RW Intrudes

Boxing day...was an early start. We had to drive over to Pakenham (2 hour drive)to pick up the lads, then come back here and pack the second car. Then be at my parents home (1 hour drive)by 01100 hours. Hubby volunteered to drive to get the lads, I stayed home (to avoid conflict with their dad) packed the presents with Boo's help into the other car, packed the esky's with food, hung the washing out and cleaned the house.

I was getting dressed when I heard my lads pull up....Yippee..I'm always pleased to see them and shocked at their growth every time. Both lads are taller than I am, and I'm no hobbit.

Quick kisses and hugs, then Blue said he'll drive my car and Deady said he'll travel with Hubby in his. Boo opted for my car (air con). We headed out before Hubby, as Blue had only been driving for a short time (learner) and we wanted the headstart knowing hubby would pass us eventually.

Blue set the car for himself. Music and all (mushroomhead and santana) I turned the music down with the heavy metal. He he he. Needless to say hubby did pass us and our drive was at a slow pace. 1 hour and 10 mins at under the speed limit. Blue did well, but was mentally tired.

When we arrived my siblings had not arrived, apparently they were running late themselves and my father with his dementia was getting impatient. My Sister inlaw was getting exasperated with him and mum just rolled her eyes. We unpacked both vehicles and did not even get a chance at a cuppa before Poppy had turned on the BBQ and proceeded to set off the smoke detectors in the house. Hubby moved quickly and fixed all that. My two eldest lads and Sister in Law preped the salads and I watched. (You know how hard that is!)

My eldest sis (cerebral palsy) arrived first. Looking like a gypsy, but in good spirits. Then Missy Moo (Downs syndrome) arrived and promptly told Dad to shut up! Then Mr B (multiple disabilities, including blind, deaf and mute.)arrived. He checked everyone out, as is his way. I chatted with the new carers. Yes, DHS finally found him a place to go and I don't need to re-arrange my family and home. Not that I wouldn't, he's easier to look after than Missy Moo.

Poppy started piling BBQ'd meat on the table, even before we'd set it and finished the salads. I was apologetic to my mum about the slap dash lunch. She said it was to be expected.

Needless to say, we all eventually sat down. Had our meal and enjoyed every morsel. Even though the salad was a bit chunky. After the dishes were done, we gave out the gifts and there was a lot of laughter and 'oh look at this or that'. I have to admit, I spoiled my mum. She deserves it. Also spoiled my siblings. But hey we won't all be getting together like we used to, so why not!

After the gift giving, desert was served and photos taken. No, I've not down loaded them yet. Then it was kick back and relax. Hubby and Deady fell asleep on the couches, Poppy in his chair and us girls disappeared into a back room to natter. Boo played with his model car. He was putting it together and Blue went out to keep the Cockatoo company.

My SIL, had picked mum up the day before and she said that no sooner than they had walked into the house. Than dad wanted to know what was for Dinner, then it was questions and questions about what was happening and why. Then arguing over where presents were. He kept saying apparently that he'd not moved any. But it turned out, after a brief search that he had. SIL also said that dad was up at 0430 watering the garden and had woken her to see if she would make him a cuppa. She has a very low tolerance to my dad and growled at him. He dislikes her for her firmness and not backing away from him. So it was fun for her to spend 48 hours with dad. Now she understands how mentally stressful it can be.

Mums not sure if she can cope with him, but will give it a shot. She just needs supportive people around her and I've made sure of that. I told her if she could not cope, please do not hesitate to call and I will intervene. I've no qualms at standing toe to toe with dad. He'll listen to a certain extent and then if he digs his heels in, I'll call some of his mates and they'll have words with him. Little steps and if I need to pop them both into supported accommodation I will. I've made it very clear to them both. ONE slip up and I'll have to be mean.

I took a break and went and visited my dear friend down the road from Mum and dads. I can say her life too has turned to S^%$ in a bucket and we had a cry together, then we laughed about the good times. This year has been harder than most for many people, not only us. So I hope everyone has a better time of it, with the upcoming new year.

We loaded the vehicles and dropped everyone off later than anticipated and then headed home ourselves. We walked in our door at midnight and in our respective beds by 00030. Yes, we unpacked the cars, put the food items away and left the rest til morning.

My wrist pains, but I've managed not to take too many meds for the pain. Deady wanted to go the post Christmas sales, so hubby dropped us off. I let the three lads wander and I sat in a coffee shop, reading the paper. I can only stand being in music stores and gaming shops for so long. Plus they wanted to hit everyone that they could. Not my cup of tea, so it was better to have some alone time.

Today, 28th is hubby's b'day. He's gone to get Mum from the hospital. She's being discharged today. I'm at home and sneaking out later to get him a gift. Deady is keeping him company and wants to see Nan before he heads back to his dads on Saturday and work on Wednesday. We only get to see him on rare occasions now. He's inherited my work ethic and works as much as he can. Kinda reminds me of a certain Cat Stevens song.

Well thats it for now. I hope I've covered just about everything. If you have any questions, I'll answer them if asked. Take care and hopefully I'll see about getting one more post in before the year ends.

Plus Anemo is champing at the bit.....