Family, Friends and Feline Frolics!

What a busy few days I have had. In between working a ridiculous amount of hours in three jobs, I have at least managed to fit in some 'me' time, spent with family and friends. Cousin Emmy came over on Wednesday afternoon with baby Thomas; luckily I just managed to catch her after getting home from a long shift at the supermarket and before I started work at the Newcome arms. Seeing Emmy is always a pleasure and Thomas is the icing on the cake.

Thomas continues to grow and is looking fit, strong and healthy, as is Emmy of course; you wouldn't even know she was pregnant a few weeks ago. Cradling Thomas is becoming a little easier each time, although I am still a uncomfortable holding such a young child; my experiences of 'baby holding' is not a vocation that will win me any prizes anytime soon. Still he was rather relaxed in my arms and actually didn't cry, so I must have done something right!

In the evening I had to work a shift at the pub; Wednesday is truly a busy day for me. After spending a few hours with family, it wasn't something I was looking forward to. Already tired from my morning job, I really could have done with a few hours sleep before serving behind the bar, but needs must and no one else was going to do it for me.  It's amazing how quickly the human body can adjust itself into a alien routine if it has to. No sooner had I left the house, I was psyched up and raring to go again. I have been called a workaholic in recent times, a title I am happy to accept; nothing is for free in this World and I have spent far too long sat on my laurels!

Darrell came into the bar at 9pm to meet Garry, who I had arranged a catch up with before Darrell leaves for Australia; I left them to chat and reminisce about times gone by, while I served customers. I am not sure if Darrell will get the chance to see anyone again once he leaves, so I am doing my best to organise a few get togethers before the 3 October. By all accounts they both enjoyed the encounter, after having not seen each other for so long; at least I can cross this audience off my bucket list!

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Despite trying to  have a lie in this morning, I was awake by 6.30 am once again. With a baby in the house, my body clock awakes when Cain gets up, even when he isn't here, so there was no point in staying in bed and I was up by 8am on my day off.

I was due to visit Mother today but have delayed that until next week. She has been moved to ward E3 at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, from Southampton General. Dad thought it would be an easier location to get too.

Even though QA is closer for family to navigate, it seems she has been moved to a unit that caters for mainly dementia patients, something Mum doesn't have and visiting hours are restricted for security reasons. As a rule I am only able to visit Mum in the mornings and not from 2pm as they demand on this ward. Dad is incensed that Mother has been put in such an area, believing she should be in a more appropriate department for someone in her condition; I can't help agreeing with him. The only reason she has been put here is because there were no beds available anywhere else in the complex, a terrible indictment on today's National Health Service! I have now delayed visiting Mum until I can make arrangements to do so. My work load should be a bit lighter next week, hopefully allowing me to rearrange a few appointments; fingers crossed anyway!

With time on my hands I popped into Portsmouth City with Darrell to carry out a few errands I had been putting off. We both managed some quality time together at least, a rare thing these days. After buying my Aunts Birthday present for Sunday, we grabbed a spot of light lunch at Jenny's Cafe in Charlotte Street; the first time I have been there and it wont be the last; the food was delicious!

....and finally! Duchess is growing at a rate of knots at the moment, eating everything she can get her paws on. She has a fantastic personality and is the life and soul of the household. I have never had a cat quite like her and it is wonderful to see her flourish, leaving her mark on everyone. Duchess has become an integral part of the family; without her all our lives would be that much poorer!

I have a busy weekend ahead, what with work and my Aunts 59th Birthday. My life in the UK has suddenly become extremely busy and I am relishing the new opportunities ahead. As Darrell makes his final plans to leave the United Kingdom, probably for the last time, we are both happy that my time here is secure in the short term. Whether or not he returns is a matter for both of us, but until then I will just keep working hard and striving for a better future, as all of us need to do!

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