The Dog is waiting

 It hasn't been the best of weeks sleeping wise.  There have been nights of coughing fits and then there was the onset of the very raspy throat nasty. Then there was  the TV problem where it would mysteriously glow during the night, in a pulsating on off way. Last night I left a pack of strepsils within easy reach in case the throat came back again.  During the night I could hear small sounds that seemed loud. Eventually I worked out this was the blister pack of strepsils, contracting and popping. Debbie was also hearing this so I got a thong and she turned on the bed light. It was the cockroach digging into my medicine. I got two good hits in before it disappeared. Those things are armour plated. It was around 4:30 and Debbie was getting up at 5:00 anyway. I was excused due to delirium and catarrh from this mornings early start. I am sure it was only 5 mins later when my phone rang. It was in the other room but I missed the call and banged my head into the corner of that pesky TV which for some reason is positioned over the doorway. So I have blood dripping down my face when the door opens and Debbie says yes I just rang, that cut doesn't look too bad but I have to run as I have to get the dog to its grooming session. And I haven't even mentioned my poo problem.

Sleeping Duck

 Debbie ordered a new mattress on the recommendation of Daniel and Bianca.  If it's good enough for them then it's good enough for us.  I nearly asked the guy to take it back. We ordered a mattress not a book shelf. And when it was labelled Duck, I was more confused.  After much cutting and endless plastic the thing sprung into shape.  There were numerous questions about how much we weighed, what ailments we had, preferred sleeping position etc. Now we just have to see if we can sleep on it.

Upright

Flat Out

Lying in Counterpane

Whether sleeping fine or lathered
Deep beneath the quilts are gathered

Stuff of skin and hair and other
So much of it nightmares smother

Dreaming of the beasts that smite us
All just there in sleep's detritus

Counterpane is a land of dread
Where sleep walkers never leave the bed

Very small but mighty motes
Living, breathing in our throats

So do not toss and stir with grievings
Sleep in peace with the body's leavings

It would give you the sheets

Some of the new duties include bed making, not that it is all that new having done it before.  My brother in law has given up bed making at home due to the strict standards of his nurse wife. I am finding similar issues.  Everyone thought bed making was solved when the fitted sheet came on the scene. When you have got arthritic fingers those fitted sheets are painful.  We have multiple sheet sets that need to be rotated on a regular basis.  This schedule is not written down but is rigorous.
There are no less than 7 pillows on the bed for display purposes only and must be arranged in a certain way.  Patterns and lines matching the doona which is also never used.  All of this equipment must be removed and stacked elsewhere in the bedroom each night and the "in use" pillows removed from storage. If you have to get up in the night then beware the fluffy obstacle course. Having settled in for a well earned sleep it seems the blankets have been tucked too deep at the foot of the bed so after some pulling and tugging we can get on with it.