Tuesday 21 December 2021

My care-free day.

 Yes in both senses of the word.   I could stay in bed as long as I wished  - and I did indeed stay in bed until half past eight instead of half past six -dozing and dilly-dallying about getting up.    But when I get up at that time on the day when I have no care package in place I am chasing my tail all day.   Everything takes much longer than when my helper is here.   Making breakfast and wheeling it through on my trolley, washing, getting dressed (particularly irksome)  - the whole operation takes me about two hours - it is probably quite good for me and I expect I use muscles I neglect, especially in my arms.   But by the time I have done that and then done all the usual household jobs like washing the breakfast pots (I don't use the dish washer unless someone comes for a meal - the dishes have to sit too long).  This afternoon meant th e arrival of two Christmas cakes I have had made and the packing of a hamper which was my last present. It is a good feeling to have everything organised.   Looking back on the days when I used to cook a Boxing Day lunch for ten - and really enjoy it (thanks to my Aga)- are long passed.   Now I rely on someone else doing it and very kindly my carer's mother is 'putting one on a plate for me' when she dishes up the Christmas lunch.   As usual, I am so lucky.

Christmas lights twinkle in windows all round me.   I am not a lover of them I'm afraid - each to his own - and I am always happy when they all come down after the festive season.

Today is the shortest day I believe - I am too tired to go through to the kitchen calendar to look at the date to confirm it.   All I know is that we are always well after Christmas before we notice any difference in the amount of daylight.   And my mother always used to remind me that  at this time of year "as the days lengthen the storms strengthen" let's hope that is not true this year.

Sleep well dear friends - see you tomorrow - warmer and a little sunshine promised.   M aybe Priscilla and I will get a walk in.

16 comments:

Rachel Phillips said...

When you're alone try to make it easy on yourself and dress in loose wear and without awkward straps and and hooks.

Debby said...

I second Rachel's suggestion.

Librarian said...

Me, too (seconding Rachel's suggestion), and then it really does not matter how long things take you, does it? But I know you are a very neat and tidy person and don't want used dishes (or yourself) sitting around unwashed, and so maybe this bit of pressure you put on yourself keeps you going.
Yes, winter solstice is over, and minute by minute we will have more daylight again!
When I open my windows first thing in the morning, I always hear a blackbird singing; he's been singing his spring song no matter the season, minus the chorus of other birds. They will only join him in 2 1/2 months or so.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

It's good to know that you can still cope on your own, just in case your carer can't come one morning. It's supposed to be a bit brighter down here today, before the gloom reasserts itself in time for Christmas! Roll on summer...

Jules said...

I'm looking forward to that day when I first notice the lengthening daylight hours. X

thelma said...

Don't worry about clothes, apart from wearing some of course. A thick woolly cardigan over most things keeps you warm. I wear a hat as well to keep the heat in, whether it does or not is up to argument of course.

Crafty Green Poet said...

I agree with you about Christmas lights! A string of lights threaded through a tree is enough, more than that is too much. Some people go totally over the top. But as you say, each to their own!

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean about using muscles you neglect. I finally got around to dusting and wiping on top of the fridge and then reached up to clear and clean a shelf above it. Up and down, and pleased with the effort of a vase of flowers on the shelf thinking I would keep that up. For the next two or three days my calf muscles were very tight and sore, making walking difficult. The vase of flowers has now been relegated to an easier and safer spot.- Pam.

Rachel Phillips said...

And turn the bloody dishwasher on at the end of the day. The planet will carry on whether your dishwasher is on or off.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Rachel - how right you are - trouble is as one or two of you suggest - I can't do that. I always dress as though the Queen might call and I am not keen to change the habit of a lifetime.

Rachel Phillips said...

That's Scorpio for you!

Tom Stephenson said...

The days lengthen by about three minutes every 24 hours. It soon builds up!

Yellow Shoes said...

Yesterday was the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century!
Happy Christmas Pat. x

PS definitely run that dishwasher nightly.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Don't wish to run my dishawasher for two plates knife fork and spoon and two plate

Ellen D. said...

It is good for you to have a day where you do a bit for yourself. Must make you feel good that you are still able to! "Use it or lose it" as many like to say. You can take all day if you need to and can feel good about what you got done for yourself!

Debby said...

Lol.