Taking the Plunge

The kids are back to school next week after a six week summer break.  The shopping centres will be quiet, so quiet you will wonder where everyone has gone! 
Every year Mel and I chat about her future; what she wants to do and how we can  make it happen.
This year started off just the same as every other year; we chatted, she talked and nothing happened.
This is the first January of my retirement, now I have the energy and time to change what didn't happen in the past.
Mel has talked about voluntary work as a kitchen hand for sometime.  Only a couple of years ago she did a volunteer stint at a local nursing home.  Mel helped in the kitchen and enjoyed her experience but nothing eventuated afterwards.  At the age of eighteen Mel completed an intensive hospitality course and quickly secured a job as a waitress in a restaurant chain.  Mel was unable to work fast and her job was taken from her after only a few days.  It has taken a long time for her to come to terms with working in the kitchen.  I know her joy is in serving the customers.  Mel has tried and not always succeeded at various voluntary and low paid jobs over the years.
I believe by focusing on what she sees in her future, there will be possibilities that open to her.
I contacted several agencies this week in hope one of them can assist Mel in her volunteer journey.  We are expecting a call on Monday morning and an interview later in the week.  We are both pleased.

Milestone Moment

We parked the car near the small lake and walked to the chemist.  It was already hot at 9:30am and our stride was slower than expected.  As we waited at the chemist Mel mentioned her excitement at losing 11.7kg.  A woman sitting next to her overheard and congratulated Mel before sharing her own weight loss story.  The woman in her 30's told Mel how difficult it was for her as an overweight  school girl and how she finally lost 30kgs and kept it off.  Mel left with a spring in her step.  Our next stop was Rockmans Boutique. It wasn't long before the shop assistant was sharing her own weight loss story.  How strange that she also lost 30kgs; the same amount of weight Mel is aiming to lose.
Today was the first time in over ten years Mel has bought a top from a 'regular shop' and not a big girl's shop.  It was a milestone moment.

Better to Barter

The Agonis Family have lived happily in my front garden for thirteen years.  I noticed just after Christmas they were overdue for a haircut but my energy levels were low and they have been ignored until today.  My sister asked to borrow my very noisy carpet cleaner.  I have a noisy carpet cleaner and she has a noisy hedge trimmer.  She said today she could possibly be a hairdresser, but I can't imagine cutting hair with a hedge trimmer is going to catch on anytime soon.  A close shave and a Mohawk maybe?
The Agonis Family are four healthy very tall bushes which over the last thirteen years have grown up hugging each other.  My sister whipped, zipped and danced,  trimming their rogue shoots and in no time at all each member of the Agonis Family stood tall with short back and sides.
Most of us have been bartering for years.  I have this you have that, lets get together and share our booty.  A great result both in task and more importantly the satisfaction of supporting each other. 

Raspberries in Akaroa

It's not a New Years resolution, it's just an idea which I'm hoping will work for both of us.  Mel doesn't like to get her hands messy in the kitchen and prefers to eat packaged low calorie dinners.  At least twice a week she eats out at her friends or the Friday night group.  My idea of cooking a meal together complete with a dessert each Tuesday afternoon seemed perfect!

What appears to be simple isn't always.  Mel spent time finding her perfect low calorie recipes, I spent just as much time shopping and checking the list. Today we cooked and we did well together.  We shared the preparation and the cooking and kept on task.  The recipe today was pork steak on a bed of mash and topped with a stir-fry style cabbage, spinach, bacon and garlic combination.  It wasn't gourmet but so much better than a meal in a box.  Mel took home two serves, one for herself and one for Harriet.  Merv and I enjoyed the remaining two serves.  Dessert was simple; sorbet made simply from frozen bananas and raspberries.  Once again it sounds simple but once you drag out the food processor from the back of the cupboard, set it up with all the bits and pieces (if you can find the bits) and later clean up on the hidden places where even sorbet wants to hide.   It can be easier just to buy a tub of low fat ice cream! 

Raspberries are rarely found in WA, it's too hot in Perth to grow them and they are bought over from the east at times.  The easiest way to buy them is frozen and I love them.  I have wonderfully happy memories of munching on raspberries in England where I was born.   When Merv and I cruised around  New Zealand at the end of 2011 we visited the tiny town of Akaroa.  I remember the rustic Italian restaurant where we dined, the locally made fudge, local wine, raincoats and warm scarves.  These are all pleasant memories but nothing surpasses the memory of purchasing and munching through a punnet of beautifully sweet, juicy raspberries.  Every bite entertains my childhood memories.  The taste of the sorbet brings back all of these memories!

Down Time

Millions of people have turned off their noisy alarm clocks, rolled over and slumbered long into the morning.  It's officially a public holiday but not for us! We are up at the same time but with a slightly hyped up agenda.  The weather was cool and breezy, later blustery but never intimidating.

Perfect weather for a trip to the park and a burl in the wheelchair. Merv walked for 5 minutes from  the carpark to the first park bench to give him some much needed exercise. We settled on the park bench where  Merv enjoyed a ripe banana.
 

The park was full of families strolling and cycling.  Young parents with little kiddies, some of them peddling away on their tiny trikes followed by their anxious parents  shouting orders.  There were couples and singles with dogs.  The dogs congregate swimming  and running amuck, there are a few ruffians among them.  They entertain everyone and eventually run back to their owners. 

We marvel at the view of the Swan River, it is the highlight of our walk. There are no black swans or dolphins but we enjoy the serenity and beauty of the river.  We share the footpath with the families, the tiny bikies and our four legged friends. It's time to head back to the car and continue our day together.

Australia Day

It has been a big day in Australia today as we celebrate our National Day and enjoy a public holiday.  It's Sunday and the public holiday is actually tomorrow!


Skyworks Perth 2014

The rest of Australia has been celebrating with community breakfast BBQs or family and friends get-togethers.  After breakfast it was cool enough to sit outside under the patio.  Merv watered his hanging baskets and I turned on the pump in the outdoor fountain.  I collected a couple of our favourite books and the travel liftout and we shared a bit of leisure time, listening to the soothing sound of the water flowing.  Yes, we should do that more often.  It was rejuvenating to the soul.
The beds were made the dishes put away, nothing else to do but to head off to the Dome in Midland and meet up with Mel and Dustin.  Dustin had invited his sister for an Australia Day breakfast and we joined them for coffee.  Merv naturally relished the thought of his ice chocolate drink and warm apple pie with cream.  We watched him enjoy every mouthful!
Mel has been invited to an Australia Day BBQ at the units and Dustin is off with friends and later church.  Our day is rather sedentary with Lamb burgers for lunch followed by a slice of juicy watermelon.  We watched the Men's final in the Australian Open which unfortunately clashed with the fireworks.  It was a quiet celebration for us.   Today more than 3000 people in WA, from 89 different countries have made the pledge to become Australian citizens.  Altoghether  18,000 people from all over Australia have today received their citizenship.  It was reported today more than 4.5 million people have chosen to become Australian citizens since the first citizenship ceremony was held in Canberra in 1949.  I became an Australian citizen in 1975 when I turned 18. Being an Australian citizen is important to me.

The Celebrations Begin

Yesterday afternoon I visited Merv's sister, Vicki at her care facility.  I was on yet another mission.  I couldn't let Australia Day come and go without making her laugh and giggle with a little Australia Day paraphernalia in hand.  Every year on January 26th we celebrate Australia Day and we do it with style, at least that's our intention!
Since our marriage in 1976 we have celebrated with traditional BBQs both under the patio and in a variety of parks, beaches and bushland.  We have celebrated with all day picnics in the outback complete with sunhats, sunscreen and an esky of cold beer and wine.  We have entertained family and friends with home cooked lunches complete with pavlovas and Australian shaped desserts.  Lastly there have been umpteen afternoons finding the perfect place to sit on the Perth foreshore or Kings Park to enjoy and marvel at the annual fireworks at 8pm.  Each year the darkness of night explodes in a multitude of sparkling colours and shapes.  Families and friends congregate together and sit in awe for the whole 30 minutes of the Sky Show. It is a truly magnificent sight to behold.
I had bought Vicki a bag of ten small Australian flags on straw sticks to share with the other residents in the house.  The giggle bit is a rather large star strung on a lanyard, battery operated which flashes red, white and blue.  The star does the same!  I slipped it over Vicki's head and it flashed in the darkened room.  The support workers walking by stopped and smiled.  They took time out to chat and make jokes with Vicki about her flashing necklace.  It created fun and conversation.  My job was done.

Art Therapy

Yesterday I listened to a lady who rang me to discuss art therapy.  "I am the carer not the consumer," I pointed out.  "It's for the carers," she replied.  I must have sounded confused, I had never been offered hands on therapy! 
Today I attended a two hourly ARAFMI carer's meeting.  ARAFMI supports carers of people with mental illness.  Addie, the Art Therapist is at the end of her studies.  She kept us entertained and comfortable throughout  the one hour art therapy session.  I thought it would just be a little bit of fun, but it was so much more than that.  I found out more about myself in an hour than I have in the last four years of caring for Merv and Mel!
Addie had drawn a large circle on white paper which she placed in front of us four carers.  Addie asked us to decorate our own quarter of the circle with the colours or drawings which reflect our ARAFMI support and what we do to look after ourselves.   I used vibrant primary colours to divide my slice of the circle into five wedges.  In each wedge I coloured the background and added rather childlike pictures.  I am not an artist. 
I drew:

•  my coffee cup
•  meeting friends at a café
• driving - outings
• books and pens (reading & writing)
• my holidays

Just looking at my 'masterpiece' I could see clearly how I have separated my life into segments.  These segments represent:  Caring for Merv, Caring for Mel & Caring for me.  Though this is nothing new to me, it is quite inspiring seeing it in front of you, rather than just thoughts in your head.
The second hour of our meeting was spent sharing our stories and supporting each other with the guidance of our ARAFMI facilitator.  I am glad I entered in today.  I am looking forward to a further art therapy session in February.

Revisiting the Past

I am out of the doldrums today and back into life.   Merv and his support worker are busy today.  Mel and I had a thirty minute power walk in Stirling Park in Guildford before treating ourselves to morning tea at The Lounge Room Café in James Street.  We ordered sough dough fruit bread and the usual coffee for me and Mel's favourite English  Breakfast Tea.  The fruit bread tantalised our taste buds with its generous and diverse fruit and nut flavours.  We later ate lunch at 1:30pm without feeling hungry.  The day was hot but we chose to walk early and enjoy some nostalgic shopping in the quaint and quirky shops in Guildford.  Guildford is one of the few early settlements in WA.  It was a stopping off place for travellers going inland and a port stop along the Swan River in the nineteenth century.  A tunnel from the river was built to the cellar of the historic Rose and Crown Hotel to prevent the barrels from being ambushed and stolen!
James Street is a menagerie of second hand stores and cafés.   Mel and I visited most of the shops this morning.  We commented on the old Singer treadle machines, federation style furniture, crockery and knick-knacks of all descriptions.  Some of the items took me back to my childhood in the 60s and 70s.  Mel fell in love with the amazing collection of cups and saucers.  Not the plain white ones, but the dainty floral ones selling for $26 for a set of one.  We sighed, closed our eyes and moved on as we passed the pretty cup and saucer for $60! We shared a delightful morning together and finished the day with cleaning and sprucing up Mel's room.  Another joy to see her room uncluttered and tidy.

A Breath of Fresh Air

I am tired

I am tired of the heat

I am tired of staying inside, out of the heat

I am tired of the tennis

I am tired of sitting too long

I am tired of being confined to the house

I am its prisoner today

I am grumpy because I am tired

I am grumpy because of the heat

I am grumpy because I am grumpy

Tired and grumpy zaps my energy

It's easier to be happy

It recharges my being

I can't change the weather but I can change me

I sit and rest

I take my tired and grumpy thoughts in hand

I hold them cupped in my hands to prevent their escape

They bring me no joy

I instruct them to leave, not entertain me

I breath deeply, my lungs fill with the fresh air of peace

My heart fills with tranquility

The whole of my being quietly recharges

I am free to be

Just me

 

To Dream

I'm hot. I'm tired, what better time than to start my short story.  I dream of a finished manuscript.  I dream of it being published while already a stack of stories are completed and cry out for acceptance.
I wrote realms of poetry and short stories during my teenage years and my early twenties; before life got in the way.  It's time to pick up where I left off and follow my dream.

No Short Cuts

We arrived early armed with ideas and literature but we left knowing so much more.  I hadn't realised how little I really knew!
The Occupational Therapist (OT) at the Independent Living Centre (ILC) was friendly and so very young.  Though at my age everyone looks very young!  Even though I have visited the ILC many times while working as a support worker and coordinator, today I realised I am still a novice here.
The young lady spoke at length building a picture of Merv's needs and his abilities with a wheelchair.  She was thorough and I was impressed.   Merv sat in three different chairs, each one different from the last.  It was a little bit like the Three Bears, as Merv liked the last one best.  It comes with detachable wheels, removable arm rests and the possibility of adding numerous attachments and features.  We can even have a, 'rear mounted brake, ' an excellent solution for a runaway chair while descending a steep hill.

Removable Wheels!

The fun begins after choosing a chair.  Keeping in mind it has taken us almost five months since requesting the initial OT consultation. I sigh at the thought of another five months before the wheelchair is finally obtained.  Our next step is to ask the manufacturer to visit us at home.  They will take all the necessary measurements and custom make a chair for Merv.  A simple tube which will hold an iPad and is attached to the frame of the chair is available for $700!  Other options spring to mind.  After the manufacturer takes the measurements for the chair we then need to apply for funding for the chair and accessories.
At this point all I could visualise was a long and winding road ahead with the chair (gold plated) sitting majestically under a rainbow.  Another challenge awaits.

 

 

Hope

Walt Disney and Pamela Travis portrayed in the film

Once again it's 39°C  today and it's still 34°C at 8pm.  On these very hot days we enjoy a trip to the air conditioned cinemas which are not far from Mel's place.  We left early to enjoy afternoon tea and have a wander around the shops before the movie began. 

The movie of choice today was, 'Saving Mr Banks.'  I thought it would be just a nice family movie but the plot not only opened up a story unknown to us but a variety of thought provoking issues of childhood and family.  Tom Hanks portrayed Walt Disney and a line in the movie spoke to my heart and my very being.  Walt looked at Pamela Travers  and said, "That is what storytellers do; they give hope."  I wanted to grab a pen and write it down while it was still fresh in my mind, but of course I didn't, it was too dark!
Hope is often the very best gift of all.

Stop Thief!

This morning I did a little shopping before the heat set in for the day.  I had a list in hand and a variety of recyclable shopping bags.  I spent what time I had carefully choosing my purchases while mentally adding the total cost.  I didn't want to be short at the check out, pay day is Monday and I have only a few dollars leftover until then.
I lined up behind other waiting customers to have my purchases scanned and packed.
I glanced around as I heard a bloke say to his companion, "Are we going to take the trolley through without paying?"  I thought he must have a dry sense of humour until the lady supervisor came rushing up to the check out operator exclaiming a couple had just left the shop without paying for their groceries!  She didn't state whether they had been apprehended.  We assured her they hadn't gone past us and she hovered around with her assistant for a few minutes. 
Just a minute beforehand we were a line of shoppers minding our own business and now we were conversing eagerly wondering why and how the thieves got away.  The man in front of me stated the thieves didn't get past us because he was blocking the whole lane.  The lady behind me hadn't seen or heard anything.  I shared the statement I had heard, but no one was interested.  I paid for my groceries and headed off to my car.

I wondered why the thieves resorted to stealing.  Maybe they have no money or spent it on bills, or worse, betting and drinking.  Maybe they saw a window of opportunity resulting in an adrenaline rush.  Whatever the cause I know shop lifting results in the average person paying extra to cover the loss revenue.  I am glad most people are just average honest citizens, it is a pity there are a few bad apples causing grief.

Changing Plans

I was excited knowing I was about to serve on a couple of committees as a Carer Representative.  I have completed the training and read realms of printed material.  Everything was in motion until, 'the mud hit the fan,' as a matter of expression.  My information stated both committees met on a Wednesday, one at the beginning of the month and the other a few weeks later.  As I receive respite on Wednesdays this was ideal. 
On Monday I received an email with information about the meetings.  Both committees had changed their day to a Monday.  I felt cheated out of a position I had yet to fill.  After much thought I contacted the persons in charge and confirmed I was unable to attend.  I requested another committee at another location, but asked the meeting be on a Wednesday.  I also receive respite Thursday and Friday of each week.  I do my best to attend carer support groups once a month, one on a Thursday and the other meets on a  Friday.  I am happy to commit to committees or other things as long as they don't clash with my support groups.
I am back on the waiting list but at least I am ready to be a voice heard.

To Play or Not to Play

It's mission day.  Merv is bowling with his support worker and I am concerned about his balance and how he is playing.  I tell the support worker Mel and I will be down to watch Merv.  I explain I am concerned about him falling.  I don't tell him I going to video Merv playing.  We arrive just after 10am and the support worker is already chatting to the regulars and doing his Fred Flintstone bowling impression.  I don't have to encourage Merv to have his turn.  He is up, choosing his ball and getting ready to send the ball flying down the lane towards the skittles.  He has done this for years but his dance is now a little off centre and his feet fly in every direction.  I hold my breath, half close my eyes and he flirts with danger and gets an almighty strike!  Ten pins down!  I smile, he is on a mission himself.  He doesn't want me to pull the plug and end his weekly tradition and joy.  Who am I who would consider such a thing? 
I am the person who cares for him.  I am responsible for his well being and health.  The question lingers as I watch him dance unceremoniously driving the ball  bouncing against the barriers and heading forever towards the celebrated pins.  Merv hits a 'spare' and the man on the loud speaker announces him as the first person since announcing a Paddle Pop (ice cream stick) prize to the next person who has a strike or a spare.  Merv takes his Paddle Pop and in a matter of minutes he has almost finished it with puddles of it staining his trousers.  I have taken at least four videos of his bowling and I have no answers.  I can show the videos to our local OT and ask for her opinion, but I suppose I already know what she will say.  Broken bones and other injuries are not what we are chasing.  I don't know what the answer is, I don't want Merv to suffer broken bones or a broken spirit.

A Belated Resolution

Another beautifully cool day in paradise.   I open wide every window and door in the house and let the coolness fill the house.  Merv is still in front of the TV watching the tennis.  Merv asked his support worker to sit with him and watch the Aussies play at Melbourne Park today.  It will probably will be the same tomorrow.  I took sometime this afternoon to enjoy a little respite.  I firstly treated myself to a little shopping and later a visit to the local library.  I have ran out of novels to read and I find reading a little fiction creates much needed escapism before I rest my head and succumb to the slumber of the night. 
It is already half way through January and I realise I didn't make any New Year resolutions.  I have already lost 15kgs and kept it off for almost a year.  I figure it's never too late to make a resolution.  I have been toying with ideas.  I come back to my situation and realise in many ways I am lucky to be retired and financially independent.  It is an ideal time to play around with my writing and begin a short story or two, or maybe begin the dreaded novel?  I know it will never happen unless I have a go.  I belong to the Society of Women Writers in WA.  I receive a multitude of emails of information about amazing competitions, writing courses, events and encouragement.  It's time to take the bull by the horns and give it a go.

 

Cool Breeze Relief

A cool breeze comes through the window, cooling the house and banishing the memories of the offensive heat only days beforehand.   Merv is lounging in his chair in front of the TV.  It is the annual Australian Open fortnight and there is a multitude of well-known and a collection of new Australians playing for the ultimate prize.  Our much prized Lleyton Hewitt went out today to Italian 24th seed Andreas Seppi in a four-hour, five-set first-round loss at Melbourne Park.  It is over 40°C in Melbourne and it is threatening the same for the next few days.  A difficult scenario to play good tennis.  Our thoughts are with them as we enjoy the coolness of the evening and prepare for a hot weekend ahead.  Bernard Tomic is playing Rafael Nadal this evening and everyone expects Nadal to win but we watch the match and barrack for Tomic.  We are stunned when Tomic pulls out after the first set due to injury.  That's tennis, that's life!


Lleyton Hewitt Australian Tennis Star

Merv has walked from the bedroom to the dining table and to the lounge chair.  He desperately needs some exercise.  The oxygen is going nowhere in his body.  I send him outside and ask him to walk around just to get some of his muscles working.  I watch him walk and his body is bent forward and he hobbles as if his feet are sinking into mud.  The area is well paved and I wonder how many months or years before he is confined to a wheelchair.  I rid my mind of these thoughts for they are of no use to me today.  The wheelchair we have borrowed to use in the community is a reminder that his health is not as good as it was this time last year.  I cannot think of the future today.  I am tired after an emotional weekend and I rest with the breeze embracing me and lulling me to sleep.  Tomorrow is another day and we will keep on smiling and keep on going and Merv will continue watching the tennis!

A Weekend Of Horror

No sooner Mel was safe and sound and thinking of returning home when a plume of smoke over the hills warned us a very big bushfire was creating hell for those living in it's path.  We had taken Mel home Sunday afternoon and listening to the radio on our return we heard some areas of the eastern hills of Perth were shut off by the flames and residents were no longer able to leave or enter the area.  The weather was still horribly hot and windy.  The hills is a haven of natural bushland; tall towering eucalyptus trees and vegetation; a feeding frenzy for a hungry fire.
Residents who decided to stay and defend their homes no longer had a choice to vacate, they were now trapped by the fire and had no choice but to stay.  The reports were soon widespread on every TV, radio and social media device.  The flames were over twenty metres high and spanned three suburbs.  The wind continued to constantly change direction taking the fire with it and baffling the many fire-fighters. Many people had vacated their homes and were bunked down at two designated shelters, some of them only had time to collect themselves and  their pets.  The community rallied together providing food, bedding, toys for the children, friendship and emotional support.
It was confirmed today fifty houses have been burnt to the ground.  Fortunately there has not been any loss of human life in the fire, but many are worried about their missing pets.  It is expected people can return to their properties tomorrow morning.  For some there will only be pain and tears seeing their beloved homes burnt to the ground.  The Premier broke his holiday to meet victims today at the shelters and promised affected residents monetary assistance.  A public appeal for donations has also been launched.  Fortunately many people are not personally affected by this horrific bushfire but they can help mend another person's life with a donation.



A house burnt to the ground, the devastation of the bush fire

ps.  A total of 55 houses were burnt.  This number was unknown until three days after the bush fire.

Horror of Bushfire

The road ahead was deserted and eerie . I switched on my high beam and ignored the speed limit. It is 3am and I should be sleeping soundly, though it's still 30°C in the middle of the night.  Just minutes beforehand I woke to the ringing of my iPhone.  As I wake I smell smoke through the air conditioner and the open window. 


The area burnt out behind Mel's unit

Mel is ringing me.  She is calm but I know there is something wrong. "Mum" she says, "We've been evacuated because there is a fire behind the units and I'm standing with everyone across the road." That was all I needed to hear before the mummy protector power kicked in.  Merv was sound asleep and I did not disturb him. I dressed in a minute and set off, speeding in a 60 km zone.  I had my iPhone on loud speaker  while it sat on my lap as I drove.  I justified this to myself that I wasn't actually holding the phone, as there are hefty fines and demerit points in WA for driving and using a mobile.  I kept on chatting to Mel and even spoke to the night support worker. He needed to know I was taking Mel home with me. I was only 300m away when a suffocating blanket of smoke filled the car.  The police had closed the road and I had to park at the childcare centre on the corner. With my phone I alighted to the footpath.  "Where are you Mel?" I cried.  
I can't see her, but she calmly says she can see me.  The police tell me I am not allowed to go any further, I am not allowed to enter but Mel can leave.  Oh there she is dressed in her nightie, striding towards me in the heat of the night with the smoke all around. I hug her and put her in the car. Her support worker talks with me and returns minutes later with her Webster medication pack. I settle Mel when we return home.  I give her a cold drink and an icy pole.  I  find her asthma puffer and tuck her into bed. I thank God she is safe and well.  I later read there were two fires in the area which explains why I can smell the smoke 10kms away. The minimum temperature during the night was 29°C at 5am.  At 10am this morning it is already 42.8°C.  It has slowly cooled down throughout the day and at 5pm the temperature still hovers at 33°C.   There will be many more hot days and nights to come before the summer is through.  I am thankful the many horrors of a bushfire have been avoided and Mel has returned to her own unit today. The photo taken later this afternoon when we took her home, shows how the fire came right up to the fence behind the units.

Heat Wave

Seven days ago we knew a very hot weekend was approaching. 

At first the weather report suggested it would be 40°C on both Saturday and Sunday, but just a few days ago it was amended to 44°C, which is 111°F!
Preparation was needed for today's activities and my thoughts were in full swing!  
While shopping with Mel on Thursday we bought 3D movie tickets for today's session of the Hobbit at 12:10pm.  We haven't seen The Hobbit as yet and it was perfect, it being the longest  screening movie at almost three hours duration. No queuing for tickets in the heat today.  Perth has not experienced such heat for well over six years.  What can you do when it's so hot?  Not much at all, except to stay inside and keep the air conditioning on.  I remember when we were just married one of our friend's parents had a reverse cycle air conditioner in their lounge and surprisingly we visited them on very hot days! Here we are  today, more than thirty seven years later and we are doing the same, except we are spoilt with evaporative air con throughout our house which works well, except on these very hot or humid days, when we switch over to the recycle air con to stay cool.
The maximum didn't quite get to 44°C,  it was just a tad under at 43.3°C, with an overnight minimum of 28°C.  Needless to say the air con will stay on all night to ensure we get some sleep.  Every night I place a water bottle with inbuilt straw next to Merv's bed.  He is able to have a drink during the night when he wakes.  It's important he stays hydrated.  Tomorrow's prediction is 41°C, almost as hot.  We will stay at home and sit it out, in front of the air conditioner of course!

 

 °C

A Little Bit of Nothing



Roxy our Devon Rex (now deceased)

After a busy week Merv went off to the casino with his day centre group.  After his return, he said he enjoyed roast lamb and pumpkin for lunch but didn't win any money.  I don't think he even had a bet, but he had a good time.
This morning I did a short stint in the garden before relaxing in front of the TV and sorting out Mel's storage items from yesterday.  I have stored all her fluffy toys, DVDs and CDs she no longer wanted in her room.
Today I left the car in the carport and just had a lazy day.
As my mind wandered today I thought about the possibility of taking Merv to an animal shelter to allow him to spend time patting and playing with a cat or maybe a few.  The reply I received quashed my enthusiasm.  It's not possible with the RSPCA, but I can keep searching in hope of a better answer.
We had a beautiful Devon Rex cat from 1996 - 2007.  She was so precious we never replaced her.  I am afraid a cat now would be 'underfoot' and be a tripping hazard for Merv, but I will give it some thought.
Yes, I had a most enjoyable day.

The Big Clean Up

I left Merv in the capable hands of his support worker and arrived at Mel's unit at 9:30 this morning. Mel and I started our day with a thirty minute walk followed by a quick morning tea of chilled water and a juicy Pink Lady apple before the assault on her room.
Today I was a Lieutenant General making plans, officiating them and delegating the game plan.  We worked together like a couple of  beavers.  We cleared all the surfaces and dusted them off.  Mel was a bundle of energy as she chose what she wanted to keep in her room and what she threw into the waiting storage tubs.  She was a karate master, one DVD, a handful of them and even more, stuffed toys and a mountain of old magazines.  It went on and on and on and as suddenly as it began it stopped.  All done!  We shook hands and went out for lunch.  Another job done!

The Wheelchair Journey

We have been waiting for this day since August last year.  Let me re-phrase that!  I have been waiting for this day since August last year.  We were up and ready and out the door by 9:30 this morning and off to the local hospital Occupational Therapy department.  The wheelchair has been an ongoing saga.  Firstly we had to wait five months for this appointment.  Simply because Merv doesn't need a wheelchair to use in the house.  We use the wheelchair only when we go out anywhere Merv would otherwise have to stand or walk for a long time.  He can only walk for fifteen minutes before becoming short of breath and worn out.  We currently have a returned wheelchair on loan until Merv has his own chair.
Our appointed Occupational Therapist was a breath of fresh air.  She was friendly, thoughtful and efficient.  The journey is just beginning.  We now need to make an appointment to visit the Independent Living Centre with one of their Occupational Therapists to view all the wheelchairs which are suitable for Merv.  They do not sell items, but  provide information of where they can be purchased.  Then the fun begins - finding the funding, which maybe easy, or it maybe not!  We will wait and see!

A Rocky Road

Merv's  has a support worker who comes just once a month while I take Mel to her clinic appointment.  She works for a different agency, one which I worked at myself over five years ago.  She began working with Merv well over a year ago.  I remember when I opened the door and saw her standing there, I was overjoyed to see her.  I first met her at the agency in 2004 while she was a  receptionist, directing phone traffic around the office.  Years later when I was an Assistant Coordinator she asked to become a support worker and we were blessed she came to work with our clients.  She is welcoming, kind and fun.  Today she said she is retiring in April to spend more time with her family.  My heart sank.  It is the feeling of every client and their carer when a 'good one' leaves.  It takes time to build a relationship which is beneficial to both worker and client.  It is about give and take, gratitude and acceptance.  We will miss her.

Fire & Ice

The heat is stifling.  The heat beats mercilessly against my body, my eyes squint in the brightness and my mouth already dry with thirst.  It is 38 degrees Celsius in Perth today and we retreat to the coolness of our recycle air conditioner to escape the fury of nature.  The ground swelters outside, the insects are quiet, there is no wind, no relief from the heat.  The flowers and bushes wilt before my eyes.  Watering hours are before 9am and after 6pm, they will have to toughen it out.  I am thankful for electricity, no matter the cost of it.  Tomorrow they promise a cool change, I'll worry about the bills then.
I think about the rest of the world with the coldest winters reported in the USA and the floods in England.  I say a little prayer and hope everyone is safe and keeping warm.  In Perth our winters seem cold but compared to many other places in the world they are mild and pleasant.  We do not have snow and our average winter day temperature is 18-19 degrees Celsius.  I shudder at the thought of anything colder.  We acclimatise to our environment.  We can change so many things in our lives, but we have no control over the weather.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

Bushfire smoke envelopes Perth city this morning

As I slid open my bedroom window this morning the air was thick with smoke.  I shut the  window and turned on the radio.  I needed to know if the smoke was local or throughout the metropolitan area.  Mel is asthmatic and I needed to tell her to stay inside until the smoke clears. The smoke was from a bushfire that started in the Mount Roe National Park, just north of Denmark, which is more than 400 kilometres south of Perth.  The smoke was threatening to hang around until after lunch.  I rang Mel and let her know.  I kept Merv inside. He wasn't complaining while he watched England & Australia battle out the fifth test of the Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia triumphed and the match was won two days early!  We were so glad the cricket finished early as we turned the channel to find Lleyton Hewitt going head to head with the amazing Roger Federer in the Brisbane Men's Final.  A thrilling game of two masters, with Lleyton triumphantly  winning. 

Merv's homemade paper chains in our lounge room


A busy day on the twelfth day of Christmas.  Among the busyness of the day I took down all the Christmas decorations,  including the fabulous paper chains Merv made before Christmas with his support worker.

Removing the Gremlins

I roll my eyes, I scratch my head, I sigh.  What is the answer?  I ask myself.  It is with fear and trepidation I enter Mel's bedroom.  She has a large room with an ensuite bathroom.  She lives in a large unit with two housemates.  Everything else in the unit is shared, but her bedroom is her own.  Her room is an eclectic mish-mash of whatever you could imagine.  It is my downfall.  No matter how much I coerce her or endeavour to help her clean it and keep it clean, I continue to fail.
There are bags strewn over the floor which are filled with all number of things. Every inch of space on the dressing table and every surface is filled, often piled high.  The bed is often unmade and the window shut tight.
I enter her room through half closed eyes, slide open her window and declare war.  It is of no use, her army always wins!  I need a strategy.  I go back to the drawing board.  I let my imagination take over and leave it to work.
Then I have my epiphany!  When the kids were little they had so many toys which lay strewn across the floor, too many to play with and too many to pick up after play.  We put away some of the toys and brought them out a few months later.  It worked. 
On Thursday I am going armed with large plastic containers and hoping Mel will be happy to store some of her treasures for a few months before exchanging them.  Less treasure, less gremlins, happy room.  We'll see!

Time for Myself

The day is delightful, I arrive home from treating myself to a movie and it is only 24 degrees Celsius.  A cool breeze entices me to sit outside under the patio to eat my lunch.  I think about the movie I have just seen.  I went early to escape the crowds, but the cinema was almost full.  When I take Merv to the movies we sit where we don't have any steps to negotiate.  Today I bound up as many steps as I can and squeeze in among a couple of spare seats.  Someone is soon sitting next to me.  I had hoped for a little private space, but it is gone.  Everyone is thinking the same as me, but we leave the movie to unravel and enjoy the escapism.  I am watching Judi Dench in, 'Philomena.'   It is based on a true story but it isn't what I expected.  The storyline is a bit skew-wiff, but it still tugs at my heart strings and my eyes mist up.  I think about the movie while I eat my lunch.  I have reheated a curry I found in the freezer.  Merv has gone back to his day centre today and it is my first day of the new year  just to be me.  My reading beckons as well as the housework and washing.  I enjoy a few hours to myself before Merv returns.

Gold Class Winner

At Gold Class: Mel 10kgs lighter and her 'Winner Certificate'

It's only January 2nd and already my day was turned upside down.  It started early with Mel's weekly pension not being paid.  I rang the bank at 8am and they said all government payments had not been processed but they had no idea why.  Oh dear!  I recharged our mobiles online because Optus has stopped automatic recharge for six months.  I don't know why.  Mel's mobile payment went through but the website then said it she had $0 credit.  More time on the phone, which was corrected before hanging up.  Dustin came over to spend the day with Merv.  I raced off to the car and just before I pulled out of the driveway, I realised my bag and mobile were still in the house.  Goodness!
All this running around was for a very good reason.  Today I took Mel to the Gold Class Cinema as a reward.  Her weight was yo-yoing last year in the 90kg range and we used an incentive list of rewards as an encouragement.  Mel was 91.9kg at the time and the first incentive was to lose 3kg.  Just getting under 90kgs was a milestone in itself but the week before Christmas she made it to 88.7kg, just a tad more than the designated 3kgs!  I was ecstatic.  There was no time to arrange Gold Class before Christmas but today we headed off with our Gold Class tickets and I made Mel her own Victory Certificate and took a photo of her outside Cinema 4 where we sat on luxurious reclining lounge chairs.  We nibbled on dips and chunky Ciabatta bread while I enjoyed my coffee and Mel her lemon, lime and bitters.  Mel choose the movie; Frozen.  It was a light hearted children's movie with a lesson of love entwined.  It was Mel's first time at Gold Class and my second.  I pointed out to Mel she only needs to lose five more kgs before she is half way to her total weight loss!  She has already lost 10kgs.  Well done Mel!


Dreams of A New Year

I awoke this morning to a world which seemed the same but I knew it was different. Everything looked the same but my digital clock clearly showed it is the first day of a brand new year.  It is a time to stop saying next year and rejoice it is now this year!  All the plans we have just been talking about suddenly take on a life of their own.   There are only twelve months to ensure each month is filled with activities and those plans come to fruition.
The weather is cool today, which is no suggestion of the summer heat ahead.  The day lends itself to daydreaming of a hopeful year ahead.