Hi there; Mister C and Me firstly wanted to acknowledge Anzac Day celebrations and remembrances, that have been happening in our lucky country today. We are proud of our service people who have served their country, over the past centuries and beyond. As I have previously written (in a past blog- last year), my dear Nan served as a medic (nurse) in the Army, during World War Two and Husband’s Dad also served in other events (Malaysian conflict) during his time served as a flight navigator in the Navy (Naval Fleet Arm in Australia). We are so very proud of our family and acknowledge all the people, who have served and who are currently serving today; thank-you for your service -‘Lest We forget’…
Before we move on, Me and Mister C also want to acknowledge this is our eightieth blog this week! We are super proud of our site, along with the time and effort we (mainly I) have put in, for the site to run smoothly each week. Some nights I think to myself, ‘I can’t write today, I’m too tired’; but, once I get writing, my brain switches over to blog mode (whatever we can call it!) and I ALWAYS enjoy writing (I guess I find it therapeutic in a way?). We also wanted to mention the special countries (all are-these ones just a little bit more), who have viewed our Blog the most this past month (still can’t believe we are international!). We say hi to Argentina, Russian Federation, Hong Kong, the United States and of course Aussie land (Australia). Thanks so much for reading our blogs each week; it truly means a lot to us and we acknowledge your ongoing support. Let us know in our comments section, if you would like us to add or change anything; Mister C also shouts out a BIG thanks and a high-five wave too…
Mister C and the girls headed back to school calmly and happily (I think) this week (yay!). I was craving some ‘me time’ after the past few busy weeks (like most of us busy Mums, Dads and carers), with work, the family and school hol activities. Excitedly, we did pick up Widy’s new (second hand) white car from ACT, Monday morning. It was a very busy day getting those ‘blue’ and ‘green’ slips, while also registering the car (I admit I was a little nervous waiting for the booked car inspection to be finished). Widy is super happy (and so are we) with the new purchase; Widy has enjoyed driving her new car a few times now, once it was checked over thoroughly. Thanks ‘All-bids’ (our photo is on their ‘Facebook’ website if you wanted to look it up?) and the ACT inspection group for your help and a smooth transaction in purchasing the car, thanks also to Husband-always our rock (we love you!) let the driving begin (fully now!) …
Our new chook babies are doing very well (no sign of roosterness-phew!) and are growing well (and eating a motza of chook food too); I have managed to do a little drawing our three cute girls- see below (super cute) … I can report, I have had a day or so of some space to recoup my mind; I was able to focus on some other things (other than children for an hour or two); whilst also trying to get one of my books (just one!) on a book shelf, in a local bookstore (a bit of a writer’s goal of mine). I have a meeting next week with a boutique bookstore in Gungahlin, ACT; is very exciting and I will definitely keep you updated (fingers crossed!).
I was tired of looking at our faded and dusty patio (and pergola), after our new carport was installed (with a shiny new grey roof); and took it upon myself to begin the work of patching and repainting (I had begun the hard job two years ago- only completing one coat on the deck) the entire area (about thirty square metres!). I began the work Monday afternoon and still have yet to complete the big (and quite crappy) job (maybe I should have arranged a professional to have done the job after all?). Flossy offered to help (thanks angel-you’re the best!) and was very helpful rolling (painting) parts of the deck, when my arms became too tired (after many hours of rolling mind you). We made the most of the sunny days and played some fun eighties’ music and sang as we painted (must have music when painting- I say); along with a bit of ‘air guitar’ too (with our rollers), to some oldies like ‘Van Halen’ (showing my age now!) and is nice to have a few fun memories (Mister C said, ‘no way’ to painting!).
Sadly, I have now strained my left wrist (from too much painting-I think?) and have had to stop painting (arrg!). I found my old wrist support (from a previous wrist issue- most likely from too much painting as well), and strapped it on my wrist for the day today- interestingly it did work and was supportive too. Husband is not a fan of painting; he did offer to help, but was best for him to do other things around the house that needed doing- like mowing the lawn and vacuuming (thanks love). He wasn’t impressed with my ‘over doing it’ wrist ailment, and commented, “I know you like to get these projects done quickly, but you should have stopped and taken a rest; now you have hurt your wrist, take a break NOW!” (yes- good advice as always Husband). Please note: I tried to write this blog earlier today, but I had to ask Husband for some (more) help to type the words tonight, while I dictated the story to him (fun huh?) …
Alright… Let’s nut out the remaining stories from 2018 and start the next zany year in 2019 (are we there yet?) … I recall we were gearing up for my looming surgery day (end of November) and week-long stay in hospital. Husband is organised (as best as possible) with the routine of the kids and school events (not forgetting the washing), to help with the girls and Mister C for the week; so, I could partially recover in hospital… Husband comments, “Well, right now at 11.15am, Wife is in hospital about to have the most extensive surgery of her life; we are both nervous, me and the kids rang her last night to say good night and good luck. I hope in a couple months she is fully healed with no pain and no further problems; it was hard last night, because Wife was not there and nuisance dog barked for hours, and I had to deal with it myself without venting to anyone.” I was grateful for husband’s help while I was in hospital; I missed him and the kids terribly, but was glad to be able to have the space and peace to recover from the surgery for the first week. Husband also commented, “Thank God Wife’s surgery went as well as possible; saw her yesterday in hospital and she looked pale. I do love her; it sure has been hard to look after the kids by myself, for what will end up being six nights in a row now!”…
We celebrated Mister C’s BIG sixth birthday, towards the end of November. I was able to be discharged home from hospital three days before his birthday! I was so relieved; I was able to get home in time to celebrate it with him and the family. Mister C had asked Dad for ‘Batman’ ‘Lego’ for his birthday; Husband recalls, “My little five-year and eleven-months-old young man came into bed, for snuggles way too early at 6.10am; anyway, we discussed how he was about to turn six, and I asked what he would be doing in 20 years when he was nearly 26 and I was 66. I said he might be flying helicopters or aircraft and he replied, ‘you will just be an old codger, Dad!’ … I must have laughed for a full minute.” I recall, Mister C really wanted ‘Maccas’ chicken nuggets for his birthday dinner; Dad suggested we get a family box, but well, guess what? Our family box was missing the nuggets! We could not believe that the one time, we get a family box and the rare (special) occasion we ate ‘Maccas’, and only wanting nuggets to please Mister C for his birthday and there was NO NUGGETS!… Anyway Mister C was a bit upset (and we were annoyed), so, the next day Husband wrote an online complaint; low and behold a few days later, the manager of that Maccas rang us and gave us a voucher for a replacement family box, just because of missing nuggets (well done Maccas!). We managed to cash in our voucher a week later; I can happily report, Mister C did get his ‘Batman’ ‘Lego’ box and his favourite nuggets after all…
Weeks later (I was still hobbling around a bit), we were also able to have more of the remaining electrical work done at the house (thanks T.G- you’re the best!), with our electrician friend (and another colleague) moving the service wires, electrical box, meters and electrical pole to the front of the house (a big job!). I can admit we were nearly broke, particularly with having to pay for all of my medical expenses (I won’t shock you with the total amounts-even with our health fund it was still astronomical!). Husband was able to extend the credit card (oh no!), so we could pay off the medical bills and also arranged a happy family trip away after Christmas (was a quiet one this year), to North Stradbroke Island (we were really looking forward to a nice break away). Looking back on these tricky times, it is amazing how as a family, we did get through that ‘journey of life’ to happier times; I don’t think I would have survived it all without my family (love you all!). As my fix-it Dad said to me in the past, without the bad times, we wouldn’t know or appreciate the good ones…
A Word from Mister C…
At the adventure playground for our second book signing event (December last year), Mister C came up to me at the park bench looking a bit glum. “None of my friends are here yet, Mummy,” Mister C said, frowning; “I think the winds have kept my friends away!” … “Yes, my son; I don’t think too many families are going to brave the strong winds, today. Sorry, my dear one,” I said, giving Mister C a big hug. Later at home, for our afternoon tea celebration; Mister C came up to me at the dining table and said with a big grin on his face, “It’s okay that my friends didn’t come now, Mummy. I have my other older best friend (B.J) here instead. I am going to spend three nights at his house with his other friends too (M&M)!” … “Wow, my son” I said, smiling; looking at our friends. That sounds like a fun plan! What does B.J & M think?” … “Oh, it’s fine, Mummy. They don’t know it yet; but we will have lots of fun, I’m sure!” Everyone now laughing in the dining room…🙃
Stay tuned…
For some new zanier stories going into 2019 (can it top 2018?)… We end up having a wonderful time on North Stradbroke Island and get there in one piece- after more than ten hours of adventurous travelling… Stay tuned for more stories next week. Thanks for your ongoing support. Night from Mister C…
