Mitch04

My right hand has gone. But I still use it when typing (it hits all the wronf keys and makes editing and checking a bif p[ain in the ass) but it cvomes in useful to hold and steady things...nlot that I can carry a cup of coffee or tea....that would really test it! I haven't edit thjis comment as I wnant pplk to see what I mean abouit "hitting the mwrong keys". *LOL*

Climate caused minor problems with my hands....I can't remember what the condition is caused, but the palms start to shed skin...

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

Yes, Sue. Family woes seem to go on....and on and on and on...... Spring is almost over, and I can't believe that Xmas is barely a month away.

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.

Tks, Sassy one

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.

Jules and I have been here for four days and three nights, and we both love Palm Cove. I have already told you a little about he Reef House, which is one of our accommodation places. The other is The Sarayi, but I will come to that in several days. For the moment enjoy what we have been enjoying.... The evening meal on day one was spent at a Greek taverna, and the meal was delicious. The atmosphere was also wonderful, and we dined outdoors under the starry night sky. I had a Greek trio of bbq-ed meats (lamb, chicken and sausage) and Jules had grilled meatballs stuffed with fetta cheese..,..and both meals were accompanied by Greek salads and chips. Day two we spent by the pool, and ordered lunch from he Reef House restaurant - salt and pepper squid tapas and a papini of ham, cheese and tomato. Again, delicious. The evening meal was spent at a cafe called Vivo Bar and Grill - twice cooked pork belly for two, and again it was scrumptious. That was followed by home made ice creams from a nearby ice creamery! And last night we went to the local surf lifesaving club for fish and chips.....once again, mouth wateringly good. And tonight we are living it up

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....

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.

I hate, loathe and despise predictive text......

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!

Well, we arrived in Palm Cove OK, and we are now sitting in the same bloody bus we paid for yesterday....And again today!!!! All I need for the trip to be complete is to discover the hotel has lost our booking!!!!!

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....

Hear, hear!!!! I totally agree, Jay!

I can remember when I first returned home after spending about 4 months in four different hospitals.....the second morning it was bright and sunny, so after showering and dressing, I sat outside in our small courtyard. I felt the sun on my back for the first time since my two triple bypasses and three strokes....and I felt like had won the lottery! I still love the feeling of having the sun warming my body as I sit outside. But I have also become a far more social person since my strokes. I enjoy being with other people unlike pre-stroke, when I was more of a private person. Family is also more important, especially now that Mia and the two grand children have been deserted by her rat-bag ex..being surrounded by Mia, Jack and Gus, and my son Nick, has assumed far greater importance than ever before.

Thanks, Sue

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.

Too true, Sue!

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"!!!!

Thanks, Sassy! Yeppers. It comes as a shock to discover the man you have known for 20 years can, overnight, become a total and cowardly stranger. But it happens.

Country Style still has to be confirmed, but we have our fingers crossed. And thanks for your messages of support, Elizabeth and Sue.

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.....

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 doing a cottage extension for them also. I also 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..

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..