Post 478: What is the answer to the thorny question?
To the untrained, life goes on without a trace and the day spent at the hotel was coming to an end. Most guests including ourselves had spent the night here and would probably be going home after breakfast in the Crystal Room.
As for me, I didn’t sleep much, again and the watch will probably tell me how bad it was.
I seemed to be awake most of the night even though the hotel was very quiet; what’s the matter with me?
As the morning awoke and the light around the garden snow on the yellowing grass lawn where the croquet was played yesterday afternoon.
We had such a great vantage point up on the third floor and the players had no idea there match was being watched from upon high. We watched all the antics and all the strollers as they came into and out of sight. Our hideaway room was a perfect place to relax and while away the time.
So why couldn’t I sleep last night?
Maybe it was my stomach that prevented a comfortable nights sleep. It was full obviously. Probably the fullest it’s been in a while.
I wonder what a full belly does to the body? I’m not suffering with reflux or any pains like that but I kept waking up with my back propped up against the four cushions I had supporting my back.
I was worried about my back becoming an issue overnight as this was the first time since the holiday to Tenerife that I’m not in a medical bed and I was hoping for an easy one nights stand in a normal bed.
Perhaps that was the issue…
The hours until the breakfasts could be eaten went slowly and I was searching for things to occupy my mind, without much luck. I had the kindle to fall back on but my eyes were stinging from too little sleep and it was hard to concentrate my eyes on the page.
I tried to rest up in the lounge chair while looking at the calm sea that looked more like a huge swimming pool.
Time came and my Darling woke up.
Her calves were intact but the short walk and the new white sandals had caused four painful blisters on her toes.
They were dressed with savlon cream but we didn’t have any plasters so she would have to wait till we were home before a bit more first aid could be applied.
We headed down to the Crystal room more in determination that we would have something to eat or drink, after all we had payed for it.
My darling was not interested really, we had both eaten well last night and didn’t earn a big breakfast, but as we were seated on the huge and busy room it was very easy to sit and watch the people that were enjoying their breakfast.
My Darling went quiet and clicked into people watching mode.
The servers and guests were enthralling to her and while she sipped her tea her eyes skipped across the tea-room expertly.
Meanwhile I had the biggest breakfast ever. Fruit and yoghurt, smoked haddock and poached egg, toast and marmalade all washed down with a pot of tea. We both had our fill and eventually retreated to the bedroom for the final sweep to find those easy to miss plugged in bits and bobs.
We had a great time and this taster weekend was a success so we could think about doing it again. Why not?
I hadn’t been badly affected by the bed and we had both enjoyed the short stay, we can work on that.
The rest of the day was quiet. A few catchup calls and a load of tv watching was all that was done.
I have to admit to pains all across my back that have been worsening with the weaning off of the steroids these last few days.
I’ll tell the hospice when they call later this week to check up on me.
I keep telling myself that the pains will go away but, with every day comes more pains and the fear is that when I have that bone-scan on the 18th August (next week) there might be something to see.
Obviously I’m hoping for a clean bill of health but it’s not possible every time.
Moving on from that quickly and onto the youngest’s list of things-to-do before baby arrives. We, my Darling and I, did get to chat about how we feel about our kids? It’s a sore subject for my Darling because she thinks it’s nobodies business but their business.
But on the other hand I think I can help, we can help. Even if it’s just some money to get someone in to do the big things from the list.
We usually come to an impasse and both end up sulking about it for a while, until we try again to help our kids and again go around and around without a solution.
How much can I give to my son, our son?
£3000
Well that’s ok but what about Christmas, how much can I give them then (Ans. = part of the £3000).
So if I’m right I can help with money right now, but I can only give them so much.
What if I payed for the builders myself? Does that work?
Probably not.
Bugger this.
My Darling and I have struggled and saved all our lives and never had this money we’ve saved, spent on us. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. It’s only now that we have a bit of spare cash and a reason to use it.
In fact before my Darling tares into me I should say that we treat both sons the same so, whatever we give one we give the other. Which means there’s never a bias or a preference for any gifts. They are treated to same.
This makes things awkward simply because the money is meant for the younger for immediate use, and not some staged plan for later.
I wish I hadn’t started explaining this now. It seems foolish.
I’m the fool.
I think my Darling and I will have to talk about it again. It’s not that hard.
The U3a discussion group is meeting tomorrow, perhaps I could lead the talks in the direction of the tax man and family gifts. Who knows? I might find an answer.
Anyway, sleep well
Take care
