London Town, Park Gardening and Socializing

Yesterday and today have made my Dad very happy. Yesterday, we went to Historic London Town & Gardens. I had wanted to visit it since my children were little, but we never made it there. Yesterday was beautiful but super windy, so we had to wear winter coats. We saw the active archeology and learned a lot about the enslaved/indentured, who comprised most of the population. 

We walked through exhibits and most of the gardens. The winds wore us out, and it was past lunchtime, so I searched for a nearby restaurant that had food my Dad would like to eat. We ended up at a pub and enjoyed our Reuben sandwiches and beer. I was exhausted, but Dad was ready to do more! 

So, I plotted a route to Lowe's to buy flowers because he wanted to plant some on the deck and at the park. While there, we ran into Randal, who manages all the park upkeep and repairs. Randal does so much for the park and community and is always happy to have volunteers.

We talked to him about my Dad's desire to plant flowers at the Park, and Randal picked up the flowers we would use and planned for us to meet him there the next day after the Barlowe Bolt 5k finished, and he was able to get some breakfast with his wife. When I told Randal about my Dad's Alzheimer's and how he would be living with us and loves, seriously loves, gardening, he was excited and has offered us a lot of support so I can keep my Dad happy. 

Anyways, when we got home Dad started planting the flowers we bought at Lowe's in the pots on the deck and then took himself on a thirty minute walk before relaxing before dinner. I'm seriously impressed with how much energy my Dad has. I wish I could borrow some! 

Today worked out perfectly! 

Randal provided me with keys so that I could get my Dad access to water, and tools and anything else we might need should Dad want to work on more things at the park when Randal isn't available. I am honored to be trusted with them, as I've been a long time volunteer with the group. I love my community groups and volunteer in person as much as I can while maintaining the groups website and creating the monthly newsletter that goes out. I'm kind of a member in absentia as I don't often attend meetings. I'm hoping to start attending more as time allows or as a break. Maybe Dad would want to go too but I'm not sure he'd be up to a two hour meeting. 

Anyways, when we arrived Randal had the flowers out and told my Dad he was free to plant them wherever he wanted and while he got started Randal showed me which keys went to where. Then we all got to work. Dad made holes and placed plants where he wanted me to plant them. 

Then did the same thing with the memorial garden. He also did a lot of raking. Then we put down a lot of mulch and watered the plants. It was hard but rewarding work. I had my husband come pick us up because I was too tired to walk back home and I needed a visual cue for my Dad to stop working so we could leave and have lunch. Without the back up of my husband we'd probably still be there doing something. 

We just finished lunch and Dad's already talking about going on a walk. I don't know how he does it. I'm just so happy and thankful that now we have access whenever needed to get him gardening and in his happy flow state of being. It's definitely not like Florida where he can garden all year long, but at least I can do my best to give as much of that to him as possible now that the weather is improving. 

I am also thankful for my friends and community. They all have been so supportive and helpful to us. I feel good that I'll have things for my Dad to do not only at my house but the park. Tomorrow we will try and tackle making friends to fill his social calendar. 

Thursday we went to a coffee and community event from the Unitarian Church in Annapolis. He seemed to have had a good time and when I joined in after my teleconference, I had a great time and delicious food at the event. I'm looking forward to going again next week. Here is to hoping he makes a friend or two tomorrow at services!