Chapter 30 - On Holiday
We have been on holiday without leaving our front door. It came about like this. Several weeks ago her 2nd cousin (with whom we have been close since before we were married. He & I had similar careers, each couple had children at about the same time. Been on holidays together. We are good friends, etc, etc.) had problems with new hardware/software in his computer. And last week I wished to attend a 50 year reunion lunch with blokes I started work with up north in the big smoke. So we struck a deal - 2nd cousin comes with the faulty computer and I catch the train north for one day to attend my reunion with a bunch of time-ravaged old sods.
Matters worked out well, although they took some time. The 2nd cousin had had a graphics card fail and that had been replaced by a dual head card plus a video capture card plus software by his local friendly computer shop. Except the software crashed at each capture attempt. After several days in our unheated garage, interspersed with BBQ's and bottles of medication the problem was resolved by repositioning his fancy audio card and reinstalling the audio card software. Meanwhile the ladies sat in the warmth of the house chatting and a little knitting. Once the machine problems were resolved we decided to have a computer-free day or two, but failed, since the 2nd cousin is on a steep learning curve, although we took time out for church and a lunch at the local club then a curry night which included other friends as well. Computer engineering requires much food and drink.
Although none of us could have maintained this life style for much longer, we were very thankful for the break in our captive routine. The 2nd cousin thought he had imposed upon us. Rather, we were released as if we had travelled away. Other offers for live-in computer repairs will be considered on their merits; mainly food & wine.
During the last week or so there were small events that should have been remembered for this blog, but I have forgotten. Some will breath a sigh of relief.
We bought a lifting sling from a disability outlet in the banana state. I call it her "chastity belt". The sling enables me to lift her from a seated position without pulling on her arms or shoulders and without causing twinges in my back. Pain in her arms and shoulders has subsided. Just another thing to keep close at hand with the CB radio and phone.
A local engineering shop sold me a length of stainless steel pipe and flanges to install a fireman's pole within reach of the toilet seat. The pole is between floor and ceiling, centrally positioned in front of the toilet in the main bathroom (her bathroom). By using the pole she does not pull herself off balance as she does when using grab rails mounted on the wall. And I have no need to appear with the chastity belt.
Now to plan another escape.
Matters worked out well, although they took some time. The 2nd cousin had had a graphics card fail and that had been replaced by a dual head card plus a video capture card plus software by his local friendly computer shop. Except the software crashed at each capture attempt. After several days in our unheated garage, interspersed with BBQ's and bottles of medication the problem was resolved by repositioning his fancy audio card and reinstalling the audio card software. Meanwhile the ladies sat in the warmth of the house chatting and a little knitting. Once the machine problems were resolved we decided to have a computer-free day or two, but failed, since the 2nd cousin is on a steep learning curve, although we took time out for church and a lunch at the local club then a curry night which included other friends as well. Computer engineering requires much food and drink.
Although none of us could have maintained this life style for much longer, we were very thankful for the break in our captive routine. The 2nd cousin thought he had imposed upon us. Rather, we were released as if we had travelled away. Other offers for live-in computer repairs will be considered on their merits; mainly food & wine.
During the last week or so there were small events that should have been remembered for this blog, but I have forgotten. Some will breath a sigh of relief.
We bought a lifting sling from a disability outlet in the banana state. I call it her "chastity belt". The sling enables me to lift her from a seated position without pulling on her arms or shoulders and without causing twinges in my back. Pain in her arms and shoulders has subsided. Just another thing to keep close at hand with the CB radio and phone.
A local engineering shop sold me a length of stainless steel pipe and flanges to install a fireman's pole within reach of the toilet seat. The pole is between floor and ceiling, centrally positioned in front of the toilet in the main bathroom (her bathroom). By using the pole she does not pull herself off balance as she does when using grab rails mounted on the wall. And I have no need to appear with the chastity belt.
Now to plan another escape.
posted by Kilpike | 7:43 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home