i spent 4 days in Christchurch over the long weekend, staying at a retreat in an 1854 homestead. I spent $90, plus $10 for transport, for time spent meditating and yummy vegetarian food. Well worth it.

Then i went to my sister's, to try and settle what should be done about dad. She showed me a resthome which she thought would be suitable. It was nice, but dad has indicated he would like to stay in his home town. It would certainly be a lot more convenient for us to visit if he was in Christchurch, and I think there would be more interesting things for him to see and do. He admits it is depressing to see his old friends drop off one by one. OTOH, as the accountant says dad has plenty of money for his care, maybe we could keep his old home and use it as a holiday house when we visit. There is no hurry to make a decision, as there is still several operations on his leg to go, and in the meantime he is enjoying all the attention in hospital, but I would like him to be settled before winter sets in.(June in the Southern Hemisphere) Also, my sister is heading overseas in June, and I don't fancy being left to fight with my brother. Once a decision has been made, the Social workers will resist any change, as they hold it bad care to move old people from one place to another.

It is very emotionally draining. I have spent a lot of time sleeping and my diet is completely shot. I have put on 5 lb. I have told my son that he won't have to worry about making decisions for me. When I turn 70 I shall simply get myself into a home and then I shall laze about and eat all the food provided, without caring about living forever.