I have an hour or so before Kai arrives back for lunch, should be time for an update...
Rang for my blood test results on Fri - I need to have my levothyroxine dose increased. Oh joy. Have a telephone consultation with my dr booked for this Fri, will find out the details then.
On Sat we got the train down to Babbacombe. Dad T was moved into the hospice (just over the road from their home, two minute amble away) a day ago, so we went to visit with mum T and the two little dogs (Pomeranians, Poppy and her son Misty, absolutely adorable and such a comfort to mum).
He's looking so frail and small. I've always known him as a sturdy, determined man, and to see him like this is awful. His mind is as sharp as ever though, and he told us a little bit of his history that he's never mentioned before. Strictly speaking it comes under the Official Secrets Act, which he signed as an army engineer during the war, so I can't say much (though I am very strongly tempted to turn it into a story - or maybe a book), but it was obviously very important to him that we knew before he goes. I am honoured to be so trusted.
We didn't stay long - he tires very easily - but I believe he enjoyed the visit. And he was very happy to see Kai, and very proud of him (his smile when we told him Kai is studying for his Master of Engineering degree was wonderful). All in all I think we made his day.
Afterwards Ken helped his mum back to the flat, and Kai and I took a (freezing cold and extremely windy) walk along Babbacombe Downs. I'd forgotten my camera (still cursing myself for that) so I'm afraid there are no pics, but the sea was gloriously grey and stormy, with white caps almost out to the horizon.
When we got back, mum let me read dad's will (Ken can't read anything without his glasses these days, so I usually do the reading for us both), so we know what's what and what dad has organised for his own funeral.
On the way back we had a 55 minute wait at Newton Abbot, so found a fast food place where we could eat in at the sole table, and had rather tasty beefburgers. The trains were very quiet (until Taunton, when we got a group of foul mouthed but non-aggressive yobs sitting behind us) and the trip as a whole reasonably pleasant. And it's made us both consider our own plans. We really need to rewrite our wills, and think about whether we want to appoint a solicitor as executor. It would save a lot of hassle. I want the cheapest possible thing (basically, if the medical profession can use anything they're welcome to it: if not, bung me in a cardboard box and stick me in the garden (well, OK, a field or wood or something) and plant a tree over me. Preferably a thorn tree!
Ken says that's one of the more expensive funerals, cremation is cheaper. But that causes pollution, so... I'm exploring options.
In any event, there's to be no service or anything like that. I'd like everyone to have a drink at my expense though, and I want Linking Park's What I've Done played. I love this song. You can all imagine me singing it!
Sunday was catch up day, a whole load of shopping, washing and organising for the week.
Yesterday Ken had a day off, and Andrew from Crystal Clear arrived at 2.30 to measure up the windows. We're opting for the simplest configuration (which is helpfully also the cheapest!) to allow as much light in as possible while still providing security and complying with fire regulations. To my surprise and delight the cost is about half what I was expecting, so we will be going ahead with at least some of the work early next summer. Can't do it before then, both financially and because Kai wants his room redecorated, so I'll use the window replacement to tackle that job. Everything needs to be moved out of the way for the window installers in any event, and I'd rather not have to do it twice!
Kai and I have decided to pool our Yule present money from the folks and buy one of these. I've always wanted a telescope (asked for one for my 18th birthday but was told it was a boy's thing so I couldn't have one. Then Ian got one for his...) and this seems to be a good one. It doesn't come with a motor, but we can pick one up in the future: found an appropriate EQ3 for £70, so we will probably pool our birthday present money too and get one next year.
Then all we need are some cloudless nights!
Right - up to date. Later, all!
Labels: busyness, medical matters, parents, presents, visits
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Joules *Dances with Haddock* Taylor
pontificated this at 12:39 pm
4 Comments:
I've tried to imagine you singing that song but the visuals aren't quite there. I think I need a practical demonstration. Say, next Saturday....?
That's a wonderful present for you both!
... you seriously want me to sing? Better bring your earplugs!
Looking forward to it!
Sorry to hear about the in-laws' decline - it's never easy.
Maybe we should have our own carol service? :)
Indeed...
Only if we can filk the carols!