by steve, on November 6th, 2012 (
Australia)
We’ve had a fun weekend with our friends Brian & Janine and their children, Ben & Holly. Almost too much fun. One of the reasons, or at least the reason I’m giving, as to why I haven’t blogged since last week.
On Friday, after my afternoon radiotherapy session we drove straight to where they live in Myrnion. Despite going through the rush hour we probably weren’t delayed any more than 10 minutes. When we arrived, Janine and Brian weren’t home yet so it gave us a chance to chat with Holly and Ben and to catch up on some boat stuff on the internet.
Once Brian and Janine were home I can only best describe the rest of the evening as a chat with the odd glass of wine thrown in, bearing in mind that 3 is just as odd a number as 53. The ladies quite sensibly retired by 11pm. Brian and I were nudged out of our reminiscing and meaningful conversation by the rude light of dawn. We figured that might be a good time to get some rest ourselves. I can at least say that Helen and I were both up at 6am for once.
Helen and Janine took on the mantle of conversation that morning while Brian and I caught up on our rest. We remained washed out through the early afternoon but we all managed to go out for a stroll along the Lederberg River in the state park of the same name. The weather was quite pleasant as was the walk. My wobbly balance due to my weakened legs provided some challenge as we crossed the stepping stones across the river but I succeeded in staying dry.
Having been a lot more sensible Saturday night we were all fit for a trip to Ararat to visit the old gaol there which had later been converted to an asylum for the criminally insane. We had an interesting tour around the place guided and entertained by a real (in terms of international stereotype) Ozzy bloke.
On the way back we stopped in Ararat for a late lunch, stopped off in Balarat to do some shopping and close to their home we stopped off at the local pub to pick up some milk. Just milk. Honest. (Can I uncross my fingers now?)
Once back at Janine and Brian’s home and before fully settling down we had a tour of Brian’s “man shed”. It seems your Ozzy Bloke needs to have his shed and 
Brian, being from the UK, has fit in very well.
That evening we vowed to not do another Friday night. This time Helen retired at 2am and I merely an hour later. Collectively we did no better than Friday.
Monday morning and early afternoon were spent generally relaxing and recovering. Brian and I spent some time trying to get his PS3 media server going. It was finally fixed when I stood up and left the room. Perhaps the radiotherapy is having mysterious side effects.
We timed out departure to get to my Monday radiotherapy session in time. We made it and it continued smoothly. I was able to see the bust they’d made during the mask making process.
Today Helen and I played catch up in the morning and went out to place our bets on the Melbourne Cup. The event is so important to the local area that they have a public holiday. It’s traditional to have BBQ parties. We’ve been invited to one but this coincided with my RT session. Not so much a loss as with less than an hour to go it’s currently raining with some thunder. The horses we’ve staked are Cavalryman, Green Moon and Galileo’s Choice. If our luck is going to start averaging out this year (I know it doesn’t work that way) we’ll get 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Wish us luck.
are. Our Melbourne Cup date was at the hospital where I am receiving my radio therapy.
