I’m sorry about the gap. The cause was nothing more serious than James’ arrival. We’re having a nice time, in a quiet way. Alexander and Ketki are coming tomorrow.
Anonymous, I was desperately pleased by your comment — you remembered that I start Wordle every day with TRAIN and HOUSE. TRAIN won ages ago, probably years. After that happened, I switched the order so that HOUSE would be in position when its day came. And now it has! I shall revert to the former order which seems more natural and feels more useful although that is absurd.
You’re right about not taking the cat along for Christmas dinner, assuming I manage to get down those steps. She deserves some pussy cat down time, as James rightly says.
That much I composed for you yesterday, but didn’t post. Now it’s Thursday…
Alexander and Ketki and Helen and Archie came for a takeaway lunch.
We practised getting me out and down the six steps at the front door, without much success. In June or so I could go to Mass with C. by holding on to our railing with one hand and to her with the other. That no longer works.
The party then tried carrying James down the stairs in our smaller wheelchair. Much laughter but something approaching success. The alternative will be for me and Wafa to cook the bird and Helen and her family to arrive midmorning with everything else, already cooked.
The odd thing about this situation is that I still feel, as throughout life, that I will soon be better.
Wordle: five for me yesterday. I got stuck with four greens and a missing second letter. Rachel had one of those today, with the first letter missing. She scraped home with six. Alexander and I scored three — the day’s best. Fours largely elsewhere, including both Theo and Roger. Thomas was an undistinguished, and unchacteristic, five.
I remember being the 'crash dummy' in the wheelchair when we made the first trial runs at being able to get my mother out of the flat after her stroke. My father built up a good head of speed to try and force the wheelchair over the lintel at the front door; the wheelchair stopped dead and I went headfirst into the lobby all by myself. Like a scene from a Thelwell pony cartoon 'oh dear, Sabrina' s pony has refused at the first jump'.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good thing we tried it on one of us first!
But where there's a will there's often a way... and a plan B C D etc
I can picture that! Made me laugh! Hope you weren't hurt!
DeleteI was fine, landed on all fours...
DeleteCarrying someone down steps in a straight back chair is sometimes much easier. It takes two strong people though.
ReplyDeleteInspired by you, I took up piano and house as my starters (after train was the word), so now I’ve had two ones! But have to use new words these days. Gemma in down under.(not annoy as google keeps insisting.)
ReplyDeleteI suggest trying going down stairs backwards, with assistant(s) at hand.
ReplyDeleteRose
After my stroke, I was taught to go up and down stairs sideways, which is easier, though not intuitive. That way, you have two hands to hold the rail with. And a strong person standing guard on either side is a good idea. However you manage, I hope you enjoy your family get-together!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't very dignified, but could you get up and down the steps on your backside? I've had friends do that when they had a broken leg.
ReplyDeleteBeverly in NJ
How about a portable ramp? Attach to the railings at top, with ribs across at intervals to slow the wheels going down and help prevent slide-back going up? Just an idea for the future.
ReplyDeleteBringing the meal to you is easier.
I was struck by your comment about expecting to get better soon. In fact, your blog entries suggest that you are already a lot better - you have not mentioned feeling weak or weaker for a long time, even with the weather miserable and the evenings long and dark. Perhaps Wafa's company has helped?
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of images of ramps on line. Maybe one of them could work for you. Or have a carpenter come and make one for your particular stairwell. That might not get done in time for your current needs but maybe for the future, or is there someone young and strong enough to carry you? My mother got carried several times. Chloe
ReplyDeleteCould you show us a photo of the relevant steps, so we can get an idea of the height / width? To see if we can come up with any useful ideas. A ramp might help, but would you be able to leave it in situ, or have to take it up and store it somewhere in between each use?
ReplyDeleteThe other approach is to use a thing called a Carry Chair or an Ambulance Chair. You can buy these, but you have to be careful using them. It is best to lift (either up or down) one step at a time. Another thought, is there a modern version of a Sedan Chair? Something like a sturdy wooden chair with arms and carrying poles?
Helen (anon)