My Ramblings

Anniversary Surprise

Wednesday the 27th September was my (and hubby's of course) 27th wedding anniversary.  In all those 27 years, not much had been made of this day, just the usual card and best wishes, and occasionally a gift.  In the early days I always bought TNSPH (as against TPH) a gift, but gave up after a few years when there were none forthcoming in the other direction.  In latter years, even the wishes and cards became scarce and for several years we didn't even SEE each other on our day.  As a nurse, working night duty, I would work the night before, with the idea of having the night of our anniversary off so that we could go out for dinner or whatever.  I would get home in the morning to find him gone to his work as a chauffeur, and I would go to bed that night not having clapped eyes on him.  HE would finally come home in the early (late??) hours of the morning, say around 0400.  After several years of this, and with our 25th coming up, I told him that if it happened again that year it would mean a divorce.  WOW, did that EVER have an affect.  Yeah right!!!!  Only just.  On the day of our 25th anniversary, TNSPH got ready for work, said "Happy Anniversary" and was off.  Well, at least I'd seen him, very blearily as it was because of the earliness of the hour (and I am NOT a morning person).  Later in the morning I got a phone call suggesting we meet for lunch.  That meant I had to drive around 50 kilometers there and back to meet up with him.  For this effort I got a nice lunch, a card and a bunch of flowers .....................I HATE bloody flowers, and HE knows it. lol  Anyway, we did have a nice lunch, but then it was back to work for him, and I finally saw him again the next morning.  So much for our SILVER.  Came and went with a whimper.  Last year was much the same, and by now I'm so used to it I didn't even think of it.  After all, what is one more anniversary in a long chain of them. 
This year I accepted work the night before, and TNSPH said "but that will mean you will be tired tomorrow, and I am only doing one job in the morning, so we can do something during the day".  OK, so I cancelled my shift and gladly accepted his offer of doing "something" the next day.  I expected lunch or similar, and I even suggested that if we could make dinner, then perhaps my cousin and Aunt could join us.  He was non-committal about that.
The day dawned, and it promised to be a very nice day too.  Ron got home from work around 1030, and we set off, me not knowing at all where we were going, and he (for once) managing to keep a secret.  We drove into the Yarra Valley, and had lunch at the Wandin Deli and Wine Bar, which is owned by a local TV actor.  Food was very nice and I noticed that they had some original beers, so I will have to go back there with number 3 son who is an avid collector of beers.  After lunch we drove on to Warburton, where we had coffee and dessert, then walked around and had a look at the various gift shops etc that were open.  Another short drive and we were at the summit of Mount Donna Buang, and already not a bit of snow to be seen (we had a very poor snow season this year).  Back again to Warburton, and I was led into a wellness centre and introduced to the fellow who was going to give me a massage.  At this point you could have knocked me over with a feather as this bit was TOTALLY unexpected.  TNSPH has NEVER, EVER done anything like this before, even with all my hinting (hehe).  Some (very relaxing) time later, I emerged feeling quite pleasantly refreshed.  It was now getting on toward evening, and almost time to be looking at having dinner.  We headed back toward the city, and just before Wandin we drove into a winery where, I soon found out, Ron had booked us for dinner.  We did the wine tasting bit, and bought 3 bottles, then I had a cocktail before going to our table.  The table was next to the window, and during the daylight hours gave a great view of the valley and the vines.  Dinner was great.  I had our national symbol (Skippy) and thouroughly enjoyed it.  After entree, main and dessert I was sated, and feeling very mellow.  Then came the next surprise..............we were staying in the Honeymoon Suite just up the hill.
We were given a torch, and made our way over the lawn and driveway (by now in total darkness) and up to the old homestead.  The suite was beautiful, I loved the lead light windows, and the bed looked very inviting...............but I needed a step ladder to get up into it lol.  Breakfast was provided in the form of juice, cereal, bacon and eggs, and bread, butter and spreads.  There was even coffee for the plunger, and check out wasn't until 1100. 
Ron woke me at 0900 and I got up and had a shower while HE cooked breakfast (and found that the electric toaster burned the toast even on the lowest setting), and made the coffee (I poured it, couldn't leave EVERYTHING to him *grin*).  We enjoyed breakfast overlooking the valley, winery and vinyards.  I couldn't believe how quiet it was, even though we were right next to the highway.  It was glorious, and something I could very easily get used to. 
After breakfast it was back to reality as hubby had his first job mid afternoon, and I was also working that night.  3 days later it is but a pleasant memory, but one I will cherish for a very long time. It took a long time, but my beau finally excelled himself.

Brrrrrrrrr.

Spring is sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where the flowers is............well, if they have any sense they have pulled their doonas up over their heads and gone back to sleep until spring REALLY arrives. We had a few really nice days, and even one or two pretty hot ones, but then it seems that winter has decided to put in a late appearance, with icy, strong blustery winds.  So, it's back to putting the fire on, put the hot water bottle in the bed, get my jumpers out of the drawer (not that I put them away mind you) and plenty of hot drinks to keep out the cold. 
While Victoria is close to snow weather though, NSW is having HOT blustery conditions leading to bush fires which have destroyed 7 houses.  We have been warned to expect a long hot summer, and it is trying desperately to put in an early appearance, so I'm sure that when it does come, it will be with a vengeance.  The scene is set for not only NSW, but other states to suffer mass bushfires this season, and everywhere is short of water.  Our precious rescource will no doubt have to be wasted on putting out these fires, many of which are deliberately started by idiots who think it's good fun. Those same idiots will no doubt be the ones who will let their taps run while cleaning their teeth, have LOOOOONG showers and generally do their best to waste whatever water they can without a thought for tomorrow.  They will also no doubt be the first to complain when we have no water left to drink, and will blame everyone else for it.  In a continent so strapped for water, we cannot afford to be blase, and everyone should make it their business to be diligent.  If you see something suspicious, let the authorities know.  You may not only save water, but also property and even a life.

Santa is on his way.

It is only 22nd September yet already our shops are filling with Christmas decorations, cards, advertisements etc.  It seems like just yesterday that I went to the supermarket to snap up cards, gift tags and tree decorations in the after Christmas sales, and thinking that it would be forever before they were needed.  Now I'm staring down the short barrel at having to sort out my tree and old decorations, and integrating the new ones I bought. 

I can't believe how quickly this year is passing.  I have heard that time seems to go quicker as you get older, but I'm sure it can't just be that.  I'm sure that the world is spinning faster or something, and that that makes the clocks go faster too, so an hour is now only about 40 minutes or less, and the days themselves are a few hours shorter, which of course makes the days, months and years shorter too.  How else can we explain that it was only 5 months ago that it was Christmas?? 
Seriously though, I have often wondered if this IS possible and we just don't know it.  Even when I count "one, one thousand" (or one mississippi for our US folk) it seems that I have to say it quicker now........or maybe it's just my old brain slowing down so it seems like I'm saying it quicker, lol.  Whatever it is, I'm not the only one commenting on how quickly time is passing these days.

Of course, it could also be because these days everyone is always in such a rush.  There is always something to fill every waking minute, even if it IS just the telly.  We all rush hither and thither trying to cram as much as possible into every day that no wonder we don't notice the passage of time.  We keep hearing the saying "stop and smell the roses (or coffee or whatever), but rarely do.  But NO, no way is that to blame for the speedy passage of time; NO WAY.  It's mother nature forging ahead and making us gasp at how quickly we have to spend up big for the quickly looming, commercial farce that is Christmas these days.  These days, mums and dads don't have time to make dolls beds complete with pillows, sheets and doonas (as I did for my daughter so long ago), or little trucks or trains for the boys and tom boys.  No, these days they rush around (usually at the last minute) spending big dollars on all the latest you beaut toys and gadgets, and then get frustrated when the kiddies play more with the packaging than the actual toy, or shock horror, break the bloody thing the first time they play with it. 

Don't get me wrong, I always loved Christmas, but now I find it more  stressful as I love to give nice gifts to my family and friends, but there are certainly a lot of them, and only so much money to go around.  AND, due to the frenetic pace of life throughout the year, I don't have time (and often not the inclination either) to make gifts etc.  This year however, Chrisco came to my rescue and around May or June I got a catalogue of gift ideas.  From that I was able to choose gifts for many of the people I want to give to, the big exception being my daughter and her family who will be leaving for interstate before the hamper arrives.  My hubby and a couple of my boys haven't been catered for there either, but as I am paying Chrisco each week it takes a big load off my mind.  I am then able to be  more relaxed about looking for things for the few that are not already catered for.  I think that this Christmas is again going to be a good one for me, except for the fact that my daughter will be sadly missing.....................I can handle that though as I know she will be having a nice Christmas with her husbands family.........................so, "BRING IT ON", tis the season to be jolly and this year I think I will be.

Boo Hoo

I have to say that I had been feeling nervous all day yesterday; my beloved Doggies were to play in the 1st Semi Final, something they hadn't managed to do for some years now.  They had beaten the team they were to play the last two times they met, so there was certainly hope, but as the other team finished top of the ladder while we finished bottom of those to qualify, it was a big ask.  Plus, the match was to be played on the home ground of the other team.  I was hoping that my Doggies would at least give the other team a good run for their money.  Not so unfortunately.  Lot's of fumbles (and can't all be blamed on the drop of rain at the beginning of the match), drops and other mistakes meant that the Eagles had an absolute field day, especially in the final quarter.  As an example, one of our players, usually a very valuable one, was obviously feeling the pressure.  He didn't get his hands on the ball for the longest time and when he finally did, of his first four possessions three were kicked straight to the opposition and one out of bounds on the full. 

That they got to the finals this year is a credit to the players and coaching staff.  Many of our players are young and pretty new to professional football, so they have a big future ahead of them.  Finals footy is much more intense than the normal home and away games, so this was a good educational experience for them, hopefully to set them up for future years.  I am sure that next year will be an even better year and we will again get to the finals; to achieve much better results it is hoped.  One of the saddest things about them losing last night is that they were the last of the Victorian teams left as Melbourne had beed defeated by the Dockers the night before.  That game was also played in Perth, also the home ground of the Dockers.  Now the only contenders for this years premiership flag are again all from interstate.  That seems to be the norm these days, so we have to get our Victorian teams in better shape so that we can brind the flag back here, and hopefully my beloved Doggies can be the one to do it.

Am I sad that they lost last night?  Of course.  Am I proud that they got there in the first place?  Very.  I am very much looking forward to next season, and will make sure that I get reserved seats for my other half and myself so that I don't have to search for seats each time I go.  Hopefully I will get good seats, close to the front, where I can really feel the action. 

Procrastination.

I may have mentioned before that I'm something (a BIG something actually) of a procrastinator.  I'm always full of good intentions, but somehow rarely seem to follow through.  Generally this isn't a problem as the only one who knows is me, and apart from the odd guilt feeling, there is no harm done.  However, being such a procrastinator is hazardous to ones health.  For instance, I had an inkling for some time that I was at least insulin resistant if not full on diabetic, but didn't go to see the doctor.  When I did finally go (for something quite different and rather inconsequential in the scheme of things) she decided that because of my age (and weight too probably) she would test me for EVERYTHING.  And of course, it turns out I'm diabetic, type 2, controlled by medication.  It also turned out that I had a lump in my breast, which turned out to be benign thank goodness. 

Did this teach me a lesson?  Well, obviously not as I am suffering quite badly with a sore shoulder, but still have not been to have it assessed and possibly x-rayed.  Several years ago my left shoulder was sore, and interfered with a lot of things I was doing.  When I finally got to the stage where I had limited movement I finally went to the doctor.  I had a strained biceps ligament, treatment was physio, heat rub (which I didn't use) and anti inflammatories (which made me ill)  The specialist even put a shot of cortisone directly into the ligament, but it really didn't make much of a difference.  What DID seem to work was going to visit Natalie when she lived in Darwin.  I went there with a painful shoulder with limited movement, and seven weeks later came away with a painless, more freely moving one.  What did I do different up there?  Nothing at all, so I suspect that it was the climate that was conducive to my recovery.  Now, here I am with the same problem (probably) but in the right shoulder.  Again it is interfering with things, this time even with my sleep as the pain wakes me.  It becomes more painful when I knit (but I percevere), work on the computer, or reach out in the wrong way.  It's becoming a problem at work too.  So far I haven't been to the doctor, so I can't be sure it's the same thing, or perhaps arthritis.  An x-ray would reveal the truth, but I just haven't got aroung to getting one done.  I know I really should because if it is something different then the treatment will be different; but of course if it's the same, well I can't afford to go back to Darwin to cure it. lol  I have been trying to keep it moving, but it's not working.  I'm now back to having to ask my son or husband (or whoever is around) to help me do my bra up.  Now THAT is embarrassing.  Maybe it's time to go to the doctor.................perhaps tomorrow............no, it's Saturday tomorrow, ok, well maybe on Monday.....................unless I can find something more important or intersting to do.

I am constantly amazed at how fast jokes appear.  Within hours of Steve Irwin's (and later Peter Brock's) death, the jokes appeared.  Aussies can be irreverentm but often it's a coping mechanism as much as anything.  I too have been guilty of passing these jokes on to family and friends, and of finding them amusing too I might add.  I'm impressed and awed at the creativity of those who produce them, while at the same time hoping desperately (and probably futilely), that the jokes don't reach the eyes or ears of the bereaved family and friends of the deceased. 
I was goind to say "only in Australia", but as I ponder on that I think that probably isn't right.  Quite likely the same thing happens in other countries too. People are pretty much the same the whole world over, and will find something funny in just about anything so long as it isn't directly affecting them.  It's not to be nasty, it's just a fundamental human characteristic.

Crafty

Blame my daughter yet again, I'm now caught up in yet another way to spend money as well as enjoy myself creating.  Yesterday I went to a "Stampin' Up" party at Natalie's house, and really enjoyed creating 2 greeting cards.  Of course I got several ideas for other cards too as well as realising how this could enhance one of my other crafts; scrapbooking.  The two can go together very nicely.  So now, thatnks to Natalie, I am back knitting (have plenty of orders from my kids etc.), scrapbooking and now stamping.  Not getting any time to do any cross stitch at this time, and barely time to read........usually at work or when I go to bed, where these days I usually fall asleep before I've read a page or two.  Yesterday was such fun that I have decided to have ademonstration myself, and lure more unsuspecting people into the evil clutches of this craft, and then who knows branching out to join me in my other craft loves...........beware all you females (and males too I might add, you are not invulnerable to the charms), I've been infected by my daughter, and I am forced to pass it on.
Yesterday I ordered my first stamp pads, card stock and other tools, but won't be able to start making anything till I have my party as there are many more things I will need to be able to make real use of the things I've already bought.  Thankfully, as previously stated, this new craft marries well with scrapbooking, so many of the tools I already have can be used here too.  Come on November so that I can really get stuck into it; and if you are on my Christmas list, just wait and see what creative masterpieces (or disasters in my case) I come up with.

Sister in Thailand.

My sister and her husband have left Australia to return to China where they have previously spent time teaching English.  They both love China and only returned home for family reasons and have gone back as soon as they could manage it.  On route they stopped off in Thailand for a bit of a holday before the work begins.  Here is the newsletter I received from Dave, reading it make me envious, but I have to applaud them for getting off their butts to do the things they want to do.  Good on you Jan and Dave.

The Adventure to China Begins.

After a difficult and tearful goodbye with Dillon and Brydie (their son and their eldest daughter) at Melbourne airport we were on our way to our next adventure in China, but not before a few days R & R in Thailand.  Having caught a midnight flight out of Melbourne, we were able to catch a few hours of sleep.  The flight with Thai airways was once again, excellent.  Arriving in Bangkok at 6am, the heat and humidity was already oppressive.  We made our way to our hotel on Khao Sahn Rd.  For those of you who have never been to BK, Khao Sahn Rd. is a mecca for backpackers from all over the world, and there is nothing you can't buy in Khao Sahn.  Everything from fake Nikes, Reeboks, Diesel and any brand of clothing your heart desires, to fake Victorian licences, Passports, degrees and student cards.....All looked bloody authentic to me.  We spent one night in BK (good name for a song that!!!) then headed off by bus, 3 hours south to a place called Hua Hin (pronounced waahin).  We had booked a room at a resort over the Internet, and as usual, you really don't know what to expect until you arrive........And WOW, this place is beautiful.  Our room is fantastic, with a king size bed, and a giant bathrub which makes Jan happy.  The position is good too.  We are right next to the pool and the closest unit to the beach.  The beach is lovely, with soft white sand, and the sea is luke warm, no shock to the system at all when you enter the water.  Looking right from our hotel, along the beach there is a high rocky outcrop just off the beach and atop the highest peak is a Buddhist Temple.  Standing tall and proud on one of the peaks is a huge golden statue of a standing Buddha which glistens like gold in the morning sun.  The pool is a magnificent free form shape that goes on forever.  But of course the best thing is that it has a pool bar where you just swim up and sit on a stool in the water and order your drinks.  Needless to say we spent a very long afternoon yesterday sitting on those stools tasting what the barman had to offer.  We have met an Aussie guy named Simon who is a butcher and chef and works in Bangkok as General Manager of a fine food company and has done so for about 15 months.  Prior to that he was in Hong Kong for 4 years.  Not bad for a kid who is only 24 and left school when he was 14.  We went out for dinner last night with him and his Thai girlfriend Lyn and they took us to a traditional Thai restaurant where Lyn ordered everything.  The meal was wonderful, a taste sensation of different spices and flavours.  It was also refreshing talking to someone so young who has already done so much with his life and we take our hats off to him.  He came across opportunities, took them, and is now reaping the benefits.  Good luck to him.  They have invited us to stay with them on our return to BK in a years time.  Hopefully we will be able to take up their kind offer.  This kind of instant bonding with strangers is what Jan and I find so fascinating and is one of the main reasons we enjoy the lifestyle we do.  Hua Hin is famous for its sunrises, so this morning we were up at 5.30am to try and catch it.  The sky on the horizon was a myriad of orange, red and purple with bright golden streaks stretching out in every direction.  What a great way to start our next day here in Thailand.

Doesn't he make it all sound so wonderful, and don't you wish you were there too??  I know I do.

An Aussie Icon.

A sad event here in Australia brought an immediate response from a friend in the UK.  When Steve Irwin was killed in a freak accident while filming a new documentary I immediately thought of my friend who is a big fan, and today I checked my e-mail.  Sure enough there was one there from Roy.  "What is so strange about that"  you say, "friends do write to each other".  Yes, USUALLY they do, but Roy is as bad with e-mails as I am with letters............he forgets to write for months (are you reading this Roy?)

Getting back to Steve; he was much more popular overseas that he was in Australia, and Steve himself recognised that Aussies were perhaps a bit embarrassed by him.  He was very over the top and larger than life to say the least.  A lot of Aussies thought he was a joke, and his shows never really rated here.  Whilst Steve the person was not particularly popular, his ideals and beliefs were.  His Australia Zoo is a very popular place and gets thousands of visitors every week.  His stance on wildlife and conservation won him many accolades and his work ethic was well respected.  The zoo for instance was just a little fauna park when his parents ran it.  Steve's vision was to make it into the biggest and best Aussie wildlife park, and he did it.  I have been there, and it IS an amazing place.  From only a handful of employees, he now employs over 500 staff; that alone makes him a person to be respected, providing for many local families.  He was loved and respected by most if not all his staff and local residents.  His zoo will now continue and will remain as a legacy of Steve's dreams.  God Bless his family, wife Terri, daughter Bindy and son Bob. 

From my other blog.

I started blogging on another (free) site, and these are a couple of my entries.  I felt they  deserved to be in here as I won't be doing anything more with the other blog.

Thrusday 17th August 2006.

Further to my having to walk home from work the other day; as previously stated, I was in a lot of pain when I arrived home.  Luckily I didn't have to work that night, so I could rest up a bit.  Next day, Ron (hubby) asked if I had slept on the magnetic mattress to which I replied, "No, I didn't".  Later that day when I went for a snooze prior to going to work that night, I did sleep on his mattress and have to say that I felt a lot better for it. (Not that I doubted that I would).  By the end of my shift I was again feeling the effects of my epic trip, sore back, hips etc. so will again sleep on the mattress.  So, that brings me to the story of the magnetic mattress........

Several years ago Ron and I signed up with a network marketing company (one of many we've tried without success) called Nikken.  Nikken is a Japanese USA based company that promotes health through the use of magnetics; pillows, mattress overlays, insoles, jewellery etc.  Being believers in the power of magnetics and loving the products, we decided to become business builders.  Of course, family and friends, having seen us try (and fail) many other businesses, ie Amway, simply rolled their eyes and sighed.  We paid our money, got our kit, and thereafter only sold one major product and a few small ones.  We were not able to "con" anyone else to become business builders, so very typical of us.  Anyway, the kit consisted of a magnetic mattress overlay, magnetic pillow, 1 pair of magnetic insoles and a couple of other things.  I was looking forward to putting the mattress on the bed, but Ron got in first.  As I have already said, I have scoliosis and often get pain associated with it so I thought that Ron would put the mattress on my side of the bed.  When I went to bed, there was the mattress and pillow firmly ensconsed on HIS side of the bed, so I got into bed determined to give him the biggest cold shoulder ever.  Ron came to bed some time later, flopped down on his side.......................and never moved a muscle all night.  Now normally he had been annoying the absolute hell out of me as he had restless leg syndrome and his constant kicking was driving me spare. So much so that many a time I threatened that if he kicked just once more I would go and sleep in the bath.  During this night I became so concerned that I actually felt him to make sure he was breathing.  The magnetic mattress cured the restless legs and he has very rarely had a problem since, only if he is really over tired.  Needless to say, he STILL has the mattress and I am STILL suffering.  We really need a queen size overlay so we can both benefit, but Nikken are so expensive that it is pretty safe to say that I will never get to sleep on one except when I sleep during the day when Ron is out and about.  BTW, HE got the magnetic insoles too; I had to buy myself a pair later.  lol

AND.......Tuesday 15th August 2006.

I have just got home from work, it's 0900 (9'o'clock AM) and I should have been home around 0730.  Why so late you ask, and well you might........Usually I drive my own car to work, but last night my youngest son needed to be picked up from the airport after going interstate on business.  Ron (hubby) who is a chauffeur and does this kind of work all the time, had a very early job the next morning, so I suggested that eldest son could drop me at work, go and get youngest son, and then pick me up from work in the morning.  Ron went to ask eldest son if that was ok.

I finished work at 0715 and when I got to the hospital entrance there was no sign of eldest son.  Not to worry, he could have easily thought that I finished at 0730 as I do at some of the hospitals.  So, I waited, and waited, and waaaaiiiiitttteeeedddd, and STILL no sign of son.  By 0800 I figure he's not coming so I start walking the 3 or 4 kilometres home.  Not such a big deal you say, and a few years ago I would have agreed with you.  However, NOW after a 9.5 hour shift, and being very overweight and extremely unfit, not to mention I was carrying a heavy bag AND having scoliosis and early pangs of arthritis I have to say it IS a big deal.  The further I walked the angrier I became but I also became more worried with every step too as eldest son does not have the safest driving record (he rearranged two of my cars).  I tell God, the Universe or whoever else is listening that son had better be dead or lying very injured somewhere because if he wasn't, I was going to bloody well kill him. (I have to say at this point, I had no money on me, and my mobile phone battery was dead).

I finally get home, and sure enough, my car is in the driveway.  I walk into the house and let out a bloodcurdling angry scream, my dog came out growling and barking, but son is blissfully unaware as he is taking  a lovely hot shower.  I yell through the door "thanks a lot".  He says he didn't know what time I was meant to be picked up.  I then sit in front of the computer and have a good cry A) because I'm in pain all over and B) I'm relieved that he ISN'T dead or injured (but I'm still angry).  When he comes out of the shower, he informs me that he didn't even know he was meant to pick me up as Ron hadn't mentioned that..........like how else was I meant to get home when Ron was out working.  MEN, honestly! sometimes I wonder if they actually have brains.

Anyway, now I am going to take a couple of strong painkillers and try to calm down enough to get some much needed sleep.  Hopefully I'll feel a whole lot better when I wake up.