Family and a Friends dinner was a Mi and F's tonight and this week it was S who missed out after valiantly offering to stay at home and keep an eye on Beazley after he may have had a mixup with his insulin. He was fine though and there was no reason for anyone to suggest that his time could be up - and yes everyone knew they were joking - in bad taste but joking nonetheless. He seems to have not minded the extra attention - except perhaps when he was up on the couch next to S and every time he drifted off to sleep, S would pat him to make sure he was okay. He was, and is.
I was late to dinner - which was countered by M being early so it all balances out. And dinner was lovely: Mi had made noodles with fresh green things from M and A's garden - very nice and extremely tasty. And S didn't miss out as Mi sent home a care package with noodles and a very yummy bread and butter pudding.
It looks like formal Family and Friends dinner might be dropping back to once a fortnight, but with the option of those who still want to being able to get together - but people are not to feel they can't do other things - on the "off" night if they want to.
By the time M and I (me via the Post Office to check the mail) arrived home, S was still up and keeping a close eye on Beazley. It was lucky he was sitting up with her - in some ways - but not for him because every time he went to sleep, she would nudge him to see if he was still okay.
The other furries - except for Tink - were in - and even though it seemed as though she was trying, she couldn't hide from M who finally found her curled up on one of the seats at the outside setting down the back. Lock-down achieved.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday
S was back at court today but won't be tomorrow as the judge has a prior commitment - and without a judge, there is no trial day.
As I waited for S outside the CourtHouse, I was entertained by a person outside the Courthouse - not someone you would want to take home it only because of the incessant stream of profanities. I'm not sure that I didn't learn a new word or two. The real question is why anyone would stay on the other end of a telephone listening to this type of tirade rather than just getting on with their life. Or why it was nigh on impossible to stop listening about Jess and the visit to the nightclub and how the person at the other end of the phone had "transgressed" - with lots of expletives.
Then it was off to The Big House for us for dinner and to watch M in the Semifinal of the Fastest Finger (not what they are calling it) promotion. Rather than doing it on who placed in the individual heats, the finalists were being chosen for top score. To stand a chance of getting into the top 15 spots by the time M's turn to play came, you needed a score of more than 40,000 points - which no-one in M's heat nor the heat before had reached. We stayed to watch the next one and only one of those went through - although the person who was still playing a feature when time was called managed to skyrocket up from 35,000 but missed out by 200 points. Bad luck for her but the person she didn't displace was probably fairly happy!
We had a nice dinner at the Big House and we all seemed to enjoy our meals -even S - who found some string in hers. She was vey understanding about it and wouldn't have complained - and didn't: M let the Manager know - just in case everyone wanted one - which is how S managed to get her dinner "on the house"!
We were home fairly early and had to be because The Slap is still on and S didn't want to miss it. I did watch some of it but I think I've missed too much of it now not to go back to the beginning!
As I waited for S outside the CourtHouse, I was entertained by a person outside the Courthouse - not someone you would want to take home it only because of the incessant stream of profanities. I'm not sure that I didn't learn a new word or two. The real question is why anyone would stay on the other end of a telephone listening to this type of tirade rather than just getting on with their life. Or why it was nigh on impossible to stop listening about Jess and the visit to the nightclub and how the person at the other end of the phone had "transgressed" - with lots of expletives.
Then it was off to The Big House for us for dinner and to watch M in the Semifinal of the Fastest Finger (not what they are calling it) promotion. Rather than doing it on who placed in the individual heats, the finalists were being chosen for top score. To stand a chance of getting into the top 15 spots by the time M's turn to play came, you needed a score of more than 40,000 points - which no-one in M's heat nor the heat before had reached. We stayed to watch the next one and only one of those went through - although the person who was still playing a feature when time was called managed to skyrocket up from 35,000 but missed out by 200 points. Bad luck for her but the person she didn't displace was probably fairly happy!
We had a nice dinner at the Big House and we all seemed to enjoy our meals -even S - who found some string in hers. She was vey understanding about it and wouldn't have complained - and didn't: M let the Manager know - just in case everyone wanted one - which is how S managed to get her dinner "on the house"!
We were home fairly early and had to be because The Slap is still on and S didn't want to miss it. I did watch some of it but I think I've missed too much of it now not to go back to the beginning!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday
S is still on jury duty and it is not proving easy for her. Poor thing. But we don't have an acceptable alternative for the current judicial/ljustice system, however imperfect, and if you were going to have anyone on your jury you would want it to be S. But it is difficult especially as she is one of those folks who process things by talking about them and she isn't able to discuss the case outside of the court. Only a few more days to go, she thinks, and then they will need to decide on the fate of the defendant-and the claimant. Unfortunately we live in a society where there is little chance of a win-win in these situations.
Beazley was back to the vet today for another glucose curve and his insulin shot has been reduced to 5. They want to see him again next week to do the 5:30 afternoon reading just before his evening insulin again and then they will decide where to go from there. Hopefully they will get this sorted soon, although we have to admit that it does seem to be doing him good. He seems a bit calmer than he used to be, and a little more affectionate.
S and I arrived home just in time for me to leap into M's car for the drive to the Big House where she had a draw this evening - and it was quite exciting to watch 15 people on "identical" poker machines, all intent on doing Frantic Finger First - to get the highest scores in the initial heats and make it through to the Semifinals. M did well - first in her heat - she will be back in tomorrow night to compete again and hopefully win that heat and get through to the Grand Final.
Dinner tonight was at Spinners and it was good, especially since there was also the equivalent of a floor show by our server whose birthday is tomorrow and he was Mainf a lot if his ageing aches and pains! The people at the table next to us gifted him a Vanilla Slice.
Beazley was back to the vet today for another glucose curve and his insulin shot has been reduced to 5. They want to see him again next week to do the 5:30 afternoon reading just before his evening insulin again and then they will decide where to go from there. Hopefully they will get this sorted soon, although we have to admit that it does seem to be doing him good. He seems a bit calmer than he used to be, and a little more affectionate.
S and I arrived home just in time for me to leap into M's car for the drive to the Big House where she had a draw this evening - and it was quite exciting to watch 15 people on "identical" poker machines, all intent on doing Frantic Finger First - to get the highest scores in the initial heats and make it through to the Semifinals. M did well - first in her heat - she will be back in tomorrow night to compete again and hopefully win that heat and get through to the Grand Final.
Dinner tonight was at Spinners and it was good, especially since there was also the equivalent of a floor show by our server whose birthday is tomorrow and he was Mainf a lot if his ageing aches and pains! The people at the table next to us gifted him a Vanilla Slice.
Tuesday
S and I had the same idea for dinner this evening - at the Main Beach Surf Club so we could look out at the water as we ate. It was a lovely tonic to the day and would certainly be something we would recommend to all and sundry for clearing out the cobwebs... and as a venue for dinner at the next full moon to watch the moon rise out of the ocean. The food was great. We treated ourselves to the seafood platter for two which was loaded with enough seafood, salad, fruit and fries to satisfy most people. We, I think, did well to finish it and were surprised when our server told us she had seen a similar platter completely devoured - down to the last lettuce leaf - by one man. He must have been hungry!
It's good when you're both right. M managed to get the belt back on ROM - and yes it was the old problem - but not the one I'd ever seen where the belt needs to be laced back on the right way. ROM fixed she then finished (properly) the mowing I'd started the other day. There's no doubt about it - the lawn does took great when it's had a good cut!
Beazley was back to the vet this afternoon and his BGL was under 5. This means he is fairly low - and is either eating too much during the day - on the days when someone is home with him - or he's gone into remission with the "jolt of insulin" which apparently has happened with other cats at the practice. M has to take him back tomorrow for another glucose curve - this time without having his morning insulin shot so they can try to better gauge what's happening.
It's good when you're both right. M managed to get the belt back on ROM - and yes it was the old problem - but not the one I'd ever seen where the belt needs to be laced back on the right way. ROM fixed she then finished (properly) the mowing I'd started the other day. There's no doubt about it - the lawn does took great when it's had a good cut!
Beazley was back to the vet this afternoon and his BGL was under 5. This means he is fairly low - and is either eating too much during the day - on the days when someone is home with him - or he's gone into remission with the "jolt of insulin" which apparently has happened with other cats at the practice. M has to take him back tomorrow for another glucose curve - this time without having his morning insulin shot so they can try to better gauge what's happening.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday
I know why the rest of me is sore but what about my buttocks?!? It had me puzzled until someone said it was more likely the muscles at the top of the backs of my legs. Just like Pearl when she helped M with the branches the other day.
I managed to get to OfficeWorks today- I had to pick S up from downtown Southport so I took the opportunity to get in there early and do a quick circuit of the store. I had fngotten how much I love stationery and associated items and surprisingly, I managed to walk out of the store after parting with less than $15; for four erasable pens and a convertible pen - according to its barrel, it used to be a toner cartridge.
S was fairly exhausted after her day out which included paying close attention to detail for a good few hours. I think she was as happy as I to reach Zarraffa's-my usual afternoon chill-out zone.
The furries seemed very happy to see us when we finally arrived home-and while away Tinker came out to meet us, there was no sign of Pearl. When S asked where's the watchdog?"I did catch a glimpse of her _sitting on the other side of the glass sliding door doing what a good watch dog does... watching. She did come out when we called her, but I am used to a bit more enthusiasm from her - hopefully this doesn't mean she's still sore.
M wasn't home in daylightso the ROM will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully the mowing I did yesterday will be enough to deter any slitherin's who want to come calling.
As I was taking the rubbish and recyclng up to the road this evening, I realised how grateful I was to have seen the deceased snake other than in the half light of dusk when I was unhooking the Otto bins (why are they called Otto bins?)from the Land Rover! Folks would have heard my screams from Southport.
Is more rain on the way? The Kookaburra colony down the back was in fine, and full, voice this afternoon so it's possible, although the sky was a brilliant red - Shepherd's delight - so maybe not. The Weather forecast says rain tonight, fine tomorrow. (We'll see if they're right. )
I managed to get to OfficeWorks today- I had to pick S up from downtown Southport so I took the opportunity to get in there early and do a quick circuit of the store. I had fngotten how much I love stationery and associated items and surprisingly, I managed to walk out of the store after parting with less than $15; for four erasable pens and a convertible pen - according to its barrel, it used to be a toner cartridge.
S was fairly exhausted after her day out which included paying close attention to detail for a good few hours. I think she was as happy as I to reach Zarraffa's-my usual afternoon chill-out zone.
The furries seemed very happy to see us when we finally arrived home-and while away Tinker came out to meet us, there was no sign of Pearl. When S asked where's the watchdog?"I did catch a glimpse of her _sitting on the other side of the glass sliding door doing what a good watch dog does... watching. She did come out when we called her, but I am used to a bit more enthusiasm from her - hopefully this doesn't mean she's still sore.
M wasn't home in daylightso the ROM will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully the mowing I did yesterday will be enough to deter any slitherin's who want to come calling.
As I was taking the rubbish and recyclng up to the road this evening, I realised how grateful I was to have seen the deceased snake other than in the half light of dusk when I was unhooking the Otto bins (why are they called Otto bins?)from the Land Rover! Folks would have heard my screams from Southport.
Is more rain on the way? The Kookaburra colony down the back was in fine, and full, voice this afternoon so it's possible, although the sky was a brilliant red - Shepherd's delight - so maybe not. The Weather forecast says rain tonight, fine tomorrow. (We'll see if they're right. )
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday
The day started as usual with an early start, a stint on the walking machine, a Milo and then the Sunday Skype call with T is Sydney. She is using Tabby (her Android tablet) and because she doesn't yet have a headset the conversation quality (just technically) is sometimes a bit patchy.
S had made a fruit salad for everyone for breakfast and that was very nice - a real treat and a good first course as I was looking forward to Pide at the Markets as well (for my carb hit). That was almost more than I had bargained for ... today's chili variety was much hotter than last week's jalapeño version. it was N and V's first time back at the Markets since their return from their overseas travels - and the chili have N the hiccups. This is the first time I have seen this reaction to spicy food - usually it's a running nose and profuse sweating. But the Pide was good - and I was determined to have a second piece - which was still quite hot even though I had scraped all the filling from it.
After seeing the snake (albeit dead) yesterday, it was definitely time to cut the grass - an exercise that was interrupted the other afternoon when the belt came off ROM while M was mowing. I really should have looked at it then rather than while she was out because I couldn't get it back on. I think it's a different problem but will need M to confirm that tomorrow. If it is, then we may need both of it to re-thread it - I tried but really needed to be a contortionist or to have a third hand. But notwithstanding that small problem, the mowing still needed to be done so I pulled out the push mower. Luckily I had listened when M told me how to start it - although until it actually did (start) I was a little dubious. And just as well it did start easily enough because I had to keep restarting it because each time the grass-catcher filled - and that was every 15 steps or so, the mower would stop. I'm sure that's a safety feature but it was fairly annoying.
We didn't go into The Big House to watch the Rugby Final with Mi and F. Or to have a swim - although I was tempted by this - and would have gone except for the mowing. But if we had we would have missed Junior MasterChef - yes, we could have taped it but it wouldn't have been the same.
S had made a fruit salad for everyone for breakfast and that was very nice - a real treat and a good first course as I was looking forward to Pide at the Markets as well (for my carb hit). That was almost more than I had bargained for ... today's chili variety was much hotter than last week's jalapeño version. it was N and V's first time back at the Markets since their return from their overseas travels - and the chili have N the hiccups. This is the first time I have seen this reaction to spicy food - usually it's a running nose and profuse sweating. But the Pide was good - and I was determined to have a second piece - which was still quite hot even though I had scraped all the filling from it.
After seeing the snake (albeit dead) yesterday, it was definitely time to cut the grass - an exercise that was interrupted the other afternoon when the belt came off ROM while M was mowing. I really should have looked at it then rather than while she was out because I couldn't get it back on. I think it's a different problem but will need M to confirm that tomorrow. If it is, then we may need both of it to re-thread it - I tried but really needed to be a contortionist or to have a third hand. But notwithstanding that small problem, the mowing still needed to be done so I pulled out the push mower. Luckily I had listened when M told me how to start it - although until it actually did (start) I was a little dubious. And just as well it did start easily enough because I had to keep restarting it because each time the grass-catcher filled - and that was every 15 steps or so, the mower would stop. I'm sure that's a safety feature but it was fairly annoying.
We didn't go into The Big House to watch the Rugby Final with Mi and F. Or to have a swim - although I was tempted by this - and would have gone except for the mowing. But if we had we would have missed Junior MasterChef - yes, we could have taped it but it wouldn't have been the same.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday
Saturday - and once again we left the house without Pearl - and we know that she knows that it's Saturday. Still, because we had planned to go to Brisbane for the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition, we couldn't bring her along with us. Even if we had been staying on the Coast she might still have had to stay home - she wouldn't be able to jump up into the car the way her legs are at the moment.
But M did remember to bring her back a treat - some breakfast sausage From The Outpost Cafe, Canungra, because the soup from lunch would have been just a little difficult to fit in her handbag.
The iPad maps application (and M - thanks for driving) did a marvellous job of getting us to the Queensland Art Gallery. This is the first time S or I have been there and it was quite incredible - with lovely water features - which you need to watch out for because both S and independently turned a corner and almost walked into one. But the set-up was good, well thought out - and the Cartier-Bresson exhibition, partly curated by the man himself the year before he died, was magnificent. He was a master with light and shade - and knowing what the "decisive moment" was - when you know something is going to happen and. Or make sure you have the wherewithall to capture it. The other great thing about the exhibition was the technology - you could download a free app (using the free WiFi in the gallery) or use the UpCode which opened a URL with a video commentary of various pieces in the exhibition. Brilliant.
We tracked our course throughout the day on FB which just seemed to be about coffee and food - but that's only because we had to be near or at places to "check-in". We did things that didn't involve food like going to Woolworths (okay, that was milk, ice cream and breadrolls), the newsagent (Sydney Morning Herald and M's Lotto entry), and a tour of the Scenic Rim and Beaudesert.
As we drove in to the lane, M stopped the car to move a branch (a casualty of last week's storm) off the road. As she did that I noticed the snake on the other side of the road - it wasn't moving and it did turn out to be dead - some kind of puncture mark on its neck. This means it's really time to get the belt back on ROM and get the grass cut around the house.
But M did remember to bring her back a treat - some breakfast sausage From The Outpost Cafe, Canungra, because the soup from lunch would have been just a little difficult to fit in her handbag.
The iPad maps application (and M - thanks for driving) did a marvellous job of getting us to the Queensland Art Gallery. This is the first time S or I have been there and it was quite incredible - with lovely water features - which you need to watch out for because both S and independently turned a corner and almost walked into one. But the set-up was good, well thought out - and the Cartier-Bresson exhibition, partly curated by the man himself the year before he died, was magnificent. He was a master with light and shade - and knowing what the "decisive moment" was - when you know something is going to happen and. Or make sure you have the wherewithall to capture it. The other great thing about the exhibition was the technology - you could download a free app (using the free WiFi in the gallery) or use the UpCode which opened a URL with a video commentary of various pieces in the exhibition. Brilliant.
We tracked our course throughout the day on FB which just seemed to be about coffee and food - but that's only because we had to be near or at places to "check-in". We did things that didn't involve food like going to Woolworths (okay, that was milk, ice cream and breadrolls), the newsagent (Sydney Morning Herald and M's Lotto entry), and a tour of the Scenic Rim and Beaudesert.
As we drove in to the lane, M stopped the car to move a branch (a casualty of last week's storm) off the road. As she did that I noticed the snake on the other side of the road - it wasn't moving and it did turn out to be dead - some kind of puncture mark on its neck. This means it's really time to get the belt back on ROM and get the grass cut around the house.
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