Wednesday 10 April 2013

Best Foot Forward

Photo Copyright: Maggie May

It was a mistake to say in my last post that we were experiencing sunshine. Since I wrote that account it has been bitterly cold, windy and sometimes wet. It is very depressing weather for the time of year.
However, one day last week, Harry and I caught a bus into town and spent some time watching the world go by from a bench, overlooking our water front. This busker was amazing as he played lovely music on his violin for over an hour standing on this trapeze with just one leg. 
Over the other side of the water, a man was playing bongos and xylophone, so each busker was in competition with the other. At first it jarred a bit, but each player was very good in his own right. 
This is one of the things I like about our city...... the buskers who have a prime pitch and are usually very good at what they do.

Harry is about to start his sixth chemo and it is awful to see him overcome by side affects for about 10 days afterwards when all he wants to do is to sleep in his chair. It gets tougher as the time goes on.

For the next week or two, we are going to be having the electrician in to start the long list of jobs he has to do to make the house safer. It will cost an arm and a leg but after our electrical ordeal (described in the last but one post), we came to realise that safety is more important than anything else. We'er not looking forward to all the commotion, especially while Harry is feeling so ill, but unfortunately it is very necessary.
I also have to find someone to fit a stronger curtain rail in the lounge because the curtains keep coming down and there are several other jobs that need doing as well. It is frustrating that we cannot now do these things ourselves ( I don't mean the electrical things) but all the other silly bits and pieces that we used to do without a second thought.  However, Harry did go down to the High Street today to get a new shower head that he managed to fit himself. The shower is now working perfectly and it is good to know that it seemed to be nothing too serious.
Isn't it amazing how everything seems to break or need repairing at once?

20 comments:

Ayak said...

I know what you mean about everything breaking at once. And isn't it always when money is tight?

Glad you managed to get out and about in spite of the weather. Hoping Harry is feeling better soon xx

Celia said...

Our sunshine disappeared as well. Good you got out to see the buskers and walk about a bit. My best to you and Harry.

Irene said...

The weather here has let us down too, but it is supposed to get better over the weekend.

Poor Harry. He does have a hard time of it. It is really brave how he manages so well. I can't imagine what he must be going through.

Yes, all things do always break down at once, or they seem to anyway. I must knock on wood and not call bad luck upon myself.

Can't your son do any of these things for you?

xox
Irene

Sueann said...

It sure does...and I know what you are talking about. I was used to doing so much on my own...and now???? No such luck. I am at the mercy of "helpers". Sigh
Hope chemo goes better this time for Harry!
Prayers coming your way.
Hugs
SueAnn

Akelamalu said...

That busker looks amazing! We've had a lovely day weatherwise here today, I've even managed a bit of gardening. Sorry to hear Harry is feeling rough, I hope it doesn't last too long. I remember a few years ago we had to have the house totally rewired, a lot of mess but meant we are safe rather than sorry. Hope the work doesn't disrupt too much. x

Rosaria Williams said...

All this to get done, and all while Harry is in need of peace and quiet while he recuperates. Hope the sun will come out and brighten up all your cares away.

Along These Lines ... said...

Oh please. Playing the violin, standing on a tight rope on one foot - piece of cake.

dianefaith said...

I don't know how you do it. You write about things that can wear a person down, yet it's obvious that you're still in there, coping. I wish you and Harry more sunshine.

Mimi said...

Maggie, it's either a feast or a famine here too with repairs, not that famine adequately describes absence of repair jobs!
Weather is very cold here too, but I'm trying to ignore it (and the gas bills that will inevitably follow!).
The cumulative effect of chemo makes it very difficult, I hope Harry is finished soon and can relax.
Good to hear that you got out, even if only for a day.

Geraldine said...

But just think how nice it will be when everything is fixed and working fine!!! I dislike these kinds of disruptions too, but what can ya do?

That is one tall guy in the photo. ;<)

Happy Wednesday, G

Geraldine said...

But just think how nice it will be when everything is fixed and working fine!!! I dislike these kinds of disruptions too, but what can ya do?

That is one tall guy in the photo. ;<)

Happy Wednesday, G

Jackie said...

As I read about the things that need repairing and the state of the weather there, I am thinking, "Lord, give Maggie and Harry a break!" I wish I could hug you both and that would make everything Ok again. I feel totally helpless. Is there something I can do, dear Msggie? If so, I will be more than happy to help in any way that I can.
"Lord , be with Harry as he undergoes this next chemo. Give him better days, please. Thank you, Lord, for the amazing wife that he has in Maggie. Continue to strengthen her and take care of this sweet couple. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. "

MARY G said...

Sending best wishes to Harry for as easy a time as possible (and to you, too!).
We are having a sleet storm, mixed with freezing rain. Typical April storm in the Ottawa Valley.
Oh, to be in England, now that April's here. At least you have flowers in your sleet.
And, yes, breakdowns come in clusters. The household gods feeling piqued, no doubt.

Brian Miller said...

safety is def important...ugh when everything breaks at once as well...been there...

glad he got out and enjoyed the busker...i love them...smiles..nice here now but i wont speak too loud...i dont want it to turn back...ha

Hilary said...

It's such a shame that you and Harry have all these stresses while he struggles with chemo. I hope the repairs go quickly and smoothly for you and that Harry can get through his recovery period more comfortably.

And I wish you lots of sunshine and warmth. I'd be willing to share ours if it ever arrived to begin with.

Rose said...

I hope Harry's next round of chemo goes well for him. It does seem as if everything in a house breaks at once; we just had an electrician/handyman in to replace some fixtures, and it seemed like we kept finding more things for him to do.

It's gloomy here, too, with a forecast for rain nearly all next week, I think; here's to some sunshine for all of us!

Wendy said...

Oh I can relate - things always seem to break at once! I remember when David was sick, he felt so bad that he couldn't do any of the "handy" repairs around the house. Or cut the grass.

You will be happy once the electrical things are fixed. It's such a pain and upheaval, though, especially when Harry is feeling so poorly.

We had snow yesterday! And our sun has forgotten how to shine. LOL. Not a nice spring this year at all.

Hope things calm down for you soon. You have such courage and strength, Maggie.
Hugs

Working Mum said...

You're so right, everything seems to break at once. It seems to be every ten years to us.

If it's any consolation, we had our house rewired when we moved in and the electricians were great. Yes, they moved furniture to get under floor boards, but they tidied up every night and left us with electricity in some part of the house each day. I was amazed at how little disruption there was.

Suldog said...

Things do tend to go wrong in bunches, don't they? God bless you!

Suburbia said...

Yes, so true and so expensive.

I hope your electricians are not there too long Maggie. At least it's a little warmer, all we need is some sun now and then perhaps we can sit out in the garden :)