We've had a good week, other than the health related issues. The weather was fairly good, no rain, quite a bit of generally weak sunshine, although still a cold wind at times. I was looking forward to having sister chat time during the week when husband went off to the gym, sadly that didn't happen. Husband usually goes 3x a week, but didn't go at all whilst sister was here - at the beginning of the week he had foot trouble and said he had backache (join the club!!), but after that I think he just didn't want to go. We don't have loads of visitors and when we do have people visiting, he likes to talk a lot!
The opera (HMS Pinafore) at the local theatre was....interesting. It was our first time in that theatre so we didn't really know what to expect. Sister had booked the seats, 2 aisle seats in the 2nd row from the front - which was all very well but we had dozens of steep steps to go down in order to get to our seats, with no handrail and in fairly dim light, people with limited mobility are clearly only catered for in the very top seats. I can just about manage stairs, but it was a struggle for sis, even with her cane and hanging onto my arm. And then the seats themselves were kind of small and crammed in, with hardly any legroom - sis is tall, several inches taller than me and simply could not get her legs in, so she asked an usherette if we could change to the front row seats (we knew the showing wasn't full and there were plenty of empty seats) - the very helpful usherette said that was no problem at all. It was a very AmDram production, with a limited amount of clearly homemade props (and the performers' costumes), but somehow it didn't really matter, it all added to the comedy! Especially the wonky bit of flimsy wooden railing (it was meant to be on a ship's deck) that wobbled every time one of the actors rested a hand on it. Nearly all of the performers were ancient (they wouldn't have been out of place living here in our sheltered housing community!), only 3 young women and no young men....in fact some of the older ones looked as if they won't be doing it for much longer, so they need to try and get some new, younger blood in. And even sis said that she and I were pretty much the youngest audience members. Still, it was good fun and we enjoyed our night out.
Yesterday I packed a picnic and we went for a drive on Exmoor, then down to Porlock Weir to eat our lunch, it was very busy there as it was probably the warmest day of the week, it was a nice last day for sis, we saw her safely onto the coach for her journey home this morning.
Husband's and sister's poor health and mobility issues have been very much in evidence this week - despite my health issues it's been noticeable that I'm practically as fit as a flea by comparison. Fancy that. I am extremely tired today, it's been a busy week, we've been out every day - I'd cooked and frozen nearly all the dinners, plus some snacks and cakes, but obviously I still had the breakfasts and lunches to organise.....we did eat tea & cake out a few times. And it's me who does all the planning for what to do/where to go every day, once I'd asked sis what she wanted to do. Husband and I don't really go out much but sis always wants to go out and about, she loves both shopping and the seaside and wants to do all the touristy things. Going out a lot, being busy, a limited amount of housework, doing all the planning and catering (plus all the chatting!) does wear me out, I'll need a couple of days to recover. Luckily, we've got a quiet week, although husband's got another round of hospital and clinic appointments starting next week. I've got beds to change and quite a lot of washing and housework to do, but there's no rush. I'll take my time and do a couple of jobs each day.
Sister bought me this picture in a Dunster gallery, isn't it lovely? It's just the kind of - naive art style I think it's called - painting that I like.....I happened to say how much I liked it and she sneaked back and bought it for me, as a thank you. Bless her, so kind of her:-
Right, I'm going to collapse in my recliner chair now for the rest of the day, husband can have something out of the freezer for dinner and I'll have cheese on toast I think, I'm too tired for cooking.
Even though you're well prepared, it does take it out of you having visitors, no matter how much you love them! As you say, washing and housework can wait. It'll still be there when you've got some energy and enthusiasm back (more's the pity!🤣) The am-dram HMS Pinafore sounds a bit dire, but at least it gave you and sister a laugh! The picture is lovely and will bring lovely memories whenever you look at it - just forget the hospital fiasco!
ReplyDeleteThe sun is shining here today, and out of the chill wind, it's rather pleasant. Soon be warm enough to sit and enjoy the garden. xx
Glad you got to see your sister and you were able to get out and about. Catriona
ReplyDeleteLovely picture! I'm so glad you had a good time with your sister, in spite of the ups and downs of health, etc. Yes, it's tricky for people with mobility issues in theatres and many cinemas, too - I notice it when I visit them with my husband, who is prone to falls.
ReplyDeleteI like the painting that your sister bought you and fun to go to the show with her, once the seating arrangement was improved. I take my pup on two walks a day, good for both of us plus I do balance exercises and ride a stationary bike, aiming for this old lady to keep active.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture your sister bought you. I guess she likes to get out and about while she's with you, as once back at home she will be on her full time caring duties again, this break with you was a real treat for her and it sounds like she made the most of all of it. It is tiring being the host though isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI love that picture, how nice to be given it.
ReplyDeleteHoping you manage to get some rest and respite soon. xx