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 9th 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.
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