not one of our better days

The Empress was fairly disoriented and restless yesterday - looking for Brother and SIL, constantly searching through cupboards and drawers, repeatedly surprised to see me in the house. When I asked what she was looking for she would jump guiltily and say, "Oh, nothing. Just looking." I didn't want to leave her alone in the house, so didn't get away to do a post with pictures. I kept hoping she would settle down, but she didn't. Still, she went to bed at 6PM, slept quietly, and seems bright eyed and alert today.

She repeats a lot. It's like she plugs in a short tape and says the same things in the same sequence. "There's sure a lot of beautiful houses up here. A lot of these houses are for sale - I wonder why. I guess people just got in over their heads. Everyone is trying to keep up with the Joneses. I wouldn't want to be raising a kid today - it's so expensive. Both parents have to work. And you have to keep up with the Joneses." I, for one, am sick to death of hearing about those stinking Joneses. Then she pulls another tape at random. "Your brother does all the cooking here. He's a good cook. In fact, all the boys are good cooks. You never did learn to cook, did you?"

And then, maybe she pulls out the, "There's sure a lot of beautiful houses up here," tape again. It doesn't really matter what I say in response to her comments. Obviously, it's my job to listen. I am not there to be heard. The tape plays on regardless. How would I like to be treated if I get like that? Pretty much the way I treat Mom I guess. With as much kindness and patience as can be summoned. I'm paying it forward.

Counting hours till I can go home? Not quite. But rejoicing that Thursday is the only full day left. I do not know how SIL can endure.

One of Mom's reoccuring brags is that she likes all kind of food. I'm going to put nasturtiums, violas and sweet pea blossoms in our salad today and see how she likes that. Is that too mean?

The surprise sweater is almost done. I'll post with a picture tomorrow.