Today was different.

On Tuesdays we get a visit from Patsy who is a sort of nurse cum helper, with the idea that I get an hour’s respite from caring and can relax. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that hour? Have a very quick holiday in the West?

Anyhows Patsy is appointed by the Health Service and arrives on the dot of eleven. Penny is mad about her and will wait at the gate for her to arrive. We can tell when she’s here by the shrill screeches of joy from Penny who will dance around her all the way to the door.

We once had a dour one who used to creep unwillingly into the house and spend an hour muttering and complaining about her lot. The only subject that cheered her was the subject of her horses which was a big help. She was depressing and fuck all help. We told the Health Service to do Something. For once they did, and sent Patsy instead.

Now Patsy is what is generally termed a gas character She smokes like a trooper [and has a deep husky voice as a result], doesn’t wear a mask because she knows we hate them and has refused all vaccinations. How she has survived in the Health Service, I don’t know but they probably are scared of her. She comes breezing in, and the first act is to give Penny some “treats” on the couch. She then charges into Herself and takes over. Most of the time the pair of them just talk and laugh [Patsy has a great sense of humour] and occasionally tend to female stuff that I’m not supposed to know about.

I look forward to Patsy’s visits. She’s a breath of fresh air. Herself usually moans beforehand saying that Patsy will insist on doing some exercise or something, but as I point out, it doesn’t matter what Patsy does because she always cheers the pair of us up [and Penny]. She’s like a whirlwind of happiness that descends on us and vanishes just as quickly an hour later.

She didn’t come today as she’s taking a break.

Tuesday isn’t the same.