Boston Bombing

It has been seven months since I left the U.S. and such a lot has happened in that time but right now I just wanted to say how shocked and saddened I am about the bombing in Boston. The news is reporting that an eight year old child has been killed.

My Grandma heart goes out to the child's family and my prayers to all of those effected by this terrible tragedy.

Home

It is sooooo good to be home. I'm sitting up in bed as I write this, looking out at the beautiful green fields and the sparkling water of the ocean in the distance.

The drive down from Sydney took nearly twelve hours and I needed to stay at a friends place for a few days in order to recuperate enough to look after myself.

I drove the extra half hour to here on Tuesday afternoon and have had to spent most of my time in bed.


A glorious Aussie Sunset outside my bedroom window.

I've had a myriad of adverse symptoms since getting back to Australia, nothing new, just all at once. My health has certainly deteriorated since my time at the beech but for now I am content to just be.

I find myself thinking of my daughter and granddaughters often, sometimes I have a little "missing you" weep, more often I smile as I remember a funny incident or a loving hug.

I must get strong again, I so love to travel!!!!!!

Hi again

Hi, I am in Sydney again after spending a few wonderful days down at the beach with my sister.

I was able to catch up with some old friends, went to Church on the Sunday, and sat on the beach and soaked up the fresh sea air.


"Pig Face" growing wild in the sand dunes.

I see my dentist tomorrow to finalise some treatment then will drive down to Melbourne on thursday if I am well enough.

Still in Sydney

Today is the tenth day I have been back in Australia and I am still in Sydney, staying with my sister. Most of this time I have spent in bed resting.

I went back to the Dr. yesterday afternoon and all my test results came back OK. My blood pressure, which was very low when I saw him last week, is also good now. I have been slowly increasing my B12 injection amount each morning and can definitely feel the difference. I have more energy and less nausea and dizziness.

The weather here is glorious! Oh to have the money to run away from every Winter. I have taken some beautiful photos of the spring flowers around my sisters home.


The Magnolia tree at the front of the house is in full bloom.


The Wisteria vine in the back garden.

This afternoon my sister and I will be driving down to "The Beach". I'm so looking forward to catching up with the friends I made there as well as just siting on the beach. Nothing I have found compares with the peace and fresh air of the coast.

The drive will take about two and a half hours.

Update

It's been a few days since I arrived here and all in all I am doing OK. My health has been a bit up and down, some days feeling not so bad and other days, like today, needing to stay in bed.

I saw the local Dr for a check up and he sent me for blood tests, and two ultra sounds. The first ultra sound for the front of my neck to check my Carotid Artery. The second one for the back of my neck, where on the left side, a row of Lymph Nodes are raised. I see him next week for all the results.

I have been able to order a vial of my B12 and gave myself an injection this morning. I started with half the usual dose and plan to work back up slowly.

I have to give Qantas a great big plug here. They were fantastic! I couldn't believe the difference from the last time I travelled with them, just over two years ago. I was treated with kindness and respect the whole time. They even wheeled me and my luggage out of the airport in Sydney and got me settled into a Taxi before saying goodbye. Wow, what great service.

Was the trip worth it? Even though I'm stil recovering, it sure was!!!!

Made it

I've made it to Sydney. Feel totally washed out even though the trip went really well.

Need to rest.

On my way

We drove over the Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston to get to the airport. I've never seen a bridge quite like it. Looking up at the sky through the cables was beautiful.


Bunker Hill Bridge, Boston

I'm now sitting waiting for my luggage to be checked in and to get a boarding pass. The electronic check-in isn't an option as I have a suitcase with me and it needs to be checked in all the way through to Sydney. My daughter is waiting in the incredibly slow line while I sit and watch as I'm sure I wouldn't be able to stand that long.

I asked for wheelchair assistance when I arrived here about 15mins ago but so far none has come.

Hmmmm, I hope it isn't going to be a difficult trip. Talk later.

Difficult Days

The past few days have been very difficult. I have been struggling with blinding headaches and haven't been able to get much sleep at night. Yesterday afternoon I decided to have a "detox" bath in the hope it would help to calm my system down. 

I managed to get out of the bath and lie down. I then went on oxygen but it didn't seem to help much and I went into full on "Crash" mode. I was feeling so ill, my blood pressure plummeted, my heart was pounding and I couldn't move. As I lay there weeping it felt like my body was shutting down on me. Eventually it settled and I was able to get off to sleep and actually slept through the whole night.

Today it feels like the crisis is over. I am doing better than yesterday and the headaches have stopped, which is a great relief. However I don't have much time to regain my strength before the trip home. It is only three days till I start my long journey back to Australia. 

I'm in the Apartment on my own today, as my granddaughters are back at school and my daughter is at work. I have spent the day resting but I still feel exhausted and have very little energy. My health isn't as good as it was when I arrived and I must admit, I am getting a bit nervous about the travelling.

The weather here is still beautiful, the sun is shining and the breeze is cool. At times like this it is the simple things which lift my spirits and help me to get through the day.

Lazy days

The past few days have been quiet and peaceful. The weather has been so stunning I've been able to enjoy being outside, either lazying away at the pool or having picnics near the woods.

Our little picnics have been so peaceful and rejuvenating to us all. We just throw our blanket down under the pine trees and relax for an hour or two.

The view is so calming. I just love to feel the soft breeze on my face and hear the birds chirping.

I took this photo while looking up into the branches of the pine tree.

A couple of days ago a little chipmunk was scurrying around in the pool area munching away on some dropped cookie crumbs.

Yesterday I found these gorgeous petunias which had been planted in the car park at some local shops.