Toward the Final Curtain R

We have not had to visit doctor, clinic or the hospital for the last nine days, which is good. Annabell is still tired and somewhat lethargic, but generally brightens up as the day progresses. She is really not a morning person at the best of times. When  it gets light in the morning, I go out to the garage armed with, mobile phone, house phone (cordless) and  the bell. This way

the ringing of any one of the  three wont waken her. Before I do that, however, I fill the kettle and set out her breakfast.

It is now thirteen days since Dougal came for a visit. I understand that there is still some serious concerns over Sam’s health. The RFDS were brought in and Sam was moved to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The initial understanding is that a cut he ignored went septic and he had blood poisoning. However, what I heard recently is that  a tumor was found in his heart – next to his pacemaker. The family were called to the RAH to discuss the situation and the fact that Sam is not  strong enough to undergo surgery. So they are down there and I have Dougal – for how long is anyone’s guess. Not that Dougal is any problem. We look after him, but I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for him – he is here and not knowing where his people are. At the moment he is  “sleeping” beside me, next to the desk.

I was looking for places to go for a day trip and someone suggested Warren Gorge about 170 klms. North-East from here. I was shown some photographs and I thought that would be a nice drive. So I checked it out only to discover that it is wholly within the boundary of the  National Park, which does not allow dogs. The idea was – after Dougal goes home – to take Benji on a day trip. I would pack food, water, some extra treats, the gas burner, coffee and sweetener and generally have a picnic – me and the Benji. However, since I  Warren Gorge is out for the moment, I will most likely take Benji and Dougla for a picnic to the Lighthouse – which is only 50 klms. away – and leave Warren Gorge for some other time. Today being the last day of summer, it was a really nice day to take a trip to the lighthouse. I have to say though, I was a bit disappointed that the water tap that was attached to the

wall of the  facilities block, has been removed and I for

got to take a bottle of water with me, so I didn’t have a drink either. Anyway, we wandered around for a bit then started for home, although I did take a run along Cuttlefish Drive to check if Council had upgraded the facilities – like the wetlands- not a lot.

What we do have this weekend is the “Splash & Bounce” children’s playground. These are bouncy castles and  splashing ponds for children -they are  bigger than anything I have ever seen and they take up most of Civic Park. I thought the entry fee was a bit “pricey” in that it was $30 per child for a three hour visit. Adults are free since they are not allowed to go on to the bouncy castles or the wading pools. I also noticed that shade areas had been set up, which is good because there is no shade in Civic Park. The dogs were not with me when I went to Civic Park and I suppose, really, considering what is on offer and the range of equipment available, perhaps the cost is not as “pricey”as I suggested – not too sure

about that. However, despite my misgivings about price structure, I think this was a great success and from what I saw the children were having a great time. Well that’s that! Summer is “officially” over and today (Sunday 1st March) is the first day of Autumn (Fall)  It’s been the most waste of time summer that I can remember. Half the time too hot to do anything and the other half trying to  recover from the extreme heat. February has always been the hottest month of summer but not this year – this year February came  early with the bushfires. It is a summer that will long be remembered but for all the wrong reasons.