Thursday, 2nd of July 2020 - Where's Mums Bank Card?

Thursday 2nd of July 2020 - Daily Trials with Mother..... Well I have to admit it has been quite a quiet week with Mum.  I am not sure why exactly, although I think hearing about the latest number of local deaths may have focused Mum's mind a little.  I must admit I wish I had a £5 for every time Mum mentioned about catching a bus to pop in to town, last weekend, as she now knew that her 'isolating time' was hopefully coming to an end at the end of July. It truly didn't matter how many times I told Mum that shopping was different these days she assured me she thought she would be okay, although she admitted that she wasn't looking forward to wearing a mask on the bus.  In fact she was most upset when I told her that she wouldn't be allowed on a bus unless she wears a mask. To which Mum replied "Well I don't think I will be able to do that, as you know I struggle with my breathing, so I am not sure I could wear a mask all the time." Me - "Well that's what you will have to do, if you are catching a bus or even going in to a shop, although at the moment there aren't that many open!"

        Monday 29th of June Mums only question was when would her circulation thingy order be delivered? After all it was the fourth working day since we ordered it, but all I could say was that it would hopefully be soon. Mum - "Well I don't want to be stuck in waiting for it all the time!!" Me - "I thought you were self-isolating, so surely you shouldn't be out?" Mum - "Well I do go out and pick the dandelions. Oh and guess what the council rang this morning, they are coming out to look at those jobs I mentioned to them, on the 2nd of July between 1 and 5pm." Me - "Well don't tell me, just make sure you are in, so you don't miss their visit again." Mum - "Well I suppose I must!"  Inside I feel like screaming as it is becoming increasingly hard to make sure Mum does stay at home.   However when I tell her that two people from the Italian Pantry down Highfield Road have passed away, I think Mum suddenly realises how serious this is and has definitely been more subdued this week.  I mention that I will pop round with some Dark Nut Chocolate she wanted from Aldi, which Olivia's Mum has kindly purchased from Aldi - Mum knows I haven't been going in to the supermarkets as it really does frighten me.  I mention that Jamie-Lee has also got Mum some Strawberries that she wanted, to which she says "Well I hope she didn't get me Scottish Strawberries, you know I don't like Scottish ones." Me - "I am afraid you will get whatever she has bought as these days beggars can't be choosers!!"  She pulls a face later that afternoon when I drop the Scottish Strawberries and Dark Nut Chocolate off, but later actually rings me to say that the Strawberries were better than they normally tasted.  Then asks when her new TV is arriving again!! Me- "I don't know Mum, I am awaiting a text but hopefully it won't be too long!"  Amazing when last week she was saying she wasn't bothered about a larger TV, I think it is just a novelty of having something new.

Daily Trials with Mother .... continue with Mum constantly asking about her Circulation thingy order, as it cost over £150 I am myself beginning to get a bit worried, but of course dare not say that!! So I limit my calls to Mum today although I am pleased to tell her that her new TV will be delivered on Wednesday 8th of July. Mum asks "What time?" I cannot believe her question and say it surely doesn't matter and that as Gary is working that day we won't be able to install it until later that day.  Hmm I can see it's going to be a long week or so....

Wednesday 1st of July .... Mum is unusually quiet but I know there is always time for her to ring, besides Wednesday is my day for picking up Mum's shopping list.  Before I go round my sister rings me to say that she has been to visit Mum, on her arrival Mum tells her that she has seen her hair looking better!! Michelle tells my Mum that she hasn't been to the hairdressers yet with them all being closed, "Really?!" says Mum, my sister said she couldn't believe that she was saying this and says "Well surely you know as you told me you had been reading The Gazette and there has been plenty of news about places being closed." Mum replied with her usual "Well I don't know!!" 

          My sister even tells Mum that one of our cousins may have to postpone their wedding from October this year to July next year.  Which makes Mum think about her Birthday and suggests that Michelle should make enquiries about us celebrating as a family at Ma Kelly's at Uncle Tom's Cabin.  Michelle tries to dissuade her and suggests having a party amongst her friends at the sheltered housing possibly with a Gazebo and a DJ playing 40's and 50's music.  Michelle tells me about her conversation while I just dread Mum mentioning this occasion.  Mum rings me later with her usual mammoth shopping list, which I decide to add to our Click n Collect slot, only to find it hasn't booked for some reason!! Which means an inevitable trip to the supermarket!  On top of that Mum asks if Gary or I could dig an old bush out from her back plot.  Well not tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Mum says "That's okay you can do it when you drop the shopping off." Unbelievable!! Then Mum adds and while you are out shopping maybe you could pick up a Rose Bush so that can go where the bush is that you are taking out.  I again tell Mum we are not leisurely shopping!!

Thursday 2nd of July .... I barely sleep the night before, but it means we are up early and out to get the shopping before the rush.  I must admit I am such a nervous wreck I keep missing the areas where I need to shop for Mum's stuff, I arrive at the checkout and heave a sigh of relief. The kindly shop assistant asks "That bad?" I reply "Don't ask" The assistant rings everything up and I realise it is more than the new "swipe" limit which means I need to remember her security number and if that isn't bad enough as the Assistant tells me the Total, I start to frantically look for Mums bank card which I cannot find in the usual place or anywhere in my bag.  The Assistant kindly says "don't worry there's no rush" although the man behind me tutting and looking not too kindly doesn't look as though he agrees! So I end up using my own card and just as I pick up the last item from the checkout, I find Mums card under a Chicken.  I had obviously put the card out ready and now I can at least get some cash to cover the shopping.  

        Yes thankfully Gary manages to dig the old bush out that must be pretty old as the roots seem to go on forever!! Surprisingly Mum doesn't come to supervise the removal thank goodness but there again she is busy putting all her shopping away.  However later Mum rings me, "I wondered is there any news about my Circulation thingy order? I also forgot to tell you Michelle and I were talking yesterday about my Birthday...." Yes you guessed this will probably go on for the next three months.....  I know I hear you saying "Oh no!"