Back from OT

Was I going up the stairs or coming down? Sorry about the old dementia joke, but that's how I feel after returning from my latest sojourn to Manchester - 2 days after my last.

At least Jo was able to help out with a bit of the driving in both directions - she drove down as far as the Little Chef at Dunblane yesterday and also back from there tonight. It was nice to see Mary and Leo as well - I was late going down so didn't have any time on Tuesday but managed to have lunch with them today.

We also went to see Dad on the way home. There were loads of cars parked at Erskine and we wondered what was going on - it transpired there was a party on the 1st floor to celebrate the 1st anniversary of Erskine Glasgow opening. Of course, Dad was one of the few who didn't want to go - typical! He was seated in his usual position just outside his room at the windows. We managed to get him up but he was very stiff and could barely move. One of the staff encouraged us to take Dad up to the party and we did - but as soon as he got in and saw all the people and the noise and the dancing, that was enough - about turn and back downstairs!

We sat at one of the dinner tables - his usual chair - but he soon made it clear to us that it was time for us to go! Plus ca change. I took this poor quality photo of Jo and Dad with my Blackberry just before we left:

It was the first time Jo had seen Dad for a while - she'll tell you in her blog about how much he has deteriorated - he can barely walk and mostly communicates through noises nowadays. He's safe and well cared for - it's never enough but it's probably the only option we have. I wish it could be different.

Ross went to see another property yesterday - or at least he tried to - the agent never showed at the property in Culter. He's taking his time - quite rightly - and he's enjoying playing games on his new HD 37" TV!

Tomorrow it's another drive - Fraserburgh this time - and then I'm going to the Music Hall to see Seasick Steve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasick_Steve). I first saw him on Jools' Hootenanny last year - and he was back on Later last week. Talk about a late developer! Check out http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pNoPNC3ebYQ.