Thursday, March 25, 2010

Assisted Living



Ya know? Some days...assisted living sounds pretty ding-dang good.

"Mrs. L, your breakfast is ready."

"Why, thank you, Trudy."

"Mrs. L, now that you've had breakfast, would you like to go outside and sit in the warm sunshine on the patio with the other guests?"

"Don't mind if I do, Anne."

"Mrs. L, I have a bit of free time before I fix your lunch, would you like me to wash your hair?"

"Ohhhh...that would be lovely, little one."

"Hey, Mrs. L, we've got a bus load of us going out to the Indian casino on Wednesday. Wanna come?"

"George, sign me up! It's senior double points day isn't it? I think they're giving away a Viper this month. I'd look good in a blue one with a big, fat racing stripe down the center of the hood. I'd let you have it and you could drive me to my doctors visits, okay?"

"Mrs. L, come into the living room when you're done with your nap. There's a bunch of young people here from the church to play music and sing for us."

"Be right there, Carol."

Dai-sy, Dai-sy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two!

Been that kind of a week, folks!
Happy Friday, Eve!

18 comments:

Baino said...

Oh dear . . bit hectic? I like the idea of wallowing in sunshine but a bunch of children singing old time songs . . .beam me up Scottie!

Alan Burnett said...

I love the way the sign advertising the facility is jumbled and out of focus making you feel as though your mind is beginning to fade and it is time your went in search od some assisted living.

Brian Miller said...

haha. ronda you know i know what you are saying...

Nessa said...

That does sound wonderful - to be taken care of for a change.

joanna said...

Ronda

Everything always looks good on the surface-- but then -- Alice in wonderland said --
But then, shall I never get any older than I am now? That'll be a comfort, one way -- never to be an old woman -- but then -- always to have lessons to learn!

Joanny

Mary said...

I totally agree - I refer to the place as "The Spa".....how about "Here's your clean laundry - let me hang these things up for you"

AAAHHHHH

be well

Reya Mellicker said...

Ahh! Wish I could come pamper you, Ronda. I would cook something delicious for dinner, drive you around town, give you a manicure or something.

Hope you get some down time this weekend!

Dave King said...

There are worse kinds of weeks and there are weeks that are not so well written. Nice one.

Leah said...

You know what? Sometimes I have this exact fantasy. This is just fab.

CiCi said...

Wouldn't that be nice to be in a happy environment and have some cheerful people doing the chores and making food and setting up some excursions?

Ronda Laveen said...

Baino: My mother was in a home with Alzheimer's before she died. The first day she was there, the Activitves Director sang this song with all the oldester while the did their exercise. It is, in my mind, forever attached with old folks homes. My sister is going to read this and crack up. She was with me at the time. I'm not really ready to check in but, some days, maybe just once in a while a little nurturing would be nice.

Alan: I thought the same way about how the shadows made the sign look out of focus.

Brian: Yes, I do!

Nessa: Just a little bit, for a little while. Maybe just a day camp.

Joanny: Yes, on the surface it seems nice but underneath, maybe more like Hotel California...you can check in but you can never leave.

Mary: HA! The Days Spa! How funny. Where have you been? I was just thinking about you and you pop up.

Reya: Thanks, that sounds wonderful. Mainly computer problems still but, this is the third time I've had it in and if it fails again, they give me a new one.

Dave: You are so right!

Leah: You too? Maybe we should just start a day camp for tired, hasseled women.

TechnoBabe: Yes, a place with happy, cheerful people arranging things and putting out fires.

Willow: Pick you up at 10.

DUTA said...

The place may look nice and cosy, but it's not home. Assisted living at one's home is a better option for those in need of it.

Ze O said...

Ronda!
This is too funny! I think you know by know that I once worked in the administration of a nursing home, right?
There were actually really a few residents who looked at it as just one long vacation. I particularly remember one gentleman who would spend his days outdoors tanning, sunglasses on, drink in hand. He'd always say:"It doesn't get any better than this!"

The more unknown side of living in an institution or just even assisted living, huh?

Wonderful post!

Dorraine said...

Eh, did you say casino night? Couldn't hear you, Mrs. L. In any case, these bones could use some sunshine and music.

Sign me up!

Jai Joshi said...

Forget about retirement, I want to move into that place now.

No really, a place where someone makes me breakfast and washes my hair for me sounds lovely. I could do with the extra half an hour writing time.

On the other hand, what if they wash my hair properly? What if they put conditioner in but then don't wash it all out? I can't stand that greasy left-in-conditioner feeling. No, I'd much rather make my own breakfast and wash my own hair. Too risky.

Jai

Megan said...

My social security is not going to be enough to pay for a place like this.

:)

Ronda Laveen said...

DUTA: Thank you, yes, home is the best answer whenever possible. I'm just blowing off steam here. But there are days...

Christina: Yes, now that you remind me, I remember you worked in an institution. What a funny story. You are so right in noting the insider advantages.

Dorraine: Yes, dearie. I said casino night. Turn up your aid! Now, let's go line up those 7's.

Jai: You're young yet. I remember the horrors of too much conditioner or it not being rinsed clear enough. Makes your hair heavy, flat and greasy, right? But, little one, by the time you reach middle age, that will not be a problem. You CAN NOT leave it in too long. Your hair will become dry and the extra will be welcome. Oh, you probably won't believe me. I didn't belive those who went before me but, mark my words...you will welcome that extra conditioner.

Megan: Start saving now. The end is inevetiable. Word!

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