July 28

Today marks a week that I have been here with Mum. The talking has eased since we have caught up. Her appetite is improving now that I am cooking and she is eating more. We went shopping today for a top to wear to the wedding and included some grocery shopping as well. I took the wrong turnoff and we went past the shopping centre so that I had to find our way back and on our return to Edens Landing I took the incorrect road again and had a lovely time exploring the suburb Tanah Mera before we got back onto the right road. It was all too much. Although I had Mum sitting down as often as possible while shopping, we didn't have more than a coffee and donut until we got home. I made a protein drink and biscuits with cheese as well as a cup of tea but she was really tired and soon was sleeping quite soundly in the chair.  We had dinner around seven and she ate well but was soon sleeping again.  I had bought some underwear for the dress I am wearing to the wedding and bought a couple of extra bras at discount prices. Going broke buying bargains and using vouchers! I think I bought more than I really needed because it was such a relief to get out and about. I am finding it very tiring being the carer. 

The tiredness is probably to do with slowing down too. I usually live at a fairly fast pace, so like on holidays, you feel tired when you stop. I have all this energy that just isn't being used up even though I am trying to go for a daily run. It isn't long enough or fast enough yet. I never was a great runner, rather a good fast walker and I am trying to increase my running every day. Intense then regular, then intense again. 

We will start clearing the wardrobe tomorrow. That is something I can do with a bung hand. We are expecting visitors again on the weekend which will be a nice change.  Cousin Jan came Wednesday and I cooked an Asian lunch which was tasty. I was gratified that the gourmet cleaned her plate! Jan bought a few pairs of shoes to get our advice on what would be best to take on her coming trip to England and France. She stayed until about 4:30pm and with all the discussions and shoe vetting for her trip to Europe we were a both a bit weary. It is always enjoyable having visitors though I have begun to recognise a need for a bit of solitude in myself.  This is a development from my walks and living on my own I think. A good development.