h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My mother has had a fall - she tripped over the vaccuum cleaner cable while her cleaning lady was there this morning.

Nothing is broken - she's quite amazing, really. My sister spent most of the day waiting with her (still lying on the floor - she was told not to move) until the ambulance came. They are still at the hospital now but will no doubt be allowed home. She is having a CT scan as I write, just to check her head.

Yes, she's a frail little old lady to look at, but obviously still has strong bones and all her other faculties, just an annoying blind spot which is probably why she didn't see the cable.

I'm probably more upset than she is. Don't feel like dinner.

Must sign off now, though - the other grandparents are coming round any minute to pick up the car seat ready for (Californian) grandson's visit next week - Yay!

Our daughter in law is coming, too, of course, but she doesn't need a car seat.

You sound not really not-really-worried. One worries, and it's hard to stop. It might be possible, with a bit of effort.

Your visit will help

Not good to trip over at home, but that is good news that nothing was broken. I hope the CT scan went fine.

I hope you're OK as well

Thank you both for your sympathy. Unfortunately, I spoke too soon about no broken bones. It seems she has fractured her arm, right near her elbow.

My sister stayed overnight and helped her dress this morning. She appears to be able to manage this herself, one side at a time. She may have difficulty preparing food (she only makes herself sandwiches these days) and making tea, , but Sis is looking into temporary care. This would only involve an hour in the mornings I should think. She just mainly needs someone to chat to her to keep her spirits up.

She has a sling but no plastercast and is OK in herself, if a bit frustrated, tired, and occasionally in pain. Exactly as anyone would be, even if they're not 98.

I am going over in June for a few days - just booked my flight the other day.

Ah, sorry to hear that... Impressive bone strength indeed, though, that it could have been worse...

Best wishes to you all

The moral of this story is that vacuums are dangerous and evil, and should be banished from the homes of all right-thinking people. I don't know about the left-thinking ones, though.