A Refreshing Breath of Scottish Air

As a first generation Scottish Canadian, Isabel has celebrated Robbie Burns' Day (January 25) for many years and in a variety of ways by attending Burns' Suppers and listening to Scottish music and poetry. Robbie Burns (1759-1796) is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and many of us have sung his familiar Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve or read his poetry in school.

Isabel has had her own Scottish celebration this past week with the arrival of her second cousin Joy Blakeney from Argyll on the west coast of the Scottish highlands.  Joy and Mum will hang out together for several days each week for the next month.

Joy is a recently retired Occupational Therapist who is no stranger to Saskatchewan.  She has visited here many times over the last 40 years ~ but never in January! Joy had driven the combine and grain truck, cooked harvest meals, and provided support and care to family members. We are looking forward to Joy's companionship and medical skills over the next month.   Joy with camera in hand is looking forward to exploring Saskatchewan on the days that she is not with Mum.  The hoarfrost this month has been picture perfect and we have not yet experienced an old-style January deep freeze.

The staff on 6F are wondering when the Scottish parties in Mum's room will begin.  Mum and Joy and crew are planning a party for January 25 (Robbie Burns' Day). When one of Mum's nurses met Joy on her first day here,  she told Joy that she knew a bagpiper that could come play for the party!  We are not sure what management on 6F would say to this offer!  More than once we have had to close the doors of Mum's room because of loud party noise or boisterous phone calls on Mum's speaker phone. We are not quite ready for an eviction notice!

We will keep you posted as the month progresses.  RIght now, we are searching for appropriate Scottish decorations and a haggis --  or failing that, some good Scottish shortbread!

Isabel has had another good week of being up in her wheelchair most of the day ready to welcome her physiotherapists and anyone else who may walk by the door.

With thanks for your ongoing care,

The Social Convenors