Jokes, Games & Life

Keeping busy is just something I do, there is always a mission, a quest or a project to pursue.  I love a challenge which brings results and gives me a buzz.  When the kids were young there were a multitude of games and adventures to explore.  As they grew they made up their own games and sought their own adventures.  My inspiration was no longer needed.
When Merv became ill in 2010 my past inspirations were once again challenged. How could I keep him stimulated and inspired each day?  Humour has always been part of our day, it is healing to laugh at ourselves.  Each day flowed into the next and I looked for tasks he could enjoy and see a result.  At first we cooked all sorts of simple things together.  Cakes, biscuits, scones, puddings and easy dinners.  We ate what we cooked, some of it more edible than others!  The cooking later became more of a chore than a pleasure and we resorted to games and more mundane tasks.  Counting money, finding directions in the street directory,  looking for popular TV programs, wiping the outside table and handing me washing to hang out.  Among these rather dull but essential tasks we played Rummicub, Dominoes, Uno, Bingo and Tri-ominos.  We read local and state newspapers, magazines and the daily devotion on the ipad.  Recently Merv has been 'playing the keyboard' on the ipad, it is soothing to hear music.  Of course there is continuous football matches in winter and cricket in summer, both eagerly watched and discussed. Every day the sun shone we were out walking either in the park or around the block.  In summer we walked early in the morning while in winter a walk before lunch worked well. 
Merv still walks but walking is more difficult for him and his stamina reduced.  Ten or fifteen minutes is as much as he is capable of now.  I miss the longer walks.
Merv has a delightful smile, it lights up his face and his eyes are full of mischief as he plays dominoes or tri-ominos with family, friends and support workers.  He is cunning in his approach and I am sure he has an angel on his shoulder whispering amazing strategies in his ear to win one game after another.  We raise our hands in despair as we lose but we are happy to see him smile, knowing he will always be a winner!