Brisbane Break - episode 2

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Up with the dawn chorus at 5:30 am. Pam was already up. Pam, Bryan and I shared breakfast before Pam had to go to work. Bryan stayed home and worked from home for the morning. I had time to update the blog, complete exercise routine and read. We then drove Caroline to uni on our way back to Banyo where Bryan and I had lunch at a local cafe before arriving at Aunty Dot's and Uncle Des's.

While I was away, one of the orchids had decided to open. It is quite beautiful.

A quiet afternoon followed by a load of washing, dinner and TV.

Brisbane Break - episode 1

Monday 13 September 2010

Today I flew to Brisbane to visit relatives and friends. Rod drove me to the airport on his first day of leave between jobs. My first stop is with Aunty Dot and Uncle Des at Banyo. It is so good to be with them after so many years (perhaps 2002 with Surrey, 2003 for a conference).

Daisy the dog greeted me with the offering of her forehead for a scratch of course. She is not as blind as she looks in this photo. That is lack of editing software on my part.

We had a quite afternoon touring the garden and looking at photos. A butcher bird came down begging for food while we were sitting outside. He did like dog pellets.

Tuesday 14 September 2010

We had a slow and easy start to the day feeding the magpies and blue headed honeyeater (?).

Then Aunty Dot and I walked up to Banyo shops for some instant coffee after I decided that I really would enjoy a cup of coffee rather than tea.

While up there I visited the computer shop to investigate pre-paid internet USB connection - no luck! However, he did say it was worth shopping around as prices varied a great deal.

Later in the day I rang the Banyo Post Office who had 3 different options so I took another walk up and purchased some internet access. Like a mobile phone, I'll be able to use it wherever there is mobile access. I wonder if it will work at Underhill better than my phone?

I was then able to show Aunty Dot and Uncle Des all the family photos on the blog and photos of the Noosa house from the old blog.

Bryan came to collect me just after 5pm and we drove back to his house (one hour) to collect Pam. Off out again to dinner at Ceylon Inn. There we met David. Good company, delicious food and incredible ladies room decor!

Back to Bryan and Pam's where we skyped Sang-Hee and baby Ian who are currently in Korea visiting friends and relatives. There were tears and laughs as I had not spoken with Sang-Hee since just after Surrey was diagnosed with his cancer. It was great to chat together again. Unfortunately skype does not do hugs and I did not get to cuddle Ian.

Then Pam and I spent time looking at my various blogs as she had not seen them recently.

What a difference a day makes

Today Geoff and I met Terry and Ellie at Underhill and tackled the 'tree on the kitchen roof' issue.

After a cuppa and sizing up the issue Terry got up onto the roof and removed all the branches that were still attached to the trunk of the tree. Then the fun on the ground began.

Thanks to Terry's expertise and Geoff's assistance the job was done relatively easily. But then we agreed that the remainder of that tree and the one behind the toilet needed to go as they were both threatening to fall and damage buildings.

Both the trees were felled expertly and dropped in places where minimal damage was done, except to fences. The dog yards are no longer kangaroo proof but as they had holes in the fences anyway that is not a problem at the moment. They are certainly well cropped of grasses.

The tree behind the toilet was very difficult and teetered back and forth until Terry put a wedge in and Geoff threw a very long length of Parramatta rope (thank you Kim and Craig) over the tree. Terry and he were then able to walk away pulling the rope and the tree with it. Terry was so impressed with this technique he now owns the very long piece of rope.

The loss of the two trees has opened up the area and it now looks quite clear and clean. Our next job with Terry and Ellie will be the two dead trees shown above.

All these trees were ringbarked when we built the dog yards just after we bought the block in 1978. Later Surrey realised our mistake but thought that the branches would fall as the trees rotted. Many did but we were left with a job that was too big for us. Having the branch fall was the impetus needed to take it on and Terry is well trained and practiced in the art. A very big thank you to Terry and Ellie.

It was a great learning experience for Geoff and Terry was a very patient teacher. There will be more lessons to follow so we'll have to take our chainsaws (I own three) to be reconditioned ready for the cleanup.

Over the next few months we will need to cut all the logs to stockpile for firewood (they are beautifully dried and cured after all these years). Then there will be the fences to mend but this can't happen until we fell the two remaining trees. If you'd like to help us tidy up the mess we left today then please let me know and we can make a date.

The hip replacement saga

I had doubts about the need for a hip replacement so visited Dianne's physio in Adelaide as I mentioned in a blog post below. This visit and his exercises have continued to give me so much relief that I have been brave and visited a recommended physio back home - Dora St Physiotherapy. Sue Middlemiss and I chattered about our common interest in chooks and various other things while she did a variety of measurements and manipulations and came to the same conclusion as David Spurrier in Adelaide - back issues are causing all sorts of problems around the pelvis and upper leg on my right hand side. I am to continue with all David's exercises (one slightly changed) and add another two to my regime.

I feel like a changed person since doing all this physio over the last 2-3 weeks. I can now walk without a limp, drive without pain and generally get on with all the things I used to do. While I have had some issues for quite a few years, lifting Surrey (and subsequently boxes etc) has exacerbated the whole problem.

I go to visit the hip surgeon at the end of September to discuss the issue but now will be going with a completely different set of aches and questions. Maybe I won't even need the hip replacement just yet??

My next choir gig

This week is pretty hectic with choir practice, dress rehearsal and performance. It is all sounding very good now that the band has joined us. Come and listen to our performance on Saturday night. Click here for details.

Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day

A very active day for at least two small boys who not only jumped on the jumping castle for 2 hours but ran around entertaining their friends then went home to open their presents together.

There was a bit of a wait for the candle lighting while a crowd of mature scouts gathered in a scout hall could not find a lighter or matches!

 The theme of the party was superheros. Yes, I think that is "Wonder Strawberry" in the background. Alex was quite surprised, exclaiming "There's a strawberry in the jumping castle!"

The adults were all exhausted but the boys seemed to go on and on. I think they have learned to power nap quite successfully with their eyes still open. I have caught them power napping below then they would shake their heads and come to life full on again.

 

I think Rod had a very happy father's day playing with all the new toys. But I guess he was also quite exhausted at the end of the day. Ellen is probably glad it is all over for another year.

Adelaide Break - Episode 6

Tuesday 31 August 2010

Today's task was to teach Dianne how to set up her blog and start her online presence as a weaver. By mid afternoon we had text and photos on the template chosen. Here is the photo I took to start her off.

Visit her blog at Loom-n-Essence.

Then off to collect Louise and take Dianne to the doctor to have her stitches removed and dressings changed. This traumatic event was followed by coffee and cake at a favourite coffee shope (Luna Rosso).

Home again to a comforting soup for tea and two episodes of "As Time Goes By" on DVD.

Oh yes, and I had done all my exercises for the day so we had a piece of chocolate to end the day.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

This morning we headed off to another Patchwork shop (Quiltaholics). This one had a huge range of all sorts of fabric themes. I even bought a grass and a Japanese bamboo (but not the one I was really after). There was another quilt idea as well that will suit Surrey's shirts well.

Then to Officeworks for a 32 Gb thumb drive, the chemist for Dianne and lunch. Then on to Mitcham shops for groceries and sundries so Dianne does not have to drive for a few more days after I leave.

We arrived home in time for me to checkin online for my flight tomorrow.

Thursday 2 September 2010

This morning before my flight we decided to go back to the first quilt shops we visited to try to track down the elusive Japanese fabric. This led us to yet another shop Tricia's Discount Fabrics where we had a huge selection and Dianne even bought two fabrics which we shared when we got home.

Lunch then our goodbyes before my taxi came. It was a fabulous break for me after a very busy year or so. It was good to catch up with Dianne and to have her creative input into ideas we both shared. It was also good to see Louise again and to meet Steve and the two children, Celeste and Fraser. I think it was also good for Dianne to have some creative activities while she recovers from her surgery. And how great that I was able to visit the physiotherapist and get an exercise regime that is really helping with my 'hip' pain.

Dianne's garden is looking great with Spring coming on, and Alex and Luke would love the outlook over the railway line.

And Othello is so like Oscar he made me feel quite at home.

Thank you Dianne for such a holiday.

Adelaide break - episode 5

Sunday 29 August 2010

I slept like a log and even slept in till about 7am. Exercise routine and coffee then more exercises and email.

Dianne and I lazed in PJs for a long time - breakfast, chatting, cake tasting, searching the web for more patchwork shops... It was nearly noon before we both eventually got dressed.

Rather than have a long outing to the Botanic Gardens for Fraser's birthday we all decided that the local shopping centre cafe and play whale was a better option. Everyone is tired and Louise's family are all sick as well except for Celeste.

Home for a quiet afternoon. Dianne did a bit of sweeping and now has sore arm muscles as a result. Pain killers tonight!

It has been a lovely sunny day after a long rainy spell so everyone is feeling a little more uplifted. We were even able to dry washing in the sunshine.

Dianne's computer decided to show me all its faults tonight, the reasons why I am giving her my very large laptop and I'll replace it with a smaller one that is easier to travel with.

Monday 30 august 2010

We eventually finished breakfast by 10am today. Garry called on Skype while I was on emails. It was great to hear from him.

What a beautiful morning it is. Real Spring weather. So our outing today was to Brighton. On the way we stopped at the Adelaide Sewing Centre at Ascot Park, a Janome and patchwork shop. There was a young mum called Luscombe collecting her sewing machine. But she could only tell me she was married to Simon whose parents were Jill and Brian and that Brian had now died and was an only child. Not names I know.

Then at Brighton to Patchwork by the Sea. A fabulous bamboo design fabric in one quilt and the quilt itself was simple and stunning - "Memories of Japan".

We had lunch at a cafe dedicated to Marilyn Munro - yummy crepe!

On the way home we stopped off at Officeworks for a USB stick for my files from my laptop and some DVDs for Dianne then home to relax before Dianne's meeting.

During the meeting I caught up with diary and emails and setting up the laptop for Dianne. The USB stick is too small for the family history.

Adelaide break - episode 4

Friday 27 August 2010

Dianne has a cat very like Oscar. His name is Othello. He is a bit  softening and avoids me at all times. But he is softening a little.

Off to the hairdresser today. I had a cut and wash and Dianne had a wash. She cannot shower at the moment so was much relieved to have her hair done.

We also revisited Haighs to collect Louise's chocolates and of course I bought a bit more following physios orders.

Then there was another patchwork shop to visit. Again, some beautiful Japanese fabrics and sample items. I particularly liked a patchwork cat and a pinwheel on point hanging. Even Dianne bought some fat quarters to hang on her wall.

Home for the afternoon with a short visit to Mitcham shops for supplies. The evening was spent with exercises, chats and TV again.

Dianne's house has the main south railway line across the road. The boys would love it! Long goods trains and quieter local trains. I now don't wake in the night as they pass.

My exercise routine is certainly having an affect. The mild spinal massage I had continues to feel great. The trip has been worth it just for that. Though, of course, I am having a great time catching up with Dianne and family.

Saturday 28 August 2010

The exercise routine begins my day each day followed by coffee and email. I'm not downloading big emails for fear of using up all Dianne's internet allowance but will keep them till I get back.

The big activity today was Fraser's dedication service.

It was a great time with lots of kids in a tiny stone church in the Adelaide hills (Cnr Old Mt Barker Rd and St Margaret Dr, Stirling). It is owned by the Catholic church but not used for services any more. It is hired out for religious events (any denomination) like weddings, baptisms, funerals etc. You have to find you own minister. Apparently Steve and Louise were married there too. The service was followed by yummy cakes and coffee.

Home for lunch and nanna naps and a relaxed afternoon. Louise et al came at dinner time so I drove out for chicken and chips for all. I gave Celeste and Fraser their presents and they were both thrilled.

Exercise routine ended the exhausting evening but Dianne and I then stayed up chatting even later.

Adelaide break - episode 3

Thursday 26 August 2010

This morning I spent time setting up the phones so they are useable now that they are charged. I think Dianne will be presented with the phone in bed when she wakes. I hope it works!

The morning was wet and quite cold again. But we did washing anyway and hung it under the carport while the car was out all day.

My first outing (on my own this time - I am doing all the driving) was to Dianne's physio about my hip. It was a great visit with a very knowledgable man David who actually knows the sports medicine doctor I went to in Kogarah. He watched my movements, listened to my story and concerns, prodded, pocked and manipulated my back and muscles. I feel a whole lot better, especially as he said the best thing for it was a lot of Haigh's chocolate and no washing up. He has also given me some strengthening exercise for my RH glutes and upper leg muscles and thinks my back is actually the source of the problem rather than my hip. The best bit was, he listened and asked probing questions and esplained the reasons for all the doctors' suggestions and the decisions I should now think about.

Louise, Celeste and Fraser came over at lunch time so Louise could finish her 'order of service', eventually leaving by about 3pm.

Then it was back out driving to visit another fabric shop which was unfortuately closed down then on to a fabulous toy shop to get some Thomas track for Fraser's collection. They had a generic version and the owner assured me it fits with Thomas track. The shop is called Windmill and I was so impressed by the selection I also collected a catalogue.

Home then for dinner, TV (till quite late), exercise in front of TV (I have over an hour's worth of exercises to do twice a day so I am going to be busy), then bed at last.