My eldest brother (who is incorrigibly serious) finds me too frivolous. He may be right. Just the same after weeks like the last couple it is almost always inspired silliness which keeps me going.
The smaller portion gave me this a number of years ago.
He lives in our en-suite and reminds me of this.
Another thing which often helps is the serenity of the evening sky as another day draws to a close.
The last few weeks have been very difficult. However, the smaller portion is now eating on a reasonably consistent basis. He needs to eat more, but a good start has been made.
His sister is going home next Wednesday night.
And, escaping from one or other (sometimes both) of them, I have made significant inroads into the weeding. Next week if all goes well I will move into a planting frenzy. The week after I think I will have a small nervous breakdown and retire to bed. I cannot tell you just how tired I am. Or how much I hurt. Just the same, the end is finally in sight. (And, once again, thank you all for your support. It has meant a great deal to me.)
The smaller portion gave me this a number of years ago.
He lives in our en-suite and reminds me of this.
Another thing which often helps is the serenity of the evening sky as another day draws to a close.
The last few weeks have been very difficult. However, the smaller portion is now eating on a reasonably consistent basis. He needs to eat more, but a good start has been made.
His sister is going home next Wednesday night.
And, escaping from one or other (sometimes both) of them, I have made significant inroads into the weeding. Next week if all goes well I will move into a planting frenzy. The week after I think I will have a small nervous breakdown and retire to bed. I cannot tell you just how tired I am. Or how much I hurt. Just the same, the end is finally in sight. (And, once again, thank you all for your support. It has meant a great deal to me.)
Hahahaha, both myself and hubby actually thought the first chap was real until closer inspection proved us wrong. A very smart addition to any bathroom. It would scare the crap out of Lardy mind you.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for you to be able to just stop. Hopefully the worst is over now, and you've done remarkably well. Big hug dear Elephant Child xx
All Consuming: Thank you. I know that you have been through this (first hand) so your support means a lot. The penguin caused the cats to have hysterics briefly but they are totally used to it now.
DeleteWhat a wonderfully ridiculous penguin!
ReplyDeleteYou do sound better, if weary.
dinahmow: I am exhausted and a tad crabby but no longer worried (much) which makes a HUGE difference.
DeleteDear heart.. I am sorry things have been so extremely hard for you lately. I hope it won't last much longer before SP is better and your life is once again normal.
ReplyDeleteKeep you witty sense of humor, it does help, doesn't it.
Hugs and smiles across the miles :)
Pam: Thank you for your hugs and smiles. I have been blessed with a black sense of humour and know that without it I would have sunk without a trace years ago.
DeleteOh my dear, Ido feel for you. I am coping with an obstreperous child of 76, the quarterly tax statement, packing up for two (inc. food & Painting materials not to mention cameras and all the electronic devices) and waking up to nasty none-bleeds . . . I have ordered a few hundred tulips to replace the ones himself destroyed a few years ago. Frankly I have no idea where I will find the strength or energy to ready the soil from the forest of weeds that are there.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as you are out of the woods, do rest first before you attempt the next step.
((Hugs)) . . . Arija
Arija: Your burden has made me aware that I don't have a lot to complain about. And I hope you get as much from your tulips as I will from ours. Pictures will be required.
DeleteAmazing how it all runs together to the end. My mom told me once, just when you think you can't change another dirty diaper, they're toilet trained. Substitute your own what you can't do one more of and then it's over.
ReplyDeleteJoanne: That sounds a little like my own theory that I can do anything if I have to. I haven't been proved wrong on it yet, though I have come close.
DeleteThe main thing is your sense of humour is still intact :-).
ReplyDeleteWindsmoke: I NEED my sense of humour - and thank you for providing material for it to feed upon.
Deletethat sense of humour thing is the only thing that can help us survive. Hope he is on the road to healing. A nervous breakdown sounds about right ( a small one).
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I have worked for the nervous breakdown, I have earned it, and I intend to have it. When I have the time.
DeleteA well-deserved rest is definitely in order! Hope you can escape into a few books and have plenty of naps.
ReplyDeleteManderley: Thank you - books and naps and birds, gardens and cats. A slice of heaven.
DeleteLove the penguin...just the thing to keep in the bathroom. I'm so glad he's eating for you now....that is an excellent sign. Hang in there.
ReplyDeletemybabyjohn/Delores: The penguin has settled into the bathroom very well. I can't imagine it anywhere else. I am hanging in. I think I can, I think I can.
Deletei have been extremely neglectful in getting over to leave you some words.... i have been reading on and off but life has taken hold and the crazies are keeping me occupied....bleh
ReplyDeletei'm so happy to read that TSP is healing and getting better... and that you are surviving this journey. seeing a light at the end of a dark tunnel is always such a relief!
your photos are gorgeous and i love the little penguin.. he's adorable!
stay strong!
Sherri: Thank you. Life does get in the way sometimes doesn't it? I hope the craziness in your world eases off soon.
DeleteOnly the lucky gifted have a silly streak!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get a long break after this hard time. You not only deserve it, you need it.
To penguins!
Austan: My silly streak is a very wide one. You are right about the necessity for the break though. Between Lifeline, the MS Peer Support Program and life on the home front I have been seriously stretched.
DeleteAnd penguins rock.
I am glad to hear the Smaller Portion is eating reliably now, even though not in great amounts. It will come.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we don't even know the extent of our tiredness until the adrenaline wears off ... sounds like you've hit that point. When the time comes, have a lovely nervous breakdown. Wait, that sounds wrong :)
jenny_o: I am still running on adrenalin, and think I will be until after his sister goes home and after I have the last of the bulbs in. I expect the crash will be fairly big. Sigh. And yes I do understand what you mean about the lovely nervous breakdown. Part of me is looking forward to it.
DeleteHaha, that is one classy penguin. Definitely keep that silly streak alive. And I agree that the evening sky can lend a lot of serenity to a day.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Thanks. I don't think I could kill the silly streak - it is too big a part of me.
DeleteTHAT is a glorious accessory to any en suite! i'd dress him for dinner and put out a place setting every now and then, as he's already looking pretty spiffy!
ReplyDeleteglad that the SP is eating. and hoping you can find some rest soon...
daisyfae: For reasons known only to blogger he decided you were spam. I have resurrected you, and LOVE the idea of inviting my King Penguin to dinner. Thanks.
DeleteYes! For the SP's first "proper" meal, have Penguin at the table. And take pictures! And blog it!
DeleteThe table is covered with assorted crap, but when and if I can reclaim it, that is a wonderful idea. I could always place the penguin beside him as he eats from a plate on his knees. Big smiles. Now to see if he will play.
DeleteThe best way to stay sane in situations such as these is to be as silly as possible whenever you can manage it. Often, if you don't laugh you will cry; a bit of both is therapeutic. Sending wishes for an easier time for you.
ReplyDeleteMarg.
Marg: Thank you and welcome. I am frequently silly, and have been blessed with a very black sense of humour. Both help. Lots.
DeleteC would like to lend you his 47 nurses... when they are off duty from dealing with the man-cold he is suffering. They have an outfit for re-inforcements available so while the nervous breadown is happening, you can be assured that you will rest undisturbed with your books, cats, plants and birds. Seriously, though, it is pleasing to hear that SP is eating, you are no longer worried and will have some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteChristine: A big thank you to you and C. You would remember the Chelmsford Deep Sleep Centre. If only it hadn't been closed down (and rightly too) I would book myself in. The smaller portion is obviously better - he is started to try and do more than he is allowed/can and is being a true pain.
DeleteI'm surprised Jazz hasn't sunk his teeth into that penguin. So pleased to hear SP is improving, although as I see in your reply to above comment, he could be about to over-do it . . . MEN!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good job you have that garden to "escape" to. Once the bulbs are in you can have your well deserved mini nervous breakdown. Try to hold off until SP is well enough to slave on you ;-)
bugerlugs63: I am a bit surprised Jazz hasn't attacked the penguin as well. Instead he prefers to attack me. Often.
DeleteThe garden is a true refuge. Though I am looking forward to my mini breakdown as well. I don't think I want to play anymore.
It is good to hear that things are getting better . Love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. Small steps still but at the moment they are all in the right direction.
DeleteIf my short stint of weed pulling is anything to go by, I know how you must hurt and I can guess at the tiredness. I'm pleased that the smaller portion is eating better and more regularly, he's on the mend now I'd say. Time for you to take a back seat now and again.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I have been weeding for over an hour a day. The end is in sight - but then the planting will call. After that - the back seat is beckoning.
DeleteThe hardest part is now behind you. I know that feeling of being bone tired. I think your garden must be in great shape now! I have been thinking of you and SP and hoping that life is beginning to get back to some semblance of normal. Sending you plenty of virtual hugs.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. The garden is (a bit like me) always a work in progress but it is getting there. I hope you are right that we are over the worst. Just in time for the next operation in May.
DeleteLove that penguin. :) I'll bet he makes you smile every time you see him.
ReplyDeleteAnd gardening is good for the soul. I wish you peace.
Lynn: Thank you - the penguin does indeed make me smile.
DeleteWeed pulling is good therapy indeed. I have been doing some of it myself and it combines exercise with the release of angry feelings. I can get really mad at dandelions.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know that SP is eating again. Things are mending.
Anne: Weeding is an almost perfect anger management therapy isn't it?
DeleteDo you talk to your penguin? He's beautiful! I thought about creating and dressing up a fake friend, like a home made mannequin, my BOF! That would give the neighbor lady, who counts the cats in my window, something new to gossip about. She needs that. Silliness is such a great thing.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Of course I talk to the penguin. And the cats. I love the idea of dressing up a mannequin to give your neighbour (and you) a little pleasure.
DeleteAwesome pictures. I don't have a camera myself, but I like to look up other peoples pics on the web.
ReplyDeletekathydobbs: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteI'm sorry you are going through a rough time and I hope things will be better for you soon. I've missed visiting while we've been on the road - so exhausted at the end of the day. Will be glad to land back in Santa Fe for a bit to regroup.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Ann Goodwin: Thank you. You have more than enough in your life without reading blogs on a daily basis. I am not surprised that you have been exhausted at the end of the day.
DeleteWhat a fabulous tub toy! Lovely sunset shots. Sounds like SP is on the mend!
ReplyDeleteKaren: Thank you re the penguin and the sunset. SP is now sufficiently on the mend to be infuriating me by trying to do too much.
Delete