Taking a break

I am leaving home first thing in the morning and heading to One's place (with doughnuts), staying with them tomorrow night and then heading to the Mermaid's. Saturday is the wedding and then I will return home on Sunday. I am looking forward to the drive.

In the meantime for some reason every time I log onto my computer all my settings are GONE. 

Himself is tasked with fixing it and if you get a comment from me it may be anonymous and I apologise cos you know how I love (hate) anonymous comments.

Have a great weekend. If you are in Australia, may your team win. 

I should be back here on Monday.

Ears and other bits

Himself went to the doctor's to have his other ear syringed which has helped his hearing a bit. It appears he may have a blocked eustachian tube as he is still deaf in his original ear (I can't remember which is which) so he has been given some nasal drops.

The vet rang with the result of the swab he took last week. It turns out Jinx has a heavy growth of a form of pseudomonas which is sensitive to gentamicin. This is a common cause of ear issues in dogs and we now have ear drops to apply to her vulva. I do not have confidence in the vet and it became obvious from today's conversation he really doesn't know what he is talking about and doesn't like German Shepherds. We will do this for a week and then I will take her to the vet in Bairnsdale.

We went and had a look at the new rental to see what we want to keep furniture wise. It was a tad awkward as the owner's sister was there (she introduced herself as such as if we knew the story) with her husband packing the place up. We have decided to keep the dresser in the master, the fridge in the kitchen and the wall unit in the living area. A plus is that there are heaps of pictures on the walls so I can hang mine without seeking permission. And the view from the kitchen and living area is stunning. Sorry, Steve, it was a bit difficult to take a photo so you will have to wait - it will be worth it! I hope that by the end of the 12 months we are over living in a two storey house as I think the location will be hard to leave!!

I have sorted out what I need to take away for the weekend. Tomorrow will be getting the place ready for the inspection Thursday and coffee group which I missed last week - and I really did miss the company of those women. 

We have paid the deposit on the build, sent off all required documents and now sit and wait for them to do their thing. A phone call today suggested an October start. We are being fast tracked.

Himself sent me this the other day. He realises how difficult his hearing issues can be!

TA-DAA

We are just home after .... SIGNING THE CONTRACT!!

Four hours of reading and explaining and taking notes and we are now into the next phase.

I will receive an invoice for the deposit once our insurance note is written and then the builder has 30 days to get the building permit and then 21 days to commence the build. All going well we should see action by the end of November. Things slow down over Christmas but we are forecast a hot dry summer (not good from a bushfire perspective) so things should move along. We aren't too fussed as we have the new rental until 15th October, next year.

Thank you everyone for your supportive and understanding comments regarding Three. 

Just a note going forward, if someone comments without a name I will not be responding and will probably delete. If you have something to say, have the courage to own it.

Speaking of Three, he has been given a promotion at work. It came out of the blue and he is over the moon. Just what he needs right now. And as for his other issues? It's his life and he manages it as he sees fit. Doesn't mean I don't worry and that is why I talk about it here. Some things need an outlet.

Tomorrow we go to have a look at the new rental. I will try to get a photo from the balcony, Steve!

Things are looking up. Busy but up!

And that was that.

I really think that a whole week is too much for a nearly 7 year old and it wasn't helped with the promised Daddy Daughter time not eventuating because we had a two year old. A cantankerous, obnoxious, LOUD, demanding, non sleeping two year old. Who, fortunately for her, happens to be very cute so most is forgiven.

On Wednesday night we had a bit of a melt down that was fixed with cuddles and chocolate biscuits.

On Thursday we played mini-golf, had doughnuts and went to the book and game shop where a game was purchased.

Three arrived late on Thursday night with small child in tow. At least she went to bed without too much resistance.

On Friday Three and Sally played ... you guessed it ... mini golf. This time they went to a different one. I walked Alice around in her pram and returned the game from yesterday as it was faulty. We replaced it. Himself joined us and we all had doughnuts. Home for a little while then Three and I took the girls to the beach. There was much squealing and giggling as we let the waves rush over our feet. No photos as I was firmly hanging on to hands!

Afterwards Sally decided to perform something or other to the ocean ...

... while Alice tried to channel her inner Canute and tell the waves to go away.

Ice cream for all. This was Alice's first proper icecream and she did a bloody good job. She knew how to lick the creamy goodness right the down to the end when she used her fingers to scrape out the last bit. No eating a waffle cone for her. Sally had hers in a cup and huddled behind the wall to shelter from the somewhat brisk breeze.

Alice was a real demon to put to bed on Friday night but Three managed and we had pizza and wine to celebrate his birthday. And some mother son heart to heart which has almost broken this mother as I had no idea how bad things are for him - I don't want to say too much as I try to keep this fairly anonymous but I have no idea who reads. I suggested some couples counselling and reassured I am always here.

Yesterday they got up and headed home. 

We went for a walk.

It is the second week of the school holidays in Vic and the first in NSW so the place is getting very, very busy. This coming weekend is a long weekend in both states so even more reason for tourists to flock here. 

Tomorrow we have an appointment to go through the contract and sign it. We received a copy THIS AFTERNOON in preparation. A bit of time would be nice. Anyway Himself is reading through it and I will do the same when I have finished chatting to you. We won't be signing tomorrow, they haven't rectified mistakes we have already pointed out.

In other housing news, we have found another rental. Nowhere near as nice as this but it is the best on offer. It is nearly 50 years old and 2 storey but the living is upstairs with the main bedroom which is what we had in Bonbeach. It will mean the downstairs will be just for guests and the laundry (unless I want a bath). The two bedrooms downstairs are quite roomy so we may put our desks in them. It was offered furnished but we don't want it all so on Tuesday we are going to have another look to pick what we are happy to live with and they can store the rest. We are trying to avoid taking as much of our stuff up the stairs as possible!

It has a decent sized garden with raised vege beds and lemon trees. It has obviously been a much loved home - not just an investment. I feel someone has either died or gone into care as it is still full of personal bits and pieces. I will enjoy being able to do some gardening and might even get fit enough to walk into town.

The view from the balcony is stunning.

That is about if for now. I am somewhat stressed and teary with everything going on - good and bad, it's all stress. Not helped with the fact that Himself's ears are blocked and he is deafer than usual.. He has another appointment on Tuesday for an ear syringe but it has been a very trying week.

It is nice to have free rein on my computer again! Sally loves playing little games and I don't mind but my blog reading has been sadly curtailed. I have tried to catch up where I can but commenting has been lacking. I apologise.

Now to pour a large glass of wine and try to get my head around the legalese that is a building contract!
 

The holiday continues

These are all out of order but I cannot be bothered fixing it as Himself has gone to collect Sally from a movie afternoon and I have a few minutes of blessed peace!

This was last night after dinner and a bath. Eating a banana and watching the block.

Today we took Jinx to the vet. He finally took an actual swab for culture and sensitivity. We shall see if anything grows.

After that Himself took the dogs for a run on the block and Sally and I went to a playground. On the way there we stopped off at the main lookout. A stunning day if a bit windy.

The child will be the death of me. First thing she said was "can I play on the monkey bars"

This was Monday ...

Squeals of delight as she ran in and out of the water.

                                                   

Post tumble with grazed knee and Sunday's tattoo.

The 18th hole at mini golf.

Some quiet time in the library

You may remember that Three was going to come down on Thursday for some time with just Sally and us. Amy has put the kybosh on that. She cracked it that he gets a break but she doesn't. So he is bringing Alice with him. I am beyond furious at her selfishness. All the things we had planned and were looking forward to will have to wait until another time as they are not things you can take a two year old along to.

Oh well. Maybe one day in the future he will be able to come away for a much needed and deserved wee break. He is, after all, the one who gets up in the night when Alice cries, gets the girls sorted in the morning so Amy can have an extra few minutes in bed, does all the supermarket shopping and cooking. I could go on but I will just get even more upset. I know there was a time when men did sweet bugger all around the house but it seems that mums these days expect their partners to do it all. Or is it just my kids and The Mermaid's kids?

Sally is now home after a lovely afternoon watching a movie at the library. She has an activity book from the library so I will go and sit with her. She is a lovely kid but so needy of attention and affection. 
 

Catch up photos from the weekend.

Nothing better than watching a 2 year old unwrap a birthday present. She opened the card, Sally tried to read it to her but she tossed it to one side. There were better things awaiting!

Things that make us happy ...

Himself has a dicky shoulder and suggested we get one of those vibrating massage heating thingies. We did. It was a great success on Saturday night. I even ended up buying one for Three and Amy as they loved it so much. It arrived today - I do like Amazon Prime (not necessarily a popular opinion but hey, free quick delivery).

What does one have for breakfast on one's first morning in Lakes Entrance? Correct. Doughnuts. This was Amy's. It was called a unicorn and had marshmallow in the middle with gold leaf.

The Happy Tatt in progress.

Dessert last night was icecream  with two TimTams. I think she was happy.

And then she settled down to watch a bit of telly before bed. With her constant companions.

 

Today was another lovely day and I have more photos to share but I will wait until tomorrow.

For those who didn't use Dr Google FOOSH is Fall On OutStretched Hand. Very common in young kids.

And a backslab is a half cast where the plaster is placed in such a way to support the injury over only half the circumference of the limb  and held in place with a bandage. It is way more comfortable than a full cast and just as effective where complete immobilisation isn't essential.

Best laid plans and all that

So yesterday morning Amy took Sally to the Frankston Priority Primary Care Centre. These are designed to take the load off the emergency departments of our major public hospitals and a bloody good idea they are, too. The doctor that saw Sally thought she might have fractured her wrist but an xray was unavailable. She put a backslab on and wrote a referral for an xray within the next couple of days (which would also mean swelling had reduced so a better image could be obtained)

When they arrived here (around 6 last night) Sally was in a bit of pain but analgesia helped as did "finally being at Lakes". The plan was that I would see if I could find somewhere to xray the arm tomorrow (Monday).

We had a lovely morning with doughnuts for breakfast, a game of mini golf with Mum, a temporary tattoo, fish and chips for lunch and games on Granny's computer. Three and Amy were getting ready to head off when Amy thought it best to take Sally to Bairnsdale Hospital this afternoon. I said we would take her and they could head home. On the way there I thought "duh, why don't we all go to the hospital and Mum can take kid in and if needs be hand over to grandparents". So we did. The hospital were amazing. Because she had the referral from yesterday she went straight through to Xray where the technicians were waiting for her. Turns out she has sustained a buckle fracture which is very common in kids of her age falling off the monkey bars. Clinical notes read "FOOSH" ... for you non medically literate what do you think that stands for?

Anyway, she now has another, lighter backslab and a decent sling. The backslab must remain in place for three weeks and the sling when she is out and about. Sadly that will mean no playgrounds or swimming these holidays. Mini golf is ok because she makes the rules up anyway. I will check that she can do the clay activity on Tuesday with her cast wrapped in gladwrap. We will go to the library and the book and games shop so I am sure we will find things to keep her busy and we will go for lots of walks. And ice cream. Must have ice cream.

You may recall that I have talked about how much Himself loves being here and every day is "Bloody Magic". I send Three a photo every day with that heading and Sally sees them. Lakes Entrance really is bloody magic. 

When asked what tattoo she wanted when we went to the Happy Tatts tattoo tent she announced with great delight "BLOODY MAGIC". I explained to the lady the story behind this somewhat random outburst and she (phew) said that was a great idea and she would design one for next time they are down! Sally got a pokemon tattoo. 

Granny had a very enjoyable night last night chatting and drinking wine with the fambly and got to bed after midnight. She was woken at 5.50am by a small child with a sore wrist. Granny is, therefore, very tired and will now go and pour a glass of an invigorating beverage and chill until an early bedtime.

Busy

I have a busy week ahead.

As I write Three and his lot are heading this way. I have no idea when they will arrive at this point as they were meant to leave after Sally's dance class but she fell off the monkey bars at school yesterday and sprained her wrist so they might ditch dance and head down earlier. I am waiting to hear from them.

Yesterday was Alice's 2nd birthday. I found the moist adorable irritating doll which randomly blows you a kiss and giggles - which is exactly what Alice does. I am glad they are returning home WITH DOLL AND CHILD tomorrow!

We will try and cram as much as we can in the next 24 hours and the weather is glorious so I see some beach time and walks.

I have activities planned for Sally including a clay spoon making workshop which coincides with my hair appointment on Tuesday. Hopefully this will mean that Himself can amuse her for a couple of hours on Wednesday so I can go to coffee group.

We have decided against the house we saw on Thursday as well as the cosy house we saw yesterday which was really hard to judge as the current tenant is still there and a bit of a hoarder. It also meant I wasn't able to check out the condition of the cupboards which is a bit of a deal breaker for me. We have decided that we won't panic and take anything and we will not take less than we want. Unless of course we get down to the pointy end and will happily live anywhere if it is only for a few weeks.

So, on that note, I need to jump in the shower and then wrap the giggling doll and another one that will be more for her to actually play with. I can't wait to see them all.

I might be a bit scarce this week.

Blue skies ...

I didn't post yesterday. I really didn't have much to say but here are some photos from our walk.

The dogs just love it when the tide is out enough for us to walk on this particular stretch of beach. They chase each other into the water and race around the sand.

I would be happy with either form of transport ...

Sunning himself on the side of a boat.

And this is today's walk. The restaurant is really good. A bit pricey but they have great special days like chilli crabs on the full moon during crab season. We haven't managed to get there yet and I will be away for this month's full moon but hoping I can get to October or November.

This was the view from our table at brunch.

We had a look at a possible rental. It used to be the home of a local druggie who is now, according to our next door neighbour, a guest of His Majesty. The new owner has given it a bit of a lick and a promise and it would be OK. We would certainly be happy to move into the new house when it is built! I am waiting to hear back from the agent about a couple of things but it could be the one. The owner is building a portfolio of investment properties so is not going to sell it out from underneath us and, according to the agent, wants his tenants to be happy to would be quick to address any issues we may have. There is a garden that has been neglected so I could have a bit of fun playing with that, too. We are looking at another house tomorrow which has been described as cosy so I doubt we will go for that one - we need our space from one another and the quirky house we saw today would certainly allow for that.

I found out why some people use the term "unalive" rather than dead. Apparently it is to get around the algorithms social media platforms use that censor certain words and to avoid triggering people. I really don't get this whole nanny culture. It is bloody obvious what you are saying.

A walk

We did yet another different walk today. This was on the other side of Lakes from yesterday's walk.

Stuff is still happening with council and builders and real estate agents so I will leave all that well enough alone.

Instead you get to enjoy scenes from the walk. 

They are all self explanatory so I will save my words for another day.