Saturday 13 December

A week of appointments. Tuesday with Ziggy in tow we collected Uncle Roger from the Freemason's hospital where he had had surgery on his nose and palate to improve his Sleep apnea. We took him shopping and then back to his place in Nth Fitzroy. Theoretically I was supposed to be looking after him but he was feeling good and so ended up making lunch for us. Probably due to morphine patch! Ziggy enjoyed being somewhere different and visiting uncle Roggie! I didn't want to leave Roger till he'd flushed his nose as relquired in case he dislodged too many scab/ clots and haemorrhaged.

That task over I took a sleepy little boy home for his afternoon nap a bit later than usual. 

Ziggy with raspberry on thumb

blowing bubbles in the garden

Next day I had an effective day writing the lectures then a Pilates clas for the first time. It was challenging and wonderful for stretching the body's muscles. I really felt the benefit and will keep it up next year as it is part of the gym.

Thursday a visit to the podiatrist to check on my foot and feel it is improving steadily. Not sore in mornings at least. 

Next stop the optometrist to check eyes. It has been two years and I feel the glasses aren't quite so effective now and my eyes water a lot when I am reading. Good news they haven't deteriorated too much but there is a small change required. Then I had a test to check for glaucoma which involves a puff of air in your eyes now instead of drops. Weird. A check for macular degeneration which was all clear. Phew. Lastly I was tested for retinal changes both the direct nerve and peripheral area. The last showed some sort of shadow which she wants me to follow up. The new machines are more sensitive and the are picking up changes earlier. It is a little concerning but not desperate. Losing your eyesight would be devastating. I reflect on how I have been enjoying the beauty of the jacaranda trees that are in glorious bloom right now around the suburbs. There frothy deep mauve flowers are so startling against the green foliage of other trees. It would be so sad not to be able to see them.

On to dinner with friends at Janine's place. Just a simple catch up but such fun and wonderful conversations. I don't get such wide ranging and thoughtful discussions very often so it is another delight in my week. Home late at midnight.

Friday morning and I decide a swim is desirable after my late night and a delayed start to the morning when Lyn rang for a catch up. We walked the Camino Frances in 2012 together and our long friendship  since primary school was strengthened even more. She lives in Sydney so we don't physically get together very often and I miss her very much. I de died to update the iPad which hasn't been done all the time I have been away and is desperate for a backup. Well that and the phone took me all day practically and now indeed to adjust to the changes.  Why do these things always take longer than you think? I wish I was much more computer savvy too. Sometimes I am not sure what I should be doing. Anyway all completed no lost information and now I need to back up the computer! It never ends. 

Tonight I am meeting Jane D and Helen L for dinner and the show 'I will eat you last ' a conversation with the agent to the stars Sue Mengas played by Miriam Margoyles. She was riveting. Such an accomplished actress she had the audience spellbound.  It was a real treat.

Saturday minding Ziggy again and Sunday lunch at Helen's Estate at Coldstream with the Wild Women of Warrandyte and partners. It was delightful and great to see everyone. Spent some more time with Lorraine afterwards and met her new dog Syd. He is a sleek black cavalier cross Labrador and just gorgeous. Makes me want a dog any yet I feel I am still not home enough. I am getting selfish. We had a dog most of our married life and it would be such good company.