This week has certainly been one of shocks and disappointment with the death of two Australians who have truly been icons that we have all looked up to, Steve Irwin and then Peter Brock. This makes me believe we certainly made the right decision in going to China as no one knows what is around the corner. Our sympathy go to the families and friends of both Steve and Peter.
Retirement is slowly becoming a way of life at Hogan Street. We are settling into a routine with the Gym the centre of our attention. We have had the lawn mower serviced and it starts first pull – I have not used it for about 4-6 years as we had the lawn mowed on a weekly basis. Looks like I may try to become the gardener that my father was. I have been looking at getting a couple of fruit trees that I can train along the side fence.
The Gym is proving to a great success and Jill is anxious to get out there each morning as is Jake our Jack Russell.
Jill has started walking at the local netball courts and the improvement has been great. She started by walking the length of one court, with several stops on the way. Today Saturday she walked the length of 4 courts with only three stops. Our aim is to walk the length of 5 courts and the width of 3 no stops. Jill’s knees are still giving her some trouble even though she had the second injection.
We have installed a hand rail to the swimming pool steps which will help Jill getting in and out of the pool. The solar heating on the pool is starting to work – up to 18C to day (better than 10C bloody cold) – we need it to be about 25-27C so that we can use the pool to do low impact exercises
Great news the Vocastim machine arrived yesterday and on reading the instructions I am a little daunted on getting it set up and getting Jill hooked up. We are certain that once we get her back on the machine her speech will improve.
The other exercise that we are concentrating on is hand writing and Jill practices her name on a regular basis as well as writing our shopping list. She also wrote on a birthday card the other day which even surprised me.
Following the interview with Jon Fiane on the ABC we had several phone calls and a couple of cards from friends from the past – school friends. The ABC passed us a few numbers of people interested in our experiences. I spoke to them and the problem they all have is not being given any hope from their doctors.
See you next week on the net
Note our Jeep behind Jills head – that’s where she has walked from and has to walk back too.
Mac and Jill.
I continue to read the diary entries of your amazing journey with interest. Well done Jill, on the walking at the netball courts. By the looks of the picture there is no walking stick with you This shows how well your walking has improved. Pat continues to keep my up dated about your progress. The gynm looks fantstic.
Enjoy the retirement both of you.
Best Wishes.
Heather
Hi. It was great to read today’s entry. You are looking so well Jill and well done on the walking. Determination certainly runs in the family. Love, Margaret
Hi . jill it must be great to have Mac with you after all this time with him at work . Mac, retirement is a tremendous change in lifestyle but you both have goals to meet and rewarding partnership to enjoy . Congratulations , see you soon
Barry
Looking good Jill, heard the John Faine interview and that should help with the Stem Cell debate ( not that there should be one)
Mac, if you need a few pointers on how to mow lawns I’m your man!
A vegie garden like your Father’s would be a hard act to follow but who knows!
love
Edwin & Josie
glad to hear you are doing well! would like to go to china but who do you contact for the direct response?