Saturday, January 19, 2008

 

19th Jan Frieda, our next door neighbour.

Today I am writing about Frieda, our next door neighbour.

The first picture was taken on her 80th birthday. She always said that she liked greenery, especially variegated plants and we bought the planter and filled it with plants she might like. I think it has all grown rather out of control now because Frieda would claim to know nothing about gardening and therefore won't attempt anything.

Believe me I feel great affection for our Frieda and would never wish to mock her. But really! She is sadly very unaware of not just the ways of the world, but her own ways seem to be beyond her.

She came round to today feeling confused by the new lay out of her fuel bills. She wasn't sure who to send the cheque to. We suggested that the easiest way would be to take it to the Post office and at least the person behind the counter would be able to help her.


We told her that we pay on line using the debit card and if she brought round her debit card we could do it for her by phone.

Whilst she was gone we had a good look at the bill and found that she already pays a monthly sum by direct debit through the bank. And when a statement comes in she reads it as a bill and sends off a cheque in addition to the direct debit. It is no wonder she fears that the amount she has to spend on gas and electricity is so much. The result of this is that EDF (the new fuel company) actually owe her quite a lot of money.

The amount at the end of the statement today was a minus amount - and yet she wanted to send off a cheque for that amount.
She was most surprised to learn that she didn't owe them any money and that she should just leave it to the bank to send off the amount each month.
But I suspect that when the next statement comes in she will still feel she should be sending off a cheque.

Now Frieda is getting on a bit - 86 now, and was never given an opportunity to learn any self esteem or to have confidence in enjoying knowledge. Her children - about the same age as me should be aware of this and step in to help, but she never wants to bother them. More likely - they never want to be bothered!
She looks very good for her age and always dresses well; sometimes if you see her from behind you might think she was quite a young woman with a fine pair of legs. She has a heart of gold.
It is a shame that her family are not able to offer the support they should. I think some time maybe Bill and I should have a chat with them, for maybe they are unaware that they could be needed by their mother.
I have made a point of taking Frieda out for special occasions, mainly for her birthday because then, at least, she feels I can treat her.
She just loved the experience in a lovely old tea room in Horsham a few years ago.
I can just hear our Jamie imitating her comment "Ooh I say!"
Well there's a change - today you have not heard the woes of poor old Grandma and Grandpa!
We'll save that for tomorrow.

19th Jan Frieda, our next door neighbour.
posted by Grandma P on Saturday, January 19, 2008