Update on Dave

Hi all, I am posting this update about my brother, these are text messages sent by my sister in-law.

Sunday 7 June

We have some beautiful nurses today making regular calls to the Theatre team to see if his still to be done today, his still on the list for today so far and unfortunately just playing the waiting game again!

Cancelled for the 4th time, doing it all over again tomorrow!

I’m thinking they took him off the emergency list when his bloods improved so not so urgent but surely it would be making scare tissue and adhesions etc

Monday 8 June

They have collected him for surgery just now! 😔🎉Should be approx 1hr plus up to 2hrs recovery! Won’t know yet if he will go to ICU or a ward but they will call me when he hits recovery! 🤞all goes well and his recovery can start! Thank you so much for your love and support, will update again when his out! ❤️

And please sisters don’t panic if he does go to ICU they have a bed ready for him in icu just in case he needs it and it’s could just be a cautionary me to send him there because of his diabetes in her blood pressure

Tuesday 9 June

Hey all, his still in recovery, his asking to hold off visiting until he hits the ward as only 1 visitor at a time and his sleeping on and off still! His had a reasonable sleep overnight a little pain on coughing but has a pain button to press every 5 mins if needed! No details from the surgeon yet on how it went, didn’t have to open so just 2 chest drains for a few days and small wounds to heal!

At this stage he will get a bed F3 bed 12 but won’t be ready till 11ish but nurses talk will be 3pm lol.

I will add that on Monday Leigh told the hospital that if he didn’t have his surgery today, she wanted him transferred to Newcastle Private Hospital this is the hospital where they both work, Leigh as a nurse and Dave is in charge of the back-dock.

She filled in forms and lodged a complaint as Dave had been told he would have his surgery only to have it postpone 4 times and we all felt this was a joke

DAVE & LEIGH

Beechband

Today I am writing about the Beechbandwhat is it you may wonder well it is a device to help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

The Beechband works by delivering steady, rhythmic vibration pulses on your wrist to help calm and regulate movement, speech, and anxiety symptoms—especially for people with Parkinson’s.

It’s essentially a wearable version of a therapeutic tapping technique that its creator originally used manually.

It produces rhythmic pulsing vibrations (around 85 beats per minute in many cases). These pulses mimic a metronome‑like tapping that can help the brain stabilise movement patterns and reduce anxiety.

For some people, the effect is immediate, while for others it builds gradually over several weeks.

It can help with the following symptoms anxiety and stress, dyskinesia, rigidity, freezing of gait and other walking problems, speech difficulties, sleep issues and tremor of course.

However not everyone experiences the same benefits—some feel a big change, others only subtle effects, and some none at all.

You wear it on your wrist (or try switching wrists or even the ankle if results vary). Turn, it on and ignore it—most people stop noticing the vibration after 15–30 minutes.

It is recommended to use it daily for at least 6 weeks to judge whether it helps. Friends or family often notice improvements before the wearer does.

The vibration can be loud for some people; the battery life is often short around 3–4 hours.

Some users report major improvements in gait and freezing; others report no change.

The Beechband is a non‑medical wearable that uses steady vibration cues to help regulate movement and reduce anxiety. It doesn’t treat Parkinson’s itself, but for some people it provides meaningful day‑to‑day relief.

I have this device and it works great for me it calms my body, stops the internal tremor and helps clear my mind allowing me to focus and connect.

Week 21 of 2026

I was up at 4.10am I had 7hrs of sleep and decided to have my shower then; after dressing I came out to the messy kitchen after cleaning that, I swept the kitchen floor and the lounge-room as well.

It is currently 13c or 55.4f and 5.30am.

I went for my walk did a little extra, today feels more like Monday not Sunday, it has warmed up to 22c or 71.6f.

Tim home at 4pm, he is so annoying at times when we are watching the news, and he gets angry with the pollies flapping their gums spouting nothing and yeah, I get how he feels but it does get on my nerves.

Steps: 8,763 = 4.4k’s or 2.6miles

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I was up at 4.25am after 7.5hrs of sleep, it is currently 16c or 60f I am dressed and starting my day, I hope all I know have a good day.

Around 11am I started to feel really cold so had to turn the heater on, but only for 15 minutes and then I was good.

It has rained on and off all day, no nap today got stuck in and sorted through my medical folder and shredded a lot of stuff, I then went looking and found Tim’s stuff he had two folders both with only a few things in them so combined that into one folder.

I also sorted out my drawers moving my shorts into the spare room and getting my winter Pj’s from the spare room and moving them to the bedroom.

Steps: 6,215 = 3k’s or 1.8 miles.

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I was up at 4.25am after 7.5hrs of sleep, it is currently 13c or 55.4f I am dressed and starting my day, I hope all I know have a good day.

I rang to arrange the MRI, but it’s not covered by Medicare, and the cost would be $300 so I said not to worry about it. I sent an email to the doctor’s surgery letting them know. I don’t really need the MRI it was just a suggestion.

I went for my walk and just after I got home it started to rain again. It has rained on and off all day.

Steps: 7,778

It’s Wednesday already, I have been up since 4.30am, the temp is 13c or 55.4f and it’s not raining. I slept for 9.5hrs and woke up feeling good.

I went for my walk after that I decided to mop the kitchen and bathroom floors. I took the clothes off the hoist, folded and put them away.

This afternoon I cleaned the glass sliding doors, they were very dirty, I also went for another walk just around the driveway after I checked the letter box.

Had a phone call from the Dr’s I know have an appointment tomorrow morning because I said I can’t afford to have the MRI done.

I had to put my watch on to charge, and it has been charging since 11am and it’s still not done.

Steps: 7,028 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

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I am up bloody early it was 4.15am when I got up as I was awake and couldn’t get back to sleep so I got up. I did have a good 8hrs of sleep.

At 5am it was 13c or 55.4f and it is supposed to be around 19c.

I walked down to post a couple of letters.

Saw the Dr he wants me to have a CT scan instead of the MRI, for those who don’t know the CT scan will be bulked billed meaning I don’t have to pay for it.

It has rained all afternoon and it’s cold enough to have the heater on.

Steps: 7,023 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

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Another early start got up at 4.15 after 8 and a half hours of sleep, had my shower and dressed. It is raining this morning; it should stop soon. It is 13c again with a top of only 19c.

Sue and I had an appointment with the podiatrist, all went well.

It has been raining on and off all day.

I am feeling so so, I tried to have a nap but wasn’t able to settle.

Tim and Tasha are fighting again, and I am caught in the middle again.

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I slept well, found Tim asleep in his armchair he is still in a foul mood, I got up at 4.10am he then went to bed.

It was fine when I got up but by 8am it was raining again, thankfully I went for my walk earlier.

It has rained on and off all day again, Tim’s mood has improved during the day.

Kathy rang at 3pm we talked for 30 minutes. Because of the improvement in Tim’s mood, I didn’t want to set him off again so asked that nothing be said that would do that.

However, Tasha posted something on the family chat that set him off again, I felt so stressed that I walked up the driveway and around it and back again. When I got back, I was gone maybe 5 minutes, Tim wasn’t here, he wouldn’t answer my phone call but did when I text asking where he was, he said he didn’t know. He then said he would either tonight or tomorrow. He got back about 7pm in another really foul mood, I went to bed.

I am so over it all.

Steps: 8,349 = 4k’s or 2.6 miles

Week 20 of 2026

MOTHER’S DAY

I was up at 4.15am, my Cpap mask was annoying me, so I got up, it is a cold morning.

I did manage to go for my walk after I sat in my recliner and closed my eyes for a while.

Sue picked up and we went to the cemetery; we saw Dave & Leigh and Liarna as well as Sandy and Denni &Skylar.

While I was out Kathy came over and left me three framed photos for Mother’s Day.

Tasha came down and wished me a good Mother’s Day, Jessica & Sam rang to wish me the same.

Uploading: 55510 of 55510 bytes uploaded.

Steps: 8,526 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

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Had a good night slept for 9hrs, woke to the sound of rain, it is 13c or 55.4f and the rain is supposed to stop by 7am, I hope it does as I have a Dr appointment at 8.50am.

The rain did stop and we went and had our flu shots, then we went shopping for a few things.

This afternoon I started to feel not great and as the afternoon dragged on my PD symptoms worsened, so I checked with Google and yeah, the flu shot can do that, but I should be ok tomorrow or Wednesday.

I’m going to bed early

Steps: 7,225 = 3.6k’s or 2. 1 mile.

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I woke up feeling fine, it is another chilly start to the day with the temp being 15c or 59f, I slept for around 8hrs, yeah, I was up at 4am again.

No walk this morning as my feet felt so heavy when I tried to walk, I was worried I would fall over. By midday I was feeling good.

Had a nap between 1 and 2pm and woke feeling good.

Last night in a dream I received a stern talking to from my dad, he told me I should have got medical attention as soon as I fell over on the cruise, and that I must take more care and look after myself. He also said how proud he was of Sue for looking after me.

Steps: 5,113 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

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I had a good night, managed 7hrs of sleep and was up at 4,20am, the temp was 13c or 55.4f. It is also raining, I hope it stops by 7am so I can go for my walk.

It is raining this morning I hope it stops before I need to go out for the MRI.

It rained on the way to have the MRI but stopped by the time we got there. I had very little waiting and the scan took only 10minutes, I closed my eyes and dosed off while it was done.

We then went to the plaza so I could pick up my scrips and get bread.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….I was awake at 3am and up at 4am as I was restless and unable to settle, so got up and had a shower. It is wet outside but not raining.

The temp is 15c or 59f and I had a decent 9hrs of sleep.

While out shopping my Dr’s surgery rang and said I need an appointment to get the MRI results, so I am now going to the Dr’s tomorrow morning.

I had a short nap and started to feel better after that, as I wasn’t feeling good.

Tasha brought down my Mother’s Day gift a foot spa and I love it; I am so excited about it.

Steps: 5,510 = 2.8k’s or 1.7miles

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I didn’t get up till 4.50am how cool is that, I had another good 9hrs of sleep, the temp is 13c or 55.4f and it is wet outside, not raining at the moment.

Went and saw the Dr he read the report from Hunter Imaging which said there was no ligamentous injury, however, it also said that there are bone marrow changes and bruising at T2 and T3 and some subtle changes to T1 and recommended another MRI of the thoracic spine. I have requested an appointment for that to be done.

Bought Tim another loaf of bread, asked the women 3 times if it was sandwich, she said it was, Tim took one look at it and said it’s toast not sandwich, I explained that I checked with the woman who served me, and he said what an idiot. Thankfully he wasn’t angry with me.

It has rained on and off all day, I tried to have a nap at 12.30 but only managed to lay down for 20 minutes as I felt restless.

Steps: 8,526 = 4.3k’s or 2.6miles

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I didn’t get up till the alarm went off at 5am, so a good night getting 10hrs of sleep. It is 12c or 53.6f this morning I had the heater on in the bathroom and bedroom when I had my morning wash and got dressed for the day.

Around 10am Sue text me that she had attempted to clean her air fryer, which was originally mums, but it was so gross that she decided to toss it out and buy a new one. So, we went to Kmart to do that, she bought a mini air fryer which is all she needs as it is only her.

However, as she was leaving her place, she was carrying the old one to toss it in the bin and managed to twist her ankle and throw herself left so she wouldn’t’ fall down the stairs, she hurt her arm, ankle and head.

Steps: 9,179 = 4.6k’s or 2.8miles

Week 19 of 2026

I slept straight through the night not waking till the alarm went off at 5am and I am feeling good this morning. I was having my wash when I heard the kettle going and wondered why Tim was up so early, he said he couldn’t sleep.

It is 16c or 61f this morning, it is going to be a warm day with a top of 28c or 82.4f.

I had a good 7&half hours of sleep

I managed to vacuum, sweep and do a load of washing as well as hang it on the clothes hoist to dry and take the hoists outside. I also went for my walk the normal walk I do, this morning without fear of falling.

I have a lot of lower back pain this afternoon.

Steps: 7,481 = 3.7k’s or 2.2miles

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Had another good night slept getting 9hrs of sleep before waking up 10 minutes before the alarm. It is 5.30am and 16c or 61f we are heading for a top of 28 again. I have woken with lower back pain again. I applied Deep Heat and it helped also applied a heat patch

I went for my morning walk.

I asked Sandy if she was in the area could she come and take my shower curtain down so I can wash it, she did. It is now soaking in wash booster.

Steps: 4,999 = 2.6 or 1.6miles

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I was up at 4am but I was in bed by 7pm last night and had a good 9hrs of sleep, at 4.30am it was 15c or 59f only supposed to reach 21c today.

I noticed it had been raining during the night and when it became near the time I like to go for a walk it was still wet, so I decided to wait. When I did go, I walked down and posted letters I had written.

The air fryer/oven I bought Jess as a housewarming gift arrived today.

Steps: 5,960 = 3k’s or 1.8miles

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What a pissy night, from 1am I was up and down to the loo like a damn yo yo, at 3am I got up for half an hour as I felt restless, when I went back to bed I slept for an hour before getting up to start my day.

Had the doc appointment, got referral for MRI emailed it to Hunter Imagine and they will contact me.

I had to have a nap at 11.15am I slept till 11.50am. I woke up to a messy kitchen. Tim said he would clean it up, but I did it.

Around 2pm I started to feel unwell, headache, tired, upset tummy. Oh well tomorrow’s another day and hopefully I will feel better then.

Steps: 5,212=2.6k’s or 1.6miles

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I was in bed by 7pm last night went straight to sleep but woke at 8.30pm went to the loo and decided to stay up for a big that turned into an hour, after returning to bed I slept through to 5am. The temp at 5.30am was 11c or 52f.

I did a load of washing and hung them on the clothes hoists and took them outside.

I had a nap at 11am for an hour then I had lunch, around 1.30pm I brought the clothes hoists in as it is windy.

I have felt cold on and off all day.

I have sent Tash a text saying I need to go to bed and could she help, even though it is only 5.30pm I am struggling to stay awake and feel sick.

Steps: 5523=2.8k’s or 0.5miles

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Good morning and hello Friday, I woke at 4.10 to pee and went back to bed till 4.30 when I got up. At that time, it was 9c or 48f. I had a good 9hrs of sleep and I feel ok now.

I went for a walk and posted the letters and then I swept up all the leaves out the front and vacuumed out.

It is really cold here for me I had to turn the heater on as the cold room gave me a headache.

This afternoon after my nap I didn’t feel as cold but around 5.30pm I got a headache.

Flu shot at 8.50

MRI at 13.20 be there at 12.50

Good morning and hello Saturday I was up at 4.30am and had a shower it was 10c or 50f. I found the kitchen in a mess cleaned it up and had breakie.

It feels crisp outside; I’m waiting for my body to settle enough to go for a walk.

Tim and I went to Medowie to check out a camper van. I couldn’t get into it as it was too high.

This afternoon Tim is attempting to put the table Jessica bought together, he said it is going to take hours.

He is also in a damn awful mood going on about no one helps him, although when he said something about needing help with the table, she said she would come down tomorrow and help, this went over his head because being in a mood feels better, I guess.  I am so over his damn mood.

Steps: 4,356=2.2k’s or 1.3miles

A stressful day

Hi all, yesterday Friday 1 May was a stressful day for me I had to go and have an Xray done of my neck as I still have pain from when I fell on the cruise. However, I had only just got home when my doctor’s surgery called to tell me I had to go back and have a CT scan done of my neck asap. So, I went back and had that done the radiologist spoke to Sue and explained there was a small break in the neck.

After a couple of hours my doctor’s surgery rang and said I needed to go to emergency about the break, I didn’t want to go due to the time, but of course I did, Sue took me over and she stayed with me the whole time, I was there around 8hrs.

So, I have a C4 teardrop fracture at the back of my neck but thankfully not the front and the break is stable.

A C4 teardrop fracture is a serious injury to the cervical spine, typically caused by high-energy trauma such as a car accident or a heavy fall. This type of fracture occurs at the fourth cervical vertebra and is often associated with damage to the spinal cord, which can result in varying degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation below the level of the injury. In addition to bony damage, there may also be ligamentous injury and potential instability in the neck, making immediate medical attention critical to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of a C4 fracture vary depending on the injury’s severity and spinal cord involvement. Patients experience localized pain in the neck, which may radiate to the shoulders or arms. Muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs are common. More serious neurological deficits, such as paralysis in the arms, hands, torso, and legs, or even loss of diaphragm function requiring ventilator assistance, can occur with spinal cord involvement. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is important to prevent further damage.

I now have to go back to my GP and arrange to have an MRI done to check for ligamentous injury.

So what does this mean in the long run, well it is still a serious cervical spine injury a future fall could cause loss of stability in the fracture which would not be good. As this could cause damage to the spinal cord resulting in problems breathing, difficulties moving my arms, loss of sensation in my body.

Worsening of the fracture as in an increased displacement, new cracks, or involvement of other vertebrae. As well as soft‑tissue injury to ligaments, discs, and muscles around the fracture can be damaged, reducing stability.

Then there are delayed neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in coordination.

So even a “simple” fall — tripping, slipping, or landing awkwardly can transmit force through the neck. So, a stable C4 teardrop fracture can stay stable if protected, but a fall can change the situation quickly.

Week 18 of 2026

I had an early start woke at 3.45am to pee couldn’t settle again so got up at 4am, the first thing I did was have a shower. I had a good 9hrs of sleep.

Then I had to clean the kitchen and start the laundry before unpacking the dishwasher and making myself a milk shake.

After hanging the washing out, I went for my daily walk it has been a warm day.

This afternoon I was folding the clothes up and felt extremely exhausted and Tim asked me what was wrong I told him I was exhausted and he said how about I do the yard work, and he does the housework, I replied how about you have Parkinson’s and I don’t. He said what’s that got to do with it, every bloody thing that’s what.

Here I am on Monday morning been up since 4.20am had a good 9hrs of sleep again it is now 5.45am and the temp is 13c or 55f.

I have had a busy morning sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, changed the bed sheets.

Tim hung the washing on the outside clothesline. He is off today as it is a public holiday.

It warmed up to 23c or 73f.

Steps: 8,937 = 4.5k’s of 2.7 miles

I had a so-so night, I was up and out of bed by 3.30am due to being in so much pain, the pain is on the left side of my neck and my right hip as well as my back from the middle down. I still feel a bit tired, but I am doing ok I am functioning. I had around 6hrs of sleep.

It is 11c or 52f at 4am and it is supposed to warm up to 22c.

Sue said she things I should see the doctor to make sure all is ok since I have been in pain and have limited movement in my neck since I fell over on the cruise. So I now have an appointment tomorrow.

I had an hour a nap after lunch, but by 6.30pm I was falling asleep in my armchair so off to bed I go.

Steps: 8,226 = 4k’s or 2.4miles

I had a good night slept through to 4am when I got up to pee felt awake and decided to stay up. I had around 9hrs of sleep. The temp at 5am is 13c or 55f.

I have made a doctor’s appointment for 11.24am, seen the doc he wants me to get an Xray done of my neck just to be sure all is good.

Sandy said I might have a slipped disc I hope she is wrong.

Sandy rang to tell me she can no longer deal with Landon’s violent nature so has informed DCJ of that and he is being returned to his mum. Sandy has done the best she could and did make some progress but her own daughter is not in a good place mentally and she wants to focus on her needs. She will let Landon know she is only a phone call away if he needs to talk to someone.

Michelle has gone on and on about wanting her kids back and now that she is getting Landon back, she doesn’t really want him because he will interrupt her life.

Steps: 9,809 = 5k’s or 3miles

Another early start to the day and I was up later last night it was 8pm when I went to bed. I slept well till 3am when I got up to pee but found it hard to settle again, so at 4am I got up and had my shower.

I am feeling good this morning no morning walk because I am going shopping with Sue.

I have had a good day I washed the ramp outside after sweeping it and I vacuumed and washed the towels all before Sue picked me up.

Steps: 10,353 = 5k’s 3miles

A good night managed 7hrs of sleep was up at 4.30, washed, dressed and ready for the day, first task of the day unpack the dishwasher and clean the kitchen.

Tim doesn’t sound good this morning he sounds like he has a cold.

I went and had my Xray done but after I got home, I had a phone call from the doctor’s surgery letting me know I now need a CT scan done today.

So, I have had the CT scan done and it turns out I have a small break in a bone in my neck. I am now waiting to hear from my GP as to what he wants to do next.

The GP sent me to the emergency room where I am going now, and I expect to be there till sometime late tonight.

Steps: 8,498 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

I slept well after finally getting home at around 10.50pm, I spoke to Tim for a bit then went to bed.

I had around 6hrs of sleep, I was up at 6.15.

So it seems I have a stable C4 teardrop fracture in my neck, I have to see my GP and get referred for an MRI.

There were many phone calls to Sue during the time at the hospital, a good reminder of how much my; family love me.

Yes, I am worried about falling over again. I cannot let my fear of falling over again to stop me walking each day.

Steps: 5,751

Cruise Day 2

On our first night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, and there was a lot of announcements telling guest to hold on to handrails or walk close to the wall if they are feeling unsteady.

I did feel the ship moving but once I was in bed I didn’t notice it and had a good 9hrs of shut eye. I was still up at 5am and spent time writing my diary entry and drafting a letter to my penpals.

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth; the waiter told us we should have ordered English bacon.

Jess started to feel sick with motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep, she in fact spent the rest of the day sleeping.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur it was interesting but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell, so we left before it ended.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue turned up in only a couple of minutes she was still in her nightie and barefoot and left her medallion in her cabin, she checked me over then returned to her cabin. She had to knock loudly on the door to wake Jess up to let her back in the cabin. She told Jess about my fall and assured I was alright, so Jess went back to sleep.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

I am bruised and sore, in fact today I went and saw my GP because I still have a pain and stiffness in my neck and I have to have an Xray just to make sure all is good.

Week 17 of 2026

 I am a day late posting this, I forgot yesterday.

Good morning all it is 5.30am the temp is 11c or 52f, after Tim gets up, I will pack my Cpap machine, we will be picked up around 10ish.

The trip to Sydney went well the driver was a nice guy can’t remember his name. Tim talked to him all the way down.

We didn’t have to wait around as we converted the walker to a wheelchair and that helped us skip the long line.

It has been a long day with a lot of walking most of it done trying to find food. It took ages but we managed it after eating we return to our cabins; well Sue and I did Tim and Jess did a bit more exploring. I am so worn out and my feet hurt.

I am so glad Sue and Jess are with us.

Steps: 10,158=5.9k’s

First night on the cruise the ship is moving a lot, 8but I slept well with around 9hrs of sleep although the watch say only 6hrs I believe it was more.

I am up at 5am as I feel awake so decided to just get up it is currently 12c

We had breakfast in the Botticell Dining room, and we will not be going back there, there service was so slow, and Tim didn’t like what he ordered. The bacon was so crispy it hurt our teeth.

Jess started to feel sick as in motion sickness and skipped breakie and return to her cabin to sleep.

After breakie Sue and I went to hear a talk about Hobart and Port Arthur but due to how much the ship was rocking I start to feel unwell.

After lunch Sue and I returned to our cabins for a nap, I was woken by my alarm for medication. I walked into the bathroom feeling great lost my balance or tripped I don’t know which and fell, I hit my head and ended up with a bruise on my arm, a sore right knee and a very sore and stiff neck. I managed to stand and walk back to the bed get my phone and ring Sue. I tried to ring Tim but couldn’t. Sue was here in only a couple of minutes she checked me over the returned to her cabin when I said I would be ok.

Sue messaged Tim and as soon as he saw the message he came back to check on me.

Steps: 5,066 = 2.5k’s or 1.5miles

ANNIVERSARY OF DAD’S PASSING, IT’S BEEN 7YRS

Up at 5am and had a shower on my own without issue, the temp is 10c.

We are going on a tour at Port Arthur the ticket said not suitable for those with mobility issues, I didn’t notice that when I booked the tour, oh well we will see what happens.

Sue and I decided not to go on the Port Arthur tour which turned out to be the right choice as both Jess and Tim said it was too much for either of us.

Instead, we stayed on board and checked out the photos that have been taken of us and both Sue and I bought 2 photos.

After lunch I had a nap because I had three Baked Alaska cocktails and needed a nap.

Later Sue, Tim and I attended some quizzes then decided to come back to our cabin to rest awhile.

Steps: 5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Up at 5am and after a wash and dressing I am now just doing stuff on the computer while Tim sleeps.

We are at sea today, Jess and Sue ordered breakie via room service so there will only be me and Tim at breakfast.

Before breakie while I was alone, I went for a walk outside around the pool twice before heading in to have breakie.

After breakfast I was just wondering around the ship when I went to get into a lift only to have Sue exit said lift.

I bought a Coke Zero with a glass of ice at the international café and took it with me to the Fusion Lounge to take part in the quiz. Well, I lifted the glass to have a drink, and the bottom fell off the glass hitting my right knee and getting Coke and ice all over my leg and foot. Sue picked up the glass and went over to the bar to tell them what happened and they didn’t seem to care and did nothing. Sue had to get some napkins to mop it up. I was in shock. After the quiz we went and lodged a complaint.

Sue, Tim and Jess are going to play Bingo this afternoon. I am not interested in bingo.

Went to the burger place for dinner and Tim went on about the burgers not having beetroot so much that I used a firm voice and told him to get over it.

Steps: 8,119 = 4k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue and dressed for the day, we are at Melbourne today, the temp is 14c at 6am.

Sue and I might get off to check out any markets that may be near the ship. There wasn’t so we walked along the pier for a bit then returned to the ship.

We went to check out the ten pin bowling, Sue gave it a try managed to knock down 4.

We then meet up with Tim, and I had a couple of Baked Alaska’s then I had a nap.

After my nap me and Sue went to check out a music quiz then Sue went for a smoke and the ladies giving free sample massages was set up so we got that, but they wanted us to pay $99 for a full half hour massage but we both said we couldn’t afford it. That was when the sample massage ended it was only a minute or two long, but it did feel good.

Stepd:4,535 = 2k’s

Up at 5am and had a shower without issue again this morning and dressed for the day, we are at sea today heading for Sydney. The temp at 6am was 8c. I had 9hrs of good sleep.

I have worn a different outfit each day of the week, unlike the others who didn’t pack an outfit a day.

Tim just came back from having a smoke and said there was a medical emergency on deck 16 a man was waiting for a chopper to come and transport him to a hospital. Tim said that he had died but was revived and the coast guard decided to medivac him a to a hospital. Sadly, his wife was unable to go with him.

All of us are feeling out of sorts and don’t really want to be around people.

I am not going to dinner I will just get some chips delivered to my cabin.

3,287 = 1.6k’s or .9 of a mile

ANAZAC DAY

Everyone was up early and ready to head home. I had a good night got around 10hrs of sleep.

We disembarked the ship at 7am and had to wait till 8.30am for our ride home to arrive, the trip back to Newie was uneventful and we arrived here around 10.45.

The first thing I felt the need to do was clean the kitchen, I then unpacked my bag sat and did nothing for a bit then had a nap and returned to doing nothing much.

Steps:9991 = 5k’s or 3miles

Week 16 of 2026

Another early start up at 4.20 it is a cold morning only 9c (48f) at 5am by 6am it was 11c (52f). I had around 6 and a half hours of sleep and I am feeling good this morning.

Late yesterday afternoon Tim cut my hair at last it feels much better.

I walked down the road about 80metres or 262feet to the post box to send off some letters I had written.

By midday it had reached 21c, Tim says he is cold.

Around 12.30pm Tim decided to catch a bus to Charlie to do some shopping, while at the square he saw Sue who drove to the square Tim said she could have walked over in 5-minutes in fact it would take more like 10-15 minutes.

Steps: 7, 974=4k’s

A later start to the day I was up at 5.40 and it is another cold morning with the temp of 10c or 50f.

Tim and I went to Lake Fair to do some shopping, the around midday we went out again to see Jessica, by the time we got home I was exhausted.

Found two deliveries when we got home one I think is Jess’s new table Tim said it was bloody heavy.

I am so tired I’m off to bed at 6.30pm

Steps:5,066=2.5k’s or 1.5miles

Had a good night got 10hrs of sleep woke at 4.30 and got up, I was that tired and not with-it last night that I got out shorts to wear today, had to go and find long pants.

At 5.30am it was 10c or 50f.

Tim has work today and should be home around 3.30pm.

Sue arrived around 10am she came to pick up the printed what to pack list. Jessica and Sam turned up just after they were here for about 15-minutes then Jess took the keys to hand in to Housing and drop Sam off at Bailey’s she then returned here to hang out till it is time to go get Sam and head home.

Steps: 8,404 = 4.2k’s (2.6m)

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 8c or 46f.

Went for a walk this morning did a little more and felt good.

Tim is working this afternoon/night, he had a doctor’s appointment this morning then had to go and get a CT scan of his chest.

I have had a good day, I walked up and checked the letter box, nothing for me but three things for Tasha, I check her box when I check mine.  Also, Jess sent a message thanking me for the new house card I sent her and Sam.

Steps: 8,077=4k’s or 2,4m

I slept well having 9hrs of sleep but was still up at 4.30am the temp was 11c or 52f.

Sue’s shopping day so no morning walk for me today.

Not long after I got home from shopping, I was putting new cans of Pepsi Max in the fridge and dropped one on my foot breaking the skin leaving blood on the kitchen floor. I put socks on so I couldn’t see the blood. After a while the foot was good.

It is another hot day the temp reached 28c or 82.4f.

Steps: 9,568 = 4.8k’s

I slept well got up around 4.20am and had a shower, went for my walk, walking down the road to post letters.

I asked Sue if she could take me to the chemist to pick up scrips, was surprised that we have reached our safety limit so our scrips will be free for the rest of the year.

I did a load of washing this morning hung it on the clothes hoists and took them outside as it is going to be a hot day.

Was able to bring the clothes in around 2pm and folded them and finished packing.

No nap today as Tim put both suitcases on the bed and I couldn’t move them.

Steps: 14,059 = 4ks or 2.4miles