Domestics

Lionel goes to a social programme, Enliven, in the morning so Nic and I head to Clyde for lunch. Looking after an ancient person requires a lot of patience and it's a second job, on top of Nic's work at the supermarket. Living with an old person is different too, differing lifestyles and tastes in TV watching, not to mention fronting the medical issues. Lionel had a full scan last year after a stomach bleed and his overall health was fine, but his mobility and mental acuity have been steadily declining. He's becoming more withdrawn and quieter, a big change from his former sociable and opinionated self. If Nic wasn't here he would be in care. I've helped stave it off by coming down for school holidays for the past seven years, and his carer, Jill, has looked after him above and beyond the call of duty. Because she cares. She still comes to shower Lionel but Nic shoulders the weight of the care; 24/7 with no breaks is intense. So we enjoy the fresh air and freedom of Clyde's main street. The old buildings have been looked after too and there's a sense of pride in the township.
I manage another round of preserving apricots then cool off with a swim. Meanwhile, back in Christchurch, the scaffolding is going up.