Tuesday 29 June 2004

AC3 – Day 14

My hair started aching again today

The lump in my mouth has come back again.

Cut back Lamisil to once a day (mornings) there’s no itching although the lump/blister is still between the first/second toes and the split under my little toe.

Muggins

That’s me, it’s tattooed across my forehead, I’m sure of it! I hadn’t had enough of helping out at school following the 2+ week long creation of the great artwork, “Ascending Angels”, so I volunteered for another “outing”.

Today, after sitting up to watch Australia play Italy in the World Cup last night (got to bed around 2.30am) and witnessing a truly spectacular sky this morning, I accompanied the Year 2s at H’s school on an excursion to the Australian Museum of Childhood (AMOH) and on a dolphin spotting cruise on the Port River. After H’s 3.5 years there, it’s my first excursion.

3 teachers, 6 parents (mums) and around 45 children piled onto a bus and headed to Port Adelaide. The AMOH contains around 14,000 items, from photographs to toys, to technological wonders, all from the past, some dating back 150 or more years. It was quite fascinating seeing toys and items that were around during my childhood, and rather scary too that I was more than familiar with many things. The kids had a ball in a very much hands on way – why did I not take my earplugs?

After lunch, we boarded the MV River Princess for a 90 minute dolphin spotting cruise on the Port River. There is a pod of dolphins that call this industrial area their home and they have done for longer than anyone can remember. It is quite rare to see them in such an environment.

The children let out squeals of delight every time one was spotted. If you were to ask them, they would probably tell you there were about 105 dolphins in the Port River!

The biggest thrill came after the boat had turned around to make the return trip. A tug overtook us and the dolphins were having an absolute ball frolicking in the bow wave. This was made even better when a second tug followed along a few minutes later.

After we docked, we all piled back onto the bus for our return journey to school. After a fun filled day some children were more than ready for a snooze, and I’m sure the Mums were too.


Monday 28 June 2004

AC3 – Day 13

The lump next to my tooth seems to have gone down considerably tonight, phew!

Sunday 27 June 2004

AC3 – Day 12

A lump has come up on the outside of my lower left gum, at the base of my second last molar – I wonder what it intends to turn into.

The itching has eased, but the lump and split are still there. It is a little uncomfortable to wear shoes as part of my foot seems to be a little swollen.

Saturday 26 June 2004

AC3 – Day 11

A split has developed under my little toe on my left foot and has bled a little.

I’m keeping up with the cream twice a day.

I found it!

I knew I had it, but like most things recently, I couldn’t remember where I’d put it.

It was released in 1992 on cassette and cd. Not wanting to fork out for the then comparatively expensive cd, I bought the cassette version. I shall have to convert it so I can listen to it on my mp3 player.

So what AM I talking about? The Money or the Gun’s “Stairways to Heaven”.

TMOTG was a “chat” show on Aussie TV with Andrew Denton (now of Enough Rope). Each show closed with a different artist performing their version of Led Zepplin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and this is a collection of those tracks.

So who are the 22 that made the final cut and took the opportunity to, in some cases, desecrate the song written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page?

Kate Cebrano and The Ministry of Fun
John Paul Young (similar to “Love is in the Air”)
Pardon Me Boys
Nick Barker and The Reptiles
Rolf Harris (Yep, that’s Rolf alright!)
The Australian Doors Show
Sandra Hahn and Michael Turkic (operatic version)
Toots (Helen Jones)
Robyne Dunn (similar to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”)
Neil Pepper (Elvis)
The Rock Lobsters (a B-52's version)
Toys Went Berserk (head banger version)
Jodie Gillies
The Beatnix (Beatles - “I Want to Hold Your Hand” style version)
The Fargone Beauties (guitars and banjos)
Etcetera Theatre Company
Judi Cornelli
Barry Crocker and The Doug Anthony Allstars
Vegemite Reggae
The Whipper Snappers
Sydney Philharmonia
Leonard Teale (in typical Leonard Teale monotone fashion)

Yes, I know, you’d be lucky to identify many if any of those “artistes”. Perhaps a preview might help jog some of those brain cells?

It’s odd to think that despite its popularity, “Stairway” was never officially released as a single by Led Zepplin. Rolf Harris’ version (complete with didgeridoo and wobble board) reached the Top 10 on the UK singles charts and was reported responsible for resurrecting his career.

With any song that has gathered “cult like” following, someone has to listen to it backwards and invariably they claim there is a hidden satanic message. All the versions listed here, along with the rest of the 101 versions can be found here at WMFU - ENJOY!


Friday 25 June 2004

AC3 – Day 10

H got his first written school report today – it was all good news!

A white lump/blister has come up between my big and next toe (underneath), it hurts.

Thursday 24 June 2004

AC3 – Day 9

Feeling a little better today, my taste is coming back, at last. Gee I hate that metallic taste!

The tinea is not showing any sign of improvement. It is starting to get painful to walk on. I asked at my pharmacy and they said that it could be due to my depressed immune system at the moment – oh well, I’ll be a bit more patient with treatment.

Wednesday 23 June 2004

AC3 – Day 8

DH did pick up from school.

It’s been a bit of a battle all week to keep going.

I bathed my left foot in pinetarsol tonight as it was unbearably itchy. I’ve also used the Lamisil cream twice today and will continue doing so until I get some relief.

Monday 21 June 2004

AC3 – Day 6

I think I have tinea on my left foot, it’s as itchy as anything – no other signs as yet. Using Lamisil ointment to see what happens, its one dose per day for a week.

Ahhh, Winter!

The last few weeks have been mostly kind to me weatherwise as I’ve had a decrease in hot flushes. The only problem being that to get relief, the overnight minimum has to drop to around 2C or less.

We’ve been having (for us) extremely cold nights with clear skies. We haven’t gotten below 0C in the metro area yet, but it’s been close. It’s never been this cold for an extended time (possibly for one or 2 nights though) for as long as I can remember. The parklands and our back lawn have had a morning covering of frost, another new experience. Some country centres are getting down under -7C and that’s unheard of.

I’m thankful that we have a fairly efficient wood heater in the family room and for my wool and cashmere coat I bought 2 years ago.

Last Friday morning I thought I’d have to crack out the summer clothing when it was 8C at 7am!

It’s also been extremely dry. My skin is really suffering, especially on my hands. The cracking and bleeding is not all that pleasant. Note to self; I really should chug a lot more water – a lot easier said than done at times.

Every time they forecast showers or the possibility of rain, it disappears before it gets here. We’re an optimistic lot and still have our fingers crossed that we’ll see some of that lovely rain before too long.


Sunday 20 June 2004

AC3 – Day 5

“Slept” in until 10-10.30am, feeling rotten. Spent most of the day on the sofa resting, sleeping.

It’s finally finished!

After 2 and a bit weeks work, H’s class’ work of art to be included at the school’s Gala Ball in a couple of weeks is finally finished.

I sort of volunteered to help out with the project, and got a little more than I originally bargained for!

Each child drew their interpretation of an angel. The teacher arranged them on the back of the canvas (100cm x 75cm). One of the other Mums and I traced the outlines of all 22 angels with black permanent marker.

It was then a one on one effort for each child to paint in their angel – we used a paint which is similar to an ink – it gives a wonderful water colour finish. They children had 18 colours from which to choose. This process took the best part of 6 days, with me loading and unloading brushes, cleaning up bleeds, etc. It was a fun experience with a group of mostly 7 year olds, even though it’s been very cold for here and we were outside under the verandah.

I've had to shrink the images a lot to fit them on here, and sadly the detail is a bit lost, but you still get the idea.

I spent a few hours this weekend filling in the background to give a semi sponged finish, but using a stencil brush. I used a watered down folk art paint.

We took it in to the classroom this morning. Everyone seems to be happy with the finished product.

Now, all we need are a few eager parents with big wallets!

How much would you pay for this delightful piece of original art?


Saturday 19 June 2004

AC3 – Day 4“Slept” in until 10-10.30am, feeling rotten. Spent most of the day on the sofa resting, sleeping.

Wednesday 16 June 2004

AC3 – Day 1

Oncologist appointment at 11am - 3rd AC cycle.

Tuesday 15 June 2004

AC2 - Day 21

My mouth ulcer seems to have eased at last – not totally gone, but not as bad as they were.

My period started today.

Tuesday 8 June 2004

AC2 - Day 14

It was a lovely day weather wise today – top of around 21!

Received another Hospital Pharmacy bill today – to be paid by 30 June.

Claimed H’s OT and paid 1 month of private health insurance. The ladies there asked how I was going, as did the lady in the fruit and veg shop.

I washed my wig late afternoon – hope it’s dry before tomorrow!

The weather is coming in cool and wet for a few days (o/n min 13, max tomorrow 17)

Venus transitted the Sun at around 2.30pm local time today – the first time in over 100 years.

Monday 7 June 2004

AC2 – Day 13

I think the mouth ulcers are going to get me this time, I have one “welling up” just near my bottom right eyetooth.

H had OT after school and his OT was really pleased at how he is doing. Working out in the garden with Dad is one of the best things he can do, apparently.

Sunday 6 June 2004

AC2 – Day 12

The odd hair is falling out again, but nothing major, not that there is that much left anyway. My hair is “aching” again.

H spent 2 hours outside stacking branches into a pile as DH cut them down and up the self seeded Cootamundra Wattle in the backyard. He just worked away very happily, no complaints and very solidly – he did a marvelous job!

So what did you do this morning?

I traced angels on to a canvas.

The year’s major fundraiser for the boys’ school, the Gala (aka galah) Ball, is fast approaching. It’s billed to be a fun evening of conversation, wining, dining, dancing and silent auctions.

Items for the silent auction will include artworks from each class in the school. H’s class are painting their angels (created as part of the 6 week Easter celebrations) on to canvas. Their “visions” of angels are quite wide and varied, and all put together, they’ll look fabulous.

One of the other Mums and I spent a swag of the morning transferring the outlines of 22 angels, ready for the children to paint. The paint to be used is like coloured water and it spreads quite a way – will they be able to stay within the lines, that is the question. This will be a challenge for a bunch of 7 and 8 year olds!

Muggins me (yes I really do have “MUG” tattooed on my forehead) has volunteered to help the children next week. It will be a one on one process and I’m having nightmares already.

I’ll have to remember my camera on Tuesday and take come pics.

J’s class have been “drawing” self portraits (I think) with fabric paint. The teacher’s MIL will sew all the panels together to make a quilt.


Tuesday 1 June 2004

AC2 – Day 7

I laid on the sofa most of the time resting.

Mum and Dad arrived around 4-4.30pm. Mum seems quite gloom and doom – I told her the 5 year survival rate for breast cancer sufferers and all she could say is what about 20 year survival – how negative can you get.


Wednesday 2 June 2004

AC2 – Day 8

I started to feel a bit more normal today, thank goodness.

J had Kindergym. A girlfriend and her daughter joined us at a play cafe afterwards.