Something funny happened at the nursing home today. When I got to the NH Ray was in the large lounge room listening to the pianola. By his side sat L** who is a resident in the nursing home section and a friend now. She was Ray's partner when they played Bingo together. She backed off her wheelchair and waved me over to sit next to Ray.

Behind Ray sat a row of ladies from the hostel section. One of them said in a loud whisper: "Did you see that? That's his girlfriend just moved and that one there beside him now is his wife!" Well, it was hard not to laugh out loud. Dear L** is 88. Dear soul that she is she was very contrite when I told her and said: "But I love you both, everyone knows that." And she does, because she is a loving lady and loves all her new found friends.

I must say I have been impressed with today as the sun is shining and the birds, particularly the parrots, are flying dangerously low in pursuit of a new partner and not giving a thought to anyone in their flight-path. I think the courtyard mob are more upbeat, knowing that Spring is not so far off now. It is hard to stay upbeat when you visit every day and see the one you love slowly changing and not for the better. But we do try to keep cheerful. As the days go by it is sometimes hard to keep my spirits up.

I had a good weekend really, I saw my older son and his three children on Saturday, it was a bit awkward as he is in his newly rented house. Then I saw the same three with their Mum on Sunday. I invited them to join me at "Hungry Jacks" (owned by Burger King) for an early evening meal. I took some cupcakes with me so we had three courses, our hamburgers, our cupcakes and an ice cream. In between the little ones played in the play house and Pam and I got to talk. It is good we were able to do that. I am their only active grandparent now and I hope I will never miss out on seeing them. I know what divorce can do to families and I don't want to lose them.

I spent two hours this afternoon with Miss Alice and her Mum. I got to cuddle her for most of that time. I hadn't been able to last time as I was not sure I was well enough but today I felt really well and she was in a delightful mood so we had lots of smiles and lots of laughter too. Little ones even as young as she is love to peek-a-boo and to hear silly songs and be bounced and she is no exception. Edie says Trev sings silly songs to her too when he is cuddling her. They have some differences but seem to be shaking down well together as a family. Edie's Mum and nephew have flu so she was not able to see them this weekend.

Mum's facility is still in lockdown. Over two weeks now but they have to be clear of the gastro bug for 48 hours before they can re-open. Then there is extra cleaning and they usually change all the curtains and bed linen before they re-open too. I am really missing Mum but it is giving me extra time for visiting Ray and I am getting there around Morning Tea time and can help him with that and then we can go out into the sun where I feed him his lunch so I think that is a bonus. I will fit visits to Mum in again when her facility is open again but that will cut into my time with Ray. It is always a balancing act.

It is Fathers Day next Sunday ( 2nd September) so if it is fine Trev and family are meeting me at the NH and we will picnic in the park with Ray. Ray may be able to eat some cake if I mash it in with some icecream. Trev should be strong enough to get the comfy chunky chair out into the park. I don't suppose anyone else will come and join us though. Then Saturday 8th is our Church Fete, Local Government (like your County) Election Day AND Ray's birthday so it will be really busy. And maybe it will be a nice Spring day too!

So I just need to keep cheerful and maintain a sense of humour.