Famous Phyllis at it again!

       Well I know I haven't written for a few days, but the last few days feels like a broken record playing in my head with my Trials with Mother. Wednesday whilst visiting the park I meet Karen from the Community Centre where Mum usually attends, who tells me she has just returned from another Funeral. She also tells me that four ladies and one man, all previously involved at the centre prior to the pandemic, have lost their lives to Covid 19!  I sympathise with her as I know it must be difficult and realise more shockingly that they obviously all lived locally, so very sad. Whilst out for our daily exercise we call to collect Mums shopping list and I mention about the people who have died. Mum replies "I know it's disgusting!" Me - " What are you talking about Mum, what's disgusting? " Mum - "Well you know my friend Barbara, she went to one of the funerals last week and she had to stand outside! How terrible is that?" Me - " Unfortunately those are the rules only ten people allowed inside, usually family, while others up to a maximum of five stand outside.  Humph goes Mum, "anyway when you're doing the shopping don't forget I need some more planters for the garden. By the way did you contact the council?" Me - " Yes Mum and I told them you were shielding, just so they know that you will be in (unless you're out picking dandelions!) and also so they I know to keep their distance. " Mum - "Well I am hardly likely to be out with having to self isolate am I?!" Me - "Okay See you tomorrow when we've collected the shopping. " 

      As we are ready early we set off to Home Bargains to get a few extras and hopefully Mums planters. I receive a call from Mum, just to let you know I have found some more plates so don't get me any more, however can I add Strawberries to my shopping? You didn't remind me I had missed them off my list!  I shake my head in disbelief and mutter under my breath. An assistant nearby asks if she could help me? I smile under my mask, hoping the smile reaches my eyes while thinking I only wish she could help me!! I look at my phone & see I have a missed call at 7.30a.m.!! Hence the Strawberries request which I am unable to get there and totally forget the planters!! Thankfully Tesco Click & Collect shopping goes well, no substitutes so that's a relief, we go home sort out our four bags to Mums six bags of shopping and take it round before Mum's shopping melts as it is already 27 degrees outside.  I pop the ice cream away and leave Mum to unpack the rest. "Oh" says Mum "you got Tesco Decaf coffee" I say sarcastically that funnily enough that's what Tesco sells, she says nothing more about the coffee but just as I am about to close the door she stops me. " Could you get me some more of this dark wholenut chocolate from Aldi? " Me - "How many times do I have to tell you I haven't been in Aldi since mid March!" Mum - " Okay I just thought if you were passing?" "When can I expect my Circulation thingy to be delivered?" asks Mum. Me - "they said three to five working days" "Hmmm" says Mum " I will ring you later" Gary frowns and looks quizzical, I just motion to leave as soon as possible, but not before reminding Mum to take care with it being so hot! Later that night Mum rings me "Have you heard anything about my delivery? Only I was planning on visiting my friend Ellen and Cathy tomorrow." Me - " Well I haven't heard anything but seeing as you spent over £100 I think it's important you are in when it comes and you are also not supposed to be visiting! " I come off the phone incredulous at our conversation and just shake my head as I know Gary will be just as annoyed as I am! So annoyed I almost forgot to tell her we have viewed the TV the Insurance company want to send. However as Currys recommend another better quality we have settled for that one with the Insurance company.  Vouchers received and ordered online. Mums reaction? "Well I am quite getting used to this smaller one now and it's a good picture!" OMG!!!

      Friday I receive a ranting phone call from Mum just after 10am. I don't even get chance to say Hello, before Mum says "You will never believe it! My doorbell rang at 8am and when I looked out after getting up I couldn't see anyone. So I went back to bed, but I just found this card from the Council saying they called at 8.05 a.m. to assess my repairs!" Me - " Phew I thought for a moment you had missed your parcel. "  Humph goes Mum and says "Well I have rung the Council and given them what for! I spoke to a very rude man on the phone, who said they had hand delivered a letter telling me they would be calling today between 8 and 12. You know I would normally be awake but I didn't sleep well last night, but I never received any letter!! Anyway when I asked when they would come out again, he said when they had time! So I told him I wasn't wasting my time waiting around as I had promised to see my disabled friend Cathy and wouldn't be in! " I sympathise over the uncovered letter that was obviously not dropped off, while Mum carries on ranting about not staying in!  My turn to Humph before I say "So much for me saying you would be staying in!!" I really give up and yes when we call round Mum has been to her Friends and really cannot understand why we are going on about social distancing.  Mum tells me that neither friend goes out, while I remind her that Cathy obviously see a District Nurse calling on a daily basis, so there is still a possibility of infection being passed on or carried, but Mum obviously doesn't get it as she just shakes her head at me and we leave obviously not seeing eye to eye, before adding "When do you think the council will come out again?" I shrug my shoulders and shake my head thinking 'God give me strength! "

23rd & 24th of June 2020 - Let's Go For a Walk Mum....

        23^rd of June 2020 - Daily Trials with Mother ……. Tuesday 23^rd of June - Well the TV saga continues as I seem to spend most of my time on the phone with the Insurance Company, by now I have given up explaining that it is my Mums claim and I am just pretending to be Mum! As no doubt if I don’t they will ask to speak to Mum and we will have the whole saga of running round to Mums to ring them.  By the end of the day they have offered a replacement, which is a bit tricky as obviously Mum is in ‘lockdown’ and ‘shielded’ so I explain that I would want to see the quality of TV offered first unless they can give me a voucher to spend when the lockdown eases.  Well ask your daughter to have a look and then if she doesn’t think that’s okay we will supply a voucher. 

        In between time I am speaking to a Solicitor about documents for the sale of my aunt’s house, which means a trip over to my other Aunt’s house in St Anne’s to pick up said documents and post them.  By now I am beginning to feel like a P.A. doing tasks!!

        By the end of the day I have hopefully sorted out the TV saga and also ordered Mum one of those machines off the TV that Ian Botham advertises, to stimulate the circulation in her legs which she assures me has gone to pot since she has had to sit around all the time!  Mum asks if I have sent a message to Blackpool Council about the repairs that need doing and reminds me I took photo's to send. I assure her I will do that and try to change the subject.

           With the lock down measures easing from July 4^th I suggest to Mum that I take her for a walk round the block. “Right what time are you coming round?” says Mum straight after we have discussed the lockdown easing measures. Well not tonight, tomorrow is going to be quite hot so I will call around tea time. Humph goes Mum, “Okay see you tomorrow.”

        Wednesday 24^th of June – I ring Mum in the morning and straight away she asks what time I will be round?  “It’s so hot Mum nearly 24 degrees, so I will come later this afternoon.”  Mum – “Okay well I will sit out with my friends and have a drink.”  “Not too close” I remind her “and I will pick up your shopping list later too.”

        Gary and I enjoy a ride down to the Prom in the afternoon where we meet Olivia and her Mum for an ice cream, the beach and promenade is packed just as though it is a normal summer’s day! After a couple of rather uncomfortable hours trying to avoid people, while social distancing, Gary and I cycle back calling in at Mums on the way.  “Hi Mum we have come to walk you round the block.” Mum – “Well I don’t think it will need two of you!” Me – “Well Gary came in case you fall over, because I won’t be able to pick you up and I don’t want to call an ambulance.” Mum – “Well I am sure I won’t fall over and if I did I don’t want any ambulance carting me off to hospital, where I will probably catch the virus!!” I do not attempt to argue but we set off, Mum has her walking stick with attached seat with her and her large handbag! Gary asks why she has brought her bag. Mum – “Well I brought it just in case we went to any shops” Me – “But we are walking round the block, there aren’t any shops Mum!”  Mum says – “Well you never know we may get over to the shops!” Gary – “I don’t think that’s a good idea Phyllis as this is your first proper walk out.” 

Mum almost sprints round the block whilst nattering away non – stop about going shopping again, although does she does start to puff and cough a little when we reach the road where we could go to the shop but we carry on home. “Well that wasn’t so bad Mum was it?” Mum – “Well I thought we might have gone further!” Me – “Maybe next time, anyway where is your shopping list?” Mum passes it me and I glance at it, Mum asks “Did I put coffee on there?” Me – “Yes” Mum – “Well where are you going shopping, you know I only like Morrison’s decaf coffee”  Me – “We are doing click and collect at Tesco’s Mum, you know I haven’t been going into the supermarkets unless I have to.” Humph goes Mum “Well you know I only like Morrison’s Coffee!” Me – “well maybe I should ask my old school friend from Lytham to get it as she likes their coffee too!” Mum – “Oh well if you think she wouldn’t mind?” I look at her and almost growl “I was being sarcastic Mum!” “Well it doesn’t suit you; you know how I like my coffee from Morrison’s!” Me – “Bye Mum, see you tomorrow when we return from Tesco’s” Grrr!

22nd of June 2020, Monday – Daily Trials with Mother and Others!

 22nd of June 2020, Monday – Daily Trials with Mother and Others! ….. Well folks I am sat writing this blog while waiting to speak to an Insurance advisor at Aegus Insurance. Hmm I have been on the phone for 1 hour and 33 seconds now but hey ho! I suppose that doesn’t matter in these Coronavirus times when there is little else to do and certainly nobody to see other than Mum.  Yes I have already seen her today as I went round to ring the Insurance company and spoke to a very nice lady who sorted out that in future I can make any enquiries or payments on Mums behalf so that’s good.  The reason for us having to ring up was that they needed the make and model of the TV that I broke, as I mentioned to Joanne at Aegus, “It would have been really useful if they had mentioned that in their email asking Mum to call, as the broken TV is not at Mums but currently sat in our loft!!” Grrr!

Having returned home, I make the phone call at the start of this blog, after 1 hour 15 minutes I finally speak to another lady, who cannot understand that the television was purchased from Aldi and not some electrical store.  I begin to wonder where on earth she is speaking from but on further chat it is obvious that she is in the UK and knows that Aldi is a national supermarket but didn’t realise they also sold electrical goods like TV’s.  I give her all the information that I have from the back of the TV having climbed up in the loft to take a photo; it is an Altius 42 inch TV Model A-400F one of Aldi’s own makes, which cost £269.00 at the time.  However as she cannot find it on her system she asks for more information.  Gary realising I am getting rather exasperated, offers to go up to the loft while I stay on the phone as I say “Having taken over an hour to get through, there is no way I am putting the phone down.  I hope you will wait while my husband checks the information I have supplied” Yes, you guessed it Gary repeats exactly the same information but the young lady cannot understand why her system is not bringing any compatible TV up on her screen.  I explain that we ‘googled’ the make and model of the TV and found it in the system but she says that is no good but offers to speak to their insurance services to see what they can offer. 

Again nothing is ever simple where Mum is concerned but they promise to get back in touch with me, as Mum has now given her permission for them to talk to me.

                        Having missed a call from Mum I ring her back to explain what is happening over the TV.  Mum – “well they better not offer me any old rubbish” Me – “Apparently they can offer you a replacement or give you a cash settlement (minus the £100 excess) for you to get your own.” Humph goes Mum, “well I suppose that will be okay”, I try to encourage her saying that we will possibly have to take her to Curry’s to choose another appropriate TV. Mum – “Well when will that be? You know I am in lockdown!” Hmm don’t I know it!  Me – “Well by the time it’s sorted out I expect you will be able to go out.” Mum – “Yes I expect after all the time it’s taken You to sort it out, I will be allowed out!”

            I bite my tongue and change the subject; “So how did Suzanne’s Birthday Party on Sunday go?” Mum – “Well like I said on Saturday, not much of a party when you cannot all sit together, but we didn’t do so badly.” I feel rather concerned – “So you did social distance while you sat outside?” Mum – “Well yes, until one of the ladies – who had had a few too many drinks – left my side and went hugging and talking to the others, so I decided to go in then, but it was 5pm.”  Me – “Oh well so long as Suzanne enjoyed her Birthday, I know you had been looking forward to it all weekend. I am so glad the weather stayed fine for you all, how many were there?” Mum – “Oh about a dozen of us and one of the men came to get my Echo thingy out so we could play some music, so we had a bit of Rock n’ Roll” Hmm I think to myself it is probably best that I don’t know any more otherwise I will have Nightmares.  Mum has already told me that she feels like the Queen, not using any money, so I dread to think what will happen when she is at last let out of ‘Lockdown’ but I suppose we will cross that bridge when we come to it!

18th of June - Mums complicated Insurance Claim....

Thursday 18th of June - Daily Trials with Mother …….  Well the usual Thursday when we went to pick up the usual 'Click n Collect' weekly shopping for ourselves and Mum of course.  Unfortunately Tesco's didn't have the Mint Ice Cream Cornets that Mum wanted but as they had Ice Cream Oyster Shells - which I knew used to be a favourite of Mums - I purchased those instead.  Plus we picked up two plants from my cousin, which Mum had wanted me to collect when 'Lock Down' had first started but I had said we wouldn't until things improved. A Fern and a Rose Bush, so Mum was very happy. Plus my niece Kaileigh called round to see her soon after we left so that really made her day.  Plus I even managed to find an online site to claim for Mum's TV so things seem to be looking up, what could go wrong?  

Friday 19th of June - Daily Trials with Mother ….. As I had accidentally left our cooked ham in Mum's shopping I popped round to collect it and took our granddaughter to see Mum too, although we could only stand in the 'garden room' as it was pouring with rain.  Mum was thrilled to see Olivia, who asked if the rest of her shopping was okay.  At which Mum launched in to a tirade of abuse about the Oyster Ice Cream Shells I had purchased for her, she got the box and pointed at the picture saying they should be done under the Trade Descriptions Act as the picture did not reflect their product. Hmm note to self next time if product not available do not get a substitute!  When we get back in the car my 7 year old granddaughter laughs saying she knew something would be wrong with the shopping!!  Even Olivia knows what my Mum is like and she doesn't often see her....

             Later that afternoon I receive a telephone call from Aegus Insurance wanting to speak to my Mum, I explain although I made the claim on line, they will need to contact Mum on her home telephone number.  The exasperated woman called Kelly tells me how she has rung Mum three times only to have the phone put down on her!! Grrr, she explains she really needs to talk to my Mum so I say I will ring Mum and ask her to accept Kelly's call.  I apologise to Kelly and explain that Mum has had bad experiences with scam phone calls, so she says she will ring her back in a while after I have rung her.  I ring Mum and explain that Kelly will be ringing back and really needs to speak to her. Humph goes Mum, "you know I don't like taking calls from just anyone."  Me - "Kelly is not just anyone she is ringing from the Insurance and we won't be able to get your claim sorted unless you speak to her." Mum - "Okay"  I tell her I will ring her later to see where we are up to with the claim.  I take Olivia home and just as I return Mum rings me breathing extremely heavily "Karen I am choking!!" Me - "Calm down Mum, you wouldn't be able to speak if you were choking!!" Mum - "Well I have swallowed something and it has gone down the wrong way and I can't stop coughing!!" I carry on talking to Mum while calming her down until her breathing returns to normal with the help of her Asthma Inhaler.  Before I go I remember to mention to Mum "Mum another time if you think you are choking & cannot speak, make sure you pull your red cord, as it will be quicker to get the Sheltered Housing person there & obviously I wouldn't know what was happening."  "Hmm okay" says Mum.  I put down the phone then remember I didn't ask about the Insurance, so I ring back later - "Mum did you speak to Kelly at the Insurance Company?" Mum - "No she didn't ring back!" Okay Mum Bye.  I open my emails later to find two emails from the Insurance Company in the late afternoon saying that despite trying to ring Mum several times through the afternoon they have not managed to contact her and she must now ring them.  I shake my head as I realise this means I will have to go round on Monday and make sure Mum rings them while I am there. Why is Nothing with Mum ever simple?!!

Famous Phyllis..... Daily Trials with Mother 16th & 17th of June

Famous Phyllis - Daily Trials with Mother …. Well I have to admit Mum has been fairly quiet by normal standards, maybe because both my sister and I have visited her over the past couple of days.  I popped round yesterday for a chat and to order the vitamins that she wanted me to go and buy in town! Mum - "I thought you might get these for me from town?" Me - "No way am I venturing down Bank Heys Street when there are masses of people queueing to get into Primark or Sports Direct!" Mum (looking disappointed) - "Really? Do you think they will still be queueing in two weeks time?" Me - I smile and say "Well not the same people obviously, but I don't know when the queues will calm down."  Mum is obviously planning to get in to town as soon as she can, if only by bus, although I remind her she will have to wear a mask on the bus. Humph goes Mum, I can see problems on the horizon as she says "Well I don't know about wearing a mask, as it will affect my breathing and as for queueing, well you know me and my legs!" I suggest that maybe she should try wearing a mask at home and see how it goes, as concessions are made for people who struggle to wear them." I immediately have visions of Mum not wearing a mask on the bus and also making her way past the queues to get into shops! While I am sat I suggest I order her vitamins on line from the Health Shop she usually uses, approximately £70 later, with numerous vitamins ordered, I ask her what the Doctor thinks about her taking all these vitamins.  I ask why she doesn't take a multivitamin instead of all the separate ones? Mum - "No they don't work the same! Anyway £70 isn't bad as that will cover me for three months, as that's when I last got some."  Me - I decide it's not worth arguing about as I will never win, so I remind her tomorrow is shopping day and leave.

            Wednesday 17th of June - Mum rings me she is quite chirpy as her huge consignment of vitamins has arrived already, Mum is mega impressed! Happy that I have done something right for once.  She rings me back later with another huge shopping list, that Gary my husband cannot believe is for one person. When I speak to my sister later, she laughs and says it is probably for the communal party on Sunday!  Tell me more I say, she laughs as she tells me about her visit today where she met one of Mum's male neighbours. Quite a character who Mum has nicknamed 'Romeo', he tells my sister about the party they are having for someone's Birthday on Sunday and adds did your Mum not tell you about our party? We have invited your Mum, because everyone round here knows her although nobody likes her, but thought we had better be polite!"  My sister laughs and says "you know when someone is joking but really telling the truth?" Hmm we both agree Mum has only been there six months but has no doubt made herself known in the area. Ha Ha Famous Phyllis ….. I cannot wait to hear about the party on Sunday, although I worry about the social distancing.  

            

14th & 15th of June 2020 - Thinking of Uncle George....

Sunday 14^th of June - Daily Trials with Mother…… to be fair the last few days have been quiet, must be the ‘new’ TV or the fact that Mum can now watch her DVD’s that is keeping Mum busy.  Anyway I decide I will pop round for a chat and sit in the garden while Mum sits at the door.  Yes Mum is not doing too badly, although she doesn’t like all this enforced sitting around so she has been out busy picking all the dandelions on her side of the communal lawn.  She nods over to the other side and tells me that “they obviously aren’t bothered about theirs!”   I mention that the naturalists have been asking people to leave the dandelions so they can encourage the bees this year.  Humph goes Mum “More like they are too old and lazy to go out picking them as you hardly ever see them.”  So much for being neighbourly, Mum has only lived here six months now but no doubt she has made herself known in her imitable manner – as always.

Talking of moving, Mum then starts moaning about the fact that the council never plastered the walls in her garden room before she moved in.  Me – “Well it was December and did not start warming up until March, so not exactly the best time for completing outdoor plastering, then with the Covid situation obviously they haven’t been doing their usual jobs.” Humph goes Mum again “I think I will contact our MP Scott Benton”, so I add “It’s not really an issue for the local MP so why don’t you contact your local Councillor?”  Mum – “Well that’s no use; they won’t do anything if they haven’t so far?” Me – “No not the council, I meant the local Councillor Peter Hunter”.  Mum – “Well I spoke to him before the Lockdown.” Me –“Well ring Peter Hunter up again and ask where he’s got up too? He might even know if the council workers are now catching up on their jobs.”  We have a general natter and Mum asks if I managed to contact the Insurance Company about her TV.  Me – “No Mum I told you last night I spent most of Friday and yesterday morning trying to get through but the phone is either constantly engaged or they just put the phone down! At least you have something to watch in the meantime.” Humph goes Mum, before we get into any more discussions I decide it is probably best to go as this is usually a sign that she is not going to be any more cheerful, at least not while I am around.  However before I go she informs me that my sister Alison, who has lived in America for ten years, is moving back to Lincoln, UK and has her flight booked for 27^th of July.  I just smile while thinking (maybe I should see if there is sheltered housing in Lincoln that Mum could swap to! Wicked I know but I cannot help it.)

Monday 15^th of June ….Daily Trials with Mother …..Today would have been my Uncle George's Birthday, but he passed away in January so I know Mum will be thinking about him and his family, so I ring Mum to see how she is today. We talk about my Uncle and she tells me she is wearing one of his favourite dresses.  I am tempted with a comical reply but I decide against it as I know what she means.  Uncle George would always tell you if he liked you in a particular outfit, whereas my Mum seems to delight in telling you if she thinks something doesn't suit you!  Anyway she seems quite bright and I soon find out the reason why.  Mum – “The shops are open again today aren’t they?” Me – “Yes, but you cannot go out until the end of the month.  At the moment you wouldn’t want to go anyway as there will be enormous queues everywhere!” Mum – “Do you think so? Does everyone still have to social distance in a queue?” Me – “Yes and it’s recommended that you wear a mask too in shops.”  Humph goes Mum – “Well I won’t be queueing, you know me and my legs.  I can’t stand still.” Me – “Well it looks like you won’t be going shopping then as there will be queues for a whole yet and I am certainly not going shopping.” Mum – “Oh I was hoping you could go and buy my vitamins in town.” Me – “I can get them online!”  Mum – “Oh no they are far too expensive online! But talking of online, Cathy my friend says that she can access what is it? Oh yes you know that programme that I keep pressing by mistake?” Me – “You mean Netflix?” Mum – “yes that’s it she uses her daughter’s email to access it at no extra cost.” I hear alarm bells ringing in my head and know this is another problem that I will probably have to solve on a daily basis as my Mum is not good with technology and I know that it will cost extra, although that doesn’t bother me. It’s all the phone calls I will receive telling me about all the different programmes which she does on a daily basis now, but more so that it will become something else to go wrong! Yes if it’s not one thing it’s another!!

10th - 11th of June ... Insurance claim for Mum's Broken TV

Wednesday 10th of June …. Daily Trials with Mother Before I have finished my breakfast Mum rings me - "Hello, what's the telephone number for the scrap man who took my old microwave away and how much did it cost?" Me - I will have to look it up Mum but it cost nothing, so long as you put it outside somebody usually picks it up but I am not so sure at the moment, so I will find some numbers for you. Why what are you getting rid of?" Mum - "I'm not getting rid of anything, it's my friend Cathy but she won't want to put them outside, as it's two metal commodes and a walking frame. That won't look very nice will it." Me - "Well Mum even if you get a telephone number, they will only take it if it is left outside on the pavement." Mum - "Okay, by the way have you found out if the Keter Garden Storage is back in stock at Argos?" This is something that Mum wanted to purchase before the 'Lockdown' but she had to get permission from the Council first and of course that came after the 'Lockdown' when most places were closed, although I did keep trying to get hold of one.  Me - "No I told you Mum I have tried everywhere and there is no stock anywhere.  They are made in Israel so stock is possibly not going to be in for a while." Mum - "Well never mind, I was thinking I could get the next size, a Maxi one surely you will be able to get hold of one of those?!" Mum - "Speak to you later when hopefully I will have found the Insurance Policy for you." No Mum has not forgotten about claiming for the TV I have broken.  

I ring Mum back with the telephone numbers for the Scrap Man. Me - "Mum I have two numbers one a mobile and the other a Blackpool number based in South Shore that may be working." Mum - "Oh you want me to ring them? I thought you would do that." Me - "Why would I ring them when I don't know your friend, where she lives or whether she is prepared to put it on the street?" I can feel my temper rising, when Mum replies "Oh all right then I will speak to Cathy but I don't think she will be happy for me to put the commodes on the street!" Me - thinking more like my Mum would feel embarrassed doing that, "Well Mum if your friend wants to get rid of them that is what she will have to do ring the numbers, find out when they are likely to come and then you can help her put them out!" Humph from Mum and phone goes down.

Thursday 11th of June ….  - the day starts well, with our weekly visit to Click & Collect the Tesco shopping for Mum and ourselves. We sort the shopping out, eight bags for Mum and four for us! We take Mums shopping round and I drop it in the kitchen, as I turn to leave Mum comes through and says "Is that it??!!" I look quizzically at her then realise she is being serious. Me - "Mum you have got more shopping than we have and there's two of us!" Mum - "Well I've got to eat! I can't do much else!" (Mum has always liked her food). I try to leave and Mum hands me three items, instructions for where to use a blue badge in the car, (in case I need it next time we go out, Mum reminds me last time I took her out I got a ticket, she remembers it well. Hmm don't we both!) Also a new sim card for me to put in her phone, so of course I need the phone and say I will take that away.  Plus the Insurance Policy!  Mum - "I thought it was best to leave it to you as you know what it's like trying to get through on the phone at the moment!" Me - "Hmmm" Later that day I spend nearly an hour trying to get through on the phone to get a claim phone, constantly being told I can log in on line but I know Mum doesn't use that usually unless I do it for her. I eventually get through to a nice man on the Complaints line who understands my problem and helps me with a Username that Mum has set up for online use.  Of course he tells me you will just need her password now.  

                Enjoy a lovely lunchtime when our eldest son, Gavin drops in to see us from Manchester, as he is doing a job in Blackpool and thought we would appreciate a visit with flowers and beer. Wonderful surprise! Next we are able to have Olivia, our Granddaughter round for the afternoon after Boris's announcement that single people/parents with children can share time with others in a 'Bubble'.  I am so grateful that we can share a bubble with Olivia and enjoy a wonderful afternoon building dens, playing 'having babies' which is hilarious! (Amazing what 7 year olds know these days) We start a jigsaw, but Olivia soon decides she wants to play hide n seek.  Just wonderful to have some normality before tackling Mums tasks again.  Phone and eggs - which I forgot delivered to Mum on way home from taking Olivia home.

                Two hours later tonight (which I will never get back), trying to use all Mums usual old passwords to access the Insurance online site, without success!! Lockdown is so relaxing isn't it? Not!! I ring Mum but struggle to get through on the phone, as it's one bad connection after another - for goodness sake what is happening today? She rings back and tells me the word is one that I have already tried so I give up and decide this battle will have to be resumed tomorrow. More phone calls, I have set up the email to my name after my conversation with the lovely man today but the link doesn't appear to be working for the forgotten password.  OMG I give up!!  Oh well tomorrow's another day...….

9th of June - Very trying day with Mother!

Tuesday 9^th of June ……  Well what a day! 8.30 am and I had a call from Mum, which was very early and set my alarm bell ringing immediately as I am not always awake at that time.  However straight away Mum asked “What time are you coming round?” Me – “Well possibly about 10 o’clock after I have loaded the car up with the bric-a-brac from the park, I haven’t even had breakfast yet and I was worried there was something wrong when I answered the phone.” Mum – “Of course not, I just wanted to know when to expect you only I will have a cheque ready for the Hospice.” Me – “I am not collecting that sort of donations; we are  donating items to be sold in their charity shops.” Mum – “Oh well I will keep mine for our local community centre, anyway don’t forget to bring my rake and grass rake back then.” When Mum moved to sheltered housing I took those tools to the park for our volunteer group to use, but obviously Mum needed them! 

Mum continues – “Make sure you do as I am going to rake the weeds out of my neighbours grass, she is in a wheelchair and cannot do the garden otherwise she will fall out of her wheelchair!  It’s a shame she doesn’t have more garden, as it would look nice.” Me – “Mum don’t go busying yourself around other people’s houses as they may like it the way they have it.  After all you said your friend cannot manage and if she falls out of her wheelchair she will end up in hospital.” Mum – “Well she doesn’t want to go there, that’s for certain! Anyway bring me those rakes and maybe while you are here you can have a look at my light or take it away and get another one. In fact while you’re here my Tele keeps going off ”  I don’t even mention that I shouldn’t be inside at this point, even with my Covid mask and gloves on as it would be a waste of time!!”

I come off the phone and my husband says I sound weary, not a good sign at this time in the morning I suppose.  However Gary says “I tell you what why don’t we go round together later, when you replace your Mum’s bulb? We’ll get the sleep timer sorted and even connect the DVD.” Me – “Really, what about the social distancing and us not supposedly being allowed inside?” I ask as Gary has been a stickler for the government rules right from the start, but he shrugs and says “If it makes life easier it will be worth it, won’t it.”  Which it will as Mum has missed her DVD during lock down but that was purely because she insisted on having her TV on the wall when she moved, then both Gary and Mum fell ill so the DVD never got connected before the lock down.

Later that morning I popped round with the rakes and collected the faulty bulb, so I can replace it.  Whilst there Mum calls out, “Take a look at my Death Lillies, they don’t look very happy! Do you think I have watered them too much?”  Me – “Hmm possibly as they had plenty when I planted them plus the compost you insisted they had, so don’t think they needed any more.” “Humph” goes Mum…… time for me to leave as I really don’t think there is anything more I can do for the Lillies.

Gary and I pop round later; we fit the light over the bed without any problem, then with a bit of manoeuvring, shifting Mum in to another room while we roast in our Covid masks and gloves.  Next we start to remove the TV from the wall, definitely a two person job; however the first Scart lead does not work with the DVD player so we have to remove it again.   We duly lift the TV off the wall again and Gary asks me to hold my end and rest it on Mums wall unit whilst taking the weight. Five minutes later, a slight cracking noise, one Scart lead and DVD connected we fix the TV to the wall and switch on, only to find that I have accidentally cracked the screen!! Gary and I look at each other and say “Oh Nooh” together whilst in the background Mum shouts “Is everything all right?” 

As you can see, it most definitely wasn't okay!! What a nightmare!  However I must admit Mum handled it well when we told her, probably because Gary said we had a spare TV (not the same size) but added we would bring it round as soon as possible! One hour later our slightly smaller TV is on the wall and the DVD is working, I know as I left a Michael Jackson DVD inside. Mum says "Ooh its a good picture and a Samsung! that's a good make." We show Mum how to use both controllers then go home to get our Tea.  I speak to Mum yet again on the phone “Everything okay Mum?” Mum - “Yes its marvellous, is the Michael Jackson DVD yours? It’s incredible, I don’t believe he committed suicide; he is so amazing when he dances. Nobody would kill themselves when they can dance like that.  I am sure he was murdered!!”  Me – “Okay Mum, the DVD is actually yours, glad you are happy  with the TV." (for once) and add  "As it was an accident you might be able to claim on your insurance?” Mum – “Well that’s okay you can sort that out, can’t you?!” Hmm fair comment I suppose seeing as I was the one who broke it!

7th & 8th of June - Mum - I need a new light! Me - I want to be alone!

Sunday 7^th of June, we have a very quiet day as my husband Gary and I are not in the mood to speak to anyone.  Quite apart from the events of yesterday although we have spoken to Scott he seems naïve at the upset he has caused. However enough about that, I have a brief conversation with Mum but she soon realises I am not in the mood for chatting and says “I will leave you to your day, whatever you are getting up to!”  As usual I am exasperated at her comment and say nothing other than Goodbye.  In my head I think really, like what would we get up to?  The pubs are still closed, yes the garden centres are open but our garden is full to the brim for once. Otherwise apart from the Beach and Stanley Park there really is absolutely nowhere open, unless you want to put a mask and latex gloves on and join the masses shopping at the Supermarkets or maybe she thought we might join one of the many Black Lives Matter gatherings!! Don’t get me started, while I agree that no man should die especially under the circumstance George Floyd did in America.  Quite apart from all the damage to historic statues, done in the name of the protest and the issues the Police have had to face!  I really cannot get my head around the mass gatherings of hundreds of people all close together when everyone is supposed to be staying alert, staying home unless they are working and just generally trying to keep each other safe!! On a daily basis I hear how my Mum “would Love to go to town on the bus!” so often that I feel like saying “well do it then! But you will find everywhere shut!”  Heaven help us when the shops reopen next week, I can see she will be absolutely desperate to break the ‘lock-in’ as she calls it and go on the bus!  With that thought in mind as we stroll around Stanley Park later, I think of the many times we used to go there with my Mum and family.   Yes I know she would love to be in my shoes today but there is no way she could walk very far these days especially after being home for 76 days in a row!  These are very sad times and I wonder if life will ever change, especially with all the mass protests!   As I say on my Facebook post at this rate Mum will be in for another 77 weeks, if the virus gets any worse through all the public gatherings!  Grrr…..

Monday 8^th of June …….  Generally a work day, while I am working from home but of course that doesn’t stop the usual call from Mum.  “Hello Karen, are you working? How is it going?” Me – “Yes Mum I was working and due to current circumstances I am still working from home, like many others.” Mum – “Oh I thought you would be back in work by now, especially after seeing the scenes on the TV.” Me – (I know exactly what she is referring to, the protests and everything else as obviously watching TV it looks like people are going back to their normal lives.  Well if that includes damaging historic monuments and general behaving badly!!) However I do not mention it, but say “No Mum the office is still closed and I honestly don’t know when it will be open.” Mum – “Well anyway I rang you because the mini light over my bed isn’t working properly; the tube is ever so dim.  It was okay last night but this morning it’s dim!” Me – “Don’t you think that could be something to do with the light! Brighter when it’s dark and dim when it’s daylight?” Mum – “Don’t be ridiculous, since when have you been an electrician, ask Gary!” Me – “Okay Mum just saying, anyway Gary’s busy working from home too, so I will see you tomorrow and by the way if you have any donations for the Trinity Hospice I am taking some up to the warehouse tomorrow.” Mum – “Humph what time tomorrow? I will think about it, I suppose my light will have to wait?!”…….

6th of June 2020 - Daily Trials with Mother & others .....

Saturday 6^th of June …. I woke up hearing my husband Gary calling our son saying “Scott when you get this call can you ring me as soon as possible, I am worried about you!” As it was only 7.30 a.m. quite naturally I was also concerned and rapidly coming round from a deep sleep I asked Gary “What on earth has happened?” “Have you not seen Scott’s post on Facebook from one o’clock this morning?” was Gary’s answer. Me – “Well obviously not! As I normally sleep through anything most nights.”  (I certainly don’t sleep with my phone by my bed otherwise my Mum would plague me 24/7)  I rushed to look at my phone in the kitchen, to find a horrendous post from our son, calling himself all the names under the sun which somebody else had obviously said.  Strange how when you want to look at a Facebook post again you can never find it, but this one came up at the top of my Facebook no matter how many times I closed it and tried to frantically also ring our son.

            After also trying to contact our eldest son Gavin, while seeing more posts and messages from friends, we quickly got dressed and decided to go over to see Scott in person, not knowing what we would find.  Of course this was not before I received a call from my Mum “When are you bringing those Lillie’s round that you mentioned?” Me – “Not at the moment Mum, I need to do something else this morning but hopefully I will be round this afternoon.” Mum – “Well what time?” Me – “I honestly don’t know, it’s not as though you will be out is it?!!” growing increasingly exasperated as I felt we need to go over to Preston to see our son, only a short drive away but still felt the need to hurry.  Having dashed over to see our son, we pulled up outside his house, only to receive a text saying “Don’t worry Mum, I am okay, I don’t want to talk on the phone. It’s complicated and to do with Jen (one of his ex-girlfriends). Talk later” Me texting back – “Son we are outside your house now, why don’t you come out and talk to us?” Scott text back – “No! Talk later!”  As you can imagine we were not in the best of moods on our way home but thankful that he was okay. 

I know that may seem a strange statement but our son who decided to cancel his wedding six weeks before the date he was due to marry, is now is living with that same ex-girlfriend Ruth!  Apparently she stayed the night the Lockdown happened and hasn’t left since – wasn’t that convenient?! Hmm you have probably realised I do not approve and you would be right as said ex-girlfriend that Scott is living with, actually rammed her car into the back of Jen’s car (who was just a friend at the time) approximately eighteen months ago!  So to say I do not trust the current ex is an understatement!!  I hope you have managed to follow all that - as if we haven’t got enough going on! Life is never anything but complicated when it comes to our son Scott.

Hmm as for Mum, no sooner have we walked back through our door, the phone rings and the answer phone cuts in. Mum – “you did say you were coming round this afternoon didn’t you?”  I do not ring back as my energy seems to be draining away like the acid out of an alkaline battery!  I ask Scott to remove his Facebook post, I post another telling everyone he is okay and let all his friends know too.  I decide to ring my sister to assure her everyone is okay, she appears quite cool but I try to ignore that until she points out the reason for her curt attitude.  “I wasn’t impressed by the response to your Facebook post yesterday of Daily Trials with Mother” says my sister.  Me – “Really I saw that my niece and our sons had exchanged comments but took it as nothing more than banter!” – Wrong thing to say!! Michelle – “Banter? Banter? Well I am not impressed and I think you should stop writing about Mum on Facebook, as you are putting too much information out there! And if I could have spoken to your sons last night I would have ripped their heads off!!”  Me - "Be my guest, but personally I don't think they said anything out of turn."    And so that put paid to my daily messages about my Mum, as they were told tongue in cheek and not meant to upset anyone but definitely maintained my personal wellbeing through the lovely comments I received back and have since.

As for Mums Lillie’s, yes I went and dug them up out of my friends garden and took them round that afternoon.  Mum took one look and said “Hmm Thank your friend for the Death Lillies! I am not sure about putting them in the garden now.” Me – “They are not Death Lillies Mum, they are Arum Lillies and yes I know they use them at funerals. ( My Grandma actually suggested I have them for my wedding day, no I didn't!) If you don’t want them, I will take them back!”  Humph goes Mum, “Well I suppose they will look okay.”  Then we get on to the topic of Fish and Chips, as we were ordering some to collect from a local Chippy the previous night, I rang Mum asking if she would like some too. Only to be followed by today's comments "Thank you for the Fish supper last night, the fish was lovely but the chips, dearie me I don't think they were cooked properly and they were nearly cold! What were your's like?" Me - "Well seeing as you kept me talking on the doorstep about one thing or another including the post you gave me to post, its hardly surprizing! As ours were luke warm I reheated our chips in the microwave!" With that I left the Lillies and said I would plant them the next day if she wanted to keep them.

Talk about 'God give me strength!! Large G&T on ice when we got home, for both me and Gary! And in case you are wondering no, my sister never did ring our sons!!

2nd Volume of Facebook posts 1st of May until 5th of June 2020

Friday 1st of May our youngest son, Scott’s Birthday…. Today's Trials with Mother,  I send a message on her iPad to say I am going to pick up her prescription, but just waiting for a call back from Dr. Pick up from Chemist at 1pm. 1.15pm screeching call from Mum on her neighbours mobile, goodness only knows why she isn’t using her own - “I have rung you on my mobile as I have been on the home phone for 3 hours now trying to get my prescription delivered.” Me – “I have got it Mum & Gary will bring it round, as I am struggling to walk because of my back and my hip.” Mum hangs up phone!! Nightmare. Mum calls back later to ask if I remembered Scott’s Birthday, as she hasn’t heard from him.  I remind Scott to ring her.

Sunday 3rd of May ….. Today's Trials with Mother... Rang Mum, she answered 'Oh it's You!' Thanks Mum, she said 'Well I have been trying to clean & tidy my kitchen and you are the 4th person to interrupt me! Lucky you I say, well not when I am busy!!
Yesterdays (& everydays) gem which I forgot to report was Mum saying "I wish I could jump on a bus & go up town!" Me, well apart from you probably catching the virus, hardly anything is open! Mum - "Well I know nationally shops are closed, but I don't know about Blackpool!! I haven't been out for weeks you know" Don't we all know it

Monday 5th of May …. Today's Trials with Mother.... Ssssch Mum has been quiet all day until 7pm, then the tel conversation was totally one way. I guess as she hadn't spoken to anyone today (apart from her two neighbours) she just wanted a chat. I receive a beautiful gift from Gavin and his wife of a fabulous Colouring book, can't wait to get started, always loved colouring.

Friday 8th of May - Gary and I enjoy a fabulous day celebrating VE day on the front pavement along with several other neighbours who, Barbara and I have invited to join in the celebrations at the front – social distancing of course.  

Mum is obviously busy as I don’t hear from her after my morning call to check that she is okay. Then I receive a call from her at 4 o’clock, her neighbour who has heart problems realised she hadn't received her prescription, so of course Mum rang me!! Although Bank Holiday I knew Drs were open so advised 1st ringing Drs then if no joy ring sheltered housing. Prescription done but not signed, Sheltered Housing staff off for Bank Holiday so suggested ringing 111 as she didn’t sound so good. Neighbour that is not Mum Thank Goodness!!

Saturday 9^th of May – Daily Trials with Mother…. Heard no more till today, Me – how’s your neighbour Sandra? Mum - Well she wouldn't ring 111 so I offered her some Paracetamol but then worried she might take them with her cocodamol! Me - Nooh Mum don’t give out tablets! It's okay I went & got them back!! Me to Mum "there's no use me going shopping dressed like someone about to go into a hospital theatre if you are going in & out of people's houses!!" Mum - "It's not a house it's a bungalow and Sandra's always going out in Friends cars! Anyway she seems better since I took her a meal." Me what meal? Mum - "Well a lady brought me a box of food but the 2 frozen meals were half thawed! Shocking really I don't want to get food poisoning do I? So I gave one to Sandra!!" I can only presume some kind soul from the Covid Hub delivered it to her but you really couldn't make all this up!!

Wednesday 13th of May ….Enjoyed a virtual Quiz Night with our friends Nick and Ange in Rugby who have started running this every week, as they cannot run their usual Pub quiz that they own.  Great to have something to distract us from all the Coronavirus news! Don’t think we came last but if we did it didn’t matter as it was such a good distraction and fun to do.

 

Thursday 14th of May,  Gavin, our eldest sons Birthday.  Daily Trials with Mother... Having missed the Asda Click & Collect slot, not able to get any other slot, I ventured out early to Morrison’s kitted out with mask & gloves. Got 95% of what Mum wanted but had to substitute a couple. Didn't mention it when I dropped off, but spoke to her a couple more times during the day. Popped round with her TV Mag & other stuff. As I walked away Mum came to the door, "Oh dear don't get me any more Rhubarb!" Me "You mean Rhubarb yoghurt; they didn't have any Activia Mum, so had to get a different one." Mum "Well don't get me anymore!!" I said nothing but Gary said my face said it all as Mum then said "Oh but Thanks for getting it" I just smiled & possibly shook my head. Grrr I am determined to get a shopping slot if it kills me now !!

Mum – “Have you heard from Gavin? It’s his Birthday today you know? I haven’t heard from him.” Me – “Okay Mum I will ask him to call  you” – but I don’t mention the reason why he no longer calls is because if he does call, she responds by saying “Hello Stranger”, as my son lives in Manchester she is not likely to see him especially at the moment but no use trying to explain that!

Monday 18th of May …. Good day today, Yay at last managed to book a Tesco slot, only Click & Collect. However far better than venturing out looking like I am off to a medical theatre, shaking like a leaf just to get Mum’s shopping. Just praying they get it right, having heard everyday about the wrong Rhubarb Yoghurt & Chinese Curry which I got instead of Chinese Sweet n Sour!!! Oh my days wish that was all we had to worry about. We met Scott & Olivia at the park which was lovely, although had to social distance and wear masks. Watched Olivia cartwheel then, enjoyed a great game of hide & seek while social distancing of course

Tuesday 19th of May ….. Daily Trials with Mother.... usual morning call, Mum "have you got me a large plant pot yet?" Me - "No because I haven't been out shopping again." Mum "well the garden centres are open you know." Me - "well shopping for a plant pot isn't top of my list when I could also pick up the virus while being there!" Mum - "okay then well maybe you could buy one somewhere else? I don't know I can't go out you know! And when you next come bring me some cuttings that I can work with." Grrr when I ask what size she asks for one bigger than a bucket!! If only that was all we had to worry about! Drawing therapy continues.....

 

Wednesday 20th of May… Today's Trials with Mother... Well first of all had one of our loony telephone calls. Mum - Hello did you get me a plant pot? Me - Yes I will bring it round this afternoon. Mum - well can you also bring me one of those books from the shop down the road? Me - already got yr TV book will drop that off too along with the Lobelia you wanted. Mum - No!! Not a TV book, you know the one I usually pick up at Squires Gate? Me - Aldi? Dunhelm? Argos? Mum - Yes Argos Me - well they are closed, but you can order online. (my good friend Barb actually went to Sainsbury’s to try & get her one, bless her) Mum - well that's no good my pad is playing up. Me - okay see you later. Took said TV Book, Lobelia round & plant pot round. Mum - oh no that's really big!! Me - well you said larger than a bucket. Mum - hmm well I suppose I can put this plant pot (larger than a bucket) inside & use it as a planter!! I Pad in hand, now this keeps flickering! Can you take a look. Me - OK put it down on the seat (outside). No don’t hand it me , we are supposed to be social distancing! Put it down Mum. Mutter mutter. Me - Okay I need to go in the shade and look, can you come outside? More muttering!! Me - Mum when did you put this Chinese app on here?!! Mum - What app? I don’t know what you're talking about!! Me - Grrr stood there in mask & gloves, sweating like a boil in the bag chicken, sweat pouring down my head!! Remove app, put it down & tell her to use a wipe on it while its switched off to clean it over. Mutter mutter! Whatever next??!!! She will probably think that her I Pad has had the virus & that's why its playing up.

 

Thursday 21st of May …. Daily Trials with Mother..... well so far so good, Mum was in quite a good mood when we dropped off her Click n Collect shopping delivery. Of course there is still time for her to complain. However we did have a laugh, when Mum explained she had asked the Sheltered Housing Officer if she could cut down some bushes at a disabled neighbour’s house (the lady is in a wheelchair). Yes a nice gesture although truly she hates an unsightly garden and has been plucking dandelions out for the whole neighbourhood! Anyway having completed her task, her next door neighbour asked why she was gardening at that particular garden, Mum explained, only to be told she had the wrong garden! That particular neighbour is Blind & hates anyone going down her path let alone in her garden!! The disabled lady lives another 2 doors down!!  I swear she will become the Sheltered Housing Gardener if she keeps this up. Absolutely Hilarious

 

Late Edition...Daily Trials with Mother... knew the good day wouldn't last long!! Tel call at teatime.. Mum - 'did you get my message that my hoover isn't working & what about my TV Licence?' Me surely you don’t have one being over 75.” Mum – “of course I have a Hoover but I can't get used to the buttons!!” Me – “but you've had it 2 years Mum. I am coming round with the garden pots Amanda gave me.”  Mum – “oh right well can you fix my Hoover & take my prescription to the Drs too?” Thankfully Gary walked along to Mums too & looked at the Hoover outside. Gary –“ it’s blocked with.... grass!!!” Mum – “really, how did that happen? I only hoover inside.” Me – “Really? Maybe you trod it inside from the garden?”  30 minutes later Hoover unblocked. Mum – “thanks, don't forget to drop my prescription off at the Doctors.” (Thankfully Gary did that too while I crawled on ahead.) As for the TV licence they obviously haven't received Mums change of address, I don't envy them that telephone call tomorrow Mum loved the pots Amanda, more than the pot I got I think

 

Friday 22nd of May … Today's Trials With Mother.... well you might have guessed my advice to ring the TV Licencing team backfired! We had an approximate ten minute rant from Mum today; I didn't even manage to get a word in edgeways. While she told me how all she got was a recorded Corona Virus message followed by advice about emailing them or going online. Which if Mum had the patience she could possibly do but she said "You know I can't get my iPad to work properly so that's a waste of time!!" Yes don't worry I got it sorted online, once Gary picked up Mums paperwork. Plus Mum thanked us for yesterday's tasks and today's. Maybe things are looking up

 

Saturday 23rd of May …. Daily Trials with Mother! ... Now before I start I must say while Gary was howling with laughter at the latest he did say too much information. Usual call to Mother... Mum - "Hello I feel shocking. Why? I have been saddle sore since late last night!!" Me - "what on earth have you been doing?" Mum - "Nothing! It's those things you got me!! I asked for Panty Pads not Saddle Bags!!" (I swear I got a small size!) Sadly I was not laughing as with Mum everything is always my fault!! (Although Gary did make me see the funny side later) Me "well I got the Always ones you said were okay, I don't know Mum you normally get them." Mum - (almost shouting!) "in case you have forgotten I cannot go out!! Anyway when you get me some more small Panty Pads, get me some Aubrietia for the garden too!!" Don't ask! I don't know who was more frustrated but yes I have been out to get the required PP's

Daily Trials with Mother update..... Just knew it was going to be one of those days. Answerphone message from Mum (while I was on the phone to Scott) "Hello Karen it's not urgent But my washing line has snapped while I was putting it out this morning. As I said not urgent as I have put it on next doors line but she wasn't happy! She obviously didn’t have any washing to go out so I don't know what the fuss was about! Anyway next time you are out & about, pick me one up please & if you could put it up?" My thoughts - Just when you think you will have a lazy weekend, hmm

 

Sunday 24th of May …..Daily Update with Mother.... Well I have to say Mum has been in an amazing good mood today, thanks to Brian & the team at The Old Library Centre on Highfield Road for delivering this fabulous afternoon tea this morning. Which my Mum said was a lovely surprise & so much in it that she gave half to her neighbour Suzanne, who has kindly been sharing her newspapers with Mum. If only I had known it was that easy to keep her Happy, thank you Brian, Karen & team. Very much appreciated, I think there is a God after all.

Later that day a bit of light relief …. Hilarious end to the family zoom quiz with a disco provided by Paul & Lisa our hosts for the night. Absolutely hilarious!! I think Tom & Lydia would have won the prize for the most and best dancing. Great night everyone, looking forward to next week's Sunday night again.... Bring it on Tom & Lydia

 

Monday 25th of May …. Daily Trials with Mother.... went to Home Bargains, masked and gloved up, for Mums washing line & Aubrietia plants. Got the line which we took straight round & Gary fixed it up, all good but No Aubrietia plants!  Me - "Mum they didn't have any Aubrietia but I got these Petunias instead as I thought they would be colourful." Mum - "Well those are Annuals not Perennials like Aubrietia which are Blue & those won't fit into my colour scheme." Me - "Well that's all they had other than Marigolds" Mum - "Hmmm did you see any Weed 'n Feed in a Box' Me - "No seeing as we don't have any grass & nobody said they wanted any!!!"  Mum - "Well next time you pop down there maybe you could have a look? As I keep watering the grass but that makes the weeds grow too" Well surprise surprise!!

 

Tuesday 26th of May …. Daily Trials with Mother ... received the daily phone call, while I was on the phone to my sister. Picked up Mums answerphone message later, telling me in tones a bit like Michelle from the Resistance in 'Allo 'Allo "Hello hello? Hello? Oh dear I don't know what's wrong, it's like I have cramp in my left leg & arm! I have looked in the mirror & my face is okay so I haven't got Bell's palsy! Anyway the geraniums that you gave me are not blue, they are pink! So I was thinking my Friend Phyllis has some blue ones, so if someone could go round to dig some up? Phyllis has said she will swap some of her blue ones for my pink ones. Speak to you soon, I don't know where you are?!!" So I ring my Mum back. Mum "Oh there you are!!" Me - "I was on the phone to Chelle, how are you?" Mum - "Oh is she ok??" Me - "Yes same as you, she's not been out" Mum - "Well anyway, I think I will be okay but about these geraniums, Phyllis said she doesn't mind swapping them?" Me - "Well it's strange because the ones from my garden were definitely blue, strange how they have turned pink?!!!" Mum - "Hmm maybe I should take a walk to Phyllis's, what do you think Karen?" (Saying it as Care-un like she does, when she wants something!!) I swear Alan Titchmarsh himself could come & overhaul her (now) postage stamp garden & she still wouldn't be happy!!! Grrr Rant over! Half an hour later Mum rang back to say that one of her Geraniums was Blue! "Well that must be mine!!" I said.

 

Thursday 28th of May …. Daily Trials with Mother.... I must admit my Mum has been a bit quieter this week. No I didn’t go & swap her plants with her friends, apparently her friend brought the blue geraniums round for Mum & she did a swap. Only to find her friend had bent all the stalks over!!! She was not happy; still it distracted her from inspecting all the shopping I had just dropped off. Then Mum said "Sit down & tell me what you've been up to?" Me - "Well as you're shielded I shouldn't stay but I will sit away in the garden but I really haven't anything to tell" Mum - "well you must have done more than me!" Me - "Hmm apart from go to pick up your shopping, including the weed 'n feed, not really" Mum - "well it's too hot to use that now!! Do you have to sit that far away? You look like a Leper!" Me - "If you think this is bad, it's even worse when you are shopping!" Mum - "Really? There again I wouldn't know" Me - "Yes well we all know why!" My cue to go I think!!

            The last night of the weekly clapping for the NHS, not because their work has finished far from it but most people feeling the original gesture has lost some of its’ meaning.

 

Friday 29th of May ….. Daily Trials with Mother..... usual daily phone call. Me - "How are you Mum?" Mum - "Well I was fine until you interrupted me, I am busy sorting out!" Me - "Sorting out what?" Mum - "Well I am in the middle of sorting my tablet delivery from the chemist; you know I like to sort them into my daily boxes. But since I changed Chemists these have different names on them." Me - "Well that's the generic name that the Makers use, just make sure you check the name on the Chemist label before you put them in your boxes" Mum - "Which label? There are two, one on the big bag & one on the boxes?" Me - "Obviously the one on the box!!" Humph from Mum. I give up!! Mum - "I just had your sister on the phone before she goes to work" Me - "Chelle won't be going anywhere; she has a Heart problem so she's got to work from home!" Mum- "Well I don't know what everyone's up to!!" Me thinking, hmm I guess that's the root of the problem?!

Saturday 30th of May…. Daily Trials with Mother...  being a weekend, it would be a mistake to think Mum would be quiet. Still in my housecoat, my phone rings, Mum - "Hello I Need a prop for that new clothes line You bought, I told you I thought I would need one & now my sheets are nearly touching the floor!" All said before I even breathe! Me - "Hello Mum, I thought we agreed you would see how it looked when you did a wash?" Mum - "Well I have! & my sheets are nearly touching the floor!!" Me - "Well peg them up double folded Mum, they will soon dry in this weather. I am still in my dressing gown, I have only just got up & answered the phone to my sister. I need to get dressed, etc & don't know if Pickersgill’s or anywhere is open yet" Mum - "Well I wouldn't know but I need one now!! I will leave them hanging as they are & hope they don't get dirty!" At this point I feel like singing "There's a Hole in my Bucket.." I am sure I am going crazy but just say "Okay Mum Bye "phone down & Gary says to me I am sure the prop can wait, her washing will be dry by the time you go round. Well if I don't get one today she will just witter on about it all weekend! As Pickersgill’s DIY is still closed I end up getting a prop from Harrowside DIY. Takes it round, no washing out now! Let's Mum know I have got it & start setting it up😷 Mum comes out (coughing badly due to her Asthma & the breeze) "Oh you got a metal one! I was hoping it would be wood!" Me - "Well that DIY shop wasn't open, beggars cannot be choosers these days!" Humph goes Mum. Me setting it up & showing her the best place to put it, "Just make sure you don't put it where people can fall over it" Mum - "Well I don't want it there!" "Okay Mum I will leave you to it as no doubt you will put it where you want when you use it!" Mum - "Yes well I need to get in, this breeze is catching my chest & I don't want to fall poorly, I am Not going to end up at that Hospital!" I think (God Forbid!) And all this before midday, it does not bode well for the weekend!

Sunday 31st of May….. Lovely ride down the prom this morning with my husband Gary.  However so sad to see all the attractions closed, hotels with no cars on the car parks, no queue outside the Sandcastle -  Sounds of 'This Town is coming like a Ghost Town' by The Specials haunting my head today, when will this ever end? Visitors will come & go but without all the Attractions, Hotels & Pubs opening, it will be a Ghost Town until it is safe to reopen, very sad to see & heart-breaking for many owners I am sure.

Monday 1st of June …. Daily Trials with Mother.... well I am sure you thought my Mum had been quiet. Hmm the hot weather aggravated her Asthma so she took things really easy. However today when I rang & she was still in bed I was surprised especially as we had heard about the rules relaxing restrictions for 'shielded people'. Me - "What's up Mum?" Mum - "I had such a sleepless night as my hip was so painful. All this lack of exercise isn't good you know." Me - "Yes I know Mum, but you are now allowed out to exercise so long as you keep 2 metres away from folk, they said so on Saturday" Mum - "Really, what even me with my Asthma & my Hip? Are you sure?" Me - "Well they didn't mention you by name but they definitely said 'shielded people' can go out to exercise, so hopefully that will help." Mum - "Hmmm I am not sure they meant me.... anyway I will ring the Doctor tomorrow!" Me - "Really you don’t need to!" Mum - "I will see, anyway my next door neighbour has fallen out with me!" "Why Mum?" Mum - "Well you know I normally ask you to open my tablet bottles and tins & things?" Me - "Yes I was only thinking the other day you hadn't asked me" (we normally get a request at least 7 days a week! due to Mums weak wrists, although they seem okay when she is chopping down bushes & trees!) Mum - "Well I had been asking next door, but she put a note through asking me not to knock on her window, as it makes her dog bark & she has hypertension you know." Me - "Well I am sure she hasn't fallen out with you, probably just having a bad day?" Mum does one of her usual Humphs when she doesn't agree! Yes I guess we will be back on tin & bottle duty now, which could be tricky with latex gloves on!!

Tuesday 2nd of June ..... Daily Trials With Mother! ... Grrr just got off the phone to Mum after two calls from her where she put the phone down as I answered. Me - "Hello Mum did you just ring me?" Mum - "Yes of course I did but you didn’t answer or say anything!!" (Not a good start) "No Mum you put the phone down before I could say anything. Anyway how are you?" Mum "Well I rang the Dr and she said I couldn't go out to the shops! Humph" Me - "I didn't say you could, but you can walk round the block " Mum - "Hmm well I am going to stick to walking round the back area. Anyway I need some more pots" Me - "More? what for?" Mum - "Well I want to get rid of all the old ones that I brought from the other house, they look awful and what plants are on sale now? There must be some?!" Me - "Well you will have to tell me the exact size of the pots, so I get the right ones this time. Otherwise there wasn't a lot of plants last week & everything looks so dry" Mum - "Well I don’t know you're the one that goes out shopping!!" Me - "I go out once a week Mum & do Click & Collect at Tesco’s, so I don't even have to go in the shop! If I catch the virus I won't be able to get your shopping, but I will call in at Home Bargains on Thursday. I only go out to get essentials such as bread & milk locally, as shops are only just starting to open. I haven't even been to a Garden centre yet but that's probably the best place to get the plants you want." Mum - "Humph well I am not paying top prices, there must be some elsewhere? And remember next time I only want Perennials!!" Me - "Okay Mum I will look on Thursday, but there wasn’t any Aubrietia there last week." Mum - "Humph!" "Bye Mum" I put the phone down & exclaim Unbelievable!!! Roll on the day she can get out & about!!What I should add is that I suggested replacing all her pots while we were out at the beginning of March, but Mum said "oh no they'll do for now" Hmm obviously not after looking at them for the last 3 months!

Well you knew it was going to be one of those days, but as Mum seemed a bit lonely, I decided to pop round with her TV Mag, after I went to the paper shop.  Also took some Perennial plants from my lovely neighbour. Also meant I could see what size pots Mum needed. Anyway knocked at the window & went & sat in the back garden at a social distance. Mum - "Oh there you are, you made me jump!" Me - "Well I thought I would bring these round from my neighbour along with your magazine." Mum - "Now where shall I put these?" Me - "Well maybe in your border?" Mum - "I'll put them in a pot, it's funny really I am surprised more folk around here don't have more pots with flowers in them." Me - "Probably because they need looking after, watering and weeding you know." Mum - "Yes that's a point, while you're here do you think you could get the weeds out of these 2 pots and I think these are weeds in the back border, what do you think?" Me - (reluctantly) "Hmm if you have a trowel and spade, I will pick them out, but you will need to disinfect the handles afterwards." Mum - "Okay, okay!" I start weeding the pots & as I start on the border, Mum comes over to gather up a pile of weeds. Me - "Mum can you keep your distance? I will put them in the bin." Mum - "Well I didn't know you were coming round to garden!" Me - "Well that makes two of us, as I am in my best sandals!" (which I had forgotten until I was knelt down.) I then say "it's funny how you can bend down to pick dandelions but you cannot pick the weeds out of your pots!" Mum - "Well it's my hip you know!" As I finish off and struggle to get up Mum says "what's the matter are you struggling with your back again? You want to see your Chiropractor chap!" Me - "I would but like many other places he's not open!!" Mum (in her squeaky whiny voice she saves for her usual answer) - "Well I don't know do I?!!" Time to go before I say something I shouldn't!

Thursday 4th of June ….. Daily Trials with Mother.... What a depressing morning!! Managed to get an opticians appointment in town & must say Lyndsey and staff at Specsavers did an excellent job under difficult circumstances. Yes I knew I needed new specs as I had my last pair 4 years ago, so definitely needed with extra reading, etc Felt really depressed walking through the towns deserted streets but absolutely livid when I returned to find my car had an advisory parking ticket, even though I had used the online system to avoid touching machine etc!!!  Grrr not a good start & all before I go for Mums shopping!!

Obviously I am not having a good day after my parking ticket in Town. Gary said I was 'Hyper' when I got home, so delivering Mums shopping was bound to be trying! However having popped the bags on the side while Mum unloaded it all, Mum asked me to sit on a stool outside so she could have a chat. Me - 'Okay Mum but can't stay long as I have some ice cream in the car" or so I thought, but that's another story!!  Mum -"okay I just want your advice regarding my back & I've had some terrible headaches!!' Me - "Well not much you can do about your back other than exercise, painkillers and/or pain gel as you can't see a Doctor" Mum - "Don't I know it!!" I decide to change the subject, "Good news is that Opticians are open if folk feel they need to be seen, in fact I've been this morning." Humph goes Mum and adds "I am sure I need my eyes testing, I can't wear my glasses they are too heavy, thanks to that girl who almost broke my nose coming down from a handstand!!" Me -"Mum that was nearly 75 years ago!" I really have lost count of the times Mum has told me this and Doctors and Opticians!!! Mum - "Well all your Gran did was she bought me some Fish & Chips to stop me crying! She didn't take me to the hospital or the doctors" Me - "As Gran was a Red Cross nurse I am sure she knew what was best" Mum - "Humph well that doesn't help me with my headaches" Me - "Well wear your glasses Mum & see if it eases!!" Mum realising no use going on adds 'You're later today?" Me - "Yes because of all the queues at Tesco Click n Collect and Home Bargains" Mum takes one look at the Planters I have bought (approx 15" deep and 12" each square side), "Well those will never do they are too small I can't put my old pots in there!" Me - "Well I can transfer the plants out of those to the new pots. Plus my neighbour, Barbara sent you some lovely pots." Mum - "Oh yes, now those are proper lovely pots, do Thank her won't you, but those You bought will have to go back! I am sure B&M's had some" Me - "but you haven't been out for at least 10 weeks" Mum - "Don't I know it!" Time to go.......

Friday 5th of June …. Daily Trials with Mother... Just had to tell you about today's conversation with Mum, who rang while I was hoovering. Rang her back, "Hello Mum, sorry I missed your call, how are you today?" Mum - "My back is still giving me jip! And my hip!! Anyway how's Olivia, have you seen her recently?" Me - "Not since you last asked me" (Mum asks me every day!) Mum - "Hmm I can't remember when I last saw the twins (my sister’s grandchildren) or Hayley (my niece). I think I last saw Hayley at my old house!" Me - "Well Hayley did some shopping for you during lockdown." Mum - "Humph, I can't remember! Anyway shopping doesn't count! I mean really see her." (Hmm that means she's not seen me either as obviously I only drop shopping off) Mum then exclaims in a really sad voice "Oh dear I probably won't see the twins before I die!" "Well that's a bit dramatic Mum! Or am I missing something? Hayley’s twins are only 4 years old, so they can hardly visit on their own, but I am sure Hayley will see you with them when you are allowed proper visitors, after all they wouldn't understand about wearing masks." Mum - "Humph! Anyway when are you going to bring the Gala Lillies your friend offered?" Me - "As soon as I dig them up!" Mum - "Hmm do you think they will be okay in the back, in the sun?" Me - "Well they do very well around here." Mum - "Yes but it gets very hot here when the sun shines!!" Me - "For goodness sake Mum, your garden is under the same sun in South Shore so I am sure they will be okay!" Mum - "Hmmm I'm not sure "Me - "Really?!"

Sadly (for me) this is my last post on Facebook, as my niece comments that maybe my Mum is just lonely and I should be kinder.  My sons post comments that maybe other relations in Blackpool should ring or pop round or do the shopping? Unfortunately this creates a real Pandora’s Box of Tricks with everyone falling out.  This is not why I wrote all the previous posts about my Mum to get at other people; I was just so frustrated that I needed to vent my feelings.  I am sure there are many other Mother/Daughter Carers in the same position feeling the same, plus some readers found them funny apparently.  As I have received some lovely comments and really appreciated the support my Friends and some Family have given me through Facebook comments.  I will still post on Facebook but from now on it will not be about Mum, so I decide to start my blog as part of a Creative Writing Course.