1st December: Raina's birthday

Raina is three years old today, she is so excited. At the weekend, she had a party with about 25 other kids at an animal farm. They were allowed to get up close and play with guinea pigs, rabbits, donkeys etc. Raina would select a guinea-pig and stroke it, then spotting a prettier one, would fling it away and reach for the next one. Thankfully, these guinea pigs get a lot of love and don't mind the rejection!

I wrote my usual bedtime story for her birthday, still working on the xmas version.

Big news happening here. We physically move into our new house on Monday, Asher arrives on Tuesday afternoon, and Simon gets discharged from rehab on Tuesday evening! It will be five months and two days since his stroke, almost all of that time in hospital. We cannot wait to get him home and comfortable.

Disability SA are arranging for me to have care help in the mornings and evenings, although that may not happen for a week or so. No matter, Simon and I have managed here at Brighton with no bathroom at weekends. It has been hard but we have been happy at home.

The modifications to the new house now have a rapid deadline. I hope that we can make it, if not, we will just have to improvise.

I went to our staff xmas do today. It was held at a bowling/tennis club. Very long drive to get there way East of the City in the Adelaide foothills. I tried my hand at bowls and must declare myself completely incompetent. I thank my bowling partner, Damien, for putting up with me. We lost by a glorious margin to Phil and Ludek (both accountants). I did claim to be much better at darts, but hope that nobody takes me up on that.

Love Marian x

29th November:

This photo was taken a few days ago at our new house. We plan great things for the back yard.

We had a good weekend. Simon helped with packing CDs while I did the gardening. We saw our neighbour, Jan, and chilled out.

Very tired but happy. Nice result for the Hammers.

Marian x

27th November: hopitty-hop

Off to work early this morning, mainly to collect stuff for my negotiation course and sort out some admin. Had an interesting experience in the car-park, a colleague had left her handbrake off and her car had glided across the car-park leaving everyone scratching their heads - why would someone park a car like that? All quickly sorted.
Then off to McLaren Vale where I found Gerry has made amazing progress - new doors created, others widened. I couldn't believe how much had been done, and I am so grateful to him. At this rate, we are certainly on target to have Simon in the new house in two weeks' time. I painted a wall in the lounge. Meanwhile, Rachael and Raina (aged three next week came to visit). Raina is very good at hopping on her right leg and proceeded to hop all around the house. When asked if she could hop on her left leg, Raina said "I'm not sure", tried it, and fell flat on her face! Without injury, I might add, rather like her mother who survived being catapulted 2 metres from a push-chair at 18 months (while in the care of 'young auntie Marian'!).
Many thanks to Margaret who took the lunch session with Simon, (have found a way of ordering him double fish and chips on Fridays). I went up for supper with Sausages, beans and baked spuds. I usually eat my lunch and dinner with Simon now and have got quite used to eating at hospital hours (12noon and 5pm). Simon had at least two physio sessions today, and there was more to come. The physio students are currently on work placement, and they like to get all the experience that they can (and are very competitive amongst themselves), so Simon is benefitting from this. He also benefits from their refreshing attitude to their work - they are not worn down, they have energy and enthusiasm, and seem to be well trained and educated. It is not surprising that so many Ozzies get physio posts in the UK.
I have drawn up a plan of Simon's music room using MSoft Visio and am hoping that he can tell me how to place things in the room. I need to be certain about this because I have to instruct an electrician on Monday about where to place power-points etc. The last time I did this I made many mistakes, really I am hopeless at interior layout and decorating (apart from painting). When it is finished, I hope that Simon will have a magnificent music room worthy of his collection. The music room looks out over the garden, and perhaps we can get him some French doors directly onto the patio.
I have felt a little stressed in recent weeks but this is easing now. I plan to go fishing in the evenings, no plans to catch anything, just a peaceful thing to do.
Love Marian x

25th November: One month til xmas

Only one month 'til xmas, don't panic! Actually, my family in Oz have come up with a great scheme whereby we buy one present, anonymously, for another family member whose name is drawn randomly. We are only allowed to spend fifty dollars maximum. For overseas presents I am relying on Amazon and finding them very good - they gift wrap and deliver, completely painless. Just as well since when I tried to get into the Marion shopping mall today I was beaten back by the weight of traffic in the carpark.

Gerry has been working at our new house and reports good progress. The plumber has also been in and got started. Meanwhile, at Brighton, I have finally ordered some wardrobe doors (after nearly two years). This will upset Skippy who likes to 'hide' in our open wardrobe.
Tried to get ahead with some teaching preparation today, I have an intensive course running in January, and need to get it all in press before the xmas break.
Simon's ward had an outdoor barbecue today. The courtyard was packed with wheelchairs, nobody could move, it was like fairground dodgems crossed with a chimpanzees' tea party. Some of the patients with less coordination were flinging sausages and salad all over the place. Simon does not like crowds and is averse to having coleslaw in his ears, so we retreated to his room to eat. They made a good effort with the barbecue grub. This evening I took him a shepherd's pie. His hospital menu was crazy again, and I have found that 30% of the time he is given completely the wrong meal. I know that this is not Simon's fault because I fill out his menus mostly, and never in my maddest moment would I order cream of parsnip soup for him! For those who think that cream of parsnip soup may sound nice - it isn't, I tasted it and it was evil. Tomorrow I cannot be there at lunchtime, so I will have to take something decent in the evening to cheer him up. Simon gets another swim tomorrow.

There was another misunderstanding today about Simon's wheelchair. Twice I was phoned by the hospital asking a) where is Simon? and b) where is his wheelchair? I must say I found both questions rather disturbing! It transpires that a technician was trying to repair the new manual wheelchair that has been issued to Simon. The fact that it is broken is the reason why he was not to be found sitting in it! Nevertheless, the technician proceeded to try to repair the chair that Simon was sitting in. We got there in the end, but on the other end of the phone it was like participating in one of those fiendish communication exercises.

Mel and Pen took delivery of their car today. It is a little bit better than a 'bomb' (you poms would say 'a banger'), and I think it will run for three or four years. Cars have less problems in Oz than in England where you used to hear cars wheezing and groaning to start in the damp weather, then a pile of expletives as it flooded with fuel and the poor owner tramped off to get the bus in the pouring rain. My transport of choice in England was a bicycle or Shanks' pony - always reliable.

Thanks to Malcolm for phoning and having a long chat with Simon. We are looking forward to seeing you and Jelina, and I think you will be blown away by the progress that Simon has made since you last met. If Moira (from UniSA) is reading, I am going to need some big strong guys to help with our removals. Simon believes that you know some chaps who would do a couple of days for us. If so, can you get in touch please?

Love Marian x

23rd November: Packing and Painting

Got Simon home again for the weekend. Unfortunately I forgot to pick up his shower chair so we had to improvise again. Thankfully all went well. Simon was quite exhausted on Saturday and snoozed most of the day while I pottered in the garden. We picked out lots of good tunes, my favourite this week was Shelby Lynne; she sings like an angel. Sunday we had some more rain and this kept us indoors for much of the day. Simon decided to start packing up his CDs and DVDs (there are many thousands). He has packed five boxes, so I can begin shifting those up to the new house. The sun came out finally, and I managed to get a coat of paint on the side of the shed. Simon wanted to help me but I couldn't squeeze his wheelchair past the pool fence. Next weekend we will have a go at painting the front gates, he can reach those easily. It was good to see Simon active, he also helped to prepare some dinner - he chops vegetables and lays the table. He also dictated some email replies, and is getting much better at using the mouse and keyboard.

Today's pic is of Simon by the pool with his beloved pot plants.

Love Marian x

20th November: Beautiful rain

On reflection, I realise that I am inconsistent in my views about Australian weather. One day I complain that it is 'raining cats and dogs', next describe a 43 degree day and drought, and tonight I welcome this refreshing shower of warm rain. OK, I am originally English, and so observing the weather is a national characteristic. I must learn to put this away and take an Ozzie attitude to weather - rain is good, sun is good in moderation, save all the water that you can get - that is all there is to it. Have left my car out in the open so that it gets a good wash. I learned this by observing the behaviour of my neighbours.
Picked Simon up from rehab before 9am and drove in the taxi to McLaren Vale. We were expecting a guy from Telstra to connect the TV service - big cock-up by Telstra and no show. When I phoned them later (one hour with the call-centre) they agreed that they could do all of the work that they promised by December 2nd. Very quick to take your money, not so quick to deliver. Some of you may be reminded of British Telecom in their monopoly days.
My sister, Margaret, was run ragged all day with our comings and goings, even picked up our lunch and delivered it. Gerry spent time with our occupational therapist to understand the modifications required. Gerry took the bathroom door off, and managed to fit the shower chair in. Our occupational therapist advised us on what modifications are needed urgently and we will get onto that straight away. I took another door off in the hallway (it was an unecessary door) and Simon now has a clear run from the front door into the kitchen, back room, and front room. Some more door widening to do, but it does not look onerous. If anyone is in the market for some spare doors, sing up.
Sorry there are no photos. Our occupational therapist took them on her camera and will email those later. We took up half of her day with our home visit and I think that she was very patient with us. I would also like to acknowledge the cooperation of our new neighbours, Margaret and Mike, who, within twenty minutes of meeting us, lent us their screwdrivers! Good on ya, guys.

Marian x

19th November: Melting

Over 40 degrees today in Adelaide, everyone is nearly melting including the cat (who now spends most of the day shade hugging in the garden). However, nice and cool at work in the aircon. Had a successful day interviewing for new staff (I hope), then dashed home to pick up a television and drove with it to McLaren Vale. I stuffed it in the back of the car with a couple of duvets and pillows and hoped for the best. Managed to get it there in one piece. I needed to do this because the Telstra people are coming in the morning, and I think they may be installing the Foxtel as well, so we needed a TV there to test the service. Quick cuppa with Margaret then dashed back to rehab making it with minutes to spare. We had toasted sandwiches for tea.
Simon had a good day. He was in a 'reading group' this morning and seemed very pleased with that. Swimming this afternoon, and a visit from Chris Stewart (thanks Chris also for the copy of Viz - haven't seen that in years).
We are taking Simon to McLaren Vale first thing tomorrow to walk through the new house with the Occupational Therapist. Another overnighter planned for Saturday and Sunday at Brighton. I checked the bank accounts and discovered that we only owe $650,000 - small change.... (gulp).
Margaret had the bright idea of putting in an above ground pool at the new house, level with the rear patio. If this is feasible, it will chop a lot off our renovation costs at the new house. I will ask our pool man to come up with some suggestions. Simon and I also talked about stripping down one of his bicycles to make an exercise machine that he can use sitting in the chair. They have one of these in the rehab unit and it is well used.
Home to the news that we are expecting two days of rain - much needed for our poor lawns.
Piccies tomorrow,
Love Marian x

18th November: New Home

We successfully completed on our new home in McLaren Vale yesterday, I went up to collect the keys in the afternoon and took a car-load of stuff to begin the moving process. All looks good, everything left clean and tidy, and no obvious problems. There is a bit of over-painting to do, there are some very bold colours in a couple of the rooms. My preference is for quiet, gentle colours. Gerry is going in to the house this morning to begin dismantling the shower screen. We will take Simon up on Friday with his occupational therapist, and we plan to do a walk through to work out what modifications are needed urgently. We will stop for lunch in the Vale.
I stayed over with Mel and Pen last night, their place is looking really good now. Drove Mel to work during the peak hour traffic - not nice, I plan to try to hit the roads at quieter times or take the slower road. The expressway takes about 15 minutes off the journey, but I fear that the stress may take years off my life.
Skippy is cross with me (showing me his dot) because I had to leave him outside last night (I left the shed slightly open and I know full well that he spent a comfortable night in there because there was a cat-shaped indentation in a sleeping bag and all of the food and biscuits had been eaten). However, Skippy prefers the comfort of a double bed, duvet and several pillows plus the option to wake me up in the middle of the night to attend to his every need. Why am I so soft with this cat? Will take some photos of the new house on Friday.
BTW I had some technical trouble with the blog. To fix it I had to set my internet privacy and security settings to medium. Perhaps the IT nerds out there would advise me about the implications of this, and can it be avoided?
All good,

Love Marian x

15th November: Long hot days, many spiders

Simon's rehab routine continues as normal. He is making good progress in physio and there is probably more improvement to come there. At home, he has been trying to use the computer. He can now type most of his username without assistance, and he dictates messages to send to people. Some of these are a bit odd, but I faithfully transcribe them, and the recipients seem to appreciate the effort.

I must confess that I got fed up with Facebook and deregistered. What on earth is this 'farming' business about? and how do they find the time to spend half the day on the internet with this garbage? Sorry guys, I just think this is wasteful and expensive and ruining. Forget Facebook and X-Factor, read a good book, go to live concerts, grow roses, make love, travel if you can; then write about it to your friends . Rant over. Facebook dead....

Mel and Pen popped in this afternoon. They had a good old chat with Simon made him laugh a lot. Mostly about fart jokes but they are always good value.

Love Marian x

12th November: Heatwave

We are in an official heatwave, several days over 35 degrees, and set to reach 40 by Sunday. Unlike Southern Europe, Australia doesn't slow down, just ploughs on at the same pace. Beautiful in the evenings however, and just perfect for walks along the beach. The pool was as warm as bath water this evening.

Took fish and chips for Simon this evening, his dinners have been messed up badly this week. Can't wait to get him home so that he can choose what to eat and when. All is looking good on the new house, the settlement date is in just five days if all goes to plan.

Love Marian x

10th November: Kitchen madness

I joined Simon for lunch and dinner, only to find that his main course was missing on both occasions, and the desserts had been replaced with soup! It has been a very hot day, and I guess it is even hotter in the hospital kitchens. They could be forgiven for making mistakes in those conditions, although I do wonder whether the kitchen porters ate all the ice-creams! Fortunately, I was able to source some decent food from outside. Otherwise spent the day marking and sun-dodging. Home to water the garden, the plants were so thirsty I could hear them giggling afterwards. Then a welcome dip in the pool for me, it was like stepping into a tepid bath, just gorgeous. I may have another splash before bedtime.

Henry, the broker, rang to say that our forms have been accepted by the bank, and we just wait now for the Land Registry to give us approval. Simon's occupational therapist is going to arrange a visit to our new house with Simon as soon as we get the keys. She will be able to tell us what modifications are absolutely necessary before he can come home. This will be a great help. Really looking forward to getting settled. Simon has picked out his wide-screen TV (50 inches!).

All good, love Marian x

9th November: Sizzling in Adelaide

We are having a big heatwave - expecting 37+ degrees for the next two days. I am battling to save plants and the lawn (which I had only just rescued from last year). Have enjoyed swimming in the pool, just wish that Simon could get in there with me. Simon got in the pool at rehab for his hydrotherapy session today, and he did enjoy it. He looked particularly handsome in a Hawaiian style beach shirt this morning, everyone was complementing him on it. I will see if I can get him some lighter gear now that it is warming up.
Our mortgage broker came to the hospital to meet Simon today and to take his signature on a number of documents. The broker, Henry, was worried that Simon's signature is inconsistent and might not be accepted by the Land Registry. I thought this was a bit silly really, we have to ID ourselves dozens of times in this house-buying process, and it can't be the first time that a stroke victim has bought a property. Anyway, he could sign it with his thumbprint and deposit some DNA if they were really concerned about it. While Henry was obsessed with this detail, in passing, he mentioned to me that I would owe around $700,000 in two weeks time. "Don't worry" said Henry.... I am quietly frantic and keep finding myself humming that tune by the Valentino Brothers!
Worked on a draft of a student's Masters dissertation today - I am hoping that she can make all of the amendments that I have suggested overnight because it is due in tomorrow and she leaves for India on Thursday. As always, I have selected a very serious examiner for her (because I believe this adds value to the work and the student), and as always, I will spend the next fortnight worrying about it. My student is going back to India for a Hindi family wedding. I once had the privelege of attending one of the five ceremonies at a Hindu wedding - it was just spectacular. I was dressed to the nines but have never felt so under-dressed!
My neighbour, Jan, went xmas shopping at the weekend. I felt a sudden panic, then realised that xmas is a good six weeks away. Simon and I read the catalogue from the Reject Shop and decided that we would get all of our family xmas presents from there. They are unbelievably naff, but we know that you will treasure them!
Love Marian xx

8th November: Simon's first blog post

Sprang Simon from Rehab at midday, and straight home for lunch. It was a glorious day and we spent the afternoon under the verandah. I combined this with ironing and swimming while Simon had the occasional snooze. It turns out that I don't mind doing the ironing outdoors. We picked some nice tunes, my favourite this afternoon was an old collection by the Pretenders. Also discovered a small treasure: the original of "Money's too tight (to mention)" which I had always attributed to Simply Red. Not so. It was the Valentino Brothers and their version is just superb. Get downloading....
Mel phoned this afternoon, she has managed to sell our car (the Camry), well done, Mel. Another talent to add to your list.
Simon is happily esconced in his recliner watching Rockwiz - he knows all the answers before they have finished the question! Today he managed to find his way to this blog and has made his first posting! Scroll down a few days and you will find his message.
Thanks for messages from David McGladdery and Pernille, he really loves to hear from you.

Love Marian x

6th November: Koala on Campus

Just back from my second visit to Simon today. Unfortunately, he missed out on his swim again. I could not get at the reason why and the day shift staff had gone off duty. I wish they would stop messing him around, it just upsets and confuses him. The good news is that we have a tentative date for settlement on our new house: 17th November. I can't be absolutely certain of that, but it should be thereabouts. This means we will have a couple of weeks to get in and do the urgent modifications and may be able to get Simon home by early December when Asher arrives.

Knocked out two more syllabuses today, and thought I had finished, only to find another one incubating in my inbox when I got home. Also found this wonderful notice from the Social Science Administration team:

"A male koala has regularly been seen on campus, especially around the Social Sciences north and south buildings. Many staff and students have provided water for him during heat waves when he tends to come into our courtyards. Several staff have contacted Cleland Wildlife Park enquiring about the behaviour of the koala and as a consequence of these enquiries, a vet is willing to come on campus, hopefully locate the koala and examine it to establish if there are any medical issues. This animal is not dangerous or aggressive and because it appears to be quite thirsty, it will follow anyone who is in possession of a water bottle. You are to exercise precaution but the little guy only wants a drink and will be pleased if you can provide it (and dispose of your water bottle afterwards). He will try to hold the bottle in his claws so be mindful of this to avoid any scratches. Water is a very important commodity for the survival of the koala so please help where you can."

Flinders is special. This year we are having our xmas outing to Kensington Bowling and Tennis Club. I plan to try my hand at bowls.

Warm weekend approaching - shorts alert!

Love Marian xx

November 5th: Melbourne Cup week

Sorry for the lack of blogging this week, been busy and a bit tired in the evenings. Simon had his first dip in the pool at last on Wednesday - he complained that the physios didn't let him have any fun, they made him work the whole session! He gets another swim on Friday. They have worked him very hard this week. One reward, he got third place in the rehab sweepstake on the Melbourne Cup netting a whopping $6. I didn't manage to get a bet on, but would have lost anyway. Melbourne Cup day coincides with my arrival as a migrant in Australia - it has been an eventful four years.

Meanwhile I've been getting the marking done, dealing with research students, and syllabus writing.

There is a technician coming to our house in the morning to try to raise the height of our bed. At present it is a bit low for transferring to and from the wheelchair and I have kittens every time Simon attempts this. Fortunately, last weekend all went reasonably well. However, it will be nice to have the comfort of a level transfer. We would really like one of those whizz bang beds that goes up and down and raises the backrest etc.

Thanks to Blake for the advice re computer software. I had a look at this and realised that Simon's speech would not be consistent enough for voice recognition just now, but while on that search I discovered a site, Technical Solutions Australia, that does electronics for the disabled, they have a catalogue of neat stuff including touch screen and 'read back' kit (boasting an application that does genuine Ozzie accents!). I love the idea of a computer that says "Don't come the raw prawn with me, ya Dingo!". I have emailed them to ask for advice.

Caught up with my sister, Margaret, briefly on Wednesday. She had a nice holiday in Queensland, but already feels like she needs another one. She is always buzzing about helping someone. No rest for the 'retired'.

We are expecting nice weather for the weekend. Simon will come home overnight Saturday to Sunday. This time I aim to be better prepared.

Thanks for the phone call from Nick, your message got through loud and clear. Also thanks to Shirley for the postcards that we all received this week.

Love Marian xx

2nd November: marking my socks off

Have spent much of today marking. Not a bad job, and I really enjoy reading some of the students' work, especially the reflective stuff. Happily, most of those I marked today got over the standard, and some by a long margin which is very pleasing.

Dropped in to see Simon at lunchtime, he was in a physio session, and all is going well there. I was, of course, quizzed about our weekend at home. We made it, not easily, but at least I know this is achievable even with the minimum facilities and equipment. I could do with two sets of eyes and hands and a lesser weight disadvantage. We are both working on the latter.

Thanks for the message from Nick B today. Simon was still in physio, but the nurse wrote down exactly what you said. Good on ya, Nick.

We have plunged from 33 degrees to 16 degrees in the last hour. What a strange climate this is. However, we are grateful for the rain which may just save the lawn.

Today's picture is of Simon and our neighbour, Jan. Guess what guys, she is available! Get posting....

Love, Marian x

1st November: Long weekend

I managed to spring Simon from Rehab on Friday evening, and we have spent two whole days and nights together. This was fantastic, although I will not pretend that it was easy. We don't have an accessible bathroom at this house which makes life very difficult. We improvised quite well, and Simon has returned to rehab this evening in good shape. It was good to wake up together and just be able to potter around in the morning. Lazy breakfasts on the patio, and no hurry to get on the road which is our usual story on Saturdays and Sundays. Our neighbour, Jan, came over on Saturday afternoon, we cooked up some burgers and snags with some salad. This evening we had tender roast lamb with rosemary, roast spuds and three veg. Very good to see Simon eating his veggies.

We had to do a bit of sun-dodging this weekend, temperature over 30 and some wicked UV rays. I dipped in the pool several times today to cool off, but never in front of Simon - I so wish he could get in the pool with me. I know it can be done, but it will take four strong lads.

Simon spent a lot of time listening to his music, we raided the music room several times for long forgotten CDs. My pick was Prince "The Hits 1" album - that took us back to our youth, and we were dancing.

I mowed the lawn today and fear that I have already lost the battle. With just one week of hot, dry weather it has started to turn brown. I have raked and forked it, and plan to get some water on it this evening, but I fear it is not going to flourish. We have had so much rain here, but it never seems to be enough, I guess the ground water is low. At the new house we have a massive rainwater tank, it is almost the size of an apartment that I once lived in. That should help with Si's gardening plans.

Feeling good,

Love Marian xx