Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - A Parkinson's Update

"Do you want to work" was the question that my neurologist asked me at my recent hospital appointment. 

I had been querying with the Doctor as what do other people do for money who have found themselves in my situation with Parkinson's mid life.

The doctor replied "He couldn't answer that, but do you want to work?" 

My answer was and still is "Yes". Not only do I miss the money, the regular money... the pleasurable problem and delimma of having a disposable income... but I miss the social aspect, I miss people.

Me missing people? Yup even I was surprised!

There's only so much satisfaction that can be obtained by talking to the sheep. Even Blake has had enough... the other day, I sat down next to him for a catchup, a chin wag of sorts, and as soon as I was comfortable Blake got up, walked about 5m away, then sat down again! How rude! 

I've tried various attempts at self employment but either my endeavors are not making money or my body, is holding me back due to my Parkinson's. Also due to my Parkinson's being very visible, I cannot hide my condition, making me unemployable.

So; do I want to work? YES

Can I currently work? NO

I need to get on top of my Parkinson's symptoms and issues.

Step 1: Increase medication.

This is my daily pill intake, plus a good amount of dairy probiotics to settle gut and bowel issues.

Step 2: Investigate whether I would be suitable for DBS (deep brain stimulation)

DBS is a surgical procedure for Parkinson's that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to send electrical pulses to manage symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement.

I've been  very resistant to the idea of having mechanical devices implanted in my body... especially the brain! But as time passes, and my condition worsens I am growing very tired of being sick... every bloody day, sick of being sick.

So my resistance to DBS is lessening as my desire to feel normal again increases.

We are at the stage, and I am agreeable to, is to investigate whether I would be even a suitable candidate for DBS surgery. It's not a straight forward process... it will take many months and trips to Auckland.

That's where I am at.

Tired of being sick, but open to new treatments.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - AI and Photo Fun

Such fun... learning how to AI images by changing the photo style to a 3D character.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Jack Frost & Winter Feeding

Some sheep are a little smarter than others.  The two ewes under the shelter regularly choosing this spot on frosty nights.

During the cooler months, the grass will stop growing when the ground temperature drops below 6°c. So it's important to have a good supply of hay to supplement the sheeps diet.

Having full bellies generates heat during the digestion process. An internal heater, heating the sheep from the inside out. Their wool also helps to reduce heat loss. 

It might seem a little foreign to the sheep at first, but once they know hay is food, they will come running when a new bale is being feed out.

I have a garden trolley that fits a conventional hay bale nicely, so I just load that up and pull it out to the paddock. Easy!

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Wax Eyes

One mans waste, is another birds dinner. Wax Eyes feasting on our compost pile, and they're particularly interested in the banana skins. I like my bananas green and chalky, so I don't eat brown bananas, and there's often leftovers for the birds. 

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - The Southern Lights

If you can brave the cold, the night has a magical feeling to it.

With your naked eye you can see a red tinge to the night sky... but your camera captures the true beauty.

Put your camera in night mode, hold steady and take a photo of the night sky looking south. Use a tripod or hold your phone steady against a clean window.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - The Buffet

 There's just too much to choose from at Down Wattle Lane buffet.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Thai Pumpkin Soup

We had a dismal summer harvest this year, which I put it down to the unusually cooler summer temperatures, and the plants were very slow to get underway... but we did end up with 5 usable pumpkins.

I like pumpkins in that they are very easy to grow, easy to store and the crown pumpkin produces a good useable flesh yield.

I thought I would share this very simple, cheap and tasty Pumpkin Soup recipe. I only needed to use half of a pumpkin, and we had some leftover roast chicken from the night before... so I used that to garnish the soup... there was enough for 3 adult servings. 

THAI PUMPKIN SOUP

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp soft brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1.2 kg pumpkin, peeled and diced (about 1 medium)

2 cups water

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

1-2 red chillies, finely chopped

1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, (optional)

1 tbsp fish sauce

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped coriander, or parsley

Method

Heat oil in a big pot and gently cook onion, sugar and garlic until softened (8-10 minutes).

Add all other ingredients except fresh coriander and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.

Mash roughly, adjust seasonings to taste and mix through coriander.

The recipe was from Anabelle Langbein.