Thursday 18 April 2019

A Happy Day

Once each month I go with a group of ukulele players to play for a group of Alzheimer's patients and their carers.  Today was such a day.  We play old songs - really old ones like Pack up your Troubles, traditional ones like Daisy Bell - some which were sung by Elvis, the Beatles and such like.   In other words, songs which might jog the memories of people who have very limited areas of memory left.   I wish you could see how much they enjoy the singing (most of them sing), the laughing, the sense of togetherness, the cup of tea and biscuit, in fact everything about the afternoon.   It is a privilege to be part of it.  And it is humbling too.

Eighteen  degrees this afternoon and really for the first time up here in the North, a lovely Spring day.   This morning after my morning walk with Tess I did a few gardening jobs -mainly watering and sweeping up moss which has fallen from the roof of the bungalow, but physical exercise.   I need to keep this up as it is so important. Yesterday's exercise class told me this quite clearly so I have my sheet of notes out on the kitchen unit where it will stay for now - certainly until I can balance more easily and get up from my kitchen chair without a struggle.

I read from John's blog (Going Gently) that he has fallen.   I too fell at the week-end.   These things usually go in threes so be careful all readers out there.

16 comments:

Bea said...

I can hear both of those songs in my head. The music must be a treat for all involved. Although I am only 48, I have had a bit of trouble with one of my feet & have not been very mobile since last Sept. I noticed that besides muscle mass, balance was one of the first things to go. Enjoy your spring weather. x

Jennyff said...

What a happy post, you really sound positive. Must be the sun recharging your batteries, long may it continue. Happy Easter from Italy.

Heather said...

I am not a steady on my feet as I was and take great care not to leave things where I might trip over them. We can't be too careful, can we? So pleased you get as much pleasure from your ukulele afternoons as those you play for. It does sounds such fun and a good sing-song cheers everyone.

Bonnie said...

I love to hear about your work with the Alzheimer's patients. How wonderful for them and rewarding for you. Yes, the older we get the more dangerous those falls can be. I have always been bad about rushing around and then tripping over my feet so I keep trying to make myself slow down and be more careful.

I hope you have a lovely Easter!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Well, maybe I'm number three: I put my foot in a rabbit hole while out walking. The ground seems harder than it used to be and it certainly came up to meet me much quicker.

Keep up the good work with the uke!

Sue said...

I went yesterday to an Alzheimer's conference day put on by the local Alzheimer's Association. I accompanied my very good friend, whose husband has the disease. The conference was for caregivers and was excellent. We attended a session on legal issues including being able to afford long term care when it is necessary, and a session on how to take care of yourself physically and emotionally when you are a caregiver. Such a horrible disease that attacks so many people. One thing that was mentioned several times yesterday was the importance of music. It not only influences mood, but also stimulates memory, and is generally good for brain function. So you are doing a wonderful thing with your ukuleles!

Granny Sue said...

I love what your group does for the Alzheimer patients. What a gift-and I understand about it being humbling too. I often feel that way when I tell stories.

My cousin John above said he was number three, so I guess I'm starting a new round of 3's, as I fell yesterday in the garden. A small stick rolled under my foot and down I went. It was an easy fall on soft ground, thank goodness, so nothing much hurt.

In the 80's here, when usually it is in the 60's and 70's this time of year. I do not enjoy hot weather.

Virginia said...

Keep going! I was having a patch of bad sciatica and my gym trainer/physiotherapist gave me a few simple exercises to do. I confess I forget some days, but I'm surprised how much of an improvement I've noticed. Every little bit helps, Pat. I'm glad the weather is turning. Doesn't it make a difference! Happy Easter, to you and all your readers.

Joanne Noragon said...

Another good day with your Alzheimer's group is always happy to read about.

thelma said...

Well I tripped over the rug yesterday, but being small it doesn't do much harm. Have a glorious Easter weekend and pray for rain next week.

Librarian said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again; it is so good of you to participate in this, bring joy to others. At the same time, doing this brings joy to yourself - can it get any better?
It has turned rather warm here now, today the forecast is for up to 24 Celsius; almost a little too warm, too fast. But I'm not complaining, as I enjoy warmth and sunshine a lot more than cold and damp.

Gwil W said...

I tripped over a tree root the other day.

Julia said...

I am 58 and I fell over the laundry basket - luckily onto carpet, but was one hell of a bang onto my hip! Nobody is immune!!

Derek Faulkner said...

Boy oh boy, it's been like mid summer here today - 25 degrees and blue skies! Been out to Hever Castle, home of Anne Boleyn today. Everybody seemed to be in T shirts and shorts and the tulip displays in the flower borders were stunning.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I want to thank you for mentioning the book Happiness somewhere recently. I am far into reading it and find it wonderful and fascinating and all that is good (in the midst of this world).

The Weaver of Grass said...

Pleased to hear it Thickethouse. I have just read it for the second time.
Were you in your shorts Derek - or is the question too personal.
Yes Thelma, we are desperate for rain here too.
John, your comment on falling made me laugh!

Thanks and a Happy Easter everyone.