tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38861862744528546352024-03-12T16:22:49.792-07:00The Wheelie's BlogColin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-12560346883304719512012-07-25T03:19:00.006-07:002012-08-11T23:49:42.866-07:00ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfer61GAZbzaKoudOg2RaCvDXOheKPXOPQwdcsXzSricvUkHmiVFL3ligCaDH_dTn_FIKyc6gtDB8arEJbcb6B8PuT4J8U-JkWuqay4yekYmY_tbVPeB6XFqLczZPclGHX4pI5HVOI6SA/s1600/Rotary+Club+photo"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5775661723255558226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfer61GAZbzaKoudOg2RaCvDXOheKPXOPQwdcsXzSricvUkHmiVFL3ligCaDH_dTn_FIKyc6gtDB8arEJbcb6B8PuT4J8U-JkWuqay4yekYmY_tbVPeB6XFqLczZPclGHX4pI5HVOI6SA/s400/Rotary+Club+photo" /></a> <strong>Showing the brighter side, this is a pic taken by Rotarian Lynne Cooper at a recent Strathdale Rotary Club meeting where I was guest speaker. Pictured with me are my friend/support worker Roberta Exell (left) and Rotarian Helen Steele.<br /><br /></strong><br /><div><strong>After all the 'doom and gloom' of my recent blogs, I have been waiting patiently for things to improve. Guess what? They haven't! But my patience has been rewarded by a friend requesting this blog title ("Always Look on the Bright Side of Life") on my radio program a couple of weeks ago. For those who don't know it, the song was written and sung on the movie, Monty Python's "Life of Brian" by Eric Idle. After hearing it, I had to agree it was good advice, regardless of how I had been feeling. </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong>The only other 'upside/downside event' in my extremely quiet and dull existence was the brief episode of a dating site contact with a lady who turned out to be in the United Kingdom. Upon checking out her profile (which informed me she was 57 with a four year old daughter -???), she revealed her younger sister had put her profile on the website and "must have made a mistake with her age" which was, in fact, THIRTY! Thinking once my age was revealed that would be the end of that, I gave her my birthdate (yes, the honest one!) and was surprised when she told me my age was 'just a number' to her and "it's what is in your heart that matters most".</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Still convinced that any kind of association with a lady so far away in the U.K. was doomed to failure from the outset, I was further surprised when - three days later - she told me she was about to book her flight out to meet me and would be arriving, with her daughter, in Australia the following week! She assumed they would be moving in with me... then came the inevitable question - could I help her out with her air fares!!! I hastily did a backflip and informed her that a guy like me who lives off his disability pension couldn't possibly pay upfront for flight tickets from England, regardless of the fact that I would relish the thought of welcoming a 30 year-old lady into my life.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>And that, my friends, was the end of that! </strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Since then, my days "off" dialysis (Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays and Mondays) have seen me sitting at my computer, eating and watching TV on my own with no visitors other than my support workers (I have to wonder where all my friends have gone?). The only breaks from this regular routine have been my Friday afternoon radio programs and when I attended a recent afternoon concert at the Bendigo Club which featured artists from this years Tamworth Country Music Festival. I also have a cards night with friends once every month or so.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>In closing this blog, I must say thanks to both Joy G. and Hank for your comments on my last blog. Both very much appreciated - and yes, thankfully, my knees are almost back to 'normal'. </strong></div>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-38730713804718092872012-07-02T18:14:00.003-07:002012-07-02T18:33:36.644-07:00THE DOWNSIDES CONTINUE...<strong>When are they going to end!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>My most recent debacle came on Saturday... three days ago.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I was showing one of the nurses at dialysis how to operate my new chair and ended by giving him a demonstration of how fast it can go as I left the ward on level 2. I continued on my rapid journey to the lift, the doors of which were about to close, so I shot in there at a rate of knots and, unfortunately, couldn’t slow down in time and my momentum carried me full pelt into the wall on the opposite side of the lift. Both my knees bore the impact! </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>The pain was excruciating to say the least (I almost said ‘damn’), so I sat there with tears of agony running down my cheeks until the pain abated long enough for me to hit the ground floor button to take me outside to my waiting taxi. A very bumpy ride home followed, adding to my misery, and by the time my carer arrived to put me to bed I had also developed an extremely painful stomach upset which had to be taken care of before I could retire for the night. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>One severely bruised right knee and one very swollen left knee is the result, both extremely painful to move, but at least I CAN move them, so there doesn't appear to be any broken bones. The pain still hits when I go over any bumps and my legs have any sudden, unexpected movement or when I am lifted by my overhead hoist from my chair to bed – and back. My carers have to be support workers in the literal sense at this point and take any weight off my legs when I transfer.</strong><br /><strong>Hopefully this is the end of my run of bad luck for a while.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>The moral of this story for me is “Don’t show my new chair off to anyone until I have learned how to control its speed”! </strong>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-55031387156548150682012-06-12T21:11:00.003-07:002012-06-12T21:50:26.428-07:00THE BACKSIDE OF LIFE!<strong>Over recent weeks, I have experienced both sides of the spectrum - the highs and the lows. Let's get the downside out of the way first.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>It’s times like these when you wonder whether life is worth it all.<br /><br />First came the pressure spots under my legs which have been there for several years now – no doubt a by-product of being seated in a wheelchair for over sixty years. This condition has fluctuated in intensity over recent times until, right now, small ulcers have developed which makes being seated on them rather painful. Additional padding and a brand new cushion on a brand new wheelchair have done little to ease this. But, as always, keeping my mind occupied on other things has made it bearable.<br /><br />Remember, I live alone with just 2 – 3 visits per day from my team of support workers and am seated ALL day in my powered wheelchair, which acts as my only means of mobility.<br /></strong><br /><strong>Next came the flu – first time in three years. I had bragged to my carers that my thrice-weekly dialysis treatments (which began three years ago), whilst being very time-consuming, had developed my immune system to the point where I didn’t pick up any of the usual bugs or nasties that came floating around me, particularly at the onset of winter. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Now, however, sniffles became snuffles, followed by a dripping nose and hacking cough – not nice! At this point, my dialysis doctor prescribed an antibiotic called cephalexin – one I had taken before with some side effects which I couldn’t recall. Then I developed an extremely irritated and itchy skin (ah, NOW I remembered!) which kept me awake and scratching most of each night. </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong><strong>One has cause to wonder where our medicos get their training as, a few days later, I looked up the medical dictionary on my computer where it clearly states (quote): ‘Cephalexin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu’.</strong><br /><br />My dialysis nurses told me to stop taking the cephalexin, hence my dialysis INTERN doctor switched me on to another antibiotic called nufloxib.<br /><br /></strong><strong><br />Then came the diarrohea. Definitely the backside of life!<br /><br />A few weeks back, I took delivery of my first new powered wheelchair in more than eight years. Valued at $12,000 when new, this was a demo model from a company in Geelong. Fortunately for me, the government provides funding for special equipment such as wheelchairs, so I was more than happy to accept it. This new model has four speeds, tilt-back mechanism and enables me to raise the seat to a new high where I can actually look down on most people who are seated! <br /><br />I will try to get a photograph of the new 'rolls' for my next blog... stay tuned.<br /><br /><br /><br /></strong>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-14695855788712646752012-05-26T21:48:00.004-07:002012-05-26T23:05:01.341-07:00MAY'S MISERY<span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>I'm getting in a bit earlier this time because, although May has not quite ended, my social activity has ceased, so I can report the results now.<br /><br />Are you ready for this? With lumps in my ticker and tears in my eyes I must report a couple of crappy occasions:<br /><br />Wednesday 23. My book launch in Geelong was a non-event. Roberta and I travelled the long journey by car and, after a brief look around the CBD window shopping and having lunch, we set up at the local library for a busy afternoon of talking to dozens of old and new friends, signing books and, hopefully, at least covering the costs of petrol expenses and accommodation. The library had done a magnificent job of advertising our visit with a large poster at the entrance, but both of the local newspapers had ignored the media releases and photographs I had sent them several days earlier and they printed nary a word.<br /><br />Two hours and NO (not even one) people later, we decided to 'pull the plug' and head back home to Bendigo. Over those two hours, however, we had chatted with two members of the library staff who were most helpful with tips and suggestions of how to go about promoting my book, so we returned home feeling all was not lost.<br /><br />Two weeks earlier I had sent an autographed copy of my book to Sam Newman at the AFL Footy Show on Channel 9, referring to the fact that I knew Bill Brownless (a regular on the show and former player of the Geelong Football Club) and had made reference in the book of how I used to 'play football' in my bed when I was a child.<br /><br />I asked Sam if he would be so kind as to mention on the show that I was coming to Geelong for a book launch, but I received neither acknowledgement of the book nor a mention on the show. That didn't particularly surprise me though because I realise the show must be inundated with these sorts of requests, but I thought an acknowledgement would have been nice.<br /><br />Saturday 26. An asthmatic, Roberta attended the Bendigo RSL Club with me, where we had dinner and that was all for her. The proposed respite care she had engaged for her three young children at home advised her she could only stay from 6 to 8 p.m. which meant poor Roberta had to return home virtually straight away to contend both with her children and her asthma, instead of having a night out being entertained by The Impalas on their "Last Night Stand".<br /><br />I stayed there at the club until 10.30 and tried to enjoy myself, but it just wasn't the same without my date. My brother Geoff (who was in the band on their last engagement after 48 years in show business) and their families were there, together with my daughter Leanne, and I chatted with them of course, but my heart was elsewhere.<br /><br />So much for my May Mayhem! This all discourages me somewhat for future social activity, but I'll bounce back for another go no doubt when/if an opportunity presents itself. Meanwhile I'll try to stay warm and keep thinking about a trip to New Zealand - maybe in the Summer!</strong></span>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-4919853767154251612012-05-26T20:23:00.009-07:002012-05-26T23:09:57.022-07:00WHY DO I BLOG?<strong>I look at 'blogging' as being a gathering of people I care about who care about me. Of course , I could be wrong - they may not care about me at all, but that's of no real significance to me, because I still care about them.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Anyway, here we all are... called together by me, just so I can open my heart and waffle on about things that are important to me, including things that have annoyed me, upset me, confused me, touched me, made me happy, made me sad, made me whinge or complain, laugh, cry, or just plain made me want to reach out to someone who is prepared to listen. I can't do this on a one-on-one basis, because it may be too confronting for either or both of us, but I still need to open up and get it out of my system, so I figure this is the best way to do it... maybe I'm wrong, but it's my way (good name for a song?).</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How you react is entirely up to you. You can ignore it or act as you wish - laugh with me, cry with me or simply delete it... it's entirely up to you. It's serving it's purpose by just being released from my mind. The fact that I invited you to be amongst its recipients is because I trust you - this is just between you and me, yet it can be shared between us all. Again, that's up to you. Am I crazy? Probably, but - as I said a few lines back - it's my way.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Respond if you wish to comment or offer advice by sending me a personal message to my regular email address... and please feel free to speak your mind. Nothing you say will upset me in any way. The mere fact that you are interested enough in reading my blog makes it all worthwhile.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Now, having said all that, there will be a new blog a'waiting in your box within the next hour or so (it's 2.15 p.m. on Sunday, May 27 right now) at the usual address – it’s at <a title="blocked::http://thewheelies.blogspot.com/" href="http://thewheelies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://thewheelies.blogspot.com/</a> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Until next time, cheers from Colin</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-86051191544426186592012-05-08T21:36:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:38:20.720-07:00MAY MAYHEM!<b>April certainly passed by very quickly with all my activity, even though things didn't work out exactly as planned. For example, my attendance at Good News Week at the Melbourne Town Hall on April 14 looked like falling in a heap early that morning when my proposed 'date', Roberta, pulled out through illness. Luckily, however, I remembered a friend in Melbourne by name of Barbara. I phoned her at work (she is a nurse) and everything fell back into place. She agreed to meet at the Town Hall and see the show with me, thus making good use of the extra ticket I had purchased. </b><br />
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<b>We agreed later that the show was very disorganised and the constant use of four-letter words was most unnecessary. Not to worry, we saw the show and I caught the train home with 20 seconds to spare!</b><br />
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<b><b>April 21. Then came the Golden Wedding Anniversary of my old mate Harry Wilkinson and his charming wife Glenda, held at the Old Flour Mill Gallery in Euroa; a very interesting and picturesque place and a wonderful afternoon of conviviality with friends of old was had by all. Again Roberta was unable to make it with me, so Tracey, another of my support workers, agreed to drive the accessible van I had hired to get us there... she also enjoyed the meal and cordiality. </b><br />
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April 29. Next was my birthday barbecue. The weather was kind and 16 of the 60 I had invited accepted and came along to an afternoon of good tucker, good music (provided by my dear and extremely talented brother Geoff on guitar) and superb fellowship. Geoff, incidentally, has just launched his own first book, titled "Ways to Identify Purpose and Meaning" from the Curriculum for Whole Living Series. Contact me if you wish to know more about it.<br />
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Now for May. On the 2nd, I took Roberta and her family out for dinner at the Bendigo Club who had sent me a meal voucher for my birthday. Having three young children to take care of and being a sole parent, she doesn't get out to socialise very often.<br />
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May 23. We head to Geelong for the launch of my book, "If I Can Do It..." at the local Library. After having lived in Geelong for 26 years I hope to see a few familiar and friendly faces there at the occasion.<br />
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May 26. After many many years (at least 40) on the dance band scene, "The Impalas" will hold their farewell night at the Bendigo RSL Club. My brother Geoff, who has been their lead guitarist/vocalist for most of that time, will be featured so, of course, I will be in attendance to witness his final performance with the group. <br />
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My New Zealand plans remain unresolved with no travel partner offering to accompany me, while my facial neuralgia has diminished, thanks to the doctor's prescribed medication.<br />
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</b>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-13743575048521744952012-04-06T02:43:00.001-07:002012-04-06T02:43:31.429-07:00APRIL ACTIVITY!<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have decided again that it's time to dust off the cobwebs and become more sociable after giving up on ever finding "Ms Right For Me" (not their fault - I'm too hard to please, but I have been spoiled in the past). Anyway, I'm booked in to attend the TV recording of "Good News Week" at Melbourne Town Hall on April 14th (staying overnight in the big smoke), then - one week later - I travel to Euroa to join in the Golden Wedding celebrations of my old mate Harry Wilkinson and his wife Glenda. On both of these occasions I will be partnered by my support worker and friend, Roberta Exell. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">At April's end (29th) I will celebrate another milestone with a barbecue at the home of my daughter and son-in-law, Leanne and Craig with a trip to Geelong one week later to give an author talk and book signing at the Geelong Library... that's four week-ends in a row of social activity!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">This all means a shuffling of my dialysis treatments, but the staff at the Bendigo dialysis unit have been very helpful in this area and have encouraged me all the way to be as active as I possibly can. I am even considering a trip interstate or overseas (New Zealand?) later in the year if dialysis treatments can be slotted into my itinerary three times a week... and I can find a travel partner - any takers?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">In anticipation of all this merry-making, I plan to spend a very quiet Easter at home with my computer and support workers to keep me company. My daughter and grandsons presented me with a box of Cadbury chocolates today, so they will also feature on my list of priorities!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">One little health hiccup recently is a constant stabbing of a nerve in the left cheek (of my face) which affects every time I eat, particularly when chewing. Originally diagnosed and treated with anti-biotics for sinusitis, I am seeking a second opinion from my G.P. next week. Being unable to enjoy my meals is certainly not my idea of having fun.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">You can expect to hear from me again early in May with a report on all the above events... including whether a travel partner has appeared on the scene!</span></strong><br />Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-83774813032917872282012-03-02T00:40:00.003-08:002012-03-02T00:57:21.580-08:00BOOKS FOR SALE!<b>In the photo below (click on it to increase size) I am seated at my book-launch at Dymocks Bookstore in Bendigo where, shortly afterwards, I sold and signed ten copies of my autobiography. My brother Geoff was on hand to introduce me to the masses - about 20 - who were gathered there, together with his good wife Meryl, who is seen in the background checking out the various other books on display.<br /></b><br /><b>I spoke briefly about the publicity from two local newspapers as well as WIN TV who ran a short feature about the book-launch. I also made comment about one newspaper whose reporter took one of my comments and made it the theme for their whole article... this was my tongue-in-cheek, off-the-cuff, remark that I had been married three times and (ha ha) "am looking for wife No. 4"! I assured those in attendance that this was NOT to be taken as an indication that my book was intended as a sequel for the Kama Sutra"... if this is what they thought they would have been extremely disappointed!<br /></b><br /><b>Since then I have sold just on 100 copies - not exactly a "best seller", but enough to encourage me to circulate the news a little further afield to other states and, possibly, to other countries. The only things I need now are time and a secretary (my one-finger typing skills are not conducive to long stints on a keyboard!<br />My only recent social activity has been to attend the combined 18th birthday barbecue of my twin grandsons Jack and Ryan Murphy at the lovely home of their parents in Maiden Gully and my attendance, with friend and support worker Roberta, at the Celtic Thunder Concert at the Bendigo Stadium - a great show in the estimation of the large crowd in attendance.<br /></b><b><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tWMstRYQu2R3XWo2xz9TSjLWk3bIjs8ZTsdmyJT-fpoDd_6QRLqRyd2g4rKpMKpWcJltWySAFmtJ_nY7AHavvTlUGJnLTulxNZnOwA2bjy3Ui66YZnwcFLhAgYdjpYQveIfar8m_tHU/s1600/2012_Colin%2527s-Book-Launch_00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tWMstRYQu2R3XWo2xz9TSjLWk3bIjs8ZTsdmyJT-fpoDd_6QRLqRyd2g4rKpMKpWcJltWySAFmtJ_nY7AHavvTlUGJnLTulxNZnOwA2bjy3Ui66YZnwcFLhAgYdjpYQveIfar8m_tHU/s400/2012_Colin%2527s-Book-Launch_00.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></a></div></b>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-59220072837495340762012-01-24T20:48:00.000-08:002012-01-28T17:07:07.765-08:00RELEASED AT LAST!<strong>At long last my autobiography, 30 years in the writing, has been released to the public! On the morning of 21st January, Dymocks Books in Bendigo held the launch of my autobiography. My brother Geoffrey and his wife Meryl were on hand and Geoff did my official introduction to the wandering masses (well... 20 or so)! We sold ten books, so that wasn't a bad start and I certainly didn't suffer from writer's cramp signing that number. The</strong><strong> media has assisted with articles in the Bendigo Weekly and Advertiser, while WIN Television did an interview last week which went to air on Friday, January 27.</strong><br /><br /><strong>We are attempting to get the book ePublished online, but won't know about that for a few days - I will advise you further in my next Blog.</strong>If you would like a personally signed copy - for yourself or a friend - just contact me on my email address and I'll send you details.<br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>My only other social outing was "Harrymas"... our Dad's birthday... when my immediate family gathered at the home of my daughter and her husband for an afternoon of eating, watching old home movies and having a singalong.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>The most recent event that concerns me is my problem neighbours… a gentleman in a wheelchair (who is an alcoholic) and his family. His son was caught (on camera) pinching the wallet of a taxi driver who brought me home from dialysis last week (while he was seeing me to the front door), so now I make sure all the doors and windows are locked at night. It’s things like that that make me a tad nervous about living alone virtually 24/7… not to mention waking up during the early hours to the sounds of the house! Creaks and bumps in the night are rather disconcerting now whereas they never used to bother me.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Ah, the joys of being a loner!</strong><br /><br />Oh, I have also become the proud (?) owner of a new wheelchair! I am still 'breaking it in', but will tell you more about it in my next blog... stay tuned!Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-30473823673525003002011-12-09T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-11T20:52:15.869-08:00Christmas Beckons!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEyF5oJaE-AGEG6uULMah6qfjEPN7zit19GPaHWDeT2N727yQjXaWoPkOoOfMspaHCv1DuDLVB9tWEFEVMIuG6jcGBdUNF02nF9vM092qJxXNXm2XOTRRV7gPvpga76SakNnneXrI_hs/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684308442158635314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEyF5oJaE-AGEG6uULMah6qfjEPN7zit19GPaHWDeT2N727yQjXaWoPkOoOfMspaHCv1DuDLVB9tWEFEVMIuG6jcGBdUNF02nF9vM092qJxXNXm2XOTRRV7gPvpga76SakNnneXrI_hs/s400/IMG_0221.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> "Ooh Mum, they're groping me" (my team of carers, Glenda, Julia, Tracey and Roberta). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHjFMtT5OG2Tkq7cZ7pimr5va5bHDfY1JkYjPMxLXWLGmxo9e_8-PfvHnC5IDvOCG83ZX7C2yXpSxW9Pr_9kVqVWmnUazVr7uuLT5mQ3a6Yv7JkAc8nE1nfLuVxJF32bnU2vSEt5hD_s/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684307422097576482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHjFMtT5OG2Tkq7cZ7pimr5va5bHDfY1JkYjPMxLXWLGmxo9e_8-PfvHnC5IDvOCG83ZX7C2yXpSxW9Pr_9kVqVWmnUazVr7uuLT5mQ3a6Yv7JkAc8nE1nfLuVxJF32bnU2vSEt5hD_s/s400/IMG_0225.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:small;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:small;">Back, L. to R., Vera, Barbara, Elaine, Leo, Michael, Geoff and Alan. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:small;">Front, L to R., Brian, Shirley and me.</span></span><span style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:small;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><strong>If I could physically accomplish the task I would pat myself on the back for being a little more organised this Christmas! I still haven't purchased all my pressies for family and friends, but I have had my autobiography published (with the book launch being held on January 21st) and written my Annual Newsletter to go out with my Christmas Cards... which should be completed this week.</strong> </span><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><strong>I was giving thought to going to Tamworth for a few days at Festival time (around the end of January), but dialysis treatment at the Tamworth hospital was not available, so it will have to wait until 2013 before I can consider making the journey up north.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Getting back to my book. Anyone wanting a copy should let me know as soon as possible, because I need to order well in advance from the publishers who are based in the USA. I'm going to have to order an unknown quantity of books before the book launch and I already have 20+ orders to fill, so I'm going to be a busy girl over the next few weeks... yes, I know that should have read "busy BOY", but one does get confused at this time of year!</strong><br /><br /><strong>There is a chance I will be changing my blog site in the near future, but I will give you plenty of notice in case you like to keep up with the scintillating story of my lifestyle... I'm trying to dream up some sensational event to catapult me into the new year, but it looks like trying to flog books will be as close as I can get. Any help you can give me to promote it will be greatly appreciated.</strong><br /><br /><strong>My only public event in recent weeks has been a dinner with friends and family on November 27. The photographs above were taken there.</strong><br /><br /><strong>In closing, for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a season of love, good health and happiness. The same goes for everyone else as well! See you (God Willing) in 2012.</strong> </span></div><span style="font-size:small;"></span></div></div></div></div>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-34251552274844398782011-10-21T03:12:00.000-07:002011-10-21T03:25:06.892-07:00My Autobiography set to go!<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>The contents of my autobiography will be as follows. </strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975375"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975376"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>CONTENTS</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975377"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975378"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>1. HOW IT STARTED - AND ALMOST ENDED</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975379"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>2. CRISIS POINT</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975380"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>3. MY LILLIPUT</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975381"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>4. THE GOLDEN VOICES OF RADIO</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975382"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>5. FAMILY INFLUENCES</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975383"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>6. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975384"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>7. PASSING TIME… AND OTHER EMBARRASSMENTS</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975385"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>8. READIN’, WRITIN’ & ‘RITHMETIC</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975386"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>9. GOD, SILKWORMS, SONGS... AND ROMANCE!</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975387"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>10. SWEET SIXTEEN</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975388"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>11. I JUST CALLED TO SAY...</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975389"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>12. FROM FAMINE TO FEAST - 1956</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975390"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>13. THE CLUB IN FULL SWING - 1958</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975391"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>14. ‘RAGING’ IN THE BEDROOM! - 1959</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975392"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>15. I ENTER THE SWINGING SIXTIES - 1960</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975393"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>16. THE END OF A HAPPY ERA</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975394"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>17. THE BUSINESS MAN BECOMES AN ENTERTAINER</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975395"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>18. A BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE... AND DIVORCE!</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975396"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>19. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY = MARRIAGE PROBLEMS</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975397"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>20. NASHVILLE AT LAST</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975398"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>21. BACK HOME AGAIN... TO THE "DOOZY"</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975399"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>22. THE FRINGE BENEFITS OF HAVING A CARE ATTENDANT</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975400"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>23. DATING SITES</strong></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3886186274452854635#_Toc306975401"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>24. A FITTING FAREWELL TO MY MUSICAL JOURNEY</strong></span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We are working on having it published both as an e-book (paperback edition) and online, but need "expressions of interest" to guage its potential either way. Which version would you prefer (if any)? At this stage I cannot give you costs of either format, but rest assured you won't be committing yourself to buy a copy either way. Please respond either way A.S.A.P. if you are at all interested. Thank you.</span></strong>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-84551468112858099092011-10-01T22:32:00.000-07:002011-10-01T23:16:25.010-07:00A 'Springy' September!<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#ffff00;"><strong>Anyone who calls me 'anti-social' might think twice after looking at what I have left behind on my September calendar. For example, I attended a wedding, a baptism service, went out to dinner on three occasions and visited the Chinese Gardens, some of which I did in the company of a lady I met online from Warrnambool who stayed with me for 12 days... plus I acquired a bedhead and bought a new High Density Digital TV!<br /><br />You want more details? OK, feel free to ask me anything you like on my email at </strong></span><a href="mailto:coljames@bigpond.com.au"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#ffff00;"><strong>coljames@bigpond.com.au</strong></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#ffff00;"><strong>. I also visited a dermatologist for a biopsy on my right ear (this one 'ere on my right) and had a cat-scan on my face in preparation for plastic surgery - nah, only jokin'. No amount of plastic surgery would improve my ugly fizz-gig (face).<br /><br />Suffice to say that I still feel unfulfilled and lonesome, so I am going to have to lift my game even higher in October in an attempt to re-fuel my life into the burning cauldron of activity it once was (don't ask me what that means - I don't know either!).<br /><br />Oh yes, one other thing achieved in September was the final draft of my autobiography, together with selection of photographs for same. Hopefully, within the next couple of months, I will be able to advise anyone who may be interested how they can get a copy... all being well it should escape online, as well as by e-book and paperback. Please let me know if you wish for more information.<br /><br />Provided I am not too deep in my boiling cauldron, watch for more riveting material on this blog later in October/early November.</strong></span>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-47378299662302711992011-08-24T03:03:00.000-07:002011-08-25T18:21:22.739-07:00Life Mooches Onwards!<strong><span style="font-family:arial;">A week of being wet, cold and windy... and the weather has been the same (a wee joke there, folks)! I must admit though, the weather here has been lovely over the past few days, but more gloom is predicted.
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<br />Enough about the weather. The only excitement in my life since my last blog has been meeting a new lady online. For a change, she came looking for ME! She lives out of town, but tells me she will pay me a visit in the near future - we'll see! I also had an approach from a lady in Ghana, who said she will come out to Australia to meet me - wait for it - IF I SEND HER THE MONEY!
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<br />As I told her, I may be honest, but I'm not stupid, so I'll be surprised if I hear from her again. There are so many scammers around these days on the 'net, that's it's becoming harder all the time to find anyone who is genuine.
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<br />Speaking of which, does anyone out there KNOW of a fair dinkum ('genuine' for the benefit of non-Aussies) home-based business where I may be able to earn a few dollars in my spare time? No, not Herbalife, Melaleuca or Amway, etc., please - been there, done that - not interested in the pyramid style of business trying to flog products to people who turn and run as soon as they see you coming!
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<br />I have been trying for months to get involved in internet marketing, but again the whole industry has been taken over by would-be scammers and leaves me with little faith in the internet community.
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<br />Socially, I am looking forward to Friday, September 30 when I will hold my first "Eff" night (see previous blogs) with a trivia theme. Fun, Food'n Frivolity with Friends'n Family is the general idea, but Providence Hall (where it will be held) only holds 30 people, so I'm leaving it up to YOU to invite yourself - first in, best dressed, so please contact me NOW (by snail mail, email, phone or post) if you're interested. Official invitations will be mailed out the first week in September to those who have been in touch (if any) and other VIP's.
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<br />Until next blogging time, stay warm, healthy and happy and I'll try to do the same. </span></strong>
<br />Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-18814853833425428012011-07-11T03:10:00.000-07:002011-07-11T03:24:58.755-07:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuBXYNsRbUCQdIjoQlIKFg2l4pG1D5yOux7WQJHTZoOBIDhpuJLMbTjuHoCdYoYxnODOPvq-HSACjfGz7x1lBmQxSYgKXyBL-XjVAcd9usGXcs4d_2SSkKqDS_qomBfOENM96A6X5VxE/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuBXYNsRbUCQdIjoQlIKFg2l4pG1D5yOux7WQJHTZoOBIDhpuJLMbTjuHoCdYoYxnODOPvq-HSACjfGz7x1lBmQxSYgKXyBL-XjVAcd9usGXcs4d_2SSkKqDS_qomBfOENM96A6X5VxE/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center">No. 1 daughter, Leanne, serving up the tucker at her </div><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center">recent barbecue in honour of the Chinese students<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-5205395535994103962011-07-04T02:50:00.000-07:002011-07-08T02:50:26.973-07:00Winter Drawers On, Summer Knicks Off!<span style="font-family:arial;">I have been a little more sociable over the past few weeks with outings to a barbecue held at my daughter home, a cabaret called "Dribs and Drabs" and a tribute to the Bee Gees evening at the All Seasons (a motel/restaurant which is walking distance from where I live). The barby was held in honour of two Chinese students, aged 10 and 11, from the Souchou Industrial Park area in China. My daughter and her husband are hosting their visit to Australia for two months. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The program is the result of a 2009 trip to China by Bendigo school principals, who set up a sister-city relationship with schools in Souchou. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I attended "Dribs and Drabs" at the invitation of a fellow client of one of my support workers who is friendly with the owners of this well-known local nightspot. Unfortunately my date for the evening pulled out due to ill-health at the last minute, so I went solo. The meal was good, the floor-show was a mixture of bad-taste to reasonably entertaining... I gave it 5 out of 10!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At least I managed to get a date for the Bee Gees tribute, even though we had to leave early due to her baby-sitters commitments. The 'sound-alike' trio of entertainers put on a reasonable performance although nowhere near the perfect harmonies of the original group... again the meal was enjoyed by all. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">To update, I am not playing darts until the next Summer season which won't commence until after the beginning of next year. Meanwhile I am keeping myself occupied searching in vain through dating sites looking for a lady - any lady - who might feel desperate enough to entertain the thought of taking on a fugly partner in a wheelchair... just for casual outings, dinners, movies, sharing HWB (hot water bottles), etc. 'Twould appear they don't exist! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The only site that gives me a momentary lift is "Tagged", where I have had literally dozens of responses - from the Philippines and New York! It would seem that I could get as many dates as I would like IF I sent them the money to come out to Australia... but I'm not QUITE that desperate YET!!! Three have offered to come out here if I get them - or give them - a job, but that is also a bit beyond me at the moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">My Eff'n Eff, Eff Eff'n Eff and Eff Night (see an earlier blog hereunder) has been delayed until September 30. so more about that in next month's blog.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Oh well, back to my search for a HWB.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-38435888326004650462011-06-03T18:34:00.000-07:002011-06-03T19:03:14.790-07:00Winter Is With Us!An extra blanket on the bed at night (there is still no one in there beside me to keep me warm) and very little happening in general, so my life continues in a non-stimulatory manner. I'm only writing this because I said I would try to contribute a-blog-a-month! May was soooooooooooo quiet with only one social outing - an attempted revival of the singles group I started with great optimism some years ago - a dinner at the local Bendigo Club, which was attended by four forlorn looking people (including me) who all departed looking even more forlorn less than two hours later!<br /><br />The only other item of interest was that I sent the completed manuscript of my autobiography to a publisher for consideration. Print on Demand (who publish if they're interested in it or self-publish on your behalf if they are not convinced you'll make them rich) say they will respond within ten days, but it's two days over that time-frame now and still no word, so I presume that isn't a good sign. Perhaps reading it has made them violently ill!<br /><br />I have two social events lined up for June already, so watch this space in a few weeks for more scintillating reading!Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-33599201377042222662011-05-07T18:41:00.000-07:002011-05-07T19:42:54.663-07:00Eff'n Eff, Eff, Eff'n Eff Eff<strong><strong>The last week-end of April 2011 was a huge time of fun and festivity around the universe with three humungus events taking place at the same time... the Royal Wedding, the capture and demise of Osama Bin Laden and my birthday! I celebrated with dinner at the local RSL Club, attended by my daughter and her family, plus my brother and his wife and a few friends, including my carers.<br /><br />This pleasant little get-together caused me to ponder the prospect of doing it (having a meal with family and friends) more often, but as one only has a birthday once a year, how does one find a good reason to celebrate on an irregular basis?<br /><br />Gazing at my calendar the other day (as we do) it came to me! Every year has an occasional month with five week-ends, so why not hold an Eff'n Eff (Family and Friends) Eff, Eff'n Eff Eff (Fun, Food and Festivity Function) on those fifth week-ends each year? The remainder of 2011 has five week-ends in July, September and December, so we're on our way! Our first F&F, FF&F F will be on Friday, July 29, 2011 at the Bendigo Club (walking distance from my pad) and EVERYONE reading this is invited to attend. 6.30 for a 7 p.m. start.<br /><br />All I ask is that you advise me of your acceptance a few days ahead of the function, in order to book the appropriate number for dinners - which, of course, will be your only cost. There is plenty of variety on the menu, reasonable prices and served promptly.<br /><br />Put it on YOUR calendar now so you don't forget. There will be a flyer handed out to everyone at this function reminding you of the September and December events.</strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>From now on, I will endeavour to post a new blog on the first week-end of each month, so hopefully I'll be back in early June.</strong>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-39277756336241277222011-03-11T01:47:00.000-08:002011-03-12T19:29:16.758-08:00Is Danger Looming?My team of support workers is managed by a local agency called Golden City Support Services under a program called HomeFirst. It is a Department of Human Services (DHS) program that provides home and community-based support services to enable individuals with a disability to :<br />• live as independently as possible and not require staffed residential accommodation<br />• remain living in their own homes<br />• increase or maintain maximum independence<br />• move to more independent living arrangements<br />• access community activities and facilities<br /><br /><br />It is a Nationally funded scheme and an allocation of funds is set aside for each individual to cover costs of their support workers wages, necessary equipment and administration costs of the service provider.<br /><br /><br />Which has all been a blessing for me and no real problems have arisen - until now.<br /><br />My allocation of funding for this financial year has almost reached as far as it can go... in other words, I am considerably over budget, the reasons mainly because of the increased rates on weekend, but also due to my increased needs.<br /><br />It has been suggested (strongly) that I keep within my base roster hours for the rest of the financial year, unless I can pick up some extra funding. This means cutting down on support workers shifts, but what has to go? The first will be my lunch shifts with my carers preparing my lunch before they leave in the morning... or I could go up to the corner store and buy a pastie or something else I can put in the microwave oven.<br /><br />Then, there is my radio program where one of my support workers helps out by operating the CD player and panel, while I do the presentation on air. This is my main form of recreation and I don't want to give it up. I have already cut back on playing darts each week.<br /><br />Anyway, this all has to be sorted over the next few days. I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />On top of this, I'm trying to find time to send my autobiography out to various publishers. My life is never dull!Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886186274452854635.post-27034909755720107462011-03-03T22:32:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:04:43.141-08:00After waiting for six months, the City of Greater Bendigo acted on their commitment to upgrade the unmade path between my front gate <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2Rf5ljcLbsaJEaziLFgAOQaNDkBnRrn_OCSSmXSuGibLXkZxHcgPdjVJvKEQ5eIbLJTcTQDv2e25NyWUibBZpj0RF2t5KSXeO-UPj9kQkjtC1FTEtz-Tn20UlEzGOdxFAvh-nvKj9fM/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2Rf5ljcLbsaJEaziLFgAOQaNDkBnRrn_OCSSmXSuGibLXkZxHcgPdjVJvKEQ5eIbLJTcTQDv2e25NyWUibBZpj0RF2t5KSXeO-UPj9kQkjtC1FTEtz-Tn20UlEzGOdxFAvh-nvKj9fM/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" border="0" /></a>and the lane leading to McIvor Road (which takes me to the bus stop from which wheelchair accessible buses can transport me into the city and various other locations around the area). In the photo on the left I am sitting at the point where the new path (very white) meets the old concrete lane (very dirty), meaning that I no longer have to traverse over rough territory (see both sides of new path) to gain access to the lane.<br /><br />Other highlights of the first two months of this new year have been my Christmas in hospital (went in on Dec. 21 and came out three weeks later), which put paid to my plans of sharing the Season with my daughter and her family as well as with close friends. Since coming out I have been taking prescribed antibiotics to clear up the 'bug' and hope to come off those in another two weeks.<br /><br />I have returned to doing my weekly community radio programme with Roberta (Bobbie) who did an excellent job filling in for me on her own while I was hospitalised. We also attended a fund-raiser for the radio station (Phoenix 106.7 FM) which took the part of a family movie night.<br /><br />On February 6, we (my brother Geoff, together with our respective families and I) held a belated annual get-together tribute day known as "Harrymas" (after our late Dad, Harry), whose birthday would have been on Jan. 6. This is an annual family event where we celebrate the memory of his life with us. This was the first year we have held the event at the new home of my daughter/son-in-law (Leanne and Craig).<br /><br />Finally, after more than 15 years of writing, re-writing, checking and re-checking, I have managed (with much help from my brother and several friends) to complete my autobiography. Watch this space for publishing details (when completed). There will be a celebratory launch date!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqBrAlkrt2etyIpgV8sUCt5GxOyDXzguLXH93FIK54uj3BVl1AFR06Af5F1fbGsB4-8s0XR8-fBya5zUsP0LlJLUnCRlvDIvofDpASgYRu1gAhGhpsAhbwkbD7ElPzssMKo7qOrOud8/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"></a><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"></a></div>Colin R. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14326617253496184350noreply@blogger.com0