Sunday 28 August 2011

An evening with...

So, I didn't blog last week because nothing very exciting happened. Apart from Dobby having another week off school, and me taking her to the doc, nothing at all happened.

She and I both had doctor's appointments. Hers she had to have blood tests, then when we went back for the results I saw him for my half-yearly skin check. Her tests showed nothing abnormal except a thyroid at the lower end of the scale. He wants to repeat the test in a couple of months, we we'll have a look at that when we come back from Queensland. He said once we have done that, and if it still comes back normal he'll look at the psyche side of things. In the mean time, she complained all week of being sick again, even having me pick her up from school on Thursday because she was sick. Sigh. I don't know, it sucks. She's got yet another cold now, sniffling and coughing. Stupid.

Me, well, my skin test was all clear this time. He revisited my low iron levels, asking if we ever found out the cause. We didn't. So he suggested I go back off the iron supplements and get more tests when I do Dobby's. In the mean time, he wants me to do a poo test. Nice. Yeah, I'll get around to that one day. Well, 3 days actually. Have to take 3 samples. Plus, remember last year when I said I had to take vitamin B tablets? Well, it wasn't vitamin B, but vitamin D. Sigh. I have to now get a script filled (one of these days) for something or another.

And, just to top that off he wants me to have a sleep study done. But, see, the problem we have with that is that I'm not the one with sleep apnoea. Fluffy is. So what is a test going to prove?? It's his snorning and sleeping all over my side of the bed that keeps me awake. Not that it's his fault, at all. But that's why I don't sleep well. That's what makes me tired. That and adjusting my position because my tennis elbow and fingers are hurting.

Anyway, on with the post.

This week Boss was in Sydney for important business. Because I am taking two weeks off for the October school holidays, his lovely wife has agreed to come in and cover for me. So I had my first training session with her on Thursday. During which time Dobby phoned for me to come get her. It's going to take a lot of lessons to get her up to speed with what needs to be done, but I think we can do it. If she keeps and follows her own notes as well as my folder.

I also had the rare opportunity of a girls night out. I had answered a call for Catherine to go to see Thirsty Merc with her. I also contacted another friend of mine who wanted to go as well. So, Catherine, Eve and I decided we'd go to dinner first. Turned out to be just the 3 of us, which suited us all nicely. Quite an age group too, 35, 44 and 51.



I had plenty of time to get ready, so I made an effort.



What do you think? Not great, but not bad for an old goose!

Eve and I love totally over the other side of town to Catherine and the venue, so she got dropped off here at my place. I had reminded the girls to bring their ID as the tickets had their names on it. However Eve thought I was joking and didn't bring hers. So we had to stop back at her place way up in the clouds on the way. Didn't matter, we still got the the hotel on time.

Her house is way up a windy road, which the 380 would never make in a million years, being front wheel drive with a huge turning circle. But because Fluffy and I had taken the Fairlane out to fuel up and drop Dobby off for a sleepover, before having lunch together, all was good.

When we got there, I parked in the top car park, and we met Catherine at the table. We took our time over dinner, and stayed for dessert. After a toilet break we asked the barmaid where we had to go for the show, which turned out to be a rather long walk out to the main road and around the corner. She did advise, though, that if we were parked out the car park we might want to move our car to the carpark opposite the venue because of the type of persons who hang around late at night.

Point taken, we agreed. So we trudged up to the carpark, drove around the block a couple of times till we found where we were supposed to be, and disembarked in a great spot right opposite the door. And with half an hour to spare.

Okay, so now we're standing outside waiting. It's getting cold out here too. Finally just after 8 they open the doors. Into the night club. We spy an unoccupied table (you know those tiny tall things that you rest your glasses and not much else on?) and claim that as our own. Some random young guy comes over and starts to make conversation but we're not really interested, so after awhile he wanders off. I think he just wanted to share our table but decided we were not of the sharing type.

The place starts to fill up and about 9 or so the first act starts to play. It's a lead singer, acoustic guitar, and a drummer, the band is called Radar or something. They said to find them on Facebook but I was unsuccessful. They were good.

Then nothing for an hour. Then a group called Microwave Jenny, who were just a chick singing and a bloke playing guitar. Good, but not while we were waiting impatiently for a rock group. They didn't start until after 10pm. Then, we had to stand there bored as budgies through their music which sounded a lot like folksongs. Although they did do Forget You, after which he actually claimed to have written it and we all know that was bunkum!

Anyway, finally about 11.20, when we were all thoroughly bored and sore, and tired and yawning, and fending off a group of drunks who tried to take over our table, we got what we waited for.

These guys.



Not a great photo, I know, but anyway, it was good. Not many groups actually sound good live, but these guys did. I was always a fan, now I am a huge fan. Fantastic show, that went for around an hour.

Finally we were allowed out into the cold, while we waited just a few minutes for Catherine's lift to arrive. Then I took Eve home and crashed into bed (after a couple of painkillers) at 1.30.

Epic! Today was a lovely quiet slow day. Fluffy was at work, and Dobby at Sarah's house, so I just pottered about. I did do a little grocery dash, but Dobby just told me I bought her two conditioners instead of one of each. Whoops! Who's a blonde then!

Anyway, after an afternoon on the couch with Dexter (finally finished season 3) it's time to do some random chores and put dinner in the oven. Chicken fricassee tonight. Noice!

Monday 15 August 2011

It's hard to think of titles every week

so this week I won't bother.

What a week. Its been rather slow, but somewhat stressful. Dobby complained on Sunday night of stomach pains and the runs. Plus a headache and her cold was again causing her grief.

As this has been going on for weeks I decided to take her to the doctor. We went on Monday night. He suggested a whole blood work regime, and a urine sample, and if nothing showed up, perhaps a psyche visit. I suggested perhaps she has an aversion to school... Her stress test showed mild stress levels.

Tuesday she stayed at home again. Tuesday evening it's discovered her phone is missing. As she still hadn't unpacked from the weekend away I wasn't too worried.

Wednesday she proclaimed herself well enough to go to school because she wanted to play netball. She went. Complained all day apparently, but went anyway. They won at netball. Dobby reckons they played sucky for the first quarter until her taxi load arrived. Apparently the powers that be forgot to book a bus so had to order several taxis instead.

Anyway, Wednesday night, after guitar (she didn't go Monday because of the doctor app), she was still not feeling great, and in fact went to bed early. So I decided it wasn't worth sending her and kept her home the rest of the week.

As she had her monthlies this week the doc suggested delaying the bloods until finished. Then, because she didn't go to school we didn't get the opportunity until Saturday morning. We rocked up there nice and early, and she did her bit.

Then a quick stop at the supermarket and it was home again.

And you know what? We turned that house upside down, and her phone has not shown up anywhere. On Sunday evening she cleaned her room a bit more, but it still eludes us. The only thing we can think of is that she dropped it out the car at the video shop on Sunday afternoon, but her father originally thought she was using it to show him a video on Sunday or Monday evening. It's a complete mystery...

And, of course, it's flat so phoning it does not good at all... If there are any psychics out there willing to help, we'd really appreciate it!

Monday 8 August 2011

The Week That Was

well... interesting.

At work, Boss was back so I had to actually do some. However, it was good because he brought me back some gifts. I'll try to post photos through the week, this is just a quick note.

First, he gave me, as I had asked for, a cheap "knock off" watch. It's a Bvlgari copy. Yes, that's how it's spelled. Apparently Mrs Boss bought herself one the same but hers stopped the next day. I did discover that I cant' get it wet though... It's silver, with a traditional stainless steel linked band, a navy blue face, and a date window. Plus it has a large numerical 12 and 6. I like it.

Then, also in the bag was a Tiffany necklace, chosen by Mrs Boss. It's a silver snake chain, with a circle on the bottom approx 2cm across, with Tiffany & Co embossed in it. I couldn't find a picture on the website so I'll have to try to photograph it later.

I also received several DVDs, so that was nice.

There was a caravan rally this weekend, and Fluffy went early. He was going to go Wednesday but decided to leave early Thursday morning instead. I got a call around ten saying he was sitting outside the park waiting for the attendant to come back. It seems she had an appointment in Willunga, came all the way back just to open the boom gate for him, and left again. He was the only van there...

He chose himself a site, set up the van, and sat back to relax. As other older members of the club started to arrive, he was given the instructions to let them in and help them onto a site, as she was still away.

Dobby and I bought chinese for tea on Thursday. Well, I bought it on my way home from work. Never buying from that Noodle Box again. It used to be lovely there. This time, I couldn't understand a word the bloke on the register said, and when I finally got home, the boxes were so sodden they split and the bag filled up with water. I had ordered Honey Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, and a pack of 3 spring rolls.

What I got was a bag of water, two boxes of spinach and onion, a fried rice, and a steamed rice. Both the chicken dishes contained barely any chicken, and tasted so washed out they had no flavour. One had a few chunks of pineapple so we guessed that was supposed to be sweet and sour. No spring rolls... Absolutely terrible.

We ate some of it, and binned the rest.

On Friday I got to work a half day. That was nice. Boss was working from the beach house, so it was quiet. I had to work very hard to get done my chores before I left. But I managed to head out just after noon.

First stop was The Pug Mill pottery place, where I took Bertha for firing. If you don't remember, Bertha is the clay bust I did in January. She's all set to get fired this week. Can't wait!

Then, a quick trip to the shop for lunch stuff and a few emergency rashions, then home. I hadn't done any washing apart from the towels, which went into the dryer before work, as the weather looked nasty. By the time I got home it had fined up, so I stripped the bed, washed the clothes, and remade the bed ready for our return on Sunday.

I hung the sheets on the patio line, and the clothes in the lounge on an airer. At about ten to three I set out to pick up Dobby from School.

We ducked back past the house to check if the postie had been (no mail) and hit the road. We left about half three, and arrived about ten past four. The park was lovely! We had an ensuite site, which I reckon should be compulsory! They are soo much better.

Fluffy wasn't too happy to see us, I don't think. Dobby is not the tidiest person and of course the minute she arrived, his pristine set up was mucked up. Not much I can do about that.

So anyway, we pottered around, spoke to people, then at six headed up to the local pub for dinner. There was eleven of us, so it was a nice evening.

Till we got home and Fluffy realised he had lost his glasses. All the next day he searched. They are brand new, with Transition lenses too. Not a happy camper. It was my fault, of course, because he went out for a smoke and left us inside, and when we were ready we followed him out. I should have picked them up.

But, after phoning the pub, visiting it, they still hadn't turned up. The rally had it's AGM meeting on Saturday at two, and we all traipsed along to that.

I am now an official committee member, with my first meeting this Thursday. Fluffy is the Safety Officer (not a committee position, but an important position anyway). He kinda got dobbed in for that, and didn't refuse the nomination.

After the meeting we all hung around and then had a club-shouted dinner of chicken, chips and salad. It was very good and everyone had fun.

After, we all came back to the park and settled around the camp fire.

It rained on and off all weekend, with the hardest falls on the way home from the pub. Some members came just for the AGM, others took cabins and stayed just overnight. It was a very enjoyable weekend.

Fluffy bought Dobby an new 30-second-tent. She had two friends sleep over. It rained so much that the tent leaked a bit. But it's a great tent and very easy for her to put up with minimal help.

As we were packing up on Sunday morning, Dobby came running over. She'd found Fluffy's glasses! They were tucked down beside the seat in the car! I had looked in the driver's side, thinking they had fallen out of his pocket, but hadn't thoroughly searched the passenger side. Apparently she dropped a pen, and when she was fishing about she found the glasses. He was very happy!

On the way home, Dobby and I took a detour to the video shop. Fluffy got home before us, and told me he couldn't park the van on the boards it usually sits on. Why not? The front yard was so badly sodden, it had pooled in places. The car couldn't get any traction to push the van up onto the boards. The van itself had made deep grooves in the grass. If I owned the house, I'd pave that area...

Even the back yard was so sodden you could hear it squelching underfoot. Amazing!

Anyway, it's time to go to work. Dobby is home sick again today. I suspect she has developed an aversion to school, so I am taking her to the doc today to get it sorted.

Catch ya soon.

Monday 1 August 2011

Where does the time go?

I swear, the weeks are getting shorter. It's not like I'm sleeping through them, cause I seem to be getting less sleep each night too. But nowdays life just seems to fly by.

This week has been monumentally boring. Nothing happened. Again.

It was my last quiet week at work with Boss overseas. Have to love that. Dobby wanted me to pick her up on Wednesday after school because there was no netball, and bring her to the office. With the boss out of town I thought why not? So, a quick trip to the accountant's office, then dash to school and pick up the kid, then bring her back here to work. She helped me for the afternoon, then we again went back to the accountant's office and dropped some stuff off.

On the way home we figured we'd go unhealthy and bought KFC. Meh. Who cares? Already fat, what's another kg, right?

On Saturday we made arrangements to take the Fairmont in for a tune up. All they do is replace the air filter and spark plugs. As it will be towing the van this week we thought we'd get it done first.

Also, Fluffy wanted to go to the Caravan, Camping and Outdoor Show, and Dobby asked if she could go too. So bright and early Fluffy and I dropped off the car.

When they were ready I took them down to the show, intending to have several hours to myself. First, though, I had to go to the chemist for Fluffy's pills. While there the workshop phoned. The car is ready. I agreed to go down and pay for it, pick up the key, and wait till Fluffy was done before picking it up. No worries, they said.

So, I still had to go to the post office and pick up a parcel that had been waiting there since Monday. As it wasn't our closest post office, it was too out of my way to get to within weekly business hours.

So, off to pick up that. It turned out to be the new Telstra T-Hub. Ours (the second since September last year) was not working properly. Back to the car place and pay for the tune up. I also had to pay for new spark plug leads as one had broken in 3 places. $80 more, but we were told about that first. They didn't charge for labour for that one.

Anyway, a quick trip to the shop for lunch supplies, and it was home to kick back for a while and watch Dexter.

About ten minutes into lunch, my phone rang. We're ready, can you come pick us up? Darnit! What happened to my peace and quiet and ME time??

I was told I could finish my lunch first though, which I did. We picked up the Fairmont on the way home and all was good.

The rest of the afternoon was quiet. Apart from Dobby helping me set up the new T-Hub, I didn't do much.

Sunday I promised Dobby I would take her to see Harry Potter. I had free tickets so we chose that movie to use them on. After vacuuming the floors, stripping the bed, and doing two loads of washing, we headed down to the cinema. It was great! We really enjoyed it. After we ducked across to Cheap as Chips and I bought more scraboooking supplies, plus a second album for Mother's birthday next year.

Then it was grocery shopping and back home.

I had to put the shopping away by myself, because Fluffy was home from work and fluffing about outside with the caravan. Dobby was being Dobby and unhelpful. I finished that, then had to put a roast in the oven and get the washing in. First, though, I had to peg out one that wasn't done when we left home that morning.

Then, it was doing some odd jobs around the house, finish dinner, wash up, make sandwiches for today's lunch, and stand there ironing. I think I finished about 8.45. As a new Midsomer Murders was on ABC I decided to forgo my bath, in which I was going to have my evening chamomile tea and a treat of 3 liqueur filled chocolates I had bought Saturday, and plonk in front of the TV instead.

Once the movie was over it was quick shower then into bed. I don't think I even remember Fluffy coming to bed...

This week will be more exciting, but I'll tell you all about that next time!

Oh and today is Moose's birthday! Big 39! Hopefully she'll do something nice for herself next year, being 40 and all that! Hope you have a great day, chookie! Mwah! xx