Rain dance aficionados!

It has been so dry here, probably the driest winter on record and it’s continued. Over the last several months, they’ve forecast showers in the 7 day forecast. Every time, without fail, as the “day” has approached, it’s gone from showers, to possible showers and then downright impossible showers – they’ve disappeared into thin very dry air.

Last night, we had the most rain we’ve had in over 6 months (a whole 13.8mm – 55 points – ½ an inch). That may not sound like much, in fact it isn’t much, but boy, it was soooo nice to see some rain at last. Everything smells so fresh, the dust has been washed off the trees, plants, houses, roads…

Accompanying the rain was a magical light and sound show put on by nature. It would have to be one of the best storm series I’ve seen probably since I was a kid sitting on the front verandah on the farm, watching the light show make its way far across the plain. I loved it then, and they still hold a fascination now.

Here’s 10 minutes worth cut down to 15 seconds, at Henley Beach, an Adelaide suburb, last night.

Nature's Light and Sound Show

I do want to thank you all for your efforts so far, but we’re nowhere near breaking the drought yet, so keep on dancin’!

He’s gone!

And I helped him leave.

After 4.5 months on the sick list, yes, it’s been that long, I took DH to the airport this afternoon. I even had to steer the car this time as the autopilot was a bit rusty. DH is spending his first week back at work interstate – he’s self employed and only works interstate or overseas, so that’s no biggy.

The last 4.5 months have been filled with hospital, resistant infections, 13 different combinations of antibiotics, pain, swelling, doctor visits, lymph damage, muscle wastage, physio, compression socks, gym rehab, limb elevation, rest, head defogging...

It’s only been during the last week that he’s done the afternoon school run, and only because J was home sick.
So today is a very important milestone.

Standing and sitting have been his worst enemy – they cause pain and swelling – I won’t even mention flying. His job entails that he travel and stand all day for the 5 days he’s working.

He thinks he’s still around 2-3 months off being back to where he was in June, but progress is progress.

It was with a little trepidation and a hint of excitement (I think not) that we said our farewells and left him on the footpath on the elevated roadway outside departures for the first time in 4.5 months.

I have to get back in the saddle, although I don’t think I was truly out of it anyway, and get used to “doing it all” again, although it’s a bit like riding a bike, you never forget how.

Giddy up! Yar mule!

Grandpa

DH’s father passed away in September 1993 aged 77 years. Sadly, he never got to meet his youngest grandchildren. If he had, he would have loved to spend a great deal of time with them.

He was a man who grew up in the tough times, times when supporting your brothers and sisters came before education. He loved cowboy stories. He worked very hard and could and did turn his hand to anything. He was a man of endless stories. His grandsons have inherited his curious nature, having to know everything that’s going on all around them.

We dropped by the cemetery yesterday and DH took the boys to visit his memorial. H became quite emotional. I captured this moment through the bushes.