After writing in my last entry SIX MONTHS AGO that I'd be so much more disciplined with blogging, I'm afraid day-to-day life and events have taken its toll. I tend to avoid computers more now than ever before, particularly with the amount of time I spend on them with work (a necessary evil).
It's hard to believe that a year-and-a-half has passed since Maria went to be with the Lord. Many will wonder where the time went. For me and the kids, it has been such a long and slow journey without Maria in our lives.
We've all been pretty flat today. The kids didn't want to go the Cemetery this afternoon as they were struggling a bit and Gabi said that we didn't need to go somewhere where "mummy" isn't anymore to remember her as we already think of her every day of our lives. They have been always willing to go at other times, so I chose not to push it.
So much has happened since my last entry and I hope to write about it one day (no promises). Some stuff involves our family and well as other things, such as a miracle involving the health of a husband of a work colleague (that we were praying for). I don't have the energy to write about it now as stories of miraculous healing from what was written off as cancer involving a major amputation at best (and terminal at worst) leaves many mixed emotions for the three of us.
Briefly to cover current events, the kids are in the second week of their winter school holidays. I have for the first time enrolled them in a week's holiday circus program (no, they haven't run away - yet), where they learn to do a whole lot of circus-type activities. They are really enjoying it.
It has been the coldest winter here for 30 years, but no snow in the city. I just received my quarterly gas bill, which was by far the highest ever for us. Praise God that simultaneously I received a tax return and an unexpected government back-payment to cover it.
20 January 2011
Thu 20-Jan-2011 (Part #2 of this anniversary entry)
The kids have just gone to bed (10:00pm). Another late night for them.
This morning at breakfast I chatted with the kids about the day and their feelings. I took the opportunity to read from the Bible about the importance of openly displaying grief (focusing on Job 1 & 2 Samuel 1).
We did some shopping for our picnic, bought bunches of flowers and met Maria's parents at the Cemetery. It was an emotional time. I decided to have the picnic at Maria's grave site and we would make this an annual event.
We then went back to our place and had coffee before Baba and Mama headed off. I spent an hour or so with the kids watching video clips with Maria in them. That was a very strange experience. At times I wanted to reach out and just touch her , but the screen was in the way.
Gabi and I went down to our video store to borrow a DVD for the evening. While chatting with the guy at the counter I heard someone engaging with Gabi behind me and turned to find one of our friends, Adelyn. Ado knows all about this day, given she too is a sole parent with two school-age kids––having lost her husband less than a year before Maria went to Heaven.
Without knowing anything about Nancy Drew, Gabi selected that DVD. That was a perfect choice as Maria had read some of the books. We all enjoyed the movie over a dinner of Lasagne cooked by Mama (she dropped it off today with "Bougatsa", my favourite Greek dessert but I had no room to fit it in as well).
I am grateful that we felt carried throughout the day. Thanks to those of you who prayed. Sometimes I feel guilty when I'm not as teary as I expect to be. However, like our journey till now, it's not necessarily the landmark dates that do it. It may just a particular moment in any day that can trigger something.
At bedtime I prayed over the kids and what a blessing they are to me. They individually expressed their sadness in missing Maria. I think the day's event, particularly watching video clips which made it all that much more real had an impact.
I have to say it is miraculous that not once throughout this last year has either of them woken from a nightmare or for any other reason, apart from illness (which we have avoided of late). They always sleep through and that has been so helpful for me as my sleep has never really recovered since caring for Maria.
This morning at breakfast I chatted with the kids about the day and their feelings. I took the opportunity to read from the Bible about the importance of openly displaying grief (focusing on Job 1 & 2 Samuel 1).
Gabi and I went down to our video store to borrow a DVD for the evening. While chatting with the guy at the counter I heard someone engaging with Gabi behind me and turned to find one of our friends, Adelyn. Ado knows all about this day, given she too is a sole parent with two school-age kids––having lost her husband less than a year before Maria went to Heaven.
Without knowing anything about Nancy Drew, Gabi selected that DVD. That was a perfect choice as Maria had read some of the books. We all enjoyed the movie over a dinner of Lasagne cooked by Mama (she dropped it off today with "Bougatsa", my favourite Greek dessert but I had no room to fit it in as well).
I am grateful that we felt carried throughout the day. Thanks to those of you who prayed. Sometimes I feel guilty when I'm not as teary as I expect to be. However, like our journey till now, it's not necessarily the landmark dates that do it. It may just a particular moment in any day that can trigger something.
At bedtime I prayed over the kids and what a blessing they are to me. They individually expressed their sadness in missing Maria. I think the day's event, particularly watching video clips which made it all that much more real had an impact.
I have to say it is miraculous that not once throughout this last year has either of them woken from a nightmare or for any other reason, apart from illness (which we have avoided of late). They always sleep through and that has been so helpful for me as my sleep has never really recovered since caring for Maria.
Thu 20-Jan-2011 (Maria's One year anniversary
It’s about 12:30am as I start to type on the day that Maria went to be with the Lord exactly one year ago. To get technical, it was about seven hours from now. Everything has strangely come back to me in floods of clarity.
Maria’s parents will arrive in Canberra around 11:30am and we’ll meet up at the Cemetery to spend some time there together. I have been thinking over what to do for the rest of the day, especially what the three of us can incorporate into the day to become a “tradition” for future anniversaries. As Maria was a big fan of picnics, that is looking to be the likely option. I’m sure it will all fall into place tomorrow.&
I was thinking over what to write on such a significant and difficult day for us. To be honest, I think the combination of 11 months as a 24/7 carer (especially as the high dosage of steroids kept Maria up for most hours) followed by a year of grief has sapped that energy and inspiration I need at this time. I’m grateful the Lord has given me the energy to live out every day, although it feels a long way off before I feel I’ll be in that space where I can once again contribute to the “Kingdom”.
Maria remains an inspiration to me and the kids. I can say with absolute confidence from discussions I’ve had with people over time that Maria positively touched the lives of many others, whether through brief encounters or as a long-term friend/acquaintance.
While Maria didn't get to live a "full" life, she lived what she was given to the full. I’m grateful for this and that Ben and Gabi had the time they did with her. They are fortunately old enough to absorb her qualities which had a lasting impression on their young lives.
Thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers and thoughts. There are so many things I miss about Maria. Strangely, the thing that sticks in my mind more than anything is her smile. That's what I've shared below.
Maria’s parents will arrive in Canberra around 11:30am and we’ll meet up at the Cemetery to spend some time there together. I have been thinking over what to do for the rest of the day, especially what the three of us can incorporate into the day to become a “tradition” for future anniversaries. As Maria was a big fan of picnics, that is looking to be the likely option. I’m sure it will all fall into place tomorrow.&
I was thinking over what to write on such a significant and difficult day for us. To be honest, I think the combination of 11 months as a 24/7 carer (especially as the high dosage of steroids kept Maria up for most hours) followed by a year of grief has sapped that energy and inspiration I need at this time. I’m grateful the Lord has given me the energy to live out every day, although it feels a long way off before I feel I’ll be in that space where I can once again contribute to the “Kingdom”.
Maria remains an inspiration to me and the kids. I can say with absolute confidence from discussions I’ve had with people over time that Maria positively touched the lives of many others, whether through brief encounters or as a long-term friend/acquaintance.
While Maria didn't get to live a "full" life, she lived what she was given to the full. I’m grateful for this and that Ben and Gabi had the time they did with her. They are fortunately old enough to absorb her qualities which had a lasting impression on their young lives.
Thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers and thoughts. There are so many things I miss about Maria. Strangely, the thing that sticks in my mind more than anything is her smile. That's what I've shared below.
19 January 2011
1-19 January 2011
Please click this link to go to a slideshow of photos, a summary of which lies below.
On the evening before Ben's birthday I headed to Ef & Brian's (the kids went the day before). We had to have cake before bed.
On Ben's actual birthday I took everyone out for breakfast to a cute rustic Cafe we've frequented before. That afternoon we headed back to Canberra to celebrate what remained of Ben's birthday. My brother Mark and family had stayed overnight and it was a blessing to see them just as they were packing the car before departing for Sydney. The three of us spent the evening watching Prince Caspian.
The following morning I took Ben's mate and his sister (Gabi's friend) to the movies with us to see "Tangled", which I thought was a good movie and an improvement on some of the other 3D movies I've seen of late.
We headed to the Central Coast and spent a week with my parents. Ben got to celebrate his birthday for the 3rd time in as many days.
We had an opportunity during that week to catch up with dear friends and also took Dad out to celebrate his 81st birthday in advance as it happens to fall on the day that Maria went to be with the Lord.
On the evening before Ben's birthday I headed to Ef & Brian's (the kids went the day before). We had to have cake before bed.
On Ben's actual birthday I took everyone out for breakfast to a cute rustic Cafe we've frequented before. That afternoon we headed back to Canberra to celebrate what remained of Ben's birthday. My brother Mark and family had stayed overnight and it was a blessing to see them just as they were packing the car before departing for Sydney. The three of us spent the evening watching Prince Caspian.
The following morning I took Ben's mate and his sister (Gabi's friend) to the movies with us to see "Tangled", which I thought was a good movie and an improvement on some of the other 3D movies I've seen of late.
We headed to the Central Coast and spent a week with my parents. Ben got to celebrate his birthday for the 3rd time in as many days.
We had an opportunity during that week to catch up with dear friends and also took Dad out to celebrate his 81st birthday in advance as it happens to fall on the day that Maria went to be with the Lord.
31 December 2010
Fri 31-Dec-10 (last 30mins of the year)
It's just on 11:30pm here on the East Coast of Australia. We have been with Maria's parents on the coast since Christmas Eve, returning home today.
It was a hot and humid (as opposed to the usually dry) 36 degrees in Canberra. We are now starting to experience the summer heat after unprecedented rain and sometimes icy conditions. Our dams (around 30% not too long ago) are now registering 100%, with parts of our beautiful country struck by the worst floods seen in decades. Only a year ago was a large portion of the country in drought crisis. As the old adage goes, "Droughts and floods".
It's been the hardest year the three of us have experienced. In addition to Maria's passing, I have experienced a number of other challenges/battles that have stretched me in all directions and really tested my faith. Can't say I'm passing with flying colours.
I am hopeful my blogging will be a little more consistent in 2011 (you would have noticed the drop-off in the last couple of months). That said, I am not one to make promises or resolutions. However, sometime in the new year I will post a small visual expose of what's been happening more recently. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a couple of snapshots we took of ourselves at dinner (I cooked Indian) earlier this evening.
Our prayer for y'all is that the year ahead will be filled with blessings, the recognition of those blessings, as well as the strength to get through whatever rough patches you may face.
I promised the kids I'd wake them just before midnight so they could watch the world's best fireworks on TV (Sydney). Better go....
ALL THE VERY BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR!!
Troy, Ben, Gabi Xxx
It was a hot and humid (as opposed to the usually dry) 36 degrees in Canberra. We are now starting to experience the summer heat after unprecedented rain and sometimes icy conditions. Our dams (around 30% not too long ago) are now registering 100%, with parts of our beautiful country struck by the worst floods seen in decades. Only a year ago was a large portion of the country in drought crisis. As the old adage goes, "Droughts and floods".
It's been the hardest year the three of us have experienced. In addition to Maria's passing, I have experienced a number of other challenges/battles that have stretched me in all directions and really tested my faith. Can't say I'm passing with flying colours.
I am hopeful my blogging will be a little more consistent in 2011 (you would have noticed the drop-off in the last couple of months). That said, I am not one to make promises or resolutions. However, sometime in the new year I will post a small visual expose of what's been happening more recently. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a couple of snapshots we took of ourselves at dinner (I cooked Indian) earlier this evening.
My prayer for the three of us is for a better year, one day at a time. For those of you in cyberspace, thanks for your interest and prayers since Maria's diagnosis in Feb-09 and her passing in Jan this year.
Our prayer for y'all is that the year ahead will be filled with blessings, the recognition of those blessings, as well as the strength to get through whatever rough patches you may face.
I promised the kids I'd wake them just before midnight so they could watch the world's best fireworks on TV (Sydney). Better go....
ALL THE VERY BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR!!
Troy, Ben, Gabi Xxx
15 November 2010
Mon 15-Nov-10 (Movember - half way there)
There is something I haven't blogged about until now. This "Movember" I've decided to donate my face to raising awareness about men's health. My commitment is the growth of a moustache for the entire month of Movember, which I know will generate conversation, controversy and laughter (especially).
I am doing this because close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer in Australia each year and one in eight men will experience depression in their lifetime.
I have never tried to grow a moustache before (and may never again), so I wasn't sure how it will turn out. My aim is to grow it, let the kids shave it off, then donate an amount of money myself for the privilege of doing it. A few have asked about supporting my efforts by making a donation. If you feel compelled, then why not join me by donating either by:
For more details on the impact Movember is having please visit this link:
So, here is how things are looking at the half-way mark. I think Gabi is leading the race!
I am doing this because close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer in Australia each year and one in eight men will experience depression in their lifetime.
I have never tried to grow a moustache before (and may never again), so I wasn't sure how it will turn out. My aim is to grow it, let the kids shave it off, then donate an amount of money myself for the privilege of doing it. A few have asked about supporting my efforts by making a donation. If you feel compelled, then why not join me by donating either by:
- Clicking this link and donating online using your credit card or PayPal account; or
- Writing a cheque payable to Movember Foundation, referencing my registration number 1251974 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran, VIC, 3181.
For more details on the impact Movember is having please visit this link:
So, here is how things are looking at the half-way mark. I think Gabi is leading the race!
Fri 12-Nov-10 (Gab still off school)
While it was unfortunate that a dear friend Cath had developed strep throat, it was a blessing that she by being off sick from work she was able to care for Gabi for the day. She had to take one of her kids to the doctor as well, so Gabi got out and about a little.
Gabi will hopefully be non-contagious by the weekend.
Gabi will hopefully be non-contagious by the weekend.
Thu 11-Nov-10 (Remembrance Day, illness identified)
Gabi woke feeling quite unwell, with ulcers in her mouth. I stayed at home again and worked.
I missed the minute's silence at work at 11:00am to commemorate Remembrance Day. For our non-Commonwealth friends, it is a memorial day observed to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War This day was chosen to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918, as the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.
I called my brother in the evening and during this conversation I discovered that Luka had developed Coxsackie A Virus (Hand, Foot & Mouth disease) and was on the way to recovery. The timing suggested Gabi may have caught it from him. Sadly, little Ingrid may have also been infected.
Ben had this virus as an infant and was isolated in hospital and on a drip as his mouth was filled with blisters. Fortunately Gabi's case seems mild albeit her mouth blisters had increased, with some small spots on her hands. Her feet were otherwise fine.
I called my brother in the evening and during this conversation I discovered that Luka had developed Coxsackie A Virus (Hand, Foot & Mouth disease) and was on the way to recovery. The timing suggested Gabi may have caught it from him. Sadly, little Ingrid may have also been infected.
Ben had this virus as an infant and was isolated in hospital and on a drip as his mouth was filled with blisters. Fortunately Gabi's case seems mild albeit her mouth blisters had increased, with some small spots on her hands. Her feet were otherwise fine.
Wed 10-Nov-10 (more illness probs for Gabi)
Gabi went to school on the Monday and Tuesday as her eye settled and she was otherwise well, although a little run down.
This morning we were about to leave for school when Gabi remembered her dance group was performing at assembly. We madly got ready and I had to cancel some work meetings at short notice, but it all seemed to sort itself out.
Gabi and the girls performed so well. After kissing her goodbye I started to head into work. I was only 10 minutes into the drive (about half-way) when I received a call from the school to say that Gabi had thrown up. I turned around and collected her. I spent the rest of the day working from home (the advantages of being networked in), while Gabi relaxed. While she didn't vomit again, she was off her food.
We were planning on being at Small Group as we've missed a few weeks, but it was not to be, again.
This morning we were about to leave for school when Gabi remembered her dance group was performing at assembly. We madly got ready and I had to cancel some work meetings at short notice, but it all seemed to sort itself out.
Gabi and the girls performed so well. After kissing her goodbye I started to head into work. I was only 10 minutes into the drive (about half-way) when I received a call from the school to say that Gabi had thrown up. I turned around and collected her. I spent the rest of the day working from home (the advantages of being networked in), while Gabi relaxed. While she didn't vomit again, she was off her food.
We were planning on being at Small Group as we've missed a few weeks, but it was not to be, again.
07 November 2010
Sun 7-Nov-2010 (time in hospital for Gabi)
It's been a while since I typed and since then I suppose it's mostly been regular day-to-day stuff, until today.
It all started on Thursday afternoon/evening when Gabi complained that she thought she could feel a sty developing in her right eye. We started treating it with warm salty water. As we left early Friday morning to travel to Sydney, we didn't think about it first thing in the morning. By the end of Friday, Gabi was still complaining of pain in her eye. There was nothing that could be seen.
Come Saturday morning I had just taken this photo of Gabi and Ingrid (focusing on Ingrid to get an expression) and didn't notice that her eye was closing.
About half-an-hour later I was chatting with Gabi and noticed he eye had closed a fraction more than in the photo. As we were heading home, we treated it with a cold press before leaving. Upon returning home late in the afternoon we headed straight to the pharmacy and were given some eye drops to try.
We woke this morning for church and Gabi's eye again had swollen. After chatting to a dear friend (former paediatric nurse) I called "Health First" who (also) suggested I take Gabi to hospital to have it more closely examined.
Upon arrival it didn't actually take too long to have Gabi taken around to a Paeds bed in the Emergency Department where she and Ben were able to watch a DVD while they observed her. The nurse looking after us said it was the quietest shift she could remember for a long time. All the nurses were great and had an awareness of our family situation, which probably added to their gentleness. They appreciated that as I was happy to avoid the hospital as much as possible, there was some concern that led to bringing her in.
Our dear friend Cath came with her kids (with lunch and bearing gifts) and took Ben home for a play, which allowed Gabi and I to hang around to have this resolved.
The initial view from nurses was the possibility of orbital cellulitis, which would lead to the administration of IV antibiotics. The doctor checked her closely and felt that it was an infection of a gland in the eye. Her eye was responsive and there was an absence of a few other symptoms that swayed him away from the former view. He also had the registrar double-check and she agreed with his diagnosis.
Gabi was sent home with a combination of oral antibiotics, eye drops and an eye ointment (the latter for bed time). We've been told there should be an improvement, and if so, she can go to school in the morning. If things haven't settled in 24-48 hours, then it will be a return trip to the hospital for a drip. Without the swelling and the tenderness on the swollen part of the eye, you wouldn't even know there was anything wrong with Gabi.
As an aside, the doctor that treated Gabi was originally from Kenya. After a brief discussion we both worked we were "brothers in Christ". It was a real blessing to talk at that level and have someone who genuinely cared about how we were travelling as a family but able to rejoice in our salvation and knowing where Maria TRULY has gone!
After a weekend of driving and hanging around the hospital (sometimes reflecting on times I'd spent next to Maria, especially as Gabi's bed was around the corner from where Maria had stayed on two occasions prior to her admission) I've hit a wall. I am acting at a higher level at work for the week ahead with my boss overseas on work, so I'd better try and grab some sleep soon.
It all started on Thursday afternoon/evening when Gabi complained that she thought she could feel a sty developing in her right eye. We started treating it with warm salty water. As we left early Friday morning to travel to Sydney, we didn't think about it first thing in the morning. By the end of Friday, Gabi was still complaining of pain in her eye. There was nothing that could be seen.
Come Saturday morning I had just taken this photo of Gabi and Ingrid (focusing on Ingrid to get an expression) and didn't notice that her eye was closing.
We woke this morning for church and Gabi's eye again had swollen. After chatting to a dear friend (former paediatric nurse) I called "Health First" who (also) suggested I take Gabi to hospital to have it more closely examined.
Upon arrival it didn't actually take too long to have Gabi taken around to a Paeds bed in the Emergency Department where she and Ben were able to watch a DVD while they observed her. The nurse looking after us said it was the quietest shift she could remember for a long time. All the nurses were great and had an awareness of our family situation, which probably added to their gentleness. They appreciated that as I was happy to avoid the hospital as much as possible, there was some concern that led to bringing her in.
Our dear friend Cath came with her kids (with lunch and bearing gifts) and took Ben home for a play, which allowed Gabi and I to hang around to have this resolved.
The initial view from nurses was the possibility of orbital cellulitis, which would lead to the administration of IV antibiotics. The doctor checked her closely and felt that it was an infection of a gland in the eye. Her eye was responsive and there was an absence of a few other symptoms that swayed him away from the former view. He also had the registrar double-check and she agreed with his diagnosis.
Gabi was sent home with a combination of oral antibiotics, eye drops and an eye ointment (the latter for bed time). We've been told there should be an improvement, and if so, she can go to school in the morning. If things haven't settled in 24-48 hours, then it will be a return trip to the hospital for a drip. Without the swelling and the tenderness on the swollen part of the eye, you wouldn't even know there was anything wrong with Gabi.
As an aside, the doctor that treated Gabi was originally from Kenya. After a brief discussion we both worked we were "brothers in Christ". It was a real blessing to talk at that level and have someone who genuinely cared about how we were travelling as a family but able to rejoice in our salvation and knowing where Maria TRULY has gone!
After a weekend of driving and hanging around the hospital (sometimes reflecting on times I'd spent next to Maria, especially as Gabi's bed was around the corner from where Maria had stayed on two occasions prior to her admission) I've hit a wall. I am acting at a higher level at work for the week ahead with my boss overseas on work, so I'd better try and grab some sleep soon.
21 October 2010
Fiji holiday photos finally posted!!!!
I have now included photos in all the Fiji entries. I amended a couple of the narratives and am still yet to include text in others. Getting there.......
20 October 2010
Wed 20-Oct-10 (9 months, Ben's AFL presentation)
Both Ben and I woke, feeling a million dollars.
In the car on the way to school, we chatted about how slowly, yet quickly time has passed. I sat last night after working till late at home just scrolling through the last five years of photos and realised how important those memories were, but also how they mean nothing to Maria anymore. Strange thoughts that arise through grief.
The work day was a little heavy in that I had two of my staff experience serious family medical issues (one involving an emergency caesarian tomorrow morning for their first child, and the other with a terminally ill dad whose passing is imminent). I was at least able to support them with hugs and SMSs. I know that the hugs I received spoke a thousand words when words were not what was needed.
This evening we had Ben's AFL presentation. He was very excited to receive a trophy (as did the entire team) and we won a signed Western Bulldogs AFL jersey in the raffle (link for those foreign to AFL). Ben was chuffed. Another late night for the kids.
In the car on the way to school, we chatted about how slowly, yet quickly time has passed. I sat last night after working till late at home just scrolling through the last five years of photos and realised how important those memories were, but also how they mean nothing to Maria anymore. Strange thoughts that arise through grief.
The work day was a little heavy in that I had two of my staff experience serious family medical issues (one involving an emergency caesarian tomorrow morning for their first child, and the other with a terminally ill dad whose passing is imminent). I was at least able to support them with hugs and SMSs. I know that the hugs I received spoke a thousand words when words were not what was needed.
This evening we had Ben's AFL presentation. He was very excited to receive a trophy (as did the entire team) and we won a signed Western Bulldogs AFL jersey in the raffle (link for those foreign to AFL). Ben was chuffed. Another late night for the kids.
Tue 19-Oct-10 (another work excursion)
Ben was too unwell in the morning with diarrhoea. After dropping Gabi he accompanied me to work. We stayed till the early afternoon. Ben sat quietly watching DVDs on my laptop and was very polite to all of my colleagues (as was Gabi the week before). I was very proud of them both.
By the evening Ben was settling and I was struggling with what he had.
By the evening Ben was settling and I was struggling with what he had.
Mon 18-Oct-10 (more illness - Ben this time)
Ben had a mate come home on Monday afternoon so they could work on a project together. They went out the back to ride scooter and jump the ramp. After a short time Ben returned and complained of stomach aches. I knew this was not play acting, especially not being well enough to engage in those activities.
By the evening he was going downhill.
By the evening he was going downhill.
Week of 11 to 17-Oct-10 (illness, parents help, leaking roof)
I took Gabi into work with me for part of Tuesday, then had Wednesday off work. As she was not improving, I called my parents Wednesday morning and they blessed us by driving down to be there. Gabi stayed off Thursday, but was well enough to return to school on Friday.
Gabi complained that her light wasn't working. On Saturday evening I pulled off the light cover to find it was filled with water (it tipped and poured over me, Gabi's bed and the floor. We had to isolate the room for the night.
We had a relaxing weekend at the local shopping centre, church, and on the roof pulling up tiles in an effort to locate the source of the leak. Nothing could be found. In fact it was quite dry. I put a new globe in and all is working okay for now.
We all really appreciated the home-cooked meals and game of Monopoly (especially me, who couldn't do a thing wrong - for a change).
Gabi complained that her light wasn't working. On Saturday evening I pulled off the light cover to find it was filled with water (it tipped and poured over me, Gabi's bed and the floor. We had to isolate the room for the night.
We had a relaxing weekend at the local shopping centre, church, and on the roof pulling up tiles in an effort to locate the source of the leak. Nothing could be found. In fact it was quite dry. I put a new globe in and all is working okay for now.
We all really appreciated the home-cooked meals and game of Monopoly (especially me, who couldn't do a thing wrong - for a change).
Mon 11-Oct-10 (first day back at school, Gabi sick)
After a week in Fiji and two weeks holiday, the kids should have been firing on all cylinders to return to work, but it was not to be. Gabi was especially sluggish. I put it down to the dread of returning to the school routine.
Later in the day I received a call from school to say Gabi had flu symptoms and was resting in sick bay. A short time later I received another call to say she was nauseas. Both she and Ben ended up with a short early mark.
Later in the day I received a call from school to say Gabi had flu symptoms and was resting in sick bay. A short time later I received another call to say she was nauseas. Both she and Ben ended up with a short early mark.
