I haven't forgotten you ...

Crikey it's been a busy few days.

I think it is harder to unpack than it is to pack. I suppose you want everything done NOW! And oh my giddy aunt we still have too much STUFF.

We did take the dogs for a walk along the Esplanade and had a coffee and a doughnut and talked to lots of people. Everyone is so friendly here. 

The place is starting to look a bit like home

I have been up to the lookout every day ... it always changes

Himself came today and everyone had a lovely time!

I just enjoyed the view

And after a bloody long day of unpacking it was time to sit and enjoy a car show.

 

I think everyone is settling in very well. 

I can't promise when I will be back to regular updates (so many boxes to unpack!). Just know that I feel I am finally home and life is bloody good. 

Feeling happy

Himself left at sparrow's fart after a somewhat disturbed night with restless animals and all the new sounds in a new house. He made good time and got the place a bit tidier before the final inspection - which went well, phew.

I decided to take the dogs for an exploration walk. We found a track that took us to a lookout over the entrance. It was very windy and their noses were quivering with all the new smells.

 

There really isn't much I can do here til the furniture arrives. I can't even sweep the floors! I have no internet so no computer and no telly cos they are still in Melbourne.

I have read, done word puzzles, texted with the Mermaid and chatted with Himself and Three. 

Late afternoon I couldn't find Minnie. I searched everywhere. I called and called. I opened cupboards that I haven't even opened yet. Nothing. All I could think of was that she had somehow snuck out when I was letting the dogs out although that is most unlike her. I put sone food and her bed at the back door. 

All of a sudden I heard a meow and a thump. The little cow had managed to jump onto the fridge and then up behind the bulkhead where the kitchen cupboards are. She is now curled up on the chair next to me fast asleep. 

The dogs and I went for a short stroll in the afternoon (before I lost the cat) and they have played chasey with each other round the back garden. They are also fast asleep next to me. Max is "hiding" in the bathroom.

Made it

Just a quick post to say we all made it safely. 

The cats meowed the whole way down! Four bloody hours! They were checking the place out when Himself came hone from shopping with a neighbour in tow and Max belly ran and "hid" behind a small pot plant in the bathroom! Minnie is still meowing. 

Gin in hand and fish and chips on the way.

I feel as if I have come home.

This is it

I have packed what I can.

I have cleaned what I can.

The house looks like a bomb has hit it but there is nothing else I can do. Himself will have to deal with it. This is an issue for me as every time we have moved I have been the last one out and made sure the place was clean to my standards.

He assures me he will be able to do it and I have to have faith. I just hope he isn't wearing his "boy" glasses when he does the final look around!

The fridge has been cleaned (by me). The freezer has been cleaned (by him). I am not going to reclean the freezer!

I have cleaned the main bathroom and loo and placed a note on the door that it is not to be used. I have cleaned the ensuite and Himself will just have to do a quick wipe around and another loo clean.

There is a lot of cluttery stuff. He has said that if all else fails it will go to the tip (which has a shop so it's not automatically landfill).

I have had a shower and the towels are now in the wash so I can take them down tomorrow all nice and clean because someone (me) packed all our other towels! Himself had a shower as well as he has gone out for dinner with the blokes from the Shed as a goodbye which I am really happy about (the dinner, not the shower).

Tomorrow morning I will do one last wash and dry (we have nearly $500 credit on our electricity bill so I have no qualms about using the dryer!), empty the fridge into the esky and give it a quick wipe if it needs it. Pack up my car with cats, cat paraphernalia, toaster and kettle, plates, glasses and mugs (need tea and need wine), and enough clothes to see me through til Thursday (hence the wash tomorrow morning).

The dogs will be given a really good run and put in Himself's car. I think they will initially be excited but once they realise they aren't going anywhere they know and having had a good run they should sleep. He says he will stop for a piddle break but they can sleep for hours after a good run. He might need the piddle break more than the dogs.

I hope the cats sleep. I have calming spray which I will use in my car and the cat carriers. They will not have access to dry food overnight so there is less chance of accidents. Nothing worse than driving with a car smelling of cat shit. 

Am I sad? Not really. As I have said before, I feel more like a caretaker of this house and I feel like the proper owners have been found. We did plan for this to be the last house we would live in and certainly threw money at it to make it so but it just never felt like home. 

I had a long chat with Three earlier and we both feel that we are moving onto the next stage of our respective lives and it will be good. Their house is great. It was left in appalling condition by the previous tenants (we lent them our carpet cleaner and the filth that came out of supposedly clean carpets was just disgusting) but they are working to make it home. The girls seem happier already. He is stressed about moving but the underlying feelings are happiness, relief and optimism. This mother's heart is full.

There will be challenges in moving so far away from all that is familiar and dear. We are moving to a country town. We will not have access to the things we are used to (doctor anyone?) but we will make it work. Am I terrified? Hell yes. I do NOT do change well at all (I bought the wrong scented deodorant and that took days to get over) and this is about the biggest change I have ever made. Maybe it stems from moving so much as a kid and having no control over my situation. I remember when we came to Australia from Hong Kong and the awful feelings I had - there is a sense of that but I am older and wiser and know that this is something we will both embrace and enjoy.

I won't have a computer or internet for a few days so my updates will be sporadic and brief. 

One more sleep.

So close

Himself is 99% finished in the garage. He just needs to move some bits around - whatever that means. He also needs to go through his wardrobe and toss or pack. 

I need to finally pack up the kitchen and laundry which won't take long. Today I finished emptying his desk and shredding documents. I caught up with J and C for brunch and then picked Sally up and took her shopping for treats. She is very excited about all the things we can do when she stays with us at Lakes. I asked the Lakes facebook page for ideas and I have been given heaps.

Three no longer needs Himself's help tomorrow. Their new place needs a really good, thorough clean (and the sage smudging) so they will focus on that tomorrow. That means we can get this place as ready as we can before we head down on Sunday.

My eye is turning some pretty colours! The hard protective patch helped I think. I am amazed at the recovery this time. No pain in the eye at all which is a bit concerning as I am not reminded if I accidentally rub it unlike last time. My left eye is still blurry. Hopefully this will start to rectify soon. 

For some reason I am weary. 

2 more sleeps.

You should see the other guy

The anaesthetist and surgeon both mentioned that I would have a bit of a shiner!!

I slept just about all day yesterday, had dinner and went back to bed. I woke this morning feeling great.

I had my follow up with the surgeon this morning and while I was getting my vision checked I mentioned to the orthoptist that I felt I had a smudge in my central vision in the eye that was done three weeks ago. It turns out I have developed macula oedema which is not uncommon after cataract surgery. So now I am putting drops in both eyes 4 times a day for 4 weeks. Oh joy! But on the upside I can see out of both eyes. I only need reading glasses for very close work or dull lighting. I am typing this without glasses. The first time ever!

Today I cleaned the oven (turned it on to self cleaning mode!), cleaned the kitchen drawers and started to empty Himself's desk. I am feeling a bit more confident that this will all get done and dusted by next week. 

Three and his lot got the keys to their new house today. We were there when they went through it. The owners had left a box of chocolates and bottle of bubbly on the bench with a note saying they hope Three and his family enjoy their home. Not bad for a landlord, eh? Amy kept saying that her new landlord and property manager are unicorns! I guess that's a good thing. We also met a neighbour who seems very nice. A bit wary which is understandable considering the previous tenants but of a similar age so hopefully they will make friends which was a bit difficult in the old place for a variety of reasons.

Tomorrow I will finish the kitchen and empty the laundry. 

Three more sleeps.

Done

 Can't see properly to type. 

All went well.

Talk tomorrow. 

4 more sleeps

Biting my tongue

I have almost got the kitchen emptied. I just need to wipe down the cupboards. As I write Himself is cleaning the oven doors (there are three layers of glass that need to be individually cleaned). I was happy to do it as long as he helped me remove the door. So another job that I could have done is now being done and jobs that I can't do are still to be done.

I zip my lips.

I have to be at the hospital at 6.30 tomorrow morning. This suggests I will be one of the first cabs off the rank which means I can come home and doze for the rest of the day. I will have the dressing removed on Thursday morning and can then gently potter as I feel able and get a bit more done. By Friday my pupil should be pretty much back to normal and I can do a bit more.

We might have a small spanner in the works. Our site costs look like going through the roof but Himself has spoken with a couple of people and we might be able to get the house repositioned which will reduce the need for retaining walls. This is all a bit complicated for me. I just focus on the interior. 

It is really hard not being able to focus 100% on the new build as we try to get this place packed up and cleaned.

Oh well.

5 more sleeps.

Nipples

Can someone explain why it is perfectly acceptable for a bloke to walk around in clothing that shows his nipples but women have to hide theirs. It's as if we are some sort of Barbie doll with moulded plastic anatomy. The number of ads for things to shove in underwear or stick on your body to hide something perfectly normal and natural infuriates me. 

And yes, that was a rhetorical question because we all know that women are purely sex objects and god forbid we show any part of ourselves that could give a bloke an idea that we are easy pickings.

Anyway.

On the home front. 

Today I redirected our mail, changed address on a couple of subscriptions and changed my address on my driver's licence.

I finished emptying the ensuite. Himself had so much stuff that all bar his shaver, hair clippers and two medications went in the bin. He had stuff that had expired years ago. He had attachments for hair clippers he got rid of years ago. And he had the audacity to say I had a lot of stuff in my drawers. At least my stuff is in date and used on a semi frequent basis (some will be binned before we leave).

When I was at the shops I wrote a card to the aunt and posted a pair socks I had knitted for her. I also popped into the local hairdresser as I caught sight of myself and I did not like what I saw. It was an interesting hair cut and even if we weren't moving I wouldn't go back there but my hair is out of my eyes and it gives me a few weeks grace to find a place in Lakes. Himself hasn't noticed. I am waiting to see how long it takes!

Tomorrow is my last day to do anything that involves heavy work or bending. 

I still worry that Himself won't get everything done in time and will have to come back after the removalists to finish things off. If he listened to she who knows best this wouldn't happen but I prefer peace.

6 more sleeps.

Foxy

 After a night of somewhat broken sleep I decided to lie in bed and read for a bit. The dogs weren't happy with Himself not being here neither were they impressed with the rain. It finally stopped at some point and I opened the door so they could go out for a wee if they wished. They looked at me. "No. I am NOT going downstairs with you into the cold, dark, wet backyard". "But Dad does" "Well Dad isn't here". So they waited a bit longer until their bladders were obviously demanding attention. 

Around 8 am I was sitting at my computer having a cuppa tea when Jinx started growling like there was a dog walking past but without the barking that usually accompanies the growling. Murphy joined in. I got up to show them that was NO dog walking past and what did I see standing on the nature strip on the other side of the road? A bloody great big fox. Stunning animal but they are vermin and vicious killers of wildlife. He stood there for quite a while but when I went to grab my phone he ran into the garden across the road and disappeared.

I know there are foxes around. I have seen dead ones on the side of the road but never have I seen one right outside my house. The mermaid has one that regularly sits on her garage roof.

Foxes and rabbits. Who thought that was a good idea to bring them to Australia? 

The kitchen is nearly packed up. I have just the plates to do which I will do tomorrow. I am leaving enough crockery and cutlery to do us with frequent washing up. 

Himself is talking about doing another run to Kalimna tomorrow. It would be there and back in a day. I have decided to stop reminding him of things that need to be done here. I will be out of action for Wednesday and Thursday and limited on Friday and Saturday and then I am out of here.

He can deal with it.

7 more sleeps. 

A late one from me tonight.

Himself was up early and took the dogs for a walk. I had a sneaking suspicion he was going to try to do it all in one day and I was right but after checking out the block (finding survey pegs and discussing fencing with a neighbour) he realised he was a bit weary and made the decision to stay down there.

Apparently the rental is quite cold. I am hoping we can work out how to fix that with running the aircon efficiently. Mind you, he is used to an overheated house, a hotwater bottle, a hot wife and two dogs when he goes to bed. I am sitting here in tracky daks and a tshirt and no heating on. It is a little chilly.

I got stuck into my part of the wardrobe and the ensuite - all packed up apart from what I will need for the next few days. I have sort of reached another stage of not really being able to do too much right now. 

Three and his lot dropped in. I had one chocolate biscuit left in the biccie barrel and Alice knew where the barrel was. Three broke it in half so Alice and Sally could share. Alice was distraught. She did NOT want a broken biscuit. She shoved her half in her face and reached out to the now empty barrel. I can see some baking happening very quickly after we move in. If I can remember where the recipe books and baking trays are! I hope Sally enjoys her time down there with us. She has realised that we are moving a long way away (Granny I have been bawling my eyes out) but I think she will appreciate some Sally alone time. Alice is no longer a cute baby but is becoming a bit of a sibling rival (she is still cute as a button tho).

It is now after 9.00pm. The rain is pouring down and I am going to toddle off to bed (without a hotwater bottle but with two dogs) and listen to the rain on the roof. One of my favourite sounds.

8 more sleeps.

single figures

I caught up with J today for coffee and a bite. 

Before that I went to the woo woo shop to buy some smudging sage for Three to use in their new house. I have raised a healthy atheist but he does take on board a lot of what some might call alternative. I have no issue with this. He researches stuff and it does no harm. And by jiminy that family needs a break and if this helps then I am all for it.

I walked past a hairdresser with the intention of getting a tidy up but I just couldn't do it. I'm sorry if I sound judgemental but I like the people doing my hair to look as if they care about their own. I know that a hairdresser with a really good cut has been cut by someone else but when everyone in the salon looks like they could do with a good shampoo and cut it puts me off. I will wait until I get to Lakes.

I went to Big W and bought a bike helmet and some gloves. Yesterday I bought some sheets from Spotlight on line and one set was unavailable. I wish they would give you the opportunity to pick another before crediting you back. I bought a set at Big W and then realised we don't have a single bed doona so bought a furry blanket. Hopefully that will keep Sally warm. I'll get some proper bedding when we move.

When I got home I emptied the two spare bedrooms and the bathroom. It didn't involve much but it's three rooms I can tick off.

Himself has decided to do another Kalimna run. I think he just wants to have decent fish and chips! We have loaded his car up with a lot of loose stuff - mainly my looms and bits and pieces. The idea is that the removalists will have just furniture and boxed stuff. He was going to do it in a day but I put my foot down. He can leave late morning and head back early on Sunday and will be home around lunchtime. I will spend the time packing up as much of the wardrobe and ensuite as I can.

I have four days left to finish the packing. 

9 more sleeps ...

Can't count

The packing and clean up continues. I found this. From L) to R)  Yours truly, Himself and the Mermaid. Cup Eve dance c. 1978

Sally sends me pictures she draws on her ipad and sends them to me to guess. I was a bit perturbed about this one. Any ideas? It's not a fish.

 I saw the eye surgeon today. Before I saw him I saw one of the orthoptists and my middle and distance vision with the new lens is so good she told me to stop showing off as I made my way to the bottom of the chart! Once the second eye is done I am hoping my close vision will improve as at the moment my brain is trying to decipher two very different eyes. Worst case scenario I will need +1.5 reading glasses for really fine print. And I can get them for a few dollars. I bought two pairs for $4.50 each when I was in Lakes as my old multifocals with one lens out were making me feel seasick. The only drawback will be possibly being one of those old women with their specs around their neck!

We got the quotes from Metricon today. This house is not going to be cheap but we weren't blown out of the water either. The only things we have chosen not to get done are things we have decided in hindsight we didn't really like. I still get my pyrolytic oven and I think we are getting fully zoned electric heating and cooling. 

I counted on my fingers and realised today is 10 more sleeps.

Dagnabbit.

Free

2 large german shepherds and two bloody cats.

Himself arrived home somewhat knackered after a long drive with an empty truck that bounced all over the road. At least he got home safely. (Something to do with being a new truck and the suspension not properly bedded in - whatever).

A dog walked past the front of the house.

Jinx went ballistic and ran at the window and Murphy decided to join in. The cat that was sitting near the window jumped up and knocked over a table that fell onto the blind thus breaking a slat which cannot be repaired (we tried).

Our local spotlight doesn't have any in stock.

Another store has one and I have booked it for click and collect tomorrow.

I hope they have it in stock as Himself will be getting it (I am seeing the eye surgeon at 0900) and if it isn't there he just might hit the roof. 

We are all a tad stressed at the moment.

Not least the animals.

I wish I had taken a photo of Jinx hiding under the desk. 

At least the damn thing was 50% off but still $150 I'd rather not have to have forked out.

We have been invited to the neighbours up the road for dinner. Hopefully that will put SOMEONE in a slightly better frame of mind (and I am not talking about me)

Time for a gin while I put a face on. 

10 more sleeps.

It's started

We hired a truck (Three has contacts with Budget through his work).

It is a bloody huge truck but you can drive it on a car licence.

Himself loaded it up ... well only about half full but the smaller truck was way too small ... and chuffed off down to Kalimna. He made really good time considering he was driving an unfamiliar large vehicle and got it all unloaded in daylight.

In typical Himself style he as already made friends with neighbours! One neighbour is a carpet cleaner (handy) and one is a cop (potentially also handy!). 

My bike was duly delivered to One's place. I went to pick it up but it was too big and heavy for my car so he dropped it over after work. I am itching to unpack it but Himself (sensibly) suggests we leave it as is in its box so the removalists can transport it easily and safely  Something to look forward to.

When I went over to One's I was greeted by miss Ivy who asked me to play with her. We needed to make potions and spells with pink feathers. What self respecting granny could refuse. We got the spell book out but apparently my spells aren't good enough. She obviously has the knack ...

I have packed up part of the pantry. Stuff that I could probably leave behind but if I decide I don't need them once we've moved I can donate to a food pantry.

I am a bit jealous of Himself being down there but I can neither drive a truck nor pack and unpack it. He nearly lost the mattress as it rolled down the steep driveway but the cop neighbour came to his rescue. 

Not even moved in but feeling the love.

12 more sleeps

Happy birthday King.

One dropped over this afternoon. He stayed for a couple of hours and we chatted about this and that. He gave me my mother's day present! I love these products and can't wait to move into the rental where there is an awesome bath.

I did sense a bit of unsaid stuff. I know they think I give more to Three and his lot than I do to them and it's true because his mother in law is always there to help even when she isn't needed. Anyway, it is what it is. It was lovely to see him and I will make a point of keeping in touch with him.

I have cleaned the microwave - not to be used. I have cleaned the dishwasher. Sadly, that will be used but it's easy to clean and I will get Himself to put it through a cleaning cycle as he leaves so the new owners will know. Several drawers in the kitchen have been emptied and cleaned. The oven needs a clean but I will wait until Himself can help me with the door as it needs to be dismantled and properly cleaned. Then that, too, will be out of commission. The bbq has been cleaned. We will be using the cooktop and air fryer and that is it.

The storage unit is now empty. 

Himself is off to Lakes tomorrow after hiring a van and packing it up in the morning. 

My bike should arrive at One's sometime between 9.30 and 3.30 so I will get an extra hug!

I want to buy some crime scene tape and tape off areas as I have cleaned them!

And yes, today is the King's birthday public holiday. Doesn't affect me at all (apart from being able to see a son or two who would otherwise be working). I wonder how much longer we will be part of the monarchy and what we will get instead. The monarchy might not be ideal but I have yet to hear about an alternative that is better. 

13 more sleeps in this house.

Busy

 

This was on sale so I bought it. I have always wanted one and plan to ride around Lakes and take it on the many rail trails in the area.

I caught up with the Mermaid today. She needed help reading a very badly written crochet pattern. We chatted and laughed which is what she needed as she is packing up her place to go on the market. She is a single woman of 70. Her kids grew up in that house after her divorce. She is sorting through memories. Her house is old and needs a lot of work doing to it. She is overwhelmed. I think she will be coming to visit a lot once we move! We will be doing another road trip at the beginning of August which she is looking forward to. At least this time I will get to Lakes Entrance and stay there!

One might pop over tomorrow to say g'day. I have a strong feeling I have monumentally pissed them off somehow. To be honest, much as I love him and his family I am over the precious that is his wife and her mother. 

Three and Alice popped over yesterday. I wish I knew what she was saying. Her chatter is accompanied with much nodding of the head and pointing. I nod and agree.

This week will see the rest of the packing done and as much cleaning as I can get done. 

I have a bit coming up ...

21st - eye op

22nd - eye review and collect Sally from school as they take possession of their new rental and need to drive a few suburbs away to get the keys

23rd - collect Sally from school as they break up an hour earlier for school hols

24th - Himself will help Three start to move

25th -  we move to Lakes

26th - Himself comes back 

27th - removalists pick up stuff, Himself does final clean and drives home to Lakes

28th - removalists deliver stuff to Lakes.

1st - Three et al come to stay

2nd - all bar Sally go home

3rd - 5th - entertain Sally ... can't wait!

6th - drive Sally back to Melbourne and stay the night

7th - drive home to Lakes

21st - eye review in Melbourne. I'll stay up a few days to catch up with a few people

3rd - 9th - drive to NSW and back with the Mermaid

A lot of driving but I enjoy it. 

This time in two weeks we will be settling in for our first night in the rental after driving the animals down. Himself will still have to come back to supervise the removalists but I will have said my final good bye to this place.

Let the countdown begin.

Welcome to my life

This is pretty much how we are living at the moment!

The stylist came and took all her stuff back. She gave me a couple of artificial plants to keep as I commented on them. I don't really like artificial but these look very lifelike and the cats can't chew them. The house is very empty but gives us space to put things in piles for the moves.

The next door neighbour has agreed to clean our carpets when we leave (it's his business after all!) for a very reasonable price. Another neighbour called in and was in tears when she left. We don't see her much but Himself has helped her out from time to time and we make sure she's OK. She's a widow and is struggling with ill health. I think she will miss us.

I saw my GP and she said I can telehealth for 12 months with her if I can't get into a doctor in Lakes. This is great news. It gives me breathing space and as I will be up here regularly I can always pop in and see her in 12 months. The current rules are that if you have been seen by a doctor at the practice you can telehealth for 12 months afterwards. I hope they don't change that any time soon.

2 weeks and 2 days til I am out of here.

A huge day

We were up at 6.15 and on the road an hour later. Two hours to Traralgon and a full day doing colours and taps and bricks and gutters and power points and shower screens and TV points and drawers and pantry inserts and cooktops and and and ....

My head is spinning. I hope I still love everything when we move into the place!

Today we went crazy and said yes to everything. We will get the estimates in the next few days and then we put our sensible hats on and cull some things. This way we don't get to say "should we have ..."

For your viewing pleasure I give you snapshots of The Mermaid and my mini getaway. 

In no particular order ...

The seafood lunch

The view whilst consuming the seafood lunch

Two light beers at the Kalimna pub

 

Cheers!

The beach on Monday morning. It was a tad chilly.

What is it with Lakes and crabs?

Views from the Sunday market

Coffee and poffertjes

I bought a walking stick. It is a bloody good walking stick.

My brain is full and my heart isn't far behind.

Drops

 

For those unsure of how to instil eye drops this is a good little diagram. I wouldn't be pressing anywhere in my eye, lightly or otherwise, after cataract surgery though! I just close my eye for a few seconds.

I did the inspection report and got that back to the real estate agent. I hope they can locate a remote control for the heating/cooling unit. No real big deal if they can't but it does make it easier to operate.

The plumber came and fixed the leaky loo and another small leak so I feel better about handing the property over.

Tomorrow we head down to Traralgon (a two hour drive each way) to do the interior design on the new place. It will be a very full day. On top of all that, Himself is trying to arrange surveys and stuff so we can apply for a particular permit from the council. I am sure it will all be fine. 

He was ruthless in the garage today and took a whole lot of stuff to the tip. Consequently he is in a slightly better mood today.

Barbecued lamb backstraps for dinner with tzatziki, hummus, salad and naan. My current favourite meal. 

Apart from seafood platters and fish and chips.

Home

It was a great wee trip.

We visited the block a few times. Still love it.

We had an amazing seafood platter at Metung pub yesterday lunch and awesome fish and chips on Saturday evening.

We did the market yesterday morning - not as busy as last time but still great. All lovely people.

We picked up the keys to the rental and did the inspection report. Only a couple of things to mention - nothing major. The house is fantastic. Just what we need and the rooms are huge. The garden is perfect for the dogs.

My eye has got better every day. I had to go and buy some cheap reading specs as the multi focal lens wasn't cutting it. The drops aren't a hassle at all. There is a technique and once you have it, it's easy. It only hurts if I rub it which I have learned not to do!

All in all a really great couple of days away and The Mermaid can't wait to come back down!

I can see clearly now the lens has gone ...

For those that are interested here is my experience of the op to date. 

I initially went to my optometrist because I thought I needed a new script for my glasses. It turned out the left cataract had grown and the right eye had developed one. So if you are unsure about changes in vision and don't see an optometrist (many use over the counter glasses if they don't need multifocals but that's another soap box for another day!) then go and get it checked out.

I am fortunate to have private health insurance so was able to get in for surgery quickly (getting the initial appointment with a busy ophthalmologist (Mark Walland if you're interested) took longer but I am not going for second best when it comes to my sight).

I was shitting myself.

I got to the hospital at 6.45am and fronted up to the reception desk of the hospital's day procedure unit. "Mark Walland" I said. "You don't look like Mark Walland" said she with a grin. "Cataract operation" I said. She said nothing and looked at me with her head on one side. "What do I need to do?" I asked. "You could tell me your name" said she. I have checked myself and Himself into this hospital (and others) and never once thought to use the surgeon's name as the point of contact. How embarrassment! Yes - I was terrified.

I was checked in and my details were verified and I paid the health insurance excess (which is a one off for the year) and was taken through to the unit. 

Shown to a bed, changed into a gown (kept me trackie daks on) and snuggled under a warm blanket.

A nurse checked my details again, took my vitals and started the eye drops. Four lots over an hour to really dilate the pupil and numb the eye.

The surgeon came to see me, gave me another lot of drops, DREW ON MY EYEBALL! which was weird but I didn't feel a thing (see eyedrops) and I was taken round to the theatre holding bay where my details were checked again.

Anaesthetist came and introduced himself and I was wheeled into another room. He popped a line in my hand and gave me something which calmed me down but didn't really knock me out. He then gave me a local just under the eye which sounds gross but wasn't. And I am a wuss so trust me on this one. After a bit my eye was asleep. It was really strange but again, not unpleasant.

Mark came into the room. The head of the bed was dropped way down, my head was draped and the microscope place in position. I could sort of see lights during the procedure but felt nothing. A nurse sat with me and held my hand. I wasn't to move but if I needed anything I was to squeeze her hand. At one point the drape fell over my nose and when I breathed in it blocked my nostril. Squeezed her hand. She told Mark, I told him why and he moved the drape. 

A pad was placed over my eye, I was returned to the initial bay, dozed for 15 minutes then got up, dressed and sat in a recliner in recovery with a cuppa tea, sandwiches, fruit and a mini muffin.

It was strange only using one eye yesterday and I still needed my glasses! Panadol dealt with the irritation - it felt like I had an eyelash poking in my eye. 

This morning I saw Mark. The patch came off. My eye is a bit red but I am on drops which will deal with that. He is happy with the results.

So moving forward....

I have to put two different drops in my eye four times a day for two weeks. No big deal. I need sunglasses for the glare and I have popped the lens out of my glasses so I only need them for the eye that hasn't been done.

No heavy lifting or serious bending for a couple of weeks. No running or strenuous exercise (as if). Once the pupil has returned to normal I can drive.

The most amazing thing is the difference in what I can see. You know cool lights and warm lights? Well my new eye sees everything crisp and bright and blues and purples are just wow. The sky!! The old eye is as if I have a yellow filter over everything. Which, apparently is what cataracts do - filter out that end of the light spectrum.

I am still a bit uncomfortable but with every hour that passes my vision clears (that pupil again). The drops help reduce the inflammation and prevent infection. Panadol reduces the feeling of irritation.

Am I glad I did this?

Hell yes. I cannot wait to have the other one done. 

So if you are considering having cataract surgery and are apprehensive I say take a deep breath, put your trust in your surgeon (research and get recommendations if you don't have one already) and go for it.  And if I can answer any questions, reach out.

Tomorrow I am catching up with J and C. J is picking me up. The Mermaid is then coming to stay the night and she and I are heading off to Lakes. We will do the foreshore market on Sunday and I will get the keys to the rental on Monday. 

I might be a bit scarce but will fill you in on everything whenever I can.