From Primary to Secondary

Eve graduated from Primary school today. Fancy going into Secondary in 2009. Where does the time go?

At long last

Wow! I have not posted anything to this blog for so long I had to relearn how to do it.
Mother has had her angioplasty and came through it reasonably well considering her age. She is definitely failing - which is only expected at 92.
While we were in Perth, or rather Margaret River in Western Australia, Mother kept very well thank goodness.
I will post some photos of Matthew and Bronwen's wedding. The wedding was just lovely and was held under a pergola overlooking extensive lawns and gardens. The weather was fabulous, not too hot, not too cold.
Had a lunch with the old New Yorkers ladies today. This will be the only Christmas function I will be attending this year.

I've tried to get rid of the photo of Matt and Bron with the marriage celebrant without success. It is not very flattering.

Melissa's 40th

This is just to see if I can add photos from this machine.

Melissa

At last

This is the first time I have used my new computer to write to my blog.
Yet another trip to Sydney doctor for a couple of procedures with my eyes. We are leaving here on Sunday and staying with Joe and Sandra. They will be a little distressed at the moment as they had to have their dog put down this morning. Having to have two dogs "put down" I can really feel for them.
Lily heads off on her big adventure to France on Saturday. I have the usual misgivings regarding her trip but on the other hand am absoltely delighted that she has the opportunity to do it.
Audrey and Jae welcomed a little girl into the world yesterday. Sofia.
Mother has her 92nd birthday next Friday. She is VERY frail.

Jessica in Japan

I have just read Jessica's blog. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing of their family life in Japan.

Makes our life seem terribly mundane. For instance today I cleared out some of my old clothes that I no longer want - went to visit Mum - cooked dinner and packed my bag for yet another trip to Sydney to see my doctor. I will be going to Sydney on the bus and staying overnight with Joe and Sandra. What would I do without them?

Matthew's visit

We have just had a lovely day/night with Joe,Sandra, Danielle and Matthew. Matthew came across from Perth for a conference in Sydney and they took the opportunity to come here to visit with Mother. They came Saturday and left Sunday.

Melissa, Paul and Eve came over for a Chinese takeaway last night. Lily was having a birthday sleep over party. Nice night with lots of catching up.

Tonight we are going to the famous Hellenic Club to celebrate Eve's birthday. (Can't believe she is 12).

New Australian

On Wednesday 16th July 2008 a new Aussie was welcomed in. Sharon officially became an Australian at a ceremony at the Box Hill Town Hall.

I went to Melbourne by train from Sydney to be with her for the event. It was a very nice ceremony and Blake behaved like a true little gentleman throughout the entire time. There were about 150 people becoming Aussies.

Welcome Sharon.

Presidential Race

I must admit I am disappointed the Hillary did not do as well as hoped, but, I am sure Barak will do just fine. "All over but the shouting" - I hope this is true.

No more Bushes - remember there is still one lurking in the underbrush somewhere!!!

Singapore noodles

I have never been very good at making stir fries so I purchased a simple Women's Weekly recipe book and have decided that instead of my usual tried and true recipes that are used for Sunday night dinners we are going to have stir fries for a while.

This one is super easy and tastes delicious.

You need to purchase a large BBQ chicken (approx 900g).

450g singapore noodles (fresh)

1 teaspoon peanut oil

1 small brown onion (80g), chopped finely

2 rindless bacon rashers (130g), chopped finely

3cm piece fresh ginger (15g), grated

1 tablespoon mild curry powder

3 cups (480g) shredded BBQ chicken

6 green onions, sliced thinly

1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1/3 cup (80ml) sweet sherry

1, Place noodles in large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, separate with fork, drain.

2. Heat oil in wok, add brown onion, bacon and ginger, stir fry about 2 mins or until onion softens and bacon is crisp. Add curry powder: stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Add noodles and remaining ingredients: stir-fry until hot.

Everyone enjoyed this and I even took some to Mum and she ate it as well.

Thyroid Eye Disease

After 18 months of struggling with double vision and bulbous eyes I can now report that after two quite scary operations I now have single vision. I can only say that the relief is unbelievable. The appreciation of near normal sight is fantastic. I will never have the complete vision I had before but what I have now is just great. I am indebted to my Doctors - Dr. Raf Ghabrial of Macquarie Street, Sydney and his team.

I am now able to drive the car, and in fact drove half the way home from Sydney which gave Tony a rest. I am now planning on giving Mum a few outings, which I am looking forward to. I only hope she is not past wanting to do things. I feel she is nervous about my driving as she just can't realise that I can see as well as I can.

How people cope in their everyday lives with impaired vision is hard to comprehend. It certainly gave me an insight into how Mother is seeing the world and how you can just give up on certain things. For instance - does it really matter if the clothes you are wearing are not quite the right colour? I haven't worn makeup for some time - I will be from now on - but did that really matter? Even the everyday activity of walking - everything is now flat and not wavey.

On thing that is not so good - I can now see the dust and grime that I have to clean in my house - what a blow - ignorance can be bliss!!

Blogs

I really love the blogs of Adrienne. Happily for me she has links to some of her friends and I am able to catch up with them as well. Jessica has intersting information about her two beautiful children and her life in Japan. Thank you.

ANZAC DAY

Today is Anzac Day.

Anzac Day in Australia is becoming more and more important. It is amazing how many people are honouring the memory of our brave men who sacrificed their lives for us in the many wars, especially Gallipoli. In 1999 Tony and myself went to Gallipoli. It was not something we had ever aspired to do but it was such an emotional trip. When you go around the graves of the young men, some as young as 16 years old it is very awe inspiring. People who have visited the graves and the area quite often tell of the tears they shed, I will put myself in that category.

Lest we forget.

When I logged into Google today it was lovely to see that Google had used a poppy as one of the o's.

Eyes

I took a couple of photos of my eyes. The one with plaster was taken on Saturday and the other one today. As I can't see them properly it was interesting to me to have a photo. I must say I am not all that impressed with the end result, but perhaps there is swelling to go down and they may be better in time. Also the muscles have to be tweeked and that may make a difference. Actually if I can see reasonably well again I think I can put up with looking a little strange.

Charlie and Sophie

While in Sydney Joe and Sandra went to the first soccer match of Charlie. Thought you might like to have a couple of photos

Charlie and Sophie

While in Sydney Joe and Sandra went to the first soccer match of Charlie. Thought you might like to have a couple of photos

Coincidences

It's funny that you can be thinking of someone that you haven't seen for ages and then run into them. This happened last Sunday. While we were at Mass we noticed Colleen and Michael Croft (remember they were in Tasmania in Launceston and we visited them in Madison while we were in Princeton). There was a famous trip to Liffey Falls where a certain young spoiled little girl fell into the water and whinged all the time.

We only had a few moments outside the church but from that they went to visit Mum so that made her day. Remember Aunty Eileen with the farm at Cargo? Some of that farm has been sold recently, including the house and associated sheds. I think the family is feeling sad as a large part of their life has changed forever.

Produce

This is the first time I have grown eggplants. Fascinating things. There are ones that start off black and then there are some that start off green. It will be interesting to see if the green ones actually go black or maybe they are a different variety.

Afternoon Tea

Today some friends of Mother's were coming for afternoon tea. Fenetic activity was made to tidy the house, make vol-au-vents, pikelets, polish the silver and set up. Unfortunately they were unable to come. Mother and I will have a very nice afternoon - minus the silver service.

The daughter of Mum's friend has phoned a couple of times and has not left her phone number so I was not able to respond to her phone call - they have a silent number. Why do people not think to leave a number??

I have to have a couple of preoperative x-rays before heading off to Sydney. One chest and one ECG. It would be my luck that something is wrong with them and the surgery is put off. I wasn't informed that I had to have them done until today so a mad scramble to have it done.

Easter over for another year

Easter has come and gone. Time goes all too quickly.

We had a lovely time over the Easter break. Blake is absolutely gorgeous. Of course he is into the "terrible twos" now and we had our moments, but on the whole he is wonderful.

On Saturday we all had lunch at the annex of the Southern Cross Club at Yarralumla. Everyone came including Mother and Ben. The outing was to celebrate Dad's birthday as well as Easter. For a "club" the food was good and the view from the venue great. Looking out across the lake and there was a sailing event taking place. We came back home to have coffee and cake. All in all a very enjoyable time. It is a shame the Seattle people were not here as well. You were missed.

Sunday after we went to Mass John has cooked pancakes - delicious. Mother was picked up around 11am and Melissa came and cooked lunch - a very delicious pasta dish with prawns. Of course the chocolate cheese cake was made. After all John was home!!

The Easter Bunny must have arrived while we were eating lunch. Blake had a wonderful time finding "sweet eggs". Mind you I think he may be a chocoholic.

Monday John and Sharon and Blake went to visit Mother on the way to the Art Gallery. The experience was somewhat spoiled by a very tired boy who had a hicky fit.

Today Tuesday was left behind a very sad Grandmother having to say goodbye. Why oh why do people have to live out of Canberra!!!!

A few photos attached to bring you up to date with Blake mainly. Photos of Blake do not do him justice really.

Easter Visit

The Melbournanians arrived around 6PM today. I am so glad we made a visit a couple of weeks ago as Blake remembered us and was very content. Poor little chap was very tired. He actually asked to go to bed. He is sooooo cute. It will be great getting to know him more. Of course it is quite nice to have John and Sharon here as well.

Mother came for lunch today. I don't have to ask twice for her to come. I am happy about that as she catches up with what's going on.

John is a bit worried about their cat (Mia). She is in a catery but Vet told them she has liver damage. Hopefully she'll be okay until they return home. I suggested to John that she should give up the drink.

Doctors

Today started with an attempt to take Mum to a Mass of anointing. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month there is a Mass at Mirinjani. After arriving at 9.30AM to escort her to the "Chapel" we waited and waited. Eventually we gave up and went back to her room. I phoned the Presbytery again and was informed that they had made a mistake and had told me 9.30 instead of 10.30. Anyway I phoned Mum and she made it to Mass on her own.

Mum had an appointment with the Doctor this afternoon. She is having trouble swallowing and has been told on MANY occasions that she has delayed swallowing -i.e the message from the brain is delayed and of course she feels like she is choking. She remains unconvinced about the Doctors' diagnosis.

As John and Sharon are coming on Thursday and we (Tony and myself) are driving to Sydney tomorrow (Wednesday) to see my eye doctor we decided to do our shopping today. Mum sat in the car while this happened.

This is how exciting our lives are!!!

More photos

Okay Adrienne you asked for some more photos of Blake. I will add one or two as it takes a fair while for the photos to upload.

Mother is here for the day. We have her here on Thursday and Sunday. At the moment she is resting getting over her lunch (fried tomato, egg and bacon). This menu was requested by her.

Canberra is experiencing some really hot weather at the moment. We have had about 6 days in the mid 30's. Not as bad as Adelaide though. Winter will be very welcome.

"We of the Never Never"

When I was at school we read "We of the Never Never" by Aeneas Gunn as part of our literature study. It was written about early settlement in the Northern Territory.

For my 60th birthday my friend Carolyn gave me a copy. I am now reading this book to Mum and revisiting the adventure. We are both enjoying the experience. I have discovered that I can read out loud quite well really.

If you have not read "We of the Never Never" it is worth doing. It certainly shows how difficult it was to exist in those "inside" places in the early days.

Melbourne

We have had four whole days in Melbourne bonding with the beautiful Blake. What a doll! He is a great little chap and babbles along all day talking. Tony and I can understand most of what he says but his parents of course know all. At this stage we were very impressed that he knows all his colours and shapes and lots more. I can't wait till Easter when they will be here for a few days.

It is a pity that it takes so long to drive to Melbourne (7 hours) because I REALLY would love to spend more time there. Anyway we have to be content with what we can do.

John and Sharon's new home is very nice. Of course there are a million things they would like to do to it but that will come in time. But at the moment it is all you could want.

The picture is of their front door area.

Mother, Joe and Sandra

Just thought you would like to see Mother, Joe and Sandra. Mum had two nights here. I am taking her back to Mirinjani shortly. Lovely to have Joe and Sandra. They are good company and the time flies when they are here.

Menapause the Musical

Today I have been to Menapause the Musical. The theatre was full, manly grey headed women and a few intrepid men (about 12). It was hilarious!! The performers were women in their late 50's - 70. The musical was really a series of well known songs with the words changed. Not terribly high brow but for persons who have been through the "change" it rang quite a number of bells. If the laughter was anything to judge by it was a great success. I think "you have had to be there" to appreciate it.

Joe and Sandra are not here yet but I am looking so forward to having them here.

The after schoolies are here and have eaten very well. They are disappointed that next week we will be in Melbourne. I have a feeling the afternoon tea is really a draw card.

What a fantastic photo of Anselm in Adrienne's blog. He really is a good looking child.

Menapause the Musical

Today I have been to Menapause the Musical. The theatre was full, manly grey headed women and a few intrepid men (about 12). It was hilarious

Fran and Andrew

We had a visit overnight from Fran and Andrew and Elijah. They came over to go to the CATS award night. (Canberra Area Theatre??), Initially I thought Andrew was singing at this but it turned out that a number of Orange people were coming over so they took the oportunity to visit with Mother. We didn't see much of them but it was nice having them here.

Joe and Sandra are coming on Wednesday and staying until Saturday. I will have Mother home over night on the Thursday night.

Wednesday is going to be a bit busy. Apart from getting the house reasonable for visitors I am going to a play (Menapaulsal Women) with Rhonda. Tony will pick the kids up from school. Actually I am going to catch the bus!!! to the theatre. Going green, or at least a little bit green.

A very impressive collection of Japanese goodies Adrienne. Did you have a Japancese cook book in there?

University medal honour board

Tony, Denise and myself had a lovely time at the unveiling of the University medalist's honour board. The weather was perfect and the setting at University House very pretty. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Professor Mandy Thomas) remembers you Adrienne and asked that you respond to her. She, or the University, are keen to follow up on medal winners to see what has transpired in their lives. I will send you her e-mail later.

I think the pictures are self explanatory. Unfortunately the photo of the Honour Board is not very good. It was too high up on the wall and my flash couldn't catch the whole lot. Anyway your name is definately there.

What's going on?

I just tried to go into my blog in the usual way and I can't. I have actioned it by going through your blog Adrienne. Beautiful day here. Am expecting Denise at any minute. All the house is tidy and I have been to visit Mum so "ready to receive".

New resolutions

Well it looks like I have to be more diligent with my blog. That is going to be hard as my life is pretty ordinary. Today being Thursday is the day we have Mother home for dinner. Tonight we had crumbed brains (or what was referred to when my kids were small "brain food"), together with vegetables and of course the white sauce. I always feel bad about taking her home. She has to rise early to have her shower etc. before going to the dining room for breakfast. Actually I feel she is a little more settled in the last week or so. I just wish there was a person with whom she would pal up.

Picture

Okay so this is my attempt to add a photo to my blog. Hope it works. This is a photo of Jay taken in May 2007. I don't think I will have too much trouble doing this.

Blogs

I just love reading my daughter's blog. She is very good in keeping up with it. I feel I am part of the family's life and know from day to day how things are going. I never tire of reading about thei lives and especially the advancements of my two overseas grand children. And may I say they are really "GRAND".

Hostel Life

I have come to the conclusion that one is better served to move into aged care before you get too old. Mum is finding it diffcult and lonely. If only she could see, her life would be much richer. I could just imagine her sitting comfortably reading, watching DVD's and enjoying the outings that Mirinjani provide., but...
Also the ability (which is learned from necessity) to make friends. She has lived her whole life in the one town and knows everyone and most people know her. She has never had the need to instigate new friendships and doesn't seem to know how to go about it. "No one speaks to me" is her comment. I must admit I feel guilty bringing her out of her comfort zone, but unfortunately it was necessary.
Apart from the guilt feeling I am happy to have her so close. A daily visit and two meals a week at home here are not very draining - at least not at the present time.

Big Brother Anselm

What a beautiful brother Anselm is. I could have cried when I saw the photo of Anselm holding Eliot's hand. Something in that picture just shows what a lovely big brother he is. It is hard to realise that Anselm is only 5. ONLY 5!!! Somehow he seems much older. I hope he has a happy childhood as he deserves it. He is special. I truly miss both of those kids. "Brandad" keeps telling people of the little girl who just thought he was the bees knees.

Willard Price

Having a project is great. My latest is to find Willard Price books. I have found one "Diving Adventure". Second hand book stores look out!!

Mother's residence

Since arriving home from Hawaii it has been go!go!go! to move Mum from one aged care hostel to another. Yesterday she took up residence in her new "home". Unfortunately her room is not as large as her previous one. It is quite nice though. Hopefully she is relatively content. Joe and San returned to Sydney today. It is great to think she is being looked after 24/7 and that I can pop in to see her (or not) at my convenience. No more rushing off to Orange to pick her up or just visit. Even the fact that she can go "home" after spending the day here and the responsibility of showering etc. is no more on me. Not that I mind doing it but it seems to take up the whole morning. The staff seem to be very attentive. I have to buy a bottle of dry ginger ale so she can have a pre-dinner whiskey!

What a day

Today we unpacked Mother's things into her new room. It is a smaller room than she had in Orange but still looks quite nice. I am not looking forward to getting old. Fancy having to relocate from a place where your whole lifetime had been spent.
While in Orange I happened across a second hand book shop next to the supermarket - you would never quess what I found? A Willard Price book. I will be sending this off to Seattle in the next few weeks.

Hot Helen of Holder

Today the temperature was in the 30's. I think about 34. Maybe we should go back to Hawaii. Thank goodness for evaporated air cooling. Not as icy as air conditioning but at least the house is bearable.

Good news - bad news

What a topsy turvy couple of days. The excitement that mum would be moving and then the absolute disappointment when we were told she couldn't. Eventually everything was sorted out and she is moving. For 24 hours it was REALLY uncertain about her move but thank goodness next Monday is the day. I have spent the most of the last two days on the phone.
The sun shines brightly here. When we arrived home our evaporative air cooling system was not working - 33 degrees is quite warm. Today the technician repaired the machine and we now don't have to dread the next few days which the weather man is telling us that it will be in the high 30's,

Home from Holiday

After a wonderful holiday with our family we are home.
Do people realise just how special it is to be grandparents!