Is Harry just looking on, maybe from a cloud above knowing he is causing trouble? Mel came down with a sore throat and came to stay with us for 4 days and nights. I emptied my cupboards stock piling various sore throat medicines and lozenges and commenced a timetable of what she had, when she had it and when she should have it next. Hospital ward once again. I should have been a nurse.
Her sore throat disappeared in a couple of days but she couldn't utter a word without screeching like a frightened parrot in a thunder storm. Days later it wasn't any better even though we had increased the plausible remedies and even added some prayers.
Eventually Mel returned home. Mel has been asthmatic since she was 19 months and has been in hospital well over 40 times. She was in Intensive Care twice when she was 8 years old and we almost lost her. Last year she was admitted to the local hospital for 2 days with asthma. When she was discharged she came to live with me for a week before going home.
Mel shares a modern unit in a supportive accommodation site with her housemate who smokes regularly outside on the patio. Mel's housemate leaves the sliding door open each time and the unit fills with the chilly air from outside. I asked her nicely if she would close the door behind her and she said she would. It didn't work, not even once. I wrote a note and stuck it on the door with blu-tac. She removed it. I made a sign on my computer and put cute little flowers under the words, "Please Close the Door, Mel has asthma" I laminated it, it looked so nice and I put it on the door. She took it down and left the door open again!
I emailed the newly appointed supervisor who emailed me back and said she understands, she also has asthma and will speak to the housemate. She did but it didn't work. Today I visited Mel's unit and the sliding door was wide open and my flowered laminated note torn off the door and discarded.
I just want Mel to be well and warm but I am fighting a battle which I didn't see coming.
I will try another email and hopefully a face to face visit with the supervisor in the next few days. I only want what is best for Mel, she has a lot to deal with. I feel Harry is having a chuckle.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Saturday, 29 June 2013
What Works and Why?
A glorious day in Perth today. We went to Whiteman's Park this afternoon about 2:30pm. It was the same time as we reached our maximum temperature of 23 degrees. A taste of Spring in the air and not a breath of wind to douse the picture. It has been such a busy week finishing today with my last of 4 Creative Writing classes with author Helen Ilnes. I fell into a peaceful slumber tonight and missed most of Tomic doing battle at Wimbledon.
This morning during class I was told writing my story long hand, yes with a pen or a pencil on paper just like we did during our school days is the best way. What? I see myself sitting at my computer and my nimble fingers dancing over the keys, barely touching while bringing to life the words on the screen before me. Long hand, on paper, with a pen? I repeat this over in my mind. Surely not, it sounds absurd. I love the computer, it is so neat, no messy scribbling, no crossing out or funny arrow heads all over the page. Hmm the paper page not the computer screen. I am dizzy with disbelief.
I listen to the reason and it is simple. As we look down at a page we concentrate and (what I am told) focus on the task at hand, while on the screen our mind just scans what is written and does not engage the same. Upon reflection maybe this has more credibility upon the editing of our work rather than the typing of the words. I do not know. Maybe I could try it out by writing the story beginning on paper and a separate beginning on the computer and see which one reads better. It is just an idea.
I will let you know the result of my trial.
This morning during class I was told writing my story long hand, yes with a pen or a pencil on paper just like we did during our school days is the best way. What? I see myself sitting at my computer and my nimble fingers dancing over the keys, barely touching while bringing to life the words on the screen before me. Long hand, on paper, with a pen? I repeat this over in my mind. Surely not, it sounds absurd. I love the computer, it is so neat, no messy scribbling, no crossing out or funny arrow heads all over the page. Hmm the paper page not the computer screen. I am dizzy with disbelief.
I listen to the reason and it is simple. As we look down at a page we concentrate and (what I am told) focus on the task at hand, while on the screen our mind just scans what is written and does not engage the same. Upon reflection maybe this has more credibility upon the editing of our work rather than the typing of the words. I do not know. Maybe I could try it out by writing the story beginning on paper and a separate beginning on the computer and see which one reads better. It is just an idea.
I will let you know the result of my trial.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
My Birthday
Tomorrow, June 27th is my birthday. I didn't get to chose the day. If I had, I would have chosen a day in mid March or maybe October. Either of these times is almost a guarantee of a balmy warm day. June is cold and wet. Last year the sun came out to celebrate and again it is promised for tomorrow. Alas I have many memories of my school years ducking the showers and jumping puddles on my birthday. It even rained on my 21st. Such joy to have sunshine all day.
I don't remember too much of any birthday before I married. I lie, I remember my 13th birthday in 1970 when I had my first party which was a reflection of the era - a hippie party. I loved it.
All those other birthdays I remember receiving a card and a $1 note (yes, a brown coloured note with pictures of Aboriginal drawings, hmmm I am older than I think) Nanny from the UK would also send a card and 10 shillings; the equivalent of $1 AUD. Her note always said to buy myself an ice cream with it. I am sure I bought plastic jewellery from Coles in the city, when such a store existed. I remember buying the plastic baubles with a metal chain at a cost of 20c!
Merv on the other hand could not have a birthday without ensuring it was a day of high remembrance. His family, his father rather than his mother came from a birthday celebrating tradition. Every child and grandchild were visited for their special day and a made a fuss of. There were always presents (not a card and a $1), cake, lots of people and a jolly good time. It was always about family. I liked this idea and I adopted it and made it our own. Cake, photos, parties, people and of course presents (never money). The tradition continues. Dustin was away in the US for one birthday and we rang him on the mobile and still went out and celebrated his day later when he returned. Mel spends months planning and re-planning what she is going to do, who she will invite and often how many celebrations she will have. There are always at least 2 if not 3. Family and then an array of friends to celebrate with. Gifts, cake and more food, but the people are the most important.
Dustin was horrified to find I did not have a planned 21st birthday party. I stayed at home and people arrived; my friend from high school Jane, Susan, Roger and kids, Vicki, Russell and kids and Merv's Great Auntie had given Merv a cake she had made for my special day (she also made our wedding cake). We had a great time. Merv of course was thrown a 21st by his parents at the Pagoda Ballroom in South Perth. We married when he was 22.
For my 30th birthday Merv and I spent a weekend in Geraldton, mainly because I had never been there. I've never been back, but I did enjoy the weekend and the drive there and back. We took the inland road on the way back and witnessed what looked like a huge wolf sauntering through the bush. The wheat silos were interesting to see. For my 40th birthday I celebrated with family with breakfast at the Rose and Crown Hotel in Guildford. I don't remember what else I did that day.
My 50th was a family cruise to the South Pacific from Sydney. A great time except Mel was constantly sea sick.
Tomorrow I am meeting my sister Susan at the Dome with Mel for an early morning tea before taking the train to Perth. We have a lunch reservation at Jamie Oliver's restaurant in William Street. A little shopping, a bit of fun and back home to watch the Eagles (yes on a Thursday night) play Essendon at Patterson Stadium (Subi). It will be a good day, there will people, presents, (no cake), celebrations and the sun will shine.
I don't remember too much of any birthday before I married. I lie, I remember my 13th birthday in 1970 when I had my first party which was a reflection of the era - a hippie party. I loved it.
All those other birthdays I remember receiving a card and a $1 note (yes, a brown coloured note with pictures of Aboriginal drawings, hmmm I am older than I think) Nanny from the UK would also send a card and 10 shillings; the equivalent of $1 AUD. Her note always said to buy myself an ice cream with it. I am sure I bought plastic jewellery from Coles in the city, when such a store existed. I remember buying the plastic baubles with a metal chain at a cost of 20c!
Merv on the other hand could not have a birthday without ensuring it was a day of high remembrance. His family, his father rather than his mother came from a birthday celebrating tradition. Every child and grandchild were visited for their special day and a made a fuss of. There were always presents (not a card and a $1), cake, lots of people and a jolly good time. It was always about family. I liked this idea and I adopted it and made it our own. Cake, photos, parties, people and of course presents (never money). The tradition continues. Dustin was away in the US for one birthday and we rang him on the mobile and still went out and celebrated his day later when he returned. Mel spends months planning and re-planning what she is going to do, who she will invite and often how many celebrations she will have. There are always at least 2 if not 3. Family and then an array of friends to celebrate with. Gifts, cake and more food, but the people are the most important.
Dustin was horrified to find I did not have a planned 21st birthday party. I stayed at home and people arrived; my friend from high school Jane, Susan, Roger and kids, Vicki, Russell and kids and Merv's Great Auntie had given Merv a cake she had made for my special day (she also made our wedding cake). We had a great time. Merv of course was thrown a 21st by his parents at the Pagoda Ballroom in South Perth. We married when he was 22.
For my 30th birthday Merv and I spent a weekend in Geraldton, mainly because I had never been there. I've never been back, but I did enjoy the weekend and the drive there and back. We took the inland road on the way back and witnessed what looked like a huge wolf sauntering through the bush. The wheat silos were interesting to see. For my 40th birthday I celebrated with family with breakfast at the Rose and Crown Hotel in Guildford. I don't remember what else I did that day.
My 50th was a family cruise to the South Pacific from Sydney. A great time except Mel was constantly sea sick.
Tomorrow I am meeting my sister Susan at the Dome with Mel for an early morning tea before taking the train to Perth. We have a lunch reservation at Jamie Oliver's restaurant in William Street. A little shopping, a bit of fun and back home to watch the Eagles (yes on a Thursday night) play Essendon at Patterson Stadium (Subi). It will be a good day, there will people, presents, (no cake), celebrations and the sun will shine.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Wimbledon
Wimbledon a picture parade of elite players, rousing audiences, and commentary of worldwide proportions once again entertains us long into the Australian night. I can sit mesmerised for hours, my head going left and then right and my uttering of oh, wow, hmmm, yes plus other utterances never before have I vocalised.
Nadal who recently won the French Open was out in the first round. I had to go to bed before he succumbed to his opponent's hand. I had sat rigid in my chair as long as I could; willing him to win, to have a go, to break loose, to go the extra mile, whatever it would take. The following day loomed ahead and sleep was what was calling me. I succumbed.
When I woke this morning I went straight to the computer to find as expected he had been beaten by his opponent. Nadal being 5th in the world of tennis and the opponent 35. I wondered how he deals with the expectation of winning only to find the reality of loss enveloping him. Maybe he sometimes says, Í should just get a day job and work 9-5 or maybe become a tennis coach or personal trainer (lots of them around lately). At least the work would be regular and the pain of losing without a fight would be more of a hum drum existence.
In hindsight the magic of Wimbledon captivates the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline which changes Clark into Superman, The goal to achieve outweighs the need for job security.
It is the brave, the trailblazers who side step the 9-5 jobs to risk everything for the limelight and to compete and win at their craft.
Nadal will be back. Nadal will win once again.
Nadal who recently won the French Open was out in the first round. I had to go to bed before he succumbed to his opponent's hand. I had sat rigid in my chair as long as I could; willing him to win, to have a go, to break loose, to go the extra mile, whatever it would take. The following day loomed ahead and sleep was what was calling me. I succumbed.
When I woke this morning I went straight to the computer to find as expected he had been beaten by his opponent. Nadal being 5th in the world of tennis and the opponent 35. I wondered how he deals with the expectation of winning only to find the reality of loss enveloping him. Maybe he sometimes says, Í should just get a day job and work 9-5 or maybe become a tennis coach or personal trainer (lots of them around lately). At least the work would be regular and the pain of losing without a fight would be more of a hum drum existence.
In hindsight the magic of Wimbledon captivates the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline which changes Clark into Superman, The goal to achieve outweighs the need for job security.
It is the brave, the trailblazers who side step the 9-5 jobs to risk everything for the limelight and to compete and win at their craft.
Nadal will be back. Nadal will win once again.
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Harry is Restless
Mel made a statement late this afternoon which upon reflection she was quite correct. We had gone to the Everywoman's Expo on Friday and she was adamant she would buy a fanciful veggie peeler/shredder for $10 each, buy 2 and get 1 free.
Mel's energy had returned on Saturday afternoon and I suggested she peel the sweet potato for dinner. While I busied myself with mundane domestic doings Mel put peeler and vegetable together and was pleased her peeler jumped to attention and performed just the way it had been demonstrated.
Her voice suddenly weakened and screeched. I turned to look and she stood motionless holding up her finger with a river of red pouring from it.
Like a robot I put a couple of tissues around her finger to stem the blood and rushed off to retrieve the 1st aid box and band aids. All done in a minute. Hmmm may have to give that peeler away to another home.
After she retired to the couch and she suffered a little after shock Mel simply said, 'I have a lot to deal with; my cough (ongoing asthma), my finger, my weight, my schizophrenia and now the HD gene. What could I do, what could I say, it is all true. I put my arms around her and enveloped her in a mummy, daughter hug. There are many benefits of being a Mum.
Mel's energy had returned on Saturday afternoon and I suggested she peel the sweet potato for dinner. While I busied myself with mundane domestic doings Mel put peeler and vegetable together and was pleased her peeler jumped to attention and performed just the way it had been demonstrated.
Her voice suddenly weakened and screeched. I turned to look and she stood motionless holding up her finger with a river of red pouring from it.
Like a robot I put a couple of tissues around her finger to stem the blood and rushed off to retrieve the 1st aid box and band aids. All done in a minute. Hmmm may have to give that peeler away to another home.
After she retired to the couch and she suffered a little after shock Mel simply said, 'I have a lot to deal with; my cough (ongoing asthma), my finger, my weight, my schizophrenia and now the HD gene. What could I do, what could I say, it is all true. I put my arms around her and enveloped her in a mummy, daughter hug. There are many benefits of being a Mum.
Saturday, 22 June 2013
My Leaky Roof
Its that time of the year. Perth has gloriously warm winter days. Days that other places could not own as winter. Some places in the world would take our warm winter days and make them their autumn or spring days. Some places would make them their summer days! We laugh. We love our warm and sunny days. The song that states,'it never rains in southern California, it pours!' Perth is a lot like that. The rain comes down in bucketful's, like there aren't enough containers in heaven to pour it out upon us. Yes, God has the hose on full pelt, it sure does pour right here.
In 2010 we were tortured with golf size hail stones during a 5pm storm. The damage was extensive and everyone had a story to tell, whether it was their own or belonged to a relative, friend or colleague. As a community services assessor at the time I heard many stories and saw the damage the freak storm delivered.
We have had a small leak from our roof for sometime. When it rains as rain should fall, straight down that is, we are safe and dry but when the wind howls and the rain comes down anyway but straight our roof develops, much to our horror, a constant drip through our passage way vent. I even put a cake pan underneath it when we holidayed in Mandurah to prevent our new carpet from getting soaked.
It is time to get the leaky roof fixed and concentrate on other things which Harry brings our way. I would like to expect a deluge of would be roof fixer uppers once I put my request to the local market. If I ask to get my gutters fixed at the same time, I may get a few enquiries, but no one is interested in fixing a single leak when a bigger job is lurking around the corner.
In 2010 we were tortured with golf size hail stones during a 5pm storm. The damage was extensive and everyone had a story to tell, whether it was their own or belonged to a relative, friend or colleague. As a community services assessor at the time I heard many stories and saw the damage the freak storm delivered.
We have had a small leak from our roof for sometime. When it rains as rain should fall, straight down that is, we are safe and dry but when the wind howls and the rain comes down anyway but straight our roof develops, much to our horror, a constant drip through our passage way vent. I even put a cake pan underneath it when we holidayed in Mandurah to prevent our new carpet from getting soaked.
It is time to get the leaky roof fixed and concentrate on other things which Harry brings our way. I would like to expect a deluge of would be roof fixer uppers once I put my request to the local market. If I ask to get my gutters fixed at the same time, I may get a few enquiries, but no one is interested in fixing a single leak when a bigger job is lurking around the corner.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Growing Pains in Perth
I was feeling quite anxious, I don't know why. There was no reason for it. I was heading off to the Niche to join my first official carer's support group. I made coffee to sip while waiting at the lights, I took my Pink Lady apple to munch at those extra long lights. Most lights seem extra long these days. I don't know why.
Off I went and everything was going well, apple slowly being munched away to the core and the coffee revitalising me after my early morning hours were spent running at full speed. Then I got stuck in traffic. Not just a little traffic but the type where you sit for 15 minutes and move 1 car length forward. The lights changed 10 times and I still hadn't moved. My coffee was gone, my apple just a browning core, my patience long gone. The meeting was at 10am and I had left at 9:15. It was now 10:10. Should I just go home?
As I reached the intersection of Wellington Street and Loftus I could see the road gang were out and had closed the left lane, yes of course I was in the left lane! There are no back streets in the CBD but I found them anyway. I followed the car in front turning left here and right there and efficiently weaved myself up to Kings Park Road. Very clever I thought. I made it to the meeting at 10:30am but I wasn't the only one stuck in traffic.
Guest speaker was Veronica from ILC North. I know Veronica from working as a ILC Assessor for services in 2011. She visited with her manager and we had fun while exploring the reasons and possibilities for respite. Yes, everything has a reason. I was meant to be there and I am looking forward to the meeting next month.
Off I went and everything was going well, apple slowly being munched away to the core and the coffee revitalising me after my early morning hours were spent running at full speed. Then I got stuck in traffic. Not just a little traffic but the type where you sit for 15 minutes and move 1 car length forward. The lights changed 10 times and I still hadn't moved. My coffee was gone, my apple just a browning core, my patience long gone. The meeting was at 10am and I had left at 9:15. It was now 10:10. Should I just go home?
As I reached the intersection of Wellington Street and Loftus I could see the road gang were out and had closed the left lane, yes of course I was in the left lane! There are no back streets in the CBD but I found them anyway. I followed the car in front turning left here and right there and efficiently weaved myself up to Kings Park Road. Very clever I thought. I made it to the meeting at 10:30am but I wasn't the only one stuck in traffic.
Guest speaker was Veronica from ILC North. I know Veronica from working as a ILC Assessor for services in 2011. She visited with her manager and we had fun while exploring the reasons and possibilities for respite. Yes, everything has a reason. I was meant to be there and I am looking forward to the meeting next month.
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