24th August: Fish and chip supper

Knowing that there was only chicken and salad on the menu tonight, I cooked up some fish, chips, and baked beans for Simon and took them in a flask to the hospital this evening. Simon was sitting up at the dining table waiting for me. We took our own tomato sauce, and a slice of lemon. Simon polished the lot off in record time, carefully chasing the last baked bean around the plate to waste nothing. Washed down with a strawberry milkshake. He was so happy. He donated his salad to Shirley who is fond of rabbit food.

The weather in Adelaide was quite foul today, howling winds and lashing rain, so no chance of our tour around the daffodils. We repaired to our secret TV lounge in the reception area and watched the Hot Seat Millionare quiz programme. Most astonishing was that Simon made his way to the lounge, around 150 metres by himself. He has learnt to propel and steer his wheelchair with his left foot. I hovered behind the chair ready to help, but he didn't need it. He does have a bull-dozer technique when it comes to furniture. If it is in the way he just ploughs through it! I am in awe of this man, he is enduring so much and each day he pulls out something that amazes me.

We had a visit from our social worker this evening who is fantastic, she is organising for us to get subsidised taxis, and for us to be approved by Disability SA. This will give us access to all kinds of specialised equipment which we can 'borrow' from the state. The fact that they customise the equipment means that you have it on almost permanent loan. This rehab business is good.

Today's photo is of Simon and me in our beloved vineyards.

Love Marian xx