What could be simpler than taking some time out during the Christmas frenzy we often find ourselves in when we are running around going from completing one important task to another. Stepping back to really absorb the Christmas spirit and watching the festive season unfold rather than rushing through it is much more desirable, although not always possible.
Having my mum to stay for a few days gives me this opportunity…..it forces me to stop and just enjoy the time and I try not to think about the 101 jobs I should be attending to. We browse around the shops looking for nothing in particular, stopping frequently now for a sit down and a coffee or a leisurely lunch. Today we went down to our local town centre and then round to Sainsbury’s.
We bought the tins of biscuits for the family and a bottle of whisky for DH; I bought a few fresh rolls to have with some homemade mushroom soup tomorrow – the cafe we usually go to for lunch are unable to reserve a table and mum cannot stand in a queue for long so we are opting to take a picnic instead and then go to the cafe for afternoon tea when it is quieter.
Finally this evening, we met my brother for a fish and chip tea and a natter, keeping everything relaxed – well as relaxed as it can be when I am looking after mum.
There have been moments of frustration. Her memory is not what it used to be and asking shop assistants for some of that ‘ buferon’ cream doesn’t get her very far and they look as bewildered as I am. Of course it was Ibuprofen gel for her knee and Boots will not sell it to her because she takes blood pressure tablets and it needs to be prescribed by the doctor. Trying to explain this to her….well you can imagine…she is having none of it.
Tomorrow we have our trip down into Derbyshire – it is always the highlight of my Christmas and I will immerse myself in all the delights of the beautiful decorations, twinkly lights and Christmas windows.
Have a wonderful weekend. x
where the journey takes me 2 
Sounds like it was the best kind of day you could have with Mum. Hope that you have a good day out today in Derbyshire. Hopefully more twinkling lights than tantrums.
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Your Mum really does sound delightful. I can imagine her saying “it wasn’t like this in my day” lol. I know how hard it can be when you’re the one with them though. Plenty of times I’ve mouthed ‘sorry’ to people behind my relative’s backs. xx
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Sounds like the ingredients for a perfect weekend. I do hope that it is relaxing for you and is creating the simplicity that you are after at this time of year.
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I hope you are enjoying your trip to Derbyshire. Have a great weekend. x
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Sounds like a lovely day. I don’t know why the frustration is there when it’s one’s own family member. I feel I can be calm and understanding when it is someone else’s family member whose memory is going.
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Have a wonderful day
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It’s very difficult, isn’t it – or it can be. My understanding sympathy to you.
xx
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xx
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