Substitutes, swaps and changes

I was thinking today about how we all have our own way of doing things, particularly when it comes to cooking a meal or baking. From my experience in my own family, there are those that have to follow a recipe to the letter and if they don’t have all the ingredients then they eitherContinue reading “Substitutes, swaps and changes”

Is it tiredness or something more…

We are currently in Wellington with soon and daughter in law and their three busy boys. I got up at 5am as I couldn’t get back to sleep. Throughout the day I noticed that I had trouble finding words and some big pauses while I tried to find the words. Did I detect a look,Continue reading “Is it tiredness or something more…”

‘Excuse me’ – such lovely manners

It is always good to see and hear when your children have taken on board some of the ways of parenting that you used with them. It is a great compliment and reassures me that despite my often-having feelings of inadequacy, that I must have done something right! My daughter’s three girls are the grandiesContinue reading “‘Excuse me’ – such lovely manners”

Be your own best advocate…

For years I worked as a Social Worker and I often had to advocate for my patients and their families in various circumstances. When people find themselves needing significant health support and hospitalisation, they can feel that they have very little choice. It has always been important in my eyes to advocate for the choicesContinue reading “Be your own best advocate…”

How are you doing?

For those of us that have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, I hope that for the most part we are supported by our GP’s, our specialists and other health professionals we are involved with. We need to have our medications reviewed from time to time and ensure that as we progress we have all that weContinue reading “How are you doing?”

Our self-image vs ‘the rest’

I have been spending a lot more time with some of the elders in our little clan in recent times. This couple have been together for most of their lives and one of the few couples I know who aren’t on the second, or – as is my case – third time round in marriage.Continue reading “Our self-image vs ‘the rest’”

Youth vs Age and wisdom?

I was fortunate to have my three grand daughters to stay the night this weekend. Two of them are teenagers and still finding their identities and yet – it seems – feel ready to make decisions about their future lives. One of them reminds me so much of her Mum at the same age andContinue reading “Youth vs Age and wisdom?”

I’m turning into my Mother-in-law… bless her little cottons!

I had the good fortune to become daughter-in-law to a lovely lady by the name of Pat. We got along really well and she could be a bit of a hoot. Also, she was a bit of a sneaky card shark and scrabble player too. But I digress… How am I turning into my Mother-in-law?Continue reading “I’m turning into my Mother-in-law… bless her little cottons!”

When the passion is gone…

I was watching a programme today that was set in a hospital. The character at the centre of the episode was very overworked and burnt out. They talked about losing their passion for their role, which they had previously called their ‘calling’. This brought me to a realisation that I had not thought of priorContinue reading “When the passion is gone…”

If only life was like a game of bowls!

I have just had a lovely afternoon down at one of the local bowling clubs. It is not the club that I am joining, but is in our area. They hold open ‘roll-ups’ every Tuesday and every second Saturday. This is the second time I have gone to this other club and I must sayContinue reading “If only life was like a game of bowls!”