Poor old Bindi

Rather sad news, my little mate, Bindi, had to be put down last Saturday. I suppose it was for the best, but I will really miss taking her for walkies.

She had crook kidneys as well as other complications and hadn't eaten for 2 or 3 days.Off to Sydney February 14th for an ACCAN SACDI meeting (Google that as it's too complicated to explain here).

It will be one of two meetings at present, but I hope to stay on it for a while as I really miss contributing to telecommunications for not only people who are speech impaired, but all pwd. I am going on my own this time as I have regained my confidence.

It will be an interesting experience. Until next time, Hank.

A long time...

Hi followers (if there are any), it's been ages since I posted. Happy Festive to all and may 2011 bring happiness and well being.
I am travelling a bit this year with the ACCAN/SACDI in February and the AGOSCI Conference May 11 - 14 (Google them if you aren't aware of them). Possibly another SACDI meet later in the year.
My masseur, Susie, moved house and very kindly gave me some drawers and a stool she had left over to make my unit "homely". Thanks Susie.
My Service Provider (St Laurence Community Services) got me a portable air conditioner, which will be great when the weather heats up. It's a 'fair dinkum' one and not the evaporative type that I think are totally useless!
I bought a small charcoal barbecue a few weeks ago and invited a few friends around. The weather looked like threatening rain, but it was a very nice evening.
Until next time,
Hank. 

Update

Sorry no new posts for a while. Not much has been happening apart from going to Ballarat to get my new hand controls fitted. I am still getting used to them as they are very different to what I was used to, but a vast - and necessary improvident on my old ones.

My friend, Trish, came up with me and we went to Sovereign Hill. It was very hard on Trish as she had to help push my wheelchair up the steep parts. I think that Sovereign Hill should supply motorised wheelchairs for not only people with disabilities, but elderly as well.

Got a new stove a few weeks ago that my SWs (support workers as I dislike the term Carer) are rapt in. Far better than the old one that 'died' as the back elements didn't work.

Speechies

I posted a while ago that I was interviewed by some 'speechies' (Speech Pathologists) as part of their course. The three very pretty girls  pictured (life is hard sometimes (-; ) are Lauren, Yvette and Lauren.

They got an "A" for their assignment and I congratulate them on a job well done.

I was more than happy to do the interview, as speechies are needed to assist the 1:8 million Australians  who have little or no speech (Speech Pathology Australia and look for the Fact Sheets).

My belief is that anyone can communicate and there are many ways of doing so, from low tech such as picture cards and boards, to high tech devices like my Polyana.

Not much

Not much has been happening lately, but got a letter saying my new hand controls have been approved so will mean a trip to Ballarat to get them fitted.

The existing ones are over 10 years old and were deemed unsafe by the OT. I had a new wheelchair hoist fitted as that was also at the end of its life. I would like to keep my independence as long as possible and having a vehicle helps a lot as it saves having to pay for taxis whenever I want to go shopping for items not available at the local supermarket.

I am still finding things that need a change of address with the likes of the Tax Office, Electoral Roll, Medicare and many other things. It has taken me a while, but I think I have updated most things.

Hard to belive...

Blimey, hard to believe it's been over 9 weeks since I moved! Time does indeed fly.

Today I finished the staining on my one of my ramps to make the place look a bit better and to 'hide' the wheelchair tyre marks somewhat but as you can see I wish I'd bought a darker stain.
There are two to do yet, but it looks heaps better already.
There are still quite a few marks on the walls so I went to Bunnings and hopefully the paint will match!
My caseworker came around to finalise things with DHS and I have a few spare "hours" that I can use if I need a carer to accompany me.
Really enjoying being in my own place!
Still enjoying gym twice a week that has helped me tremendously with balance, my asthma, shakiness and general well being. In June I will be going to the St Laurence gym so I hope that works as well. 

Anne bought around my dog, Bindi, today for a few hours. I took her for a walk but she was very tired (but not tired enough to bark at some bull terriers behind a fence)!
Being a small dog she wouldn't stand a chance, but behind a fence ... she is as 'brave' as they come!
It's a shame I can't have her here as I love her and she is great company.
I probably could have her but as the back yard isn't enclosed and there is no 'Doggy Door' for her to go out when needed, it's not an option unfortunately.
Nevertheless, I like having her around (even if only for a few hours) when Anne can bring her.
I know that dogs are good for both companionship and company but i think Bindi is getting too old to learn new things.

A picture of a little herb garden to brighten up the back yard, as well as some tasty meals!
The box was very kindly supplied by Ron & Marj from Box my Garden (http://boxmygarden.com.au/index.php).
They delivered the box and soil as well as planting the herbs.
Extremely friendly and courteous service so many, many thanks.