Sunday 29 September 2013

Shifting stuff

Saturday 28 September

We don't have the alarm set to wake us on the weekends.
Not the radio alarm anyway.
Mr Magoo serves as an alarm as wee ones often do.
So I was still up fairly early.
Once awake I like my early morning coffee!
Half-Pint was still asleep.
Butcher and Chuckles were drowsy but waking.
I fired up the computer to check it out.
Brains and I were a bit perplexed when we connected all the cables last night as there was no port for the phone line.
Ummmm. ......
But all the modem lights were doing what they ought, even the internet one.
And the internet was working so all good :)
I checked out all my programmes and all was good.
The problem this time was that the graphics card had died.
Nothing else was affected so I didn't lose any data.
Vidor, my bro, was going to text me round mid-morning when he was on his way to Wadestown.
So I decided I may as well do some things to keep busy.
Half-Pint had woken by this time and was full of smiles and busyness.
Butcher took their car down for the WOF.
I spent some time backing up files.
Our friend who sorted out the computer last time put a programme on it called SyncToy.
Last time I lost a heap of stuff. I had it backed up on an external hardrive.
Which fried.
I had backed up some stuff but not recently.
So when the computer wouldn't boot up I was thinking I may have lost files again!
With SyncToy I can make additions to a file on the main computer, for example, then when I put in the Flash drive (USB stick) I can choose which file I want and sync the computer and Flash drive.
SyncToy will perform a search and then ask if I want the files added/deleted etc.
I think that's pretty much how it works.
Managed to figure it out, and the beauty of it is that I don't have to remember which files I've backed up. I'll just have to train myself to backup every time I add to the folders and files that are important to me.

 I called and talked to P about the computer. No longer need that cable.
Only the inbuilt graphics card so no games able to be played on the computer.
And I'd figured out the SyncToy properly.

Soon enough it was mid-morning, then noon!
No word from Vidor.
I'd  called Johnsonvale and they were open to visitors again.
So Pa was wanting to go down and see Ma.
And Vidor needed to be let in to the house.
I sent him a text saying it would most likely be just me at the house.
He said that was fine.
He was waiting for his mate with the ute.

By this time Butcher, Chuckles and Half-Pint had returned from the walk they'd gone on.
They arrived back with their car which had passed it's warrant.
One less thing to worry about...for this time.
They were heading back to Featherston.
While we were seeing them off Brains called out to me that Vidor was on the phone.
His mate had forgotten about the shift!

Vidor asked if my van had a towbar. Yes, it does.
And so began a busy afternoon!

Locket decided to come with me.
Boar checked the oil and water and we were off.

I drove to Wainuiomata to pick up Vidor.
Then to his mate's place to get him, then to the mate's niece's home to get her.
Cos it was her place the stuff was being stored in.
Then part way down the Coast Road to another home to pickup a trailer.
These places were all in Wainuiomata.

After getting some petrol we headed to Naenae to drop T off.
She needed to make some room in the house the things were going to be stored in.
Then it was back along the motorway to Johnsonville.
I'd forgotten to take the Power of Attorney papers that needed signing.
I also picked up some tie-downs to secure the furniture to the trailer.
Then over to Wadestown.

With a bit of juggling and putting the back seats in the van up we managed to get all the furniture in.
It's strange but the thing that seemed to make the place look empty was the table and chairs going from the kitchen/dining area.
57 years of history...that's how long Ma & Pa have had it.
I'm glad Vidor has taken it as it is staying in the family.

Once the trailer was loaded we began the reverse trip.
We went down the hill from Wadestown and along the Hutt Road to the Hutt Motorway.
Less winding roads that way.
I haven't done a lot of towing so I took it really carefully.
I found the van and trailer moved around quite a bit.
Nothing shifted though so that was good.

We had a good trip out to Naenae, got things unloaded quickly.
Vidor and K were keen for us to get back to Wainuiomata before the light faded.
We did manage that and also the rain began just as we dropped the trailer off.
Dropped Vidor and K at the place where Vidor was staying.

Locket and I were both tired and hungry.
I knew Frosty was getting dinner ready at home but decided to get us a snack.
Drove through the McD's and got Locket some fries and a drink.
Just fries for me. I was hungry, more than anything, and could feel a headache coming on.
I wanted to avoid that if possible and thought it was partly due to lack of food during the day.
Then it was back along the motorway to Johnsonville.

Phew! A lot of driving but it got done.
Vidor was very grateful that I'd been able to do the job, and that the van has a tow bar.
His car does but he'd leant it to the daughter of a friend for a few weeks.

When we got home dinner was almost ready.
Frosty had made lasagne.
One ordinary, one gluten free and one vegetarian.
With roast potatoes, boiled carrots and cabbage.

Dinner was a little later than usual so it wasn't long before Pa was heading for bed.
I tucked myself up soon after.
Daylight saving begins tonight or 3am tomorrow anyway.

Locket has been having trouble falling asleep some nights.
Settling down early enough but just not able to fall asleep.
I suggested she try a glass of hot milk with honey and nutmeg the other night.
She wasn't too sure but tried it and pronounced it yummy.
If I'm having trouble sleeping it has helped me.

Some people consider it a bit of an old wives tale.
I've heard that science has proven it does contain a natural sedative.
I found some info on it just before.

  • Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime. Warm milk contains a natural sedative called tryptophan.
  • Adding honey to warm milk will help the body absorb tryptophan faster and will also produce a quicker sedative effect.
  • http://chetday.com/insomniatips.htm
  •  I found I was only able to read a few pages of my book.


    This book tells how Cadfael came to his decision to be a monk.
    I belong to an email list that is a buy-sell-swap for home educators.
    This book popped up a couple of weeks ago and since I'm reading through the series I decided to purchase it.

    

    Saturday 28 September 2013

    History Fair

    Friday 27 September

    This morning we were off to the WHEN  History Fair.
    It's the first time one has been held in Wellington.
    After getting up and organised we headed out to Whitby
    to where the fair was being held.
    The first part was viewing the exhibits.
    I took photos of a few that I really liked.




    The young lad who did this exhibit gave a very good talk about the fire.


    This eagle is extinct. There is some more info on it here


    This is my great-niece Zali's 18th Century cottage




    I loved this one, and the fact that Molly was in costume :)
    Little House on the Prairie is one of my all time favourite series of books.

    There was quite a variety of topics, more than I can show here.

    After some of the young ones gave talks there was a break for morning tea.
    Then there were various activities to do.
    Butter making, grinding wheat with a mill and millstones, spinning, flax weaving are some of the ones I remember.

    Both Locket and Brains went off for a walk with friends.
     One of the young lasses who went with Locket's group had been told not to
    so was not popular with her mum. Oops :(

    Brains and Locket enjoyed catching up with friends.
    I was able to catch up with friends as well, and meet new folk.

    When the fair was over we wended our way home.
    Pa had called Johnsonvale earlier and they were still shut to visitors.
    So he caught the bus into Wellington City to go to the barber that he has been going to for years.
    Although I think it is the original barber's niece now who does the cutting.
    After that he went on to his old home to do a little more sorting.
    I sent him a text to ask him when he'd like to be picked up.
    He called the landline and suggested late afternoon as he wasn't able to go and see Ma.

    I did some work on the computer and then popped down to get a few groceries.
    When I got home Butcher, Chuckles and Half-Pint had arrived.
    They are going to go for a WOF for their car tomorrow.
    So they had come over from Featherston to spend the night.
    It was going to be a full house!

    I wasn't home long before I needed to head over to Wadestown to pick Pa up.
     I left instructions for Locket to tidy off the bench.
    Brains had to sort out the fire although I think Butcher took over the job.
    Butcher has always like to start the fire.
    Half-Pint was excited to see us all.

    Pa was all ready as I text him that I was on the way.
    He had quite a few things to go back to our place.
    I also emptied the freezer of the packets of beans and peas that were in there.
    Vidor is taking it tomorrow so it needed to have nothing in it.

    When we got home Locket and Brains made their pizzas.
    I used to always make the bases but often buy them now.


     These are the ones I usually get for Brains and Locket - Gluten free




    These are the ones I like for us.
    I got mine and Pa's ready...1/2 for me, 1/2 for Pa
    Boar prepared his.
    We do ours whilst Brain's and Locket's are cooking.

    I'd arranged to pick up our computer in the evening.
    Ate my pizza on the way.
    We needed to go to Stokes Valley, about 20-25 minute drive.
    We stayed and visited a while before we headed home with the computer.
    It was all ready to go.

    Home around 10pm and Brains hooked up the computer.
    All going...so he was very pleased.
    P is going to cobble together another one for Brains as the one he was given was infested with malware and wouldn't run.

    The sleeping arrangements were thus:
    Pa in his room, Boar and I in ours.
    Brains and Locket in their own rooms.
    Frosty and Jester in their room with Mr Magoo in there in the bassinette.
    Mr Magoo usually sleeps in the bassinette in the lounge but....
    Butcher and Chuckles were in the lounge on the foldout sofa bed.
    Half-Pint was upstairs in the rumpus area in the portacot!

    I was very happy to clamber in to bed as I was a bit weary.



    

    Friday 27 September 2013

    Busy wee people

    Thursday 26 September

    The radio alarm in our room turns on at 6am....on weekdays anyway.
    Around the same time I heard baby talking from Mr Magoo.
    He was awake and ready to start his day!
    The morning was wet and dreary, and the fire had burnt down.
    Boar got the fire going again to take the chill off the air.
    I got Mr Magoo's bottle ready, however before I gave it to him I changed his nappy.
    I also got beautiful smiles and gurgles, conversation baby style :)
    Then it was down to the serious business of drinking his bottle.
    After that it was time for a play on the mat.
    Boar left for work at his usual time of 7.10am.
    Some years ago he would leave at 7.30am.
    For the last few years he has had to leave at the earlier time to get to work due to the peak hour traffic.
    Usually he works over the other side of the city.
    The reverse journey in the evening can take a while too so he's usually home around 6pm.
    A long day.
    Mr Magoo kept me quite busy for the morning.
    I managed to get some porridge made and eaten.
    I'm enjoying the porridge at the moment.
    Think I had some toast and butter as well.
    Mr Magoo has just learnt how to roll from his back to his front.
    So of course no sooner do you lay him down and he rolls.
    Then he's stuck!
    He makes crawling movements with his legs but he's a wee way off that yet!
    So he was on the floor for a bit, sitting in the corner of the sofa - yes, I was right there - "playing" with some toys.....till he arches his back and slips down!
    And he can't sit up too straight or he bends forward and can't get back up as his back muscles are not strong enough yet.
    Around 8.15am he was grizzly and looking tired so I popped him in the bassinette.
    He grizzled a bit and then settled off to sleep to lullabies.

    I found the above CD when I was expecting Locket. I used to play it before she was born.
    After she was born I would play it as she was drifting off to sleep.

    I especially love the first lullaby

    The moment I saw you, I wanted to hold you
    And keep you warm on a cold grey morn
    The moment I held you, I wanted to kiss you
    And welcome you here on the day you were born

    The CD I had got well used and eventually scratched and would skip.
    I was delighted when I found it on ITunes and was able to purchase it.

    I've given copies to all the grandbabies so far...well their parents anyway.

    While Mr Magoo was asleep I quickly got dressed and began a letter to my friend Kris.
    We began writing letters a couple of years ago at my suggestion.
    It's really nice to receive something in the mail that isn't a bill or something asking for money!
    I was well overdue to write so put pen to paper....literally.
    Often we use the computer and print it out, but since ours is out of action.......

    I got a little done before I heard Mr Magoo "talking"
    He's a power napper....20mins or so and he's awake again.
    He sleeps all night though so that's the main thing.
    He kept me busy for the rest of the morning.
    Brought back memories I can say!

    At one point when he was on the floor, on a playmat, he rolled back to front.
    He was wriggling and squirming, when I saw his face go down...and yes he smacked his wee nose into the floor!
    Understandably he didn't like that at all!
    Poor wee fellow got a shock and cried.
    Cuddles from Granny helped.
    Gravity lesson...but not in a good way.

    Pa had a text from D to say she had finished with the computer and was going to drop it off after 10am.
    Yipee! One computer back.
    It was round 11am when D arrived.
    She had a quick cuddle of Mr Magoo while she was talking to Pa about the data she had input.
    It was great to be able to use a big screen after the wee phone one.
    Yes, I know you can stretch the screen to make it easier to see but you still have to move around on it a lot.
    I prefer being able to see the whole screen at once!

    I did get a few sentences added to my blog before Mr Magoo needed attention.

    It took me back to when my babies were little.
    The days when baby needed a lot of input and you felt as though you accomplished not very much.
    Except that you did.....you mothered a wee precious babe!
     One of the most important jobs there is, if not the most important.
    In my opinion anyway.

    I used to have this poem on the wall to remind me.

    Song for a Fifth Child

      by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton
      Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
      Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
      Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
      Sew on a button and make up a bed.
      Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
      She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
    Oh, I’ve grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
    (Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
    Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
    (Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
    The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
    And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
    But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
    Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
    (Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
    The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
    For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
    So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
    I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
    ***********

    Frosty and Jester arrived back around 2pm.
    They'd begun to miss Mr Magoo almost as soon as they drove away :)

    Pa had walked down to see Ma as the weather had fined up.
    He arrived back not much later.
    When he got to Johnsonvale the outer door was locked.
    There were around 15 residents ill with the flu. 
    Two were on antibiotics and 2 had needed to go to the hospital.
    They had closed the rest home to visitors to help contain the spread of the flu.
    Thankfully Ma was fine.
    Pa had continued on down to the shops and picked up a pair of pants form the dry cleaner,
    then walked on home.

    Brains, Locket and I left for dance earlier than usual on a Thursday as we needed to pick up Locket's friend Nikki and take her as well.
    I dropped the 3 off at the studio and then went to visit Moneypenny and Little Sunshine while they had their class.

    I was greeted with beautiful smiles from Little Sunshine, and a cuddle. She is not always so free with cuddles being a fairly wary 19 month old on occasion.
    Moneypenny and I had a good chat as well.
    Just time for a quick cuppa then it was kisses and cuddles goodbye.

    Off to the studio to pick up my two.
    Usually Estelle as well but she had to have her knee checked by a surgeon today.
    As she was still going to Girls' Brigade with Locket we went on up to L-M & J's place to wait for her.
    We were only there for around 30 minutes before we wended our way back to Johnsonville.
    I dropped the girls off at GB and then we went home.

    Pa was there and Boar had arrived home from work.
    It was cooling down so I cut some kindling and got the fire going.
    Boar sorted out some dinner for us.
    Nothing fancy.
    Sausages, eggs, baked beans and chips!
    There was enough to make a meal.

    Frosty and Jester had gone out taking Mr Magoo with them so we just made enough for ourselves.
    They arrived back while we were eating and later got some takeaways.

     Often I'll wait till 8pm when Pa heads to bed to go to my room.
    Tonight though I wanted to watch X Factor USA.
    So I headed to the room at 7.30pm when it was due to start.
    It's always fascinating listening to the different singers.
    There are some amazing voices out there.
    There are also some who cannot have listened to themselves....or are tone deaf.
    Usually the judges let them down lightly...but not always.

    I also finished my letter to Kris as I want to post it tomorrow.
    Boar was using Pa's computer to look at Trademe so I waited till he was finished to add to my blog.
    Then I managed to finish off Jane and the Chalet School
    My light was off later than usual. It was 12.30am when I looked at the clock!
    Ooops...and need to be on the ball in the morning as we're going to...
    The first one to be held in Wellington.



    

    Decisions and Changes

    Wednesday 25 September 2013  

    Well that worked! I even managed to publish the post....wonders will never cease :)
    Not even going to try and figure out how to add photos though.
    This morning I wasn't quite so tired when I woke up. I think I've had one of those random 24-48 hr viruses the last couple of days.
    I managed to check my emails and banking on my phone though I much prefer using a computer. Not proficient at using two thumbs to type...yet. One finger typing is a bit slow. I must admit I do like the predictive word function on this phone. Certainly makes it much quicker :)


    No need to guess which is which!
    The old one was chomped over 2 years ago by Frosty's puppy!
    Amazingly it lasted...and was still going but I'd finally got enough for a new one :)
    Ok falling asleep now so will have to finish this tomorrow.
    Find the phone screen a bit small...making my eyes tired!

    It's now Thursday 26.
    Pa's computer has just returned so I'll add a bit to this before I'm no doubt interrupted again.

    So to remember what happened yesterday!

    After checking emails etc I decided to make some porridge for my breakfast.
    I prefer the oats finer so put them through the food processor before I cook them. I do a few cups at a time and store them in my fancy (not!) storage jars. Old peanut butter jars I saved years ago when we were first married. They've served me well :)

    Duty calls! 

    Pa is still sorting through things from his old home. 57yrs worth of things.
    Quite a lot of paperwork which he has burnt.
    But many other things too.
    Family are able to request items they would like to have.
    My brother, Vidot, is coming down this weekend to take the kitchen table & chairs, fridge/freezer, chest freezer and a small sofa and seat that are a set.
    That has all been arranged so all good.

    While I was stirring my porridge Pa commented that since Vidot was down taking those things he could also take anything else that wasn't wanted/hadn't been claimed!
    Huh?! was my reaction. Why?
    Pa said obviously no-one wanted anything as they hadn't been to take things!
    I pointed out that last year all had agreed that I would catalogue things and let people know what is there.......when Pa was ready for that to happen.
    As he was still living there he needed some things:- bed, table & chairs etc!
    He has still been sorting before he had the strokes and major operation.
    For a while he wasn't well enough as he was recuperating.
    Then Callista had her Aortic Dissection and her and her family were recovering there.
    Since they moved back just a couple of weeks ago Pa has been sorting paperwork.
    Despite me asking he hasn't seemed to want any help.
    I mentioned that I don't have the ability to mind read.
    There didn't seem to be a great rush.
    All of a sudden, this morning, that seemed to have changed!

    Whilst this discussion was happening I could hear Frosty and Jester quietly talking.
    They suggested they go and help Pa move/lift heavy things.
    Also that they could move in and rent the property.
    Pa said well, yes, that was a possibility!
    Another Huh! moment for me as I thought it was pretty set that Absent-Minded Prof and Moneypenny were going to rent it.
    All of a sudden things change.

    I sent a text to Absent-minded Prof to ask him to call me today if he got a chance.
    He called almost immediately and I let him know of the change.
    As the youngsters would say......Awwwkwaaard!
    I suggested he leave off telling Moneypenny until he got home from work.
    After all she has only 6-7 wks to go with her pregnancy.

    So the decision was made that I would take Pa over to his house.
    Frosty, Jester and Globug would go over to help.
    Oh and Globug has a new name.....Mr Magoo. He is now 4 months old.
    Brains and Locket went as well.
    I saw them in and showed Jester around the house as he'd only been in once very briefly.
    Then I left them to it as I was going to meet a friend for a catch up/coffee.
    Vi and I have been friends since primary school.
    We've known each other since we were 5 yrs old.
     Both being busy people it's hard to find time to catch up sometimes.
    Vi works full time so her days are busy too.

    It didn't take me long to drive from Wadestown to Newlands where Vi lives.
    We had a grand old chinwag.
    As I'd arrived later than I'd expected I stayed till it was time to pick up Pa.
    A couple of hours. And I'm sure we could have filled a couple more!

    Then it was back to Wadestown to pick Pa up and take him to visit Ma.
    I then went home and had a short time to fill before I took Brains and Locket to the dance studio.
    Today they need to be there at 3.30pm.
    So out to Tawa, drop off and return via the Countdown in Tawa as I needed to pick up a few groceries.
    Just enough time to run in and get those things before picking Pa up from his visit with Ma.
    Home again, home again jiggerty jig!

    I was looking after Mr Magoo from 4.30pm.
    Frosty had cooked us some dinner even though her and Jester were going to friends that night.
    Jester had got the fire going which was great.
    The days have warmed up and when the sun streams in the windows we often don't need the fire going during the day.
    Evenings are a different matter as it cools down quite a lot.
    A lot of folk may not light one but I feel the cold and prefer to be warm :)

    So it was play time with Mr Magoo.
    The weather was pretty wet, low misty rain and windy.
    Brains and Locket needed to be picked up at 6.30pm.
    Thankfully Boar arrived home just in time to go and get them.
    That way I didn't need to take Mr Magoo out in the yuck weather.
    I popped him in the front pack while I finished getting the dinner ready.
    He seemed to like seeing what was going on.
    Mr Magoo wasn't quite so impressed to be in the Jolly Jumper while we ate dinner.
    No, that's not Mr Magoo but a promo shot.


    When Boar had finished his dinner he got Mr Magoo out and played with him.
    I finished scoffing my dinner.
    Then it was bath time for Mr Magoo, followed by his bottle and bed.
    He settled really well and was asleep soon after 8pm.

    I had hoped to continue adding book titles from Pa's place to a catalogue I'm creating.
    I'll keep the ones I want, let everyone know the titles that are there and then list the rest on Trademe.
    If they go they go.
    If not I'll earmark them for the big book sale in May next year.

    Moneypenny text to say she'd heard about the change of plans and understood the reasons why.
    I was glad she didn't seem to be upset. 

    I called sis Sheri up to update her with what was happening, Pa's fall and also to find out her thoughts on the prospect of Frosty, Jester and Mr Magoo renting the property.

    Ma had put it succinctly to Pa.
    She was happy so long as it was a properly drawn up contract and the rent got paid!
    No flies on Ma even though there are many things she doesn't remember! 
    Pa had wanted Sheri consulted as she is one of the EPOA's for Ma & Pa.
    Vidot is the other one.

    While talking with Sheri I discovered that some books I really wanted had gone.
    Pa had said Sheri could take them and sell them on Trademe.
    They're only books....but they were one's Ma had collected and I had as well.
    The understanding I had with Ma was that when she no longer wanted them I could have them.
    Add to my collection of Chalet School books.

    After the phone call I decided to tuck up in bed.
    I continued reading Jane and the Chalet School
    It is one I haven't read before and I'm really enjoying it.


    These are re-prints of the original versions and I began collecting them a couple of years ago.
    I never knew until I was reading about them that the copies I read growing up and own, published by Armada, have cuts in them....i.e. chunks missing. In some cases whole chapters.
    Occaisionally I had wondered if I'd missed something when reading some of them.
    They didn't quite flow as I thought they would.

    I've earmarked a date in October to go and meet some of the other people who enjoy reading them and meet every so often.

    After reading it was sleep....blessed sleep!
    

    Wednesday 25 September 2013

    Computerless!

    

    Tuesday 24 September

    Well I've decided I'm not that great at the whole blogging business!
    Partly because I need to share a computer with others. And at the moment we're completely computerless :(
    Our one is with a friend being sorted, the one that Brains has been given is as well. Hopefully it will return with wireless capacity.
    We've been lucky enough to have the use of Pa's. Today though he has needed to leave it with one of the people from his church so that she can input some financial data.
    We're hoping to have it back tomorrow.
    So I decided I'd try to use my new phone!
    Since it's hooked in to our wireless it won't cost me data time if I do it when I'm home.
    A bit slower but better than nothing :)
    A week ago I wouldn't have been able to do even that as l didn't have my new phone.
    Need to save this now as need to go pick up Pa.

    Ok, finally found time to get back on to this blog.

    As well as computer troubles life has continued to be busy.

    I won't bore you with a blow by blow description.

    One thing I will mention is that Callista, my niece, and her family are all back in their own home in Masterton.
    So that is great. They've been back for a few weeks now having moved back at the beginning of September.
    Settling back into their own home and finding a new normal.

    Today has been a bit busier than some. I caught up on a blog I read. I usually do that after checking emails and bank balances. I was able to use Pa's computer to do that this morning.
    As well as our own banking I check the balance, deposits and withdrawals for the accounts of the dance studio that I do the business administration for.
    It doesn't usually take too long.

    Later in the morning Pa and I headed out. We went out to Porirua to Warehouse Stationary as Pa needed to get some ink for his printer. We are hoping this is the reason it isn't working. As it hasn't been used for a while the ink may have dried in the cartridges. We tried to get some at Dick Smith Electronics but they had none and the shop assistant suggested Warehouse Stationary. We walked in, down to the area the ink was in and were handed some by a helpful assistant who was stocking the shelves.

    From there we went a few minutes south to Kenepuru Hospital where Pa had a Physiotherapy appointment. He is doing very well all things considered. He did have to admit to having a fall yesterday. He was waiting for a bus and when it arrived forgot
    didn't notice that there was a step down to the footpath. He went kersplat! Thankfully he didn't do too much damage. A couple of grazed places on his right hand and a bruise on his right cheek, also the right knee. Another passenger and the bus driver helped him up. The passenger later gave him a couple of band-aids as he noticed Pa's hand was bleeding. I had no idea of the fall until I picked Pa up later in the day. I did suggest that it may have been a better idea to call me and I could have gone and picked him up rather than him catching two buses. . . .but this is the fine line between independence and making someone more dependent on you. Sometimes things will happen.

    The physio suggested Pa have his vision checked as it is a couple of years since it has been done and it may have changed in that time, or as a result of his changes in health lately. Apart from that she felt Pa just needed to carry on with the walking and everyday activities he is doing. He doesn't have another appointment scheduled although one can be made if it is needed.

    After Pa's appointment was over we had a bit of lunch at the small café in the hospital foyer. Lunch over we carried on south to Tawa to the Post Shop. Pa had a couple of books he wanted to post to an old friend. Also a card to buy as it is Jamila's birthday today :)
    We found both things Pa wanted and got the package posted.

    Southward a bit more to D's home. Here Pa was going to instruct D how to input data to a cash management programme as she is taking over the job from Pa. Which is good as it is one less thing for him to worry about. Having turned 87 a few weeks ago I think he's entitled to do a bit less!

    I took a book to read as I don't like to sit doing nothing. I'm currently reading Jane and the Chalet School, one that I haven't read before.

    Ok need to take a break as my eyes are getting tired. Small screen of the phone methinks!

    The rest of the day went pretty much as per usual. When Pa was finished at D's home I dropped him off for his visit with Ma at Johnsonvale. Then home to do a few things before I liked Pa up, dropped him home.
    Then on to ballet with Brains & Locket. Being Tuesday I stayed as after ballet I take Locket and E to Hip Hop.
    Then it was home again, dinner and not too much later an early night :)

    Saturday 7 September 2013

    The last two weeks - Part One

    Since the last entry a few things have happened.
    Brains and Locket have been dancing with L-M for a few years now.
    Last September her nephew was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma.
    This is a type of cancer.
    Nick battled the cancer well.
    However, sadly, he died on the Wednesday of that week.
    R.I.P. Nick.
    The night of the 23rd August I went off to sleep.
    I think I'd only dozed off half an hr before a text came through on my phone.
    It was around 12.30am on the Saturday.
    It was to tell me that A's waters had broken.
    I asked if they wanted me to come over and the answer was yes.
    So off I went to Titahi Bay where A lives.
    Yup, her water had definitely broken!!
    A was having contractions, they hadn't become regular though yet.
    That is common in early labour.
    A managed to doze between the contractions and I made a note of them.
    B (mum-in-law) and I stayed awake most of the night.
    I think B fell asleep somewhere around 3am.
    I curled up on a chair but didn't really doze off.
    At one point in time I lay down on the floor in front of the fire with a couple of cushions and blankets.
    B was a bit scandalised when she woke!
    She would have rather I was in a bed.
    But I was comfy and the fire was warm on my back.
    Around 8am the midwife called to see how things were going.
    She decided to come for a visit around 10am.
    At the visit it was decided to head in to the hospital. Not much progress had been made.
    Due to a condition called Thalassemia A needed to go to Wellington Hospital
    A was going to need an IV with Syntocinon
    It was a long day and night for A and her husband V.
    Around 2am on the Sunday morning the decision was made to do a Caesarean as the labour was not progressing.
    Baby was not coming down despite A pushing for all she was worth.
    As A had an Epidural which had been put in a couple of hours before she was able to be awake.
    V went in to the theatre with A.
    I waited in the whanau (family) room.
    At 3.07am their baby boy was born. 7lbs 5oz, a good size despite predictions he was going to be small.
    Mum and baby were doing well. V was a bit shattered by the whole experience.
    V was told he could stay so I wended my way home.
    Got home and fell into bed around 5.30am.
    I'd had about 30mins sleep in 48hrs...since I woke up on Friday morning.
    I managed to sleep off and on till noon.
    Got up then as I know from doing night shifts years ago if I didn't I wouldn't sleep well that night!
    Moneypenny arrived with Little Sunshine soon after.
    She'd decided to come to us and go in with me later to see A again. And her new nephew of course.
    We went in later in the afternoon and had a short visit.
    I gave A a wash as her skin was feeling all itchy. Apparently the medications.
    B (mum-in-law) had given her a wash earlier too.
    The midwife caring for A that night was someone I've known for years.
    We left the hospital around 6pm.
    Headed toTawa first to drop off Moneypenny and Little Sunshine.
    Then on to Titahi Bay to drop off V.
    I had a quick cuppa before I went on home.
    I was still feeling pretty tired.
    Monday One of the ladies from church dropped off a pair of curtains for me to repair.
    I'd said I'd do them some weeks before.
    Before life went a little crazy!
    Then I took Pa to an appointment at Kenepuru Hospital.
    We'd been rung a few days before as there was a cancellation.
    It meant we got to see the Rheumatologist earlier than the initial appointment.
    She thought that Pa's arthritis had been grumbling away for a while before the strokes.
    She prescribed a course of prednisone in the hopes that the arthritis would settle down.
    This would mean Pa could get more function back in his right hand.

    Then it was home and a quick change before heading out again.
    This time to pick up Al, another mum who is at the dance school.
    She has known L-M for over 10 years.
    L-M had asked us both to attend Nick's funeral.
    I picked Al up from The Terrace where she works.
    It was a lovely funeral though I was a bit perplexed by it.
    Photos, but none with his grandparents, aunts & uncles or cousins.
    Perhaps the family were closer to their friends than their actual family.

    I managed to get the curtains repaired and drop them off.
    At least I'm pretty sure I dropped them off on the Monday!

    Tuesday Absent-Minded Prof was sitting his restricted licence.
    I went with him as a fully licenced driver is supposed to be with a learner.
    Despite booking online you still have to fill in forms at the licencing venue.
    And you need proof of your address.
    A-M Prof forgot to take any. So I had to do a mad dash back to their home to pick some up.
    Unfortunately A-M Prof didn't pass.
    They are pretty strict.
    He failed on the reverse parallel park.
    Apparently he tried to do it in a way different to the way he normally uses!!
    Of all the times to choose to do that.
    So he will have to re-sit.

    A lot of folk fail it first time around.

    Later in the day I went in to pick up A, V and Baby.
    They were being discharged.
    At 1.30pm.
    I arrived before then.....to find things had changed.
    A paediatrician had weighed baby.
    This is not usually done till day three.
    He'd lost 10% of his birth weight.
    Most babies lose some weight.
    The paediatrician thought they should stay in.
    They wanted to go home.
    I was looking at a baby who seemed to be behaving as a normal newborn does!
    The midwife on duty agreed.

    So in the end they went home.
    We picked up Locket on the way.
    Dropped A,V & baby at Titahi Bay.
    Back via Tawa to pick up Estelle who we take to Hip Hop as well.
     Then home!