Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays to our other readers and families, who celebrate other unique traditions in their communities around our wondrous world. We hope you all can spend some quality time with family and friends; of course, this is one of the best things (we think) to do during this Christmas season. Me and Mister C would firstly like to send our care and warm thoughts out to the communities and cities affected by the ‘big freeze’ in the US. We have family in Texas (not quite near the ‘big freeze’), but we still send big hugs to all over this festive and difficult time (we miss you and hope to see you in the coming year or so). It is hard for our side of the globe to fully comprehend the enormity and hardship this time of year can bring, with the extreme cold weather and copious amounts of snow everywhere (is beautiful- but dangerous at the same time); as it is very hot over here at present in Aussie land!
I can report, Widy braved her dental surgery in ACT last Tuesday, which was booked five days before Christmas (only date available for months to note). Widy had all four wisdom teeth growing sideways into her jaw, causing pain and movement to her other teeth (she already had braces several years ago). It was a long day, Widy had to fast in the morning, to then present at the admissions office at one of the private hospitals in Deakin for the afternoon surgical list (thank-you). Husband was able to take a Carer’s Day off work (thanks) and kindly drove us all down for the afternoon and then back much later in the evening. Flossy was able to help Mister C with his tea and supervision (thanks sweetheart!). We were even able to have a quick visit with Granny and Grandad later in the afternoon, while waiting for Widy who was still in theatre- it was lovely.
Thankfully, the Oral Surgeon did a wonderful job (thanks very much!), removing all four huge teeth safely, while the procedure went as well as expected. The poor girl was warned about pain and a stiff jaw afterwards, of which she did suffer with for about five days. After finishing her oral abs, strong pain relief, regular small ice packs to her swollen face and the prescribed mouth wash, Widy is now on the mend; just in time to go camping with her boyfriend and his family for this coming week and over the New year. Widy also braved the two-hour drive and back to the Sydney area with her boyfriend and parents on Christmas day (who drove- thanks), to meet family and relatives for the US (thanks for having Widy). It was another long day, but Widy enjoyed herself (as much as she could with a sore face) and was very welcomed into the family. It was Widy’s choice to do what she wanted for Christmas this year, after our agreement three years ago…
Well, it has been one year since losing our dear sweet ‘Duggie- the wonder dog’, two days before Christmas Day in 2021. Flossy and I lit Duggie’s candle, and it burned softly with a nice mint and eucalyptus scent in the dining room area for the whole day. We also popped down to see our dear doggie, who is buried in the chook’s backyard (a favourite spot of his), with a little wooden cross and plaque, in a little rock garden with a solar light and cute ornaments. We miss him very much, but know he is safe and happy in doggie heaven. Speaking of doggies, it was our new doggie ‘Rhetti’s first Christmas with us this year. We bought Rhetti an new Christmas stocking and filled it with small gifts comprising of dried chicken pieces, a pig’s ear (his favourite), a new dog lead and a cute ‘Elf’ outfit to wear.
Sadly, on Christmas Eve (later the day before), Rhetti went running down the backyard, as he saw a strange dog who was barking on the other side of the fence line; he must have stumbled or stepped the wrong way and came back up to the house a few minutes later limping. He was not well that night and into the next day; I checked his left back leg out thoroughly and couldn’t feel or see anything sinister, hoping he may have just strained his little leg. Thankfully, today, he is walking a lot better around the house and is able to go up and down the steps well. He is also eating his food and having lots of good cool drinks to combat any dehydration, with his thick dark fur. I am relieved inside, as I didn’t think I could handle any more surgeries this year (be it the last few days of 2022); along with bad memories of poor Duggie having his leg surgery back in 2019, and not begin able to walk around for about four weeks (he did make a full recovery though- which was great).
As parents (and grandparents), we all know just how busy this festive season can be, with attending all of the end of year school events (which is wonderful), preparing the Christmas Day food menu and shopping, along with the gift preparations, let alone all of the Christmas gift wrapping! I think I must have pushed myself a bit too much on the days leading up to Christmas and on the special day itself (mother guilt I guess?); unfortunately, I ended up with stronger constant pain to my neck, right shoulder, and lower back, after trying to wrap gifts, cook homemade sausage rolls and cheesecakes with Flossy (thanks for your invaluable help sweetheart). I really felt the need to ensure the family had a nice Christmas (after all the undue stress we have had), but ended up struggling the days afterwards, where my mood did go quite south with my pain issues. I began to sleep downstairs in the big bed, while Widy was recovering after her surgery, but it has not been very comfortable trying to lie flat since the car accident. I was able to restart another anti-inflammatory medication and juggle the remaining tablets I have left, until I see my GP and Neurosurgeon early January, which has helped. Thanks Husband and family for putting up with me.
Having written this though, we are so thankful to have each other and to be able to spend this quality time together; it brings up mixed emotions that we are here and living our lives post the car accident, something I am so very thankful for (even though I still have a long road ahead for my recovery). We were able to have a wonderful early Christmas lunch with Granny, Grandad and Husband’s bro and family on Christmas Eve (was very special-thank-you). The girls and Mister C were happy and enjoyed opening their gifts from Santa early Christmas morning, so Widy could travel with her boyfriend and family. We even did our fun dress-up lunch at home together and played a new fun board game in the afternoon…
A Word from Mister C…
Dad was driving everyone in the white car, as we went to visit Liam in ACT (then Granny) on Christmas Eve. I called out to everyone, smiling, “We all need to dress up for Christmas lunch this year.” Husband smiled and said, “Yes, of course, love.” Flossy replied from the backseat, “Oh, why, Mum? Do we have to?” I nodded and replied, “Yes, we do. We’re lucky to be here in one piece (almost for me) and it would be nice to dress up for a change. I’m going to wear my new black dress.” Widy groaned half-asleep in the back seat, she was not feeling great after having four nasty wisdom teeth removed days earlier. Mister C piped up and said, “Cool, Mummy. What can I wear?” Flossy moaned and said, “Do I have to wear a dress, too?” Mister C then said, “Can I, Mummy?” All giggled… 🎅
Stay tuned…
Thanks to everyone who met and chatted with us about our storybooks and life, at the lovely Christmas Laggan Community Markets in Laggan NSW. It was a fun day out and the weather was kind (not too much wind!). Thanks also Husband (always my rock) for all of your expert driving over the whole day (four trips there and back to Laggan!); without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do at present- thanks so much and I love you (thanks also to our wonderful children!) Here’s to a peaceful and relaxing New Year, which will be arriving in just a few days time… We hope 2023 brings you all much peace, prosperity and a little fun. Thanks for your continued support and for reading our blogs- it really does mean the world to us! See you all in 2023! Remember, without children the world would be a quiet place indeed… Hugs Me and Mister C.🤸♂️
Best wishes for speedy recovery for both of you.
Thanks for your comment, I am slow on the mend, but my daughter is doing very well. Keep reading, thanks Me and Mister C… 🙌