Sh*t creek - is now in my rear view mirror...!

MovingForwards

That was a good trade Skinty!

Irenadler

Well, yesterday I was meant to be cleaning, but because I fished out the left-over Xmas cards, to see if there were any I needed to get, I ended up writing out the cards! 

Fortunately, I had got the 'special' ones, e.g. named relatives, so, the only thing I need to do is put the stamps on and post them. Ha! This has never happened before.... I pat myself on the back because usually I buy them in the January sales, sometimes forget I have them, and buy more! Not this year. I even have some special ones left for next year, so, need to remember not to buy more in January!   
So the list:

1. Put up decorations.
2. Write cards.
3. Buy snacks - half done.
4. Buy booze/mixers.
5. Buy ingredients for main meal (vegan) x 4, dessert (vegan) x 8? in case other relatives can come (vegetarian).

The current plan is that I will make the vegan option so if the vegetarians both come, they can enjoy that with me, so the parents don't need to worry on that score. The parents (omnivores) are going traditional turkey & all trimmings. We can all still eat the side dishes (making sure we use vegan margarine & oils in those, for all of us, which will be lactose-free too). 

The parents are doing the non-vegan but no dairy Xmas pud & non-dairy custard (for the lacto-intolerant ones!) whilst I am going for the vegan dessert so the 3 of us who are vegan/vegetarian can enjoy that. Making more portions of dessert so everyone can choose what they fancy or have a bit of both! Phew! I will bring some vegan cheese for the ones who normally go straight for the cheese and biscuits/crackers.... Head spinning a bit now. All I need is for the gluten-intolerant relative to turn up..... er, think my dessert will just have to be vegan and gluten-free just in case! I have seen vegan mince pies, but, don't think they are gluten-free... I am stopping now to research my vegan cookbooks! Desserts first - have to get my priorities right!  Maybe I will make my infamous nut loaf, he he....

MovingForwards

Buy some gluten free flour, jar of gluten free mince (or make your own as there is enough time) and make the mince pies, everyone is covered then. Supermarkets do sell GF mince pies, think it was a 4 pack.

You're so organised and definitely a new woman compared to a few months ago 🤗

Irenadler

Ta Babs

I think I will make the main, and a dessert, but buy some GF vegan mince pies & cheese. Especially as I suspect people won't have much room left for the last 2. That way the most pricey meals are sorted i.e. home made, vegan GF mince pies can't be that much, and I'm sure the vegetarians will try the vegan cheese out...

Aw, new woman? Maybe. I think I didn't realise how much the thought of going back to a highly stressful full time job was bringing me down, along with juggling care for relative, and trying not to crumble under it all... I am trying to be more positive! Sleep is weird and elusive though.... I think the relative is slightly improved from being mainly horizontal, to pottering, resting, pottering. A good sign.
I foresee stormy seas ahead, though, when the referral to memory clinic comes through...

MovingForwards

Think they were £2 or £3 in Mr T's. 

It is strange how much that can weigh a person down. When the decision is taken, either by you or them, the world becomes a brighter place. In time, when life settled more, sleep and everything else will start to fall into a better routine.

When the referral comes through, you will deal with it. You're so much stronger now, talking and not bottling it all up 😃

atrixa

Looks like it's shaping up to be a lovely Christmas dinner! 
I'm glad to see a weight has lifted now that you don't have to go back to work, it'll give you headspace for all the other stuff.

Irenadler

MovingForwards said:

Think they were £2 or £3 in Mr T's. 
Cheers Babs, I am aiming to visit today to scope out, if they are not going to expire too early, I may buy a pack!
It is strange how much that can weigh a person down. When the decision is taken, either by you or them, the world becomes a brighter place. In time, when life settled more, sleep and everything else will start to fall into a better routine.
It's made things much clearer and simpler. It definitely felt like a weighty anchor, dragging my MH down to the depths, with everything else going on....
When the referral comes through, you will deal with it. You're so much stronger now, talking and not bottling it all up 😃

Dreading it. The relative is still saying they are fine, yet, can't remember really simple words now, like 'clock', names of vegetables, etc. Really worrying. What's worse, with lockdown here, who knows when they will get referral? My biggest concern is that if they are diagnosed with dementia, will it be to late for any medication to slow it down, or have any affect? Have to put that out my head as it is effecting my sleep....

Irenadler

atrixa said:

Looks like it's shaping up to be a lovely Christmas dinner! 
I'm glad to see a weight has lifted now that you don't have to go back to work, it'll give you headspace for all the other stuff.

Thanks atrixa!

I really need something positive to look forward to, and I don't think I will be alone on this, this year!

MovingForwards

Try not to think of what if Ren.

Irenadler

It's not something we can do anything about.... keeping everything crossed.... 

Stocked up a bit more on Xmas stuff, some vegan cheese type puffs & onion rings, soya custard, & more chocolate! Plus some more UHT soya milk, and fresh bits. The mince pie situation - although they had GF, didn't have vegan. Hmmm, may be inter-webbing to see reviews/stores stocking them.... I think I definitely have enough junk/snacks!