Friday, April 23, 2010

I have not been faithfully updating my blog lately. There is a perfectly good reason, though - and that is that I have injured my neck in a semi-serious manner. Let me explain.

I have a prolapsed disk in my cervical vertebrae (C5/6). To make a long story short, the disk of dense paste that acts as a cushion between my vertebrae has partially been squeezed out (like toothpaste, they tell me). If that weren't annoying enough, the bulging disk is pressing on the nerve that goes to my right arm. This causes tingling (if I'm lucky) or desperately painful aching in my shoulder and upper arm. So, I'm gobbling all kinds of painkillers. I'm seeing a physiotherapist, and it is slowly getting better. It'll take 3-6 months before it's properly healed. All this was caused by carrying a HEAVY grocery-laden shoulder bag, and then irritated further when I jumped down while climbing. I have to sleep on the couch in a semi-sitting position.

SO...

No climbing for a long time. No activities that involve impact (even running). I should be able to swim once I can turn my head properly. I cannot use a computer for very long, due to the necessary task of holding you head/neck in a static position. I can read now, as long as I don't do it too long.

Ugh.

Everything else is going well. Aya and Rowan are doing super-well - they're very funny! Shelley's work is progressing well, and she has her first data set in hand (an experiment describing how climate change affects flower growth and nectar production). The results seem conclusive, so that's good.

The weather here has been awesome - hot and sunny lately. The nights are cool, though. It seems to be autumn here, despite the temperature. We're not sure when 'Winter' will arrive, but its not here yet!

Aya and Rowan are in a new daycare / preschool. The preschool has a carpentry bench / shop - the kids (3-4 year olds) have free access to hammers, nails, saws, wood, etc. Not exactly the sanitized environment of north american preschools. The kids have access to lots of things (paint, trees, playgrounds, etc.). Lots of cool things!

Our peach tree is finished producing peaches. We have lots of frozen peaches, and made peach butter and peach chutney (which is delicious). Our lemon tree is still producing lemons, which is nice! I am still fascinated by the novelty of having fruit trees in my yard.

Last week we went for a drive around the Lyttleton Harbour. Such a beautiful area - the harbour is the crater of an old volcano, so its really dramatic. THere are not many trees on the Canterbury plains, so the views are always windswept and dramatic.

More Soon! Take Care!