Mitch04

Stroke Survivor - male
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    145

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by Mitch04

  1. Mitch04

    Pizza day.....

    By Mitch04,

    It's the second to last day of my pain course.....and the class is making and cooking pizzas. What this has to do with my pain confounds me. But I am making one, anyway. Instead of a tomato base, as everyone else is making, I have decided on olive oil and garlic...just to be different.
     
    As the pizzas bake in the ovens, the OT is questioning us in our pain.... I tend to be the odd person out, as I am the only stroke survivor doing this "Guinea pig" course. "Guinea pig" course because this is the first one of its kind undertaken by Victoria's Western Health.
     
    My pain is unlike that of the others, who have specific ailments, ranging from degenerative spines through to work related injuries. My pain is not so much a physical injury, I reckon, as a psychological one. The stiffness, or spasticity, is ile an insidious creeping ailment that gets worse with each week that passes, and I have no idea as to why.
     
    The neurologist simply tells me that after three years the brain started to repair itself, but is doing so in a bad way. But how do I reverse it, and get it back on track? The people here reckon that by bombarding the brain with different exercises and stretching methods, it will eventually reverse. But how bloody long will it take?????
  2. Mitch04
    I am about to start week 5 of my intensive exercise and talks about chronic pain, and after four weeks of three days a week for 6 hours each day I am still not sure it is helping greatly. But I must remain positive, and I DO admit the course has increased my motivation to stretch and exercise on a daily basis.
     
    I will report more fully next week once I have completed the course, although I will still have to return for assessments on a monthly basis.
  3. Mitch04

    Life goes on....

    By Mitch04,

    Tomorrow we go to Melbourne for a few days. Moochie goes to kennels, and tomorrow night we attend a dinner in the Docklands to raise funds for a Cambodian organisation…The Ponheary Ly Foundation, which works towards increasing access to formal schooling, improving school retention, and strengthening the quality of educational experience for children and youth in northern Cambodia.
     
    My brother and his partner represent the organisation in Australia.
     
    Then on Sunday we are all having a family luncheon after watching grandson Jack play football. Might even be up in Kyneton at our cottage.
     
    Meanwhile, in Kyneton, the Men’s Shed has met with BUPA (a national health and aged care organisation) about jointly building a new Shed….and preliminary talks have gone well. BUPA has the site and $160K, plus a design/project team, builders and maintenance people, while we have up to $100K and a wealth of talented but retired tradesmen. So far everything is looking great.
     
    And on May 30 I start my intensive exercise regime. So things are all go for the Mitchells. I’ll report back soonest on how I am going.
     
    And I may have some fascinating news about daughter Mia and her boorish ex shortly.
  4. Mitch04
    Men's Shed's are a peculiarly Australian thing, and were established firstly in rural areas after a spate of male suicides. They are a male only domain, and aim to help the well-being of men, male physical and mental health, and matters such as cooking and looking after one's self. They are generally large tin sheds that contain a workshop (benches, table saw, band saw, in fact all types of power saws and hand power tools, welding equipment etc) office, lunchroom/meeting room, and toilet facilities.
     
    There are now more than 1,000 such shed's around Australia and the Kyneton Men's Shed is the second or third oldest. Sadly, we have to move premises and need land on which to build a new shed. We located an existing shed that been vacant for more than 4 years, but for reasons that escape me it is not available to us, despite its being ideal. A meeting of our local MP, Mayor and shire CEO determined it was not for sale....perhaps because the asking price is $400,000 and we currently have a mere $100,000! Do we fight to it, despite this? Or do we look at other possible vacant land sites? We have a meeting later this afternoon to decide.
     
    On other matters, I have a mtg with my OT this mornining, possibly the last before I start my "Guinea pig" three days a week 5 hours a day intensive exercise course for almost 6 weeks. Then Jules and I will drive to one of Australia's largest and best nurseries, Poynton's, as a sop to her for accompanying me to Sunshine Hospital, a round trip of about 150km.
     
    And finally, thanks to the three ppl (Asha, Yvonne and 1Canesfan) who commented on my previous post. I do appreciate your comments which, in part, spur me on to continue with this blog.
  5. Mitch04
    Yep. Some days are diamonds, and I had one yesterday. We were down in Melbourne and leaving for Hedgerow Cottage, Kyneton, and I chose to go to Dan Murphy to buy some wine. Purchased 8 bottles of red, white and rose, all under $12 and came out with a bill for $64! Drove back to daughter Mia's house where we stayed for 3 days (Mia was in Singapore for a conference) to collect Jules and Moochie, our dog. And Jules announced she wanted to go to a bakery in North Melbourne!
     
    So after packing the car and sorting out our destination on my iPad, we set out for Queensbury Road and Beatrix, the bakery.
     
    OMG! And what a wonderful boutique bakery. What amazing food. And what amazing staff! We shared a baguette stuffed with chicken fried in a yummy Japanese sauce and called a GoGo, and for dessert we shared a potato brioche doughnut and a large slice of strawberry sponge cake. And we washed all that down with coffees....some of the best coffees we have ever had.
     
    Then we returned to Hedgerow Cottage, arriving on a chilly but sunny afternoon. After unpacking the car we opened one of the bottles I had purchased....a French rose, and sipped it as we ate a variety of cheeses, cold meats, pickles and savoury biscuits. Yum.
     
    And we ended the night watching the fabulous footy match between the Richmond Tigers and the Sydney Swans.....won by the Tigers by one point....kicked after the final siren!
     
    Yep. Some days are likediamonds.
  6. Mitch04
    Jules and I have just returned from Melbourne and are settling down in front of a blazing fire while it rains cats and dogs. The trip down to see the children - for Mother's Day yesterday, Sunday May 8 - was not a great success.
     
    We got down to Melbourne on the Saturday, and Mia asked me if I could take the two grandkids, Jack and Gus, to the shopping mall, help them buy a card each for she and Jules, and try to instill in them the need for respect and understanding. It all harks back to her ex and his family, who have never communicated, never acknowledged birthdays or special days, and have a me, me, me mentality.
     
    I was somewhat successful, and as well as the cards we purchased some small gifts to give each mother.
     
    Come Suday, and they did at least give the gifts, and showed some understanding of what Mother's Day is/was.....and at least showed a little respect. But it was short lived. I worry about Mia and the lonely life she seems to be leading, and what a burden it must be to have two wild 7 and 9 year old boys and no partner to help bring them up. And I think what a total *beep* the ex is, and what an absolute c--t he is.
     
    My son, Nick, who suffers from depression, was typically angry and short tempered, and didn't wish a happy Mothers Day to Jules....and neither did Mia. But we all caught the train into the city and had a latest lunch at the Arbory, which is adjacent to Flinders street station and the Yarra river. But the underlying feelings were ones of sadness, anger and happiness, depending on what we were discussing/talking about. Of course, all this doesn't do much to assist my condition.
     
    Some weeks ago, I answered a series of questions prior to being accepted into this intensive exercise program, and my psychologist has interpreted my answers as indicating that I am at the extreme level of stress. Personally, I have disagreed with her, but mayhaps there is a grain of truth in it. Mia's separation has been stressful, I guess, and maybe I have not clearly understood how it has affected all those involved, including myself.
     
    Things came to a head when we arrived home....Mia had to lie down, Nick muttered about never coming over to her place again because all she did was play with her phone while the two boys played with their handheld tablets. So the 48 hours was a mixture of highs, lows, sadness and soul searching.
     
    Anyhow, I am rambling. I have a doctors appointment in 45 minutes and will get results of my blood and urine tests.....maybe I will report back when I return at around 5 pm.
     
    The cholesterol count was ok....4.7. The urine test was not great and I must drink more water.
  7. Mitch04
    It has been ages since I last blogged, and to tell the truth I haven't had the heart to write anything. But two regulars in here both emailed me today and urged me to make another entry.
     
    The last time I blogged - if I recall correctly - my delusional son in law had left my daughter and her two young sons 2 weeks after the family had moved into another home, which had a whopping mortgage. It transpired about 10 days ago that he had taken up with his equally delusional 37 yo girl friend (who has a young daughter and a live-in mother) and she has discovered that she is pregnant......by accident!
     
    What this has to do with stroke board heaven only knows, but it helps me if I let off a little steam about the ex and his slutty little gold digger.
     
    On to other things.....at the end of this month I start a one month to five weeks intensive exercise course that will run to three 5-hour sessions a week. I'm looking forward to it. And I'm not looking forward to it. But it has been specially designed to help ease my incessant pain and spasticity. I have had interviews and lengthy discussions in preparation for the course with an OT, physio and psychologist.
     
    The only drawback is that I have a 80km 90-minute drive in peak hour traffic in both directionsj, and I will most prolly have to do it alone. I generally don't drive further than 5-10km these days due to my partial paralysis in my right side and the other effects of my three strokes.
     
    Anyhow, it's good to blog again, albeit briefly, and I shall try to make my entries more regular....
  8. Mitch04
    Adelaide Oval .... scene of a big victory by the BBL Adelaide Strikers!
     

     
    The Blue Lake, Mount Gambier
     

     
    Second Valley, South Australia.
     

     
    Grandson Gus fishing on Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
     

  9. Mitch04

    2016 starting well.....

    By Mitch04,

    The New Year has started pretty well for myself and Jules. And it has certainly started well for daughter Mia, who is throwing herself into life with tremendous enthusiasm since being dumped by her pathetic husband, Bill, because he found her "too intelligent" for him, and disliked her "bullying". How a 6'6" bloke can be bullied by a 5'2" girl is beyond me, but even more staggering is that he has the gall to admit it!!!.
     
    We spent 2 weeks in South Australia, with 1 night in Adelaide, 6 nights at Carrickalinmga, 4 nights in Adelaide, 1 night in Robe and 2 nights in Port Fairy. The weather alternated between being good to fair, and a highlight was attending the BBL match at Adelaide Oval and seeing the Strikers win.
     
    Back in Kytneton, life is settling down to normal. The shed saga continues, but we have a new member who knows about BCAs (Building Classifications of Australia) and he reckoins the local Shire is trying to dud us by insisting the shed be fully lined and insulated. So with him on our side, we are about to do battle with Council.
     
    As shed chair, I am starting to prepare for our first AGM (in early March) by drafting our first annual report.
     
    Our daughter is in Adelaide attending her first Herbalife national conference and is full of the product and the people attending it, who she describes as the most motivated and posaitive she has ever met. And her move into Air B'n'B has also proven successful with four takers so far, all of whom have given her a great wrap! This is a link to her site:
     
    https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8961316?guests=6&s=KJZbIum1
     
    My health remains so-so. The stiffness does not decrease, no matter how much I exercise, but i have an appointment with a physio at Western Health, Sunbury, Friday week. I'm hoping this may assist in alleviating my growing stiffness and spasticity.....
     
    Finally, Jules and I were taken out to lunch last Thursaday by an old friend and his wife, and we had an absolutely super time. Great food, wonderful wines, and most enjoyable company. So much so that I almost broke the bank by buying an expensive "sticky" wine and cake to have as afters when the four of us returned home at around 4.30pm! But it was worth it!
     
    Hedgerow Cottage survived our absence over the first two weeks of January, with the garden looking great. And my tomato plants appear to be doing well. I will show some pics when the tomatoes are ready for picking.
  10. Mitch04

    The year that was.....

    By Mitch04,

    Been some time since my last post...lnd for that I apologise.
     
    Christmas Day was quiet but good. Mia. Nick and grandsons Jack and Angus stayed Christmas Eve and eventually went to bc at around 10 pm. We also had fi e locals come for Christmas drinks, and they departed about 9.30 pm.
     
    All in all it was a pleasant lead-in to Christmas. The grandsons woke at about 6.00 am, and oohed and ahhhed at their presents utilities the rest of us woke at around 7.00 am. Lunch was delicious....good squid, oysters, prawns and baked ham accompanied by two salads.
     
    Then at about 5 pm the delusional ex husband arrived to collect the kids. Jules got him alone and told him what she thought of him, and then I did the same....but all we received in reply were grunts. He has no answer to our questions, and has no idea of what Jules and I would call "communication" ....but none of his family have ever communicated anyway. As they say...the apple never falls far from the tree.
     
    Today is Boxing Day...and I gave been watching the Test from the MCG and the start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
     
    The body doesn't improve,but at least I am weathering the occasional storms it creates.
     
    We leave for Carrickalinga on Dec 29, following Mia, Nick and the two grandchildren, who depart on Dec 28.
  11. Mitch04
    I reckons the "plastic" age is spelling the death knell of Christmas cards. And maybe even the one page "what we have been doing for the past 12 months" Christmas letters. My wife and I never sent one of the letters until we received one from old friends and it was about the 9th or 10th we have read on an annual basis.
     
    The letters always extolled the virtues of their highly successful children, described in great detail their latest overseas holiday (always at least a month in some hotspot that my wife and I could never have afforded, flying first class of course) and the numerous society functions they had attended or held.
     
    We could never have held a candle to their magnificent and expensive 12 months (one could have built a modest project home with the money they spent on their o/s holidays). But eventually I had had enough. We had built an ultra modern minimalist new home around our remodelled swimming pool and I determined to fight back!
     
    I wrote an amazing and wondrous letter in reply. It referred not only to the new home, but a voyage I had done solo up the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the trip Jules and daughter Mia had done to New York (including 3 nights in Las Vegas followed by 5 nights of "mopping up" shopping in Los Angeles), and exaggerated references to social events and the winning of new and plush cashed-up clients for my business. It worked. We never received another of of their outlandish and extravagant Christmas letters. And, into the bargain, they continued on as friends!
     
    I received another one pager recently, but it was a delight, and informed us of what the writer and his family had done during the previous 12 months in a pleasantly down to earth fashion. And the letter actually arrived by post......an amazing fact in today's electronic society!
     
    For the past 7-8 years we have given up on sending cards as we have become swamped by e-cards sent, naturally enough" by email! So these days I have succumbed to the majority....and send the occasional e-card.
     
    But old fashion "snail mail" cards still have benefits. Today I have posted 20 on behalf of the Kyneton Men's Shed. They are what I call "brown nosing" cards, thanking organizations for helping the Shed during the past year, and sent in the hope that we might continue to benefit through their continued help.
     
    I will post more tomorrow. Running out of energy...l
  12. Mitch04
    Christmas is almost here. And we are looking forward to having Mia, Nicholas, Jack and Angus here for several days, all arriving on Yuletide eve and staying for 2-3 days.
     
    My specialty is doing a baked leg of ham, and I have been doing this for the past 30 years or so....so I have been examining hams wherever I can to get the best buy. We are having, apart from my baked ham, a cold Christmas lunch of seafood.
     
    But before that, and for brekky, we will devour Christmas Eggs....and here is the recipe for this brilliant dish...Although why they are called Christmas Eggs escapes me because I could gobble them up greedily every day of the week.
     
    Ingredients
    1 egg per person.
    Slices of ham.
    1 slice of bread per person.
    Seeded mustard.
    Parmesan cheese.
     
    Method
    Heat oven to around 180C.
    Seperate the eggs, keeping the yokes separate but whipping all the whites in a bowl.
    Toast the bread.
    Grate the cheese.
    Spread the toast lightly with butter and mustard.
     
    Place ham on the buttered and mustarded toast, and then mound the toast with the whipped whites, creating a hollow in the top. Drop a yoke into each hollow, and then sprinkle the egg and yoke with grated cheese. Place all the serves on an oven tray in a moderate oven and bake until the peaks of egg white are turning a golden yellow.
     
    Remove and serve. YUM!
     
    Apart from looking forward to Christmas, life has been quiet. Had a good meeting at the Kyneton Men's Shed yesterday and organised a committee to oversee the construction of the new shed, and sorted out our Christmas luncheon. I am going to try crowd funding via the Internet to get our final $20,000 dollars to add to our existing $100,000. Going to offer a personalised Honorary Membership certificate to everyone who gives $25, together with an invitation to attend 4 sausage sizzles a year. I reckon this could have novelty appeal to people all over the world, and is worth a try.
     
    Meanwhile, Jules has been clipping our box plants, of which there are around 200! Now, about 150 are forming hedges, so only the rest are individuals. She has been hankering for Japanse topiary shears costing around $130, and has been making do with el cheapo versions coating about $25....but little does she realise than I have a set of the Japanese ones hidden in my wardrobe and I'll present them to her Christmas Day. Just a pity that she has to use the old clippers to topiary the boxes before Christmas!
     
    So....after Christmas here at Hedgerow Cottage, we will all head for South Australia for a couple of weeks for a beach holiday.....although our's might also involve several days at Port Fairy.
     
    My health remains so so. It is all very well to say "use it or lose it". But I am finding that even if I use it regularly that I am losing it. I exercise by walking each day for 30 minutes, help to the best of my ability with gardening (fetching and carrying) and do my share of the household chores (vacuuming, sweeping, cooking etc). Yet nothing really seems to work? Suggestions, anyone?
     
    I apologise in advance for any predictive text errors..... :-)
  13. Mitch04
    We are down in Melbourne again. Yes. Melbourne is becoming our second home as Jules and I provide support for our daughter following the departure of her delusional and narcissistic husband from the recently purchased family home. Not that Mia needs our support. She is showing great courage and determination in everything that she is doing, and in fact appears much happier without the idiot.
     
    Jules and Mia have gone to stay overnight in Mia's on-site caravan at Ocean Grove so she can tidy it ready for people who have rented it over Christmas. And our son Nick is coming to stay and we are having a boys night by going to eat out at the Chadstone food trucks. There are about 10 trucks offering a variety of food at the Chadstone Shopping Centre.
     
    And maybe Nick will help me buy a cell phone. Yes, I had succumbed to the electronic age. Pre stroke a cell phone was part of me. Post stroke I have never used one apart from maybe half a dozen times in the past 6 years.
     
    And the sausager rolls? I have made around 100 sausage rolls today as we are going to a family Christmas party on Sunday and need to take some food. And I am famous for my sausage rolls. :-)
  14. Mitch04
    It's good being back at Hedgerow Cottage, Kyneton. Palm Cove was wonderful, but living there is a pipe dream, especially when the rest of the family is in Melbourne. So our cosy cottage is an excellent compromise, especially in late spring.
     

     
    We are returning to Melbourne next week for a luncheon and to watch the boys in their swimming sports day, But then it's back to our Kyneton "almost" bolt hole!
     
    Today we have been working in the garden, but I now feel totally stuffed, so I am sitting inside watching the cricket. The right side of my body feels as though it is not working properly either, and that bothers me. I have to really concentrate to maintain my balance. I'm fine while sitting.
     
    What I wrote here was yesterday...and today is today. I feel a little better, but stiffness remains, dammit.
     
    Have been doing some writing, and if any of you know of any travel magazine(s) for people with disabilities, I'd be grateful to hear from you. Want to try to get my FNQ holiday write-up published.
     
    I already have a number of hard and soft copy publications....but more would help.
     
    Oh....and I have finally added some Palm Cove pics to my earlier blog Palm Cove is heaven on a stick
  15. Mitch04
    Palm Cove is wonderful, and we are having such a wonderfully restful and relaxing time. We spend the time relaxing poolside/ocean side/sipping coffee, wine or beer in a cafe/or dining in one of the 18 or so restaurants.
     
    The lifestyle here is just sooooo laid back. Shorts, thongs and t-shirts are the order of the day at any time.
     
    The room is great, we have a large balcony, marvellous buffet brekky, and all really have to determine each day, after a walk along the esplanade, is where we will have lunch and dinner! The Reef House has seen better days, but it has a wonderful ambiance, and is rather like a pair of comfortable old shoes! It feels "just right". Oh, and we also got a bottle of bubbly on arrival, $150 to spend in the restaurant, and an hour of cocktails and canapés each afternoon between 5 and 6.
     
    It's simply wonderful.
     
    View looking down from our room....
     

     
    View looking up....
     

     
    My constant stiffness is still worrying me, but in such a carefree atmosphere I am able to almost forget it. We wake no later than 6 am each morning (no daylight saving up here!!!!!), have a coffee on our largish 3rd floor balcony, dress and go for a walk along the esplanade. Then we have our filling and delicious buffet brekky.
     
    View from our brekky table...
     

     
    We generally take about an hour over breakfast, and by 9 am I am grabbing two spots by the swimming pool.
     
    View from the esplanade opposite our hotel...
     

     
    It is currently day three, and if I could live here for ever I would. Apart from the perils (see below) of stingers and crocodiles!
     

  16. Mitch04

    Nope.....I haven't died!

    By Mitch04,

    It's been ages since I last blogged. Well, some 3 weeks, which for me is about for ever. Hell, I used to blog almost daily on my old website until the National Stroke Foundation changed the rules and I spat the dummy and left!
     
    Jules and I have been dividing our attention between Hedgerow Cottage and Melbourne since we returned from Palm Cove......and I wish I was still there. But sadly, that will never happen.
     
    Anyhow, the cottage is looking splendid, with most of our 120 or so roses in full bloom, and our photographer mate, Simon, looking to photograph it for possible inclusion in a home style magazine sometime next year.
     
    And we have spent most of our time in Melbourne.... (1) to provide support to Mia in her new home and (2) because late November is our birthday month with grandson Angus celebrating his 6th and several days later our children celebrating their joint birthdays on the same date.
     
    We have been in Melbourne this time for 4 days, and I have just returned from having new tyres put on the car and having a wheel alignment. Drives much better, and it's quieter too. I decided to lash out on decent Bridgestone tyres instead of getting cheap Chinese ones.....and the difference is amazing.
     
    My health continues to deteriorate but only in terms of the right hand, shoulder and arm. It is getting stiffer, despite my attempts at exercising it. I wonder where it will end. It's odd how an arm, when it is semi paralyzed, affects the way you walk and your balance.
     
    Anyhow, we will be back in Kyneton tonight..... And hopefully, I will get back into action by blogging more regularly.
  17. Mitch04

    So it's over.....

    By Mitch04,

    Yes. The hoIiday is over. We came down to earth with a thud as we touched down at Melbourne Airport and 18 degree weather after leaving 29 degree humidity at Palm Cove.
     
    Our next to last day was not wasted. We hired a car and drove to Port Douglas and the Daintree - a round trip of about 200 km including side excursions. We used to love Port Douglas, and I guess we still do - but it has changed dramatically with sooooo much development. Once I saw a large Cotton On store in the main street I figured the quiet little port had simply become a major tourist town. We went to On the Islet, arguably our favourite eating establishment, and that remains the same, as does our beach-side cafe where we had mango smoothies, but the rest was a bit "yuck".
     
     
    And Daintree was spoiled by torrential tropical rain, although at least the downpour eased when we checked out the ferry.
     
    MORE TO COME...
     
    Back in Palm Cove, we changed for dinner, and had our meal at the Rising Sun. Another delicious meal with Jules celebrating by having her third salt and pepper squid salad!!! I had twice cooked porky belly. And afterwards, Jules said she wanted a grand finale ice cream from the ice creamery just down the street.
     
    I was not really in the mood for a 300 metre walk, so I offered to drive, as herself was a tad merry after several glasses of wine. Lucky I did, as the ice creamery was closed.......but Jules knew the ice cream came from an expensive and lavish restaurant called NuNu, which was another 250 metres away. I managed to find a park, and in we went.....,
     
    A waiter greeted us (obviously French) "Welcome, Monsieur ..... You wish to eat?"
     
    "Not really...we just want coffee and ice cream..."
     
    "Certainly, Monsieur..... This way"
     
    He took us to an outside table for two overlooking a grove of palm trees which separated NuNu from the Coral Sea. The atmosphere was wonderful.
     
    Jules chose coconut ice cream and I chose my favourite.... coffee. Both serves duly arrived, with each serve being golf ball size and sitting in a pleasantly curved glass. The same serves of the same ice cream at the ice cream shop would have been about tennis ball sized....and cost half as much. But the ambience and the excellent coffee more than made up for the price.
     
    The next morning we had an excellent breakfast at the Rising Sun (Jules had coconut pancakes with fried pineapple and a delicious sauce and I settled for scrambled eggs, mushrooms and mashed chats (?) and coffees).
     
    Then we packed, returned our hire car and went to Cairns airport. A great break and a promise to try to do it again next year....but pay a little more for the two extra days at the Reef House.
     
    Now I am sitting outside Cavallini Cafe in North Fitzroy...Jules is having her hair cut at a salon called Mein......and, sadly, Palm Cove seems but a distant memory.
     
    Ian came for a drink late yesterday and we ended up drinking 3 bottles of wine and greedily devouring scrambled eggs on toast....as it was the only food we had in the house!
     
    And today through until Monday we are staying with Mia and the two boys.
     
    I am well in my mind, but the body is not what I had hoped. The slow but steady stiffness continues despite exercise and nothing appears to be preventing its advance.
  18. Mitch04
    Ah, well....it happens to all old journalists. They get the urge write again, and I am no different. So I will write a travel piece about our short trip away to Palm Cove. It started yesterday when I asked about Brigadier David Scott Thomson, who purchased the Reef House Hotel in 1972.
     
    Seems the hotel had been around for many, many years in various stages of development, and - in the late 60s - was owned by a bookmaker who took it over from one of his clients who failed make good on his bet, and as part recompense built the magnificent pool which today sits in the centre of the establishment. The bookie apparently on-sold it to the good Brigadier, who had had a chequered career in the military winning a Military Cross in 1951 during the Korean War, and becoming an MP and a minister in the Joh Bjelke Petersen government. The Brigadier only owned the place for three years, but indelibly etched his mark on the establishment, especially between the hours of 5-6pm each afternoon when free canapés and cocktails are served in the Brigadier's Bar. Mind you, one has to be quick to get even a sniff of the canapés, although the cocktails (which have Bundaberg Rum as the base) flow far more freely.
     
    Dinner on our final night was spent at the Rising Sun Cafe, and it was the best meal we have had. Crispy friedoday squid, sliced red onions, cucumber, peanuts, and mint and Asian Basel leaves served in a silver dish. It was sensational.
     
    Today we quit the Reef House and moved into the adjacent Sarayi.....a real drop in quality. The pool is on the top floor (no elevator) so one has to climb three floors clutching the bannister all the way. And when one arrives puffing and panting, one is met by a barren landscape. No ladder to provide one with easy entry and exit, a spa that doesn't work, several lollabouts and two faded and jaded market style umbrellas - only one of which was up.
     
    So Jules and I descended the steep stairs and wandered several hundred metres down the esplanade to the netted and safe swimming area. Gotta remember that this is the start of the "stinger" season, while salt water crocs are also lurking offshore.
     
    I find it difficult to get into a lying position, so I am sitting in the steps of the local lifesaving look-out while Jules is sitting on the lawns. And I have just purchased two mango smoothies for morning tea....
  19. Mitch04
    This is the third time I have attempted to expand on our Palm Cove holiday/7-night escape, and on each of the previous occasions I have hit the wrong key and everything has vanished. I hate it when this happens, as nothing retyped is ever as good or thought provoking as the first time. Still, I reckon I deserve an "A+" for perseverance and effort!!!!
     
    I have already told you about the Reef House, our first chosen place of accommodation, so I shall not boor you again. And as I know nothing about our next accommodation house, The Sarayi, you will have to wait.
     
    But the food and the restaurants.....,,
     
    Our first meal, Wednesday night, was at a Greek taverna called El Greko where I had a trio of bbq-ed meats (lamb, chicken and sausage) while Jules tucked into spicy meatballs stuffed with fetta. Both dishes were accompanied by Greek salads.
     
    Day 2 lunch was had by the pool..... Jules had salt and pepper sqid tapas and I had a ham, cheese and tomato panini. And dinner was down the road at Vivo where we both had twice cooked pork belly....yummy!! And we topped it off with homemade ice creams from a nearby ice creamery.
     
    And last night we played the role of locals, and had fish and chips in the Palm Cove Surf Lufesaving Club....noisy, but wholesome and decent food.
     
    Tonight we are dining at the Reef House, but lunch might be yum ha at a nearby Chinese cafe.
  20. Mitch04

    I have sh*t for brains.

    By Mitch04,

    True. I do. I have sh*t for brains. As the Melbourne Cup finished and the winning jockey was being interviewed, the phone rang. It was the organisation in Cairns that I have organised the transfer between the airport and our Palm Cove hotel. The driver of the minibus was wondering where we were.
     
    In filling out the booking form online, I had entered the wrong date. As we were the only passengers who had booked him for that day we still have to pay. And we have to pay again for the correct pickup tomorrow.
     
    So instead of paying $44, we are paying $88.
     
    So what I say is true. I indeed have sh*t for brains....
  21. Mitch04
    Have just heard from the Sunshine Hosptal's rehab people.....the speech pathologist I saw rang yesterday to tell me she wants to refer me to an ear, nose and throat specialist so he/she can ram a bloody camera down my throat so she can see pics of my vocal chords!!! OMG, why? Doesn't she know I hate things like this? She wants to see what condition they are in!
     
    I reckon I can tell her that they aren't in great condition, so just devise some exercises for me to do that will improve them!!! Makes me wonder why I embarked on this course of action.
     
    I have yet to hear back from the physio and OT ppl in Sunshine, but they told me it may not be until mid January/February. Trust me to end up with an overly zealous speech person *LOL*
     
    Anyhow, since my last report, Jules and I have been preparing for our 7-night stay in Palm Cove. And Jules has also been tidying up the house because Mia and 5 of her girlie friends are escaping Melbourne's frenetic pace to spend several days lolling about in Kyneton and the Macedon ranges using our cottage as a base camp.
     
    Looking forward to Palm Cove and discovering if my body reacts well to the tropical climate and the heat. This could be a guide as to how we could go by venturing overseas. I have been promised a free cruise up the Ganges in India from Kolkota to Varanaisi, but Jules is reluctant.
     
    And this trip will also allow me to explore more avenues for holidays in my guise as a photojournalist ( see my website www.jmprphotography.com ). Anyhow, we depart for far northern Queensland on Wednesday.
  22. Mitch04
    Mia, Jules and I felt like celebrating yesterday, but I don't know why. We just did. So we jumped a train into Melbourne and went to a bar on the Yarra River opposite Southbank. It was wonderful to escape from life's realities for 2-3 hours.
     
    We all had a glass of rose, and shared a chicken sandwich, three skewers of wagu beef, and one skewer of tuna. Having down that in record time, I shouted us a bottle of rose and a lobster roll. We sat, sipped, ate and chatted as life seemingly passed us by.
     
    And after around 3 hours, we started walking back to Flinders Street Station.....but stopped at another bar where we shared a bowl of chips, and the two girls each had a glass of Pinot Gris, and I had a double shot flat white coffee.
     
    Then we raced to catch the train....and it was only because I thrust a hand into the closing doorway that we managed to get aboard!
     
    But, oh Lordy....the walking. It must have been at least 750 metres to and from the East Malvern station, and at least 1.5km (750m each way) in Melbourne. And that included ramps and stairs. I was exhausted by the time we reached home again, as I reckon I must have done around 3 kms all up.
     
    The body handled this OK, but the increasing stiffness still greatly concerns me. No matter what I do, the right hand, arm and shoulder continue to work and move less and less, and nothing I do seems to prevent this from happening.....
     
    Today proved just as tiring. Jules and I went Chadstone Shopping Centre - a massive centre, and arguably the biggest in Australia - and the walkng was nonstop for about 3 hours until I surrendered and sat in Cibo's cafe and sipped a triple shot Grande latte while Jules shopped til she almost dropped!!!
     
    We purchased a birthday present for Mia, and successfully looked for swimwear for Jules, now I'm back at Mia's while Jules, Mia and the two boys are at tennis coaching.
     
    We return to Hedgerow Cottage tomorrow, and it will be good to really be home. Tonight we are enjoying a bottle of rosé that I purchased yesterday. The weather is warm, the twilight will be good, and with Jules and Mia for company what more could I ask for? The answer undoubtedly is "nothing"!!!!
  23. Mitch04
    It's been some time since I last posted, but I have not been idle. My daughter's separation has been playing heavily on Jules and I, so we have been down to Melbourne to stay two or more nights since I last blogged.
     
    My ex son-in-law (the SIL) is a spineless creature, as my son, Nick, and I discovered last night. Jules and I had come down to Melbourne to assist Nick in buying a used car for $5k or less, and we had looked at several vehicles during the day. Nick and I were returning from buying a takeaway meal for the two girls (Jules and Mia) and pulled to Mia's place at the same time as the wretched ex SIL was returning the two grandchildren as they had stayed with him over night. The SIL and Mia were engaged in a conversation at the front gate, and the SIL saw us. In the 30 seconds it took Nick and I to alight from our car, the SIL had managed to close the conversation with Mia, scamper across the road, get in his car, start the engine, and pull away from the kerb....a major feat for a 6'6" bloke! What a disgracefully cowardly act! Was not even able to face us. Not even a word! Truth is that he must be thoroughly and utterly ashamed of his actions.
     
    Anyway, enough of that.
     
    I have seen a speech pathologist, and that went OK. She is devising a program for me and will provide it in 2-3 weeks. She is trying to work it in with the occupational therapist and physiotherapist who all work for the Sunshine Pain Clinic. But as Jules and I are off to Palm Cove, in the far north of Queensland, in barely a week, maybe it will have to wait for 3-4 weeks.
     
    We decided on a car for Nick, and am simply awaiting for the current owner to provide a roadworthy certificate before we part with any money. The car is a 2-door 2007 Holden Barina TK, and only has 60,000 km on the clock. It will enable Nick to drive to Mia's place (a 40 minute drive) in times of need, as while she is holding up very courageously, there will undoubtedly be many very low moments in front of her....and she and Nick have always been close.
     
    Back up at Kyneton, Hedgerow Cottage is coming along well, and architect Ian is trying to persuade photographer Simon to take photos as soon as possible for the proposed feature in "Country Style" magazine. The garden is really looking great as the myriad of rose bushes start breaking into bloom. We have in excess of 100 rose bushes (the vast majority were inherited) plus dozens of other trees, shrubs and plants.
     
    Sadly, my health continues to go backwards. The aches and pains are no better and I get twinges of pain in my lower left side. For example, it is becoming increasingly difficult to put on my socks. All I can do is to continue walking, stretching and exercising.....
  24. Mitch04
    Much of today was spent in the garden sweeping paths and spreading an attractive gravel (we have a cubic metre) over semi bare spots around the back and side gardens. And it made us feel better. Working in the garden is good for me....and my soul.
     
    Ian arrived with two women around midday. He wanted to show them both the garden and the extension he planned for us (for those of you who don't known Ian was our architect and landscaper). He is designing an cottage extension for them also.
     
    After lunch, I drove to Newham - a 20 minute trip - to see Blaze Away Kennels about having Moochie in about 6 weeks while we are in Palm Cove. But they can't, as they will also be in holidays in Port Souglas, a stone's throw from Palm Cove!
     
    We may go to Melbourne tomorrow and stay a couple of nights and help Mia in her garden. The son in law dropped by this arvo, apparently, while she was mowing the lawns and footpaths. Never offered to assist. Never said a word to her about helping. What an ass hole.
     
    I have been thinking about him. In the 20 years I knew him, the only redeeming thing I can recall was that he was tall....6'5".....so that he came in handy for changing light bulbs. But what else? Nothing.
     
    Anyway, despite muscular twinges in my left side about waist level things are OK. The twinges are painful momentarily, but don't last. But boy, when they occur they are killers. I'm hoping I have simply pulled or strained something, and that it is not permanent or a sign of things to come..
  25. Mitch04
    Once again I apologise for the following rant.....
     
    The spineless son in law continues his callous and cowardly ways. It has been more than a week, and he still can't tell Mia why he is leaving, apart from he wants to be " happy". And he has yet to devise a plan.
     
    So Mia, bless her courageous little heart, has chosen to tell the kids this afternoon. Bill has no option but to fall into line. She demanded he take the day off work to join her in devising how and what they are telling the two little boys when they finish school this afternoon.
     
    She has many friends, all of whom have ditch the husband. They are standing by her.
     
    I hope everything goes well for her. We will be thinking of her in 8 hours time. That's the worst of living out in the country away from Melbourne...