Hot and Cold

Hey.
Happy Sapporo Snow Festival.

I live in the city where every February over 2 million people come to enjoy snow and ice statues in the city park.
It has got far more commercialized over recent years - more food than actual snow - but still I think it's a fun event and the city is teaming with visitors.
I had two guests staying, plus a whole slew of work - it was a busy time.

And Okaasan.
Another round of influenza hit her care home - she didn't catch it. But she got a fever for several days and stayed in bed over a week.
I went in to see her twice, Dear Son too. She was sleeping a lot. Not eating, as usual. But actually ok - talked a bit in a funny, raspy voice and laughed a little too while watching Tv in her room.

Hoping that we/the care staff can get her UP and OUT of bed soon. Her leg and hip power hasn't been great this winter and a week in bed will make that worse.
Dear Son is back - maybe - tomorrow, so we'll try this weekend to get her up and into the wheelchair at least.

But, a bit of guilty relief. She is the care home's problem day to day with this. Not mine. If she were here at home - she would be on the carpet downstairs...with toilet problems etc etc and I'd be changing diapers and trying to rescue the carpet and the flooring.....
All of THAT isn't happening now. Not my worry. SO glad she is in care!

Downstairs....things are happening.

I have taken the plunge and decided to close the classroom in the rented apartment one station away - and move the classes to Okaasan's old rooms downstairs. Move the English work to home....
And stop three of my community center classes. Some of which I've done for over 10 years. And all of this will hopefully free up more time to do more tour guide work. No guarantees...but maybe.

It's all a big change in my working life. But the tour guide work is something I enjoy a lot, and at 57 years old it is rare to get the chance to do a new line of work. So I am going to grab the chance - while keeping one foot firmly (and economically safely!) in English teaching.

I took the decision at Christmas. But students are finding out now - so I can write about it here.

March is going to be a busy month....closing the classroom that I've rented for over 10 years and in a rented truck moving it all here...and setting OKaasan's old rooms for work.

Oh! and in March...we are going to try another camper van trip. This time in winter...and for skiing over a long weekend.

Onwards with all of that...