Escape to the Shopping Centre

Our local shopping centre was once the hub of excitement but just like our houses they become dated and dreary.  Before we moved into our new home the local shopping centre was immersed in their refurbishment.  There were only seven shops open and no parking.  I shopped elsewhere.
Last July they promoted the opening of  eighty new shops.  I made sure I was there!
When all else is going pear shaped in life a shopping spree or even a browse is pure escapism.  I indulged regularly and I have no regrets.
Merv going into permanent care has opened up a window of free time each morning.  Last Thursday I took the opportunity to attend the grand opening of our new shopping centre.  Even the TV Morning Show were there.  Before 8am the place was crowded.  I took my place in the queue outside department store David Jones and gratefully accepted a hot cross bun offered to those in the line up. Breakfast... yes I had forgotten my morning routine.  I was too late for the free shop bag but I didn't care.  After the official ribbon cutting I wandered around David Jones and made a purchase.  I'll be back for more I thought.  I took time enjoying the H&M stores, the quirky and expensive boutiques.  I bought takeaway coffee from a brand new cafe. They not only had inexperienced staff and new equipment which added to the waiting time.  There were bands playing and dancers entertaining but it was time to leave to visit Merv.  The carpark was full when I headed out.

Later the same day I revisited David Jones enjoying the rambling array of books, the kitchen appliances, and running the tips of my fingers over leather shoes.  I was hooked.  I accepted a glass of champagne and an egg sandwich.  Oh more celebrations in David Jones.

I had a shopping list which included the tried and true range of shops opened months before.  This Sunday I'm taking Mel shopping with me.  There is a fabulous multi coloured coverlet in one Manchester store, a quirky boutique for girls size 12-24 which will leave her wide eyed.  Oh and there is a fabulous book on Sunday readings which I might just stick under my arm and walk over to the sales desk.

Yes escape to the Shopping Centre where I indulge in a little fantasy and forget the reality of life! 

Crowd waiting for the ribbon cutting


My first purchase at David Jones, also first customer


A view of one of the new wings

Free Champagne at David Jones after 5pm

Three Weeks

Just a little more than three weeks since Merv went into the care facility.  Overall I must say I'm happy.  Oh so very relieved to give away the ongoing personal care and toileting issues.  Neither of which I miss!
I miss him being here.  I loved it when he sat comfortably in his reclining lift chair.  Care free watching sport or a favourite movie.  I would sit with him for just a while in between cooking, gardening, cleaning or answering phone calls and emails.
I rarely seem to be at home anymore.  I'm sorting stuff out at the facility!  Today I arrived to find him in the clubhouse after his Physio session wearing his cute little pyjamas!  I was horrified and wheeled him with haste back to his room and promptly changed him into 'blokes clothes.'  So much more like him.  Bedtime should never be showtime, at least not for an 63 year old bald headed bloke!

The manager decided to photograph his pj's to prevent the caseworkers mistaking his night clothes for day ones.  Problem solved.  While that was being solved and Mel was delighting herself playing bingo with Merv in the clubhouse I ran around buying TV number four.  I know no-one who has four TVs in 23 days.  It cost a heap more but if the damn huge button remote doesn't work I know I can buy a Sony big button remote which will work.  Now I have to squeeze it out of the box, attach those damn legs without drinking a glass of wine first then tune the damn thing.  I'll hopefully attempt it before 'wine time.'

Today his new recliner/lift chair is due to be delivered to the care facility.  My phone sits next to me to ensure I don't miss the call.  I hate waiting for the call.  They never call when you want them to.
Next week I have arranged with his community service coordinator to have afternoon visits four times a week.  The girls will play UNO, games, take him for a walk or listen to music.  I imagine I could just lie on my bed with the autumn breeze gently cooling me.  You know of course that is unlikely to happen.  Possibly never.  More likely I'll be having fun at the refurbished shopping centre or gardening, cleaning or cooking.  Oh well.  Mel and I have plans to take a day off and take the train to Perth on just get out on the open road.  It might just take a while yet.

TV 1 -JVC the DVD player didn't work

TV 2 - LG too small

Kmart Big Button Remote

TV 3- Linden cheap won't sync with large remote

TV 4 - here's hoping

A Moment in Time

There are numerous times in my life I remember well.  I know where I was when I heard Elvis had died.  I was holding my baby son of only 4 months.  I couldn't believe it was true.  It was long before social media and we relied on radio announcements and breaking news breaks on TV.   I was driving my Mum home when I heard Princess Di had died from a traffic accident.  I was driving in the northern suburbs when I heard Steve Irwin had died  The same goes for  the deaths of both our parents and my brother's little girl who died at eleven.  I remember each moment in time.   Each was a momentous moment.  Fortunately not all moments in time are death related.
I have dates, places and memories of family celebrations and milestones.  Then there is Thursday 1st March 2018.
Merv was in respite in Bunbury when I received the call from the care facility.  I had filled in the paperwork, taken Merv with me during a walk through in January and now after a six week wait a permanent room was being offered to us.
I had imagined the phone call in my head, playing it out with different scenarios.  I had already bullied myself into politely saying, "Yes."
I listened to the spiel of my caller offering the room and then I said, "YES"
Merv came home last Wednesday afternoon from his nine day respite and spent one night at home before driving him to his new home in the care facility on Thursday 1st March.
Did he fully understand when I explained slowly and carefully what was about to happen?  I hope so but I can't be sure.  So far he has accepted his new home is not the one he moved into twelve months ago; the one I live in, the one he no longer does.
My friends said I should be tearful and I wonder if I am bad because I didn't.  I felt relieve that others will share his care and the responsibility which comes with his declining health.
Yes I was relieved.  It doesn't mean I love him less.