Life at No.22, Monthly Updates, Musings, The Changing Seasons

What’s Been Happening? – September 2020

Suzanne

It’s Spring in our part of the world, and the blossoms are bountiful. Nature, on the whole, has been very productive.

Out and about cycling or walking, my thoughts drowned out with lambs bleating, ducklings happily moving through the wetlands and birds in general. Spring bulbs, especially daffodils, fill neighbourhood garden spaces with colour, as do rhododendrons and a few native species.

It seems that every man, woman, and dog is now out walking with enthusiasm and a spring in their steps, airing out their summery-looking attire and newly acquired exercise shoes. In contrast, others prefer two wheels to fulfil their desire for fitness and fresh air. Some look rather wobbly at first, setting off and tired, heading into a strong westerly wind. I’m sure they envy my cycle and see the merits of acquiring an electric bike as I cheerfully wave while whizzing past them. No, I didn’t mutter, eat my dust; I wouldn’t think of such a thing. Ok, maybe, it was a passing thought.

Then there is the Spring Romance that blossoms with the introduction of warmer weather. Sometimes conducted underneath a Kowhai tree, and with luck, they are serenaded by Tuis succumbed to nectar as there’s usually way too much juice on hand. There you have it, some of Springs delights. More to come, I am sure. In ebbs and flow like hayfever. Similar to Spring’s weather, our life has got just as unpredictable and slightly plain weirder.

The reason is the progression of Squires cancer [Primary Myelofibrosis]. We just didn’t want it to happen now, or never if the truth be told. Sometimes we are overwhelmed that I get as much done as a one-armed trapeze artist with an itch. Yes, that much was achieved. We’re going down another mystical medical road tour that has become shorter.

That proverbial elephant just shat itself right in the middle of the room.

The Squire begins on a new medication [ruxolitinib]; like the elephant, his old medication gave up the ghost and ceased to stop the enlargement of his spleen. His new drug comes with all sorts of baggage and initially took the Spring out of the Squires’ step. It’s another challenge we will face on the slimy cancer journey. Just when he had gotten used to gliding along on chemo, coffee and positivity.

Later in the month, we put that coffee and positivity to fair use.

We are now the proud renters of Plot 44. More information about that HERE and there will be much more news as the weeks pass. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of what happened in September.

Otumoetai Community Gardens
Unpacking the car to start working on Plot 44
Coffee break – apologies for the poor-quality photo; I was a wee bit tired!
We have grown lemon trees over the years though nothing compares to the blossoms from our potted tree which sits happily on our balcony. Tomatoes in pots to be planted when warmer.
When we’re having one of those challenging months having a go-to place for treats is a must. Here is one of ours.

Joining in with Su from Zimmerbitch and the rest of the crew for a review of September.

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

42 thoughts on “What’s Been Happening? – September 2020”

  1. The blossom is gorgeous and a welcome sight on a grey day; the news about the Squire is not. What can I say? Keep positive, enjoy the springtime, love each other, keep your sense of humour, cry, hug… all those things I know you are doing. The only thing I can add is to “keep your pecker up” and hope the new medication brings some relief. ❤️

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    1. Thanks very much, Jude and keeping our peckers up is exactly what we intend to do. Not much we can do we just have to hang on tight and ride it out. Keeping busy with projects is a mood enhancer x

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        1. The garden is a real tonic, ask me that question at the end of summer. Just joking, it is a lovely spot to hang out gardening. Thanks again for your lovely thoughts.

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  2. With all the tough times you guys are going through you still manage to find the brightness in life and keep a spring in your step. Your posts are always so beautifully written and positive and fun. God bless you Suzanne. Lyn

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  3. Oh, sweetheart! One of those posts I didn’t want to read. You know what I mean. I know it wasn’t going swimmingly but as long as you could stay upbeat I was happy to delude myself. Ok- I’ve taken a step back, but I’m back in step with you again. Your bravery deserves a better reward. Hoping the Squire can adjust to the new meds well enough to enjoy the blossom with you. Sending hugs!

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  4. The blossoms look fabulous this Spring Suzanne and we too hope you and the Squire will be able to enjoy them together. Sending love and strength to you both across the miles 💞💜💞

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  6. I’m in awe of your enthusiasm and humour when I know you must be feeling a bit bowled over by this setback in the Squire’s treatment. Hoping the new meds do their job.

    I’m looking forward to seeing lots of lovely photos from your new garden plot.

    Kia Kaha.

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    1. Thanks very much, Su. I think I will have my own weird sense of humour until my very last breath. Has kept me reasonably sane over the years. Yes, we are looking forward to spending more time at the plot.

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  7. Pingback: The Changing Seasons, September 2020 | Zimmerbitch

    1. Thanks, Cathy, we can never have enough positivity and healing thoughts. Yes, aren’t the blossoms beautiful and wonderful to see so many local people coming down to enjoy the blossoms and everyone’s gardens.

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    1. Thanks very much, April, yes fingers crossed that his spleen plays nicely and reduces in size. Nasty drugs have so many side effects. Unfortunately, it won’t cure cancer. We had a lovely few hours in the garden, so it was good to see Les enjoying the area without concerns about being close to people. However, he did have his mask on just in case. A couple of other gardeners kept their distance.

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        1. If there was someone working on the plot next door to us Les wouldn’t stay. So far, we have basically had the place to ourselves. So sad to the UK has been hit with the second wave. Keep safe.

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    1. Thanks very much, Donna, yes I don’t normally discuss what’s going on, just on the odd occasion it is all I was thinking about. Today was another day and it was a good one.

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    1. Thanks, Anabel, taking one day at a time and we will deal with it, and enjoy those happy moments along the way, however small they maybe. The concept of being “happy” was stomped on by the elephant. Though I still love elephants.

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  14. I’m so sorry to learn about the latest health setback. What I’ve read about Myelofibrosis is that everyone’s journey is unique. I hope the new meds help the Squire feel better.

    Your pictures of all the spring bloom are gorgeous. I have two lemon trees – one in a pot and one in the ground. I have NEVER seen that many blossoms on either one of them. It must smell heavenly!

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    1. Thanks very much, Janis, and yes you’re correct in that Primary Myelofibrosis is a unique journey for all. His specialist told us that. It’s a rare cancer that hasn’t had money poured into research compared to the more “popular” cancers. There is some research progressing in the background and hopefully, they will find a cure in years to come. Yes, I have never seen a lemon tree with so many blossoms. Incredible and we had a few visits from bees. So far, no lemons there is still hope! It does smell heavenly.

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    1. Thanks, Wendy your thoughts and love are very much appreciated. I’m enjoying hearing more stories from Les about his childhood and playing with you and the rest of the cousins 🙂 xxxx

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  17. Sorry to hear about the Squire and hope that the new meds get him back on a decent path.
    The plot is a great idea and will help to relieve a little of the stress, not to mention the pleasure you’ll get from seeing things grow – it’s so therapeutic. Hang in there… 🙂

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  18. Your photos are just gorgeous Suz, those blossoms!! I do hope the change in medication will make a difference to the Squire, sending you both positive thoughts! Keep whizzing around on your ebike, as I do on mine – I just love it!

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