Monday, Mumday

Well, that’s exciting!! John bought me a new wireless keyboard for the computer for my birthday. It’s lovely – and I managed to set it up all by myself!! Technophobe? I don’t think so – not any more!! Hehe.

Another glorious day, with the sun streaming in and glittering through the treetops in the garden. Fabulous. I intended to get out for a walk this morning, but I was faffing about with washing and a spot of shopping for Mum – and opening parcels that had arrived over the weekend full of Christmas presents to wrap. All very exciting.

John was up at a reasonable time too. He had an appointment with the nurse at the surgery, just at the time that I was planning to get over to Michael’s to help out with childcare for half an hour if it was needed, while an electrician was in the house. So John stayed home this morning to do his bit of faffing about too.

As I returned home to get ready to visit Mum this afternoon, John and I crossed paths like ships in the night as he sailed off over to Michael’s to try and mend their tumble dryer. He had had success with ours yesterday, so he was hopeful for a good result today, too. He’s not sure whether the ‘fix’ has worked, but no doubt we’ll find out in the fullness of time.

Mum was well this afternoon, albeit a bit tired. I forgot to take a photo of her this time though, mostly because I was busy tidying things up for her. Her bed hadn’t been made. No-one was quite sure why not, but several people put their heads round the door to establish exactly what needed doing. Mum fretted about it for a good while, embarrassed that I should see such a mess, until finally, one of the staff came in with the requisite bedding and did the deed. Much to Mum’s relief.

I spent a fair bit of time sorting out Mum’s wardrobe, too. It also seemed to be in a bit of disarray today, including housing a few outfits that weren’t Mum’s. I had noticed that one of her cardigans had buttons missing the last time I went, so I took some buttons along and she chose some that she thought would do, and I sewed them on for her.

Next, it was the hearing aid palaver. Fitting new batteries and giving them a good clean. It was no wonder she couldn’t hear me – I don’t think there’s been anything done to them since the last time I went. I had broken one of Mum’s hearing aids the other week and asked the staff to refer her for a home visit from the audiologist. Nothing has happened yet and I am wondering if they have forgotten.

All in all, although people are still being very kind to Mum, I was wondering if they are short-staffed. I asked one of the staff and she said she didn’t think they were, so I am at a loss to explain why things weren’t quite so ship-shape today. Anyway, I’ve sent a letter to Manager with a few queries and we’ll see what effect, if any, that has….. and also see what explanation there may be for a rather disorderly day.

44,917 people tested positive for the virus today. 45 people died in the community and 886 people were admitted to hospitals. The NHS reported 12 people having died in the last 48 hours.

Susie Dent’s Word of the Day made me splutter over my cup of tea this afternoon and guffaw loudly. See what you think:

Word of the day is ‘hingum-tringum‘ (19th-century Scots): feeble and barely presentable; just about hanging together.

Stay safe everyone. God bless.