Block 2 and other applique ...

Even though it was hot to boiling point on Sunday - the humidity was horrendous, I shut myself in the "craft room" (it's got air-conditioning) and got on with things - Block 2 of Toytime Circus got fused in place and I also had a play with appliquing a tea towel with a chook and another one with a pear and a flower.  I haven't blanket stitched them yet but they should look good when I'm finished.

I have 4 handmade gifts to make and have chosen 4 different things:  one is a tote bag, one a fabric keyring decoration, one a placemat and the 4th a potholder.  Then of course there's my secret Xmas swap.  I have the rest of the week to make the Xmas sack and 3 presents, although the presents don't all have to be handmade, I can buy if it's around the $5 mark, so with the 2 presents I've already made, plus a couple I've bought and no SCQ swap is complete without some fabric thrown in as one of the presents:  a very modern chook fabric and a novelty frog fabric (Gail loves chooks and frogs - me, I'm an owl person and a dog person.  Janet of JMD Designs has got a challenge going to see how many different types of owls she can get (she is supplying the applique template) using fabric to either make it arty, or farty, or traditional (she's calling it the Eva the Owl Event!) - so if you're into applique, have a go.  In my surfing for chook appliques, I came across Amy Bradley Designs - and fell in love with two, one called Barnyard Skyline and the other, A Blooming Welcome so had to get them (no wonder I have no money!)

Yesterday, Monday, I got no sewing done as it was spent saying goodbye to my mate, Debbie who's flown back to Perth after a quick visit to her parents (and picked the worst week weatherwise) and then my last visit to the hospital for a consult with speech pathologist (very good marks!) and an undignified test (but got the tick of approval there too) and walked outside to a typical "break the humidity" Brisbane storm so of course, had to wait ages for a taxi so once I got home, only had enough energy to sit in front of the TV - 5 hours from home to home so was just too pooped to pop!  No more hospital for about 3-4 months which is wonderful news.

Today, tho I had physio to go to, I also managed to start on my fabric decoration present (can't show you a picture until she gets it cos it's a secret!) and also cut out lots of hexagon paper templates and have now started on dresden plate blades (I bought them by the packet from Lizard of Oz for hand piecing in 2007 and am just getting them cut out!  I also managed to blanket stitch around the applique on one of the pot holders -- so really have the bit between my teeth!  It is so nice to concentrate on other things other than my health and if I'm feeling well or have anything else wrong with me!!

I also managed to find a handyman/gardener/mower to do some maintenance around the yard - at great expense to the management but it will really make the place look great and not only lived in again, but loved as well

Galactic Explosion, Celtic Sew Easy, Toytime Circus and Bonnie Hunter's new book

Well, it took a while but have finally gotten back into it, quilting that is -  I had about 10 days of doctors' visits and tests and but finish them on Monday next week and then hopefully, doctors can go away for a while and I can settle back into my normal life :o).

In amongst all my new stash, I remembered to get the final blocks, borders and backing fabric for Nancy Rink's 2010 free BOM: Galactic Explosion, which I got in the aqua/green/blue colourway. I had begun to collect the blocks before I got sick and I was so taken with it, I decided to continue even tho Nancy now has a 2011 free BOM but you can still download the blocks for Galactic Explosion if you follow the link above.  I love the fabric Nancy picked for the blocks and am looking forward to doing it, though I have to make a Think Pink quilt for a raffle first.

I've got 2 new books too which I know I'll learn heaps from.  The first is Sew Easy Celtic by Angela Madden (I also got her Celtic Masterclass DVD as I learn better with actually seeing it done).  I'm keen on celtic design so am looking forwards to trying Angela's way of doing it. Check out Angela's website at http://www.angelamadden.com/ and see her charming celtic quilts.  The other book I got which only arrived today is Bonnie Hunter's Scraps and Shirtails II.  Bonnie is a legend for her efficient use of scraps and her generosity in sharing with the quilting community, especially in Australia.  One of my favourite quilts in the book was Bricks in the Barnyard - I love symmetrical design and conventional blocks, so this and Goose in the Puddle really caught my fancy - and also uses up a stack of scraps which I have been diligently cutting and sorting, well I got interrupted by 8 months in hospital, but have started again!  If you like making scrap quilts, I do recommend this book.

Lolly, my friend who's been staying to look out for me after rehab, went home today and I was at a loss as to what to do with myself for a bit - I am missing having her company and so to cheer myself up, I managed to get started on Block 1 of Kookaburra Cottage's new BOM pattern, Toytime Circus.  I am doing this one through Quilters' Corner.  It's an 8 month BOM so should be manageable even for me, especially if I actually do the block when they come in the post.  The blocks are quite huge  so will be interested to see the finished top.  Block 2 which I already have and have started tracing the fusible pieces is the juggling bear so am hoping to get that all affixed tomorrow and then I can blanket stitch both of them in front of the TV.

It's almost the witching hour so I'd better go to bed so's I can be up bright and early for my daily walk and then into sewing - it is so nice to be home!!

And the focus turns to quilting ....

New stash additions

Since I've been home, have spent the time (apart from walking too much and overdoing the sit/stand from the TV recliner) re-acquanting myself with my stash, fondling all the new fabrics and planning what to do with them - specially once Lolly gets here on Wednesday - and just finding out where I was and what I was doing when I was so rudely interrupted!

I still have cobblestones on the machine, large blue and yellow 9 patch blocks, odd orphan blocks and cuts of fabric - and I remember I was doing Bonnie's trick of cutting scraps into 2", 4" and even 6"squares of my scraps (not only quilting fabric but old sewing fabric as well - so will continue to do that once I can stand up for a while.  Can't wait for Lolly to get here to be my legs and my "picker-upper" as I'm still pretty uncertain when it comes to bending down to the floor!  So today I got a bit enthused and dusted (literally) off the Janome and with a cuppa, went to work - had to clear a space for my iron and mini ironing board but after that, was away.

Whilst I was in GARU, I joined an SCQ Xmas stocking swap to get me back into the SCQ community after so long so am looking forward to that and searching out suitable patterns for the bits that will go into the stocking.  Shaaryn (who is co-ordinating the swap) will be picking partners as soon as she can get back into the local area as they were stranded outside of Brisbane by the flood waters.

As I get stronger and more confident, I expect to be starting some of the quilts that I promised people at the beginning of 2010 - 2011 will definitely be the year of the UFO or should that be UFP (Unfinished Promises) - LOL!

Rehab - GOING HOME (13 Jan)

Some good news - estimates of peak flooding downsized - still a major impact but not as dire as they were predicting!  See http://www.facebook.com/QueenslandPolice and http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland for quickest updates of Brisbane situation.  This from the Police at 5.30 a.m.:

Police advise that the Brisbane River has now reached its peak. Water levels will remain high for the rest of the day. Current predictions indicate that floodwater will slowly recede over the weekend.  Please wait for more current updates from hydrologists at the Bureau of Meteorology.

Vonn due to pick me up 10.00 am - and as far as I can gather from flooded road information, the route we took yesterday is still the best option.  Of course, I was awake at 4.00 a.m. and immediately went searching for latest news on the River and the flooding.  The worst hit areas appear to be where the river winds, on the "corners" so to speak.  One of the biggest problems is the debris and the size of the debris careening down the river, the Gateway Bridge has been closed 3 times because of it.



And it's goodbye from Rosemount/GARU

 It's now 9.00 a.m. and it's time to sign off as a rehab chronicle and go back to what this blog was meant for - quilting: have lots of catching up to do and fabric to fondle and quilts, stuffies and other things to make.

My thanks and love go to my family and friends who followed me on this long journey and were there to carry me and support me every step of the way - and a special thank you to Mark, my caring and protective friend, financial adviser and all round good guy!!

In 60 minutes and one physio test, I'll be free and on my way home with a scad of pills, more luggage than I came with and a very glad heart!  Now it's on with the adventure!

Rehab - Day 58 (12 Jan 2011)

Woke up to sunlight - who'd-a-thunk-it after the last weeks.  Hasn't rained for quite a while by the looks of the ground and the mugginess in the air.  So maybe even tho we'll get the flood still, it won't be as bad as they're predicting.  Latest at 2.00 pm

While I was having brekkie, Tracey blew in and said the home visit was on - she had to walk down to the hospital, get the car and get back to pick me up.  So I finished, got up and got dressed (had my shower yesterday to try out the other shower chair) and was ready, keys in hand, when she came up to get me.  Kathy was coming as Alissa is helping set up the gym for some refugees from the other facilities who have been evacuated.

I took us along beside Albion and Wooloowin railway, up Shaw Road and down Buckland Road and no standing water anywhere, so that was great.  It was so wonderful to see my house - the hedge is way high and the back yard is a jungle of grass to about 2ft but the ground is not even soggy.  I have 2 mildewed chairs at the front which will have to go I think but, apart from doors swollen shut so they were hard to open, even the Honda's tyres are still inflated!!  All my plants are dead but that is easily fixed - but no water damage, no leaks and just a lot of dead cockies on the floor!  Tracey and Kathy set up the loo and the shower and they work well - and then we tried my sit/stand ability.  By dint of putting the cushion that Physio gave me on Dad's recliner (which is my usual chair), no problems at all getting up.  God, it was good to see my home for the first time in 8 months and all is OK, and am going to have a lovely time opening packets and boxes and mail (online shopping is a wondrous thing! ) Everything is on track - as I said I can get in and out of the car, get in and out of my recliner chair and, most important, get up easily out of bed (not my own bed - too low, but Mum's is just right so guess I change rooms yet again), I can get up and down from the sewing machine and the computer desk and everything I will be using in the kitchen is on waist or higher level -- and there's still icecream in the freezer and soup and Nutrigrain in the pantry - even if Coles cancels deliveries I'll have enough for a week at least!!

All I have to arrange is a shower chair, a 4WW walker for outside if I go walking or to shop or Norths -- now, there's a thought... Norths :o) and a personal alarm thingie in case of an emergency to get hold of Vonn or ambulance.

I was home for 5 minutes when the home phone rang and it was a charity wanting a donation - couldn't believe it!! Life hasn't changed on the outside, has it.

So only 1 sleep to go... unless the flood situation changes dramatically and if so, that's life, on to Plan B. Oh, I forgot, I have no Plan B!!


Looking towards the Gateway Bridge from Room 5

 We came back the way we went so smooth going again and because I was sitting on the cushion, I got up and out of the car on my own so was chuffed with that.  Then I had my "exit interview" and tests for OT and I think Tracey was satisfied tho she doesn't like the idea of me being on my own until Lolly can get here.  She still doesn't really understand how damn lazy I am: to begin with, it'll be from the bed, to the shower, to recliner and back again, so can't really get into that much trouble if I concentrate as to where my feet are and what they're doing when I'm in transit!!

After lunch, I just sat monitoring the situation through news and Queensland Police's Facebook page ... not that I can do anything but still want to know what's happening!  (In between I managed to remember to ring Scott, carpet shampoo and pest control person extrordinaire and it'll be a week before he can come, flat out like a lizard drinking!  So booked him in for 10.00am next Thursday then back to the flood situation). Ipswich's Bremer River peaked at 19 metres so although it was bad enough, it wasn't as horrendous as they thought - but I think the flooding from our curvy river was as bad today as was expected (it's so hard to hear the TV with everyone in the dining room talking on top note!!)  After I finished tea, I rang Julie to check in with her (all is well at Logan - they're nowhere near the Brissy River so she and my puppies and her puppies are safe tho soggy!  She also said if I get into strife once I'm home and Vonnie isn't available, I am to ring her - I will if I have to but will try to avoid it:  Logan is a long way away!!) and then later, rang Vonn about the way she should come tomorrow (as she's always before lived on the southside so doesn't know the streets like I do).  She said Karrl has been stuck

up at his work for 2 nights cos Morayfield is cut off too.  I can't get in touch with Chrissie to make sure he, Liza, girls and Maccie and Sam and the boys are safe, so just have to hope they are -- so all of us are at 6's and 7's.

Mrs Lamb rang me and she and Steve were fine, they are on high ground and also far enough away from thr Bremer for it not to be a threat to them but she also can't see CU being back on line by Friday morning as they (the experts with their 3D modelling) reckon it'll take 3 or 4 days for the waters to recede (and tomorrow at peak of tide they're expecting the water to be at least half the way up the foyer walls at Riparian), then they have to check out the electrics, the lifts, ya da ya da so although the authors and WP operators may be able to work remotely, unless they are routed through another server than Brisbane, there's no electricity to get the Brisbane server online to work from it!!  Latest at 9.30 pm Brisbane time.

Rehab - Day 57 (11 Jan 2011)

Woke up to a rain-soaked world with the rain coming down and the wind whipping at the palm tree outside my window (Latest on South East Queensland floods).  I rang Lolly and tho she's booked on the train tomorrow, we both doubt they'll be running as Mary River is still way up.  And yesterday they had a flash flood in Toowoomba of all places!  At 12:20 local Brisbane time (time now), the situation has gotten worse.

Gym Bunny!

Status as of today

I went down at 10.00 for physio and I finally got to go on the super groovy exercise bike - that's what my legs need for strength!  I also did 3 laps of outside in the hallways without the stick and then up and down the stairs twice.  I also did some balance work so not a lazy time!!  Alissa said "No stick" around interior of the building until I go home, so just me and my own 2 legs.  She also took a photo with the phone which shows I am rather enjoying myself *G*

I wasn't real enthused about OT but did make an acceptable effort for 35 minutes (and there's always this arvo's session) before I came back upstairs.  Tracey had just come back from a meeting up at the Block and all "unnecessary travel" is not to be undertaken so that kyboshed the home visit for tomorrow.  She's going to try for Thursday as part of the discharge procedure.

Ben was late for swallowing exercises tho he did tell me OT had all gone home to protect property and also to make sure they got home, so at least I didn't waste a trip down there.  I spent the rest of the afternoon monitoring the flood situation (Queensland Police's Facebook page was publishing bulletins about every 10 minutes.

I'm not keeping my hopes up for going home on Thursday - Brisbane has now joined the rest of the State with roads cut and local flooding in lowlying areas - so even if I'm safe on the hill at Rosemount and Killeen Street is okay too, Vonn may not be able to get thru and I don't want her trying if there's any running water on the road, too dangerous (She reckons she loves her car too much to do anything dangerous!!).  So have to just keep a watching brief and hope for the best.  Work has shut down until at least Friday as Riparian management has closed the building.  According to Anna Bligh (with the bits I heard with everyone talking on top note) it's going to get worse, especially by Thursday when the run off from the catchment area and Bremer River and also debris catches up in the CBD and beyond.  Predictions are it will be worse than the 74 Floods!!

So I sit and wait to see if I'm outta here Thursday morning or not ... as it is raining again, 2 sleeps to go might be a bit optimistic!!  I do hate waiting for things to happen!  Watched some TV and kept checking flood situation.  Sleep about midnight.

Rehab - Day 56 (10 Jan 2011)

It's only 8.15 am and have had an eventful morning already!  Firstly, while I was on my early morning loo break (about 2.40 am), the real fire alarm went off!!  Mayhem reigned - really when you think of it, none of us are ready for the real thing and we all tend to believe it's always a false alarm.  And, luckily, this time it was a false alarm so after a half hour of nurses and wardies and firemen milling around trying to find keys to a door that shouldn't be locked, they worked out it wasn't locked and checked everything out and the firemen departed and things settled down again - and I went back to sleep until pill time.

Then, Carol (she's the Discharge Nurse) came in and they want me out on Thursday, not Friday, still 10.00am - and that is more than fine by me.  I rang Vonn, got the 10 second voice mail so said I'd send an email which I did.  If her work won't come to the party for Thursday, I'll get a taxi home cos Lolly will be there to help haul me out!!

Then a little bit later, Nat (Physio) brought Cathy (my original physio at the Block who made me start moving originally and took no notice of tears, tantrums or Crabby Old Bag behaviour and just kept me keeping on and who I never got a chance to say goodbye to) to see me - she is starting here for 6 months.  It was so good to be able to stand up and give her a hug and to say Thank You!  I know I couldn't/wouldn't have done it without her dedication and never taking "I can't" for an answer and I've been wanting to say so.

Would you believe my blood pressure was quite low this morning (94/56) and that made physio difficult - had to keep stopping for a rest, but did do quite a bit and got off the low chair again (it's all in how far you lean forward!).  Alissa wants to concentrate on outside walking for the next couple of days to make sure I can keep my balance on an uneven surface and if OT car is available, practise getting out of the car with the Handybar.  OT was no problem cos I sit for all of it.  Tracey started back today and we started planning my home visit - for early Wednesday morning.

As for the rain, it hasn't stopped yet -- "1974 anyone" is starting to be realistic!  Lolly who was due to arrive this afternoon on the train can't get through because Gympie and Maryborough has extensive flooding, so I may not have someone to greet me at the door!!  I hate not being home to check my place is OK cos it is getting serious here in Brisvegas too.  See photos of localised flooding in Brisbane.

Sat out in the chair this arvo and drank lots of water - blood pressure at 1.00pm had come up to acceptable (100/70) so that was a bit better - and they took it again about 6.30pm and it had stayed acceptable!!  Rang Optus and got new mobile sorted out, new SIM activated and had a chat to Debbie to check out all was OK (and she hadn't killed anyone at work yet!) and also make sure new mobile was working.

No way I was missing out on tea tonite: my very favourite Broccoli Soup and Macaroni Cheese - yumbo!  So very replete after finishing off with a mango Weis.  Penny came to talk to me and couldn't get in for a barium test on Wednesday, so they'll arrange for an outpatients visit: suits me  Then I spent the nite watching Criminal Minds and trying not to drift off in the middle of it.

Rehab - Days 54-55 (8 to 9 Jan 2011)

Was so nice to wake up and know I didn't have to do anything today, tho I wish it hadn't been 2.45 am when I did so!  However, I managed to pass the time quite happily and both Alison and Roz got a nice long email in answer to theirs of yesterday (am very rarely in the mood to waffle on like that, specially 2 fingered "hunt and peck" typing, so guess it was the hour of the nite it was and just happened to be in the mood).  I also got a newsletter from Aussie Patches and they had the ruler I've been wanting for ages (it's a wavy one for scalloped edges etc and was half price) as well as a really silly but cute Hooty Owl applique wallhanging kit, so I succumbed to both (seemed to have become very fond of owls since the advent of Harry Potter *G*).

As is usual for me of a Saturday, I didn't move off the bed except to answer the call of nature - and I'm getting very game, around the room I've been going without the stick altogether, tho I make sure I don't walk too far without something to hang on to or grab if I should stumble - it feels so good!!  I'm glad I have come thru to the other end tho, it was pretty hard work because I have to fight my own inclination to be lazy and let things slide - and apart from the odd time, I didn't let myself do that.  I got all the playlists ready of the TV shows to burn to DVD when I get home (as I only have a few blank ones here that Julie gave me)  I might even be better off using a memory stick with iTunes loaded so I shouldn't have any trouble re-playing them if I want to.  Also played some Roads of Rome II for a couple of hours, trying not to go to sleep.

Carol, my nurse for today, was kind enough to bring me in some soup for lunch so I didn't have to get dressed until time for tea.  I love doing that too - I don't think I've changed very much - lol!  Lovely tea (Vegetable Frittata and a mango Weis bar) and then back to my room, got undressed again tho I have kept my cardigan on, still nippy without any mugginess to alleviate the air conditioning - still raining too.  Watched a couple of "Criminal Minds" and off to sleep about 10.30pm.

- o - o - o -

Didn't wake up until 6.15 am when the nurse came in with pills, needle and, nicest of all, a cup of coffee.  That was the best - and longest - sleep I've had in about 2 weeks and feel really relaxed and rested.  The rain helps that too - tho the rest of the State does not feel that way, poor people

I spent a lovely morning spending money - oh, dear!!  At least once I get home, I'll be doing more than spending - have so many ideas, my mind is going at a million miles an hour.  I got myself a 12 month subscription to Love of Quilting, Digital Edition and found 2 quilts in the Jan/Feb issue that I really want to make, so it's paid for itself already *G*  I got an applique book by Mary Engelbreit called "Stitched So Cute" (me and owls again!) and pre-ordered "Silent Mercy" by Linda Fairstein from Amazon.  Her 2010 one, "Hell Gate", I can't order because it's not available for delivery to Australia (don't know why - can't get an ebook either cos tried) so I'll have to get it from Nundah Library (who have it on order so it must be different rules for libraries and there was another one I missed, Killer Heat, so will get that from the Library as well.  Her audio books are now being narrated by Barbara Rosenblat so that would make them very worthwhile, cos love her voice.  Later on, I tried "Hell Gate" that was an audio book and that seemed to have been okay - Amazon took the order for it and it isn't marked as Not available to Australia, so hopefully it's not a mistake and I'll receive it in due course!

Still coming down in buckets

I spent the afternoon just generally playing on the computer and, as I've been meaning to, starting a linked index to all things quilty on my computer (no point in having them if I don't catalogue them as I forget what I've got!!  I got myself dressed for tea outside (had soup for lunch in my room) - not very interesting but I was hungry so ate what was put in front of me.  The rain is still lashing at the windows as it has been most of the day - and talking of rain: the jet the Queensland Premier (Anna Bligh) was in touring the flooded area around St George/ Theodore area got hit by lightning - betcha that gave everyone on board a fright - as it is still raining everywhere in Queensland it seems.

After tea (I waited in vain for my dessert and then realised I didn't really want it cos was full), back to my room and my bed *G*  I have had such a lazy (but sort of expensive) weekend but I have so enjoyed it.  Am reading another book from the shelves:  Breaking Faith by Jo Bannister (another author I enjoy) and it keeps me occupied at the tea table!

Rehab - Day 53 (7 Jan 2011)

Should've known better than to go to sleep so early - by midnite when I woke up for the loo, I was then awake and couldn't go back to sleep tho I did try to relax back into it.  In the end, I gave up and went on the net and did my shopping list for Coles Online to be delivered Saturday 15th, so really am on my way home now.  I also went hunting for one of the car "exit-ers", they are called "Handybar", and I managed to find one in Australia to buy - and they're not cheap either!  The shower chair I'll hire cos once I'm really on my feet, I won't need it.  As dawn broke, plenty of dark clouds but no rain so far. Ha, shouldn't have said that -- not half an hour later, the rain started again and hasn't really stopped.  I managed to get another 2 hours in, in between pills and breakfast so not really deprived but feel a bit dopey.

My new mobile arrived - pretty swish but will have to have a really good read of instructions so I get it right.  I got a new SIM card with it, so might have to re-input all the numbers as the old one is so old it doesn't have internet or transfer connectivity, so spent 30 minutes retrieving numbers from my SIM Contacts (like I didn't last time!) so at least have them to re-establish Contacts on my new phone.

Lolly rang - she's catching the train on Monday and will get to my place late afternoon so I rang Vonn but got voice mail so left a message where to leave the keys and then sent an email too just so's there isn't any slip ups -- so it's all beginning to happen.  I changed my mind and used Coles Online for my food order which will get delivered on Saturday morning (15th).

Got myself dressed and off to OT only there wasn't any, the doors were all shut up tight - didn't worry me *G* - I took myself outside to sit on the bench and sew again - which was all very well except everyone was out there, including Peter and his carer so they (and anyone else who passed) talked to me and I was good, I talked back so they didn't know I wished they would all go away!!  I sewed for the hour and then went into Physio.  Whilst she finished with another lady, I did the bed exercises and also managed to do a couple of "hands free" sit/stands on my own.  Then I finally got to go on the stairs - up and down, twice.  The going down is the hardest because the weight is all balanced on your knees so have to take care.  Then we did a test for balance, called a "BOOMER" test - I got 13 out of 16 so not too bad, but can improve.  What I was most proud of was that while I waited for Alissa, she'd got me to sit in the chair against the wall and it was a small and low one (not 'lowish' but low) and after a try or two, I managed to stand up from it, my knees actually cooperated - I was pretty chuffed cos have been trying to do that for ages.  But she let me do the test from a higher one so I could get up more easily but also without the stick, so even more progress - yeay!  That's why I like Alissa, she lets me listen to what my body is telling me and if I think I can, we give it a burl.

When I came up for lunch, I actually sat down to it in the dining room!  Gave everyone a fright.  Only had the soup but I at least made the effort.  I put my washing on and also checked out the board and I don't have OT this arvo either, so can have the afternoon to myself.  Which is exactly what I did - I spent some of it, setting up my new mobile phone and adding contacts into it, my old one being non-internet, I couldn't transfer them.  Then I watched a couple of episodes of "Criminal Mind" (Season 5) and then for the first time in a few days, I went back to my Road to Rome game.  I finished the original one and because I didn't go out for tea, went out later and had a plate of Impossible Pie (very healthy I don't think!)

Still tired from my broken night last night, so wasn't up late.  Still rainy and quite a nip in the air when it is raining, tho if it stops for a bit, it gets muggy again.  The forecast is for rain for the next few days - suits me!  Slept about 10.00.

Rehab - Day 52 (6 Jan 2011)

Slept right through until 5.30 - Peter really in a bad mood this morning and there were F's flying all over the place when he was told he had no ciggies - oops!  I just stayed quiet in my little hidey hole with the door shut - I find him scarey when he's like that, all that pent up anger - I hope I'm not here when he finally blows up!!

It's still raining - is this going to end up like the 1974 flood??  I want to be home so can protect it if necessary, tho am probably not physically capable right now!!  I know my place can take a lot of water and doesn't flood but ... this is more than a "lot"!!  Having lived thru it, you forget it was 30 years ago - but if it is, it's 70 years too early!  Supposed to be every 100 years!

I had my first totally independent shower this morning - all on my own and in sublime privacy!  I also did it very carefully - lol.  Was a great feeling - Miss Independent Lady!  No problems at all and dried and dressed okay too.  So the last domino will be getting out of the car and I can do 99% of what I could do pre-May 2010 so really am ready to go home.

Downstairs to OT.  I did 30 mins worth when Tamsin arrived to do our cooking - I don't think she believed me as to how quickly it (Impossible Pie) could be made.  I was unsure if the recipe was the same as Debbie's but we decided to hope for the best anyroad!  Got it in the oven in about 15 mins flat and could then sit and have a cuppa - lol. 

Tamsin took me around to Physio when it was time and because the OT car was there (which will take us on the home visit next week), we decided to see how I'd go transferring in and out.  My first excursion down a ramp and I did OK (tho was worried the knees might let me down to begin with cos you transfer your weight differently to on a flat surace but all was OK.  As I thought, getting in wasn't a problem at all - getting out, I had nothing to lever myself up with so couldn't do it, way too low.  Luckily Shaun, wardie, came along at that moment and between he and Alissa, I got hauled to my feet.  Then Gwen remembered they used to have a bar that attaches to the car door frame that might be the answer.  So, I waited and they went looking and they actually found it, so we tried again and by dint of them also using the knee trick (they use their knee against mine which helps straighten me up), we got me up no problems and no hauling up on their part.  So roll on next week for the home visit!!

No rest for the wicked - Alissa got me walking up and over a higher step and sit/standing but also dancing (doing the salsa yet!)  Not very confident with dancing but tried and did OK tho no real rhythm, too busy concentrating on knees and feet!

I knew I wasn't going up for lunch so went back to check on my Impossible Pie and it had turned out OK (whew!) so Emily was having some before Tamsin took it upstairs to our fridge for my next few desserts.  I had taken my sewing down so got the cushion Gwen made for me for the bench outside and went and settled myself down there to sew, watch the rain (tumbling out of the sky still).  I got 2 hexagons done in the 2 hours - (Nobody ever said I was a fast handsewer - lol) but it was really relaxing and no mugginess, in fact it was quite chilly so thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Back into OT at 2.00 pm and finished off my routine.  I'd gotten Nick to take back the 4WW and my cushion to Physio for tomorrow (For the weekend, I'll have to have them in my room and from Monday, of course, it's walking stick all the way).  Because of the "Contact Precautions" status, they'll have to throw away the cushion so I'm taking that home and will make a carry cover for it, ie a cusion cover with cloth handles on one side for ease of carrying once I'm home.

When I got up to my room, Ben was there - oops, had forgotten I had appt at 1.30pm for swallow exercises :o\ - so we did them then.  Have to remember on Tuesday, 1.30pm for speech therapy in my room!!  I have to admit I was wrong about the exercises.  They are finally beginning to work and it is making it much easier to manage my food and which pipe it goes down!  As for coughing fits, they seem to be a thing of the past (that in itself is worth the effort).

The doctor popped in.  He said he'd been told we were giving the small Menaplex(?)plaster another go to see if that helped to heal the trachie site altogether (and stop the annoying whistling!) even tho it does irritate my skin.  I said we were and we were leaving it 3 days between changes to see if that sped things up.  He said that they weren't sure it would ever heal because of the radiated skin and Penny had mentioned the EN&T doctor down at the Block (the nice one who did the nose scope exam) had suggested putting a stitch or two in there to help it seal over. I said I'd be willing to do that as long as nobody wanted to give me a full operation, but he assured me it would be done by local, so I said that would be fine.

Went out for tea and had soup saved from lunch (they are kind to me), vegies and Impossible Pie which was as yummy as Emily had assured me!  Then took to my bed - you surely use up more energy with using a walking stick than the 4WW and my legs were pooped.  I was going to watch a couple of episodes of Criminal Minds but ... my eyes kept closing and was asleep before they even brought me my night time pills.

Rehab - Day 51 (5 Jan 2011)

Woke up at 4.00 a.m. which was about 10 minutes before Peter came to the desk asking for a cigarette very loudly, so wouldn't have slept in much longer anyway!  I asked for a cuppa, so had that and watched Criminal Minds until time for breakfast.

When it got to be a reasonable time, I rang Lolly and she'll ring me back to confirm she's arriving on either 11th or 12th.  It's wonderful she could bring her visit forward without a problem so it's all falling into place - cross fingers!!

I spent from 8.45am to 9.20am on the phone with Optus changing my prepaid mobile to postpaid again which he did without problems over the phone, he was very helpful tho he did talk me into the $49 cap because that way the new phone was free, and the other way I was only saving $9 per month, so if I start using it more (cos also will have a super new Nokia N8 to go with it)  It's a 24 month plan so it's just on $520 per year.  I'll set up a BPay for it when I get my first bill and then I don't have to worry about it.  They'll send it to GARU and I should get it tomorrow - woohooo!!

The Social Worker got back to me and said that even tho I'm not entitled to a full Seniors Card (you have to be 65, working part-time and on disability pension), I am eligible for a Seniors Business Discount Card and she'd printed me out the application form, so will apply for that and once I meet the criteria for a full Seniors Card, it is automatically upgraded.

Upgraded again!

By the time I did all that and also got a season pass for Season 5 of Criminal Minds (I am so enjoying the series - like the whole cast), it was too late to have a shower so I just got dressed and away downstairs.  Worked well at OT and got most of my routine done before time to go off to Physio.  Alissa manages to get me to work hard without seeming to push me - lol - I only feel it once I'm back upstairs and I'm too pooped to pop!  We concentrated on the walking stick and my balance today.  My balance is fine, even on squishy round cushion (that wants to throw you off it) but then it always has been - once I can get up - which is a blessing.  When I got back upstairs, Alissa upgraded me to the walking stick indoors (with one to standby assist, which means the first couple of times someone has to come around the ward with me whilst I walk) and wheelie walker outdoors.  I may yet not have to hire anything except a proper shower chair!!

Tina, my nurse for the day, was kind and got me soup so I didn't have to go out for lunch, so had that whilst I caught up in here.  Phone call from Leigh, she'll come up for a visit this arvo.  Julie said this morning she'll try to get up early today, so am having a visitor day!  Julie arrived whilst I was finishing my second lot of OT - at 3.00, Alissa arrived to walk me upstairs so we all came up together.  I am finding the stick easy enough to use (tho I keep wanting to break into "Jake the Peg"!!) but it's not as confidence-inspiring as leaning on the 4WW!!  But I'll get used to it - I can see me getting so used to it that I forget the stick and just walk!!

Leigh arrived so all 3 of us had a yakking good time - Julie said she'll be up again before I go home which is so good of her cos I really enjoy her visits.  Leigh brought me some Bulla frozen yoghurt iceblocks, so have my supplies for the rest of the time I'm here, thank you Leigh!!  She left about 4.45 to beat some of the traffic and I took my book and went out to tea.  I ate the lot tonite (now I'll really have to watch my weight again, have got my appetite back!  I even had the Berry Cheesecake plus a mango Weis bar for dessert!!)



Came down in buckets for hours



Back to my bed and settled in for the night and listened to the rain - watched some "Criminal Minds" but mainly just surfed around to see what I could see but didn't buy anything - what a good girl.  Had to use my earphones cos couldn't hear over the rain - lovely stuff!!

 

I finished the Inspector Tibbett book - which I thoroughly enjoyed (I enjoy the older murder yarns - less violent and depraved - just a good puzzle and a great story).  Then off to sleep - what with all that walking and visitors - and full tummy - just drifted off to sleep.

Rehab - Day 50 (4 Jan 2011)

Woke up to a nice day - still getting the odd shower tho it's sunny most of the time and lots muggy.  Back into it today and tho feeling awfully lazy (as I do all the time), after a lie-abed until 9.30, I got dressed and was ready for action - not!! hee.

Down to OT and did half the routine, have streamlined it down to those exercises twice a day that I don't mind doing: fine motor skills (rubber band board), push/pull on the incline machine (I do 6 sets with 10 weights now), curls, digiflex and putty and if I run out of time, I leave the peg pole and the shoulder arch until the next time.  Ben (from Speech) came to see me and booked swallowing exercises for 1.30 pm.

Then into Physio and did my bed exercises (warms everything up as well as toning my legs and tummy wall).  I went over to the parallel bars just as Dr O'Sullivan nabbed me for his Tuesday rounds.  He watched me as I went thru my paces (sort of like a performing seal!) and seemed satisfied by my progress which I hope puts him on my side for the meeting this arvo to decide when I go home.  He also seems to have stopped worrying about my chest so much which stops me worrying!  Although I was showing off a bit, I was careful but am proud of how smoothly (and normally) I walk now.  Alissa and I walked me with the stick back to my room (I think she wants me off the wheelie walker and on to the stick full time asap - be easier for when I'm home as I already have Mum's 4-pronged walking stick.  I never thought of it before but the stepping up and down exercises are for stepping up and down over gutters as well as actual stairs).

Lunch was Beef and Cheese Pasta which Irene brought to me in my room (I do get spoilt!) - Ben arrived on time which was great (I do hate tardy people!) and we did the swallowing exercises (first time for me since before Xmas)  I know my swallowing is much better and have no problems if I concentrate on the food and not what's going on around me - which is probably why I'm enjoying the food so much!

Back down to OT for second session.  I got waylaid by Nick to help me test if I can get up from the benches outside (if I can, it means I can go downstairs and sew without a problem and had asked Alissa if we could test) - I can get up, tho very awkwardly and with a lot of leaning on the back of  the bench, but it is do-able - yeay - and it'll get easier - gives me a bit more freedom from the noise and mayhem upstairs.  Then on into OT, made myself a cuppa and settled down in my chair.  Tamsin was just off to the meeting but stopped to arrange that we cook Impossible Pie on Thursday.

I got the news after the meeting - Vonnie can pick me up to take me away from all this at 10.00 am Friday 14th - oh, frabjous day!!  I am so excited, I don't know where to put myself - that's only 9 days - I let everyone know the official date - thank God it's nearly over.  I cannot wait to get home.  Have to ring both Vonnie and Lolly tomorrow to tee everything up.  Should also ring Mary to get her to clean the place, that is if she's still my cleaning lady!!  Got an email back from Julie she'll be here tomorrow or Thursday to see me.

Didn't have a late night, too tired from my long day ... when I kept sliding off to sleep whilst I watched TV shows, knew it was time to button everything down for the night and let myself actually relax into sleep, so did that and asleep in about 5 minutes.

Rehab - Days 47-49 (1 to 3 Jan 2011)

And a happy new year to all of us - remembered to say "White Rabbits" when I woke up for the loo at about 12.15 am (I heard the 8.00 pm fireworks tho I didn't get up to see if I could see but I surely didn't hear them bringing 2011 in the door).  It has actually rained on and off throughout the day, not hard and heavy but rain nevertheless.

We'll see what 2011 brings me - I know they reckon adversity makes you stronger but to lose 8 months of my life - and the dogs'life - was a bit over the top!!  Hope I have a few happier years before the next major drama - at least I seem to be back on track and raring to go:  when they take away things you take for granted like walking, talking, eating normal food, etc, it sure focuses your survival spirit and I've tended to stop feeling sorry for myself (Have seen first hand just how many people are so much worse off than me so I was lucky I had such a (relatively) easy recovery - seems to me that everyone else did the work and I followed along for the ride!!)  Although am still not 100% confident of my sea legs, am trying not to let fear rule the day but within that, am being careful (one of the ladies here had a fall and broke her hip this morning, so it's easy done)

As I do on Saturdays - and being New Year's Day to boot - I did nowt.  I only got out of bed to go to the loo and for Charlotte to weigh me (95.1kg, so at least I didn't increase!) - got Charlotte to bring me in soup for lunch.  I found another couple of games, Roads of Rome and Roads of Rome II to help pass the time, they're time management games and they keep you interested while you try to beat the clock!!  Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't!  While I played that, I downloaded the rest of Season 3 of Criminal Minds which took forever but eventually got finished.  (My iTunes invoice will be astronomical for the last couple of days!!)  "Iron Man 2" only had 10 hours left of the rental so I finally watched that and did enjoy it, tho it was a bit campier and more over the top than the first one.  Once the Criminal Mind episodes finished downloading, I watched a couple - Season 3 must have been where I came in, watching the series on free TV because I remembered a couple of them, tho not the details or the ending, so not a total waste of money.

Went off to sleep about 12.45 am having thoroughly enjoyed my slothful day!!

- o - o - o -

Nice bright day and tho some clouds about, they're white, wooly ones, not dark and threatening!  I spent the morning until 9.00 a m just lying about and favourite pasttime, surfing fabric and nedlework sales.  Debbie rang and we ended up yakking for quite a while as we caught up.  She was out walking so was a good uninterrupted discussion, I enjoyed it tho she was heavy breathing a bit - lol.

After we said goodbye, I got up and had my shower.  For the first time, I used the shower chair not on wheels and I even stood up to wash myself - felt perfectly balanced and quite safe which is great, so now I'll have the courage to shower with no nurse in the room.  Tina dried me off from the knees down and then I got dressed, once again standing on my own two feet.   What a wondrous feeling -- maybe by the time I get to go home, I'll feel confident on my feet altogether and the wheelie walker will be a thing for walking outside or a thing of the past.



A big smile for the future - 2 January 2011



Tina did my dressing and then brought me some soup for lunch, so I could just keep playing - having a great internet day today.  Checked out the hire of mobility aids (being the New Year weekend, nobody was manning phones or chat lines) - Spent the arvo not spending money but surfing around checking out things I want as well as searching for the email from Troy, the home handyman - I know I saved it but can't find it.  So that will be another thing on my "To do" list - get another quote. 

I also finally made up my mind to upgrade my mobile and go back to post-paid - Optus on prepay does not work for me - it was slow old going and IE kept timing out so in the end, it wouldn't transfer prepaid to postpaid and I have to do the phone thing, so will wait until I get home, but all that took me a couple of hours!!

Still didn't want to go to sleep even tho by then it was 12.40 am, so I ended up watching 2 episodes of "Criminal Minds" before I drifted off, just a case of turning my brain off, were it that easy 90% of the time!!

o - o - o - o

Peter woke me early for his usual cigarette argument with the nurses - but I did manage to go back to sleep for another hour or so until time for brekkie - had a "Criminal Minds" marathon today - the rest of Season 4 downloaded overnight so had them all there to watch, so another very lazy day - will be glad to get back to proper routine, really this is just wasting time and I have muscles to build and brain imprinting to learn!!  I am so impatient to get me back into shape tho I do know it will take a long time: am 8 years older and really let everything go this time, but if I try hard I think it can be done or at least most of the way there.  If I don't focus on something else, ie TV show, I can think of nowt else but getting out of here and going home!!  I do know if they decide tomorrow that the 21st is a better date, I have to grit my teeth and suck it up but at this point, it'd be a blow.

My favourite dinner - Broccoli Soup/Macca Cheese - I got a book from their library (an Inspector Henry Tibbett mystery) so was rude and read whilst I ate my dinner so I missed Dell getting all upset because she'd been forgotten - went right past me and didn't even hear it!!  Back to my room for dessert (Mango Weis) and I was a very replete little Vegemite - and that, coupled with late nite/early mornings meant I slept like a log once I went to sleep about 10.00 pm.

Rehab - Day 46 (31 Dec 2010)

Woken up earlier than normal as today, apart from being New Years Eve, is Friday and the osteoporosis pill has to be taken on its own and at least a ½hr before all the others (Jackie at Alchemy will have her work cut out with separating all these pills once I get to see her!  There's about 10 of ém now, not 5!) - It's a beautiful sunny day which bodes well for New Years fireworks tonite - I wonder if we can see them from here?  I keep thinking of food I will try again when I get home, cooking yesterday sparked that off.  I must do a Coles Online shopping list for Saturday morning 16th (what a delicious thought - sleep in my own bed, sit in my own chair (if I can - lol), belong to my own stuff again).

I still am having trouble focussing on OT and Physio even tho am now on the official countdown to "outta here"!!  But am persevering and did manage to get to OT twice today so eventually did one whole routine and I don't let myself skimp on the important ones, eg curls, incline board or the rubber band exercises for my right hand - it's still a bloody great bore tho - sorry Tracey but it is to me.  And I haven't done swallowing exercises for quite a while apart from the odd small set of Mousaka (tongue poke out and swallow) and the effortful K (hold end of tongue and spit out K from right back in your throat, but I am sure that once life returns to normal (ie after Xmas/New Year break), everyone including me will get back into the swing.  I am just so focussed on going home and getting the dogs back - I cannot wait to begin my life again after such a long hiatus!!  My "To Do"List gets longer'n longer - lol.

No more rain so very overcast, muggy and hot again today - just spent the afternoon (apart from an hour in OT) on the bed, keeping myself occupied and out of trouble *G*  Went out to tea and because I didn't want what was on the menu, I had my quiche with vegies - very tasty and very filling - and finished off with a Weis bar (delightful tea) - Physio sure tires me and my legs out (even tho it's usually just before lunch, I still feel it at tea time) so once I'd had tea, into my nightie and into bed - played my games and then watched some TV - fairly late to sleep (reckon that might be the way of it until I actually get home - too mch thinking going on)

Rehab - Day 45 (30 Dec 2010)

Unhappily, I got my most unfavourite nurse this morning on the changeover - I personally don't think she's a very good nurse but you have to take what you're given.  But as I don't trust her, I watch all she does like a hawk, specially when it comes to my trachie dressing (she's the one who didn't even clean the site before I got a new dressing).  But one thing is she's as disinterested in her patients as she is inefficient, so didn't see her again until I was dressed - she never worries about interrupting breakfast and I do hate that but they all do it, even up at the Block - guess it's a chronic nursing habit!

I lay about until 9.00 - had a flying visit from Mark to drop in goodies, lots of packets and Charlie's owl.  He flies out tonite and gets to Paris lunchtime tomorrow and will be gone 3 weeks - I'll miss him taking charge, tho am now capable of looking after myself but it was nice to be seen as needing it!  Once he left, I delved into fabric and one surprise, the fridge magnets (which were in the packet - but no Xmas cards as yet) turned out really well - great quality so was thrilled with them.

I had some time before OT so went to see Scott to make it official that I was outta here on 21st.  They had 15th as a tentative date, so I said I'd work in with them! LOL!  There's a case meeting on Tuesday and they'll decide what date but when I saw Dr O'Sullivan this arvo, he seemed to be going for the 15th, yeay!  So the end is in sight - oh frabjous day!  I kept hugging that to myself as a talisman and kept telling myself "Don't get cocky - focus" as it would break my heart if anything stopped me now like falling over my own 2 feet again.

Had another disinterested morning doing my routine - I guess I at least do it and I worry that at home, time will slip away and I won't, as is my wont.  I mean to but all of a sudden the day is gone and nowt has been done.  I then got to stay in OT because my cooking day is today.  We decided that with only an hour to prepare and cook, we'd stick with the quiche because I'd never cooked it before.  They had a spring form pan so that made it easier.  It was an easy recipe and with bought pastry, it was a one dish recipe too.  It turned out OK tho I might have beaten it, rather than folded it together as the texture was heavy rather than light as quiches usually are but it was quite yummy - and apart from when I try to take too big bites and then talk as well which means I aspirate down the wrong pipe, I had no problems eating it.

I ate on my own because Julie didn't show so she either forgot or Xmas without John sent her mood right down again - I know she has times when it's as fresh as yesterday cos it is only a year since he died.  It wasn't a big problem tho I was disappointed.  I'd been moving around a lot and also had ventured outside to see if she was coming and walked all the way around agin, so by the time I ate, I sent a message to Physio via Tamsin that I couldn't do physio as my legs were too pooped to pop (and I wasn't joking - all of a sudden it was an effort to put one foot after the other so no second lot of OT either and I wobbled - carefully - upstairs and took to my bed and stayed there.  I didn't have tea - still full from my late lunch.

I think I had a snooze for 30 minutes but it wasn't a long one - tho it did mean I was awake late but watched downloaded TV after I played myself out with Lost Treasure of Eldorado.  I eventually went to sleep about 1.00 a m so not as late as it could have been.

Rehab - Day 44 (29 Dec 2010)

Actually slept thru till 4.45 a m - yeay - and tho I had to really hustle to get to the loo, my bed was bone dry - double yeay!!  Almost totally back to normal now.  Really hot, muggy day - overcast but no rain.  The forecast is for more but none around here, just made life hard to do exercises cos was so muggy but I did them tho I arranged with Emily that I'd do my OT upstairs (knowing full well I wouldn't - I just didn't want any arguments about it!)  Physio wasn't too bad tho still sweating up a storm  Alissa had said I was booked in Thursday but not today or Friday, but they've actually managed to find a spot for me all 3 days and even tho I am lazy on my own still, I like to go down to the therapists cos they push my envelope further and I find I can do things I didn't think I could.  I wanted to try a lower height today which if I push up from the seat, I can stand from - can't do it pushing on my knees - my usual problem of not leaning forward far enough.  But did quite a few sit/stands from the lower height pushing up, so that's progress as well as the ball exercises, walking with the stick (no hands on bars) and stepping up and down off the "stair".

When I got back upstairs, the speechie on duty came to see me (Penny isn't back until Tuesday) and she has to read our files but there's nothing written down on her handover sheet about changes to standard diet.  I guess Penny ran out of time on Friday to update the charts.  She said she would read thru the charts to see if there was anything but if not, they'd have to stick to standard.  I said but if you say poached eggs aren't acceptable (which she did), that means porridge isn't either so there goes breakfast!  But I wouldn't starve between now and Tuesday, so that was OK with me.  She said she'd get back to me when she'd read the charts.  God, this obsession with food bores me - and the inference that we are liars (including Irene) makes me mad!  Tho I do know they don't mean it that way really but...

I spent the afternoon playing Eldorado (the new one), wanted to save the "Criminal Minds" episodes until tonite and knew once I started, I'd watch all of them, cos am enjoying them immensely.  Out for tea knowing there should be no problems tonite cos the speechie lady had found we were both on "minced and moist" diet and gave me a sheet of what I could have and all my faves are there, so I was happy.  Dell wasn't happy with nowt to bitch about but at least she shut up most of the time and ate her tea (vegie burger with mashed spuds and pumpkin.  So I got to enjoy mine, Spag Bol with vegies and ate 99% of it.  Took the Berry Cheesecake with me - had been social long enough!

Mrs Lamb rang and we had a chat - she sounded so bubbly and has so thoroughly enjoyed her visitors' kids, I wish Steve's daughter was reasonable they could renew their relationship with her 2 kids.  Once I got off the phone, I ate my cheesecake (which is actually spongcake with cream topping and berry jam - really rich so I take it slowly!) and watched my TV until all episodes of "Criminal Minds" were watched.  Then so ready to sleep,

Rehab - Days 40-43 (25 to 28 Dec 2010)

Xmas morning showed up rainy, overcast and a bit chilly - what a lovely day or me :oD.  I opened Julie's present and it was a pretty supersonic pedometer, to keep me on the straight and narrow - 10,000 steps per day... I had a lovely time playing Cradle of Rome 2 until I felt I really must get up cos didn't know what time Mark was coming.

He got here about 10.00 - and it was great to see his eyes light up when I got up off the bed and gave him a hug on my own 2 feet - I reckon he was thinking, "My job is done!"  It must have been a lot of work for the both of them (he and Stacey) to look after me whilst I've been helpless specially when it's been so busy in his section for most of the year.  So apart from a friend's feelings for me being better, a lot of relief has got to be in there as well for handing back responsibility for my life, not just my finances.  One thing I now know is that I'm not disconnected from the world just because my family has gone - I have all these wonderful friends who care deeply for me and would do just about anything for me.  I've learnt lots in the past 7 months (once I woke up!!) and it gives me the courage to look forward and feel safe - or as safe as this modern world can ever be.

We sat and visited for a couple of hours and today I let him talk to me with his news etc *G* - Ian won a scholarship for academic excellence - and think both of them are bursting with pride.  Luke is still monosyllabic but really typical of  a 15yr old!  And Ben gives him quite a bit of amusement I think.  He (they?) jet off to Europe on the 30th for 3 weeks which is a break from work he needs - think he's been burning the early morning/late nite oil for the past couple of weeks.  He gave me choccies (and I managed to eat a few without mishap - good old swallowing exercises and sucking!) and a book, lovely thick saga novel by an Aussie author, Monica McInerney which looks really interesting and my type of book.  He forgot my "huge" packet of mail and stuff so will drop that in before they leave.  He offered to have Ian pick me up in his SUV (ha, he's gone all suburban, golfing Dad!!) but I said I'd rather just get a taxi when the time comes - little Miss Independent, me - he's probably glad to see her back!!

Once he left, it was quite a let down to know I had no more visitors today and just Vonnie tomorrow now Chris and Liza probably won't get here:  I can't see them getting well in a day from how he was describing their state!!  I think I wanted to celebrate this Xmas cos I'm still here and kicking but the best laid plans ...

Because it was a special Xmas lunch, I went out today and joined the few of us who were left behind - my favourite soup (Cheese & Cauliflower) and yummy mango and a glass of Sprite - woohoo!!  I'd've love to have got stuck into the prawns but couldn't eat them anyroad, so didn't waste any.  Glad to get back to my room tho - the noise today has been phenomonal even with more than half the patients missing, and the way the tables were set up, I was opposite one of the ladies who does not appeal to me at all who talks all the time, usually in a negative way about anything and everything - and Xmas carols playing incessantly in the background whether you want to listen or not - with the door shut, I couldn't hear it anyroad!!  I spent the afternoon and half the nite playing Cradle of Rome - I do get obsessed - lol!

Was starting to flag so I settled down and watched a couple of "Castle", went to the loo and went to sleep - Merry Xmas everyone.

- o - o - o -

Opened my eyes to another rainy day - damn, but I love this weather!  Tho with most of the State flooding and getting more rain than ever, I shouldn't be so jubilant I guess, but it does so appeal to me.   I stayed in bed an extra hour just to annoy my nurse for the day, Tom, who was all ready to throw me in the shower, weigh me, obs etc before I even finished breakfast - not on, sunshine!  But once I did get up, I "sat out" on the big chair in my room (after I'd tidied up bits and pieces around the place)  My trachie site was itching like the devil so I ended up pushing, pulling and scratching at it until it came off.  And it took until about 11.00 for Tom to notice and redo it.  I got weighed too whilst Vonn was here - 95.3 kg today so have put on a kilo - pooh - less Breakas and more walking around the ward I think!!  (I only had 4 mini chocolate bars yesterday - and gave the leftover chocs to Vonn for her and Karrl!!)  Might have to start a calourie diary again, that seems to be when I can really work out what is what.

Vonn arrived at 10.30 (she'd had to go to 3 service stations before she could find my mineral water so was a bit hot and bothered! oops!) - she had gotten my email so I did get my Macca's strawberry thickshake.  Once I'd worked out I had to push up on the seat of the chair, not the arms, I finally got up and hugged her - and we both shed a little tear cos there's another one who can stop worrying!!  We had a great visit and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Also we started working out actual dates of when I'm going home - and she will pick me up (she'll take the day off work quite happily - :o\) cos her car is just a slide in/slide out height - not too low and not too high - and she will be there to haul me out if my knees get stagefright again (*G*), so I was pleased to say yes, please.  So the day is Friday, 21 January 2011.

We ended up visiting thru the lunch hour, besides after a large Macca's thickshake, what else could I fit in my tummy - was stuffed.  Once she went (she'll be back after 3 Jan which is when she comes home from the week up at the Sunshine Coast tho she doesn't start back at work until the 10th), I went back to Cradle of Rome 2 but I ended up sleeping or a couple of hours - didn't mean to and was quite cold not under the covers, but just drifted off and didn't even hear them outside or Denice delivering my Breaka so it was a pretty deep sleep too.

Once I woke myself up properly, it was time for tea so I toddled out for 1½ plates of Potato and Leek Soup and then later on, I got Lei to get me a mango Weis bar so not too calourific tea.  I want to start sewing for myself again and to do that, have to be down to 12½ stone (80 kgs) otherwise I just get pissed off with how things look!  If the swallowing exercises are working as they seem to be, I should be able to go back to meat and 3 vegies, tho I may never get back to steak and a green salad or Vitawheat with fresh crab and pepper, but can have a Di Bingham special crab salad for my treat!!  Once I started thinking about textures and what will go down and what won't, there's still a huge variety I can eat especially if I am careful and focus when I'm eating.

I ended up drifting off again over another new game, Lost Treasures of El Dorado (matching 3 hexagons which can get interesting cos the replacement hex's don't drop straight down on the board, they come in from the side, etc so you never quite know what you're going to end up with) about 9.30, so was still dopey from afternoon sleep - it's been steadily raining all night so that helps lull you too.

- o - o - o -

... unhappily was slept out by 1.30 am so when I woke up for the loo, was awake.  I surfed around eQuilter and added a whole stack of things to my wish list and I got an email newsletter from Fictionwise in which there were a couple of interesting new releases, especially a new S H Baker, Marshall's Bayou series.  One thing led to another and I finally sorted all the sundry ebooks stored all over the computer so I know what I have and re-downloaded Mobipocket and eReader (Fictionwise who are owned by Barnes&Noble) for some of the expired ebooks from Fictionwise - you really have to keep up with their changes or you waste your money cos you can't read the books anymore!!  So I kept myself quite happy until breakfast *EG* - tho I did spend $20 for ebooks.

I got out of bed after breakfast, rather than spend the whole day in bed - sat out in the chair and watched a couple of "Castle" (am nearly up to the satellite episodes of this season, so I hope there is a Season 3:  I do enjoy it. Then I spent the rest of the day designing quilts in EQ5 and it just wets my appetite to open all those packages and get in front of the Janome with all that new fabric - LOL!!  With Lolly there, it'll be twice as much fun!!  I can't even remember what I've got or what.  I'm having trouble not going beserk with the US Quilt shop sales - some $3 a yard designer stuff, etc - I want it all!!

I talked Tina into bringing me soup in my room for lunch and then Denice at afternoon tea to bring me a Weis bar, but when I went for my lap around the ward (yes, I did do it today as well as a myriad of sit/stands from the chair so not a total waste), I checked out the menu and I wasn't missing out on tea:  Broccoli Soup and Macca Cheese, so I made it out to tea *G* and it was totally yummy and worth toddling out there for!!

I spent the night reading a Temperance Brennan/Seely Booth ebook, Bones, but drifted off about 9.30 - been a long day, tho not a boring one by any means.

P.S.        I have finally realised why my face is suddenly so jowl-ly -- like with the radiation, the trachie has swollen my throat and chin.  In 2002 I looked like I was Henry VIII at his fattest in the face and it took months to go down -- so there is hope I won't stay this "moonfaced" forever whuch makes me feel a lot better.

- o - o - o -

Slept out by 12.30 a m so when I woke up for the loo, as you do - or I do - about the same time every nite, was awake although I tried my hardest to relax and go back to sleep.  But my mind is way too active although my eyes are tired but I may doze for an hour or so later.  Got an email from Jacqui and she was saying she will try to visit this afternoon which would be great so I sent back a burbly "what I've been doing" (tho she is keeping up with my blog - she's a lovely petal - and, yes, that is meant for you, my caring friend) and please try to come, I'd love to see her. 

I finished my book and surfed about, spent some money (when don't I??) on eBay (more quilting fabric - this time for backing for 2011 Think Pink quilt for work - very graphic - fuscia/black modern funky flowers/birds/butterflies and know exactly what to do with the front now I have the back - as I say, I cannot wait to get sewing - if Lolly is in a creative mood too as she said, Killeen Street will be humming.  I cannot wait!
 
At 4.00 a m the nurses brought me a cuppa and I updated this blog while I enjoyed that - I never noticed before but the Gateway Bridge at night is strung with blue lights - I can see if through my window - and as I watched then, they went out!! lol - it's 4.45 a m.   There was no rain during the nite although it's still overcast so maybe it's on its way elsewhere.  We had some sunlight for fully 30 seconds but it went back to  heavy skies straight away.  I'm now going to start designing my Think Pink quilt because I've had a brainwave *G*
 
Well, for the last day of the holiday, I really did nowt again tho half heartedly did some leg exercises - didn't sit out in big chair today, just mooched about - read another ebook I already have, watched a couple of TV shows, played Lost Treasure of El Dorado and some Cradle of Rome 2 - and Jacqui and her Mum did make it this arvo, so we had a great visit and talked craft and fabric (of course) cos Jacqui's Mum knits, quilts, sews etc so it made me so impatient to get outta here and get started!!  It was Jacqui's Mum who knitted me my mitten/gloves that saved my fingers after the cancer - and also my toes with knitted slippers.

I logged in to Facebook to see what I had missed over the past few days and an advert caught my eye for an email group (also on Facebook) called Stitchtalk.  For all hand crafts that are sewn, knitted and crocheted, not just quilting so I joined it - might get me re-motivated for "proper" sewing, ie tops, pants, dresses, home decor (like slipcovers!) - very friendly mob and I was welcomed immediately.  So look forward to getting to see what they do, familiarise myself with the site, etc.

Irene, one of the catering staff, popped in to ask me if I minded being swapped to the top table as there'd been a kafoofle in the dining room.  I said Yes cos felt I couldn't do anything else and as she said, I don't go out as much as the others.  On my first nite out for dinner, there was a kafoofle at the top table! Sheesh, can't even eat in peace!  Dell, who is on the same sort of diet as me and as modified by Penny, ran into trouble with the silly Indian nurse and Tina because we are allowed to try anything we feel will go down without problems, you know make some adult decisions about what goes in our gobs!!  But they couldn't find that written down anywhere so she couldn't have the omelet, which was all that was on the menu that was vegetarian (trust Dell to be a vegan and cause problems with it) - she kept arguing with the nurses that it was all there was for her to eat but without Penny there, they wouldn't budge and Dell kept arguing - and in the end, I just got up, got my walker and left the dining room - this perpetual, interminable discussing everything or arguing the rights and wrongs drives me mental.  I said to Dell that until Penny came in, the nurses weren't going to change their minds, and one night with just soup would not starve either of us, but Dell had to make her points!! *sigh*  Was glad to get out of there - please can I go home!!

I managed to stay awake until 9.30 p m but then drifted off - it'd been a long day - fraught with people which I am getting less and less able to deal with politely - am actually glad the holiday is over and it's back to work tomorrow!!  People won't have so much time on their hands to be unreasonable!