Well so far so good. The heart is looking good. I'll be wearing a halter monitor for 24 hours tomorrow. After that if all is normal I can frolic away as usual. Mind you, I nearly had a heart attack in the office when I saw what my weight is... and I hate dieting, but pounds seem to be creeping on and I suppose I'll have to do something. Uuggh!!!
Yesterday I saw an interview on TV with our prime minister's wife. She had been reading as a volunteer for the radio station for the blind and ABC filmed her. Afterwards Kerry o' Brien interviewed her. I was very impressed. She is charming, articulate engaging and frank. There seems to be no artifice. Very refreshing. And I'm going to look into reading as a volunteer at that radio station.
I have been writing about Zambia this week, how I almost got derailed (wrong adjective since we were on a plane) by a handsome Rhodesian boy who begged me to go on with him, not get off at Ndola where my new husband was waiting. Sometimes I wonder what if...!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
oops
Correction about the cricket news from yesterday; It was Australia vs India, thanks for the correction Ed. We still won!
Up early today, that's what comes of going to bed early. Having an echocardiogram this morning, then aqua (as long as the heart looks normal!) then picking up a friend from an appointment. Not much writing time, boo hoo.
Yesterday I got as far as recording when John and I arrived in England from Nassau, and our subsequent departure for Zambia 6 months later. Then come the ten years in Africa. I still have to organise that in my mind, shall have to divide the time in 2 year blocks I think.
Up early today, that's what comes of going to bed early. Having an echocardiogram this morning, then aqua (as long as the heart looks normal!) then picking up a friend from an appointment. Not much writing time, boo hoo.
Yesterday I got as far as recording when John and I arrived in England from Nassau, and our subsequent departure for Zambia 6 months later. Then come the ten years in Africa. I still have to organise that in my mind, shall have to divide the time in 2 year blocks I think.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Vive la difference
The noise woke me first today. Wind and rain driving against the window. What a difference 2 days make.
On Saturday I was with Cris and the mini- Hewers constructing an elaborate sandcastle, splashing in the shallows, collecting dead jelly fish for Annika and rescuing little black shellfish she & Mathew had pulled off the rocks. Perfect weather, sunshine and no breeze. We even had a horse and rider straight from central casting walking along the beach. Made mine and Cristina's day!
It started raining a little bit on Sunday but we didn't mind. We were at the movies, an 'eye boiler' as Cristina calls it Mao's Last Dancer, a lovely film about a Chinese boy selected to join Madame Mao's academy to learn ballet. He eventually ends up in Houston Texas. It was beautiful and I cried buckets. He now lives in Melbourne with his wife and three children and has become a stockbroker. He made the front cover of 'National Seniors' magazine recently so he must have turned 50. That mag is for the over 50s.
I heard the book as an audio book last year, and enjoyed that too.
After the movie Cris and I did some retail therapy at the store where her sister works. A very satisfying day. When I got home, I topped it off by watching a one day cricket match between Australia and England. It was a close match, thrilling in parts and, ultimately we won...by 4 runs.
On Saturday I was with Cris and the mini- Hewers constructing an elaborate sandcastle, splashing in the shallows, collecting dead jelly fish for Annika and rescuing little black shellfish she & Mathew had pulled off the rocks. Perfect weather, sunshine and no breeze. We even had a horse and rider straight from central casting walking along the beach. Made mine and Cristina's day!
It started raining a little bit on Sunday but we didn't mind. We were at the movies, an 'eye boiler' as Cristina calls it Mao's Last Dancer, a lovely film about a Chinese boy selected to join Madame Mao's academy to learn ballet. He eventually ends up in Houston Texas. It was beautiful and I cried buckets. He now lives in Melbourne with his wife and three children and has become a stockbroker. He made the front cover of 'National Seniors' magazine recently so he must have turned 50. That mag is for the over 50s.
I heard the book as an audio book last year, and enjoyed that too.
After the movie Cris and I did some retail therapy at the store where her sister works. A very satisfying day. When I got home, I topped it off by watching a one day cricket match between Australia and England. It was a close match, thrilling in parts and, ultimately we won...by 4 runs.
Friday, October 23, 2009
dinner with good friends
Had dinner with my writing buddies last night at a new restaurant in Kirribilli called Limelight. Good food, good service and interesting food sculptures in the lobby, a water melon like a bunch of flowers and a honeydew melon also flower-like. Apparently the artist is in residence every Friday night. It was great catching up with one or two members who have been away or 'in the wars'. A lovely evening.
I've finished writing about Nassau (1st draft at any rate). It was fun putting myself back there as it were. Now I write about my 6 months in UK prior to going to Zambia then S. Africa. It begins with the drunken flight from Nassau where I was pretending not to know John, where I ditched him (with all the luggage) at one of the London stations only to realise later what I'd done. The stage was set for some fiery encounters. Nevertheless we married in Slough, home of the original version of 'The Office.' Enough said!
Just finished reading 'Breath' by Tim Winton. I loved it. He is so good at building atmosphere and developing characters, not to mention description. I can see where he's talking about even though I've never been to Western Australia or been a surfer.
Have now started Colleen McCullough's book 'The independence of Miss Mary Bennett.' Not in the same league as Tim Winton as an author. Nevertheless she's an Australian writing icon and can spin a good yarn.
Better stop rambling and start real writing. I've started something new, writing into a notebook first then transcribing to computer the next day. Have been discussing this with writer friends. There's something about the aesthetics of notebook and pen that frees the wild mind. Somehow, sitting at a computer brings out the editor in me, something you don't want in the creative process.
Here goes: off with talk radio, on with the Mozart, into the recliner.
I've finished writing about Nassau (1st draft at any rate). It was fun putting myself back there as it were. Now I write about my 6 months in UK prior to going to Zambia then S. Africa. It begins with the drunken flight from Nassau where I was pretending not to know John, where I ditched him (with all the luggage) at one of the London stations only to realise later what I'd done. The stage was set for some fiery encounters. Nevertheless we married in Slough, home of the original version of 'The Office.' Enough said!
Just finished reading 'Breath' by Tim Winton. I loved it. He is so good at building atmosphere and developing characters, not to mention description. I can see where he's talking about even though I've never been to Western Australia or been a surfer.
Have now started Colleen McCullough's book 'The independence of Miss Mary Bennett.' Not in the same league as Tim Winton as an author. Nevertheless she's an Australian writing icon and can spin a good yarn.
Better stop rambling and start real writing. I've started something new, writing into a notebook first then transcribing to computer the next day. Have been discussing this with writer friends. There's something about the aesthetics of notebook and pen that frees the wild mind. Somehow, sitting at a computer brings out the editor in me, something you don't want in the creative process.
Here goes: off with talk radio, on with the Mozart, into the recliner.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Blue skies
Did aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool today under a beautiful cloudless blue sky. Many school children there, apparently 750 were expected throughout the day. They trailed past us, some looking bemused, wondering what these 'old gals' were doing prancing about in the pool. A line from a song composed by the Older Women's Network theatre group came to mind. 'Remember, youth is a temporary condition'
Another warm day forecast for tomorrow. I will write. Am covering the Nassau adventure at the moment. I've summarised it ahead of time and it is full of dramatic events: a hurricane, the Queen's visit, The Animals visit, resigning from the hospital and making the papers, meeting my future husband. It is where I first snorkeled and where a coconut fell on the windscreen of my car.
Had a filling yesterday and it feels rough. I can't stop playing with it with my tongue. I'll be glad when it smooths over.
Another warm day forecast for tomorrow. I will write. Am covering the Nassau adventure at the moment. I've summarised it ahead of time and it is full of dramatic events: a hurricane, the Queen's visit, The Animals visit, resigning from the hospital and making the papers, meeting my future husband. It is where I first snorkeled and where a coconut fell on the windscreen of my car.
Had a filling yesterday and it feels rough. I can't stop playing with it with my tongue. I'll be glad when it smooths over.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Scruncher or folder?
What's with this child? She's on school holidays and we've been playing schools all day! I've managed to wash my red dusted curtains in between lining up, answering the roll (3 times)and drawing 20 princesses and 10 butterflies. We also took a break to make pink cup cakes. The icing makes my arteries groan. Now we're officially on 'recess'.
My new washing machine will wash only one curtain at a time. By the time the second one was washed the first one was dry, it's blowing that hard.
We had a full day at the aquarium and wildlife park yesterday, both great facilities. Thank you Sharon for the combo pass, which also gave us 20% off lunch, fish and chips of course. A small emergency ambulance showed up as we were eating. The medic went inside. A while later a little girl was carried off to a bigger ambulance. She was very quiet, looked asleep almost, not good. Annie was very worried about her.
We both slept very well last night after our long day. Annie goes back home this afternoon but not before I buy more toilet paper. She's a 'scruncher' and I'm trying to teach her to be a 'folder.'
My new washing machine will wash only one curtain at a time. By the time the second one was washed the first one was dry, it's blowing that hard.
We had a full day at the aquarium and wildlife park yesterday, both great facilities. Thank you Sharon for the combo pass, which also gave us 20% off lunch, fish and chips of course. A small emergency ambulance showed up as we were eating. The medic went inside. A while later a little girl was carried off to a bigger ambulance. She was very quiet, looked asleep almost, not good. Annie was very worried about her.
We both slept very well last night after our long day. Annie goes back home this afternoon but not before I buy more toilet paper. She's a 'scruncher' and I'm trying to teach her to be a 'folder.'
Monday, October 12, 2009
First jacaranda
Saw the first Jacaranda tree blooms today. Not impressive yet but I always love it when they appear. When I was working it signalled the end of the academic year, no more teaching, only exams to mark, and summer comin' in. Not much summer about today, alot of clouds albeit warm.
Annie wanted to take it easy today after a heavy day at Wiggle world yesterday for Mathew's birthday. The noise took me right back to Tick Tock Nursery Pinetown, a noise I learned to tune out.
We only went out to get petrol and buy groceries including grapes. After eating a bunch Annie has become intimate with the toilet and I need to go back to the grocery store to buy toilet paper. A trip to the park was cut short to go to the loo!! We're going to the aquarium tomorrow if the weather allows. It's not looking too great.
Annie wanted to take it easy today after a heavy day at Wiggle world yesterday for Mathew's birthday. The noise took me right back to Tick Tock Nursery Pinetown, a noise I learned to tune out.
We only went out to get petrol and buy groceries including grapes. After eating a bunch Annie has become intimate with the toilet and I need to go back to the grocery store to buy toilet paper. A trip to the park was cut short to go to the loo!! We're going to the aquarium tomorrow if the weather allows. It's not looking too great.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Force of nature
Mathew's birthday today. He's three years old and a force of nature, very definite about everything, nothing wishy washy about that boy. He's got a Wiggles party on Sunday.
Enjoyed the swimming pool with Annika yesterday going round and round the 'twirly thing' as she calls it. It's a wonder I'm not black and blue from all the kicks of kids (loads of them) pushing by. A bit of a nightmare for me but Annika loves it. She's still sleeping it off.
The Reserve Bank put interest rates up 0.25% yesterday, and are promising more in Nov and Dec. Lovely. Now the mortgage payment will increase and US social security payments decrease because the Aussie dollar has increased against the greenback, a double whammy. Should not complain I suppose, the last 15 months or so have been good. But I will anyway.
Shopping today with Annika. She'll probably sting me for something, and I'll probably let her. We are going to look for a turtle for Mathew and pick up a parcel from the post office which I hope is Mathew's main birthday present.
Enjoyed the swimming pool with Annika yesterday going round and round the 'twirly thing' as she calls it. It's a wonder I'm not black and blue from all the kicks of kids (loads of them) pushing by. A bit of a nightmare for me but Annika loves it. She's still sleeping it off.
The Reserve Bank put interest rates up 0.25% yesterday, and are promising more in Nov and Dec. Lovely. Now the mortgage payment will increase and US social security payments decrease because the Aussie dollar has increased against the greenback, a double whammy. Should not complain I suppose, the last 15 months or so have been good. But I will anyway.
Shopping today with Annika. She'll probably sting me for something, and I'll probably let her. We are going to look for a turtle for Mathew and pick up a parcel from the post office which I hope is Mathew's main birthday present.
Monday, October 5, 2009
great day
It doesn't take much for me to have a great day. First, waking at a reasonable hour, thanks to daylight savings, next a shopping trolley as smooth as a Rolls Royce this morning, followed by cappuccino as smooth as velvet. The prospect of the family coming over to drop off Annika this evening and the final of the ICC championship between Australia and NZ tonight round it off into happiness.
We're supposed to have a thunderstorm later today. Hope it doesn't interfere with my cooking. I'm planning a stir fry and a steamed apple pudding cooked in the microwave. (Stop screaming Julia. I know it's crass but I want to give it a go.) I have back up dessert if it doesn't work out.
Am still ploughing through the "Amis & son' biography. It is not as I expected. In some ways it's more like a bibliography. The author does a painstaking critique of each of their books. The author has taken great pains and is causing great pain. I'm glossing over those bits now.
We're supposed to have a thunderstorm later today. Hope it doesn't interfere with my cooking. I'm planning a stir fry and a steamed apple pudding cooked in the microwave. (Stop screaming Julia. I know it's crass but I want to give it a go.) I have back up dessert if it doesn't work out.
Am still ploughing through the "Amis & son' biography. It is not as I expected. In some ways it's more like a bibliography. The author does a painstaking critique of each of their books. The author has taken great pains and is causing great pain. I'm glossing over those bits now.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
food: some glorious, some not.
Saw 'Julie and Julia' today with Maxine. Just loved that film, Meryl Streep was marvellous as Julia Childs. Now I want to get her cookbook and read her life story. Don't go to see it when you're hungry, the food looks scrumptious and my tummy was protesting.
Maxine treated me to afternoon tea at the Radisson afterwards. I enjoyed the occasion but the food was not good: sandwiches so so, scones old and dry and the cakes not much better. To top it off a ruddy great TV screen flashed a rugby game. Afternoon tea and a sports bar is not a good mix. At least the tea was the genuine article, leaf variety in teapots. Still it was good spending the afternoon with Maxine.
My friend B has broken her leg, fell in the street. She's only just had the cast off her arm! Now she's hobbling around in a special boot poor thing.
Spent the night on the bed settee last night. Watched Australia beat the Poms in the ICC championship to get into the finals. The second semi final plays tonight between NZ and Pakistan. I will be flicking between cricket and the EPL tonight if I stay awake.
Maxine treated me to afternoon tea at the Radisson afterwards. I enjoyed the occasion but the food was not good: sandwiches so so, scones old and dry and the cakes not much better. To top it off a ruddy great TV screen flashed a rugby game. Afternoon tea and a sports bar is not a good mix. At least the tea was the genuine article, leaf variety in teapots. Still it was good spending the afternoon with Maxine.
My friend B has broken her leg, fell in the street. She's only just had the cast off her arm! Now she's hobbling around in a special boot poor thing.
Spent the night on the bed settee last night. Watched Australia beat the Poms in the ICC championship to get into the finals. The second semi final plays tonight between NZ and Pakistan. I will be flicking between cricket and the EPL tonight if I stay awake.
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