1st week lockdown COVID 19

Song of the day: "The end of the world" by REM. It's as good a song as any at this point in time, I guess.

Time for an update. Not the best of times, I fear, but strange times for sure, what with the Corona Virus outbreak that has been sweeping over the world for several weeks. The Netherlands has gone into a tentative shutdown (social distancing), after the virus has started raging through especially Italy and Spain, where it has been the worst in Europe, so far.

So how has the virus affected us...well, no zombies yet, so that is definitely a plus. The way I figure, as long as the zombie's don't come shambling through the streets, we'll do just fine. Other than that, work has shut down until at least the 6th of April, just like all non-essential businesses through-out the country.

Although I can manage just fine to keep busy, in fact, in regards to location, this house is more luxurious for a lockdown than most. Heck, I've stayed in worse places than this myself. It might not be fun, but I can survive a month or two with this quarantine without losing my mind. It won't be fun, it won't be nice, or anything, but I'll be fine in the end.
That doesn't take away that the atmosphere in general isn't completely whacky. I mean, there are hoarders, there are those who don't believe that the virus is as bad, some don't care one way or other, and there are those who are scared out of their minds. I can get my head around most of them, of course, but considering we, the people in general, are not in charge of how things are handled, it doesn't matter one way or other how I feel about the matter, I suppose. Most of us are just along for the ride for now.

Well, guess it is time to catch you up a little on how life has been progressing lately. Work and school had been going pretty well...well, a little bit more of the first and less of the latter, which had made me behind on my studies up until the latest disaster hit.

Before the outbreak we had started looking for a permanent place to live, rather than the anti-squatting gig, but that is now starting to look like we'll have to put that on hold for the time being...especially because we have no idea about how things are going to go. For now we're going to be paid one way or other, but that won't hold indefinitely, of course. The company is not made of money, and if this is going to continue on as long as everyone fears...well, then we have a problem.

School, regretfully has not been completely cancelled. Last Tuesday was supposed to be my first theory test, but this was cancelled, of course, because this was the third of fourth day after the lockdown  and everyone was scrambling. Now, it turns out lessons are going to continue digitally. On the one hand that is great, on the other I am trying to find the rest inside my head to pick up writing again. Bad enough the world at large is hammering at me to pay attention to reality, having to worry about school in the meantime is not exactly my idea of fun. But we'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll be grateful for the distraction.

Unlike me, big brother gets to work still, for now. Despite the sauna being closed for guests, behind the scenes folks are putting in a lot of effort to catch up on maintenance that has been postponed time and again due it being too busy. So in that regard big brother is happy, because he can finally get to stuff that he's been forced to put off over and over again.

Personally I will be spending a morning at work, too, because the kitchen staff have been asked to volunteer with the cleanup of the big filters and such above the cooking areas. The other half of the chefs are going to tackle the big fridges on a different day, so we won't exceed the numbers that are allowed to get together. Nice to be able to catch up with everyone, and since quite a few are going stir-crazy sitting at home, it's also a necessary measure. It will be nice to go out for something other than basic groceries.

But back to before the outbreak: It's been a sad period actually. A very good friend died...the one I mentioned with Acute Leukemia. Regretfully he passed away before I was able to see him again. He kept postponing the visit, saying he wanted to wait until he felt a little stronger, a little better. Alas it never came to that. About three weeks ago the doctors told him there was nothing left to do for him, and a few days later he passed away in his home. His death hit me harder than I expected. Especially because I got the news at work, and of course had to ask for time off so I could go to his memorial. Almost burst out in tears right before my chef, and that is just friggin' unprofessional and embarrassing.

Be that as it may, we did go to the memorial, which was a very bohemian affair, much like he would have loved. Spoke and hugged a long time with his girlfriend of thirty plus years, and listened to the performance of his band involving, (brace yourselves, he was a sound artist) vacuum cleaners. A special evening on the cusp of the Corona outbreak.

Another bit of bad news, it's in the air, I'm telling ya, is that Tenant has taken a turn for the worse. Back when she had her stroke in Spain, the swallowing mechanism in her throat started to have trouble. Over the years this has gotten worse, but lately it got so bad she got a pneumonia due to getting stuff in her lungs, like food and drink. This meaning that she'd have terrible coughing fits. This, in the end, has led to her no longer being able to drink or eat, and since she finds a probe tube straight into her stomach so very irritating that she keeps pulling it out, she is slowly dying. What a horrible way to go! So strange to imagine that with everything moderns science can do these days, there is no solution for something like this. It baffles me at times.
Now if all that isn't bad enough, due to the Corona virus senior homes and nursing homes are in a complete shutdown. Hers included, so rather than have many, many people coming over to visit her in these final stages of her life, there are only a handful that are only allowed to enter one at a time, wearing full protective gear like gloves and such. So horrible if you really thing about it. Luckily they have started her on morphine now, so that should make her less aware of it all...I hope.

On the nicer part, had a visit with my dad last week. He and my stepmom had a lot of leftover tree trunks and such lying about in their yard, which needed to be dragged out to the curb so they could be picked up. A nice afternoon in the sunshine, dragging some odd 3000 lbs of wood while big brother attacked the trunks with the rented chainsaw. Poor thing practically gave the spirit in the end. So much wiry wood. Was good to see dad, although his appearances worry me a little. He's looking tired, and grayish almost. Poor guy really works too hard. Just hope that he doesn't get the virus, because that just might be too much for him.

Studying: Well, I had gotten nicely up to date due to the fact that my chef was trying to bring my hours down a little so they could work in new people, but now with the virus in full swing I am feeling distracted and completely not in the mood to focus on those studies. Coming tuesday we were supposed to have had our first practical exam, which would have involved making a 3 course lunch at school, but I'm not sure if that is going to happen anytime soon if our troubles are going to follow the example of Italy even remotely. Today they had their highest death-tole of almost 800. This means that the Netherlands is bracing itself. So surreal.
It doesn't mean that I won't try, of course, I'm just complaining a little here.

Still working on two individual manuscripts. Commanding Morgan, the prequel to Girl in the Mist, and tentatively called Girl from the Past for now, has its proposal practically done. And Lost Soul is practically through its first edit, meaning that big brother and I can both start reading through it, working out the kinks and such. I am looking forward to this, and if the quarantine is going to happen, that is definitely going to help to get us to sit down and get it done.

The house, well, I got that pretty much in order now. haha Would be weird if it wouldn't be, after more than 8 days into self-isolating. Embarrassing too. Is nice to have it all sorted, though. Though I tend to keep things up, having been busy so much that past few months, I had gotten a little bit behind. Added to that, i have completely thrown around the living room, which led to a hilarious moment later in the evening, two hours after big brother arrived, walking around, eating his dinner, when he suddenly said, "hey you changed it." Seriously, I almost peed my pants, laughing so hard. I'd deliberately not said anything, wondering how long it would take, but no way did I expect it would take him that long. Gawd, I haven't laughed that hard in ages...felt good. As to why I changed it? Well, I figured with the present situation being this severe, a change would be a good thing for my state of mind, at least.

Well, that' it for now, I guess. I will try to keep you posted, and if I can't feel free to look me up on Facebook.

Luck?

Song of the day: “Roar” by Katy Perry, but performed by a small group of young men who covered the song some time ago. I really like that version.

Right. I’ve been remiss again, I believe. It’s been a while since I wrote, isn’t it? I think that was the 28^th, meaning more than two weeks since the last post. Bad Sammi.

Anyway, let’s get to it.

I heard from my new job the other day. For a bit I was afraid that I might need to start looking for another one, seeing as I hadn’t heard anything for such a long time, but I was assured that I have until May for my training, so I didn’t need to worry. A relief that, until today I suddenly get a message asking me if I would be willing to drive this Thursday. Hello! I can hardly say no, of course, but still, that was a little sudden. Hah. No matter though. Most likely it will be the same area as where I went along with the seasoned guide, and since I am basically just following the caravan, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I’ll keep you posted.

In the job department things aren’t too bad at the moment. Got another small project in a store, adding more shelving, so that will add to the wallet as well. There are worries about funding, of course, but that’s in the future still, for now things are manageable.

This little job allows for some hand craft work, which is nice. Big brother has been doing some welding, while I have been sawing wooden shelves, and painting the metal braces.

The weather has been deplorable of late, except for today when the weather finally turned for the better a bit. We actually had several hours of sunshine yesterday, and most of today was fully sunny. Very nice chance, I was starting to get cabin fever again which is a problem for me lately. Very frustrating. It did allow for processing of the dog food yesterday, which was a nice way to pass the time, really. Normally grandpa does that, but he’s feeling poorly again, so we’re pitching in where he’ll let us. He’s making life so hard with all those strict rules for himself, and routines that make him stressed out. It’s the biggest hurdle he faces in a day

We did groceries, if only a little. The last couple of weeks were over budget, which simply won’t do with the little amount of money coming in. Luckily I’ve got some decent supplies going. That’s what they are for after all. It’s the sales that will save you in a tight month, right? Still, laundry detergent is expensive, fuel and all those fun little expenses. Makes a body worry, doesn’t it? Ah well, such is life.

Prepped some manuscripts for publishers, even sent out a couple more, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for that…if you want to help out, do the same. Can’t have too many crossed fingers in that regard. Boy do we need a break in the publishing industry at the moment. *sigh*

Ah well, in the end it only comes down to finding an editor with whom we click, right? We’re weird, there should be someone out there with whom that weirdness connects, right? Some folks like weird, right? I like weird…hmmm. Okay, let’s let that go, we’ll have to wait and see.

Jelly seems to be benefiting from the Meloxicam tablets he’s getting, which is good. He was having a lot of pain, I think, probably arthritis, considering the condition of his hips. Arthur is still schlogging on, and Abacara has improved a little as well. She’s eating again, and is a little less fearful. I think she was attacked by one of the other dogs…probably Ama, who has it out for her…but she’s recovered.

A bit of bad news. Considering my varicose vein has been bothering me for a few months now, so I went to the doctor (remember the butcher I mentioned back during my head cyst days? Well, I’m just THAT lucky) and got treated to the usual. “Take of your pants, lie down….oooh, oooh, that’s bad…sit back up…I want to test your blood pressure (I assure you, his brusque behavior and me sitting there in my underpants already had it up)…too high blood pressure. No more salt. None! Take this aspirin every day, wear stocking…blood tested and a echo scan of the vein…at which point I was so disturbed I went back to the stocking bit, and asked if that was really necessary. He said it wasn’t obligatory, so the way I figure, if it was this bad, I could do without that for the next few weeks. Jeez. There were no explanations, just orders, and a vague mention of an operation…which had me ask for some clarification, which he didn’t actually give, except for saying that he would decide what to do after the tests…as if that had nothing to do with me. Gawd. I was seriously upset afterward, and completely in the dark…and two days later the blood test didn’t make it any better. The girl taking my blood wasn’t really good at it, and it took three tries, meaning I have two big bruises on the insides of my arms.

The results were startling at first, but then fully understandable. Anemia is back, darn it…not surprisingly since I ate very little meat these past few months back home, and even less of it back in the UK. Guess that is simply not possible, not with my body, anyway.

The aspirin I was prescribed to thin my blood…I was forced to quit it. (If you are male you can stop reading now for a few sentences, this is female stuff) Seriously, my monthly was scary until I stopped. Not a smart idea to take blood thinners when you already have problems with your monthlies due to anemia.

All the other things that were out of whack from the blood analysis…most of them had to do with anemia (naturally) and infection. At first I feared it had to do with the vein, I mean, I get paranoid and frightened just like the next person, but then, the day after, within six hours of a small ticklish cough, I was suffering from a full-blown cold, thank you very much. So basically the blood analysis is void (except for the anemia related stuff) and the sonogram test on Thursday I’ll have to reschedule due to the sudden work thing coming up. I am not pleased. Hah. Not that that will make any difference, but what the hey. I have decided to go to a different doctor, one who I know will at least take the time to explain things to me. If I don’t I’ll just start worrying and drive myself bonkers.

Don’t need more bonkers, not after the last couple of weeks, which were bad, stress-wise, for some unfathomable reason. Seriously, there were times when I was fighting the urge to just get into the car and start driving until I was far, far away from any and all problem pressing in on me. Wouldn’t work, of course, seeing as problems have a tendency to follow you wherever you go (them being in your mind and all) so it was a fantasy that I wallowed in occasionally. Gotta get over that. The fantasy isn’t going to do much of anything, will it?

Anyway, I’ll keep you posted on the whole mess. With a little luck, you’ll get to hear me complain about an operation that can be, according to internet reports, quite excruciating…which didn’t exactly float my boat when I heard. I’m seeing a lot of Katie Melua’s “It’s only pain” in my near future. Gotta love the pain, enjoy it, embrace it…and all that shaite. Shall I stop thinking about that, maybe I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t feel a thing. Seeing as my luck has been sooooo good lately.

I know, sarcasm is supposed to be unbecoming, but I do like it at times. Hah.

What else. Well, the usual stuff, daily cleaning, laundry, cooking…my appetite was out of whack again after the doctor, which is not an uncommon effect. Silly man says I should lose weight (in a way that implies that I haven’t, or something) and my stomach starts to play up, and my old dysfunctional way of thinking about food just pops up, makes eating an almost impossible task. I find it scary what kind of power a doctor has in that regard, in particular since he knows nothing about me, and since his views are somewhat outdated. I mean, this guy didn’t know I have anemia and that I used to have a whacked relationship with food, back in the day. He doesn’t know that diets for me were the disaster that had me end up at the doctors’ the last time with massive deficiencies in my blood. It is my head that’s whacked out, wondering, on rare occasions if just one more diet would do the trick, while in my logical mind it was that attitude that got me into trouble in the first place.

I mean seriously, take my lousy deficiencies, and imagine me, decreasing my food intake (which is hard to keep up at any rate, since there still are times when food pretends to be my mortal enemy anyway). I might as well start taking arsenic, or something, in the end, it would have the same effect.

It’s hard. Just that lousy little remark from the doctor, undoubtedly voiced out of concern, or some such, had me miss four meals in three days, simply because I couldn’t get past it. Not good. Gotta find my zen, my zone and get back to eating properly. I can’t afford to do this sort of thing. Not anymore.

Moving on.

Did some nice reading recently, but also started on a book I’ve been asked to review. So far I’m only 20 percent into it, and although the writing is not bad, and the mistakes minor, I am having some difficulty. A little too gritty for my taste, I think…also, the subject is not really my thing. I like things pretty, if you will. I don’t mind grittiness from time to time, but there has to be some prettiness in it, some goodness. So far I haven’t found it yet.

Been diligently writing…though less than I could have, due to some edits in between of the manuscripts that we sent out. Added to that, I had to put together some query letters and a synopsis, meaning that the actual writing got interrupted. My hero is finally coming up to scratch, though, he might actually live to become a true hero after all.

Had a funny moment the other day, big brother was practicing his knife-throwing out in the old horse paddock, and he was like really proud, saying: “See that. See that!”

Me: Very good! (while cutting dog food)

Big brother: I know. It’s not every day that one manages to hit the target like that, so perfectly.

Me: Hey. Dude. Raise your hand.

Big brother: “What?” (He did, looking at me curiously, then his armpit)

Me: Bend it. (He did…none the wiser, yet)

Me: Now pat your head, and say “Good boy.” (which is when we both burst out laughing.)

Gawd, that was good. Not often that I can pull one over big brother like that.

Went to the gym four nights a week, a couple of times with our friend T, which was a wonderful change. Get to have some nice chats with her while we are out there, meaning that we don’t get so consumed by the workout that we spent an hour and a half, rather than just one hour pumping iron. Hah. Also, it’s nice to be away from the house for a bit, unwind, look at some different walls.

Boy am I looking forward to summer when I can just stay outside all day…also looking forward to picking up swimming again. Nothing like being without gravity for a bit.

Well, that’s about all I can think of at the moment. Considering that this is page four, it should be more than enough, right? Gotta go. It’s late.

Beware!!! An 8 page update

So. A lot has happened since my last post “Disaster struck”, and for now I’m going to see if I can catch you all up on the events that occurred so that you’ll be able to keep up to date, so to speak. For the time being I’m not going to resume my usual blogging schedule, life is just a little too hectic at the moment, but I should be able to manage one update a week until the time when I’ll be able to resume a thrice a week schedule.

First off, let me inform you that neither Sally, nor Tenant are living with us anymore. What with all the trouble going on, it just wasn’t possible. It is sad, it is hard, but even Samaya’s world is not untouchable by reality, is it?

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s get this a little in sequence, so that I don’t drive y’all bonkers with incoherent explanation. Last time I mentioned anything Tenant was being taken away by social services from the hospital and we were not being kept informed where she was taken.

Well, first of all, I contacted tenant’s daughter who immediately got to work on her side of the globe by contacting the embassy. I have to say I was properly impressed, because within several days she was able to inform us that tenant had been placed in a home for older folks in a nearby village, and even though we were not allowed to go and visit, it was a relief to know that at least she hadn’t disappeared off the face of the earth.

But anyway, while we were waiting for some sort of resolution about tenant, we were getting to hear more and more rumors that social services were hard at work to take Sally away from this, according to them, “horrible place”. *Gapes* Guess they don’t like dogs, or something. I would like to say I don’t hold that opinion against them, but I do. *sigh*
So, the news of that was starting to become more and more persistent, and Sally, who doesn’t have contact with her family at all and therefore would be lost in the Spanish healthcare system forever, was getting more frightened every minute. Action had to be taken, and what followed very much felt like some sort of Mission Impossible. With her certainty that she didn’t want to stay in Spain if she couldn’t stay home, she wanted to return to her country of origin, so this would have to be arranged.

It all started on a Friday. Big brother and I were at Spanish class, when the phone rang, and the decision had to be made. Tenant’s daughter had heard through the embassy was “very concerned”• about that “poor woman” and that they were taking steps. Dismissing lessons, I contacted Sally, and then started phoning. A friend of hers, and ours in her country of origin would be able to give her a place to stay, and Cousin Ed would travel with her by plane, just as soon as we could arrange a ticket. Lots of phone calls passed, friends were called, plans put in motion, but the first thing that had to be done was get Sally out of our place to some place safe where social services wouldn’t be able to pick her up before she got safely away.

Our boss, who we were building the pool for, was still in her own country, and we would be allowed to use her house as a shelter Sally. We finished our lesson, headed home where cousin Ed was already hard at work gathering whatever she and Sally would need for their trip and stay in the north. I packed up food for them, we filled up the Land Rover and were gone within four hours of planning the whole thing.

Cousin Ed was a mess, of course, not unexpectedly, seeing as she would be the one who’d have to take care of Sally during the flight, and then when they arrived on location and for however long it would take to get her settled there with the proper care. The fact that Cousin Ed had to leave behind her dogs didn’t much improve on the matter.

But anyway, I drove them to our boss’ place, got them set up for the night, and then rushed back home so I could help big brother arrange for tickets, and gathering whatever had been forgotten in the mad dash of getting everything packed.

We all got very little sleep in those days, four hours per night at most, and food just didn’t go down properly, so was skipped in most cases. Lost several pounds in fact. Not good. Were up early the next morning, working day, and helping Sally and Ed prepare for their trip were top priority, of course. For the most part I was splitting myself up by making concrete for big brother and helping get organized, while in the meantime we had to confirm the tickets and have a serious sit-down with Sally, who had somehow managed to turn everything around in her head and thought that all she had to do to get social services off her back was claim that she was a Dutch citizen and that if she wanted to remain the rest of her days with her only friends, that was her business. Was hard having to tell her that she couldn’t stay with us because they were going to come and get her, and that if she stayed she would have to stay in a home. That got her even more confused, because she couldn’t understand why anyone would want to do that to her when her wishes were so clear, so in the end I just started to reassure her by keeping it simple. She was going home to visit an old friend and see her family after many, many years. When I repeated that several times she calmed down enough to get cheery again.

While working grandpa phoned that a man in a suit had come to the gate asking for Sally, and only after grandpa said to him that she wasn’t there and had returned to her country of origin, did the guy leave. Talk about just in time.

We managed to get the last-minute tickets just barely, seeing as only afterward we discovered that you’re supposed to inform the airport of a disabled person two days prior to departure. Lots of phone calls to arrange that, of course, and finally we go the get-go. We would have to be at the airport at ten to six, and Sally still had to be cleaned and dressed for the trip.
By the time we finally were ready to get her into the car she was tired, and less than cooperative. In the end big brother literally had to lift her into the front seat, with her crying like a child. That was hard, too. Luckily, she calmed down considerably during the long drive to the airport, (had to drop Knight II and Niobe at home and pick up a couple of sweaters for the ladies) where Cousin Ed, stressed like the rest of us, rushed inside to get a wheelchair for Sally.
We were running late, but no matter. Sally was dressed nicely, and since Cousin Ed could already start signing them in, I took Sally to the bathroom where we wrapped her arms and legs in clean bandages. What with her fragile skin it just wasn’t smart to have her in the plane unprotected. She looked downright regal afterward, and calm, thankfully.

Service at Málaga Airport was nothing if not stellar. Due to the wheelchair, we were helped through the entire procedure by a young man who was able to tell us all sorts of fun stuff of what all went on at the airport. Then saying goodbye was there, we were all a little choked up, I think, not to mention tense. For some reason I kept having this image of that social services woman coming running at us, dragging Sally off. But she didn’t, and I told Sally that she was going to have a wonderful trip, and that hopefully we would see each other again soon. I doubt she believed me.
Goodbyes were said to Cousin Ed as well, and promises made to take good care of her doggies before the two of them disappeared through the gates, leaving big brother and me to walk the two odd miles to where he had managed to park the car.

Had a good cry on our way there. All the tension, stress, not to mention that my foot was effing killing me, just came pouring out, and I was a mess. But we managed, and since by the time departure time passed Cousin Ed hadn’t phoned that something had gone wrong, we felt infinite relief that it had all worked out, and that our boss would be waiting for them in the Netherlands to drive them to Sally’s friend.

Her arrival:

She looks relaxed, right?

So we headed back to work, finished the day’s work on the floor in the final hours of daylight. Actually managed our hours, even with everything going on. That knowledge almost made me giddy. Got a message at midnight that Sally and Cousin Ed arrived save and sound and were on their way to Sally’s friend. A big relief, that.

The next morning, again after way too little (albeit deep) sleep, we got to work on some serious cleaning throughout the house and rooms. It was a mess and having had social services seeing us at our worst didn’t feel good at all. Added to that, since one of the many complaints that we had gotten from social services was a “hygiene” problem, we decided to transfer all of tenant’s stuff to Sally’s little cabin, so she’d be in a new, and after a good scrubbing, extremely clean house.
Still not enough eating for me by then, but what the heck, I’ve got reserves, right? *snort* Did manage some writing that evening (nothing like a little escapism in hard times) but not much, seeing as we had to go to bed early so we’d be able to go to work early the next morning.

Were setting up the pool, and in-between cleaning the house, when Tenant’s daughter finally called with news. She’d had conference calls with the embassy, social services and the home where tenant was at, and since social services said that they’d had a doctor’s declaration that tenant wasn’t fit to make her own decisions, and that that declaration was at the home, which the home denied, we could go and pick her up just as soon as I could arrange it. So I was on the phone again, spoke with the director, and got permission to come pick her up at eight. That meant that big brother and I had little time to get everything done, in fact, since the pool was only halfway up, we weren’t going to make it unless big brother stayed there while I rushed home where little brother would be waiting with the Opel so we could go to the home and pick tenant up in time.

Arrived at home on the dot, headed out almost immediately, and then got desperately lost in the small tourist town that I hadn’t been to in more than ten years, I think. Arrived at the home exactly two minutes before closing time, which I basically fell into, out of breath while little brother got behind the wheel and got the car around to the right side of the road.

They weren’t unfriendly there, didn’t make a fuss either, but tenant looked horrible when I saw her sitting there in her chair, her chest concave and her face barely changing when she saw me come toward her. She was swearing under her breath, looking less than a shadow of herself, and I hated having to leave her there for even a few more minutes just so I could handle the paperwork. Got her out of there as fast as I could, ten minutes tops, and literally lifted her into the car, rather than risk having to linger there longer. I would have had a doctor come by immediately, but this is Spain and none of the good ones were willing to come out, so instead we made an appointment with a good one in Marbella the next day.

Middle sister helped me get tenant settled for the night. She wasn’t well, and vomited several times, meaning that we couldn’t leave her alone.
I had another little breakdown then, talked with big brother who suggested that it might be a good idea to listen to mom’s advise and not come out to pick him up at work at midnight while I was in such a state. Though not entirely willing to have a forced standstill (I have found that waiting drives me bonkers, while action at least keeps me from panicking) I agreed, and left middle sister to sit with tenant while I went down to write to tenant’s daughter about all that had occurred. I greeted the dogs, choked down a sandwich, and then went to bed to sleep for a few hours.

Barely caught four hours before I woke, wide-awake and one hump of tension once more. I checked on tenant, who was sleeping peacefully. Middle sister had stayed with her until about two in the morning. Grandpa had food waiting for me, though, and we ate it before I headed out to work where big brother had already started on hanging the liner of the pool.

We worked on that, and on cleaning the house, and were just about to pack up for the day when mom phoned informing me that social services was at the gate with the cops, demanding to have both Sally and Tenant. I heard most of it through the phone, and got to phoning tenant’s daughter once more, who told me that she wouldn’t object to a lawyer now, and if I would call him to help out in this case. I spoke to the embassy, promised to keep them informed, and arrived home to find that the cop and social worker had left after speaking to the lawyer on the phone.

The day wasn’t over yet, tenant had her appointment with the doctor in Marbella, so middle sister had already dressed her, and they were waiting for us to get her in the car and drive her there. That was a pleasant experience for a change. The doctor was Spanish, but his wife and assistant Dutch, which was good for tenant. They were soooo helpful, giving all sorts of helpful tips, and being very understanding about everything that had happened. We left there much reassured, and with a handful of prescriptions which we filled on our way home.

Tenant settled for the night, I cooked a late supper (barely ate half) and tried to get some writing done after keeping tenant’s daughter updated. Was in bed after one, and more than a little exhausted, yet I didn’t sleep well at all.

Woke by the phone. Grandpa told me there were four men at the gate, along with a police officer, and that at eight thirty in the morning. I went up there in my pajamas, and slowly the rest of the family followed too while we tried to figure out what was wrong NOW. They were demanding admittance and threatened that if we insisted on waiting for the court order that was underway, we would all be taken off. Seriously, our lawyer says that we’re being harassed for sure, in particular since normal police would not be sent for this sort of errands, and the last time that there was a Guardia Civil, he was in an old uniform, normal shoes and without a hat…a definite no-no, apparently. But what the heck do we know, right?
Armed with cameras, a cop car, and a card for city hall they were starting to look official. I asked little brother to take a photograph of the identity card we were shown (only one) but the guys almost when apeshit over that, saying that that was absolutely not allowed. So I phoned city hall, asking for them to confirm if they were really city hall workers. The woman wanted to speak to the one who said he was from city hall, and he started talking all quietly on the phone, clearly explaining stuff to her. Afterward she confirmed that he worked for city hall, but I should have asked her if she could describe him. Because for all I know he told her he was working for a special branch of city hall and had permission of the mayor himself to be there. *sigh*

But anyway, they were all over the property, took pictures and everything, and probably saw stuff they weren’t supposed to see. That court order never arrived, no official paperwork was handed over, and our lawyer says we were screwed over royally. Tell me about it.

But we couldn’t risk it anymore. All that stress wasn’t good for tenant, so I started making phone calls trying to find a place where she would be safe while we try to sort this stuff out. Phoned the doctor we went to, and they suggested a rather good home in Puerto Banus, but when I called they were way too expensive. So I phoned a place nearby and had just about arranged a spot there when I got a phone call from the first choice place where folks spoke Dutch, and the residents were international to say the least, and spoke to this very nice woman who explained that she was free to offer me a special deal for tenant. Something that was only slightly more expensive than the place closer to us. It would be tough to pay, but if we pitch in some of our own funds (who needs food anyway) it should be doable.

Then the hard part started. I had to explain it all to tenant who was still very weak and stressed from all the ongoing. She wasn’t pleased, in fact we both ended up in tears while I started packing her bags, and asked her if she could please be strong and go there so she could be safe and we wouldn’t have to worry about her. In the end she agreed and we packed up the Land Rover and started on our way…only to have the gear box stall on us. I kid you effing not, we had just gone up the drive sweep when the stupid thing started to not work. Aaaaargh.
Drove a couple of miles, and then decided that we couldn’t risk the long trip. So I phoned little brother (my poor phone almost went into apoplexy in those days) who drove the Opel to a meeting point where I could hop in to drive him home, while big brother drove tenant carefully to town in the Land Rover. He was waiting for me there, close to the garage where we would drop it off, (and give an explanation about what was happening. They thought it insane, too) and we transferred tenant to the Opel so we’d be on our way.

The home was a pleasant surprise. Basically in Puerto Banus, in a rather nice area, I must admit, we were let into a private parking area and welcomed by a very kind woman who saw to everything. We explained the entire situation, and their social worker would contact all the right places to let them know that tenant was safely placed in the home and everybody’s butt covered. I was much reassured by the operation there. Very professional, very good staff, and she would be sharing a spacious apartment with another lady. It wasn’t nice leaving her there, but she was tired and in good hands, I figured.

The next day, we packed up early (the Opel this time) took grandpa along so he could help big brother, and headed for work for our final day at the pool, yard and house. Did cleaning, and then left big brother and grandpa to it while I headed for Spanish class. Maria offered to help out with the translating of anything that needed translating, and I had to explain everything to her, of course. Gawd, I was so tired that there actually were times when I couldn’t form a single coherent thought in my head. But anyway, we got it done in about three hours; reading through the judicial statement our lawyer had put together, and translating a letter of explanation about tenant’s relationship with my family.
Didn’t arrive at work until later in the afternoon, but still we managed to get everything done. The pool done, the rooms we’d used cleaned, and sheets and towels washed…not to mention the thank-you gift for having been allowed to use the house.

Were late getting home. Heard from Cousin Ed that medical care is better taken care of there, and that nurses would be arriving in the morning to take care of Sally’s thrombosis and her skin. Regretfully her friend’s place is not ideal for a woman with Sally’s lack of mobility. To go to the shower they need to go along the outside of the house, and basically they are living in the living room. But that can’t be helped until they get an adjusted apartment from city hall. Such things take time.

There was still much to do when we came home, but we did manage to get to bed on time, at least.

Was a busy day the next day. Had the vet come over and finish the complete vaccinations of the dogs, which we had planned to separate in two to three times to manage funds better, but alas, it was not to be. What with city hall having been alerted, we didn’t want to risk the dogs. Spent the rest of the afternoon finishing filling in all the necessary bits in the passports and then went to Puerto Banus to visit with tenant.

She was miserable as heck, but she had spunk for the first time in ages, so I wasn’t too worried. She hates it there, she says, but the way she was acting, I couldn’t say that it was bad for her. There were many complaints (I get those, here she is used to being with us wherever we are busy at that time, while there she has to adhere to the rules and schedules of a rather big institution) but she was stronger, and in the end did understand that she was better off there until stuff is sorted out.

Once we got back, big brother had to go out again, this time with the vet assistant, who was kind enough to offer to translate for mom, while she went to the justice department in town and filed an official complaint about the ongoing mess.

Had a few busy days, mostly sorting through our storage. Basically we’re tossing everything that isn’t absolutely necessary, if only to show that we are willing to make changes for tenant, but I fear that it will have little use at this point. Government hardly ever changes its mind, does it?

On the 19th tenant had an appointment at the hospital for her catheter, so I arranged that I could take her there. Had to arrange stuff for Sally too, so that wasn’t too big a problem. Of course, after waiting for half an hour, we were let into a doctor’s office, who then told us the same story of how to treat the kidney stones, and then said we had to make an appointment to have the catheter checked at some other time. That’s what that day’s appointment was for, the twat! *sigh*

Took tenant for coffee to Funny Beach afterward, which she seemed to enjoy at least. I took that opportunity to say my goodbyes and explain a little what was happening…and was pleasantly surprised when suddenly my phone rang with a guy asking me if I was still interested in a job I’d applied to weeks ago, but hadn’t heard of. He asked if, even though he had never considered hiring two people for a single job (I’d applied for big brother and myself because we’re looking for part time work), big brother and I could come by that evening and meet with him. We agreed, of course, brought tenant back to the home, said our goodbyes while settling her in the dining room, and then rushed back down the coast.

Directions were good enough for me to be able to figure out where to go, and we arrived at the interview right on time. Had a long talk, got explained what all was involved and were seriously daunted since the stuff he explained sounded more suited for three folks, rather than two, let alone one, but he thought he would able to meet our payment, and would get back to us. We’d meet him again the next day, and immediately fix a couple of water tubes in his yard, as a sort of test.

The next day we arrived bright and early, did the job, and then went through the entire list of responsibilities involving the man’s twenty dogs, and maintaining the yard, patio and garage, for not a bad fee, just not what we expected for the hours we’d need to invest. So he suggested we think about it long and hard, which we did, and when we went by there the next day to give him our decision, we had to say no. It just wouldn’t be doable to have me do the morning shifts, big brother the evening shifts, all the commuting, the hours that would be lost with us being unable to work on the books, etc. etc. We’d just have to figure it out.

The guy took it in good spirit, which seems to be a character trait, and accepted our decision.

Have not been sleeping well at all. Very restless, waking a lot, my mind not shutting down, you know. Guess with all the uncertainty going on it is to be expected. The fact that the days are filled to full capacity doesn’t help much either, I guess…nor the worry about coppers coming to the door at any minute. Ah well, let’s hope there will be a time that we can all laugh about these wonky weeks.

Got another call from the guy with the job where he asked if maybe we couldn’t try it after all, so considering he offered that we could try it out with big brother and me working the same hours, just on different projects, we agreed to try it, and did a half day this weekend. Didn’t go bad. It is just learning how the new bosses want it done, isn’t it? And they’re nice enough about it, so all is well in that regard. We’ll get it sorted, I think.

Lots of driving about. Had to cancel Sally’s social security card, which was such a bother. I was being sent from one place to the next, only to discover in the last place that it would happen automatically when she registered in her country of origin. *sigh* Also had to cancel Cousin Ed’s insurance, otherwise it would overlap with her new one, which is a no-no, I’m guessing.

Had some really strange Spanish lessons, which mostly involved translating stuff and figuring out how to get English phrases to work in Spanish.

Been visiting tenant 3 times a week now. Bringing her clothes, which somehow got lost during all the mess, so every time there was something else that I’d forgotten or couldn’t find. Finally got the last bits on Wednesday. She’s still not happy there, but they’re involving her in all the activities (she complains that the games are fro friggin’ pre-schoolers) and she’s gradually getting stronger, so I’m pleased about that, even though I get a tad depressed when she practically begs me to take her home while that is not something that I am free to decide over until the whole social services thing is dealt with. I had to promise her that if she can’t come home, and that if she can’t be happy there, I’ll take her to her country of origin, too. Had to promise, so it will have to be done if it gets to that. *sigh*

Knight II’s foot is doing well, but Lhabana was diagnosed with Leishmania. She had big swellings on her “elbows” and ulcers, so I took her to the vet to have her checked out. She’s getting medication now and is wearing a collar cone so she can’t lick the damage. We’re going to have to see if the medication helps.
Carla is not doing well, I fear. If he gets worse, the dreaded decision is going to have to be made, because if his health declines even more, the quality of his life won’t weigh up against the bad anymore. *sigh*

Did another few hours at the job, more to learn stuff, and to help with the dogs, but that’s okay, you gotta learn some time, right?

Sally is not doing well over there in the North. The doctor is calling her pre-terminal, and her mind is rapidly slipping. In fact, yesterday morning, I heard, she wasn’t at all coherent so Cousin Ed had to have her admitted. Apparently she has a big infection again, cellulite, thrombosis that settled in her groin, a urine tract infection, and a delirium that makes her basically incoherent. Cousin Ed fears that she won’t be allowed to take her back home now, but we’ll have to see. It makes me a little sad to hear that she is dying as fast as I feared when we had to make the decision to help her go home. Nothing to live for there, after all.

Sometimes I wonder about this sadness, but then I remember that life is all about certain periods coming to an end, end this is clearly one of those. The end of an era, where all that we knew to be our life for more than 27 years, is disappearing. It is not to be sad about something like that, is it?

Well. That was a long enough blog, wasn’t it. That should bring you up to date at the very least. Let’s hope I’ll find the time to write another sometime next week, eh?

Life goes on…

Running late

Song of the day…I’m not sure. There were too many this weekend to just settle on one.

It was a busy weekend, and now it is late, so I’m going to have to do this fast.

First off, I'm a little worried about Knight II. The lump on his chest is still there, darn it.

Saturday market didn’t go bad. Had the booth set up in about an hour and a half, which meant that the waiting game started almost immediately. Hah. Stuff almost went wrong when we arrived a little late, and there was this guy standing there, acting if he had the right to be there. I immediately dug out my phone to check things out, but before I finished dialing he was off to his car, mumbling like a lunatic. Hah. Sold more than just the expenses for a change, and did have a nice chat with a Finnish woman and a woman from Canada. They were nice and one of them actually bought something, so that was a double treat. I also sold a tie dye shirt, which was very nice. She actually said she’d come by again to see if I have new stuff.

Started loading at two, and drove straight to our donation address afterward, hoping it would fit on top of the market stuff. It did, just barely, but it took time. When we finally did get home it was late, and I still had to get started on making the pumpkin chutney, yogurt sauce and of course the two mango cheesecakes. Yep, decided to make one for the market, and since making two mangos doesn’t take any longer than just one, I figured, what the hell.

Did manage some edits on Saturday. A good thing, considering Sunday was a bust in regards to edits. Didn’t get any done, but did manage to write two pages of my “Gun” story. That was of course after getting up at the crack of dawn, baking 12 burgers and driving to Funny Beach where we got to set up the stand once more. Good thing I like to set up a lot, because now I get to do it twice a week…did get a rather nice compliment the other day that I “dressed up” the stand so nicely. Almost like a cute little store. Hah. Good to see that it at least gets appreciated.

Made my first real profit with my patties, cheesecake and sauces. Came away with some odd ten bucks after the expenses were taken off. Yay. I loved those expression on some folks’ faces when they tried for the first time, and ended up totally surprised. There were plenty of responses that went like “Wow. That is REALLY nice” or “Very good, and there’s no tofu in this?”
Sold about a dozen of ‘m. Along with seven pieces of pie, and a bottle of sauce. Yay! One dude even bought some of everything. Hah. Nice.

Were done setting up within a couple of hours, at which time I took over the stand for about half an hour so Cousin Ed could take a quick dip in the sea. We’ve been trying to for the past few weeks, but what with everything going on we just didn’t get to it. But anyway, once she had her swim, it was time for me to get into the car and go to the hospital to visit Sally. She’s not doing well, I think. More so mentally than physically. She’s doing stuff that had me a tad shocked when she told me, and I don’t shock easily. It made me a little ditzy afterward. Heck, I even forgot my water bottle once I left.

Once I got back I stuffed my face with some crackers and cheese, and then headed into the restaurant where they were nice enough to let me have a table (despite it being busy) so I could write for an hour and a half. That went rather well. Character development is coming along nicely, as is the plot. I actually had to laugh several times while writing.

But anyway, once done with my writing, it was another hour before it was time to start packing up for the day. Didn’t finish with that until well after six (my friggin’ just about ready to be chopped off) and arriving at home around seven. Then there was the whole unloading bit, shoveling food down our throats and then sitting down for some relaxation finally. Did have some nice chats (regardless that the other participant is nicely nutters) before finally dropping into bed and passing out for the night.

Which reminds me. I was totally miffed this morning when I woke up from the alarm right when my dream was starting to get interesting. It was a continuation on my “Gun” story, and I was just about to kiss this Brad Pitt-ish dude when the friggin’ alarm went off. Could have had a bit more of that, thank you very much.

Did manage a ten page edit. Both big brother and I are pretty pleased with how things are turning out so far. The new scenes seem to match nicely, while still keeping the tone of the story intact, which is all one can really ask for, right?

Then, of course, we had to head into the yard, where I yanked weeds, planted some herbs and big brother watered. It took us about an hour, at which point it was time to have some lunch. I took my dose of meat, thank you very much. (Good Sammie) And we did a bit of Spanish when Cousin Ed, Grandpa and Tenant came home from the hospital. Tenant had an appointment for her kidneys, and grandpa visited with Sally, so that went all really fast.

Lunch eaten, big brother and I headed out for a pickup. Since we were out anyway, we went past several stores to look at prices for cameras. I’m playing with the idea of getting a digital one. I’ve been leaning toward it for a while, and who knows, I might actually try to get a job with it, here and there. We’ll see.

Well, once we got home it was almost nine, so I quickly cooked dinner and then tried to get to work. Regretfully I got a mail which took way too much of my time, so once again we didn’t get to edits. Darn it, we’ll never make that deadline now. I hope that that publisher won’t mind C.H. being late.

Well, it is almost two in the morning. I need to get some sleep, in particular since I am a little tipsy (had a nice white semidulce). If I don’t I might say something stupid.

Down for the count

Song of the day: “Bruises” again, by Train and Ashley Munroe. Cute song, but since I’m a bit feverish, it comes across as a bit freaky.

Not a good day, and I am not in a good mood at this particular moment. I am still sick, and so is Knight II, who’s at the moment in a worse state then me. He’s got a fever, hasn’t eaten in three days now, and, well, let’s just say I’m pretty worried. The fact that I’m sick as a dog myself, and not all that clear in the head, makes that I’m having some serious emotional shit going on with the trouble about Knight. He might very well just have some sort of doggie flu, and nothing scary, the way my feverish mind is imagining.

Sally is going to be staying in the hospital for the next few days. At least until Monday because her bacterial infection is severe enough for her to need observation, and treatment for that long.

As to yesterday, big brother and I spent the day up in the mountains, tiling underneath the balcony we built. It was cold over there, windy, and the day was really too short to finish it in one day. By the time the day drew to an end, we were over half, but I’d done three tiles wrong, meaning I had to take those out again, and start over before we gave up half an hour before twilight.

At that time we had to rush, because Knight II really wasn’t well by then, and I wanted to visit the vet. They couldn’t find anything wrong, and when we got into the car, he ate a piece of bread at least. But it didn’t improve, and this morning I took him to the vet again, only to have his antibiotics changed. Now, in the evening, he has a temperature going up and down. He’s still shivering and I…well, I want him to get the heck better, darn it. I don’t like him like this at all. Earlier he startled awake from dozing, jumped up and basically ran off, backwards, of all things. Poor darling.

Today, despite the illness, and having been to the vet, I did very little…I’ve decided to focus on getting well first (well, with Knight) because I’m not worth carp like this.
Signing off.

R.I.P. Akata

Song of the day: “New York” by Alicia Keys again. I blame it on the latest book project, truly I do. I’m constantly searching through Google earth and maps, going through 5th avenue and Central Park west road, getting a feel of the city and finding out where my characters are going, and what they’re seeing. Fascinating!

It’s been a busy couple of days, for me it seems as if it has been a constant run for me to keep up, and not all of it was fun.

First off, we lost another of the pack. Akata. Our gray and white husky who we got as a wonderfully tiny puppy in 1997/98 I believe. He was so gorgeous. Six weeks old, bright blue eyes and back then, sort of like a dirty snowball in color. A cuddly little thing, and quiet. He was big brother’s and for the past fourteen years or so he has been a steady member of the pack. Sure, the last year or so age had been catching up with him, but we couldn’t watch him get worse. He was moaning whenever he went up the stairs…if he managed at all, and eating was a chore he didn’t look forward to anymore. It was just sad. So the dreaded decision had to be made, and big brother and I went to the vet to get it done. He went fast, big brother and me standing beside him, petting him through this final moment and then it was over. Two minutes tops, but it keeps being somewhat horrid. It’s so irrevocable, if you know what I mean. You make a choice and suddenly something you care about, something living is no longer there. I think this is the saddest moment in life, and no matter how often it happens, it stays that way. *sigh*
Perhaps now you understand why I called my first blog (way back when on myspace) Surviving the Pack. It's not as easy as it sounds.

Here’s a picture.




Wasn’t he gorgeous?

But enough of sad stuff. It is past and cannot be changed. It never can.

Let’s do yesterday and get this blog over with.

Yesterday involved the morning chores, of course. Then heading down to the basin terrace like we now do most days for breakfast and then doing some Spanish. Focus was shot, but what the heck, managed forty five minutes before my brain got to be too insistent and wanted to continue with the scene I started the day before. Managed a solid two pages before I got distracted by a personal email that kept me friggin’ occupied for the remainder of the afternoon. Aaargh. In fact, it kept me busy most of today too, and regretfully I can’t share its contents with you yet. I would if I could, I swear, but right now it is not discussable. Maybe soon, maybe never. We’ll have to wait and see. Could be good news, could be nothing. Whatever it is…well, again, we’ll just have to see.

So anyway, only managed a couple of pages since yesterday, partly because after watering the plants we had to take Akata to the vet. That done, we drove around for a bit, mostly to get our heads on straight and then needed to go to town to return a sewing machine part for mom and to pick up a couple of blocks of cheese.

Had cheese and onions (grilled) for breakfast too, and ate some soup at the end of the day so we’d get some veggies in after all. I am starting to notice a certain pattern in my eating habits. If I’m upset I get trouble eating, which is not a good thing what with my body’s inclination for deficiencies, darn it. Seriously, just eating stuff that needs to keep those levels up is a day job. Grrr.

Gawd, I just remembered, I’ve gotta can tomorrow. The amount of zucchinis are back up to the dozens, so rather than waste them, I wanna cook them into a soup and can them for winter again. Also, I have to cook a decent meal tomorrow. I’m thinking ratatouille with spaghetti, that oughta do the trick.

Got a message from a publisher announcing that my manuscript arrived, so keep your fingers crossed on that one. Seriously, all this waiting could wreck a person. Hah. But okay, this is my chosen career, and the waiting game is regretfully a big part of it. You get used to it, and I’ve got to admit that now, after going through that particular torture for the past fifteen years or so, I’m getting better at the “better next time” attitude.

Little brother had his first driving lesson yesterday too, and he absolutely hated it. He had the same teacher we did, and felt afterward like giving up on the entire thing. I remember the teacher well, he’s horrid the first time ‘round, but once he gets to know you, he relaxes enough for you to not want to run off screaming. I wish little brother the best of luck for sure. It’s a challenge.

And then today, well, since I was late getting to bed again last night, so I wasn’t at all pleased at waking at eight and staring up at the ceiling, wondering why the heck I woke so long before the alarm. Luckily I did drift off again, but much to my regret woke up with the third headache in a row. Gawd, I sure hope I don’t get the two year headache (chronic thingy) again. I absolutely hated that time. The pounding was off and on most of the day today.

There were the morning chores, after I soaked in the pool for a few minutes, treating my throbbing head to some cooling at least. It helped enough to bring it down to a bearable level. Yay.

That done it was down to the terrace where I worked on that letter I mentioned earlier. The hours crawled past, partly due to the humid heat which didn’t make the weather pleasant, despite the occasional breeze from the sea. But anyway, got through the ordeal and then headed down into the yard for much needed relaxation watering the plants and harvesting the day’s veggies. Added to the zucchini pile (ergo the canning plans tomorrow) and got some stuff for the dogs, and then headed up after eating bread with grilled onions and cheese.

Big brother and I cut the veggies today, put it on the fire to cook before we went up to check on the wagon for Cousin Ed. Still have to put up that last section on it, and we did most of the preparation before taking Knight II to the car and heading out for a much needed jog.
Seriously, all this sitting (or in my case standing) is a pain in the behind, literally. Luckily the jog really helped to clear my head, and once we got back, I even didn’t really care that I had to do the blog, rather than write on the new book…well, that’s a lie. *sigh* Seriously, writing about the day’s events totally doesn’t compare to writing about the two leads that are constantly battling for attention in my head. *double sigh*

Now it’s too late, of course. Bed time is nigh, and at this point I don’t mind. I’m beat. Hah.