We were going to get a Christmas tree on our return from Adelaide, but realised we were putting too much pressure on ourselves to have it decorated and ready to welcome Rob & Dene last Sunday afternoon. We'll get one next December when we won't be going to the Adelaide cricket, which is the 3rd Ashes Test between 17-21 December and a day game.
It's been an interesting and busy week, starting with the lovely, now traditional, pre-Christmas visit from Rob & Dene. We had hoped to sit under Glen's plum tree, but she wasn't well, so we provided champagne & afternoon tea instead. Rob had recently visited Antarctica with Dene's sister, Kay, and met up with Dene, who had been in London, in Paris. They had plenty of stories to tell, and were interested in our Adelaide trip. We exchanged gifts and enjoyed each other's company for a couple of hours.
Rob, Dene & Wes chatting; Dene with Morse, and Morse with his Christmas friend from Glen
Joyce Spiteri's beautiful Nativity Scene - she is so talented
Glorious, Red Riding Hood & Kindred Spirits
I've had a week of appointments - started on Monday with my last remedial massage of the year with Sarah, who has become a friend, as well as a valued masseuse.
The next morning I headed to the optician, also a Sarah, to arrange new reading glasses. My left eye could see very well, but my right eye was quite blurry during the tests, so Sarah did a scan and told me I needed to go back to my specialist straight away as I had inflammation behind that eye. Catherine organised an appointment in an hour's time and I went home to ask Wes to stop gardening and drive me to Ballarat, which he did of course. Dr David said 1% of cataract operations result in this kind of swelling and prescribed two sets of drops to be taken 4 times a day, 5 minutes apart. Fortunately I've learnt how to do this, so Wes is off the hook this time.
On Wednesday morning I had my Christmas haircut before playing Mah Jong with Judi for the last time until mid-January. We had brunch and caught up on news before playing a few games, where we shared the wins and Judi tried some new hands.
The next morning was time to visit Juls for a manicure, which she had to do more quickly than usual so I could be back home for my 11am drops. We spent a happy hour together and she was thrilled that my nails had recovered from the effects of the anaesthetics.
Meanwhile, we both had quite a few Zoom chats - Wes spoke with Barbara in New Zealand twice, and joined the Jackson Group Christmas break-up Zoom. Wes has stepped down from Admin after 5 years and his place has been taken by Jim Brown, an American, who has lived in Australia for many years. Paul has stood down as Chair as well and his role is being taken over by Graham Hubbard, an Australian who recently met Paul when he was in England. Wes also hosted a Cousins' Christmas get-together.
I had my usual fortnightly early morning catch up with my aunt, Jeff, in Lincolnshire; Zoomed twice with Leanne; had a very overdue chat with Terry Borg in Burwood; caught up with Old Friends - Kathy, Karen S & Lib, and missed out on a chat with Jan Pengilley in Maleny as she was coughing too much. Thanks to you all for staying in touch with me via Zoom - I really appreciate the contact and care.
Yesterday was a chance to plant some punnets - basil, coriander & parsley in one of our raised garden beds. Wes has been working hard in the back garden - we came back to a few weeds, roses growing in all directions & long grass, and bit by bit, he has managed to tame it all again.
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