It's been some time since I last posted, but I have not been idle. My daughter's separation has been playing heavily on Jules and I, so we have been down to Melbourne to stay two or more nights since I last blogged.

My ex son-in-law (the SIL) is a spineless creature, as my son, Nick, and I discovered last night. Jules and I had come down to Melbourne to assist Nick in buying a used car for $5k or less, and we had looked at several vehicles during the day. Nick and I were returning from buying a takeaway meal for the two girls (Jules and Mia) and pulled to Mia's place at the same time as the wretched ex SIL was returning the two grandchildren as they had stayed with him over night. The SIL and Mia were engaged in a conversation at the front gate, and the SIL saw us. In the 30 seconds it took Nick and I to alight from our car, the SIL had managed to close the conversation with Mia, scamper across the road, get in his car, start the engine, and pull away from the kerb....a major feat for a 6'6" bloke! What a disgracefully cowardly act! Was not even able to face us. Not even a word! Truth is that he must be thoroughly and utterly ashamed of his actions.

Anyway, enough of that.

I have seen a speech pathologist, and that went OK. She is devising a program for me and will provide it in 2-3 weeks. She is trying to work it in with the occupational therapist and physiotherapist who all work for the Sunshine Pain Clinic. But as Jules and I are off to Palm Cove, in the far north of Queensland, in barely a week, maybe it will have to wait for 3-4 weeks.

We decided on a car for Nick, and am simply awaiting for the current owner to provide a roadworthy certificate before we part with any money. The car is a 2-door 2007 Holden Barina TK, and only has 60,000 km on the clock. It will enable Nick to drive to Mia's place (a 40 minute drive) in times of need, as while she is holding up very courageously, there will undoubtedly be many very low moments in front of her....and she and Nick have always been close.

Back up at Kyneton, Hedgerow Cottage is coming along well, and architect Ian is trying to persuade photographer Simon to take photos as soon as possible for the proposed feature in "Country Style" magazine. The garden is really looking great as the myriad of rose bushes start breaking into bloom. We have in excess of 100 rose bushes (the vast majority were inherited) plus dozens of other trees, shrubs and plants.

Sadly, my health continues to go backwards. The aches and pains are no better and I get twinges of pain in my lower left side. For example, it is becoming increasingly difficult to put on my socks. All I can do is to continue walking, stretching and exercising.....