday – in time to find plenty of food.  I think it regrated it afterwards as it scoffed down too many suet nibble treats and got its throat blocked – tried to drink extra water and that seemed to make it worse.  It was trying to vomit (do birds vomit?) and one of its friends tried to relieve it of the overload.  Haven’t seen it today, so we hope it is okay!

ANNETTE – sounds as if your family are all busy helping you – but maybe it is sometimes easier without help!

HEATHER – congratulations on the big adventure upstairs!  But don’t expect too much of yourself – and remember some days you will be stronger than others.

ROSY – nice that your GD is showing an interest in helping with the sett peas.  Our elder GD has her own place (about 3 years now, I think,) and her garden sounds very ambitious – how nice to be young!  Her latest investment is a greenhouse, and next is to come a second shed so she can leave the lawnmower halfway up the steeply sloping garden!

So, today was Wednesday – lunch at nearest garden centre and then a brief easy shop at Morrisons.  OH has just sown a row of later salads and will then have to get the hosepipe on the whole garden.  He did manage the weedkiller spray yesterday – the intended day was too windy.  I have been thrilled to see Runner Beans promising their pods at last – my favourite vegetables.

 ANNETTE,  HEATHER  - Is OH aware? Sometimes. Is he accepting? Sometimes. Yesterday he was tired and not “with it”. At one point Nurse came in asked his name & DOB, then if he knew where he was (blank look), why he was here (blank look). Then she told him it was Wednesday (I knew that – shopping day) and it was July 31st. I think what???, check my diary and, oh dear, I have lost a week or two.

 OG – Hospital is quite warm but OH has been wearing his old cardigan most days – I think it is a comfort thing. I hope NH will have a secure outside garden where he can sit even on cool days.

I have 2 books from library due back in a few days. I have finished both but have been too tired to drive by & return. This morn an automatic renewal for one, obviously someone is waiting for the other <big sigh> I must detour tomorrow.

OG:  In this case, the help is actually helping!

AQ:  If you're tired, could be a let-down after a long time caring for your OH, the house, and worrying about daughter's situation and OH's condition.    Take care of yourself.