Hello… It’s Me and Mister C…

Hiya! Another week has passed by; we surely know it’s Winter now (is it over yet?). Another quiet week for us; more sickness to report (oh no!) at home, with poor Flossy really unwell (I still had the dreaded cough mind you!). Lots of tissues, cough drops, ‘Demazin’, ‘Doterra’ ‘On Guard’ (the best), ‘Vicks’ rubs and cuddles, ‘Ibuprofen’ and ‘Freddo’ frogs to get our sick girl through… Unfortunately, Widy complained of a sore throat and looked pale this morning (oh no! another one bites the dust- I think!); no school for Widy tomorrow if she still feels unwell. Thank goodness Husband is working from home tomorrow and Tuesday, that is all I can say about that one…

Mister C and Widy were talking around the dining table one evening during the week; Flossy was still unwell in bed mind you (over a week off school the poor thing!). Mister C twirling his fork around his plate said; “I wonder if it will snow again, like last year? I love the white flakes, it’s really COOL!” … “Yeah, that would be fun”, smiled Widy; “I like the snow too; Mum doesn’t much!”… “No, it’s too cold- burrr! But it sure looks nice though,” I laughed, chattering my teeth…

What else could I do towards the end of the week (after I was feeling a bit brighter), but do some cleaning? While poor Flossy was convalescing in bed; I sorted out the linen cupboard and then some other cupboards, including scrubbing out the showers (it was quite traumatic- I can tell you!). I found an old harmonica instrument, and a pair of magic ‘spy’ glasses (the ones where you can see the person behind you- quite fun); I thought Mister C might have a bit of fun with the items, so gave them to him later that afternoon after school. I handed the items to Mister C, who’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree; “Ooh! thanks, what are these, Mummy? Mister C asked, grinning; “Oh… I know, it’s a flute!” … “No, my son; it’s a harmonica,” I said as I began to press my mouth over the instrument and make a funny sound. “You blow into it like this; it makes music with the air you blow.” … “WOW!” Mister C said, running off with the items. A few minutes later, Mister C reappeared with a black ‘Blues Brothers’ hat and spy glasses on, blowing the new harmonica with all of his might! “Is that you Mister C?” I laughed, “I thought you were one of the ‘Blues Brothers’!”… Dad walked in and said, “Gee, what’s all that racket going on? Surely your mouth is getting tired, Mister C?”… “Oh no, Daddy”, Mister C grinned; “My head is a bit tired, but my brain likes all the sounds I am making!” The next day Dad conveniently forgot where he had put the harmonica; Mister C went hunting for it and said to Dad,” Where’s my flute, Daddy? My brain needs some noise!”…

Okay… back to 2016, nearly half way there and shortly to be 2017 (yay!) … So, still juggling my busy shifts at the Base; Husband is a bit calmer with his work and hours of (mind-numbing) commuting; we try and ignore the noisy (but cute) neighbour’s dog named ‘Bella’. I recall the dog barked a lot in the afternoon, and sometimes during the night; it was just a matter of trying to adjust to the loud barks. The noise came out of the blue most days, ‘Bella’ would just start barking for some strange reason (not having had a dog for many years, we forget what they get up to). I have to say, it was certainly easier than trying to deal with our grumpy ‘Mr Chippy’ ghost friend in the last house; Mister C was certainly sleeping much more soundly to add too.

As an early birthday gift for Husband, we purchase a comprehensive audio kit for him to learn to speak Spanish. Husband always wanted to learn a new language; it was a good idea to pass some of the commuting time away, while also learn a new language! We can joke about it now, but it really did help Husband with the long drive home (especially the ones in complete darkness!). He learned all sorts of helpful common expressions like, “The house is big”, “The road is old” and “My van is expensive!” … Husband was also excited and looking forward to having his dear Bro come to visit for a few days (Hiya B.L). Husband comments, “Having Bro over was wonderful; left work early and picked up Bro from train station. Mister C was very quiet and shy on the way home, when we picked him up from day-care; perhaps he didn’t remember Uncle Bro? Bro and I went to the club after tea, came home at 0100 am; I recall dancing outside with the noise cancelling headphones on, then fell asleep on the couch and went to bed at 0500 am!” (sounds like lots of fun there!)…

Towards the end of April, my first rotation ended; I moved to my second rotation for my New Grad program, off the hospital campus. Having to move and learn a new area in nursing can be stressful; not to mention apprehension to meet and work with new staff too (some had worked there for many years). As I understood, it was a necessary part of the program, in order to complete all the skills required for registered nursing. I have to admit, some issues did crop up while working there; I managed to keep myself together, and complete all the necessary required assessments and tasks, to the best of my ability (of which I am very proud of). I was even lucky enough to spend some time in the Oncology unit (thank-you!), and cannulate some patients towards my cannulation certification. I was determined to continue to give high-quality nursing care, to all the charming residents (some staff were very helpful and kind- thank-you!). I was due to have two weeks annual leave during this rotation; it was booked for during the July school holidays (didn’t get much of a choice when I could take it, unfortunately), but I (and of course Husband and kids) was extremely grateful to have the much needed break coming up.

We celebrated our sweet Flossy’s eighth birthday early May; with lots of cuddles, gifts to open and a new friend over, for a sleep-over the following weekend. It’s always a bit worrying having a new friend over, let alone all night; not knowing much about the child, you want to make sure they are happy and comfortable in our home. This little girl was very boisterous and happy, which was a good thing; but I recall the child did take many hours to settle down in the night, waking Mister C up several times (not good for the tired little man). Flossy enjoyed herself, and that was the main thing; particularly when setting up the birthday rule (and not always liked) to have a party every second year (Flossy’s was last year) …

A Word From Mister C…

Mister C and Flossy were outside in the garden (was a bit cool- but had warm jackets on). Mister C came inside and took three apples. “What you doing, Mister C?” Dad said, spying the apples. “Golly gosh! why have you got mud up your sleeves, my son?”… “Oh!” Mister C sighed, “We’re out the back making stew, Daddy!” Both laughed and Mister C then said, “Don’t worry Daddy, we didn’t make much mess, I promise!” Mister C ran back outside with the apples, and called out, “We want to make apples and plant an apple tree. Flossy did the research and we know how to do it now!” Flossy came back in, about fifteen minutes later; looking quite proud of herself. “What you up to, Sugar?”, Dad said smiling… “Oh, I know how to make apples now, Dad; I have the seeds, they are in the fridge wrapped in wet paper towel!” Flossy grinning, then said, “I wonder what will happen? We could get lots of apples and trees!” Mister C came running back in (quite a lot of mud everywhere- at that point!), “Yeah, we have apple trees growing in our stew (mud patch in the grass), Daddy! I bet we could grow one hundred apples to eat by next week!”…

Stay Tuned…

For more Mister C mayhem and silly tales… We celebrate Husbands birthday and have a combined house-warming party. I have a bad fall in the garden, damaging my lower left leg and fracturing the ankle (Oh no!). We finally head off to sunny QLD, and catch that exciting plane trip to see Husband’s Bro and family (yay!)…