@msolga,
My Christmas plans have gone to hell in a handbasket this past week.
The arrangement was that my elderly aunt, who is my only relative, and very active, would come down from the country on Christmas Eve. We'd get ourselves organised and go down to a mate's place at Kiama (beach town 2 hour drive away) for Christmas Day, she'd stay there overnight, and then come back to my place to look after the Lord and master for a week or so, while I loafed in the sun, played in the surf, watched the cricket, read several books, and generally over-indulged.
About 10 days ago my aunt called to say she had bowel cancer, was admitted to hospital and was operated on the next day. Since then, I've made 4 trips there and back (3 hours each way!) and go up tomorrow to collect her from hospital and bring her back to my place.
She won't be fit enough to look after herself - so I'll have to stay home - and she'll drive me mad! Our relationship is a bit like MsOlga and her mother - we're not that close - and enforced togetherness is a potential disaster. And, I've been so looking forward to a week off - so now I think I'll volunteer to work. At least that'll get me out of the house.
Aaaarrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
and don't talk to me about Christmas cards, or presents either, for that matter.....
)
