Festive greetings from sultry Sydney
We have just returned from a hot walk along the cliff path from Watsons Bay to Bondi.
Fabulous day, magnificent cliffs; happy smiley, sweaty people.
Tomorrow it rains, but who cares when there is lots to experience in such a magnificent city.
Less than 2 weeks until Christmas. Trees decorated in shops, squares and homes around Sydney. Hope your prep is going well. As we have a small apartment, we’ve put up a tiny Christmas tree with a hundred twinkly white lights and a few slung on baubles. The a fairy and gnome we bought are too heavy for the top so they lounge at the base looking like they have had a few too many eggnogs.
Time has flown by. We are having a quiet Christmas and NYE with good friends. Of course they have to be good friends as we will be experimenting with new recipes when it is our turn to cook!
My real holiday starts in February when chemo ends and I get to fly back to NZ.
The last few weeks have been great fun despite having to keep away from crowds and/or to mask up to try to stay cold/COVID free. We have managed to creep into a few galleries when it is not too busy, and admire lots of indoor art (wooden bats)
and outdoor sculpture.
The Angel under Sydney Harbour bridge.
Lonely dog has a cuppa in Sydney CBD.
At the Oval at Middle Head
Well worth a visit: The new North Wing of Sydney Museum of Modern art.
I have had to skip concerts and theatre due to the risk but I am sure there will be Christmas carols next year too. Instead I can wander around taking photos at night. Not sure that this patriotism pre football match helped the Soccoroos in World Cup.
Under the bridge is atmospheric at night.
I am avoiding crowds because, my blood levels have not bounced back enough yet to fight off germs. I have to be patient and give it time. Not something I'm good at given I just want to get on with life as most of the hard stuff is over for now.
I’ve been walking on average 10km each day spurred on by Sarah and by discovering that good audio books encourage you to extend the distance, just to find out what happens next.
Currently I am reading the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. On book 3. Not sure I like Fiona Shaw (Carolyn in Killing Eve) as narrator. Much prefer books 1 & 2 narrated by Lesley Manville (Princess Margaret – The Crown).
Sarah has a packed exercise and social diary so I spend some time walking alone.
I can then pause on benches, just be in the moment; walk slowly, reflect on silly stuff and take photos.
Red and Yellow Kangaroo paw flowers.
Flowers are my favourite subject if you have not guessed already. A late blooming Magnolia Teddy Bear
I've also encountered a few cheeky birds.
Early morning wake up call from our balcony.
Kookaburra squawks in the trees as we pass.
Playing hide and seek in the Botanical red hot pokers.
A grey Goshawk, hovering above taking a good look at us.
I have started to feel much more like myself despite having no hair (I'm mostly bald with stubbly bits
like velcro)
We have played golf twice (although only c. 9 holes and I was tired after walking the course and swinging clubs)
Some good some bad shots but the best bit was the drink at the end with Carolyn & Mark on 18th at Royal Sydney GC.
My taste buds have started to come back and I have had my first cup of tea and glass of wine for 50 days. Just in time for Christmas.
Right now I’m on a 3x3 week treatment plan, back in hospital for immunotherapy and chemo injections in the stomach, plus steroids and a variety of other pills to stop the side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrohea, constipation etc.) taken when required. I can self inject the chemo at home (stored carefully next to the white wine in the fridge) The bloated sore and red stomach has already made a return.
However, it is time to look forward to next year and to plan and to be as positive as we can be given the circumstances.
At least being bald means I can have a very cool head; steriods will keep me going like a Duracell bunny so I may even be able to keep up with Sarah? and golf will get better in time. It is after all only a game. Just like life. You win some and the rest is just an experience.
Happy Christmas and see you in 2023
Love and thanks for all the positive vibes and messages sent. It all helps the medicine go down.
xxxx
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