Friday, Saturday

Saw lively young doctor on Friday, I have tights that are older than him. Note to self, clean out tights drawer... He has decided that I have insomnia. What? Me? Never? Yes, he needs me to take it easier. Eh! He handed me a prescription for little miracle pills. At last, a full nights sleep. No more 3AM cups of tea, not more 4AM internet searches. My life would change. Normality would resume. Medical miracle were to be used and insomnia would become just a bad memory. So why did I write this at 2am?

It was a placebo. I’m sure of it. Or is my body fighting this invading phenomena known as sleep. Well, whatever it is, something tells me the 2am blogs will be continuing for a while.

Colin is still showing great improvements. Saturday, Louise and I battled fog to visit. She decided that the fog was not as bad as she had thought, and if I had bothered to refill the windscreen “skooshers” so that I could see out the windscreen. How easy life is for the young! They make it all sound so simple. But finding the lever to open the bonnet was the first challenge. I know a man who will know!

Colin was good. Stitches out, mobility beckoning. Food has begun to be reintroduced. Slowly. I had a rhubarb crumble as a treat for him in my basket. No Tesco or ASDA bags for my husband. No, every day I am seen, like little red riding hood, with my basket full of goodies. Very Cath Kidston. The men in the white van were on standby because obviously I am unhinged. Anyway! Rhubarb crumble was pulverised in mush to allow it to pass his diet restrictions. Hmm… never quite sure it tastes the same.

Tales of home and the other children were told. Louise manipulated his hands while I struggled with modern technology. Tv and Dvd player. James (the son in law) has donated his beloved box set of the West Wing which should entertain Colin till at least next March! Scarts and other this were set up and ready to go! We had a cup of tea, Colin earl grey (yuck), myself marks and spencers gold. Les arrived and Colin’s eyes lit up. Adult conversation at last! We left the to it! We headed back east to meet the youngest nieces and nephews. Louise treated them to the cinema as their Christmas present. They were flying to Argentina on Sunday. “Nativity” started, and three adults sat and sniggered and chortled, while three children sat bemused at the silly film and at the adults that were making fools of themselves. A nice treat. Home in time for x-factor and so life goes on.

Sunday

Colin’s sister Anne visited. So I had the day free to do Christmas shopping. Ocean Terminal was my first victim. I arrived with the early crowds. The attack started on level B. No shop was left unturned. This mission had a purpose. Where were all these other people from? What do they want? Did they not know it was Christmas and I’m busy? Bah Humbug.

Small children in my path were mowed down. The next level loomed. Gifts were all bought. I apologise in advance for anything that was missed off of Santa’s list. I still have a little time. But really, does everyone have to do their shopping in December? So inconsiderate!

I have been spoilt the by the last few Christmases. Two years ago I spent the early part of December in Argentina with Colin and Shelley. Perfect. Great weather, polo. Two weeks of memories that I will hold forever.

Last year of course was Louise and James’ wedding. Barbados. Leaving on the 14^th December and not returning till the new year. Family, sun and great fun for 2 weeks. Wedding blissful, new family and all those I love were with us. Perfect.

So for the last few years I have “done Christmas shopping” in October, November. Much more sensible. This will be my new tradition. Will start in January.

Phoned the Southern General on Sunday night to speak to Colin. His new found voice is so helpful. The pushed the phone over to his bedside and we (Melissa and I) were able to hold a conversation. What, I hear you ask would we talk about on this momentous occasion? Children, plans for the week, his progress in physio? No- the Aga was playing up and Colin is the only one who knows where the button is to turn it back on. Oh yes. This new found toy of mine, phone to bed is so handy. Poor Colin, even in high dependency he is no longer safe from me.

235am. Tea drunk, blog written (and left for Melissa to type up and post), I was sure these pills would kick in any minute. Sleep deprivation, a killer. Do you think that if I phones Colin on the ward that they would wake him up for me so that I could tell him that I couldn’t sleep? It always made me feel better in the past! I always slept better after telling Colin. Of course he could never get back to sleep afterwards but at least we shares he insomnia then. Bless!