Cool Dad and other matters.

Another little story: Cool Dad

Out for a quick hobble with hoppalong the other day. We were doing one of our regular short walks as the weather didn't look too promising. Walking down a long hill through the estate  I heard a strange rumbling sound approaching from behind accompanied by a very polite voice saying "excuse me" "coming through" and other such phrases.

On turning round I was greeted by the wonderful sight of a man, probably early thirties, nice pinstripe suit, beautifuly cut hair blowing in the breeze. He was astride a childs scooter and approaching at a right old lick. "Thankyou" he said as he bunny hopped off the kerb and hurtled down the middle of the road towards the crowd of kids leaving the school. 

As he approached the kerb he performed a perfect tailwhip onto the footpath, handed the scooter over to his daughter and they headed back up the hill. The smile on her face was heartwarming to see. 


If I had ever had kids I would have been a dad like that. Except I would have probably fallen off. And my hair wouldn't have been as nice.

In other Matters.

Sorry about the lack of posts.

No excuse.

No news is good news really. As mum has vascular dementia there is no telling how the disease will progress. Her condition could stay fairly stable for a while then suddenly dip, or maybe there could be a gradual decline. This is one of the problems faced by a dementia carer, there can never be an accurate prognosis, every day, month and even year has to be approached with a totally open outlook.

No two consecutive days will be alike. The condition can change at the drop of a hat. Nice Mum can be chased away by nasty Mum at any time. The secret is learning to  read the signs and having ready to roll out diversionary tactics for whenever the need arises.

Mum has been doing a lot of swimming  with Fabia and yoga with Sarah and really enjoying both. We are also finding music can be a wonderful distraction when she becomes too confused or agitated. Putting on a CD can carry her away for a couple of hours or more. The Rites of Spring being a particular favourite.

Now I am once again working on the website it would be great to have  input from others who are using music or art in dementia care. Both are being used to great success and its something that I have only recently started reading about. Please feel free to contact me via the comments below if  this is an area you could maybe spare a few words about.