flashman181

Caught up on some sleep at last but suggest mostly because dead on my feet. The place is noisy folks but does settle a little at night . The place – and US hotels in general – just don’t suit me really lifestyle wise. I am a morning person but with lack of kettle etc you have to wait around for anything to open and if lucky that will be 7 am . It’s not the sort of neighbourhood where you go for a walk at 6 am 👀.

I was in North Hollywood yesterday and the area is dodgy certainly – and there was a murder there last night . Also woken up at 9pm last night with loud Amber Alert on phone. I thought maybe they just let everyone know each night that Tiger is back this week . 🤓 Another big issue is laundry . No self serve on site and here for 5 nights . Let’s check . Fark…. Hmm. I want to wash them not buy new ones .

Looks like good weather for next few days before some rain on weekend . Will head to Long Beach today then for the morning and see how day pans out. It’s hard to dress for the day as pleasantly cool in early morning around 10 degrees but as do walk a lot by about 9-10 am don’t want a jumper on. Time to check out breakfast at on site cafe/restaurant . Had to be quiet at this time of day as they are shooting A Quiet Place 3 in lobby😏. It’s working title is “Completely Dead at 6 AM”

Again, simply magic surroundings. And no Yanks around. Liked look of a hot breakfast for $16 when researching last night but then saw some healthy options and thought ok better plan. Ah no,$31. Lesson learnt was the Greek Yoghurt was $15. You don’t come to USA to get healthy , just poor ….

And yes risked the cappuccino and not too bad really. Coffee search starts tomorrow .

And so this morning turned into one of those great mornings with a very vague plan that turns into special memories because of some research, some luck and a lot of fly by the seat of your pants attitude. First up an hour subway – in LA – each way to see Queen Mary and that clown husband of hers is a gamble. There are certainly a lot of dodgy folk around here and on the trains. Also a good police presence. After the first 27 stops a Metro Police guy got on with a credit card reader but no gun. Didn’t need one because I shit you not 4 of the biggest sheriffs hopped on with him and they were armed and ready to engage . And one was a bloke ! Anyhoo checked every passenger and then got off about 4 stations later and the guy who looked like The Rock wished us all a happy VD and then pretty sure he blew a kiss in my direction . I kept my head down and called out “ how about those Chiefs eh “

Don’t know a lot about Long Beach but soon discovered there is no sand – more a marina with a thousand boats. Of course as often happens I am known everywhere . A little embarrassing that they display my IQ everywhere 👀

Now , my research had indicated for downtown Long Beach station it was a 40 min walk across a bridge to see Queen Mary , which it turns out is actually a big boat. Of course also knew about the free Passport Bus service that does the loop. Sweet . “ Ah no pal, that service only runs on weekends “. Hmm. Ok set off slowly when saw many Lime scooters . Well why not and scooted off towards bridge . Here is one I prepared earlier

Got to bridge to discover the pedestrian walk does not allow scooters . Decided to head off towards the marina and the lighthouse on the hill. As it turned out got close enough to the boat anyway really.

Continued to scoot around what is a lovely spot. The “town” itself reminds one of Santa Monica.

Time then to roll the dice if not the ankle and try a coffee at one of the marina shops. It is of course Valentines Day here now and while looking out over the water drinking my swill all alone it seemed maybe best thing was just find an anvil – there was an Anvil Shop – and some rope and jump in 😰 However when I went around the corner looking for a rope shop I found a lock bridge like the one in Paris only smaller and no Frogs around . It must have been a sign. Now I wonder who sells locks around here – could it be that store over there where the rose petals lead to 🤔 Bingo

As luck , or clever planning , had it it was now 11 am and the pubs were open. By any measure …..wait for it….The Yardhouse looked ideal as long as no crowd. I squeezed in and The Golden Pilsner was great .

After such a great morning time to head home and get a few supplies . The NOUF had increased significantly - Number Of Unsavoury Folk. Unlike vampires , at least in one regard , they come out more in middle of day . Some supplies got for lunch and snacks and thought would ask at front desk if they had heard of kettles? I now have one in my room along with 3 bottles of water. Perfect end to morning.

After a relaxing low key lunch and an hour rest in room headed out to check out some more known landmarks in the area on a glorious day. And find some milk – harder than you may think . First up though Angels Flight and then some shoulder exercises.

That tourist nonsense set up a thirst and as luck would have it an Irish Pub across the road which must mean it’s Guinness time.

So , first full day in LA and certainly done a lot last 36 hrs. Supposed to be a candle light tribute to Coldplay in The Gold Room at 630 pm so will check it out . Found another stunning room this arvo

Time to relax now but then heard the news that Dolly Parton had died overnight and already buried in Hollywood Forever. Quickly ducked back out and sure enough it was easy to identify 🤓

Relaxing day tomorrow and will try and check out Dodger Stadium and then the sleaze of Walk of Fame area. Mind you me starting to think the sleaze areas in LA are all merging 😏

Oh, and The Coldplay Candle palava was a no go. You had to pay $50 to watch wax drip while someone plays a Coldplay song. And it was full of loved up folk all dressed up for some special day. And it was sold out . Basically went to Dodger Stadium a day early and struck out 3 times ⚾️⚾️⚾️

And another long one as the Bishop said to the actress. Better nights sleep but still not jumping out of my skin which is odd as feels a bit looser after last two days .

All things seem on track for QF11 at 11:10 am. It is one of the more notorious late leavers but usually makes some time “up in the air “ #Seinfeld.

Time then to get the Kleenex ready as bid farewell to CLP. I assured her no need to come to train with me but she seemed keen to ensure I got on it 🤓 I will head to Qantas club while she heads out for a leisurely morning at Bondi while the weather is good. Weather should be ok today for Sydney but gets worse after that and she flies out on Thursday back to Flashman Inc, Sunshine Coast where at least there is a statue of me she can look at each day.

Have organised an 11 am check in at Biltmore in LA as do arrive at 6 am all things being equal . Having paid $50 USD for it can almost guarantee now plane will leave or arrive late 😏Train was on track – boom boom – for arrival at 7:15 am a mere 4 hrs before flight is “scheduled” to leave. Check in easy and was tarmac adjacent by 735 am. Qantas Business lounge not too crowded and one of the better ones around . Common sense prevailed at this stage with significant snout in trough in near future. For 14 hrs .

One of the reasons happy to be on West Coast this year was usually glorious weather in SoCal ( I talk the local lingo already) . I can tell by all the golf I watch at this time of year – Pebble Beach, Phoenix…. You know the two tournaments almost washed out 2 weeks in a row ! Forecast then for LA is around 10-20 with clouds at time and Las Vegas maybe 8-18 also cloudy at times. Hope get one blue day in each city at least . Having monitored the two major suspects A 380 wise last 36 hrs confident both in Sydney and one should be used for QF 11. All will be revealed when Flight Radar confirms Call Sign a bit before 11 am. Then I might relax…. I remember the good old days when you knew nothing before hand and just rocked up to airport carefree and ignorant😂 COVID changed everything and Qantas is struggling to populate A 380 routes at present . Unlike Brisvegas though, Sydney-LAX seems important to Qantas

Flight boarded on time, left 10 mins late and arrived 15 mins early. Pretty well the perfect flight if there such a thing for 14 hrs ! Excellent food and plenty of drinkies made the first two hours fly by . Then it was jammies time ….. not that I sleep . In extra knob kiss no one next to me

Using the new Mobile Passport App at LAX was through in 5 mins and at same time my eSim was activated. Bag was out in another 5 and so it was pants around the ankles and bed flute pointing north. Then realised it was only 630! Paid for early check in at 11 am and was really stuffed by now so sucked up the $80 taxi fare and was at Biltmore by 7 am . And in my room and unpacked by 730! As I knew the hotel itself is magnificent but rooms a bit dated and only on 4th floor so a bit of street noise

Even though stuffed no way going to sleep so time to test out Tap card on trains and buses and headed up to Santa Monica Blvd for the Hollywood Forever Cemetery . Lot of walking involved so ankle starting to give grief as well. It’s a large place with some notable names

The Paramount Studios are another 15 min walk but thought best to have a look while in area if only to get a photo of Water Tower. Only entrance is through a studio tour and when heard it was a group of 7 in a long golf cart sounded a good idea. It was interesting too and there are certainly some massive movies been made there . It was a 2 hour tour and now dead on my feet and still need a 30-40 min trip home on a bus

The bus was slow but at least had a seat. Back home by 130 pm so picked up a roll for lunch and a salad for dinner. It’s been a rough 36 hrs and just needed something to eat and doubt much more will be done today except probably a drink somehow near by. I fear the noise around here could be a problem, time will tell. Probably over tired now so still can’t sleep

Went down for a sherbert at the hotel bar around 430 pm and of course very elegant and fancy . Finished of first day being a tourist in LA

And now we start adjusting body clock. I fear it could be a restless 5 nights here. Man don’t the yanks love a fucking horn 😡Of course the two things you always notice in US hotel rooms – no clocks anywhere and no kettle . Plan tomorrow is probably head down to Long Beach for the morning if weather is good.

So, you don’t just wake up in Los Angeles , it takes planning and planes. First up then is down to Brisvegas 2 days before hand and check into Novotel Brisbane Airport before flying to Sydney on Monday. Paying for extra baggage on that flight – CLP is with me 🤓Ouch. First up though drop in and see Mum before leaving car at BC1 for a few weeks. Easy train trip into city then for a frolic and a froth but first up our go coffee shop – Sugar and Spice, Damn I am Nice. Then our go to drinkery – The Charming Squire

Why so sad? Well, of course nothing ever runs real smooth. In between visits it was time to check in for our 10:15 flight to Sydney tomorrow after 3 emails and a message from Qantas . Ah nope “ check in at airport sucker “. Why , no idea. CLP was able to check in and has boarding pass. I am supposed to be in business class but smell a rat . Time will tell but is very annoying

Then it was time for lunch and the always excellent Ole Tapas Bar in Southbank was tres enjoyable.

Waddled back to Eagle Junction and then onto Novotel at Brisbane airport for a quiet afternoon. How quite you ask ? Exhibit A Your Honor

Rough nights sleep as expected . Woke to a booteeful morning though

Time then to head out to airport and sort out this “check in at airport” nonsense. Ding Ding – your upgrade request for Syd-LAX has been successful. 👍🏻 I see Trakkies in my future. We paid for the shuttle ($16) and waiting with GU when saw a Business Class Taxi idling. Walked up and asked Punjab if he was free to take us to airport. He said no, it would be $25 🤦🏻‍♂️ Indian humour. Well in for a rupee in for a pound. As QC member used Premium Entry which is great and approached friendly staff with Qantas card. “Ah, I see you are marked for possible downgrade lowly status member you “ Bit rude. Why? Sometimes pilots need to use the seats as in their conditions they always fly in BC. Naturally I asked “Shouldn’t they be in the cockpit” ? She almost smiled and then said good to go . It was turning into a good day . Of course we are rather early but is BC lounge so not too shabby

Plane left right on time. Wish I had been on it. Only joshing. No Alcohol. Not joshing. Nice meal for us VIPs but fuck me everywhere I look last 24 years bloody cruise passengers everywhere with a mean age of 90. Sitting in 3rd row of only 12 BC passengers but bugger me took forever to get served while Bob and Betty in front tried to adjust their heading aids.

Arrived 20 mins early ,quick bag capture and on the train to Museum Station near Hyde Park as we were staying at The Pullman . On Hyde Park. Following so far ? Lovely area on a glorious day . Checked in to room all by 2 pm

Time for a bit of a stroll around the city after so much sitting down today. Hyde Park is an impressive place and then wandered down through Chinatown to Darling Harbour. Glorious day if a touch warm

Certainly been a full day and I am about to get fuller. Precious is taking me out for an early birthday dinner at Alberto’s Lounge nearby. A relaxing hour then before donning some finery . Alberto’s was a treat and a lovely way to end our time together. Well, for this holiday ….

And that is done and dusted for lead in. Tomorrow the real shenanigans start on another loooooong day.

Pretty well stuffed @ 65 to be honest. Time flies when you are having fun but also tends to fly even when miserable:) And so its only a month before my last solo trip to USA until the next one. Lets recap an enjoyable December. Visited with the grand kiddies and also the great kiddies before usual Della gathering for the annual feast and festivities. All was on track for a great two weeks

We planned a quiet Xmas then at Flashman Inc with a catch up with Jas and family on Boxing Day. We sent out the cards to spread the cheer and maybe just the odd scare

Plenty of time to chill in the pool on a very quiet and relaxing few days around Xmas and then a lovely lunch with da boys on Boxing Day. 2023 was ending on a high note. Two Thumbs Up

Plans then were to head home after Boxing Day and return for the New Year weekend when the real partying would start. There was a chance a whole bottle of Champers could be consumed before bed time at 9 pm on NYE. Around Thursday afternoon back home in Maryhole and started to feel a bit of a sore throat and a cough. By next day sick as a dog and yep had caught COVID. A quick check confirmed CLP was also down with it and Jas’s family not travelling well and so hunkered down for a quiet and miserable New Year. No reason not to dress up though eh.

It has now been two more weeks of no golf or gym but still plenty of sweating. The temps may not be that high but the humidity is the killer especially when a bit crook. Here is one I prepared earlier .. at 530 am!

Only one New Years resolution then.

Plenty of time then to put the finishing touches to Routed@66 mid February which is basically a visit to the Golden Triangle on the West Coast which is actually Scalene I guess. Start in Los Angeles for 5 nights, then Las Vegas for 5 nights and then finish in Santa Monica for 4 nights. Being a stress free kinda guy travel down to Sydney day before to hopefully limit disasters of the Qantas variety

Hate the A 330 from Brisvegas as either very expensive Business Class or cramped Cattle class. It also arrives late in day which dont like. So will catch QF 11 (A 380 PE) from Sydney at very acceptable time of 11 am to arrive in LA at 6 am , 5 hrs before I left. Gives me plenty of time to get through LA customs before heading downtown to The Biltmore . CLP is also coming down to Sydney same day and will stay on for 3 days while I jet off. At this stage it is the QF 11 flight that causes most concern, notoriously late and always a chance they change the plane and lose my paid PE seat! Catching American Airlines from LA – LV return and already had 4 plane changes there but all minor and really only a 60 min trip

3 Prong attack then. In LA its tourist, in LV Alcoholic and in Santa Monica its Beach Bum. Have not been to LA for a long time so hope to see the Hollywood Forever Cemetery , Griffith Observatory , A Studio tour etc. A day trip down to Long Beach to see Queen Mary – and hope she didnt bring that clown Frederik with her. Do have a paid ticket for entry to Genesis Invitational at Riviera Golf Club on the Friday. Should be a big day being The Striped One’s own tournament and going on Friday means I see him play before he misses the cut. Also have requested tickets to Jimmy Kimmel but will wait and see, A full 5 days certainly. Of course always best not to read up too much or you would never visit anywhere. There is a big homeless problem in Downtown LA – especially around The Biltmore! In general it is becoming an issue in all the big cities. Also down at Santa Monica when not being harrassed by CD sellers etc.

Visited Las Vegas late 2022 and did many of tourist things like Grand Canyon. This time plan to spend more time on The Strip and actually check out inside the big casino/resorts which are almost like mini cities once you enter. Some off the Strip areas to check on too but only in daylight. May do tour of Allegiant Stadium to get feel for the NRL blockbuster a week later but everything in LV now is very expensive even before factor in lousy exchange rate. Then spend the last weekend - and my 66th birthday – at Santa Monica in my only VRBO accommodation of trip. Its a small room at back of house but seems a nice neighbourhood and plan is to be out and about all day. Vacation rentals are becoming very difficult to source in USA these days.

So, one should be getting a bit excited but has not kicked in yet for a number of reasons. Part of me does wonder if this is the right trip if indeed does end up being last. Always love the cold and snow in February when visit USA but that is on the east coast. As late as last week there was still a chance would change plans and go to NYC for the 14 days instead as got a good offer on Hotel Beacon. Reality though is that did struggle to fill in whole week in late 2022 , admittedly no snow or real cold. Like there is now! If all goes to plan and planes are fine etc then sure will fill in time much better on West Coast then did back in 2022. Weather should be glorious really – like Qld July days hopefully. One of the mistakes back in 2022 was trying to save money on food and drink and as such spent too much time in lodgings. Having spent the money to get there, plan on getting out a bit more and sampling some food and drink. Is harder when travel solo and also a DCM (Designated Chick Magnet).

And finally a health check of the Non Covid Variety. 2022 was severely hampered by poor recovery post ankle fusion 4 months. Since then of course have had another shoulder reconstruction. Odd then, its still the ankle that causes most concern. Wont be any walking cane this time – though never hurts to pack for public transport:) The ankle is not that limiting really but can still cause pain and swelling after extended activity. The new shoulder has not recovered as well as first one which was expected as 5 years older. Again, no great pain at all but some movement is restricted. You know odd things like putting bags in overhead lockers!

And so now we wait and ponder the future and hope no more little brush fires spring up.

So, its 6 months since shoulder surgery (the second one), 18 months since ankle surgery (3 x 6 get it?) and just over 3 months until Routed @ 66 trip to Cal i Fornieh via Las Vegas. Lets run the slide rule over this holy trinity of events. Shoulder isnt too bad but recovery at 65 is different to recovery at 60. In fact many things are different at 65 than 60….. No golf yet although feel could probably start playing again if so inclined and maybe will in December. The reality though is its hot and dry and the greens have just been renovated so not a lot of appeal. Still go out early a few days a week to rearrange the dust a bit and still the best time of the day

The ankle comes and goes as in one pain is usually replaced by another the next day. It starts first thing in morning when can hardly put weight on foot. Of course improves over the day so simple answer is never go to bed. To say it is a major disappointment is like saying England are doing ok at CWC 23. Seriously, how good to officially knock England out of World Cup and Bairstow gets a golden ball duck. I digress. Looks like a life of hobbling to a degree ahead although hopefully next trip to USA will be a bit better than last trip. I wont be taking a cane at least so will have to rely on my looks alone for sympathy. And so to Routed@66. To say excitement is not exactly mounting is a bit of an understatement. Seemed a good idea at the time and of course will enjoy myself but maybe a bit more of a realisation this will likely be the last solo trip for a few reasons and a pity not to end it in some snow and ice which has always been the attraction of USA in February. Have had some great trips to be fair especially around 2015-2017. The world has changed in many ways and everything is so much more expensive in USA now even before factoring in the woeful exchange rate. Qantas is expensive and quite unreliable of course , with all things being relative. You simply dont book tight connections anymore. You book what you can afford and then wait every day for the dreaded email about flight cancellation or change. Las Vegas at present is a mess with F1 preparations but supposed to return to some normality in December wrt Strip access etc. Of course in Vegas there is usually something big on every weekend and next year am sandwiched in between Superbowl in early Feb and NRL unleashed on first weekend in March. Factor in a Madonna concert and Nascar and it wont be quiet. Los Angeles has a few great attractions – Forever Cemetery, Studio Tours, Griffith Observatory – but also has a lot of problems with homeless and safety in general. Have booked a very nice hotel in Downtown (Biltmore) but the area itself is a little dodgy. Maybe a day trip to Long Beach and hopefully a one day ticket to PGA event at Riviera . Go one of the first two days so make sure see Adam Scott play 🙂 Dont do the $AUD conversion…..dont, dont,dont…..

So no real reason to be gloomy of course but for some reason am and maybe just the inevitable march of time combined with dwindling finances. The early glory days of reduntirement are long gone and reality has sunk in. Speaking of reality check CLP and I put our heads together – but no other body parts touching honest – and decided once again that Cruising (not the Al Pacino movie) is not for us . Actually doubt that movie is either. Two weeks on a boat with same other people for a lot of money doesnt really appeal. As third time we have bailed maybe time to pull up anchor – nautical humour – on that type of holiday. Instead we plan to have a few weeks in Canada next Sept/Oct for about half the price and twice the fun. Apparently Moose Poutine Burger with Maple Syrup is all the rage . Certainly want to be out of USA in general by Nov 2024. That next election is going to be a shit show especially if Harry Potter is still Speaker in da house. And of course Buffoon Bob could be in da Big House. Yeah right

Xmas is almost upon us which means Hot Cross Buns arent too far away. Yay, something to look forward to at last . Lets leave todays whine with a smile

Is that a question or a statement you ask ? A bit of both methinks. Lets recap

So, fast approaching the 10 week mark post shoulder surgery and can feel the difference between being a spring chicken of 60 and an old fart of 65. Its a fair gap folks. Of course with this operation it was always known that 65 was at the end of the spectrum for “successful outcomes” . Its hard to recall exactly the recovery 5 years ago (Thank Me for blogs eh) but while I started well this this time I have plateaued from about the 7 week mark it seems. At my age you still like the promise of a stiff joint but not the shoulder…..Current exercises involve raising the arm against a wall as high as you can go. Its a bit like when you measure the kids growth every year with a mark on the wall. This little Johnny hasnt grown at all last 3 weeks. The cool weather probably doesnt help a lot of with existing arthritis. Of course in Maryhole cool mornings are few and far between but do bite when they land. Luckily just wait a couple of days and normality returns 😦

Its not all gloom and doom folks, just seems that way. Was lucky to catch up with John and Lorraine at Flashman Inc last week for a lovely couple of days even in gloomy weather. Sunny before, sunny after and rain in between. I’ll drink to that . Grey Goose Vodka was a bit rude I thought…..

Back home again then for a few weeks until Xmas in July at Yabba Dabba Doo at end of month. Time for some exercise and less eating . Of course after 3 -4 days of walking twice a day the ankle gets the hump with the shoulder getting all the glory so goes out in sympathy. Its the same recurring pain on the right side that makes weight bearing difficult. At least its a nice time of day . And while CLP continues to do a wonderful job looking after me at Flashman INC. I would be lost back in Maryhole without the wonderful support of Stelly and Bob with laundary and yard etc.

Getting old is such a joy. Did I mention the teeth are about to crack so time to line up for some crowns. Man, they dont miss ya with the cost eh. Not that I have started yet , its a long process. Putting the feet up of course allows plenty of time for some sports watching . Try to stay up to watch first hour of cricket at night or at least until Warner gets out so have had a few early nights

SOO has been great of course mostly just watching NSW implode on and off the field. Has been some good golf on including the recent US Open with a full field of multi millionaires. A tense finish that everyone who was there will be able to see when they get home on their phones. Apparently

Some quality TV drama around the place with maybe Hijack being the pick of the new ones. Always good to have old faves to fill in the gaps and after a rewatch of Boardwalk Empire and Justified its onto Breaking Bad. Try to avoid FTA especially the news which is mostly full of crime on the streets. Once again Maryhole sets the bar low for dog acts

Always great to follow the exploits of Grandkiddies who have such varied lives these days. Will is starring in the music caper and had a great time in Sydney recently with TAS (and family) at the 2023 AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. The boy is multi talented . Pat and Jess monkied around a bit

Brody turned 9 on Monday and recently started Scouts which he is enjoying when the boys arent out fishing. School must be a real hindrance to those boys enjoying beach life

Ryan is enjoying school . They grow up so quickly, he had to move back into the house. Luckily there was a ready replacement tennant

And so back to the theme of the blog/moan/rant. Plans are pretty well locked in for Routed @ 66 for a solo return to USA West Coast next February for two weeks to coincide with 66th birthday. Of course when first planned fully expected to have no walking issues by then. It was sound logic that made sense at the time. Ha.

I fly into LAX via Sydney because Qantas still treat Brisvegas as third world city. 5 nights in LA, 5 in Vegas and 4 in Santa Monica before returning via Sydney. Of course one must remain flexible in plans with Qantas as rarely know what plane you will be on let alone which day you fly. It is annoying to factor in extra days to allow for inevitable issues. As such will travel to Sydney the day before and have to pay excess baggage . Yep, CLP is coming with me ….. to Sydney anyway. Pretty sure she wants to make sure I actually leave . Hope the excitement levels pick up closer to the time but with so much going on health wise its hard to think that far ahead

After all, the knee has been ok for too long now surely……. at least A Piers that way 🤓

As in “ Hey you lazing by the pool, you’ve stretched it out long enough time to go home “😂 Week 4 has ended and as we enter week 5 the plan is to head home next Tuesday June 13. Not quiet 6 weeks but am allowed to drive and quite independent. If I spend any more time by the pool I will have to vote Yes in the referendum just to get a voice in Parliament 😏 Has been another glorious week of weather and spend at least an hour by pool every morning. Yes it is brisk but also glorious drying off in the sun after brisk dip

Even convinced CLP to join me but had to insist she at least take off the dressing gown first

Plans for Brissie Bash this weekend have changed a fair bit. More of a slight Bingle now. The weather forecast was a bit grim – yeah I know right 🤦🏻‍♂️ – and shoulder still a bit limiting so instead of the more salubrious plan A we move to a more relaxed Plan B. Down on Friday morning and back on Sunday . There will be some drinking, some eating, some freeloading, some drinking, catch up with wayward Queenslander ,some drinking, some babysitting and if time after that maybe a drink to relax.

Third Physio visit was fine and progressing well so have moved onto some passive resistance exercises which is new as I generally try to resist exercise aggressively. A pole is involved , the rest you can imagine

So off to Brisvegas on Friday and straight to ADJG in Burbank, Not Hollywood. First plan then is an early birthday lunch for the young fella at Julius in the city . Usual great lunch and company but no Caesar salad 🤔

Thought we would do some music shopping and looking for a copy of Ed Sheeran Greatest Hits so knew it would be a very small CD but even we were surprised at the shop entrance

Back for a relaxing afternoon then before we get serious with the eating drinking caper once more. Slow cooked Tomahawk steaks ( why don’t they make Tomahawk Chops 🤔) are in our immediate future . Time first though to run the table on variety of alcohol available

Suitably Sated and Slightly Seedy we headed to bed. Woke next morning to a cooked breakfast as you do before the next piece of the puzzle feel into place. Off to Wynnum to catch-up with a returning Queenslander my nephew Mitch and wife Cazz. Appraised their new lodgings for them , updated on the vision and then headed to foreshore for a coffee and a stroll. Lovely area and catch up

Our plan still had a bit of a gap in it hours wise so headed to the other end of Manly for a Loiter and Lager

In keeping with the tradition of celebrating birthdays early we then headed over to Quinn’s new apartment in Camp Hill which is actually rather close to the Munchkin Clubhouse . As always they put on a treat in the cheeseboard caper which would keep us going until dinner with girls – you know 5 pm 😂

Still sober but with Ratu on hand we finally reached final destination and decamped for night at Camp Hill with RJER . Munchkins were a delight as always even as the weather started to deteriorate . Time then to head indoors and in one of those miracles that usually only happen at Easter , R also had a bottle of Ratu on hand . 😳

Sadly Rick had Ricked his back so dinner plans were called off for them but have to say was impressed with what he could still offer up for dinner choices although wasn’t aware we were expected to dress for dinner 😏

Time for some more sleep before heading home Sunday morning under gray skies rather than just the usual gray hair. A quiet week ahead then which may be a tad deflating if weather doesn’t clear. I will miss my mornings by the pool . One last Physio session to squeeze in

With a quiet week ahead time to sign off for the last time during this latest rehabilitation stint. As always CLP has been a rock and would be lost without her. As a sign of gratitude I did finally track down that present for her and gave it to her this morning. I wouldnt say it was pure joy on her face when she opened it

She did tell me she also had something for me but it could wait until tonight. Not sure I heard her correctly – she was grinning somewhat oddly – as it sounded like she was going to give me an enemy but would wear the outfit just this once. Why an easy going person like me would want an enemy I dont know but needless to say I am bound up with excitement. She also said she could help with that but must be expecting a warm night tonight because she asked me to make sure I left the windows open ?

Later dudes and dudettes.

Looks like a week of glorious weather ahead as nights start to cool down and days remain mostly cloud free. The big question than is will he brave the pool yet 🤔 Baby steps

Well that’s the first hour taken care off . Let’s up the ante

No feeling below the waste . Status normal 🕺🏻 Ok time to submerge

Sitting out in the sun then was glorious. Warm but not hot. Could sit there for hours but have to take it easy. Of course on reviewing images realised with the numbing cold I have moved my left arm away from body which is a definite no no at two weeks 🤦🏻‍♂️ Oh well .

It’s a quiet week at home with just a Physio appointment to squeeze in so think daily pool trips are in order. By Saturday we were into single digits in mornings and also quite a deal of shoulder pain which hope is only due to the cool weather .

Longish days leaves one time to ponder and muse but never at the same time . Mostly my mind always settles on dreaming of travel. CLP and I have a cruise booked for October 2024 but that seems a long way away and so always keen for a February type solo trip to USA as you do. These days have serious discussions with my Financial Advisor who warns me “ you know you could live to 70 afterall “ . He is the little devil that sits on my left shoulder so is still a bit pissed about the blood and staples up his ass a few weeks back. Planning continues even if ultimately common sense wins out. Yeah right eh 😂 Actually like idea of some LA/Santa Monica time when coolish and tack on a return to Vegas maybe or Phoenix. Like Vegas as great walking city ( which couldn’t do well last time) and a surprisingly safe and easy city to navigate. Also helps having a reliable accommodation option lined up. Time will tell .

Meanwhile back to the pool as day after day of clear blue skies ensue. Don’t mind wandering around the pool naked but CLP did warn me to be careful where I stood in middle of day. Not sure why……….

Of course a week at Flashman Inc does allow one to partake of some varied alcohol each night. We have had the Ratu Rum, the American Honey Bourbon and of course heap plenty vino but perhaps fondest memory is Spritzer time as reminds us of France. We dressed for the occasion

One day leads to the next and before you know it time to Tap a Physio again. Karl was pleased with my movement especially from hand to wallet 😏 Do seem to be progressing well but still need some manual manipulation of compromised joint – don’t we all eh 🕺🏻. Will maybe line up two more Physio visits and then hopefully have a series of exercises to do at home. Plan on heading back to Maryhole in second week of June, not a secret apparently. Discussing plans with CLP over a calendar for next few weeks and noticed a big red circle around June 13 th and YIPPEE written in bold 😏 I asked what the special occasion was and she just smiled . Time then to try another 4 Tapi.

Speaking of special occasions today Saturday 27 is 11th birthday of Handsome Harry ❤️ The boys love to go fishing on Dads boat now

Plenty of pool time in the sun next few days then before we head down to Brisvegas for a few days next weekend . Coolish but glorious weather if wind dies down. Oh, and time told

I’m going to Vegas next February baby 🕺🏻🍻✈️🏦🌃💰🧲🔙🔜

When last we left our hero he was at that eternal crossroads – heavy pain medication or alcohol 🤔 Did some research and found that alcohol numbs “the pain” so it was an easy decision although suspect “the” refers more to emotional pain than actual cut nervy tendon type but hey let’s not split hairs. In general this time around the recovery seems a bit better but then when you have a major surgery every year maybe you just get forgetful. Of course when you have a major surgery every year your memory can …….hmm ok.

So by day 3 it was off the pain pills and soak up some sun until socially acceptable to drink. By day 4 actually out of PJs by 9 am 🕺🏻

Lovely brisk mornings for start of the week saw the return of the Twins of Terror resplendent in the latest season’s must have flannos

By weeks end it was time to travel afar and we headed to Brisvegas to see some old farts and young munchkins. First up on Friday was a drop in to Medium Security Twilight Home to see Mum for Mothers Day. Looking pretty good go almost 97 and didn’t leave before getting name of that hairdresser

Then we were heading over to decamp at Camp Hill for night and look after Munchkins x 2 but first thought we drop into Pineapple Hotel for a juice of the frothy type . Looks a great pub and nice and quiet when we were there

Rock up to RJER in plenty of time to fetch kidlet 1 from school . Lots of Mothers Day Activities around of course and lovely for Nonna to be able to share in one with Eloise . I shared a coffee with BC1 .

Lovely night spent looking after girls although of course CLP did all the heavy lifting . Eloise loves coming down early morning to Nonna and we took opportunity to check for anymore missing teeth and agreed to split the proceeds. I pulled on a couple but they wouldn’t shift 😢

CLP wanted to do some cleaning this morning when RJ at the gym but as I always say it’s never too early to introduce girls to their life’s work. Ouch

Next family function on menu was celebrate Claude’s 93 rd rotation around the Sun at Burbank, Not California with most of the Della clan . As always it was a wonderful gathering with plenty to eat and drink including a 2006 Magnum of Shiraz, stored perfectly of course .

All good things come to an end of course and after our whirlwind visit to Brisvegas it was time for one last goodbye with a promise to return in a few weeks

A couple of quiet days then at Flashman Inc under cloudy skies until visit Surgeon on Tuesday. Some decent rain certainly

Surgeon was happy with wound and I was happy to get rid of staples. A comparison to 2018 ( on left ) shows a similar scar but clearly I have been in the sun a bit more this year . In 2023 there also seems to be one of those ghostly images in the background that you sometimes read about 🤔

To celebrate passing first hurdle with honours time to get Ratfaced on Ratu as you do. It’s a bit too easy to drink methinks. Just leaves first Physio visit then on Thursday . I’ll drink to that

Physio was mostly happy with me especially when I paid the $120 bill😏 Am starting Physio – correctly – a bit earlier this time so very minimal movement or active exercise. I seem to have a problem letting my arm or shoulder hang “dead” . I assured him it was only a problem above the waist …… Karl the Physio is German so not expecting raucous laughs and was not disappointed. We then had a lovely Tapas Lunch at Tapas 10 next door – sadly we only got through 4 this time but shall return.

Then it was time to start some Sun therapy and sign off for this week . In summary the surgery went very well but even when you don’t have pain it is a very slow recovery to being useful and independent

Just ask CLP ❤️

Surgery booked for Friday so came down to Flashman Inc a day early on a simply glorious day . Time for some pool action and one last look at the shoulder pre surgery

And here is a reminder of the plan of attack

Got message to be at hospital at 0730 am Friday which suited fine. Fair crowd lined up at Day Surgery desk so didn’t get into a room until close to 0830. After that was moved along quite quickly and lining up for the laughing gas OT adjacent by 0930. Great anaesthetist and explained the nerve block well which seemed to go in a bit easier this time. Wheeled in and next thing remember was waking up in recovery rather groggy but glad to see left shoulder bandaged up. Recovered pretty quickly and then out to final waiting room for a cuppa and some sangas. Doc came and saw me and said happy with procedure , cya in 10 days.

All necessary instructions given and then pick up my bag of goodies and on the way with CLP by 130 pm. They initially took the wrong patient out to CLP and she was weighing up whether she really should say anything or accept the trade 😏 Eventually got home and settled in for afternoon trussed up like usual Turkey. The block was working well and before you knew it, time for afternoon drinkies of the zero alcohol variety for some 😢

Early night of course but didn’t sleep well as not really tired . Maybe got a couple of hours by 3 am and that was it. The block has worn off but no real pain yet. Obviously have the heavy stuff on hand. As always CLP has been a legend. And today also woke up to our 21 year anniversary 👫 🎊 …..and I can’t drink alcohol 🤦🏻‍♂️

Ok by 6 am the pain was kicking in. Time for a little wipe down and surprised at amount of blood given they said try and keep this bandage on for 10 days. Ah, don’t think so . Will be changing it tomorrow.

The pain hung in all day with little relief even with the strong stuff. We are now in the Holy Trinity of Recovery with Pain, Constipation and No Alcohol 😢 Did get some good sleep on Night 2 and now on Sunday it is time to change bandage and do a site inspection. The moment of truth looms. Made CLPs day by letting her shower me and then we removed the bandage. All looks good and clean and hopefully with no more bleeding can leave new bandage on until see Doc to get staples removed

Certainly feel better after a shower and probably helps with slightly cooler weather . Time for some breakfast and my lovely Nursey Mercy even cut it up for me. But she won’t wear the uniform 😢

So, at Day 3 all seems on track and now just rest and line up some Physio for Friday week. Can’t drive for 6 weeks so will be at Flashman Inc for that period .

Of more importance today of course is the 10th birthday of my favourite Grandaughter Jessica.