August Catch-Up

August 30, 2022
Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain

An August Catch-Up post seemed like a good idea cos it’s been a hot minute (nearly a month!) since my last post so I thought I’d fill you in on what I’ve been up to!

I broke my foot!

It all started on 15 July when I walking along a footpath on the way to get my 4th Covid jab. I was going somewhere new and so my eyes were searching around to find the place I was to go when all of a sudden my left leg went from under me and my ankle and foot twisted in an awkward way. I remember saying “sh*t!” and being embarrassed because there were people walking not that far behind me. It hurt, and I hobbled my way to my appointment. I was standing in a queue and I recall shifting my weight to my right foot as there was a bit of a throb in my left one. I figured it would settle down. I went in for my jab and had been sitting in a chair for a bit. When I got up to go my foot was noticeably worse and I limped my way out to the area where we had to sit and wait our 15 minutes before we could leave.  When I got up to go things were even worse. I struggled to walk at all and had quite a long walk back to my car. It was a very embarrassing kinda limp/hobble/ouchy! to get to my car. I drove home. I climbed onto my bed and elevated my foot and for several days I could not weight bear on that foot at all.  The Tennis Player went and hired me some crutches but OMG I am not good at driving those things and they hurt my arm pits!

The day after the incident I was in so much pain and couldn’t walk at all so figured I should get some medical advice. Couldn’t get a doctor’s appointment and was advised to go to the Redlands Hospital ER so that is what we did. An x-ray showed no break so home I went to get on with things.  I eventually could weight bear on that foot but only if I put the weight on a certain part of the foot but I couldn’t walk without a very obvious limp and still with pain. After two weeks with no improvement and constant pain in the foot, I went to my GP.  I got sent for another X-ray.  That x-ray also showed no breaks.  After over a month and still experiencing pain and mobility issues I went for an ultrasound of my foot.  This finally showed (after 5+ weeks) that I have an ‘UNDISPLACED FRACTURE of the CALCANEUS‘. Undisplaced simply means that the bone is not displaced (moved or out of place). If it had’ve been displaced it would have shown that on the x-rays.

I could’ve then gone for a CT scan to see the fracture in more detail but what would that achieve? I could’ve then been fitted in a moon boot but it was a bit late for that. That is what I should have been in all this time. My GP called an Orthopaedic Surgeon for advice and he recommended painkillers if needed but to basically just wait it out and be sensible. Wear supportive and safe shoes (I already do that) and basic short walking avoiding long walks (I’m doing that also because it’s too painful to walk far).  Most breaks tend to heal within around 6 weeks but a break in this bone (calcaneus) takes around 6 months to heal so I’ve got a bit of a road ahead of me! As long as it keeps improving than all should be good but if it doesn’t then I’ll be back to the doctor for Plan B.

Calcaneus

I had 5 nights at Tamborine Mountain

I’ve written about my love of Tamborine Mountain before. Mostly we only ever go there on day trips but this time it was so nice to stay there for longer.

I hadn’t been away anywhere since I had two or three nights at Burleigh Heads with my sister (in November last year) and prior to that I had five nights at Burleigh Heads in February last year with The Tennis Player (our daughter was living down the coast at the time which is why we chose to go there). I was desperately in need of some time away and as I always love a ‘winter’ getaway I was keen to squeeze one in before winter was behind us. It was a last minute thing so lots of places were all booked up. Anyway I managed to book us in to The Escarpment Retreat for five nights up at Mount Tamborine.

It was fabulous. Just what I needed. I only wish we could’ve stayed longer. We arrived around morning tea time on the Sunday so that we could go to the Tamborine Mountain Country Markets and left the following Friday.  Where we stayed was lovely!  You drive into a rainforest setting and we stayed in one of the six villas. We had a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival which was lovely. The villa was so peaceful and relaxing. It had a huge bathroom with a massive spa bath and most importantly it had a fireplace.  Considering I was limping around on a broken foot we managed to do quite a bit. I’m a stubborn thing and I was determined that my foot was not going to ruin my time away. We still managed (just, and with sit down breaks) to do the gallery walk and we visited BirchGrove Nursery and Cafe which was so incredible – wow the selection of plants!!  We visited the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens and met a lot of the volunteers who do work there. What a beautiful place! Ohhh I struggled though walking around these gardens – stubborn though – so did it! We visited lots of different little quirky shops and met and spoke to lots of locals. That’s the beauty of being up there during the week rather than on the busy weekends. We went and saw the Glow Worms and learnt about them and their life cycle. We had coffee and the most beautiful cake at The Polish Place and enjoyed the beautiful birds that visited us while we were there. We lay on the grass and watched the Hang Gliders take off from the lookout (check out this video I posted on Instagram). We went to the National Park and though I couldn’t do a proper rainforest walk all the way to the falls and back, we wandered a little way in so I could experience a little bit of rainforest and take a few photos and then I limped my way back out again. I read a book, we  went out to dinner on Thursday night to The Monkey Tree Bar and Restaurant – Thursday nights is locals night where you get a special deal of a two course dinner for $20 – a main and a dessert (fixed menu). We went to my much loved St Bernards Hotel for lunch one day and because we stayed up there through the week I saw the dogs (St Bernards) being walked early mornings on the days we were out and about to see them. I loved every moment up there at the mountain. I could seriously live there – love it that much. I took so many photos during the five days we were there. I’ll include a snippet in a gallery below, but I may have to do another post completely dedicated to Tamborine Mountain where I can share them all! These are straight out of the phone camera – resized but no time to edit.

I’ve been looking after Mum

Every second week I’ve still be going over to Mum’s from Monday to Thursday or from Tuesday to Friday (alternating weekly with my sister).  Funding for our home care package has come through and I’ve found a provider. At the level Mum has been assessed at we only get 4 hours per week but we are going to supplement it by paying privately for an extra 2 hours to bring it up to 6 hours per week. 3 hours on a Tuesday and 3 hours on a Friday. Our Friday CareGiver is on board now and a Tuesday CareGiver will start on 6 September. Once that all gets going then my sister and I will still alternate visiting each week but will reduce the stay to going on a Wednesday and leaving on a Thursday. We’ll also take Mum out on weekend outings every now and then as well. Fingers crossed we get a good system going and better balance for one and all!

I’ve been doing the Fat Mum Slim Photo-a-Day Challenge for August

I decided to do this for quite a few reasons including – 1) I enjoy doing them and it had been many, many months since I last did one; and 2) I was struggling to think of anything of value to post on my social media so this is really helpful for that and it helps followers get to know a bit more about me.

The word prompts for each day are below and you can see what I have posted for each one on my Instagram grid or my Facebook Page.

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Aside from those things I’ve listed above, I’ve been trying to keep up with housework and chores at home when I’m here and medical checks and appointments and see my friends when I can. So with everything that’s been going on I’ve had very little spare time to write here on the blog or do any art. I also haven’t had much chance to read any blog posts to know what’s going on with my blogging buddies and I’ve lost touch with many. I’m a bit overwhelmed with stuff at the moment. I’m hoping that will change soon and I can get back into those things a bit more again.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy September which will soon be upon us. Can you believe it?!

Ciao for now,

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16 Comments

  • Reply Natalie August 30, 2022 at 7:06 am

    Hi Min, I’m sorry to hear about your foot injury. Wishing you a speedy and full healing. It’s great to read your update post and see the beautiful pictures. I’m glad you had a wonderful getaway. Tamborine Mountain and where you stay look gorgeous. Happy September!

    • Reply Min August 30, 2022 at 10:13 am

      Thanks Natalie – it’s been a pain (literally) but I’m thinking positively and am hopeful it will continue to improve. Glad you enjoyed my update. The getaway was much needed and very much enjoyed! It is beautiful up there. You’d love it! xo

  • Reply Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au August 30, 2022 at 11:22 am

    Oh Min – I can totally sympathize with you about the limping walk and the pain (that’s my life at present!) and as well as that both my SIL and my co-worker are BOTH in moon boots with similar lower leg/ankle/foot fractures with long healing times. We just don’t bounce like we used to do we? Glad things are getting sorted with your mum and that you got to have some time away for a little R&R – something I haven’t been able to do due to my limited walking ability. We’ll both be looking forward to things resolving and getting our lives back on track – sending you a hug x

    • Reply Min August 31, 2022 at 9:56 am

      Hi Leanne – thanks for the hug! It’s been a challenge but I’m thankful it’s not anything worse. Amazing how much we depend on our feet to do just about everything! My feet and legs and hands and fingers and my eyes and all the parts of me that enable me to do things I want to do will always be part of my gratitude practice going forward that’s for sure. I feel for your SIL and co-worker and of course you with your hip. Hopefully it’s not long now till your surgery and fingers crossed that will make an enormous difference for you! xo

  • Reply Erica/Erika September 1, 2022 at 12:33 am

    Hi Min, Good grief, to read about your foot, especially when you were on the way to do something positive for your health. We saw the Glow Worms for the first time in our lives when we were in New Zealand a few years ago. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. It is always amazing the quality from the iphone. I have now followed you on Instagram and I look forward to visiting. I hope you heal quickly. 😀 Erica

    • Reply Min September 1, 2022 at 10:25 am

      Hi Erica! Yes it was a bit of bad luck with my foot but I’m thankful it wasn’t worse! That would’ve be great seeing the glow worms in their natural environment over in NZ. Where we saw them was in an artificial/man made cave but still fascinating. Of course you can’t take any photos though so it’s not an experience that can be shared that way. Thanks for following me on Instagram – I’ve followed you back! Happy first day of Spring! xo

  • Reply Sue from Women Living Well After 50 September 7, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    Hi Min I’m sorry to hear about your foot but despite that what a lovely August you had. I love Mt Tamborine and Mike and I had begun exploring it more whilst living at the Coast. I loved where you stayed and maybe I’ll book a weekend for Mike and I there it looks so inviting. Great photos!

    • Reply Min September 9, 2022 at 10:30 am

      Hi Sue – my August getaway was such a treasured time as it was so very much needed and hit the spot just right! I’d have loved longer but am grateful for the 5 nights I had. I can’t begin to express how much nature helps me when I’m worn out or feeling stressed or low. I’m sure if you and Mike go for a stay where we went you’ll have a lovely time. It’s close to everything but yet tucked away and provides a lovely quiet retreat. We just managed to squeeze it into winter as fireplaces are only operational till 31 Aug. Have a great September!

  • Reply Deborah Cook September 8, 2022 at 10:16 am

    I’ve only been to Tambourine Mountain briefly for a book launch but it seemed lovely and a lovely place to stay.

    I’m so sorry to hear about your foot – I know when I hurt mine a few months ago it was very debilitating and painful. I didn’t get any xrays taken and it still aches. I wore boots with a tiny heel the other day and felt the pressure on my ankle. I hope yours continues to improve…. x

    • Reply Min September 9, 2022 at 10:34 am

      Thanks Deb! Some people might feel there’s not enough to do up at Mount Tamborine but it’s the perfect place for me and we found something to do every day. I am instantly uplifted and happier when I’m up there. I really should be living somewhere more in nature. One day! My foot has been a pain in the … foot! … and meant I couldn’t do everything I wanted to when up at Mt Tamborine but it’s getting a lot better now so that’s hopeful for better days ahead! Maybe you’ve had a fracture too, or could it be Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Reply Denyse Whelan September 8, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Ouchie for the foot injury and spoiling so much of what you wanted to do. I cannot do crutches either and when my leg was broken and I couldn’t weight bear, I used a hired wheelchair around the house.

    I loved seeing the photos of your holiday at Tambourine Mountain. What a superb outlook.

    I am glad too that you are getting some help from providors for your Mum. Sadly, our Dad won’t accept any help really because, and it’s true, he is OK…but before we know it, he may not be. At least he is in a great place where others also care for him if my brother is away and can’t do the shopping. I’m trying to visit him every 3 weeks and I fill his freezer with home cooked meals.

    Thank you so much for joining in the first week of Wednesday’s Words & Pics Link Up!

    I am glad to have reconnected a lovely blogging community here and look forward to more sharing as we move forward.

    See you next week, on Wednesday 14 September 2022 if you have a post to link up!

    Warmest wishes and appreciation from

    Denyse.

    • Reply Min September 9, 2022 at 10:38 am

      Thanks Denyse and my pleasure to link up to your new Wednesday’s Words & Pics Link Up! You’re good to cook food for your Dad and visit as often as you do. Mum still does cooking but I’ve made the odd thing for her, recently filling up her freezer with some Hearty Minestrone Soup! My foot is on the improve which is good but then again I haven’t really pushed it to test it out since we were up at Mt Tamborine. I’ll have to try a waterfront walk and see how it goes – that’ll be a good test! Wishing you a fabulous September and I’ll link up whenever I have a post to link up! xo

  • Reply Susanne September 8, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    Oh my goodness, your foot! That must have been so painful! I hope it’s getting better now. The trip to Tambourine mountain sounds and looks fabulous! I had to go and do some reading about glow worms, never heard of them before. Fascinating!

    • Reply Min September 9, 2022 at 10:39 am

      Thanks Suzanne – yes my foot is improving thankfully. I need to test it out though as I’ve not pushed it far lately – just pottering about. Tamborine Mountain IS fabulous – I love it there! Good that you’ve learnt all about glow worms now! haha

  • Reply Debbie Harris September 11, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    Great to hear your update Min, although the foot issue is an ouchy for sure. Your getaway sounded like it was just what you needed. I also love the Tambourine Mountain area but didn’t know about the glow worms! Take care. x

    • Reply Min September 14, 2022 at 6:25 am

      Thanks Debbie – yes the glow worms were interesting! It’s a man made cave. It’s not their natural habitat but they manage to keep the environment/temperature etc spot on so that they are thriving. It was interesting seeing them and hearing about their life cycle etc!

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