Hiya! It’s Me and Mister C…

Hello… What lovely rain (and cooler days-yay!) we have had these past days; our rain gauge had about forty-five mls of the lovely drop. I was pleased it did rain, as the garden was looking quite dry; and it can be difficult (and time consuming) watering all new planted areas (particularly with a larger block). Australia Day was coming up on the calendar; Husband and I decided not to attend any official (planned) events like previous years, that had been arranged in our local area (it was low-key anyway due to Covid). Mister C and I did want to acknowledge and send a BIG congratulations, with a hearty welcome, to all the new citizens calling our wonderous Country home…

With ongoing debate (and some protesting) regarding this particular day at present, we wanted to quietly do our ‘own thing’ this year. Like other public holidays, we like to spend time together as a family (unless I am working); so, we took the opportunity to head up to Mittagong, for bowling fun in the afternoon (thanks heaps and the new renos look amazing!). Husband worked out it had been over six months, since we were last able to head up that way. Flossy won the last game (about 108 points- well done!) and happily recalled this on the drive up (about an hour drive). We all chatted about the last game, Mister C then piped up and said, “I am going to win this time! I am really strong to hold two bowling balls and roll them both down at the same time. I will get lots of points doing this!”… We all laughed; naturally, we always encourage the kids to do their best, it was a fun game, not a sports competition (I secretly hoped not to lose again- like last time!). I can report, I came last and Flossy did win again (to Mister C’s quiet disappointment- better luck next time!).

School went back on Friday, for one day (better than nothing, I guess?). For us, Mister C and Flossy went back and Widy was due back with the rest of the high school on Monday. Flossy tried both her school and sports uniform on and looked so lovely (and grown up!), she was of course nervous about her first day. Flossy commented on a dream she had the night before, about wearing the wrong uniform and getting to school late. Our minds are curious things; our dreams can reassure us about events in many strange ways (Husband knows I love analysing dreams). I reassured our special girl and gave lots of Mum hugs; I can happily report, the morning and her first day went well. I was lucky enough to not have to work that day too (thank-you!), and could take some happy snaps of both Mister C and Flossy, to remember their first day. Mister C had a good first day in big year three too; pity about the all-day rain though- difficult to get outdoors to play this day.

As I wrote last blog, I started attending the adult karate Dojo group, in our local town. I made it through our second session for the year, and felt positive about continuing. So, I paid my yearly registration and arrange to purchase a ‘Gi’ (white outfit) too, starting with the white (beginner) ‘Obi’ (belt). I admit, I felt a bit sorry for myself after the session; this time I had more muscle aches than last week (mainly my hip and buttocks). I managed to walk it out by the end of the week, (not without some moaning mind you) and is better today (thankfully). I look forward to the next session; I promised to practice the ‘Kata’ routine everyday- which I have attended (for most of the week). I am also pleased to report, watching my diet and exercising every day, I have lost a total of four kilograms to date (hear us girls’ roar!). It may not seem a lot, for me that’s a big achievement; particularly when I was never able to shed those last five kilograms (and later more), after having Mister C (all those years ago).

Righto, back to 2018 (can’t wait?) … All I can say is, what an extremely busy time we had over the following two months. With Easter festivities and social gatherings, in both Sydney and ACT (including a dear friend’s fiftieth birthday celebration- hiya S.M!), Flossy’s (unfortunate) concussion incident, our wedding anniversary, Husband’s booked procedure at the local Base hospital and his recovery, along with the new kitchen and house renos; I really don’t know how we did it all, let alone both our working days and school! I think I have summed that all up pretty well; not forgetting to mention, I also had to return one of the chooks I purchased the last month- it turned out to be a boy (rooster) and was happily crowing around the chook yard (so sad).

Okay, going back a few weeks, poor Flossy was encountering a few issues at school, with a few other girls in her year. A long story short, Flossy was in the bathroom and another girl banged the door open, unfortunately hitting her on the head (very hard); in turn causing her to fall back (‘saw stars’- as she said). The school rang me and I raced up to the school to collect her; as I have mentioned in a previous blog, Widy had suffered from a nasty sporting concussion back in 2014 (at school too)- so I knew the signs well. I closely monitored Flossy overnight and then took her to see our GP for a review the next morning. Our poor girl had a bad headache (which lasted for about a week), with double vision and dizziness for nearly two weeks; it was best for her to stay home over this time.

It was mid-March by now, Husband and I were due to celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary (yay!); but decided it was best to postpone our plans for a later date, with poor Flossy unwell. Husband commented, “What a bad day and anniversary! All our plans went to crap, because we had poor Flossy home with concussion. I care deeply and was worried about our girl; I know it is a bit selfish to think about how, Wife and I were supposed to have a day together, as well as being our ninth anniversary”…

The following week or so (Flossy was well enough to go back to school), I attended husband’s pre-admission appointment before his procedure at the local hospital. We ended up having the day together (part of it at the hospital), we ended up going out for a late lunch and was nice to get to spend some quality time together (not usually much these days with Husband’s commuting and my work). Husband also commented, “Yesterday had day off with Wife, for pre-admission appointment- went from noon to 2:15pm; wow Wife as a nurse there, knows so many staff! I was very grateful she was there with me, and indeed love her!” (thanks Husband!). I was pleased I could attend the appointment with Husband, it is always reassuring having a family member with you at the se kinds of appointments (particularly a nursing one). Husband finally commented, “Last night was SO great at home, Wife content and happy, kids were calm and pleasant. It’s evenings like this, that make living as a family such a pleasure”…

A Word from Mister C…

Dad had organised the girls and Mister C, to help pick up some sticks in the yard in order to make it safer for mowing; I was out visiting a friend that Saturday. Dad said to the girls and Mister C, “You can have twenty cents, for every stick you pick up today, please?!” … “Okay,” said the kids nodding; and went out (some grumbling along the way) to help gather some sticks and twigs. Within five minutes, Mister C came back over to Dad dragging a long bushy branch, then said giggling, “Daddy, this is worth at least twenty sticks, maybe it is worth even twenty dollars, I’m sure.” He then sighed and started to walk away; “I’m done now, that’s enough cashola for me!” …

Stay tuned…

For zanier stories from 2018 (are we in 2019 yet?). Husband goes under the surgical knife and has his booked procedure in hospital (after having read the book ‘Dr Death’ inside and out for the second time). We celebrate Easter with family and friends in Sydney and ACT; while the kitchen renos begin!… Thanks for your ongoing support-keep on reading; night from Mister C. ❣