1st – Keith and Roz Chandler sent me a couple of photos of when they had met up with Mum and Dad in 2019. Helen and Phil Stewart were there also.
I sent off reminders about Sunday’s gathering to everyone via text or Facebook messenger and received so many lovely messages back from those whole can’t attend locally and those in other towns and states that knew Mum and Dad and of course all Mum’s extended family in Sydney.
2nd – Everyone is waiting on the Qld Premier’s announcement about lifting restrictions so they can travel. Roald and Joan have changed their flight to Saturday and Dennis changed his to Sunday morning as he is still in one of the ‘closed’ suburbs.
3rd – Roald and Joan arrived safely and Covid free.
Set up things for the gathering with Julie and Greg. We put up Dad’s life story along pantry doors as that was an area people could stop and read easily. I put some photos on a slideshow on the TV too.
Roald and Joan came over in the afternoon and we had a great time chatting. Dad said he remembered who Roald was which was nice.
4th – Mum would have turned 90 today. I miss her so much but so glad she is peaceful now.
Steve picked up Dennis from the airport at 8.30am. Dad got up and had a shower so was happy and having breakfast when they came back.
Dennis and I headed off to the Crematorium. Steve stayed at home with Dad so he could have a snooze before everyone arrives and we had decided it would be too much for him getting in and out of the car and not really understanding what it was all about any case. He hasn’t asked where Mum is for ages and even when he looks at her photo there is no recognition there and hence no sadness which is a blessing.
We all gathered at the Granite Book where Mum’s plaque is and took some photos in family groups.
I lead everyone around to the Birdsnest Scatter Garden and Julie read out a lovely poem. I poured some ashes in a cup and each person spread them on the garden. Annalise spread some on behalf of Stephen and then Julie, Greg and I poured the remainder into a hole on behalf of Dad. Rest In Peace Mum – you are an angel in Heaven just as you were an angel here on earth. Love you so much but so glad you aren’t suffering anymore.
I took Dan, Fran, Jon and Annalise back to the wall where Anthony’s plaque is so they can see it.
We all headed back home to get ready for this afternoon. Julie put up the photos of Mum above the table in the carport with all the booklets about Mum’s life.
I hung Mum’s paintings that Mum did for me (which were in storage under the house) along the carport wall area so people could admire them too as there were so many inside the house as well.
Greg was in charge of getting pizzas for lunch which we all enjoyed with a drink or so.
Started getting the food out just before 2pm and everyone started arriving. Everyone was punctual so we were jumping between greeting people and chatting and trying to put all the food out. With the party sort of split up with some in the carport and others throughout the house it was a very full house and everyone was busy chatting and introducing themselves to others.
Dad sat in his chair in the lounge ‘holding court’ and everyone said hello and wished him Happy Birthday. It actually isn’t till the 8th but Mum and Dad always combined their birthdays so why should it be any different. Mum would have been 90 whilst Dad will turn 89.
We received lots of lovely flowers, cards and biscuits/cakes and Dad was given yummy chocolates, wine and honey – all his favourites. Gracie gave him a banana which was a long standing joke between the two of them.
Everyone mingled about enjoying reading about Mum and Dad and checking out the photos and Mum’s paintings. A lot of people commented that they had a Lena original too as she loved to share her art.
Uncle John Beal rang ready with his bottle of bubbly to raise a glass to Mum and Dad so Julie, Greg and I gathered around the phone and cheered with him too.
At 3pm we got everyone inside, with a glass of bubbly, which became very crowded – luckily we don’t have any Covid restrictions.
Veronica brought out the cake she made for Dad’s birthday with ‘Sooty’ his black cat on top. Greg thanked everyone for coming then we all sang Happy Birthday. Dad cut the cake and thought that was great so he cut it again. Joan then helped by taking the knife off him in case he got carried away.
Pete Windle rang to wish us all the best and Dad a happy birthday. He said remembers when he had his heart attack in Cairns last year that when he came and saw Mum she sat and held his hand the whole time. Now that made me weep.
Dad coped so well with all the people and noise so it was a wonderful afternoon. The BSES gang will be having a lunch soon so I will join them as I didn’t get a chance to chat with them.
Slowly people started leaving so I had a chance then to chat with people and thank them for their kind words and attendance. I should have done this a year ago so Mum could have enjoyed it – I did mention it but even then it seemed too much effort for Mum.
We had a clean-up and I got some dinner ready – the zucchini slice I had made and forgot to put out and Greg’s chicken wings went down well with the remaining few family members.
Dad then was happy to get up and get ready for bed so all was good and he was snoring away by 9pm.
5th – Roald, Joan and Dennis headed off for a day around the Tablelands. Steve and I finished off cleaning up and putting the house back in order.
Steve rubbed back the paint around the back window of the truck and on the roof where the paint had started peeling. The back window had a leak and he had sealed it with tape but when he removed the tape it took the paint off. He then gave it all a new coat of paint – he said luckily it isn’t somewhere noticeable!! He also painted the new bonnet scope which was white.
Roald and Joan joined us for a drink then headed back to their hotel. I cooked Spag Bol for Dennis and us and we chatted away.
Dad has been so good. He asked today where his walking stick was which was amazing. I had put them away so he would use his walker as he can’t have the sticks in Malanda. Unfortunately he isn’t interested in using the walker!!
6th – Dad woke at 5am and I got him to the toilet and changed. He didn’t want to go back to bed but once in there he laid down with ‘Snowball’ and promptly fell asleep.
Dennis borrowed the Corolla and headed off to visit friends and family around Innisfail.
I shortened up some flannelette PJs I bought for Dad and washed all the new clothes ready to pack for him on the weekend.
Dad woke a couple of times but didn’t get up. Eventually at 11am he got up and had ‘brunch’. What a life he lives!
Dan had dropped off a couple of the ‘jobs’ Steve had him doing. One was a sheet of aluminium to brace the corner section under the beds. Styromax said it won’t break but Steve is just being extra cautious as we will be going over some rough roads and the last thing we need it the bed section to crack or break off!! Steve prepared the area, removed one of the legs then put glue on the metal and I helped him put it into position. He then riveted it in place.
After lunch Steve started on the side bits Daniel made for the front wind deflector. He will hinge them to the box but had to paint the area first.
I took some photos of Dad’s coconuts. The big one was a farewell gift from ACF and Shirleys where he worked when we were kids. It says ‘Call me Tiger’. I had given Dad this ‘pot’ man years ago.
Nice plants around the carport too with this one starting to produce pretty white and pink flowers.
The curlew is sitting on its eggs (they both take turns). Hard to see but if you get too close you can hear them hiss. The other one was standing back, keeping an eye on things.
Cuppa and pokies with Valerie and Christine.
7th – Wet dreary day. Dad had been up once in the night then again at 6am. He went back to bed then didn’t wake again till midday – what a life!
I worked on my blog and family tree while Steve and Dad watched lots of videos on Youtube.
8th – Dad is 89 today. Drizzling with rain.
I put the decorations off Veronica’s cake from Sunday onto the yummy cake Quita had made for Dad. We sang Happy Birthday (again) as he cut his cake.
Another wet dreary day so more Youtubing for Steve and Dad and I watched a few in between taking the washing to the Laundromat to dry and other household chores.
Rebecca called in for a cuppa. She and Clive had a lovely time in NZ visiting their daughter Ingrid and their grandchildren, Ava and Spencer. Due to Covid they haven’t been able to visit and Spencer is now 14 months old.
9th – Steve put the side bits on the front wind deflector on the camper using hinges on the top so we can get access to the tubes (fishing rods) and they will give protection to the actuators that raise and lower the roof.
The under bed bracing is all glued and screwed up. He is happy with the strength of the fibreglass but as we plan to be on the Gibb River Road next year we don’t want to get started and find it did crack.
After chatting with our friends Kerry and Brian, Steve has decided to brace the roof too since it has dipped in the middle due to the long length. He has bought u-shaped metal for the top which he will get our friend Gavin to put a curve into it so when he puts the flat bar on the inside he hopes it will pull the roof up so the water won’t pool on the roof. Fingers crossed.
10th – Steve went to Dan’s workshop and they made the new steps for the camper. They will hook in under the door and be stored beside the door on the outside.
He also put on the door for the diesel heater’s fuel tank.
Sharon and Graham called in for a cuppa and chat in the afternoon. Great to catch up with them and hear of their trips. They have just done the Madigan Line which sounds interesting – another desert track. They will be up at the Shack near Irvinebank and Sue and Ian are on their way so we will go up and visit when they arrive.
Packed Dad’s suitcases ready for his trip to Malanda on Monday. It is so hard at present as he is so peaceful here but that is because there is no pressure to do anything to any timetable but I know it has to happen as we can’t stay forever and he will need more care as time goes on.
I was sitting in Mum’s recliner and we were chatting about the TV show. He turned to ask me something and said ‘Leen’ but quickly corrected himself. Did it a couple of times, but never comments to where she is etc. It is like being back here he has returned to some more recent memories, looking for his walking sticks (which I have hidden as he can’t use them at the Home) and his watch but he quickly forgets that he asked.
11th – Lovely sunny morning.
Steve got to work on the truck, fixing a few things before putting the new intercooler on.
I packed Dad’s bags, walker and wheel-chair in the Tarago ready for the trip to Malanda tomorrow
Dad had a big sleep in again. When he stirred I said ‘good morning’ and told him it was 11am. He asked ‘Where’s Mother’. First time in ages – I just said she was away and he was staying with us. No comment.
Kaylene and Rick popped in for a cuppa and chat.
Greg, Tracy and Katie came for dinner as did our boys and their lovely ladies. Our last Sunday night dinner with Dad here at his home of over 50 years. Very sad but he is happy in his world and hopefully will be comfortable and happy in Malanda.
12th – Dad slept through to 7am and woke well and was happy to have a shower. We all had breakfast. I said we were going for a drive to the Tablelands and he happily came with me. Steve was staying home but when Dad met Steve at the door and said goodbye to him as if he knew where he was going, I fell apart. Steve quickly changed clothes and drove us up to Malanda. I just quietly had a few more tears in the back seat.
Overcast and bleak as we headed up the range. We stopped at the café near Malanda Falls as the dairy one was closed today. We all pulled our jackets on as it is certainly chillier up here. Julie had just had her cuppa and was heading around to Ozcare to meet the furniture company who were delivering Dad’s new leather recliner to his room.
During morning tea where Dad kept asking who he knows that lives in Malanda (I could only think of the Brebbers but he didn’t remember them), but he didn’t get disturbed at all.
We drove around to Ozcare and he happily climbed out of the Tarago – much nicer than when we left here two weeks ago. Julie had a wheel-chair so he didn’t have to worry about walking inside. Steve got out all the suitcases etc and then he parked the car and sat – he hasn’t had a flu injection so he can’t come in.
Dad is in the same room as last time which is great, very close to the TV room and the dining area. He sat in his new chair with Socks and dozed off while we chatted with the RN on duty – Rup. We said hello to a couple of the staff that we had met previously and they were glad to see Dad was back.
Mum and Dad had a collection of old movies, Andre Rieu performances and CDs of various music. We decided to give them to Ozcare so all the residents can enjoy them. They suggested we get a CD player for Dad so they can play music for him when he is relaxing in his chair. Julie will pick one up.
Dad had lunch so we sorted out the paper work – Steve was so patient waiting in the car. We said goodbye as Linda was sorting out his bedroom. She was feeling sad as one of their long-term residents just passed away at the ripe old age of 105.
We went back into Malanda for lunch at another café then dropped off Dad’s script to the chemist so we could set up his account. Popped around to the Medical Centre who will take over Dad’s care. The doctor he will be under is away for two weeks so we arranged to meet Clair on Wednesday morning to go through things about Dad.
All sorted so we headed home to a quiet house now. No Andre playing – might just have to put it on to keep me company!
13th – So strange not hearing Dad’s breathing when we woke up this morning. Hope he had a good night.
Steve continued on with the intercooler. Cutting the bonnet to fit the new scoop. He has had practice with this as he did it with Pat too.
I went down to Office Works and printed out the photos I took of 4 of our favourite paintings of Mum’s. I had them laminated to we can blue-tack them to the wall beside our chairs – much better idea than having them stored in a box and not looked at.
Another grey bleak day but the wind managed to dry the washing. I cleaned out the cupboards in our room which held Mum’s painting gear and material for sewing and wool for knitting. I found a few more Lena originals that obviously she didn’t think were good enough to frame – I think they are lovely. Julie and Greg are coming over on Friday (public holiday for local show) so we can sort out things in the house.
Julie texted that Dad had a good night sleep and didn’t get up until 10.30 this morning. He was now resting in his chair listening to music on the CD player she bought.
I helped Steve put the bonnet back on. We had to pick up a few bits and pieces while we were out having our meeting with Centrelink. Stopped at Dave and Wendy’s to pick up a tool and checked out Dave’s progress on his race car which he hopes to race in the Cairns Targa Rally in September. Wendy had a day off work so I caught up with her too.
Unfortunately when Steve was putting the final bits on the bonnet the drill slipped and went through the air conditioner condenser – He is not happy. It means he will have to take everything back off to repair it. But on the plus side he took the truck for a run and is happy with its new performance.
14th – I headed back up to Malanda. The local doctor was doing her rounds today so we wanted to be there for a chat about Dad.
Steve took the Corolla down to Fozzie’s to get it serviced as it was due.
Dad was having a late breakfast when we arrived and was chatty and greeted us nicely. The doctor saw Dad early in her rounds so I was able to be home by 12.30.
I went with Steve for a walk along the Esplanade to the hospital so he could get his second dose of Pfizer Co-vid vaccine. While I waited I walked back to the car to get my water bottle. I sat down under a big fig tree and heard a noise in the leaves. It was a little mouse. He then went up into the tree and peered out at me – so cute!!
I headed back to the hospital and waited for Steve then we walked back to the car again – lovely afternoon for a walk too. Will do this again tomorrow when I get my second shot.
He had taken panadol and didn’t have any side effects at all which is great.
15th - I popped into work to have a cuppa with the girls and check the roster for next week. I am on for Monday so far.
Steve carried on with his painting on the camper while I sorted out a few more cupboards ready for the big clean up with Julie and Greg tomorrow.
We went for a walk again before I headed into the hospital for my Pfizer shot. All good.
Jon and Annalise invited us up for their homemade pizzas - yum.
16th – Cairns Show public holiday so Greg and Julie came over to help us with the house clean out. Now that Dad is in care we need to get the house sorted so it can be sold to help pay for the Aged Care accommodation fee and the poor old house needs a lot of fixing up.
17th - We found more paintings and sketch books that Mum had done. Julie was very excited to find this one that Mum did of where we stayed at Minnamolka Station near Mt Garnet when we were kids. We found a box in the back of Mum’s cupboard that had a duchess crystal set that her mother (May) had used so we took a couple of pieces each. I chose some special pieces to keep of Mum and Dad’s – just another small box to store at Jon’s!!
19th – It has been 3 months since Mum’s passing and one week since Dad went back into Respite Care. Life just rolls on regardless. We had a very big 3 days sorting out their belongings etc. Quite emotional too when we found certain items.
Back to work for me for the morning. Just doing fill in shifts now as we are planning to start wandering in September once we finish the camper and truck jobs and sort out the house.
After lunch we put up the aluminium structural channel on the roof with flat bar, which has rounded corners, on the roof inside. Our friends, Kerry and Brian, had put it on theirs too so we thought we would give it a try to help stop the roof’s sag. Steve had drilled through the roof so I held up the inside strip while he wound down the nuts onto the bolts from above.
You can see the gap on the next one.
Both glued and bolted. It seems to have worked which is making Steve happier.
20th – I drove up to Malanda to see Dad. He was awake but still laying stiffly in bed when I arrived at 11.30. I massaged him then with a nurse’s help managed to get him up. He was very vacant and stiff but we managed to get him to the toilet and then they gave him a wash and we dressed him. They brought him some lunch which I had to hand feed him while he stood with his walker as I couldn’t get him to move further to his chair. After a while I realised he was sweating by standing there so with the help of two staff we managed to get him turned and seated in his chair where he promptly closed his eyes and fell asleep. They assured me this is normal but I feel so bad considering he was so normal last week but that is how Dementia can change from day to day too.
Greg came over early in the afternoon and he and Steve loaded the skip with all the bits from the clean-out over the weekend. When I got home it was all finished so I rang the chap to come back and pick it up. Greg stayed for dinner.
21st – Kerry and Malcolm’s flight has been changed – joys of Covid at the moment with a more cases in NSW, Vic and SA. In the end it worked out better as they flew straight from Launceston to Brisbane so no chance of Covid exposure.
22nd – I worked this morning and Steve continued with jobs on the camper.
Picked up Kerry and Malcolm from the airport and took them to their hotel in town. We had a drink then walked around to the Esplanade so they could get some late dinner while we had a cuppa.
23rd – I worked again for the morning then we drove in to meet Kerry and Malcolm as we are lending them the Corolla to use. Unfortunately Kerry’s head was feeling stuffed up so she decided to have a rest. Steve and Malcolm went off to visit Dave and check out his little ute he has been building for the Targa Cairns. Only a few weeks left to get it all done.
I stopped in at Rebecca’s for a cuppa before going to the chiropractor then I headed home.
24th – Erica’s birthday. Steve waited to ring her in case she was having a sleep-in. Just got her before she was heading off to Brothers for a morning on the pokies.
Beautiful clear blue sky this morning. Malcolm and Kerry arrived and we headed off up the Gillies Range to explore the Tablelands. First stop was Lake Barrine for coffee and scones in the Tea House overlooking the lake which is an extinct volcano. Then Lake Eacham, Tinaburra & Lake Tinaroo and the Curtain Fig Tree. Steve dropped me at Ozcare for a half hour visit with Dad while they checked out the Malanda Falls. Dad had just got up and was having lunch which I helped him with. He was a bit more with it today which was nice to see. We continued on to the lookout over Millaa Millaa – perfect day though there is a bit of haze from the fire at Yarrabah.
Lunch at Millaa Hotel then around to Millaa Falls. Malcolm had already had a swim this morning at the hotel so he decided not to get in for a cool dip here!
Found an interesting lizard as we walked back up to the car.
Unfortunately Kerry’s cold made her feel fatigued so we had a quick look at the next couple of falls then headed back to Cairns.
Erica posted on FB she had a wonderful birthday and even won $150 on the pokies.
25th – Another lovely morning with blue skies and a bit of a nip in the air. Steve continued on his finishing jobs on the camper. I continued on my boxes trying to cull a few more items!
Jon and Annalise came over with morning tea and to collect Dad’s home brewing kit. Jon thought he might give it a try. They weren’t busy so we brought up all Jon’s childhood boxes and went through them. He didn’t want to keep all his school books etc so we had a big toss out and I reboxed up what was left. There were two big boxes of trophies which I will pull off the plaques and donate the trophies back to the BMX Club.
Kerry is feeling better so we met them at their hotel and walked around to the waterfront for dinner at Dundee’s. Delicious meal and dessert with lots of chatting.
26th – Kerry and Malcolm called in for a cuppa and a closer look at the camper.
I continued clearing out my boxes and repacking the items I am keeping. Steve worked on the brackets to hold the new steps on the back of the camper.
After dinner Pete rang to offer us some fish from his successful fishing trip on Saturday so we popped over for a drink and a chat. Lovely fresh Nannygai for dinner tomorrow night.
27th – Wendy’s birthday today – sent her a message. We will catch up on Friday for lunch.
No work today so continued with my boxes and Steve with the camper bits and pieces.
28th – I worked in the morning. Steve had lunch ready and Greg came over so we could head up to see Dad now that Greg has had his Flu shot. Dad was sitting in the TV room in a wheel-chair so we told the staff we were taking him for a walk. I showed Greg where his room was and about the place so he can visit Dad anytime too. We followed the path around and Dad wanted to get out of the chair and go for a walk which was great. We supported him as he walked around to the herb garden. We put him back in the chair as it was quite warm in the sun and headed inside. One of the staff found us and said to use the patio area for a cuppa which he brought Dad and us with a nice piece of cake each too. They are so friendly and helpful. Dad listened to us talk and even made a few comments – looking so much better today. Another nurse came by to talk about Dad’s recent events.
Steve spent the day replacing the air conditioner condenser and putting the truck back together.
29th – Steve got the gas put back into the truck’s air conditioning so we are all good again. He booked the truck in for a dyno-tune and ECU remap with Rob next week to give it better performance though he has already noticed the difference with the new turbo and bigger intercooler.
30th – Work again for me while Steve continued with bits and pieces on the camper.
I met Wendy, Andrea and Trish for lunch to celebrate Wendy’s birthday. Had a great time chatting though the food was very ordinary.
Annalise invited me up for a cuppa and yummy pumpkin scones she has just made using the lovely pumpkin Pete had given her.
31st – I cleaned up Dad’s chemistry flasks, test tubes etc to give to the Science Dept at Trinity Bay High School. Dad will be pleased to know they are going to help teach students about chemistry.
After lunch Steve headed down to Dan’s work to work on the roof support on the truck and to make a modification to the steps.
Greg came over to meet our second cousin Lee and his wife Glenda. They have been travelling in their motorhome. Lee’s father, Dudley, is Dad’s cousin. We had a lovely afternoon chatting and then Steve came home so we were able to show them the camper and checked out their motorhome too.
