Ready For Summer

As you might imagine, it's rather difficult for Mom to get around. She is plagued with pain at all times. Even with prescriptions, her pain is only dulled, and never completely gone. So, she doesn't always go galavanting around with me. But then, I don't think she'd want to. haha

This time of year is always the worst for her, as far as pain goes. We thought it was associated with the cold weather - and it is, indirectly. It's not the cold air that makes her body hurt. It's the fact that she can't really get out in the fresh air and move around. Well, she could, but the last thing she needs is to risk a slip.

It's better in the Summertime. We live near the beach, and Mom enjoys leisurely strolls along the shore. She picks up sea glass. She enjoys watching and indentifying birds (and feeding seagulls! Aaaack!). She waits for sunset and tries to capture it with her camera. If she's feeling brave, she munches on a clamcake from the Snack Shack.

I enjoy doing all this stuff with her (minus the clamcake). We try not to talk about the stresses of life and just enjoy nature and the fresh sea air. We always go there after the heat of the day has passed and most people have gone home. We like it better that way. Mom likes the benches along the walkway. It's better than sitting on sand, that's for sure.

Another thing we enjoy doing together, in the summer, is going to yard sales. We try to go every weekend if we can. Even if I'm not in the mood, I'll take Mom if she wants to go. Anything to get her out and about and to get her pain to subside just a little.

We don't always know what we're looking for, but when we find it, we know it! Sometimes we just do a drive-by yard sale-ing. We'll say one of two things: "Oh that one is crap, let's not bother." or "That one looks like it might have some good stuff." That's all we need. Stuff. Our favorite sign? "FREE STUFF". Sometimes you can find some real treasures. More often, crap.

We're getting better though. We go with specific needs in mind. Now it's: I could really use this can opener and not Gee, I want these salt and pepper shakers, because they're "cute". Thank Goodness.

I think it's safe to say, we're looking forward to Summertime, once again. :)