I told you so...

 Had a phone call from DM at about 8pm on Saturday evening wanting me to go over to Malton for half an hour to help as DF had nacked his ankle playing badminton the day before....words just failed me. She appeared to have no concept that its an hours drive each way and DD needs full time care. Anyway DP decided it was an opportunity for him to do his hero bit...I am being snide and bitchy but it was still very kind of him...and drove over to help for an hour or so. He then went back over on Sunday morning for a couple of hours. He is the only person in the house who had any chance of going, in that he has transport and theoretical free time. Not sure either of my parents have any idea how much they were asking.

If either of them had any sense they would take this as a wake up call...just like all their previous 'wake up calls' and sort some support in Malton...a carer for example who could be contacted in an emergency, or move into supported housing. But they won't and I will be getting further phone calls. Not sure what they think I can do...I don't have 4 or so hours free in any day...I had to stop going to the gym because the 2 hours it took was more than DD could cope with, so there is no way I can support them in any real way. DP will undoubtedly have to go on future occasions but he is working all week and will eventually, please God, be back out visiting places. I imagine it will take a total emergency when no one can drop everything and go over to make them see sense. 

I had planned going over next Monday as it's a Bank Holiday so DS1 will be home to keep an eye on cats and DD. DS2 will be at work so he's sorted. Not anyone's idea of a fun activity but has to be done...no signs so far of DB going to see them. As far as I've heard from DM its over a year since he last went to see them...can't say I blame him. I'd do the same if I could but it's not worth the vague feelings of guilt I'd get.

I'm just hoping they don't linger on too long... but I have every expectation they will both be around for years. DF in particular may well manage his century.

DP had to go back to the doctors to recheck his blood pressure as it was high when checked the previous week...surprise, surprise it was still high! Given the simmering bad mood he's in ALL THE TIME I'd be more surprised if his blood pressure wasn't high! Apparently one of his blood test results was also a bit high...so presumably he just needs extra meds. Though I can fantasise that he has something life threatening and I finally get rid! I am a bad person. 

Life goes on...

 Well lockdown is easing...cinemas reopen from Monday which should see life going back closer to normal. No idea if /when we emerge totally from all restrictions. It was going to be 21st June but we now have a new variant of Covid from India and its all back up in the air. Hopefully vaccines will continue to move fast enough to prevent any future lockdowns. Not sure DS2 could cope with any more! He is feeling so much happier now he is back to football and rugby, never mind being back at work. 

We have all had all our vaccinations which does make me feel less stressed. Now all I have to worry about is  DD getting progressively poorly. She has taken a long break from Instagram but is now thinking she might start posting again...we shall see. We went out on Thursday...very close to home and she has spent the time since in bed.

DS1 is having to start going in to work from 8am...he knew it would come but he's not happy as he is not good at getting out of bed in a morning...tough! Luckily it does prove his work is going strong and not suffering from the after effects of Covid lockdowns...there have been predictions of a recession but no signs so far.

I am still waiting for the Council to sort how I repay their overpayment...I can see them being unhappy with whatever I can offer...well their problem. If necessary they can declare me bankrupt, there is only so much money I can pay...or want to pay if I'm totally honest. It's a stress I really could live without but so much of my life is like that.

My parents are still trogging on. DM is getting increasingly tired and getting easily confused but I have no doubt she'll still be around in 2-3 years. DF seems happy enough with his garden, he is even getting out to walk occasionally so he's okay. I fully expect him to make his century...which is a real shame as an inheritance from them is the only real hope DS1 has of getting a house of his own. My parents first house...and mine...cost 2-3 times our annual income, DS1 is looking at ten times that. So he is going to be at home saving madly for years yet. Which does mean his chances of finding a partner are practically zero...I mean who wants to date while living in their parents house!

Update: well today has been a productive day. The Council has got back to me and to my total surprise they have accepted my repayment offer...according to their official letter accepting offer it will take over 20 years to repay the money...assuming I live that long. A total win in my book. I suppose they were slightly limited in just how aggressively they could pursue the money given the overpayment was 100%  their error and they have made a number of adjustments to their system to prevent it happening again. I am very relieved...it was starting to stress me and I have enough stress without the Council adding to it.

The other good thing today was I discovered where we have had a couple of mice getting into the house. There was a small hole in the bathroom and I filled it in...not sure Freddie will be pleased. He caught 2, not sure if there were any others. One he ripped the head off, the other he sicked up. So who knows if there were others he managed to eat. He had fun catching them that's for sure. Personally I'm happy their entrance point has been blocked!

DS1 is coping with starting at 8am...this makes my life easier and is a good sign. If work is that busy and looks to be busy enough for the future the firm is going to survive. Now he just needs to sort himself a driving license and transport and then a house and he can ride off into the sunset....