Visiting Mabel blog archive

Keyword

Month Year

In 2003, Duncan McLaren’s mother had a stroke and he moved from London in order to live with his parents in Perthshire. For a few years, while helping in the family home, he was able to carry on writing about the individuals whose creativity fascinated him. These projects - some of which are ongoing - can be read about at www.duncanmclaren.co.uk. However, further deterioration in his mum’s health caused by strokes and falls resulted in her moving to a care home and for a while Duncan’s writing focused on Mabel. First, the book Zimmersong, and now the blog, which began here on the Saga site in May 2010. A selection of ten of the blogs written in 2010 was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize 2011.

Friday 24 May 2013,By Duncan McLaren

The lost voice

Duncan visits Mabel and finds that sometimes the care home offers a refuge from the turmoil of everyday life Read On
Friday 10 May 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Ballochmyle

With Mabel in a much more lively mood than she has been recently, Duncan takes the family on a tranquil drive to explore a new area Read On
Friday 26 April 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Six-month review

Duncan has a meeting with care home staff to discuss Mabel's progress Read On
Friday 12 April 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Wanted: Bright Young Person

Duncan makes arrangements for Ian to go into respite care while he takes a much deserved break Read On
Thursday 28 March 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Tickety-boo?

An unusually bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Mabel leaves Duncan in high spirits Read On
Friday 15 March 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Precious cargo plus pig lead

Duncan's partner Kate joins the McLarens on one of their regular song-filled jaunts through the countryside Read On
Friday 1 March 2013,By Duncan McLaren

No sap rising?

With another spring on the way, Duncan looks through old blog entries to remind himself how Mabel has changed in recent years Read On
Friday 15 February 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Pillow talk

A seemingly extravagant purchase 17 years ago now proves to have been a good investment for Duncan’s parents Read On
Friday 1 February 2013,By Duncan McLaren

Going down?

Duncan and Ian visit Mabel in the care home and the winter weather brings back memories of years gone by Read On
Friday 18 January 2013,By Duncan McLaren

88 today!

Duncan and Ian celebrate Mabel's 88th birthday with a special meal in the care home Read On