Hi @Determined
Thank you Determined, for your message. I just looked back and it's five weeks since my last note. The power went back on the Monday following that note, after the electrician replaced the connection. Western Power re-connected the power at the pole, checked everything was satisfactory, and switched me on.
It was a fair while that I was using the generator (about seven weeks). I am thankful that I had purchased it and was pleased with its performance. At 3.5 kva, it ran everything including the washing machine, but not the clothes dryer, which, while not an essential, my difficulty with balance causes problems when trying to hang clothes. Made it near essential when Mum was with me. No power meant no air-conditioning, so I am very pleased that it did not all happen mid-summer, and with temperatures here cruising as low as
14 deg Max. and 3 deg Min. I am glad it was not now.
I have an air-conditioner in my computer room which keeps me comfortable when it is really cold. An electric blanket keeps me comfortable at night.
Had planned to get fence re-erected over a week ago, but despite careful planning as presented on “Achievements” thread, that has been postponed in favour of preparation for roof and internal wall and ceiling repairs – Bent roofing iron, a couple of water leaks at ceiling and walls, and separation between walls & cornices, due to racking in the building frame. A friend is coming to work with me on the fence this Wednesday. So, generally, things are coming back together, literally and figuratively.
Attended four counselling sessions over last four weeks. I realised that I definitely needed assistance with addressing a few issues – where I've been, am at now, and where to, type stuff. Commented that I am annoyed, at my age, to still be dealing with the issues from way back. But that is what counselling is for and all about, I guess. Counsellor is a lady with whom I have already established a good rapport. In fact decided on the Sunday, rang on Monday and an appointment arranged for 11.00 am that same day {Same day the power was re-connected}. So fortunate in a number of ways.
I am aware that the cyclone and its effects have brought to the surface many issues that may have been just slowly 'smouldering away underneath the surface'. I am sure that it applies to others as well as me. “An ill wind that blows no-body any good.” So, while there has been, in many ways, a considerable degree of upheaval, there are certainly a lot of positives, as long as I {we} care to make ourselves aware of them.
Enough about me and my space. I'm not sure if it's the common interest in biking, or similar writing styles, maybe a combination of both, but I do feel comfortable letting you know whats happening for me. Thank you.
Great to hear about your biking venture, via the scenic route, with one of your boys. That balance challenge, you talk about, is common for both of us, and no doubt, others. However, I think that it comes partly by anticipation of possible problems. Once we are on the bike it seems to vanish, without trace. I like your reference to that, in the expression: “My stress? Oh yeah, it's back there.” and “And may I add, I'd forgotten about it till you asked.” It certainly is a good feeling to get out and feel the wind from the front. Hard to describe in words.
I hope that your un-wellness, and the balance challenge, has lifted and that you are feeling in good spirits now, and to hear of your longer ride next week.
While this note is fairly long, it has been good to give a summary of events over the last few weeks that is, in essence, positive after what seemed, and really was, an extraordinary event in this area and in my space.
With My Very Best Wishes to You
and your family Determined
HenryX
