October 14th: Simon visits McLaren Vale

Buzzed around a lot today. In to work for consultation and stuff, up to see Simon for lunch, then back for my lecture which went well, I think. Back to the hospital for 3.30pm to collect Simon for our big trip to McLaren Vale. We eventually got away in the taxi with a wonderful driver, Raymond, mature and experienced. He told us that they used to train their drivers by making them sit in a wheelchair in the back of the cab then roar around Adelaide with them hitting speed bumps at 5omph, screaming to a halt at traffic lights, and taking bends at outrageous speeds. This taught new drivers what it was like to be a wheelchair passenger with a bad driver. I do not know why they discontinued this training, very valuable experiential learning if you ask me.

Got to the Vale early, so we were dropped of at the pub - good access. Simon had a sneaky beer, then we walked to our potential new home. We found a secret way, known only to a few, using a side passage behind the chinese restaurant. There are some wicked kerbs, but fortunately Gerry was in charge of the wheelchair and we had two portable ramps with us (great things).
So we arrived at the house, got in with the portable ramps, and managed to explore most of the house and garden in the wheelchair. Gerry was studying this and can see where we need to widen doors etc. The damp problem seems to be unimportant. Simon loves the house, and has designs on whole chunks of it for his music collection. I am so relieved that he likes it, and now we can proceed with the purchase.

From there, we went to the Barn restaurant, just on the corner. Had an excellent meal and even better wine. I managed to find a half bottle of wine that Simon had wanted to taste for two years, Simon Hackett's Shiraz. It was excellent. Margaret and Gerry joined us for dinner, good company, and essential assistance. Thanks guys.

Mel started her new job today - congratulations! Now you can believe that the Oz economy is in good shape. The Wynne family alone are awesome for their productivity and added value. I predict that South Australia is going to be a ripper these next few years, tell your friends, and come to SA; we need more good people in SA (but please bring your own water...).

Returned Simon to rehab tired but in good spirits. Helped to get him to bed and left him warm and cosy. I hope that today gave Simon a glimpse of a very positive future for us.

Love Marian x