Back at Ya

The good news is that Ann and I made it into the water yesterday along with our across the street neighbor Deb, good friends Paul and Marita, and our previous landlady Maureen. Ann even caught a wave and got a good ride using Deb’s boogie board.

The somewhat bad news was that I decided to go in the water even though my back had twinged rather seriously the night before (that slight bend at the sink doing dishes can be very tricky to manage). Apparently that was not the most prudent thing to do, as after coming out of the water and lying down on the beach I was  unable to get up.

Not wanting to end up like the beached and decaying whale that ended up on nearby Shelly beach, I was able to get lifted up and steadied on my feet for the slow march across the sand and through the dunes to the car.

Fortunately our borrowed house has aircon as one says here, so I have been cool while pondering what to do next about this untimely predicament. As to be expected perhaps given the community of our Warrnambool friendship circle, help was not long in arriving. 

 Ann went out and got fish and chips for dinner. Barry came by and reminded us of Voltaren. No not the fortune telling machine chap from Big, but rather magic in the form of topically applied anti-inflammatory analgesic that worked wonders. Barry also connected me with Delia, a local physio.

Delia advised against sitting, or any travel, until pain subsided, so we delayed our return to Melbourne on the morning train. It is so hot right now that the mid-day train was canceled and bus travel was to be substituted. Due to the heat the train tracks expand and bend enough to shut down train travel. Since bus travel meant having to sit, we are now re-booked on the evening train which is still scheduled to go.

The plus of the preceding is that Delia was able to come over and assess the situation in person this morning, and tape up the back for additional support.

 Also got a good tutorial on over the counter medications available here.

So, we have now had an at home resting and nesting day. Got to do laundry and use the very effective solar dryer.  Cricket is on the tele !

The bird outside in back yard right now is sitting on the grass with wings outspread on the ground and beak open. Guess that’s how they manage the heat.

Our time with friends in Melbourne has been cut short due to the forced extra day of R&R in Warrnambool. Nonetheless, slowing down, assessing and taking stock has been lemonade.