A Boat trip for Mum

I’ve had a terrific day today.

Hubby and our Friend have had a bachelor day as there were a few little jobs to do around the house (Hubby got thrashed at both dominoes and cribbage), so I took the car and went down to visit my Mum.
We didn’t get to see her last month and as it’s her birthday next week (she’ll be 93), I thought I’d surprise her.
I purchased some flowers on the way, and when I arrived, I saw her in the lounge tidying up.
The back door was open, Sir Barkalot was still upstairs, so I walked in, and stopped slightly to one side without saying anything until she sensed someone was there.
Her face was beautiful as it broke out into a huge smile.
She held open her arms and I walked into her welcome embrace. It felt so good, but she felt so small.

Today was a good day for her. She was active, aware, chatty and so happy to see me.
I told her I was going to take her on a boat trip, and as I could see she was getting a little anxious at the thought, I took out my laptop and camera chip.
Over a cup of coffee we went through all of the photographs I’ve taken since we arrived at the Marina last July.

Even though I’ve sent some pictures via email attachments to my sister, Mum could now see the originals in full size and I could share with her the joys of the riverbanks, the new arrivals both there and in the marina, pictures of the boat, the flooded lock walk and how it should look, our walk in the Malvern Hills, pictures of Maggie, the ducks, ducklings, geese, goslings, swans and cygnets.

There were several she wanted to go back to, and was a little confused as to how we got into the boat as she could only see the roof on the river shots.
I had pictures of the interior on the disc, but none of the steps going inside, so I’ll rectify that when I get home and send a picture for her.

She loved her ‘trip’ and was excited at seeing how close we are to nature, our position in the marina, the marina itself and the way we live.
Even if she could get to the marina itself, getting her down the gantry could be problematic, though she may be able to get aboard our boat as the helm is only a small pace off the pontoon.
Getting her inside and down the steps would be difficult as the opening is so narrow, no-one could stand by her side to steady her, especially as she would have to walk in backwards.
Taking the chip was the next best thing, and using my own laptop, I didn’t have to worry about bothering my sister to use her computer, which is upstairs anyway.

Another thing about taking the camera and chip:

Mum and Me, 17th May 2015. I love you Mum. Happy Birthday.