Rest and Relaxation

I have been feeling sorry for my camera because I have not been using it because I am spending much of the day resting and not doing many new activities.

Retail therapy, reading and watching TV seem to be the routine most days. I have managed to get some lovely wool so can crochet while catching up on TV series that I missed in SA.

 No trip is complete without a visit to the Dollar store of Poundland in the UK.

 Yesterday I found 4 books at Walmart and so only put my light out at midnight because I wanted finish reading the one book. 

Today I decided to take my camera and go for a walk around the Close so that I could compare the scenery with pictures I had taken in January 2014. You will notice the difference because the snow lay heavy on the ground in 2014.

The stairs look daunting but they are easy to negotiate because of the handrail on both sides. One less step than what I have in Durban.

The trees in this area are lovely but because it was so hot outside I did not stay outside too long.

I am blessed to have a lovely room to myself and my sister spoils me by making sure the Chocolate dish in my room is always replenished. 

She also does my laundry for me so I am well rested. I even had a nap yesterday afternoon which was why I could read till midnight.

This afternoon we are off to see the Fazio family because we have been invited to have dinner there. Once again I can only say that I am glad that they don't weigh the passengers otherwise I would have a big problem.

I am pleased to say that Evelyn sent me a message this morning to say she was being discharged today. They discovered that she has ulcers and acute gastritis so now she will need to be careful to eat before taking her medication. She also needs to avoid stress but that is easier said than done for her as a single Mum. Thanks to all who have prayed for her.

Some SA news

Once again I have had a rest day and not taken any pictures for a Blog Post but the SA family have been good and sent me pictures of their activities so I thought I would share those here.

Yesterday we went to the bank and did some shopping before coming back to watch more TV. The programmes I watch in SA are far behind what is presented here so I am happy to be able to catch up. The only problem is that if I sit for too long a period without getting up I find that it is quite painful to move hence the outings to the shops. Retail therapy helps in more ways that one.

Any way about the SA connection, the Yons took Evangeline with them on their outing to Paradise Valley and it seems that they had a great time in the outdoors.  It is winter in SA but in our area it is till quite warm so having outdoor activities can happen without any problem.

They did send a video clip of the girls in the water which must have been freezing cold.

Today Bradley sent me some pictures of the work being done on my flat in anticipation of the driveway being built. We are putting a door into the study so that I can avoid the 16 steps to my front door. Just need the plans for the Driveway to be passed so that that can me done then access to my flat will be easier for me.

Today I also received news that Rachel had a fall yesterday while climbing over a fence and hurt her ribs. She must be OK today because Vera said she was attending the athletics meetings at Rachel's school. 

After her fall, waiting for Vera to get back from work.

Today I also heard that Evelyn was being admitted to hospital with a suspected gall bladder infection. The Yons will look after Evangeline. Rachel had already sorted out the sleeping accommodation for her.

So life goes on and I have have no worries because the SA connection are there for each other. This is the advantage of us all living together on the one property in our own spaces.

My trip to USA

Yesterday was a day of rest so I always like to avoid the computer as much as is possible. We had a very relaxing time and the camera did no work at all so I thought that today's Blog Post would cover the trip to the USA.

Vera took the afternoon off so that she could drive me to the airport because Bradley was working a 12 hour shift and Evelyn in her new job as a reporter often had to be out and about as events that need to be covered happened. I had asked to be dropped off at the departure entrance so that was what she did but still I did not escape her photo opportunity.

 The flight to Dubai was uneventful but exhausting and this was aggravated by the extreme pain I had because the SA wheelchair seat was very low and the footrest very high putting stress on the hip.  This was made worse because they only had one wheelchair available and several passengers so I had to get in and out the chair several times so they could collect other passengers. The pain relief tablet could only be taken once I was on the plane because there has to be 12 hours between tablets.

On arrival in Dubai I was pleased to note that the wheel chair there was much more user friendly and I was taken the my chauffeur driven car through border control and customs without any problem. The ride to the 5 star hotel was only about 10 minutes and in no time at all I was delivered to my room. 

 I decided to go to the dining room for breakfast as I had arrived at 4.30am and was hungry but the hotel wheelchair was similar to the SA wheelchair so I opted for room service for lunch and dinner. The selection of food was mind boggling and the helpings large so it was not surprising that I spent most of the day between meals sleeping.

 I was collected from the hotel at 1.00am and again was met but a friendly wheelchair assistant and whizzed off through security to the lounge to wait for boarding which happened from the lounge.

The flight was 13+ hours long and this time the nausea at the mealtime prevented me from eating. Fortunately my seat was right in front and only a few steps away from the toilet. The stewardess kindly gave me soda water with a slice of lemon and that did the trick. I did manage a few hours of sleep so was not too tired when I arrived at Newark where once again I was zipped through Border Control and Customs. 

This time they had several wheelchairs but few attendants so my attendant had to manage 4 wheelchairs which was quite and experience. He must have been exhausted by the end of the day. Jennie and Viv met me at the airport while Terri stayed with the car at the the pick up zone. I was still in the wheelchair so Viv pushed me and Jennie managed my bags.

On arrival at Viv's place I was happy to see that her bath had very low sides so it was easy for me to get in to have my much needed shower.

 Viv had been given a new Lazy Boy chair for her birthday but insisted on using her old chair so I could enjoy he new chair.

Once again the fridge was full of yummy food for me to enjoy so I am glad that my appetite has returned. My bed is comfortable, but I try to avoid it where possible because as soon as I am on it I fall asleep. The first two days I did not manage to do so but yesterday I managed a whole day without a nap but fell asleep by 9.30pm and only woke up just before 7.00am.

This time in the USA will no doubt prepare me for what lies ahead once I return to SA.

Day two in the USA: Viv's Birthday

I was awake rather early yesterday so the Blog post could be done earlier than today's post because today I slept later. The big 70 year Birthday Celebration started with a yummy breakfast.

 Viv was happy with the gift I had brought, so a Big THANK YOU to all who had helped me with the problem I had as to what to get.

 

After a lazy day of chatting and watching TV I decided to have a shower proud that I had managed to get through the day without needing a nap. After the shower I decided to lie down and read before we needed to go to the Fazio's for the evening celebration. Big mistake. You guessed right. I fell asleep and had to be woken when it was time to go.

 The meal was Chinese and so delicious that I was glad my appetite had returned and I could enjoy a selection of all that had been provided.

 I even managed a "Fortune cookie". first one I had ever had. Just goes to show you are never too old to try something new.

I was not too popular when I did the rounds with my camera telling everyone to stop chewing so I could get a picture.

 Jennie was the only one who used the the special implements provided.

 My last Blog post had not included a picture of Sammy's Cat so that had to be rectified in order for me not to be in trouble again.

 The dog had to be part of the party as we relaxed after the meal.

 The cake was an Ice Cream cake from Carvell which was delicious. I can't remember when last I had Carvell Icecream. Steve had wanted to use a blow torch to light the candles but Terri managed to win the battle so the cake was saved.

 Of course no get together was ever complete without the group shots.

 I was not too successful with one taken during the singing of Happy Birthday.

 Viv was so happy to have some of her grandchildren with her for the celebration.

During the meal we had the chance to speak to Sharon and family in Australia, quite a feat because of all the different time zones. We also spoke to Samantha who works in California so I could promise to include a picture of her cat this time. Technology is wonderful when it works, and it did do so yesterday. 

I am so pleased that you all enjoy the Blog posts. Thanks for your emails even the ones that point out what is missing. (I have included one of me this time Vera.)