After a beautiful three-day spell, Adelaide turned into the stormy City overnight. It has been raining buckets, and in places hail stones as big as golf balls. Untold devastation, cars with a thousand dents, trees and power lines down, roads flooded, and numerous road traffic accidents. It was a bad day to be on the road, which I was almost all day. Managed to arrive home eventually, unscathed plus a pair of new shoes. I considered buying wellies but thought that might not be a good look for the citizenship ceremony. Simon approves of my new shoes, but categorically stated that they should never again be worn with grey socks!
Shirley spent almost all day at the hospital with Simon while I was on the road. There had been an incident this morning and Simon was very upset, threatening to leave the hospital. Shirley couldn't make out what had happened. Eventually, the speech therapist got it. Simon had been left shivering in the shower for an hour. The nurse responsible has apologised. Despite the negatives in this story, there is an upside: Simon is prepared and capable of making complaints, getting them heard, and actioned. Good work, Simon. He also performed what he smilingly called a couple of "stand-up" routines today. His jokes have improved.
Mel went for a job interview today, and gave a good account of herself. I think the company would be very lucky to get someone with her skills and passion for her work. The travel business is not the best to be in just now, but things are picking up and soon they are all going to need good people. By January, I think we will see a lot of labour market activity - people who have been holding tight, jumping ship when they spot an opportunity. We used to call this the "January jump" and the explanations for it are only partly economic, but the economic ramifications are far-reaching (lots of multipliers). The poachers will be standing by waiting for a heap of 'free transfers'. Who will be the losers in this tournament? Those who did not do right by their staff during the 'great recession' (which never really happened in Oz but was oh such a wonderful excuse for 'restructuring'). I enjoyed a long conversation with a potential Phd student today and realistically selling him my University as a place that treats people well, and takes the trouble to give personal attention to students and staff. Flinders rocks, tell your friends, send your kids.
Simon's facebook error continues to generate hundreds of replies, finding friends who still did not know of his condition. Thanks to everyone who has been in touch. We are looking forward to seeing Henk at the end of the month. Henk, I will ring when I get a moment. Simon insists that I take you on a sight-seeing tour and that he is coming with us. Hold onto your hat.....
Love Marian xx
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