As you know I was adopted when just a wee baby and I've explained who my adopted (adoptive?) parents were. My dad had been widowed when his son was very young and with Len having been born in March of 1911 and me in January of 1932, Len was nearly 21 when I was born. He had left the farm by that time and was working in Perth. I think he used to come home on visits as I have a very old photograph taken near the farm in 1932 and Len was part of the group and I was a tiny baby.
We moved to Perth following Mum's illness in about September of 1937 and at this time Len was working for a firm of taxis known as Yellow Cabs. He had to wear a chauffeur's suit complete with leggings and a cap and he always looked very smart when he left for work. When we first arrived in Perth we had rooms in a big house at the east end of Wellington Street but after a short while rooms became available in the house where Len had a nice little flat situated in the back garden.
I think it was when we moved into Goderich Street that I began to get to know my big brother much better. I guess in some ways, owing to the age difference, perhaps he was more like an uncle. I do know though that we became very close and he was always very nice to me.
In the year prior to the declaration of the beginning of WW2 Len decided to join the Royal Australian Air Force. He was stationed at what was then called Pearce Aerodrome and one of first his tasks was to colour by hand a life size photograph of King George VI. I think it was then placed in the Officer's Mess. He had always been quite artistic in his youth and he eventually became a photographer in the air force.
During WW2 he was on loan to the American Air Force situated in Darwin and actually took part in a big air raid on the Japanese oil wells in Borneo. As his job was to photograph the result of this raid theirs was the last 'plane over the target. They were chased way off course by Japanese fighter 'planes and as on their homeward journey over the Timor Sea the fuel gauge showed EMPTY.
They had no idea if they would make it to the northern shores of Australia so the fellows began saying goodbye to each other and even paying back small loans to each other. I feel they had an extraordinarily good pilot as he managed to keep the 'plane airborne and glided in and made a landing on a northern beach. As the 'plane dug into the sand it nose dived resulting in all the men being plummeted towards the nose. They had all congregated at the rear of the 'plane thinking this was the safest place for them to be. Poor Len ended up under the pile of men and his was the only injury....a very bloody nose.
A 'plane flew over the next day and dropped water and provisions to them but they had no idea how long they would remain on this deserted beach. After a few days two aborigines carrying spears and other paraphernalia came out of the bush. One of the Americans said he knew how to speak to aborigines and went towards them shouting "Yahoo Yahoo" to which the aborigines said "Good Morning." They had come from a mission station and spoke very good English. I believe the American looked somewhat abashed.
They led the men through the bush to the mission and Len said he was amazed how easily the aborigines moved through quite thick bush and the crew had trouble keeping up with them. Eventually they returned to a nearby beach and were picked up by a lugger and then returned to the air base in Darwin.
I think Len was actually involved in several aeroplane crashes during his spell in the air force which may have had something to do with his contracting Meniere's Syndrome in later life. He was discharged from the airforce in 1946 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant although at one time had held the rank of Acting Squadron Leader.
I was always very, very fond and proud of my big brother and also of his wife Jean who he married in Perth in 1940. With Len being away Jean joined the Australian Women's Army Service although if I remember rightly she was always stationed in or near Perth.
The two of them were always lovely to me and I often stayed with them for a few days. As we grew older we unfortunately grew apart somewhat. I often felt they didn't approve of me obtaining a divorce from my first husband although they were always very nice to my second husband.
I have always been so very glad that I spent some time with Len the night before he died in 1986. He contracted lung cancer and I remember well his bravery in facing up to his impending death. His wife had been very ill with shingles so he had put off going to the doctor as he was so busy caring for her. He had noticed a severe shortness of breath but by the time he went and saw his doctor it was too late. The cancer had taken too big a hold if his body so we lost him when he was 76. His widow went on to live a full life and died in 2004, aged 87. They had two daughters and 4 grandchildren.
Len, I think of you often, both of you in fact, and remember you with a fondness that will never die. I too remember that beautiful baritone voice you had and the numerous nights we would stand around the piano, at our home or yours, all singing but in particular listening quite often to you singing on your own. They were wonderful times that I will never forget. Thank you for being my big brother.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
A NEW TYPE OF BLOG (I HOPE)
I am think of creating a second blog when I find out how to do that. The reason is because I often feel like popping on here and just talking about what I have been doing but realise that most of the things I do are pretty darned boring.
Recently MOH came in while I was on the computer and began talking about books from our childhood years. He mentioned Treasure Island, Alice in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows and we then began trying to think of other wonderful books from way back then.
A book suddenly came to my mind that I had read when I was between the ages of 10 and 12. It was called "Daddy Longlegs" by Jean Webster, and I remembered it as a book I had really loved and in fact had probably read several times. I don't get to the shops much so I hopped in eBay and bought a copy from a bookseller that sent it post haste and post free which I thought a good deal. The book is about an orphan who is helped to have an education by an unknown rich benefactor. All he asks in return is that she write him letters to tell him of her progress. It is a delightful book and one I would recommend to folk no matter their age.
Thinking more about this particular book and also my folks who encouraged me to read and were always buying books for me I decided on a plan of action. Dad would go to the auction houses and come back with a pile of secondhand books so there was always ready material for all of us.
To cut a long story short (I do seem to go on and on at times don't I?) I decided I would begin a blog called "Dear Mum and Dad". I could then 'talk' to them about what I have been doing as I am sure they would be interested and I'd feel I was just talking to them and not worrying about what others thought of what I was writing. Hope that makes sense to everyone and of course if you are interested you are more than welcome to have a peek as well.
Now all I have to do is find out how to begin a new blog but associate it with this one so it will show on the same page. When my daughter is not too busy I am sure she will be able to help me as she has 4 blogs linked together. So my dear if you happen to read this perhaps you could tell me how to go about it. I saw where I could click on start new blog but wasn't sure what to put as the address. Oh gee, I am just so computer illiterate aren't I? : )
Recently MOH came in while I was on the computer and began talking about books from our childhood years. He mentioned Treasure Island, Alice in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows and we then began trying to think of other wonderful books from way back then.
A book suddenly came to my mind that I had read when I was between the ages of 10 and 12. It was called "Daddy Longlegs" by Jean Webster, and I remembered it as a book I had really loved and in fact had probably read several times. I don't get to the shops much so I hopped in eBay and bought a copy from a bookseller that sent it post haste and post free which I thought a good deal. The book is about an orphan who is helped to have an education by an unknown rich benefactor. All he asks in return is that she write him letters to tell him of her progress. It is a delightful book and one I would recommend to folk no matter their age.
Thinking more about this particular book and also my folks who encouraged me to read and were always buying books for me I decided on a plan of action. Dad would go to the auction houses and come back with a pile of secondhand books so there was always ready material for all of us.
To cut a long story short (I do seem to go on and on at times don't I?) I decided I would begin a blog called "Dear Mum and Dad". I could then 'talk' to them about what I have been doing as I am sure they would be interested and I'd feel I was just talking to them and not worrying about what others thought of what I was writing. Hope that makes sense to everyone and of course if you are interested you are more than welcome to have a peek as well.
Now all I have to do is find out how to begin a new blog but associate it with this one so it will show on the same page. When my daughter is not too busy I am sure she will be able to help me as she has 4 blogs linked together. So my dear if you happen to read this perhaps you could tell me how to go about it. I saw where I could click on start new blog but wasn't sure what to put as the address. Oh gee, I am just so computer illiterate aren't I? : )
Monday, October 8, 2012
MUSICAL MONDAY AND ALL THAT
While I am sitting here pondering what I could write about today I am listening to one of my Roger Whittaker CDs.
Saw my physio again today. This time she worked on my knee, my neck and the right side of my jaw. Next week? Other sore spots are awaiting her ministrations. If only I could win Lotto and then I could have her as my permanent physio to call on whenever necessary. Well, we can all dream can't we?
A quiet night tonight with dinner already cooked so feet up, a little TV and then to bed perchance to dream.
His is a voice I really enjoy very much and although he is now 76 he is still a very good singer and I believe he will shortly be touring Germany again where he is very popular.
I first heard Roger Whittaker sing when he was the first to record "Wind Beneath My Wings". I loved the song when I first heard it and still do but back then I was far too busy to take much notice of music that was on the wireless or who in fact was doing the singing. I just know I really enjoyed the lyrics and the voice of the singer.
I first heard Roger Whittaker sing when he was the first to record "Wind Beneath My Wings". I loved the song when I first heard it and still do but back then I was far too busy to take much notice of music that was on the wireless or who in fact was doing the singing. I just know I really enjoyed the lyrics and the voice of the singer.
In the early 1990s I bought a double CD with a variety of artists and two of the songs were sung by Roger Whittaker..."I don't believe in If any more" and "The Last Farewell" and loved both songs and kept replaying them.
When I got a computer and became used to using the internet I began looking for CDs featuring Roger Whittaker and I now have a collection of about a dozen of his CDs. He sings a lot of songs in German ) but I prefer songs sung in French if they are to be in a foreign language. He does sing in French too and so I enjoy that very much.
I am 80 and Roger is 76 so I guess we are contemporaries at least in age if not in talent. I like songs that tell a story and also a singer that sings so I can understand the words he is singing. I play his music as an accompaniment when I am out here using my computer and they never fail to please me.
Saw my physio again today. This time she worked on my knee, my neck and the right side of my jaw. Next week? Other sore spots are awaiting her ministrations. If only I could win Lotto and then I could have her as my permanent physio to call on whenever necessary. Well, we can all dream can't we?
A quiet night tonight with dinner already cooked so feet up, a little TV and then to bed perchance to dream.
FAMILY MEMBERS...#2 MY MUM
I wrote this as a draft back in July and hadn't realised I'd not publishes it so here goes. I may have written subsequent posts which included some of the info given here but I am going to leave it as I originally wrote it.
I didn't purposely put Dad first but gave him precedence as he was the elder of the two.
My adoptive mum (the one who chose me to be her daughter) was born in London, England in 1897, towards the end of the Victorian era. Her father was a lawyer and from what I can make out (and after re-reading some of his letters from years back) I feel he was somewhat of a snob. He was for many years involved in Freemasonry and was a Grand Master and mixed with very high ranking people throughout his life. I googled Percy Rockliff and up came pages and pages of history of the Masons that involved Percy throughout those many pages.
Mum had a sister 7 years older than herself and a very gentle, quiet mother who eventually, with her two daughters, was forced to leave the family home because it would seem that she was not suitable as a wife for her husband Percy.
Mum had a good education and found employment in the Sugar Commission where she was secretary to one of the head of the commission. This is of course where she met dad not knowing at first that he was a widower or had a small son. From what she told me she fell in love with this much older man (she was 19 and he 31 when they first met. They married in December 1917 in South Tottenham and as England was still involved in WW1 there were many restrictions...no photographs could be taken (not sure why) and they were able to get only a few days for a honeymoon.
Family members came down with the Spanish 'flu which swept through the world after the cessation of hostilities and dad was very sick as was mum's sister Amy. It was only procuring oxygen that saved Amy's life. She had worked for an oxygen company and mum appealed to the boss of that company who made the oxygen available.
To cut a long story short dad was told that his health was failing and it was suggested he emigrate to a warmer climate. The decision was made to come to Western Australia and so mum and dad sold their home and possessions and along with dad's young son sailed on the "Euripides" and disembarked in Albany in May, 1920.
Their object was to take up farming and you must remember these two people had come from good homes and good jobs and had absolutely no experience of farming or hot climates. Obviously they considered it would a healthy lifestyle but they had many trials and tribulations through the ensuing years which included the Great Depression, being burnt out and losing their home and all their possessions and being flooded out to name a few problems they encountered during their 17 years of farming
When I was 4 mum had a major operation and developed thrombosis in both legs so was bedridden for some time and she and I spent some time in Albany which she convalesced. Eventually the doctor told dad that he couldn't guarantee mum' survival if they didn't leave the farm. I am not sure anyone in the Western world today could imagine how hard the work was back then and the long hours they worked. They grew potatoes which is a backbreaking job when you sow the seed potatoes by hand and only have a a horse and plough to dig the furrows.
The hard decision was made for us to move up to Perth...I don't know the financial details but I feel that medical bills and mum not being able to work on the farm had meant perhaps borrowing from the bank. All I know is that they walked off the farm with very little but their clothing and aboud five pounds in their pockets.
All this after 17 years of really hard yakka must have been devastating but they seem to have taken it in their stride regardless of what they had to go without. I know mum only had one good dress and very little else in the way of clothing but somehow I was always well dressed (mum made my clothes...possibly borrowing a sewing machine) and I have a photograph taken when I was 7 of a very smart little outfit she had made me.
As told in dad's story he eventually found a very good job but I have never managed to work out how they managed to send me to college from the age of nearly 6 until I was 15. At no time was I ever made to feel we were poor...they were two very proud people who would never allow their poverty to be evident. I don't think I ever thanked mum for all she did for me and perhaps haven't realised this fact until after her death when I've had time to really consider it all.
In 1952 we moved to a new home dad had subconstracted to be built and very comfy it was too. It was while living there that I had celebrated my 21st birthday, my engagement to H#1 and my marriage. I later learned that mum had to borrow a little money from my half-brother to help pay for the wedding. Even then she was still battling 'cos dad had just not wanted to work after he sold the shop in 1947 so I think building the house may have incurred a mortgage.
I didn't purposely put Dad first but gave him precedence as he was the elder of the two.
My adoptive mum (the one who chose me to be her daughter) was born in London, England in 1897, towards the end of the Victorian era. Her father was a lawyer and from what I can make out (and after re-reading some of his letters from years back) I feel he was somewhat of a snob. He was for many years involved in Freemasonry and was a Grand Master and mixed with very high ranking people throughout his life. I googled Percy Rockliff and up came pages and pages of history of the Masons that involved Percy throughout those many pages.
Mum had a sister 7 years older than herself and a very gentle, quiet mother who eventually, with her two daughters, was forced to leave the family home because it would seem that she was not suitable as a wife for her husband Percy.
Mum had a good education and found employment in the Sugar Commission where she was secretary to one of the head of the commission. This is of course where she met dad not knowing at first that he was a widower or had a small son. From what she told me she fell in love with this much older man (she was 19 and he 31 when they first met. They married in December 1917 in South Tottenham and as England was still involved in WW1 there were many restrictions...no photographs could be taken (not sure why) and they were able to get only a few days for a honeymoon.
Family members came down with the Spanish 'flu which swept through the world after the cessation of hostilities and dad was very sick as was mum's sister Amy. It was only procuring oxygen that saved Amy's life. She had worked for an oxygen company and mum appealed to the boss of that company who made the oxygen available.
To cut a long story short dad was told that his health was failing and it was suggested he emigrate to a warmer climate. The decision was made to come to Western Australia and so mum and dad sold their home and possessions and along with dad's young son sailed on the "Euripides" and disembarked in Albany in May, 1920.
Their object was to take up farming and you must remember these two people had come from good homes and good jobs and had absolutely no experience of farming or hot climates. Obviously they considered it would a healthy lifestyle but they had many trials and tribulations through the ensuing years which included the Great Depression, being burnt out and losing their home and all their possessions and being flooded out to name a few problems they encountered during their 17 years of farming
When I was 4 mum had a major operation and developed thrombosis in both legs so was bedridden for some time and she and I spent some time in Albany which she convalesced. Eventually the doctor told dad that he couldn't guarantee mum' survival if they didn't leave the farm. I am not sure anyone in the Western world today could imagine how hard the work was back then and the long hours they worked. They grew potatoes which is a backbreaking job when you sow the seed potatoes by hand and only have a a horse and plough to dig the furrows.
The hard decision was made for us to move up to Perth...I don't know the financial details but I feel that medical bills and mum not being able to work on the farm had meant perhaps borrowing from the bank. All I know is that they walked off the farm with very little but their clothing and aboud five pounds in their pockets.
All this after 17 years of really hard yakka must have been devastating but they seem to have taken it in their stride regardless of what they had to go without. I know mum only had one good dress and very little else in the way of clothing but somehow I was always well dressed (mum made my clothes...possibly borrowing a sewing machine) and I have a photograph taken when I was 7 of a very smart little outfit she had made me.
As told in dad's story he eventually found a very good job but I have never managed to work out how they managed to send me to college from the age of nearly 6 until I was 15. At no time was I ever made to feel we were poor...they were two very proud people who would never allow their poverty to be evident. I don't think I ever thanked mum for all she did for me and perhaps haven't realised this fact until after her death when I've had time to really consider it all.
In 1952 we moved to a new home dad had subconstracted to be built and very comfy it was too. It was while living there that I had celebrated my 21st birthday, my engagement to H#1 and my marriage. I later learned that mum had to borrow a little money from my half-brother to help pay for the wedding. Even then she was still battling 'cos dad had just not wanted to work after he sold the shop in 1947 so I think building the house may have incurred a mortgage.
MOH IS DOING SO WELL WITH HIS SLEEP MACHINE!
MOH was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea a few months ago and was told he should use a sleep machine which delivers air to him through a tube while he is sleeping. He had a trial run with such a machine and the results were good so it was decided we should buy a machine for him to use permanently. Fortunately our private health insurance paid a sizable contribution towards the cost.
Today he had an appointment with CPAP, the people who sold him the machine, and his results over the past 3 months are excellent. Next Monday he has an appointment with his sleep doctor and I am convinced he too will be delighted with the results he will have received from CPAP.
There are times when MOH would like to leave the machine off for a short break but inevitably he begins to snore etc., within a few minutes. It is a quite comfortable device and he has really taken to it like a duck to water. No mask (he tried one and found it uncomfortable) so this is just a sort of double nozzle that fits in his nostrils. When the weather is cold he can add water to a receptacle in the machine and set it to warm the water so he is not breathing in icy cold air which makes it even more comfortable.
I now think back to the countless night when I would hear him snore or gasp for air and wake him or tell him to turn over. I used to be afraid I would go to sleep and not hear him having problems breathing. To stop breathing 32 times in an hour is not funny and I would recommend anyone who thinks they may have sleep apnoea to at least see their GP so they can have the appropriate test. This also applies if your partner or anyone you know appears to be having breathing problems while asleep.
Peaceful nights are here again and now I just need to tell my silly joints to behave and we will both have wonderful restful nights. I am sure we are both so much better off than several months ago.
Today he had an appointment with CPAP, the people who sold him the machine, and his results over the past 3 months are excellent. Next Monday he has an appointment with his sleep doctor and I am convinced he too will be delighted with the results he will have received from CPAP.
There are times when MOH would like to leave the machine off for a short break but inevitably he begins to snore etc., within a few minutes. It is a quite comfortable device and he has really taken to it like a duck to water. No mask (he tried one and found it uncomfortable) so this is just a sort of double nozzle that fits in his nostrils. When the weather is cold he can add water to a receptacle in the machine and set it to warm the water so he is not breathing in icy cold air which makes it even more comfortable.
I now think back to the countless night when I would hear him snore or gasp for air and wake him or tell him to turn over. I used to be afraid I would go to sleep and not hear him having problems breathing. To stop breathing 32 times in an hour is not funny and I would recommend anyone who thinks they may have sleep apnoea to at least see their GP so they can have the appropriate test. This also applies if your partner or anyone you know appears to be having breathing problems while asleep.
Peaceful nights are here again and now I just need to tell my silly joints to behave and we will both have wonderful restful nights. I am sure we are both so much better off than several months ago.
Friday, October 5, 2012
WHY AM I STILL HERE? ANSWERS BELOW.
I have been granted nearly 11 years beyond the three score years and ten that it is said is our lot. Why am I still here then? I was thinking about that today in one of my moments of deep thinking and you don't get a lot of that around here these days.
Firstly I have a husband and a cat that need me to be here regardless of what a nuisance I may be. Said husband keeps me going and cares for me. He may be a funny old bugger in many ways but he is always there if I need him, day or night. When I had another attack of vertigo at 2am Tuesday morning he was there for me. I call him MOH (my other half) and without him I would not be a whole person.
Our GP. At first I only visited this doctor regarding my arthritis but then when our lovely lady GP fell in love and moved to the country I asked KW if we could become permanent patients of his. He fortunately said yes he would add us to his huge list of patients for which we were very grateful. He is only about 5 minutes drive from our home which also makes it very convenient. He is easy to talk to and takes time to answer questions and explain things to us.
Our endocrinologist. I did attend the Prof's clinic at Fremantle Hospital many years ago but when my diabetes took a turn for the better he delisted me as that is one very busy clinic. After a time my diabetes took a turn for the worse (as type 2 diabetes does) so MOH and I now see the professor as private patients several times a year. He is a wonderful man and tries his very best to keep us fit and healthy.
Our physiotherapist. Well she is actually my physiotherapist and has been for several years now but if MOH has an odd ache or pain she looks after him excellently as well. I often wonder if I'd be able to get around at all if it wasn't for Jenny. We also go to an exercise group that she runs once week where we do various exercises suitable for the elderly as well as weights. They are a lovely small group of up to 12 folk and we do have a lot of fun.
Our podiatrist. We saw John today. I have been going to him for a few years as I have very strong toe nails and was unable to manage them myself. Earlier this year I talked MOH to go regularly with me every 6-7 weeks as I knew he was having difficulty managing his own nails and it is nice at our age to do things like that together. John is also great to chat with and we have some quite serious conversations about all sorts of topics.
Our dermatologist. JC is a fantastic doctor. He has found several little things that needed treating and has endeavoured to get my rosaceae reasonably under control and zapped a few spots here and there. With our Australian summers the way they are our skins are always under threat of developing sun spots no matter how careful we are so it's good to have someone keep a check on us each year.
My cardiologist. I have been seeing Dr O'S for a number of years and was very pleased when I saw him in September when he told me that all the tests I've undergone show that my heart is in good condition, or at least it is right now. That truly was good news after various weird things that have happened over the past few years. My imagination? No, just strange things that happen from time to time for which there doesn't appear to be an answer.
Our pharmacists. We always go to the same pharmacy and they are very helpful. They are in the same complex as an IGA story and a newsagency which makes it very convenient if we need items other than medications. All the pharmacists are very helpful and also they stock our diabetic medicines and insulin which is good. It is of course our medications that probably are the prime reason we still exist so we do rely on our pharmacy to check that medications don't clash etc., and warn us if they think anything is incorrect in any way.
My eye specialist. Dr G did both my cataract ops recently resulting in fantastic vision and on my last check up he performed minor laser surgery to correct a small fault left after one cataract op. He is a charming fellow that I feel very comfortable with. MOH and I both wear glasses and I go to a very special optometrist my daughter recommended who looks after my eyes. MOH has his own eye specialist whom he sees twice a year about his glaucoma which is now well under control using drops daily.
Our dental clinic (which is subsidised by our Western Australian state government). We have a wonderful dentist there who is actually a delight to visit. I don't have much to be done these days but Peter looks after MOH's teeth very well and at nearly 83 he (MOH) is fortunate to still have nearly all his own teeth.
My family of course are a very important part of my life but I know that even though they are very busy they do think of me and that in itself is a reason to remain around as long as I can. I try not to be a nuisance but of course would love to see each of them more than I do. I do follow them on Facebook and that keeps me in touch with what they are doing which is great.
Unfortunately most of my close friends have left this mortal coil or now we live too far apart to pop in for a cuppa as we once would have done. We exchange greeting cards for Christmas and sometimes birthdays and that is something I look forward to as well. An occasional 'phone call too but not as often as we once did.
This may seem a strange post but I just wanted to acknowledge the fantastic people that endeavour in various ways to make out lives reasonably comfortable. Not all these medicos etc are Australian which pleases me as it is good to get to meet people of other races. As long as they are good people the colour of their skin or shape of their eyes is of no concern to me. We are, after all....all human beings and that is how I see them.
I hope I've not left anybody out. You can now see why many of our outings involve medical things. This happens as one ages. I have relations and friends that detest doctors but I have not, nor ever had a fear of them for which I am very thankful. One has to trust that they will do their very best and I have that trust.
Firstly I have a husband and a cat that need me to be here regardless of what a nuisance I may be. Said husband keeps me going and cares for me. He may be a funny old bugger in many ways but he is always there if I need him, day or night. When I had another attack of vertigo at 2am Tuesday morning he was there for me. I call him MOH (my other half) and without him I would not be a whole person.
Our GP. At first I only visited this doctor regarding my arthritis but then when our lovely lady GP fell in love and moved to the country I asked KW if we could become permanent patients of his. He fortunately said yes he would add us to his huge list of patients for which we were very grateful. He is only about 5 minutes drive from our home which also makes it very convenient. He is easy to talk to and takes time to answer questions and explain things to us.
Our endocrinologist. I did attend the Prof's clinic at Fremantle Hospital many years ago but when my diabetes took a turn for the better he delisted me as that is one very busy clinic. After a time my diabetes took a turn for the worse (as type 2 diabetes does) so MOH and I now see the professor as private patients several times a year. He is a wonderful man and tries his very best to keep us fit and healthy.
Our physiotherapist. Well she is actually my physiotherapist and has been for several years now but if MOH has an odd ache or pain she looks after him excellently as well. I often wonder if I'd be able to get around at all if it wasn't for Jenny. We also go to an exercise group that she runs once week where we do various exercises suitable for the elderly as well as weights. They are a lovely small group of up to 12 folk and we do have a lot of fun.
Our podiatrist. We saw John today. I have been going to him for a few years as I have very strong toe nails and was unable to manage them myself. Earlier this year I talked MOH to go regularly with me every 6-7 weeks as I knew he was having difficulty managing his own nails and it is nice at our age to do things like that together. John is also great to chat with and we have some quite serious conversations about all sorts of topics.
Our dermatologist. JC is a fantastic doctor. He has found several little things that needed treating and has endeavoured to get my rosaceae reasonably under control and zapped a few spots here and there. With our Australian summers the way they are our skins are always under threat of developing sun spots no matter how careful we are so it's good to have someone keep a check on us each year.
My cardiologist. I have been seeing Dr O'S for a number of years and was very pleased when I saw him in September when he told me that all the tests I've undergone show that my heart is in good condition, or at least it is right now. That truly was good news after various weird things that have happened over the past few years. My imagination? No, just strange things that happen from time to time for which there doesn't appear to be an answer.
Our pharmacists. We always go to the same pharmacy and they are very helpful. They are in the same complex as an IGA story and a newsagency which makes it very convenient if we need items other than medications. All the pharmacists are very helpful and also they stock our diabetic medicines and insulin which is good. It is of course our medications that probably are the prime reason we still exist so we do rely on our pharmacy to check that medications don't clash etc., and warn us if they think anything is incorrect in any way.
My eye specialist. Dr G did both my cataract ops recently resulting in fantastic vision and on my last check up he performed minor laser surgery to correct a small fault left after one cataract op. He is a charming fellow that I feel very comfortable with. MOH and I both wear glasses and I go to a very special optometrist my daughter recommended who looks after my eyes. MOH has his own eye specialist whom he sees twice a year about his glaucoma which is now well under control using drops daily.
Our dental clinic (which is subsidised by our Western Australian state government). We have a wonderful dentist there who is actually a delight to visit. I don't have much to be done these days but Peter looks after MOH's teeth very well and at nearly 83 he (MOH) is fortunate to still have nearly all his own teeth.
My family of course are a very important part of my life but I know that even though they are very busy they do think of me and that in itself is a reason to remain around as long as I can. I try not to be a nuisance but of course would love to see each of them more than I do. I do follow them on Facebook and that keeps me in touch with what they are doing which is great.
Unfortunately most of my close friends have left this mortal coil or now we live too far apart to pop in for a cuppa as we once would have done. We exchange greeting cards for Christmas and sometimes birthdays and that is something I look forward to as well. An occasional 'phone call too but not as often as we once did.
This may seem a strange post but I just wanted to acknowledge the fantastic people that endeavour in various ways to make out lives reasonably comfortable. Not all these medicos etc are Australian which pleases me as it is good to get to meet people of other races. As long as they are good people the colour of their skin or shape of their eyes is of no concern to me. We are, after all....all human beings and that is how I see them.
I hope I've not left anybody out. You can now see why many of our outings involve medical things. This happens as one ages. I have relations and friends that detest doctors but I have not, nor ever had a fear of them for which I am very thankful. One has to trust that they will do their very best and I have that trust.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
MY THANKS TO MY DAUGHTER
I am very grateful to my daughter that she had to cancel her appointment with 'our' physio today and in doing so asked them to put my name down in her place. I didn't bother to ring on Friday after the unplanned sit down on the steps but I certainly need some extensive physio in many places. It was a long weekend so I doubted there would be any vacancies in the busy schedule. Jenny today worked on my knee with ultrasound and the muscles in my thigh with massage and boy the latter sure did hurt.
Now I have strapping on my knee in 3 places and an exercise to do to tighten and then relax the thigh muscle as many times a day as I can. Jenny thinks that when the knee bent more than it normally does I caused some stretching of various muscles etc., and now we have to work to get them back to normal.
I have another appointment on Monday when I will have some work done on the painful areas in my back where I hit against the step behind me when I went down. That I am looking forward to immensely. It will hurt but I know it will also help which is the main thing.
Not much can be done for my poor old hands which also took a battering as one was holding the walking stick and I took my weight on the other hand. Both ended up with excess pressure which hasn't helped them one little bit. I probably need thumb replacements but I don't like the idea of my hands being in a plaster for up to 6 weeks and not being able to use it/them. I've not even gone there and doubt I ever will.
So thank you K for thinking of me and I am glad you were able to get another appointment for yourself next week. We both are so grateful to Jenny for doing her best to keep us mobile. Apart from being a delightful person, she does a fantastic job with out ailing joints and muscles. I have been going to her for so long that I regard her not only as my physiotherapist but also as a friend.
Now I have strapping on my knee in 3 places and an exercise to do to tighten and then relax the thigh muscle as many times a day as I can. Jenny thinks that when the knee bent more than it normally does I caused some stretching of various muscles etc., and now we have to work to get them back to normal.
I have another appointment on Monday when I will have some work done on the painful areas in my back where I hit against the step behind me when I went down. That I am looking forward to immensely. It will hurt but I know it will also help which is the main thing.
Not much can be done for my poor old hands which also took a battering as one was holding the walking stick and I took my weight on the other hand. Both ended up with excess pressure which hasn't helped them one little bit. I probably need thumb replacements but I don't like the idea of my hands being in a plaster for up to 6 weeks and not being able to use it/them. I've not even gone there and doubt I ever will.
So thank you K for thinking of me and I am glad you were able to get another appointment for yourself next week. We both are so grateful to Jenny for doing her best to keep us mobile. Apart from being a delightful person, she does a fantastic job with out ailing joints and muscles. I have been going to her for so long that I regard her not only as my physiotherapist but also as a friend.
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