The Family that Runs Together....

Last Sunday saw the five of us leaping out of bed at the crack of dawn on a cold, wet, miserable Melbourne winter's morning in order to compete in the 19th Olympic Dream Run. We were there to celebrate with Ev as she completed her 10th consecutive run, the rest of us with a somewhat more sporadic commitment to running 5 km once a year early on a Sunday. The joy at coming to the end of the race was elevated to see some special friends there to cheer us through the last 100 metres! Caleb finished 49th overall, and 7th in his age grouping, in a respectable time of 21:27. Sam and I brought up the rear of the family field, with me managing to pip Sam on the finish line. Rachel and Ev split the difference between us.
And now I look forward to a longer lie in next Sunday... zzzzz
Congratulations to Ev on doing it every year for 10 years!

The Inner City Dog

Someone accidentally left our rear gate open for a few hours on Monday evening, during which our 12-year-old, 52 kg German Shepherd decided to go AWOL, exploring the local area. It sent shockwaves through our household. Apart from the deep relationship our children hold with the dog, there was the concern about what could happen to the dog, or the unknown if the dog were threatened. So, late on Monday evening, in the cold and wet, we began our search. Looking for a wandering dog in the inner city is somewhat akin to looking for a needle in a haystack. When we were just about at the end of our tether and prepared to give up, we were directed to a local coffee shop, whereupon our precious pet was found sitting under a table feeding on sausages.
Even the dogs learn about cafe culture in the city...

Family Humour

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are a few jokes shared in our household from time to time. Thanks to the wonders of Sam [TM] these jokes have a habit of reappearing in unexpected places. One that has done a few rounds is a simple one: "What's the last thing you want to hear your friends saying at your funeral?" ANS: "Look, he's still moving!"

Well, we were at the funeral of a dear friend this past week. No, we managed to leave the Sam [TM] at school for the burial part. However, when we caught up with him for the thanksgiving service that afternoon, he asked whether people were sad at the morning service. When informed that they were, he asked why we didn't tell the joke...

We are still trying to iron out the bugs in Sam [TM]. It will, however, change the type of enjoyment received!

The Wonders of Public Hospitals

Ev's dad has been on the waiting list for surgery for over four months, and was - after another postponement, wheeled into surgery yesterday, marked up with the Texta so the surgeon would know where to cut, and just about to be put under when told that there wasn't an ICU bed available so the surgery would have to be postponed! The story beggars belief, particularly when he was told that he really should have his surgery done within 90 days (it is now over 120), and it would hardly come as a surprise that morning that there was no ICU bed available. Someone has stuffed up.

Meanwhile, George returned home with a new date in his diary.

Anyone who has faced surgery knows the emotional preparation that goes into it. To be postponed the afternoon before is bad enough, but to be wheeled into theatre, gowned and marked up, then to be sent home.... that takes the cake.

The Two of Us

A rare photo of the two of us - taken last weekend at Bells Beach. Thanks Lois!