We have a very old car. It used to belong to our son, and we bought it second hand for him,when he was 17. He is now 34.Lately it has been running like 'a hairy goat'. My husband has tried to find out what the problem is. (I must say, it has done a power of work, and is probably just looking for a rest!) Neville took the head off last week, and replaced it and the gasket, to no avail. Today, he put a different carburator on, and it is running like a clock. It still has water being forced into one of the pistons, but now, I don't feel as though it is going to conk out, miles from anywhere.
I mentioned in a recent posting, that the council workers were putting kerbing along our street. They laid the kerbing on Tuesday, and it was fascinating to watch. We had to park the car on the front verge for a few days, but now have a new driveway, and can put the car in the yard again.It is a bit 'sudden' when we drive out, and one would not want to drive out too quickly, or you would damage the front end. They have to finish filling in the ditch and leveling the rubble, but it looks quite good.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Strange weather and other stuff.
My friend, Sue and I, thravvelled to Naracoorte on Tuesday, to do some shopping and have a day out. About lunch time, there was a thunder storm approaching, and it did rain, just a bit. There was more lightning and thunder than rain, and the fire siren sounded, just as we were getting lunch. On our way out of town, a CFS (Country Fire Service) unit passed us, and we were surprised to see it was from a neighbouring small town. It was heading the same way we were. They must have been called out because the Naracoorte units were already on their way to the other fire. We could smell burnt grass, and see the smoke, but no fire. There were 90 fires lit by lightning that day, in this state alone. They are still battling fires in other states. We have had a thick pall of smoke over the town most of today. It is drifting in from the west, but we have not heard where the fire was/is. I hope the idiots who light fires for 'fun' , think again, as they put everybody's life at risk, and we are in for a long hot summer.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Haydn's Birthday Lunch.
Yesterday, Neville, his brother Peter and I travelled in Peter's car, to Naracoorte, to join his and Neville's elder brother Haydn, for his 70th birthday celebrations. It turned out that Haydn had no idea that we were coming, so was surprised to see us. There were many family and friends there, but some I expected to see were absent. His elder daughter and her family, to mention one. His youngeer daughter was there from Victoria, minus her husband. I did not expect to see her. She had come over the night before, and had to leave immediately after lunch to travel home, as she has to work.
We were asked to pay for our meals, as they had stipulated NO gifts. I ordered roast chicken sans gravy. When it arrived, and I started to eat it, I discovered that it was not cooked properly, as it was still pink in the bones. I said I would not eat it, just fill up on vegetables. Neville said I should take it back, but I could not be bothered. He could have done that for me. He compensated by telling the waitress when she brought more meals to our table. She apologised and took it away, and brought me another meal, this time it was the breast and was properly cooked. She apologised once more.
It was quite warm yesterday, and more so where we were seated, as it was in the atrium at the back of the hotel, which has been enclosed with clear plastic blinds. My sister-in-law, Irene, asked if the blinds could be pulled up, to let the breeze in. This was done, and it was much better.
After lunch, we drove to our farm and Neville and Pete climbed the frnce and walked to the sheds, where they picked the strawberries, and Pete took them home. As we were leving to go to the farm, Haydn said, 'Hey, Sue. Will you tell this young lady what my nickname is. She won't believe me?' I said it was Tom. The girl in question looked sceptical, and I said, pointing to Pete, that he was called Chink, as his father said he looked like a Chinaman. She said, 'Why did he call him that?' I said she would have to ask him, but as he has been dead for 38 years, it would be a bit difficult. Then Haydn told her that Neville was his brother also. She wanted to know what his nickname was, but I refused to divulge that information. She asked me where I fitted in, and I said, "Anywhere I can!" Haydn told her I am Neville's wife.
Wehile we were at the farm, my grandson from Perth rang me on the moblie. He was having a great ime, as my sister and her husband were with him and my son, and they were showing them some of the sights, as they had not been to Perth before.
We went to Haydn and Irene's house for a cuppa before we came home. This young girl was there, and she was very precocious and 'forward for her age'. She informed me she had discovered Neville's nickname, and proceeded to call him by it. It did not cut any ice with Neville, as he ignored her. She misunderstood the meaning of it, and I was nor about to disabuse her. She wanted to know what mine was, and did not believe me when I said I did not have one.
She is sixteen, and I thought she was about 12. When I put atrificial sweetener in my tea, she asked point blank, 'Are you a Diabetic?' "No, I'm not". Then why are you using that stuff?" "Because I can." I was getting just a tad irritated with her inquiitiveness, by the time we left. Her mother was seated next to me, and did not check her at all.
All in all, we had a great day out, though I was exhausted.
We were asked to pay for our meals, as they had stipulated NO gifts. I ordered roast chicken sans gravy. When it arrived, and I started to eat it, I discovered that it was not cooked properly, as it was still pink in the bones. I said I would not eat it, just fill up on vegetables. Neville said I should take it back, but I could not be bothered. He could have done that for me. He compensated by telling the waitress when she brought more meals to our table. She apologised and took it away, and brought me another meal, this time it was the breast and was properly cooked. She apologised once more.
It was quite warm yesterday, and more so where we were seated, as it was in the atrium at the back of the hotel, which has been enclosed with clear plastic blinds. My sister-in-law, Irene, asked if the blinds could be pulled up, to let the breeze in. This was done, and it was much better.
After lunch, we drove to our farm and Neville and Pete climbed the frnce and walked to the sheds, where they picked the strawberries, and Pete took them home. As we were leving to go to the farm, Haydn said, 'Hey, Sue. Will you tell this young lady what my nickname is. She won't believe me?' I said it was Tom. The girl in question looked sceptical, and I said, pointing to Pete, that he was called Chink, as his father said he looked like a Chinaman. She said, 'Why did he call him that?' I said she would have to ask him, but as he has been dead for 38 years, it would be a bit difficult. Then Haydn told her that Neville was his brother also. She wanted to know what his nickname was, but I refused to divulge that information. She asked me where I fitted in, and I said, "Anywhere I can!" Haydn told her I am Neville's wife.
Wehile we were at the farm, my grandson from Perth rang me on the moblie. He was having a great ime, as my sister and her husband were with him and my son, and they were showing them some of the sights, as they had not been to Perth before.
We went to Haydn and Irene's house for a cuppa before we came home. This young girl was there, and she was very precocious and 'forward for her age'. She informed me she had discovered Neville's nickname, and proceeded to call him by it. It did not cut any ice with Neville, as he ignored her. She misunderstood the meaning of it, and I was nor about to disabuse her. She wanted to know what mine was, and did not believe me when I said I did not have one.
She is sixteen, and I thought she was about 12. When I put atrificial sweetener in my tea, she asked point blank, 'Are you a Diabetic?' "No, I'm not". Then why are you using that stuff?" "Because I can." I was getting just a tad irritated with her inquiitiveness, by the time we left. Her mother was seated next to me, and did not check her at all.
All in all, we had a great day out, though I was exhausted.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Road Works
Monday, local council employees started making lots of noise and dust outside our house. We have a 'no through road' at the end of our street, and they were laying rubble along it. We were curious to know why. It would appear it is so people can walk through. It seems pointless, as we have been able to do that all the time. A few years ago, they made that end of the street a cul-de-sac,when they did the kerbong , so I can't see that they will allow cars to drive through. Now for some clarification on the above. The council employees have been measuring and marking along the street, as they are about to finish doing the kerbing they started about four years ago. They are doing the kerbing on the other side of the street first. They are removing the culvert pipes, and putting new ones under ground. When they did that on our side, all the rain water runoff seeped into the pit in our shed, as it's natural path had been blocked. It will be interesting to see what happens now.
Yesterday, when Sue and I came back from our coffee morning, there were two council employees standing at the stobie pole on the other side of the street. Well, one was standing, the other was digging a hole. I remarked to Sue, that the one standing was a proper employee, as he was leaning on his shovel! He had obviously received the correct 'training'.For all you non aussies, it is a standard joke, that to be employed by the council as outside staff, you must lean of your shovel a lot, as they are not deemed to be very diligent workers.I hope they don't take too long to complete the work.I have enough trouble with allergies and Asthma, without the added dust they will be kicking up.
Yesterday, when Sue and I came back from our coffee morning, there were two council employees standing at the stobie pole on the other side of the street. Well, one was standing, the other was digging a hole. I remarked to Sue, that the one standing was a proper employee, as he was leaning on his shovel! He had obviously received the correct 'training'.For all you non aussies, it is a standard joke, that to be employed by the council as outside staff, you must lean of your shovel a lot, as they are not deemed to be very diligent workers.I hope they don't take too long to complete the work.I have enough trouble with allergies and Asthma, without the added dust they will be kicking up.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Guy Fawkes night
When I was young, many, many moons ago, on this night we would light bonfires and burn a 'guy', and let off crackers and rockets, and other fireworks. It has been fazed out, for the most part in this country, as it is at the wrong time of the year. It is essentially an English practice, and much safer over there, as they are coming into Winter. I believe it is still widely practiced in Britain. I just looked at the date on my computer, and realised this fact.
Today, we travelled to Keith, to pick up my single bed, as I had loaned it to Deb for her mother-in-law to sleep on, before she moved into her new house/flat. We were invited to have lunch with them, which made a nice change, and we could spend time with the children. We don't get to do that with Lachlan much.
We had roast chicken and veg, and gravy. I was not quick enough to say not to put gravy on mine, but, hey, it is only one time. I doubt that it will make much difference to my weight loss efforts.
Deb is far from well. She has had a very nasty chest infection, and now she has a sinus infection. As she is 18 weeks pregnant, the doctor is loath to give her Antibiotics. She looks as 'miserable as a Bandicoot'.
We had a pleasant time with them, and came home about 2pm. I am now doing the washing. It doesn't matter if it is not hung out today, I can finish doing that tomorrow.
Today, we travelled to Keith, to pick up my single bed, as I had loaned it to Deb for her mother-in-law to sleep on, before she moved into her new house/flat. We were invited to have lunch with them, which made a nice change, and we could spend time with the children. We don't get to do that with Lachlan much.
We had roast chicken and veg, and gravy. I was not quick enough to say not to put gravy on mine, but, hey, it is only one time. I doubt that it will make much difference to my weight loss efforts.
Deb is far from well. She has had a very nasty chest infection, and now she has a sinus infection. As she is 18 weeks pregnant, the doctor is loath to give her Antibiotics. She looks as 'miserable as a Bandicoot'.
We had a pleasant time with them, and came home about 2pm. I am now doing the washing. It doesn't matter if it is not hung out today, I can finish doing that tomorrow.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Weekend. Same 'ol, same 'ol.
Unlike my son and his family, we never 'do' anything at all, let alone something interesting. Hubby went out for the day to a monster auction just over the border in Victoria, in a town named Kaniva. It is held twice a year, and raises money for charity and some of the public. For instance, there was a 1997 Mecedes Benz for sale. The auctioneer could only raise $10,000.00, but the vendor wanted more. He was selling it for his daughter who has gone overseas. I have never been to one, but am told there is all manner of things brought for sale. It was a day out for Neville, but it would have been boring for me, as I can't stand for long, and sitting around is not much better, or any fun. I did the washing instead. That was a big job , for me. I had a 'Nanna' nap in the afternoon. Two and a 1/4 hours! Must have been tireder than I realised.
Neville is fiddling with his bench saw and wood splitter.Don't know what he is doing to them. He had to bring them in from his brother's place, so they would not get stolen. He had some split Red Gum fire wood out there too. His brother, Peter, asked him last time here was here if he had been cutting or carting wood. Neville said no. Pete said all the Red Gum had gone. I hope whoever stole it needed it, and didn't make money out of it.
Neville left his house key at the farm last week, and I have had to let him in when he returns from his walk at night. Last night I was mucking around on the computer, and I was listening to music on my Walkman. I thought he would be too tired after being out all day, to go for a walk. I turned this thing off at 8.25 pm, so I could watch a couple of programmes on TV. He was no-where is sight, and I assumed he had gone to bed. He is usually back long before that time. I put the passage light on, and quietly opened the bedroom door, to ascertain if he was in bed. In the dim light, and with my poor eyesight, I thought I detected his form in the bed, so I put the bolt in the door, and locked up for the night.
Ten to fifteen minutes later the door bell rang. I assumed, wrongly, that it was my friend Sue. I was most surprised to see it was Neville. I told him all the above, and he said he had said 'see you later' and I had not responded. I told him I had loud music playing through the headphones, so of course I didn't hear him.
Neville is fiddling with his bench saw and wood splitter.Don't know what he is doing to them. He had to bring them in from his brother's place, so they would not get stolen. He had some split Red Gum fire wood out there too. His brother, Peter, asked him last time here was here if he had been cutting or carting wood. Neville said no. Pete said all the Red Gum had gone. I hope whoever stole it needed it, and didn't make money out of it.
Neville left his house key at the farm last week, and I have had to let him in when he returns from his walk at night. Last night I was mucking around on the computer, and I was listening to music on my Walkman. I thought he would be too tired after being out all day, to go for a walk. I turned this thing off at 8.25 pm, so I could watch a couple of programmes on TV. He was no-where is sight, and I assumed he had gone to bed. He is usually back long before that time. I put the passage light on, and quietly opened the bedroom door, to ascertain if he was in bed. In the dim light, and with my poor eyesight, I thought I detected his form in the bed, so I put the bolt in the door, and locked up for the night.
Ten to fifteen minutes later the door bell rang. I assumed, wrongly, that it was my friend Sue. I was most surprised to see it was Neville. I told him all the above, and he said he had said 'see you later' and I had not responded. I told him I had loud music playing through the headphones, so of course I didn't hear him.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Silly Season.
They talk about Christmas being the silly season. I think that the next six months are the silliest season we have, because we have started Daylight Saving. It is of course, a misnomer. We do not in fact save daylight. There are still just as many hours in the day, as there were prior to today. Of course, all the lame jokes about it are starting to be trotted out again. For instance: Any dam water will be evaporated faster, because there is an hour's more sunlight, or, we will need to buy antifade curtains etc, etc.
I wish I were rich enough to be able to afford a place in Perth, W.A., then I would be able to live in a beautiful city and spend time with my son and his family, untill this idiotc time had elapsed.
It is very cold this morning. There is still no sign of Spring rains, which are desperately needed.My husband walked down the street and bought the Sunday paper, then he got the fire roaring, and sat on the lounge with the front door open, with the freezing air wafting in, so he could save a Bob by not putting the light on, so he could read the paper! As they say in America, go figure!
I wish I were rich enough to be able to afford a place in Perth, W.A., then I would be able to live in a beautiful city and spend time with my son and his family, untill this idiotc time had elapsed.
It is very cold this morning. There is still no sign of Spring rains, which are desperately needed.My husband walked down the street and bought the Sunday paper, then he got the fire roaring, and sat on the lounge with the front door open, with the freezing air wafting in, so he could save a Bob by not putting the light on, so he could read the paper! As they say in America, go figure!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Postscript to yesterday.
When I was about to write my posting yesterday, I had three happenings along the same lines to write about, but when I booted up the computer, one of them slipped my mind. I have remembered what it is, so here goes.
I have been getting Christmas food hampers from a company for five years now. I rang on Wednesday to place my order for next year. I am getting some gift vouchers, as well as a big hamper, and started to tell the girl which vouchers I wanted. I had only gotten to the third one, when she asked me if I would hold the line. When she came back on the phone,I asked her what the problem was. She said I could not make up my order with vouchers, I had to order a hamper that was over $500.00, then I could order the vouchers. I said I was getting to that, and told her which one I was going to order, and how much it is. It is over $500.00. "Oh, well that is alright then." I do wish people would not jump to conclusions and wait until I have finished speaking. They would be much easier to get on with if they did. It is extremely annoying when people try to second guess me.
I have been getting Christmas food hampers from a company for five years now. I rang on Wednesday to place my order for next year. I am getting some gift vouchers, as well as a big hamper, and started to tell the girl which vouchers I wanted. I had only gotten to the third one, when she asked me if I would hold the line. When she came back on the phone,I asked her what the problem was. She said I could not make up my order with vouchers, I had to order a hamper that was over $500.00, then I could order the vouchers. I said I was getting to that, and told her which one I was going to order, and how much it is. It is over $500.00. "Oh, well that is alright then." I do wish people would not jump to conclusions and wait until I have finished speaking. They would be much easier to get on with if they did. It is extremely annoying when people try to second guess me.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
I do wish, people would listen!
I rang a specialist's rooms today, to cancel an appointment that had been made on my behalf, by my Orthopaedic surgeon's PA a couple of months ago. This doctor speialises in stomach banding, but I had decided when Roger first suggested it, that I would not have anything to do with it. I gave him my reasons at the time. He broached the subject again in August, when I saw him here.
He wanted to help me with my weight problem, so I can have my knee surgery, and said I should get the 'low down' from someone who knows what it involves, and not listen to horror stories in the media. I reluctantly agreed. I have been mulling it over for the last two months, and decided I was not going to see this doctor, as my feelings about the procedure have not changed. When I rang Dr. Wilson's rooms, the receptinist said the phone was playing up, which indeed it was. She took my phone number and rang back about five minutes later.
I started to tell her what I was calling for thus:- I gave my name and said that Dr. O.....'s P.A. had made an appointment for me in December. She interupted me and said, No, No, No, this is not Dr. O 's rooms, you have the wrong number. I told her I knew that, and asked her very firmly, if she would please listen to me! I then explained that the appointment had been made for me by Dr. O's P.A., and I was ringing to cancel it. I gave her the date, and she suddenly 'saw the light'! If she commented to her workmates that I was rude, she should look in the mirror and say that. She was rude for not giving me her undivided attention it the first instance.
Funnily enough, the very P.A. who made that appointment needs to keep her mind on the job, too. She rang me yesterday on my mobile phone, to confirm my appointment with Dr.O, here on Friday. I told her I thought that it had been cancelled, as I had an Email with the dates and times for the above appointment and one in September, which stated that I was to see Dr. O here in the New Year, at a time to be advised. She obviously had not checked her emails, or she did not receive it. Anyway, I said I was not expecting to see Roger tomorrow.
He wanted to help me with my weight problem, so I can have my knee surgery, and said I should get the 'low down' from someone who knows what it involves, and not listen to horror stories in the media. I reluctantly agreed. I have been mulling it over for the last two months, and decided I was not going to see this doctor, as my feelings about the procedure have not changed. When I rang Dr. Wilson's rooms, the receptinist said the phone was playing up, which indeed it was. She took my phone number and rang back about five minutes later.
I started to tell her what I was calling for thus:- I gave my name and said that Dr. O.....'s P.A. had made an appointment for me in December. She interupted me and said, No, No, No, this is not Dr. O 's rooms, you have the wrong number. I told her I knew that, and asked her very firmly, if she would please listen to me! I then explained that the appointment had been made for me by Dr. O's P.A., and I was ringing to cancel it. I gave her the date, and she suddenly 'saw the light'! If she commented to her workmates that I was rude, she should look in the mirror and say that. She was rude for not giving me her undivided attention it the first instance.
Funnily enough, the very P.A. who made that appointment needs to keep her mind on the job, too. She rang me yesterday on my mobile phone, to confirm my appointment with Dr.O, here on Friday. I told her I thought that it had been cancelled, as I had an Email with the dates and times for the above appointment and one in September, which stated that I was to see Dr. O here in the New Year, at a time to be advised. She obviously had not checked her emails, or she did not receive it. Anyway, I said I was not expecting to see Roger tomorrow.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Unexpected Compliments.
Whilst I was waiting to see the doctor this morning/afternoon, (my appointment was for 11.45. I did not come out of the surgery until 12.40 pm.) I was chatting to an elderly woman that I know, only slightly, as you do in such situations, and she was trying to make small talk and asked if I had family. As I don't know her very well, i was somewhat reluctant to divulge too much about myself to her. I said , yes, I did have family. She asked where they went to school, was it Mundulla. ( A small town, 10kls from here, with only a Primary school.) I laughed and said I was a grandmother three times over, with another one on the way, and my eldest two are six. She was quite incredulous, and said,"Are you really?" I assured her that is the case. As I have been feeling haggard and old of late, to think some-one in her eighties thought I was that young gave me a huge boost. I got a lot of pleasure from it, I can tell you. It truly blessed me, and I have not been able to wipe the smile off my face.
I'm Losin' it!
Some would say I already have, but I am not referring to the 'plot' or my 'marbles'
I have shed half a stone in the last five weeks. That is just over 3kgs. Feeling dead chuffed, I are.
I just hope I can maintain the momentum, and reach my dream weight, and have my knee replacement surgery, soon. Well, in about six months, anyway.
My blood sugar has fallen back to 5.8, which is brilliant. My doctor and the clinic nurse are VERY pleased with Moi. (So am I , just quietly.) I know I have a long way to go, and am taking things one day at a time. It is a nightmare trying to do the shopping and having to read the labels, with my poor eyesight, but, must soldier on.Wish me luck, people.
I have shed half a stone in the last five weeks. That is just over 3kgs. Feeling dead chuffed, I are.
I just hope I can maintain the momentum, and reach my dream weight, and have my knee replacement surgery, soon. Well, in about six months, anyway.
My blood sugar has fallen back to 5.8, which is brilliant. My doctor and the clinic nurse are VERY pleased with Moi. (So am I , just quietly.) I know I have a long way to go, and am taking things one day at a time. It is a nightmare trying to do the shopping and having to read the labels, with my poor eyesight, but, must soldier on.Wish me luck, people.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Lachlan had fun.
On Thursday afternoon, I asked Neville to put the seat back in the car so we could all go down the street, as I had some errands to do, and Lachlan had to sit in the back. He has had the seat out for ages, as he uses the car as a 'ute' for the farm. I had asked Lachlan what he would like to do. Would he like to go to the Wild Life Reserve, or would he like to go to Apex park and play on the swings etc. He said he would like to do both, but when we got there, he decided he would like to play on the swings etc. After I had done all my errands, one of which was paying off a bill and layby at Betta Electrical, I bought a couple of CD Roms of games. One is three different kinds of car racing, and the other is over 1,000 games of Solitairre, we came back to Apex park, I went with him so he could play safely. Neville sat in the car. He never gets involved with the grandies. It would be nice if he did, as it is very hard for me with my crook back and knees. But, this Leopard ain't about to change his spots!
After Lachlan had played for a while, I asked him if he ate pizza, and did mum make them, and what did he like on them. He said he liked chicken pizza. I have never made one, so had to ascertain what ingredients I needed so we could get them while we were down town.
He couldn't remember all of them, so I rang Deb and she thought that something must be wrong. I said nothing was wrong, and asked her what he liked on his chicken pizzas. we bought the nessacary items, and came home.
When we got home, Lachlan asked if he could play games on the computer. I had to load one of the racing games, but we could not work out how to start it! It said to click on space to start.
I set up some games for him to play, while I made pizzas in my toaster oven. I had to make frequent trips in here, to show him what to do. I gave him a bath before tea, and afterwards, he played with the army men and other toys. We started to watch Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang. Lachlan started to go to sleep, so I turned it off, and read him a story, as requested. He then snuggled down on the lounge, and went to sleep. I was surprised that he did so early, as it was only nine o'clock, and those children are still up around 10 pm. I don't know if that applies on school nights.
I asked Deb about the racing game, yesterday, and she said it probably meant to click the space bar. Duh!
It is for children over 8, but Lachlan tried it, and had a bit if fun, but kept crashing and burning his car. Riley decided to stay when Deb and her friend Kylie went shopping. This is unusual for him. I thought he was very subdued, and discovered he had been reprimanded by his grandfather for running around with a big stick, and pointing at Pop. He was told several times to stop, but ignored him. He said if he didn't, he would smack him. Riley didn't take heed, and suffered the consquences. I hope when he starts school, his teachers can channel his exuberence positively, and not break his spirit.
We played Animal Farm on the computer, and Riley is very clued in, and picked the objects by their name sounding and pictures, very well. He will be four next month.
Deb said when they were leaving, that Lachlan had asked if he could stay another night. She asked him if he wanted to go fishing or stay here. He said he wanted to go fishing. They all love their fishing trips. I hope they catch something edible this time.
After Lachlan had played for a while, I asked him if he ate pizza, and did mum make them, and what did he like on them. He said he liked chicken pizza. I have never made one, so had to ascertain what ingredients I needed so we could get them while we were down town.
He couldn't remember all of them, so I rang Deb and she thought that something must be wrong. I said nothing was wrong, and asked her what he liked on his chicken pizzas. we bought the nessacary items, and came home.
When we got home, Lachlan asked if he could play games on the computer. I had to load one of the racing games, but we could not work out how to start it! It said to click on space to start.
I set up some games for him to play, while I made pizzas in my toaster oven. I had to make frequent trips in here, to show him what to do. I gave him a bath before tea, and afterwards, he played with the army men and other toys. We started to watch Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang. Lachlan started to go to sleep, so I turned it off, and read him a story, as requested. He then snuggled down on the lounge, and went to sleep. I was surprised that he did so early, as it was only nine o'clock, and those children are still up around 10 pm. I don't know if that applies on school nights.
I asked Deb about the racing game, yesterday, and she said it probably meant to click the space bar. Duh!
It is for children over 8, but Lachlan tried it, and had a bit if fun, but kept crashing and burning his car. Riley decided to stay when Deb and her friend Kylie went shopping. This is unusual for him. I thought he was very subdued, and discovered he had been reprimanded by his grandfather for running around with a big stick, and pointing at Pop. He was told several times to stop, but ignored him. He said if he didn't, he would smack him. Riley didn't take heed, and suffered the consquences. I hope when he starts school, his teachers can channel his exuberence positively, and not break his spirit.
We played Animal Farm on the computer, and Riley is very clued in, and picked the objects by their name sounding and pictures, very well. He will be four next month.
Deb said when they were leaving, that Lachlan had asked if he could stay another night. She asked him if he wanted to go fishing or stay here. He said he wanted to go fishing. They all love their fishing trips. I hope they catch something edible this time.
Been busy.
Last Thursday, Sue and I travelled to Keith, to spend some time with my daughter and her boys, but also to get away from here for a while. We arrived at Deb's, and I was surprised to see their car was not in the driveway. Sue could see the children peeping through the curtains, and I was a bit concerned that they were on their own. I rang Deb on the mobile, only to see her walk out of the house. I asked where the car was, and she said Pete had it. Silly me. I thought she drove him to work so she could have the car. She must only do that on shopping days. Sue removed one of the child seats so Lachlan could sit in the back with Deb and Riley. We went to the Keith bakery cafe and had morning tea. Then we went to a bargain shop which sells/hires videos, toys, craft items and cigarettes, just to have a squizz. Then we went back to Deb's for a while.
I had arranged to have Lachlan for the weekend, but Deb asked if it would be OK if it was only for the night, and she would pick him up on Friday, as they wanted to go fishing today.
She rang me early on Thursday, to ask when we would be arriving, as she had one very excited little boy who had been ready for an hour. This was at nine o'clock. We didn't get there untill 10.30 am! Luckily, Lachlan is a patiant child. We all trooped down to the local pub, and I bought lunch. Deb had Calamari rings, the boys had Chicken Nuggets and chips, Sue had Chicken Schnitzel, and I had a child's serve of the same, as they are far too big for me to manage. We ate outside, because Riley was in a particulary boisterous mood, and making a lot of noise. No ammount of reprimanding from his mother made an impact. It was quite chilly outside. It was a huge contrast to the day before when it had been 37c.
Sue and I liked the bread that was served at lunch, and walked across to the bakery and ordered a loaf each, and Deb brought them yesterday. They are half and half wholemeal and white done in a plait. Very nice.
We went back to Deb's and got Lachlan's gear and came home.
I had arranged to have Lachlan for the weekend, but Deb asked if it would be OK if it was only for the night, and she would pick him up on Friday, as they wanted to go fishing today.
She rang me early on Thursday, to ask when we would be arriving, as she had one very excited little boy who had been ready for an hour. This was at nine o'clock. We didn't get there untill 10.30 am! Luckily, Lachlan is a patiant child. We all trooped down to the local pub, and I bought lunch. Deb had Calamari rings, the boys had Chicken Nuggets and chips, Sue had Chicken Schnitzel, and I had a child's serve of the same, as they are far too big for me to manage. We ate outside, because Riley was in a particulary boisterous mood, and making a lot of noise. No ammount of reprimanding from his mother made an impact. It was quite chilly outside. It was a huge contrast to the day before when it had been 37c.
Sue and I liked the bread that was served at lunch, and walked across to the bakery and ordered a loaf each, and Deb brought them yesterday. They are half and half wholemeal and white done in a plait. Very nice.
We went back to Deb's and got Lachlan's gear and came home.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Winning. Sometimes easy, sometimes not.
As stated in yesterday's post, I had a bone density scan this week. I went to see my doctor yesterday to get the results. I was very pleased to discover I have very strong bones, and it would take considerable force to break one. This is good news. Winner No. one. Winner No. 2 was finding out I have lost 2 kilos this week, by just cutting out sugar altogether. Yay! I have to try to keep that up. everthing tastes digusting, but I will have to persevere. Winner N0.3 was being told, because I have started to lose weight, and cut out sugar, I am NOT a Diabetc! ( Feel like eating a piece of cake to celebrate) Just joshing!
The doctor is confident, if I continue to lose weight, my blood glucose levels will get back to normal.
Losing weight is not going to be easy, but I am determined to try my bset to succeed. Winner No. 4 was a competition in a Hardware catalogue. The prize is a six piece dripper set and 25m hose. I was an instant winner. My daughter rang me while I was in Adelaide, very excited, to tell me she had won one of them. I got my catalogue yesterday and entered the comp. There are only 100 to be given away Australia wide. Howzat?
The doctor is confident, if I continue to lose weight, my blood glucose levels will get back to normal.
Losing weight is not going to be easy, but I am determined to try my bset to succeed. Winner No. 4 was a competition in a Hardware catalogue. The prize is a six piece dripper set and 25m hose. I was an instant winner. My daughter rang me while I was in Adelaide, very excited, to tell me she had won one of them. I got my catalogue yesterday and entered the comp. There are only 100 to be given away Australia wide. Howzat?
Friday, September 29, 2006
Adelaide trip.
We travelled to our capital city yesterday, as I had to have a bone density scan, in the afternoon. I arrived at my mother's, at a little after 11 a.m. We had a cuppa, and she showed me some photos of my sister Alison and her family, that were taken at her second daughter's 18th birthday in July.
I have not seen Alison for thirty years, and have never met her other two girls, or her partner, Aiden. There were pics of all of them. Ellen is a beautiful girl, with flowing red hair, and a full figure. That is not to say she is over weight. Not at all. I have spoken to them all at times, when I have rung Alison. They are all very nice.
I took mum some flowers. Blue Irises and white Geraldton Wax, and a bunch of red rose buds. She was very pleased to receive them. We had lunch, and afterwards, we played two games of Scrabble. Mum won the first one by 9 points, and I the second, by 16. She declared, in jest, that she was not playing me again, as she does not like to lose. Before we had finished the second game, Neville had returned to take me to my scan appointment. He said KMart had canned peaches out for 0.99c each. You could purchase a box of 12 for nearly $12.00. I rang my daughter and asked if she would like some. She said , yes please. We bought three boxes.
We then travelled further along the road to the hospital, where I had to go for the scan. He dropped me off at the wrong gray building! It was my fault, as I am nearly blind, all I saw was the first part of the word, Ashford, and assumed it was the hospital. It turned out to be an eye clinic, and retirement home construction, office. The hospital was just a short way further down. Neville had to get off the very busy Anzac
Highway, and try to find a park. I was concerned, as he does not have a moblie, and I was unable to inform him of my mistake. `
When I got inside, I had to fill out a form, as I expected. Guess who left her glasses in the car?
That was a first! I had to ask one of the receptionists to help me fill it out. She was very obliging.
When she called me up to the desk to fill out the form, I sensed someone was standing next to me, and turned around to discover it was Neville.
I did not have to wait long to be called in for the scan. I told the radiogropher that I had several things wrong with my spine, and would find it very difficult if not impossible to get up off the exam table, as they are so hard and it causes me such pain. When the scan was finished, she stood next to the table and said I could get up by myself. She did not give me one iota of assistance, even when she could see how difficult it was for me. I guess they have to be careful they do not injure themselves, and people do 'bung it on', but with minimal assistance, it would have been so much easier for me.
We then procceeded to the Central Markets in the city, to check out the fruit and veg prices. As we came to the end of one aisle, I noticed a couple, the guy was in a wheel chair. I do not like to 'stare' too long to see if I know people, especially one's in wheel chairs. They don't know I have deffective eyesight, and think I am staring for the sake of it. We were just turning into the next aisle, when all of a sudden, I was acosted by the woman in question, and realised it was my cousin Patti, and her husband Ric. I have not seen them for years. Ric broke his neck in a horse
riding accident, 18 yers ago. He had a stock businees, and was rounding up cattle in the market yards, when the horse went under the overhead walkway, and Ric was looking the other way.
He is now a Quadreplegic, with slightly impaired use of his hands, and a world class Paralympian, and artist. He was Young South Australian of the Year a few years ago. They are lovely people.
After we had made our purchases, we headed for home. We called in at Tailem Bend and I bought tea, and we went to Neville's brother's place to eat it. He was very pleased to see us.
We left his place about 8.30. We stopped at Keith to apend some time with our daughter and her family, and got home around 11p.m. I was mighty glad to see my bed!
I have not seen Alison for thirty years, and have never met her other two girls, or her partner, Aiden. There were pics of all of them. Ellen is a beautiful girl, with flowing red hair, and a full figure. That is not to say she is over weight. Not at all. I have spoken to them all at times, when I have rung Alison. They are all very nice.
I took mum some flowers. Blue Irises and white Geraldton Wax, and a bunch of red rose buds. She was very pleased to receive them. We had lunch, and afterwards, we played two games of Scrabble. Mum won the first one by 9 points, and I the second, by 16. She declared, in jest, that she was not playing me again, as she does not like to lose. Before we had finished the second game, Neville had returned to take me to my scan appointment. He said KMart had canned peaches out for 0.99c each. You could purchase a box of 12 for nearly $12.00. I rang my daughter and asked if she would like some. She said , yes please. We bought three boxes.
We then travelled further along the road to the hospital, where I had to go for the scan. He dropped me off at the wrong gray building! It was my fault, as I am nearly blind, all I saw was the first part of the word, Ashford, and assumed it was the hospital. It turned out to be an eye clinic, and retirement home construction, office. The hospital was just a short way further down. Neville had to get off the very busy Anzac
Highway, and try to find a park. I was concerned, as he does not have a moblie, and I was unable to inform him of my mistake. `
When I got inside, I had to fill out a form, as I expected. Guess who left her glasses in the car?
That was a first! I had to ask one of the receptionists to help me fill it out. She was very obliging.
When she called me up to the desk to fill out the form, I sensed someone was standing next to me, and turned around to discover it was Neville.
I did not have to wait long to be called in for the scan. I told the radiogropher that I had several things wrong with my spine, and would find it very difficult if not impossible to get up off the exam table, as they are so hard and it causes me such pain. When the scan was finished, she stood next to the table and said I could get up by myself. She did not give me one iota of assistance, even when she could see how difficult it was for me. I guess they have to be careful they do not injure themselves, and people do 'bung it on', but with minimal assistance, it would have been so much easier for me.
We then procceeded to the Central Markets in the city, to check out the fruit and veg prices. As we came to the end of one aisle, I noticed a couple, the guy was in a wheel chair. I do not like to 'stare' too long to see if I know people, especially one's in wheel chairs. They don't know I have deffective eyesight, and think I am staring for the sake of it. We were just turning into the next aisle, when all of a sudden, I was acosted by the woman in question, and realised it was my cousin Patti, and her husband Ric. I have not seen them for years. Ric broke his neck in a horse
riding accident, 18 yers ago. He had a stock businees, and was rounding up cattle in the market yards, when the horse went under the overhead walkway, and Ric was looking the other way.
He is now a Quadreplegic, with slightly impaired use of his hands, and a world class Paralympian, and artist. He was Young South Australian of the Year a few years ago. They are lovely people.
After we had made our purchases, we headed for home. We called in at Tailem Bend and I bought tea, and we went to Neville's brother's place to eat it. He was very pleased to see us.
We left his place about 8.30. We stopped at Keith to apend some time with our daughter and her family, and got home around 11p.m. I was mighty glad to see my bed!
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