License to Chill

Positively good advice!

Downtime is another city is not my usual remedy for a much needed break but at least this Perth getaway offered hours in a well-stocked bookstore, a chance to replenish my reserves at the health food stores, catch up with a few friends, review the view of "the forest from the trees" and enjoy a change in weather, flora and fauna. I spend a large part of my day cocooned in the comforts of my room.

six extra large pillows!! and lots of books make my perfect cocoon

The biggest part of being able to get away and enjoy some breathing space is we're so fortunate to know responsible and caring people who are taking good care of Hopie and Hilly while we are away and given us peace of mind. This we could not have compromised on. Since Hopie came to live with us some six months ago, she and I have not been away from each other at a stretch for more than 3 days. It is not due to any over protectiveness or wanting to cling but rather Hopie still suffers from neurogenic incontinence as a result of her spinal injury and requires assistance with voiding.

Apart from this, I've often been reluctant to be away from her as I'm so used to her needs that I worry about an unfamiliar caregiver not realizing them. This includes waking up during the course of the night to check on her sleeping position and regularly during the day when she's at rest. Hopie still does not have full neurological control of her hind legs and often when she lowers herself down to rest or sleep, her legs get tangled under her in awkward positions and somehow she's not aware of it and does not correct her position at rest. I worry about the circulation in her hind legs as their functioning is already somewhat deficient from her spinal injury.

I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless,
as it extends into the world around us,
it goes an equal distance into the world within. ~Lillian Smith

(L to R) Neighbourhood architecture, Driven by What's Inside (Subaru slogan), chill time in Fremantle

(L to R) Seen from the train, "dog" hanging around Fremantle port, free CityCat bus

perfect food for thought

Cranes pepper the Perth city skyline attesting to a boom in development but who knows if they'll merge into the permanent architecture with the current gloom of world recession. This one unusual cloudy day!