As you can see we are still experiencing a wintry spring after its false start last week. The weather alerts for Western Australia are a bit alarming with winds of up to 100 kph so I came home a bit early from the nursing home yesterday.
I have begun to arrive at the nursing home by 11am most days now because, with the volunteering, I need plenty of time to wear both ‘hats’. It is working out so well but more about that in another post.
Over the two and a half years since Anthony entered the nursing home, his room has become as close as I can get it to our real home: freshly picked flowers (although I never did this when Anthony lived at home – he did!); daily food treats on plates and a cutting board I keep there; familiar shows on television via the DVD; a well-stocked bar and our own glassware and so on.
And (my latest idea!) Ming’s 2.5 kg weights. I didn’t expect Anthony to be quite so enthusiastic about this but I was wrong – he did around 20 for each arm with me cheering him on and cracking up laughing at the same time!
Despite my intention to take Jack, our Irish terrier, in to see Ants, I couldn’t find either his leash or collar that day so I will probably take Blaze instead for the time being.
Even I am beginning to feel more at home at the nursing home than I am at home, which is really weird! Well, at the moment, it is a lot warmer there.
jmgoyder 
Inspired on the weights front! Strong arms will really help. Can’t wait to hear how the pup visit goes.
Hopefully the weights will actually help Ants’ arms to get stronger so he can get out of his armchair without help – fingers crossed!
Love the weight lifting photos.
Terrible storms here in Melbourne late this afternoon – glad I didn’t go out. The news said WA is set for some storms too.
The storms have been quite frightening!
You’re wonderful, Julie!
Not me!
That photo of Ant with the weights is so damn good, he looks really happy… here we have not had spring, just gone direct to summer, hot as hell like I would expect it to be there by you in Western Aussie land…
I’m a bit nervous of the heat now after that pompholyx thing – still plaguing my right hand can you believe it – argh!
So… late summer here has dumped a bunch of snow! Please send your rain — I much prefer it. 🙂
And I too am inspired by the weights — what a brilliant idea and how beautifully you have created space for you and Anthony to feel together at home. Lovely
It is so strange, Louise, how the more Ants deteriorates, the more I am able to adjust and be okay. A year ago it was crap and now it is actually quite fun. I don’t quite know how the shift from despair to delight happened but it did!
Great photos and I love what you are doing; as long as you take time for you. Don’t make the mistake I did, filling my entire days with Al. Not that I didn’t love him but after he passed my body finally caught up and I was sick from this and that for a few months. Hugs and love
I can’t believe it’s been 2 1/2 years!
that means it cuts down your own bills … brilliant
It’s so good that the home allows you to do and bring whatever.. They’re not all like that… at least here.. Diane
What a good idea to get him to use the weights, I hope that is an idea that will run, it must be good for him.
this is as it should be dear girl:) home is wherever you decide in your heart it is. having the addition of volunteering is so generous of you and sure it is appreciated.
much love and warm gentle hugs to you my friend
I am sorry about the weather. A bit of sunshine always lifts the spirits.
That looks a lot of healthy snacks Anthony has got there. The bar will be nice for him as well.
My friend Emma is from Northern Ireland and when she was a teenager had a part-time job in a nursing home. A resident who had no legs asked her to get a bottle of whisky which he could give as a present for someone. She bought the whisky for him but he drunk it himself and got completely ‘blootered’.
Emma had to explain to the Matron what had happened and said she believed it was for a present.
Brilliant idea about the weights Julie. Those strong hands of his need to be working out.
Your days at your new home away from home sound very cozy. You’re doing such a good job of making the best of a bad situation, for both of you.
Those photos of Anthony pumping iron are just wonderful. What an inspired decision you had, to take them in.
Yes it is weird but it is also a good thing feeling at home in the nursing home
I LOVE how you are creating a home for him that is as close as possible to the home that he knew. You inspire me!
I wish I could siphon off some of the water from your lawn. It’s so dry here. It’s so important to create the familiar in nursing homes. You’re a sweetheart for all you do, including volunteering. I love that dog. Of course! ❤
Love how you have made it so home-like at the nursing home. The food treats look delicious and the weight idea was great! Love those photos. No wonder it feels more like home for you too…where the heart is…Such an inspirational post.