Sabine in Gozo

Mixed bag of happenings

A Rain-Swept Sunday Morning

There was a time when I used to love the kind of weather we are blessed with today: thick grey clouds and a strong, cold wind that’s flogging trees, shrubs and flowers, while the rain is whipped to the ground in an almost 45° angle. In mid-March, however, this feels all wrong. Not to mention that a little sunshine and warmth go a long way to make me feel better overall!

.

.

Life’s Goings-On

Some time ago I told you about my daytime surroundings and threatened you with a follow-up post describing how I spend my days. Well, true to my procrastinating nature I kept postponing that post – until the thought of writing it became increasingly irrelevant, obscene even, in the face of what has been going on in the world…

As a matter of fact, the news during my treatment “break” have been heavily dominated by upheavals in North Africa, culminating in the terrible bloodshed in Libya. And then the disastrous earthquake in Japan… I don’t know about you, but to me, all my worries, pains and complaints lose some of their urgency when I look at what the people in Libya and Japan have to deal with. My heart goes out to all the people who are suffering so much pain!

Libya being much closer geographically, the situation is more worrisome in the short term. At the moment it seems Gaddafi’s forces are defeating the rebels’ troops, and I wonder if anyone can really know what any of the two possible outcomes of the conflict will mean for Malta. Judging from the numerous – often ridiculous – comments to articles on timesofmalta.com, everybody is a little expert in foreign affairs. Now, I would never consider myself an expert, but I believe that handling the situation on a political and diplomatic level is an extremely delicate matter for Malta. Whether Gaddafi will remain in power or the rebels will succeed in ousting him, I can’t help thinking that there will be repercussions for Europe and especially for Malta, which due to its size, location and, of course, proximity to Libya is especially vulnerable. Just my two cents’ – time will tell, I suppose.

.

.

Fifty-Two!

Last weekend my sister visited me again, this time bringing my niece with her, to celebrate my birthday with us. I had meant to have a big party – well, sort of an ‘open house’ with friends and family – which however, proved to be impossible due to lack of space, so sadly I had to make do without the friends. Perhaps there will be a chance to have another little get-together some time later.

.

.

Roger Hodgson‘s 2011 Tour of Europe…

…has just kicked off with concerts in several German cities this past week. Sold-out venues and rave reviews clearly indicate yet another successful year for Roger! He’s going to have loads of gigs in many countries this year – check the tour page on his website for concert dates!

Our Garden Gate Gang is going to meet up once again for Roger’s gig in Nuremberg. Last year I was sure I would be part of it again, but little did I know then what was going to happen to me. I’m really sad I cannot be there, but a short yet wonderful message I received a few days ago lifted my spirits considerably. Will tell you more if things work out – and if they don’t, I guess I’ll just forget about it… Here’s a picture of the gang from our meet-up with Roger two years ago (taken by Arndt Fleischer, who runs Roger’s German fansite):

.

.

Spring!

Of course, in spite of today’s abysmal weather, there’s no doubt that spring has arrived at our shores. Actually, winter has hardly had any chance this year! The last couple of days were mostly sunny and I took the opportunity to catch a few shots in the garden. I hope I’ll be more mobile again one day – always taking more or less the same shots does become a bit boring!

(Except for the last two, these photos were taken with extension tube, hence the very shallow depth of field.)

.

.

So, what’s happening with me, and what’s up next?

I had had hopes that I would start feeling better during this past month (my “break” from chemotherapy), but that has not really come to pass. My appetite had improved somewhat (I even gained a kilo!), but for the past few days I’ve started feeling nauseous after meals again, for no obvious reason. And my pain got rather worse. I manage to keep it in check somewhat, but I can’t fight this fear I have of taking too much morphine. I know I shouldn’t – and I also know that my doses are on the low side – still, I just can’t help myself. I don’t want to spend all day in a daze…

In three days’ time I have the next appointment with the oncologist, and to be honest, I don’t have a clue what the outcome of it will be. During our last meeting, he mentioned an alternative form of treatment, a pill that is to be taken at home. You might laugh in my face, but I was so fixated on my written list of questions that I forgot to ask for the name of this particular therapy! Obviously it is now on my list for next Wednesday.

.

Last but not least… As many times before, I feel I need to apologise for my sluggish way of responding to comments on facebook. Sometimes I’m thinking whole paragraphs, but end up just clicking “like” instead of writing, hoping you’ll know what I mean anyway LOL! And I know that I’m even worse when it comes to replying to comments on my blog. I’m just bloody lazy, and forgetful on top of that……… I’M SORRY!!