Dedicated Quiet

It’s January, and I prefer to ease into the new year the same way I ease into mornings–slowly and quietly. It is my time to recoup and recharge. My lack of energy and enthusiasm requires so much more sleep and self care. The desire to spend time doing introverted activities is strong, not to mention very necessary. 

December was wonderful and busy. It started on the 6th when we attended the beautiful Stadacona Band Christmas concert. Then came my 67th birthday on the 15th when we went out to enjoy some live jazz. Two days later, JT flew home, actually arriving at 1:30 in the morning on the 18th. On the 19th, the three of us went to dinner then attended Neptune Theater’s production of Frozen, which for a small city production of a big show was very well done. I was impressed with all the amazing talent along with the theater’s creative costumes and sets. 

I picked up my mother from long-term care for Christmas Eve lunch. We served mulled wine, which made mom sleepy and hearty fish chowder, which had so much more flavour than the food she gets at the care facility. Afterwards JT drove her back with her gifts and homemade treats while we tidied up, put a fire on and drank more mulled wine. Later that evening, we enjoyed our tradition of watching The Muppet Christmas Carol. 

It was a white Christmas. The first white one in many years. It was just the three of us but, it was beautiful and relaxing. We had the perfect turkey dinner, more mulled wine, Hogmanay shortbread, hot crossed buns, some trivia by the fire and ended it by watching A Christmas Story, another one of our favorite movies.

Boxing Day, the 26th, was a family day with The Doc’s boys, wives and grandchildren. JT did the driving so the 2.5 hour trip each way was stress free for both The Doc and myself. Again, more wonderful food and time with people we love.

Two days later on the 28th, we all got together again, to celebrate The Doc’s 76th birthday with a pizza party. This time they did the driving.  

Then came New Year’s Eve, which happens to be JT’s birthday, so another big meal was in order because JT’s birthday has revolved around delicious food since he was quite little. These days he loves to cook and his palate is quite refined, well beyond the skills in my kitchen; but he was quite happy with roasted lamb and potatoes, along with parsnips and asparagus to celebrate turning 33 and end of our busy month of December.

All and all, 2024 was a year I won’t forget. The Doc (AKA The Old Guy) had his second knee replacement surgery in July, then an emergency gallbladder operation in November. Add those to his first knee replacement, and he actually had three surgeries in just over a year. Knee recovery was much slower the second time around. As a matter of fact, he is still working on knee recovery six months later. We originally had a trip to Portugal booked for November but cancelled it due to the knee surgery. Hopefully we can rebook in the future.

Also, it has been two years since we found out that The Doc is in the early stages of Alzheimers. Those who don’t know him probably wouldn’t notice much at this point; but it is very evident in his loss of focus, problem solving skills and ability to complete certain tasks. Hence the slower knee recovery. I am constantly vigilant and picking up the slack. Needless to say it has been quite the year.

We have been doing our homework, reading various books, following the Alzheimers Society and trying to keep it from progressing too quickly. This means much more than doing crossword puzzles. This means staying physically, mentally and socially active. This also means I have to nag more than I like to in order to make sure some of this gets done. Sometimes there are bumps. Sometimes there is quiet. Right now, I am enjoying the quiet and hoping it will last a little longer.

Thank you for reading

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