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! "