My Journal:

September 2009

Since arriving back from Perth at the beginning of the month, I haven’t stopped, yet have not done any of my own writing. Apart from a quick trip to Maryborough, to catch up with my travelling daughter, I’ve been busy with all my usual volunteer stuff.

The first proof of the Recipe Book I’m typesetting for the local branch of U3A went off to be corrected; I wrote an up-to-date resume for a friend; I’m writing lesson plans for TRAMS; I have been to bookclub; attended Range Writers; twice met with my financial advisor; and am helping to prepare the local neighbourhood centre for public visits.

The trip to Maryborough was a bit sad, due to the death of my daughter’s much loved dog, but we got out and about and visited some local areas of interest, especially the historical wharf. We also went to Hervey Bay but it was a cold and windy day so we didn’t go out to see the whales this time.

My youngest brother visited here for a few days, on his way to a wedding at the Gold Coast. His three boys and stepdaughter were with him. It must be 4 years since I saw them all last and I can’t believe how much they’ve grown, although I recognised them all.

My neighbours left for the UK while I was in Perth, for 5 weeks, and my brother and I looked after their gardens and pool. All went very well until a few days before they were due to return. It was Wednesday, 23rd and the worst dust storm this area has seen form many decades managed to invade every corner of every home. The dry, drought ridden top soil from areas to the west NSW and Victoria were carried over to the coast and up north as far as Cairns. We all complained bitterly about the cleaning we had to do (both house and pools for me) but the poor farmers must be devastated.

I had to practically shovel the dust and dirt from my floors. I did have the house shut up but I forgot about the evaporative air conditioning unit, and the dust managed to waft in through there. I still haven’t cleaned the top of the fridge, or the high shelves, but probably just as well as there is supposed to be more of the same on the way. The cleaning I did do, didn’t do me any good because I’ve been hobbling around ever since. My right hip seems to be clicking in and out of place, catching as I walk. It feels very fragile and I move very carefully, not sure that it will support me. This whole business of aging is the pits!