The ... What are you doing or thinking right now - Topic

[Sarah]

What weather can I expect in September, if it that cold there at the moment , what are the chances
of an indian summer ?? {please don't say buckleys }

[Hughie]

September should just be a few degrees cooler than Melbourne at the same time of the year, Sarah.

{please don't say buckleys }

Noo you'll confuse them. An Aussie expression:

The origin of the Australian slang term "Buckley's chance" (meaning "little or no possibility" or "no chance at all") has been explained as rhyming slang, viz, "Buckley and Nunn" (meaning "None"); and as a punning reference ("You've two chances: Buckley's and none"). Australians in states other than Victoria generally believe the idiom derives from the adventures of escaped colonial convict, William Buckley.

[bobnetau]

We have been there twice in Sept and it has been OK. Just remember houses are built to keep the cold out. I was always asking Lily to turn the heating down (or off) as she seemed to be worried that we would be cold. Remember you will be leaving our winter so you will be a bit more acclimitised.
Enjoy. Sure our Lily would love a visit if you have time. Can email her address if you want.

[Hughie]

Netta, I cannae see you in this snap-shot taken a few minutes ago from one of their web cams.

[Bob Bryden]

Currently continuing to make preparations for going into hospital for my Cystoprostatectomy. Pronunciation of that to me is about as difficult as saying "she sells sea shells on the sea shore" quickly. Anyway, a couple of days ago I received the long awaited letter from Palmerston North Hospital advising that my surgery is booked for Wednesday 25th. July with check in at 7am to allow preparations for the op. & the surgery itself should start about 8-8.30am & take 3 to 4 hours. In view of the early check in I'm going over the day before & staying overnight at a Motel directly across the road from the main entrance to the hospital. Palmerston North is about an hours drive east of where I live in Wanganui. Transport to & from the hospital will be by volunteer driver from the local Cancer Society.

I went over to Palmerston North Hospital on May 22nd. for the pre-admission assessment. One of the people I saw at that was an anaesthetist who gave me a letter for my local G.P. In that he mentioned my impending procedure as being a "Cystoprostatectomy" which when I looked it up on the internet I discovered was the surgical removal of both bladder & prostate. That's the first indication that I can recall that my prostate was to be removed as well. I'm not particularly bothered by that as it simply means one less potential health problem to worry about in the future.

I haven't been feeling too bad lately. In fact a good part of the time it doesn't feel as if I've got cancer but then I get a passing twinge or spasm that reminds me.

When I last saw the surgeon, Dr. Coppinger. who'll be operating on me he gave me the URL for a web site he's set up himself. Looking that up at home I discovered that he'd attended the University of Western Ontario in 1974 which is in London, Ontario, Canada. By co-oincidence I happened to be in London, Ont. at the same time visiting aunts, uncles & cousins there. Dr. Coppinger is orginally from Canada but did all his medical training & work experience in the U.K.

Have had some problems making arrangements to ensure Dad is OK whilst I'm in hospital - the difficulty is that he's so stubbornly independent & reluctant to accept help from anyone, even me. However I've my cousin & her husband plus 3 other couples set to keep an eye on him. I'm also ensuring he's well stocked up with food.

I'll be glad when it's all over.
Bob

[VivAyrshire]

Will be thinking of you! good luck. Any problems i have seem like nothing when i read through all this.

[Milda]

Yes Bob,I will be thinking about you too and wish you all the best.I am sure your dad will be fine and will be looked after.

[Meg]

I am sure your dad will be fine Bob, now's the time to make sure you'll be ok. If you can, keep us updated on your progress.

Meg

[hahaya2004]

My thoughts are with you, Bob. Keep thinking positive.
Irene

[down south]

All the very best, Bob. Good to hear there are so many people rallying round now to look out for your Dad while you're in hospital.

Susan

[Bob Bryden]

Thanks everyone for your kind wishes. It's times like this when I have little in the way of close family except for Dad & my cousin nearby that emphasise the value of having an internet presence such as the Threetowners Forums - thanks Hughie

Yesterday, 1st. July, was the 49th. anniversary of the day we first arrived in New Zealand - there was a sharp frost that day too. The Southern Cross arrived in Wellington Harbour in darkness & anchored until daylight before moving into the wharf for disembarkation & the start of our new life down under. This morning is the sharpest white frost so far this winter & Dad especially will be feeling it. He remarked the other day that we could never live back in Scotland - him especially as with his asthma (& perhaps his 96 years) he feels the cold keenly & going outside when it's this cold cuts his breath & he has difficulty breathing until he comes inside & warms up. Since coming to N.Z. we've lived in Gisborne & Wanganui & myself also Palmerston North & Wellington. The first 3 places named rarely get bad frosts or even snow like in Scotland or parts of North America. New Zealand's South Island for the most part is markedly colder in the winter. This morning the forecast low is only 1 degree C. Yesterday some places down south got -7 degrees C - couldn't stand that - brrrr !!!!!!!!

I can recall the snowball fights & getting snow down my neck in the playground at Eglinton School - don't miss that !!

Well time I was over at Dad's for breakfast.
Bob

[morag]

Oh, I miss snow, Bob, even getting it pushed down the neck..and the cold..having 4 seasons. Wishing you and your tough old dad well!