Up close and personal

No explanation needed.

Down Under Part Two

I was having a problem with the computer downloading my first post, but I seem to have corrected it. Things are still going great here in Australia. We have had some amazing experiences. Last night we went to Phillips Island, and saw thousands of "little penguins" come ashore for mating season. You can't take photos of them, but the penguins are only 12 to 13 inches tall and they are so cute. It was really amazing.

Weather is cooperating although we are going to have a little rain today. We are off to Rod Laver's arena today and the site of theAustralian Open. Golf is really cheap to play here but we won't be doing that -- as it takes too much time.

Alan is a great tour guide and getting me around the city pretty well. I get tired, but I'm trying to keep up. Jennifer and Alan are being very patient with me. I thank them for that.

Down Under

Well, we made it Down Under. I wasn't sure if I should kiss the ground or not when I got here as this is something I have always wanted to do. The flight over was long, but certainly worth it.

Sydney reminds me a lot of San Francisco. We toured the infamous opera house yesterday and it was gorgeous. I'll try to post some photos soon. We also spent some time with kangaroos, koalas, wmbats, dingoes, wallabys, and lots of birds yesterday. The variety of birds is just amazing and they are all so colorful.

The harbour is beautiful. As I see things I keep thinking about my friends back home as to what they would like about the city. Pody -- if you are reading this -- this is definitely a city for you and Rick -- with all the art, architecture and boats!!!

The time change has taken a while to get used to. I have sinced stopped asking everyone what day it is.

I have certainly become a follower on this trip. Alan has taken the lead and I am grateful for that. I've had a couple of meltdowns with all the people and the noise, but we have managed that. Sydney is a big city and I have to remember that it has lots of people and that bothers me. But, we are adjusting. Getting my medicine adjusted from morning and night time pills has been interesting. Alan isn't around me that much anymore so it is difficult for him to guess when things might be a problem for me. But, I'm here and I'm enjoying myself. He's taking care of me and that is good! Jennifer is taking lots of photos and once I get some more time on the internet I will try to post some.

The weather has been beautiful. It is the beginning of spring here. And, it is after the "busy season" so it is not as crowded (or so I am told) as it during the peak months.

Our airline, Qantas, is threatening to strike next week and we have four flights left including our return trip home next week. We are watching it carefully, but it would be a shame if we had to stay longer --- although Alan's new employer would not appreciate that much I'm sure.

Lots of seafood here as you can imagine. Sydney is heavily influenced by Asians. We are heading to Melbourne today and we are told that in addition to an Asian flair there as well, it has the second largest Greek population outside of Greece, so that should be interesting.

Thanks for reading -- more soon.

WALK DAY!

We had a beautiful day for our first Walk to End Alzheimer's. Thanks to all who came out, who gave and those that helped plan and work the event. I love you all!

Interesting Day

It's been an interesting day for me. I always get up early each morning and go out and get the paper. Usually, still dressed in my pajamas with my robe on. Today, I went out to get the paper and then I went and got in my car. I have no idea how long I sat in my car, but eventually I realized that I should be in the house since I didn't have my keys.

That was kind of a sign to me that I probably needed to stay inside today and not venture too far away from the house without someone with me.

Kind of a bummer, when it is also your birthday.

October

It's that time of year again -- the crisp cool mornings have finally returned to Georgia. I think fall is my favorite time of the year.

There is a lot going on right now and it makes me anxious -- but I know this will pass. Our Walk To End Alzheimer's is October 15th. I am hoping for gorgeous weather like we have been having. The day after that I'm off to LA only to connect to my long awaited trip to Australia. I still can't believe it. That has been on my bucket list for so long. My son has made this happen. I don't travel all that well these days but I know that he will take good care of me. I also know that I have some followers from "down under" so if you have some suggestions for us, please let me know!

He and his wife are moving back to the Atlanta area as I write this. When we return he'll be working for a large law firm in Atlanta. I'm so glad they will be close. I know part of the reason they are moving back here is because of my health, and I wish that weren't the case, but I am glad they are going to be "home" again.

This afternoon I get to go speak to one of my favorite groups, a gerentology class at UGA. The professor invites me every year and I really enjoy talking with her students. They always have lots of questions. And, many times have a very different perspective on Alzheimer's. A chance meeting of this professor happened several years ago when I was on my way to an Alzheimer's meeting in Chicago and she was on the same shuttle bus from Athens to the Atlanta airport. I'm so glad I have gotten to know her. She also fields a team for our annual walk.

And, I have a new book for you to consider. It's written by Dr. Mary Cail and it is called "The All Weather Friend's Guide To Alzheimer's Disease". I haven't personally read it yet, but it is available on Amazon. Here is a link to her website http://www.allweatherfriend.com/. One of the lines on her website is "Books to help friends be friends when it matters most". I like that. One thing that you hear quite frequently with people that have Alzheimer's is how many of their friends turned their backs on them after receiving a diagnosis. I'm anxious to read her book.