My youngest son is 12 today, doesn't seem possible. We had a quiet family day, my sister visiting with her 2 children. What's more for the first time I had a very messy slice of cake for the first time and didn't cough once! Another achievement.

Best of all my rotator (which mum insists on calling a rotivator, a gardening implement, conjures up great images, I can't look at it without giggling yet!) arrived just before the carers last visit. Yes it is very hard work, and afterwards I'm puffing lol, but we did use it fine. The commode is quite high so I nearly did that stand alone. Needs working on to find the best way to do it but will certainly strengthen me. Might use the hoist evenings when I am more tired. Good job today my husband is so strong! We made the mistake of trying the low toilet. Getting down was fine but up far too low so I needed stacks of help. Won't try that again too soon. Will take a while to feel safe on the rotator, at times today it felt as if it will tip though it is designed so it won't. My speech is poor but my scream alive and kicking! All in all worked much better than I dared hope.