Anyone who lives with a male knows that they never get a cold and suffer in silence. Well, I woke up yesterday morning with a cold and am NOT suffering in silence. I am a disgrace to the female gender but sure as eggs is eggs Himself will get this so I am getting my whingeing in first.
I hope he doesn't get it before Thursday as he has a job interview. Fingers crossed.
The Stig is making it impossible to type so I'm off to sit on the balcony and read a book in the late autumn sunshine.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Life trundles along
I know it's been a long time between drinks!
After the pain of losing Tom, we gave in and bought another kitten. He's called The Stig! A beautiful tabby who is very affectionate - well, to me anyway!!
Not long after Himself and I came home one evening to find that the back door hadn't locked properly when we went out and the dogs had got in and killed Sheba. We were devastated. They hadn't savaged her, the vet said it was just boisterous play. She would have died instantly and there wasn't a tooth mark on her. We now have a little black cat called Ninja. They have some enormous shoes to fill but seem to be up to the task.
Mother is doing her best to settle in at the aged care facility. She has her moments but that is to be expected. Dad is slowly going down hill. His speech and mobility are deteriorating but he's happy.
Himself is still without work which is placing a huge strain on him. Fingers crossed something will come up soon.
One, Two and Three are well. One has ordered THE ring so celebrations will be happening very soon. Their house is coming along well, too. Should be finished around August. Two is working for a camera store and seems happy. He's going back to finish his degree so he can apply to teach English in Japan. He and his girlfriend are a good couple. Who knows, this could be the one although it's early days. Three is in yet another job. Still customer service but with cars so he is a very happy little vegemite.
I am muddling along. My laptop died so I haven't been able to get online as easily as I used to but I now have a new pink machine (the colour makes all the difference) so I'm baaaaaack.
Speaking of which, Trish, if you read this. Any chance of being able to read your journal? I miss it.
The volunteer reading programme has taken off. And being the bunny I am, I offered to help the teacher who is organising it. I was dismayed to find the whole thing is run voluntarily even down to the teacher doing everything in her own time. So I am pairing students with volunteers and working out the rosters. A few teething problems but it should settle down next term. I also go in once a fortnight to play word games with small groups. Yesterday was the first session and they played wordsearch and scrabble.
Three and his GF are over for dinner so better go and decide what to cook. A friend and I rejoined WW for the umpteenth gazillionth time. Early days but so far so good.
After the pain of losing Tom, we gave in and bought another kitten. He's called The Stig! A beautiful tabby who is very affectionate - well, to me anyway!!
Not long after Himself and I came home one evening to find that the back door hadn't locked properly when we went out and the dogs had got in and killed Sheba. We were devastated. They hadn't savaged her, the vet said it was just boisterous play. She would have died instantly and there wasn't a tooth mark on her. We now have a little black cat called Ninja. They have some enormous shoes to fill but seem to be up to the task.
Mother is doing her best to settle in at the aged care facility. She has her moments but that is to be expected. Dad is slowly going down hill. His speech and mobility are deteriorating but he's happy.
Himself is still without work which is placing a huge strain on him. Fingers crossed something will come up soon.
One, Two and Three are well. One has ordered THE ring so celebrations will be happening very soon. Their house is coming along well, too. Should be finished around August. Two is working for a camera store and seems happy. He's going back to finish his degree so he can apply to teach English in Japan. He and his girlfriend are a good couple. Who knows, this could be the one although it's early days. Three is in yet another job. Still customer service but with cars so he is a very happy little vegemite.
I am muddling along. My laptop died so I haven't been able to get online as easily as I used to but I now have a new pink machine (the colour makes all the difference) so I'm baaaaaack.
Speaking of which, Trish, if you read this. Any chance of being able to read your journal? I miss it.
The volunteer reading programme has taken off. And being the bunny I am, I offered to help the teacher who is organising it. I was dismayed to find the whole thing is run voluntarily even down to the teacher doing everything in her own time. So I am pairing students with volunteers and working out the rosters. A few teething problems but it should settle down next term. I also go in once a fortnight to play word games with small groups. Yesterday was the first session and they played wordsearch and scrabble.
Three and his GF are over for dinner so better go and decide what to cook. A friend and I rejoined WW for the umpteenth gazillionth time. Early days but so far so good.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
RIP Thomas
Yesterday Tom seemed unwell.
Today he deteriorated rapidly.
We took him to the emergency vet. He had heart, lung and liver problems.
He was admitted and put in an oxygen cage, given antibiotics and monitored.
At 5.00pm there was little change. At least his fever had reduced but his heart and breathing rates were way above normal.
At 9.00pm Himself went back to the vet. I couldn't. I had said goodbye and bawled for most of the afternoon. I feel so guilty.
Himself took Tom out of the cage and held him. Tom purred and wrapped his paws around Himself's fingers. The vet gave Tom his last injection and Himself held him and apologised as Tom gently died.
Every morning I woke to Tom purring and wrapping his paws around my fingers and every night I would go to sleep with Tom purring and kneading my head. When he was a kitten he would purr, knead and suckle my throat!
He had a good life. He was loved. Neighbours called him the friendliest cat in the universe.
It's blowing a gale right now and for a fleeting moment I can pretend he's hiding in a corner in the cupboard under the stairs. Only tomorrow when the wind dies down, he won't be here.
Miss you, Tom boy..
Today he deteriorated rapidly.
We took him to the emergency vet. He had heart, lung and liver problems.
He was admitted and put in an oxygen cage, given antibiotics and monitored.
At 5.00pm there was little change. At least his fever had reduced but his heart and breathing rates were way above normal.
At 9.00pm Himself went back to the vet. I couldn't. I had said goodbye and bawled for most of the afternoon. I feel so guilty.
Himself took Tom out of the cage and held him. Tom purred and wrapped his paws around Himself's fingers. The vet gave Tom his last injection and Himself held him and apologised as Tom gently died.
Every morning I woke to Tom purring and wrapping his paws around my fingers and every night I would go to sleep with Tom purring and kneading my head. When he was a kitten he would purr, knead and suckle my throat!
He had a good life. He was loved. Neighbours called him the friendliest cat in the universe.
It's blowing a gale right now and for a fleeting moment I can pretend he's hiding in a corner in the cupboard under the stairs. Only tomorrow when the wind dies down, he won't be here.
Miss you, Tom boy..
Monday, 16 January 2012
What WAS I thinking about?
I HATE the heat!! It's in the high 30s today! Last week we struggled to get into the 20s. Guess that's Melbourne for you. Sydneysiders always give us grief over our weather but I reckon we can beat them hands down at the moment.
We (meaning Himself and Two) have ripped the kitchen out of the parents' unit. In some cases back to the brickwork. I am hoping we can get someone to help us fix it up so we don't have to keep doing the drive up there.
On Saturday when Himself and Two went and finished the wrecking job I stayed home and attacked the kitchen. Gave it a really good clean with bleach and polish and stuff. And moved a lot of things off the benches and into cupboards so it looks much cleaner and spacious. I love having the kitchen/living area altogether but it easily gets cluttered. Yesterday was the turn of the pantry and tomorrow I'll do the fridge. If I tackle an area at a time it will eventually get done.
I went to the gym this morning and feel great. I am going in the morning for a run and some core work before I go to the osteo. Fake it til you make it is my new motto!!
The local council newsletter had an ad for volunteers to help with literacy skills in year 7 students at a local high school. Sad that they can get all the way through primary school and still struggle but at least the school is doing something about it. I rang today and asked to speak to the person in the ad only to be told she's not back from leave until the 31st. So why tell people to ring and ask for her from today? Sheesh!! Now ... should I apply for my working with children clearance straight away in case I am successful or should I wait. I suppose it will make me appear pro-active if I already have it. That's assuming the woman ever calls me back! Don't worry, if I haven't heard from her by early Feb I'll be ringing the school.
We took Tom (our 12 year old tabby - the best cat in the whole world) to the vet today because he's losing his fur. Looks quite moth eaten, poor puss. Vet seemed a bit vague as to cause. Ruled some things out and then gave him a shot of long acting cortisone. Hopefully it will stop whatever is causing it. He does seem to be overgrooming which is not uncommon in pets. Angus had his 12 month vaccinations and heartworm shot. Pets aren't cheap, are they?!
Cold chook and salad for dinner. Yum. Himself has made his potato salad. Double Yum!!
We (meaning Himself and Two) have ripped the kitchen out of the parents' unit. In some cases back to the brickwork. I am hoping we can get someone to help us fix it up so we don't have to keep doing the drive up there.
On Saturday when Himself and Two went and finished the wrecking job I stayed home and attacked the kitchen. Gave it a really good clean with bleach and polish and stuff. And moved a lot of things off the benches and into cupboards so it looks much cleaner and spacious. I love having the kitchen/living area altogether but it easily gets cluttered. Yesterday was the turn of the pantry and tomorrow I'll do the fridge. If I tackle an area at a time it will eventually get done.
I went to the gym this morning and feel great. I am going in the morning for a run and some core work before I go to the osteo. Fake it til you make it is my new motto!!
The local council newsletter had an ad for volunteers to help with literacy skills in year 7 students at a local high school. Sad that they can get all the way through primary school and still struggle but at least the school is doing something about it. I rang today and asked to speak to the person in the ad only to be told she's not back from leave until the 31st. So why tell people to ring and ask for her from today? Sheesh!! Now ... should I apply for my working with children clearance straight away in case I am successful or should I wait. I suppose it will make me appear pro-active if I already have it. That's assuming the woman ever calls me back! Don't worry, if I haven't heard from her by early Feb I'll be ringing the school.
We took Tom (our 12 year old tabby - the best cat in the whole world) to the vet today because he's losing his fur. Looks quite moth eaten, poor puss. Vet seemed a bit vague as to cause. Ruled some things out and then gave him a shot of long acting cortisone. Hopefully it will stop whatever is causing it. He does seem to be overgrooming which is not uncommon in pets. Angus had his 12 month vaccinations and heartworm shot. Pets aren't cheap, are they?!
Cold chook and salad for dinner. Yum. Himself has made his potato salad. Double Yum!!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Excuse me, but where the hell is summer?
So this morning we woke up to hail, gale force winds and freezing temperatures. Not that I'm complaining, mind, I love cooler weather but WTF? It's January. Month of summer holidays and beaches and bbqs and sunburn!
I saw The Iron Lady today. A fantastic movie. Meryl Streep is just brilliant. She had Maggie Thatcher to a T. When I first saw she had been cast in the role I wondered why they didn't use a Brit actress. Now I know.
Himself went up to the unit and ripped up the carpet, took out a bookshelf and started to dismantle the kitchen. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we (he) can chew. Worse case we will employ a handyman to finish it for us.
I won a prize for having a letter printed in the Weight Watchers Mag. Rather happy about that. Now I just need to read the damn thing, follow the programme and lose weight!!
I am enjoying being back here. Clears the brain so it can fill up with more crap.
I saw The Iron Lady today. A fantastic movie. Meryl Streep is just brilliant. She had Maggie Thatcher to a T. When I first saw she had been cast in the role I wondered why they didn't use a Brit actress. Now I know.
Himself went up to the unit and ripped up the carpet, took out a bookshelf and started to dismantle the kitchen. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we (he) can chew. Worse case we will employ a handyman to finish it for us.
I won a prize for having a letter printed in the Weight Watchers Mag. Rather happy about that. Now I just need to read the damn thing, follow the programme and lose weight!!
I am enjoying being back here. Clears the brain so it can fill up with more crap.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Gotta love Bunnings!!
We will be able to renovate the parents' unit ALL from Bunnings ( aussie hardware chain for the likes of you, MizS!). And the best thing is that we were told today that if we get a list (LISTS!!) together of everything we need and take it to the trade counter and pay there and then we could get up to a 10% discount. Not bad when we are looking at close on $20,000. Love spending other people's money!!
Himself and I took Two shopping for clothes for his new job. Almost as much as spending other people's money do I love spending our money on Two and his brothers! Especially when it's buying clothes that he couldn't otherwise afford. And with the end of year sales we bought $450 of stuff from David Jones for $200!!! How good is THAT?!
Tomorrow we are forecast winter weather. Even down to snow in the ranges. Maximum of 19C in Melbourne. My calendar tells me we should be in the middle of summer!! Not that I'm complaining. I know people who chase the sun and I think they are barking mad! I am much happier piling clothes on to keep warm than stripping off to keep cool.. Cos there comes a point when you can't strip off any more and by then you're probably illegal!
So happy to see old friends come out of the woodwork. How many more before we have the band back together?!
List:
Himself and I took Two shopping for clothes for his new job. Almost as much as spending other people's money do I love spending our money on Two and his brothers! Especially when it's buying clothes that he couldn't otherwise afford. And with the end of year sales we bought $450 of stuff from David Jones for $200!!! How good is THAT?!
Tomorrow we are forecast winter weather. Even down to snow in the ranges. Maximum of 19C in Melbourne. My calendar tells me we should be in the middle of summer!! Not that I'm complaining. I know people who chase the sun and I think they are barking mad! I am much happier piling clothes on to keep warm than stripping off to keep cool.. Cos there comes a point when you can't strip off any more and by then you're probably illegal!
So happy to see old friends come out of the woodwork. How many more before we have the band back together?!
List:
- MUST find out how to get photos from phone to PC to blog
- learn how to use my iPad properly
- teach dogs to pick up own poo.
- ditto cats and their litter
- replace dead petunias (from the heat we had last week!)
- look for work :(
- subscribe to flylady
Monday, 9 January 2012
The Talk
I went and spoke with the manager of the aged care facility that my parents call home. I must say I went with heart in mouth, knees a-knockin' and palms sweating. The manager was receptive, assured me the incidents would be followed up and rang me this evening to give me an update. I told him that I was sure my parents hadn't been singled out and therefore there must be other residents who have been traumatised. He agreed.
So ... we wait to see what happens next.
And Himself has almost finished his CV which has been a huge issue for him ... not sure why but there you go.
Tomorrow I see the osteo and then we go and help Two buy a suit for a new job and then we go and start demolishing my parents' old kitchen so we can get the unit ready to sell. Dr Teacher was given that job but has failed miserably so it's back on us. Other Brother, on the other hand, has been magnificent.
And Jan got in touch with me .... gotta love the internet friendships!
So ... we wait to see what happens next.
And Himself has almost finished his CV which has been a huge issue for him ... not sure why but there you go.
Tomorrow I see the osteo and then we go and help Two buy a suit for a new job and then we go and start demolishing my parents' old kitchen so we can get the unit ready to sell. Dr Teacher was given that job but has failed miserably so it's back on us. Other Brother, on the other hand, has been magnificent.
And Jan got in touch with me .... gotta love the internet friendships!
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