To the end of the earth and back

I've been away again. Back to Dubai to be precise but not just to have a jolly old time with my sister. I had a more serious mission to complete: to help her pack up her life in the sun as my lovely, lovely brother in law, Alan has been diagonised with a brain disease. Not sure what it is as they can only tell you for sure once you're dead (what a cheery thought) but it seems to be early onset dementia -very early as he is only in his 50's and until recently was a high flying scientist. The worst aspect is that his language is becoming affected: he keeps forgetting words for things but luckily his gentle personality and sense of humour have not been affected. I refused to believe that there was anything wrong at first, claiming that he was in his usual absent-minded-professor mode which we all find so endearing (but maddening at times). In fact, he just seems himself but more so if that makes sense. Both of them are not happy to be back as Dubai is like some sort of bizarre fantasy land where real life is suspended and it is sunny all year round. I always go on a massive downer when I get home too which always surprises me as I am your original home bird. One good thing is it is only a quick whizz up the A2 to visit: they are now living in Greenwich which means an excuse for me to visit the fabulous Greenwich market on Sundays and pick up some vintage finds.

Now we are in the grip of the Easter holidays, I've been keeping Alexei and his friend Sam busy. I borrowed an idea from Julie for using up all those old crayons that have been hanging around for years.

The one at the bottom right looks like a delicious lemon tart.

Then totally unprompted, they got out the tin of foreign coins and did some rubbings. I was really surprised how much they enjoyed it as their perfect day usually involves running around in the woods, shouting a lot and waving sticks. (There's been a lot of this . . . thank goodness for the sunshine!)

P.S: In case you are wondering: Alexei is wearing his Cyberman outfit... quite embarressing in public really!

P.P.S: My sister was extremely rude about the appearance of the cake in the previous post. Nothing like family to tell you the truth.

Comments

[periwinkle]

Sorry to hear about your Brother In Law. I think the cake in the last post looked lovely and don't worry about the cyberman, I've got a bat!!
Lisa x

[julia]

We have that cyberman suit! We also possess many slightly too small outfits that Jack insists on wearing when friends come round, does no good for his street cred!
So sorry to hear about your brother-in-law, isn't life s*** sometimes.
Julia x

[Brierley & Clover]

I'm really sorry to hear about your BIL's diagnosis - a lot of my job IRL is working with those with dementia and their families. Sending you lots of love and support - albeit from a long way away x

[Leigh]

I am so sorry to hear about your brother in law. I will be praying for him and your family.

I think the Cyberman is great, not everyone has one you know, teehee! Lucky you!

[Alison]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother in law, I hope they get used to being back home very soon. At least you are not far away now and can see them all the time.
Love Alison x

[catherine]

Hey hun,
Just read the post you say about yesterday on your visit with me.
I now I don't need to say this biut I will anyway, if you need me at anytime just call sweetie.
Like you do for me, I'll listen and help if I can.

Oh I must dothat crayon thing but need to get some of those gorgeous silercone cupcakes thingy's first.
The girls would love me making them.
And maybe I could teach Daisy not to eat them lol
Speak soon hun x

Lots of love.
Catherine x

[catherine]

God my spelling was rubbish in that last comment, sorry I've only had 2 coffee's so far this morning and am running low lol

Catherine x

[Nonnie]

I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I hope that he and your Sister soon settle back into life in the UK and that his illness does not get worse too quickly. At least you will be able to see your Sister more easily. I used to live in Greenwich so know just how great that Sunday market is!

[Leigh]

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I am thinking of your family.

[Teena Mason]

Oh Oh what a wonderful idea! I had to send a gift to a tiny friend in America and I didn't want to spend a fortune on postage. I managed to find heart shaped rubbery ice cube trays - I included your 'recipe' for crayons and an old Milk Marketing Board recipe for jelly flavoured milky ice cubes! Both huge fun for little ones to do! Thank-you! x