Making the most of the time we have.

[kiwimodeller]

I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease and it seems that you cannot get Mr Parkinson to take it back. The good news is that there are plenty of people living full lives with it and the way my specialist put it was that I will die with it, not from it. November is Parkinsons Awareness moth so take the time to find out a little more if you know someone who might have it. Berys and I quickly decided that we would get on with enjoying life and amongst the things high up on the bucket list were a visit to Australia to catch up with family (if I had known how much fun grandkids were I would have had them first!) and also to have a cruise on a Murray River paddle steamer as I have always been keen on steam powered models and full size paddlers. We booked for two nights and three days on the Emmy Lou sailing from Echuca in Victoria. This was  sufficient but in hindsight if you can afford an extra night or two then take the time. We  flew in to Melbourne and spent a couple of days exploring and of course  spent some time at Float A Boat stocking up on fittings. We then caught the train to Echuca and spent a couple of days exploring around there. An interesting town of about 12,000 people with lots to see and do so again allow plenty of time. The boat has recently  been refurbished and although the cabin was small it had everything we needed including brand new shower and ensuite facilities. There were 12 people on our sailing which is about as many as she can take. The food was great, a five course  meal on the first night and choice of cooked or continental breakfast each day. Day time activities included visits to a winery and a wild life park and in the evenings a barbeque/fire pit. All told a damn good holiday in a very nice area even if it did get down to 1 degree on occasion. Take some warm gear and be prepared to enjoy the time. We had two ladies over 80 on our trip and they managed all the activities once they found the right phone app to sort out their devices and the charger for the pacemaker! Make the most of the time you have. Cheers, Ian Verrall.

[DamienG]

  Sounds like a great trip Ian, unfortunately we have very little control of what LIFE throws at us all we can do is make the most of what's thrown at us, my father in law had Parkinson's and lived a long life.

DamienG.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Afternoon Ian.......glad you enjoyed the Emmy Lou paddle trip.......about the closest I will get is to the Emmy is to open    the tin box that holds my English Breakfast Extra Strong tea bags ......

As Damien suggests...there are some unpleasant left handed balls thrown with regards to our heath [or the demise of it].....

You are displaying a positive attitude and I commend you for this......children, grandchildren......all too short a time to share

My demon is degeneration of the spine    ......I certainly didn't ask for it........if I ever finish my steam engine build..[6kg] I may never be able to lift it into the vessel

Derek

[DamienG]

I feel for you Derrek in 1987 I slipped on a slate step & landed on my butt crush fractured L11 & 12 lumbar vertebrae 2 weeks in hospital two months later hit a bump in the car & crushed C6 in neck years later in May of '94 at wifey's request as I wasn't functioning as a hubby should, I talked to my Doctor who sent me for an MRI next move was a specialist & found out I had severe Osteoporosis caused by a Pituitary tumor the size of a large grapefruit, surgery was June 22 1994 off to radiation treatment in august of '94 which didn't go well health wise in November of '94 they said I may as well go home as I'd be more comfortable & wouldn't make it to christmas '94.  24yrs later I guess I showed them.

The will to keep going & the love of family, friends and your hobbies keep you going and just take life as it presents itself.                   

[Spankbucket]

Some of the mails on here make me feel guilty for being, touch wood, relatively healthy for my age!!!!

But as Damien points out: You can never tell what's round the corner!