Sunday 2 March 2014

Did March sneak up on you?

Isn't Frosty cute?!
But I was ready, I even had help redecorating.
There is pressure to keep up my decorations, positive pressure! Strangers notice, and comment when we see them in town, or when I'm buying new supplies, like ribbon. One driver even stopped, one summer, when I was out out working in the yard, he told me his wife always commented on my work.

My girls were visiting, after a very emotionally difficult, and busy, January/February. Funerals are sources of healing, but still stressful. I logged over 2000 km on the car, between hubby's pre-op, operation, post-op visits. I learned a lot. Hopefully, it will make me a better hospice volunteer.
 I did have to double up on my antidepressants. That helped my stress, anxiety, and chest pains. I'm still working hard at relaxing. There are a lot of causes of ill-health, including cancer. Stress is one of them. That flight or flight response causes hormonal imbalances.


Pre-op!
It is mentally and physically tiring for a healthy caregiver, never mind an ill one, and I don't know how some people do it. Even for me, an experienced hospice volunteer, like myself. There is a heavy burden trying to be in charge. 




Last weekend, I was so happy to have the kids visit!
Nothing like outdoor play in knee-deep snow and sunshine after a nice lunch of finger foods; meatballs, veggies and dip!

The 2nd job was to disdecorate from February. (The first was feeding the birds!) Caitlin, being 5' 8", was helpful with this! She disrobed bear. I may be of average height, but my children are taller. They are very handy to have about.
She's good to go! What a helper!


I usually decorate my fence.
You can see a granddaughter behind the fence! (Red hat!)
Here we are. March Madness.


Caitlin didn't giggle too much!


Caitlin was my
official photographer.

Done!

It was fun trying to figure out how to make gold coins! I bought an old pot, to make a Pot 'O Gold! Styrofoam, spray painted yellow and gold, hot glued to an old seed bag, similarly painted. I created a ribbon rainbow, too. It requires some imagination...
I miss teaching art and the other topics.

Yes, a pot of gold!
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Toothpicks, white glue,
hot glue, bubble wrap!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure your decorating brings smiles to all the passer bys

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Sorry Jan/Feb was such a difficult time. I hope March brings much healing and more fun.

EG CameraGirl said...

How kind of you to decorate for those who pass by on the road! I hope March is much less stressful for you than January and February have been.

Hilary said...

I'm sure that expressing your creativity and the kudos you get are good for your soul. May March/spring bring nothing but good times.

Carver said...

March snuck up on me too. Great family shots and winter scenes. It is very exhausting to be a caregiver and it's extra hard when you are sick. I was the only child in my family that ended up in our home town so I was very involved with care giving at the end of each of my parent's life. My daughter was only 4 when my Mom had a stroke so that was hard. Anyway, I can relate to this post. Try to take care of yourself!

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh, I'm glad nobody stops to mention our yard, because there would be complaints, not compliments. My husband just leaves things where they land, and I can't pick them up.
I hope you and your husband are both feeling well now that spring is on its way.
Do take care.
Luv, K

Red said...

You know the look after the caregiver stuff. I don't need to tell you to make time for yourself.