This is what 96 looks like. My father has been without heat from his furnace for a month and it looks like it will stay that way until the end of March. His furnace died and the part that is needed is not going to be available for a long time. It is probably sitting on a ship off the coast of Long Beach, but be that as it may, his house is without heat until it is delivered and installed. Meanwhile, we try to keep him warm every way we can.
He is 96 years old, and, as most elderly people do, he feels the cold intensely. I took this picture on Sunday morning. It was 62 degrees in his living room. He is bundled in a heavy sweater, sitting in front of a fire, covered with a down comforter, with a hot water bottle on his lap. Out of the picture is a space heater which I had aimed at him, set to "high". He claimed to be comfortable. Good thing, because I had no more rabbits to pull out of my hat.
What you may not notice right away is the amount of reading material that is surrounding him. I believe keeping up with current events and reading is the secret of keeping your mental faculties sharp deep into old age. He has just finished reading the Sunday paper, which he has scattered on the floor all around him. He is reading a book on his Kindle. The latest issue of Economy magazine is on his lap. A current hardback edition of a history book on Winston Churchill is on his side table. And I am sitting across the room from him reading my own book. Not that my activity will aid him in any way, but the reason I am occupying myself in this manner is due to his influence. Books are important. I learned that at an early age, and hope it will sustain me when I am 96, should I be so lucky to live that long.
Truly I believe that reading is far more than a means of entertainment. It is that, of course, but I think it keeps your mind sharp long into your journey into old age.
We had a good weekend, although we are very concerned about the situation in the Ukraine, which was a hot topic of conversation between us.
I hoped to get some sewing done when I got home from my weekend visit with my father, but it was not to be. It turns out Eva has "Super Hero" day at her charter school tomorrow, and a costume was required. I ended up spending my afternoon making a Wonder Woman cape and wristlets. So, technically, I did sew. I will share some pictures tomorrow. Hope you all had a good weekend. I devoted mine to my family, and could not have spent it better.
Your last sentence was perfectly said! Have a good week Nicole!
Posted by: Kerry | February 28, 2022 at 06:29 AM
I love that picture of your father, and your tribute to his passion for reading, and yours, too. Interestingly, my dad is 96 also, and he has that same passion for reading, that same pile of books, magazines and papers. And his kids love reading, too. Books are so vital to our well-being in so many ways.
It sounds like his furnace won't be working any time soon, so I hope that warmer weather arrives soon. Being cold is so hard on older folks.
We all look forward to seeing Super Hero Eva!
Posted by: Debbie R. | February 28, 2022 at 08:16 AM
OMG! 62 degrees is fine if you're tucked inside your bed and it is late at night but that is too difficult to manage during the day. I feel for all of you.
I'm so glad the painful procedure he went through for his eyesight has been successful.
Can you imagine how awful the response would be to Ukraine if previous admin was still in power? My god. I shutter to think of it.
Posted by: Ina | February 28, 2022 at 08:31 AM
Have a look at @talesfromtheoldthreadhouse on IG. You and Eva will be charmed by it. Something fun to look at every day. ;p
Posted by: Ina | February 28, 2022 at 08:39 AM
Although my mom has a good working furnace she is always cold.
I found an electric throw blanket at Costco (I'm guessing you can purchase them every where) and she loves it!
Posted by: Glynette D Trailor | February 28, 2022 at 08:49 AM
i use the public library (heavily) for my 94 yr old mil. i go online to request a "stack" of books. lists are kept by me and the library website as to what she has read to date. sometimes we have the library choose a "reading pack" for her based on her interests and past reading. LOVE THE PUBLIC LIBARY !!
Posted by: kit | February 28, 2022 at 08:54 AM
Ooh! The electric throw blanket mentioned above sounds like a promising source of warmth while your dad waits for his furnace part! I know a few people who say 'I don't read' & I just don't understand that at all! When I was teaching primary grades I preached 'Read, read, read!' to parents for their kids. I told them it didn't matter whether it was a comic book--as long as they were reading! As you said, it starts at home! 📚📖
Posted by: Jan | February 28, 2022 at 09:01 AM
You had a perfect weekend. Enjoy it as long as possible.
Posted by: Janet S | February 28, 2022 at 09:16 AM
It might not help your dad but it warms my heart to see him reading. What a joy. We are big readers here. A lifelong joy. Appreciate every minute with your dad. He is so blessed to have you girls there.
Posted by: Taria | February 28, 2022 at 11:52 AM
i'll agree with your comments...my mom is 95 and does crosswords like crazy, like she can't get enough of them...plus reading voraciously...and she finally caved and got a rollator for walking assistance and is out walking every good day...crossing my fingers here...and keeping those books coming!
Posted by: grace thorne | February 28, 2022 at 01:46 PM
Love the picture! I'm a Florida girl and I would freeze but you Dad looks comfy. Yes reading is such a magical tool. It informs, educates, delights and keeps you company. I always told me kids if you have a book you always have a friend :-) Hope the weather warms quickly.
Posted by: Jocelyn | February 28, 2022 at 02:05 PM
Love this picture of your dad. Both my parents were voracious readers and instilled the love of reading in all seven of us children. My husband I have carried on the torch to our children too. Today our almost two-year old grandson fell asleep in his car seat with a book in his hands. Two of my second grade reading groups are reading Charlotte's Web and seem to be enjoying it. We love our electric throw blanket.
Posted by: Dianne R | February 28, 2022 at 05:13 PM
I completely agree with you about reading, it is good for so many things. I'm sorry about your Dad's furnace. I would also suggest he wear a knit hat or maybe a hoodie with the hood over his head. We lose a lot of heat through our heads and it will instantly make him warmer!
Posted by: Beth F | March 01, 2022 at 07:00 AM
That electric blanket sounds like a good idea--with one warming up the bed before he crawls under the covers in the evening.
That, and a stern word to the utility. There must be community laws about looking out for seniors? He's earned the right to go to the top of the list, IMHO.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 01, 2022 at 10:19 AM
I can't believe how good your Dad looks. A full head of hair and nary a wrinkle. He doesn't even look like he is 70. My Dad read everything ... when we got the World Book Encyclopedias in the early 60's he started at A and read thru to the end.
Posted by: Colleen Marcotte | March 01, 2022 at 02:55 PM
A hat would help keep him warm. You lose a lot of through your head.
Posted by: Ginny CLYNE | March 04, 2022 at 06:06 AM
Loved your comment about your dad and the Sunday paper. My husband is 82 but the Sunday paper is always tossed on the floor beside his chair.
Posted by: Kitty Buchanan | March 10, 2022 at 07:56 PM