Dear family and friends,
We celebrated 52 years of marriage this August. Ron lives the week for his bowls day and potters around the house and yard. He’s had grandkids do most of the lawn mowing (not much with the dry grass) and son-in-law Tom doing projects around the garage (painting gutters and roof tiles, put in water drain – it’s a grate job).
The drought continues in much of Australia, and we have water restrictions. We are finding it hard to maintain watering for the garden and the lawn has been allowed to die, pretty much. Thinking of having professional help to make it more low maintenance. Almost no fruit on trees this year, so only few jars of jam and stewed fruit. Joan still likes to sew and take care of garden, and makes everyone happy with biscuits made with love. The big 8-0 birthday is coming up in March 2007.
We have had a year of doctor appointments and medical things. Ron had a couple of stints in hospital for stents (kidney). Dept Veterans Affairs came good and bought a new CPAP machine for Ron’s sleep apnoea. Joan has suffered with her back and leg nerves (disc pressure) so is missing her usual long walks, which is a problem. The back verandah now has a machine walker and exercise bike, as well as the dog kennel.
At a routine visit to chest specialist for emphysema on Dec 1st, Ron’s lung Xray showed nodules that were discovered to be metastases (spread of cancer) caused unexpectedly, by malignant melanoma (skin) – primary site a mystery. Surgery or radiotherapy are not options. We saw the oncologist yesterday, who encouraged active and happy holidays, and will see Ron mid January to discuss possible chemotherapy. He did warn against scuba diving or climbing Everest but recommended plenty of red wine.
In August, Joan and Ron had a very special holiday up to Queensland. We flew up to Brisbane and then caught trains (Tilt train, Sunlander) up north staying at Rockhampton, Townsville (Magnetic Island) up to Cairns, did all the regional tours. eg, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, Sky Rail (Magnificent). Then our tour
group worked southwards along the coast by rail and coach, leapfrogging the places we’d been to and staying at Airlie Beach (Whitsunday), Bundaberg and Maryborough, finally arriving back in Brisbane 17 days later. It was an enjoyable trip seeing many wonderful places together.
Through the year our ‘group’ continued to meet, reading and discussing a variety of books. We also had a pleasant weekend away at Mystery bay. One of our special friends, John, died after a brave battle with cancer, and we all miss him at our regular meetings and dinners. Two weeks ago a dear old friend, Lloyd, from Christchurch was also farewelled with love and respect. Joan’s special friend Jan (who one of our original home fellowship group) came to stay for a couple of days in January, which was lovely.
Joan and sister, Anne drive to Goulburn to have a day with Gwen from time to time. We have also visited or had visits from the other siblings, too. Joan’s clan got together for Anne’s 70th (we missed this one due to QLD trip) and also Taralga reunion to celebrate church’s anniversary. Ron’s sister Wilma, and Reg came to stay for their golf week in Canberra. We looked back through old photos and letters about our family history, Wilma remembers so many details. Our friend Helen has spent several months working with Ron to record and write down memoirs. Almost ready to print.
Our grandson Steve wanted to be baptised in water so organised family and friends and youth to come out to the Cotter river where he gave a beaut testimony. It was a great afternoon out on the river, swimming and picking blackberries. We were very proud of him. He has started high school and is doing well, and also joined Air Force cadets where he’s been flying, camping and other trips. We went to his parade and met a major general and air marshall.
Beth’s younger 2 children Leah and Ruben as well as Chris’ Michelle are now all at one school in nearby Florey. They have all made new friends and settled in well. Each of the grandchildren have piano lessons with Ron’s bowls friend John, at Beth’s home on Thursday afternoons.
Chris works 5 days (almost full time) and still has horses, Mark still fishes (even went to NZ to chase them). Tom and Beth juggle shift work and all kids activities. It’s great to have them all nearby but not all talking at once…
With our love to all especially at Christmas and for the new year.
We celebrated 52 years of marriage this August. Ron lives the week for his bowls day and potters around the house and yard. He’s had grandkids do most of the lawn mowing (not much with the dry grass) and son-in-law Tom doing projects around the garage (painting gutters and roof tiles, put in water drain – it’s a grate job).
The drought continues in much of Australia, and we have water restrictions. We are finding it hard to maintain watering for the garden and the lawn has been allowed to die, pretty much. Thinking of having professional help to make it more low maintenance. Almost no fruit on trees this year, so only few jars of jam and stewed fruit. Joan still likes to sew and take care of garden, and makes everyone happy with biscuits made with love. The big 8-0 birthday is coming up in March 2007.
Our cute new dog, Mitsy (looks like a tiny German Shepherd) has been the bane of our lives (#*!#?*#!) and in big trouble lately. She is good in most ways and loves people but chews anything she can get hold of – plastic pots (full of potting mix and plants), furniture cushions, electric wiring on trailer, and Beth’s birthday cake (up on a stand upon the table!!) This was a tragedy and almost the final straw. What’s next?! Stormy the cockatiel went because he made messes and chewed the wallpaper. Beware Mitsy!
We have had a year of doctor appointments and medical things. Ron had a couple of stints in hospital for stents (kidney). Dept Veterans Affairs came good and bought a new CPAP machine for Ron’s sleep apnoea. Joan has suffered with her back and leg nerves (disc pressure) so is missing her usual long walks, which is a problem. The back verandah now has a machine walker and exercise bike, as well as the dog kennel.
At a routine visit to chest specialist for emphysema on Dec 1st, Ron’s lung Xray showed nodules that were discovered to be metastases (spread of cancer) caused unexpectedly, by malignant melanoma (skin) – primary site a mystery. Surgery or radiotherapy are not options. We saw the oncologist yesterday, who encouraged active and happy holidays, and will see Ron mid January to discuss possible chemotherapy. He did warn against scuba diving or climbing Everest but recommended plenty of red wine.
In August, Joan and Ron had a very special holiday up to Queensland. We flew up to Brisbane and then caught trains (Tilt train, Sunlander) up north staying at Rockhampton, Townsville (Magnetic Island) up to Cairns, did all the regional tours. eg, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, Sky Rail (Magnificent). Then our tour
group worked southwards along the coast by rail and coach, leapfrogging the places we’d been to and staying at Airlie Beach (Whitsunday), Bundaberg and Maryborough, finally arriving back in Brisbane 17 days later. It was an enjoyable trip seeing many wonderful places together.Through the year our ‘group’ continued to meet, reading and discussing a variety of books. We also had a pleasant weekend away at Mystery bay. One of our special friends, John, died after a brave battle with cancer, and we all miss him at our regular meetings and dinners. Two weeks ago a dear old friend, Lloyd, from Christchurch was also farewelled with love and respect. Joan’s special friend Jan (who one of our original home fellowship group) came to stay for a couple of days in January, which was lovely.
Joan and sister, Anne drive to Goulburn to have a day with Gwen from time to time. We have also visited or had visits from the other siblings, too. Joan’s clan got together for Anne’s 70th (we missed this one due to QLD trip) and also Taralga reunion to celebrate church’s anniversary. Ron’s sister Wilma, and Reg came to stay for their golf week in Canberra. We looked back through old photos and letters about our family history, Wilma remembers so many details. Our friend Helen has spent several months working with Ron to record and write down memoirs. Almost ready to print.
We have persevered with computer classes and made it regularly to class (even getting saturated the one time it did pour rain for 5 minutes). It can be frustrating and seem hopeless but we are trying.
Our grandson Steve wanted to be baptised in water so organised family and friends and youth to come out to the Cotter river where he gave a beaut testimony. It was a great afternoon out on the river, swimming and picking blackberries. We were very proud of him. He has started high school and is doing well, and also joined Air Force cadets where he’s been flying, camping and other trips. We went to his parade and met a major general and air marshall.
Beth’s younger 2 children Leah and Ruben as well as Chris’ Michelle are now all at one school in nearby Florey. They have all made new friends and settled in well. Each of the grandchildren have piano lessons with Ron’s bowls friend John, at Beth’s home on Thursday afternoons.
Chris works 5 days (almost full time) and still has horses, Mark still fishes (even went to NZ to chase them). Tom and Beth juggle shift work and all kids activities. It’s great to have them all nearby but not all talking at once…
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