Sat 21 May 2011
Autumn is here in NZ but it’s a bit of a welcome Indian Summer, with temps in the 20s and not much rain. The old bike is still doing good work although I’m having to do it solo these days.
The road to the tip!
A rather elaborate postbox
and some of the smaller versions.
Two shag point
But the main news just now is that Stephen has had a knee joint replacement in Whangarei hospital and the very competent surgeons and staff have straightened his bent leg while they were at it. Here he is minutes after the surgery and minutes before he fainted away and scared me silly. Fortunately help was at hand and he soon came round smiling.
They painted his leg a lurid pink for the surgery and he’s still washing it off weeks later.
A work of art?
X ray of the new knee joint
Meanwhile I get to take a short holiday with Stef in her house in Whangarei, which is a handy five minutes away from the hospital.
Stef in her kitchen – the plant on the left is quite dead but she insists it will revive? How’s it doing Stef?
Must keep fit – the other use for Stef’s art studio
Back home and Stephen catches up on the world. Facebook practically takes over from our Weblog, but this one is for those Luddites who haven’t yet succumbed.
Stairs are no problem
and beard trimming can be done in the sunshine after the shower
Trish, the district nurse, removes the staples from Stephen’s knee and says it’s the best she’s ever seen. Everyone takes a photo of the great scar.
But sometimes it’s all a bit too much for a poorly lad
Get some rays on that leg.
Stephen takes his first long walk.
When this is on your route it is a physio is just a pleasure.
but a bit chilly for swimming
Chests out – stand up straight!
This is for Diana – these are my new Ecco golf shoes – cool, eh?
And Stephen does nine holes on 21st May, after having surgery on 20th April.
the first time that both feet have been flat on the groun.
Lunch at the Waterfront after golf.
What else, Oh yes, John had a party to celebrate his new roof – made of spit and newspaper.
The food was gay
And the guests were rosy.
Diana and David leave for England in a hurry in March to support a sick friend
So no more evening sailing for David
The Round New Zealand race sets off from the bottom of our garden
And final confirmation that Stephen is better – mowing the lawn.
Unashamedly mowing through our lemon trees – do be careful, we’ll have none left
and going so fast I don’t get a good shot of the proteas.
Finally, in nature corner – a frog on the laundry window.
May 21st, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Looking good young Stephen, I hope the Animal farm quote is not meant to imply anything about you. I thought you were a ‘lamb chop’
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:06 am
Good result Stephen. Excellent recovery. Hope it continues to improve. Best wishes.
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 pm
hey Stephen – great recovery! Bit worried about those lemon trees tho! But good to see the op was a success and has given you a ‘zest’ for life. (tee hee).
PS Mary – facebook is a bit hit and miss with me, so see you anon.
May 24th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Good to see such a rapid recovery. Hope it continues to go well.
May 28th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Good to hear all is well and that Stephen has recovered so well. One of these days I will get used to Facebook and learn how to use it properly. Photos are great as usual. Keep up the good work. Sue