A Christmas Day and a half!

I intended to listen to Times Radio from 7 a.m. because the presenter is Callum McDonald from the Isle of Lewis. He broadcasts from his home and his father, Angus, lights the fire for Christmas Day.

So, I woke at 8 a.m. and then had quite a struggle to wake up after last night at Annette's. I had to scramble around to be able to visit Margret and in hospital before going to Sunderland.

I bought Margret a set of open topped boxes to store things in her hospital room. She was delighted and I set about organising and tidying for her.

The chaplain arrived and told us about the nativity at Whiteley Chapel last night. They had a sheep, a dog, a goat (controlled by having a bag of food for it), a pony (aka donkey) and no less than 3 babies. The babes took turns to be in the manger and play the role of Jesus. One was only 3 weeks old.

It sounds marvellous.

Then to Sunderland to my cousin Eric's house. His wife Pauline had a small stroke a few weeks ago and is recovering well. Iain and Andini, with Adam and Sarah, are here from Manila. Iain cooked the Christmas dinner. It was excellent.

Bruce, another son, and his partner, Lois, came for lunch. Their children were all with other ex-partners. (It can get very complicated.)

The group photo was achieved without too much hassle. Bruce's dog, Beau, posed well too. I have added a mono version.

Last time we saw Iain’s family was in 2022
https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3053087870488153021

In the late afternoon, I drove to the RVI in Newcastle to see Maureen. I was surprised and delighted to see that she was awake and alert. She had a blood transfusion this morning. She is undoubtedly very poorly, but I'm hopeful that she will recover.

A major problem was that she was locked out of her phone. She cannot remember ever having a passcode, but the Samsung phone was locking her out for increasing amounts of time when she tried and failed to get in.

As far as I can see, the only way into the phone is to erase all the data and I'm not keen on that. Hmm. Any tech wizards who can help me?

I was so thirsty that I called to see Julie on my way home. That was good. She had been happily alone today after her first arrangements fell through due to Covid.

I was home at 9.10 p.m. just in time to catch a video call from my cousin Margaret in Australia.

PS Despite all my prompting yesterday, the ward did not have all they needed to do Margret's dressing today. I feel like doing a Victor Meldrew impersonation!!


Happy Christmas to you all