A big relief.

A neighbour recommended a private carer to me so she has just had a week working with dad each morning. And he wants her to continue. Such a relief. It makes a big difference to our mornings. He seems to be more relaxed and calm and I am too.

Actually, I think it sets him in good stead for the whole day as we have had a much calmer week. There are always a few things that irritate him, mostly me methinks but it has been quieter this week, of which I am very grateful.

One noticeable issue he had with me this week was when he had asked me to buy him an updated diary for this year, better late than never. It duly arrived and I gave it to him and walked out. I only went in to take him a cup of tea about half an hour later. He had obviously been sitting there stewing the whole time. He spat out that I had bought him the wrong diary. I looked at him. He must have thought I had not heard him properly. He shouted that I had bought a 1922 diary. I continued to look at him without saying a word. He did not like that and the mouth started twisting and the colour of his face reddened. He shouted that I should have bought a 1921 diary. I kept staring at him silently. It took him a while but he slowly realised that he must be wrong. He sat back a bit and was still. Once no more venom was coming my way, I spoke. I said 'I bought you a 2022 diary as that is what you needed for this year'. He whispered 'thank you'.

'Not my circus, not my monkey'*. I am going to try and continue to not get involved in his drama. That is really difficult to do at times.

* a Polish proverb.