Day #64 > SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER
Boxing Day isn’t celebrated in the U.S. You’re telling me! Boy it felt flat in the house. I came downstairs just after 9.00am & Bob was snoozing on his throne with a DIY programme on the TV, & it sounded like Mum was in the shower. I made a pot of coffee & drank it before either one surfaced, but Bob & I exchanged pleasantries & he even offered scrambled egg as he was making some for them. You know, it’s only a little thing, but it counts. I thanked him, but declined as it was too early to eat for me, but I appreciated that little olive branch. Mum appeared & was very friendly, & as suspected there was no subsequent mention of yesterday’s issue with tidying & me overstepping the mark.
We walked Abel – although not for long as it was well below freezing – & chatted well. She was happy this morning. I was tired. I felt very drained, although once we were back I made sure I was at the head of the line doing the chores – hoovering & getting some wood for the fire with Mum – along with asking if Bob had cleared up the dog poop in the lounge . . .
After all was ticked off the list I headed off upstairs at around 12.30pm. I’d told Mum that I was tired, but was going to speak to a few friends, send some messages & then just chill out on my own for a while, so as I wasn’t going to be around perhaps she & Bob could actually do something; ‘you know, spend some time together as Bob’s always saying’ as I wouldn’t be in their way. ‘You’re so kind & thoughtful,’ she said whilst rolling her eyes at the thought of Bob actually doing something with her – but miracles do happen as I’ve seen & experienced them first hand, so I pray for something wonderful for her today. Boy she needs it . . .
I head upstairs & type a bit of this up & snooze. I’m not particularly ‘happy’ today – I just want to sleep & get some energy, as I feel drained by all. Maybe it’s all catching up with me, but I think Mum questioning my approach rocked me & I’m feeling the effects of wondering if I’m actually ‘helping’ – so best spend some time with the Lord & focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely & whatever is admirable.
Alas that was cut short by the smell of smoke & then the overwhelming stench of it. Bob was clearly trying to light the fire. Of course, the log burner is directly below my bedroom, so I bore the brunt of it – so had to open both windows, close the door & hid under the duvet . . .
I snoozed, read, watched & listened to stuff for the whole afternoon, & felt better for it. Was down at 6.00pm & they’re both in the lounge – which is like a furnace now, even the dog isn’t anywhere near the fire in case of scorched fur – & as there’s no TV in there we chat, although Bob’s on his tablet of course. And has a NA beer . . .
We eat soup – a kind of spicy chicken & corn soup with tortilla crisps scattered on top & a solitary slice of toast. In all fairness it’s quite nice, as it has some heat. I eat, make pleasantries, load the dishwasher & then head back up to bed before 7.30pm. I’m done for the day, plus now my eyes are not particularly happy from an afternoon of smoke so time to give them some rest.
Importantly, Mum & Bob seem to be communicating well & actually together, apart from the tablet mistress of course. And the NA beer.
On a personal note it’s the anniversary of the Asian Tsunami today, so I reflect on what could’ve been & I pray for continued improvement in both me along with Mum & Bob.
