Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Our Blimmin Chimney Saga

Today was a very testing day, stuck on the roof with no way down.

Sometimes I feel the forces are working against us.

Initially we had an issue with the retailer taking our money, and then not being able to supply the logburner but another retailer essentially across the road could.

With that behind us, it has been a matter of having the logburner installed.

First I layed the tile path area.

Then the installer came around to install the burner and flu kit.

First attempt and he couldn't get the metal cap off the top of the chimney, and requested scaffolding.

2nd attempt I put up scaffolding and together we unscrewed the cap and discovered the cap was also glued on. Once the cap was off he got to work cutting out the chimney holes in the ceiling. Well that lasted all of 5 minutes. There was metal on the other side of the ceiling gib. We were both baffled so I called SIT who built the house and asked what was going on.  I was advised there was ceiling gib, the tin plate then ply... and then the SIT guy said good luck and laughing suggested a jigsaw with metal blade.  A simple job was now a big job. The installer said he needs help, and will make a time to come back with a builder mate to help. So he left, and I took down the scaffolding until he was able to return.

Given the issues getting the cap off, only a couple screws where holding it on, as the installer would be back.

Well then we had a Canterbury wind from the South. They are never just a  breeze but always seem to come in the form of a gale.

For the last 3 or so days there had been a lot of talk about snow and I was a bit excited. However I didn't think much about any wind. Today the bitterly cold wind arrived but no snow for us.

One strong gust blew the cap off the chimney... it was hanging by the 2 screws.

I quickly grabbed my drill, screws, ladder and was up on the roof reattaching the cap to the chimney making it weather tight again.

Whilst hard at work fixing the chimney the wind blew my ladder over.

I was stuck.

No way down, in a blustery icy wind, on top of the roof... alone.

I saw the postie, and was hoping he would see me, but he was too far away.

I contemplated jumping as if I could land on the garden bark area that would be a softish landing. But I questioned whether my 92kg could clear 2m and whether my old bones could with stand the impact.

Luckily I had my phone and I called my Uncle Paul who was there within 30 minutes. Thankyou Uncle.

I was frozen, I couldn't tell if it was my Parkinson's or Hypothermia setting in and causing my shakes.  It was a long wait in that bone chilling wind.

So that was my drama for the day, and still no fire so the saga continues.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Parky Update

Well it has been just over 1 year since my Parkinson's diagnosis and it's been and interesting to say the least.

The tremors in my right side get a little out of control at times, as does my balance, thinking, and being so slow. In bed during the night both hands with lock/freeze with the fingers bent in towards the palm. Walking a straight line heal to toe is a challenge.

I can only describe myself as being a slow, drunk sloth with tremors.

The first 2 medications that I was on, ropinirole and pramipexole both had little effect on my Parkinson's but had great negative side effects, out weighing any positive gain.

So now the hospital neurologist has prescribed me Sinemet... a small yellow pill, the most prettiest of the pills I have ever taken.

SINEMET is helpful in improving: 

• muscle stiffness,
• tremors,
• spasms,
• and poor muscle control.

However... the possible side effects:

• dizziness,

• drowsiness,

• blurred vision,

• nausea,

• vomiting,

• dry mouth,

• loss of appetite,

• heartburn,

• diarrhea,

• constipation,

• sneezing,

• stuffy nose,

• cough,

• other cold symptoms,

• muscle pain,

• numbness or tingly feeling,

• trouble sleeping (insomnia or strange dreams),

• skin rash,

• itching,

• and headache.

• greatly increased eye blinking/twitching,

• fainting,

• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide),

• unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges),

• or worsening of involuntary movements/spasms

So...we will see how this goes. You have to wonder is the remedy worse than the original symptoms.

Day 1, a little nausea but no concerns really. 

Starting  with 1 yellow pill, I am to work up to 3 yellow pills a day over the next 2 weeks.

My daily routine...

Start with blue pill 30 minutes before breakfast for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Pink pill for blood pressure.

Yellow pill for Parkinson's.

Inhaler for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Nasal Spray for sinusitis issue.

Some days are better than others, but I keep reminding myself that it could be a lot worse.  

Just gotta keep on living the dream.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Gosh The Days Are Short

We're on the final stretch to the shortest day of the year, but I was thinking today, that the days down here in Canterbury are much shorter than up in Auckland.

So Ii had to check...

Currently the sun rises nearly 30 minutes earlier in Auckland and sets 10 minutes later in Auckland. That is nearly 40 minutes more daylight in Auckland.

Hmm I think the real reason as to why the days feel shorter... is that is much colder so I tend to sleep in later as it is too cold to get out of bed!