Category: Australia

Meet Akira!

25/11/2023

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On Monday, Darrell and I went to see a new addition to our family, a male cat called Roger (newly named Akira). He is nearly ready to be rehomed, after being looked after by Perth Animal Rescue. Now if I am honest, I really didn't want another cat, after what happened with Picante and Marigold, but after talking to Kerrie, who we got Pippa from, she reassured me it was a good thing to do and not to worry so much.

Our cat, Pippa, is particularly timid and anxious, and she really does find other cats difficult to bond with. She isn't adverse to other felines herself, but, as in the case of Picante and Marigold, they took an immediate dislike to her, and she suffered from constant attacks and bullying while they were with us.

I am of the opinion, that she will be much better off with a kitten in her life, a companion she can bond with from a much earlier age, before learnt behaviour sets in. All the photographs I saw of Pippa before she arrived at our house, were of her content, happy, and in the company of other kittens. One has to remember that when Pippa was rescued, she had only recently given birth, so hopefully there is still a Mother cat instinct inside, just waiting for a small kitten to bring it out.

Akira has been looked after by Joanne at her home in Ginginup, in the hills around Perth. We drove forty minutes from our house in Midland, through typically rugged Australian countryside, to be met by Jo at her home, full of fostered cats. These animals are well cared for and so loving and friendly. You can see Jo spends a lot of time with them, and they want for nothing.

As soon as we saw Akira, we both fell in love. He is absolutely adorable. We are just hoping he will bond with Pippa in a relatively short space of time. Of course nothing is for certain, but we know Pippa is fine with other cats, so that is half the battle won.

We should have Akira in just over a week, and I will of course let all of you know how he progresses. As we both open the door to a new addition to our family, it seems our life in Australia becomes more established each day that passes. It is true to say our direction has changed out of all proportion, but at our age we are happy to live quietly on the other side of the World. This first year in Perth has been a success in every respect, let's hope it continues, very much in the same vein.

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It's a tad hot today, as bush fires rage in the hills!

23/11/2023

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The summer has arrived in Perth and it looks like this year is going to be a hot one, very hot. Fires are already burning in the hills around Perth, and the wind blowing in from the east is scorching!

This year's summer down under is expected to be hot, and already the bush fires have started. As I walked to work this morning, I was struck be the strong wind outside. This was unlike anything I have experienced before. The wind was indeed strong, but strangely it was hot. You know when you open the oven door, while cooking an evening meal, and you get a whoosh of heat from the warmth inside, well this is exactly how it felt.

Now I love the heat, more than anyone I know, but this was something else. Last year's summer was nothing compared to this, so for me, it was a bit of a shock to the system. However, I am doing what I can to stay safe, following emergency advice on my bush fire app and making sure I am prepared for every eventuality.

It isn't until you live in another country, that you realist just how different the weather can be. Australia has particularly harsh conditions at times, and it looks like we could be in for the hottest summer we have had in many years.

For now, life goes on, and like all Australians we just have to live life as normal, until we are told to do otherwise.

Stay safe wherever you are!

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Flies, Midges and Spiders!

19/11/2023

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Australia really is an expensive place to live - Looking after my health!

12/11/2023

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If I'm honest, it's been quite a debilitating week. I had a visit from the big boss in Sydney this week, so have been busy making sure everything was in tip-top condition. I have a wonderful team at work, so I had no reason to worry - the place was looking fantastic. As a business, we passed with flying colours, and I was delighted to accept the praise we were given on behalf of the shop. It goes without saying, how pleased I was with the outcome, and it makes all the hard work I have put in worth it. I have worked long hours since I arrived in Australia and finally my dedication and commitment is paying dividends.

On top of my busy week, I have also been suffering somewhat. Last Monday, I went to the Doctors about a few health issues I currently have. The one good thing about the health system in Australia, is I can pick and choose the Doctor I want to see. Paying to see a GP does have its advantages; it may well cost me $120 a time to see one, but I was able to see a Doctor on the same day I booked the appointment, and as an added bonus, the GP I chose, specialises in men's health; fortunately, I was able to see him, without any difficulty. Unlike the UK, I was allotted a half an hour appointment and was able to explain the various symptoms I have been experiencing, in an understanding and unhurried environment.

As a person, I have always been prone to cysts, they are literally all over my body. These tiny lumps and bumps come and go, and many of them have been with me for years. Since losing weight, I have also become more body aware, and if I get a new lump, I notice it straight away. I also know what a cyst feels like and if I need to see a professional.

Over the last few months, I have started to get some strange lumps on my head, particularly on the crown. I have done everything to get rid of them, but they just will not go. Last week, they had got so big that I just had to go to the surgery. Obviously, living in Australia is a concern, because of the possibility of skin cancer. Having had a skin check done recently and given the all clear, I wasn't unduly worried, but nevertheless, I could not continue walking around with an open sore on my head - a trip to the clinic was most certainly in order.

The new Doctor took one look at the lump and instantly knew what it was. According to him, I had a streptococcus infection, that usually lies dormant in the body, but sometimes, on occasion, comes out in skin infections, similar to acne. Now, I have never had acne in my life, but I can definitely vouch for how bloody painful it is.

In truth, I have no idea what Streptococcus is, but he briefly told me it was MRSA, the super bug that was all over the news in recent times, infecting hospitals in the UK. Suitably alarmed, I asked him what could be done about it. He has put me on a course of antibiotics for four weeks and prescribed a medicated head wash and antibiotic nose ointment. I literally came out of the pharmacy loaded with drugs and at a cost of $80, it wasn't cheap.

On top of the medication, I have also bought zinc tablets to help boost my immune system as well as some extra strong probiotic tablets, for the duration I am on medication. All in all, I am out of pocket by over $300 - it isn't cheap to be ill here, but hopefully it won't be too long, before the strep infection is cleared up.

Today we have been out and about shopping and having lunch, even though I am feeling decidedly under the weather. I have never liked antibiotics, and they really are playing havoc with my system, so tomorrow I will just be taking it easy before my dentist appointment on Monday, and yet more money to pay out!

Australia really is an expensive place to live, but for now at least, it is home!

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A Chat About Christmas!

5/11/2023

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Please send your Christmas memories to:

lukemartin.jones@gmail.com
+61414409832 - Australia
+447999663360 - United Kingdom

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The End of a Tiring Week!

23/10/2023

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Old Friends Reunited!

16/10/2023

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Last week we were able to catch up with an old friend - Jason. Darrell has known him since school, and he is one of the few contacts Darrell has, who still remains in Perth. In 2008, whilst Darrell and I were living in Southampton, Jason stayed with us for an extended period; I haven't seen him since this time, and it was wonderful catching up, after so many years.

One of the biggest problems when relocating abroad, is rebuilding your life from scratch. Neither Darrell nor I, have had much opportunity to connect with people since moving here, mainly due to the busy life we lead. Friends are of course important in life, so seeing such an old mate was a reminder that, Darrell and I aren't alone in the World.

I'm not sure Jason enjoyed his time in the UK too much if I am honest, and I really don't blame him. He was able to work whilst living with us, but the wages were low and the position itself was particularly taxing. I believe this left rather a bitter taste in Jason's mouth, and it's easy to see why. No one wants to stay in a job they hate, especially when wages are low.

The UK is a notoriously difficult place to succeed - the cost of living compared to wages is high, hours are long and working practices often hard to understand. Australia, in stark contrast, is a country where anyone can succeed, just look at Darrell and me. We have both done remarkably well here, and if I had to compare Australia with the UK, there is literally no comparison - Australia wins every time!

We spent a lovely afternoon in the city having lunch and then a few drinks in South Perth, a wonderful suburb in this great city, with amazing views, and venues in which to relax. Sat having a few beers with Jason, I was taken back fifteen years, and it was a reminder of just how far, all of us have come,

Hopefully, we will catch up regularly and continue the friendship we forged all those years ago. As I have discovered, it is important to make time for people you know; not everything in life is about work and earning money!

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Weekly Catch up!

16/10/2023

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One Year in Australia!

30/9/2023

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8 Years Married, 28 Years Together - Happy Anniversary!

23/9/2023

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Today both of us are celebrating our 8th Wedding Anniversary, 28 years together. I have written much about our time together in the past, so don't want to go over old ground. I do however want to thank Sherrie Hewson, for the wonderful message she sent us on the occasion of our Anniversary.

We are still together today, despite everything we have been through, in part because of the battles we fought. The harder the fight, the more determined we were to stay together. Following in my late Mother's, and my Father's footsteps, I believe strongly in the power of relationships, and will always do all I can to keep our flame burning bright.

28 years is indeed a long time, but we have so much more to achieve. In Australia, we have everything we ever wanted, and today we continue to build on that success and follow our dreams every day. We are lucky to have been blessed with each other and look forward to continuing on our journey down under, with the continued support of all of you!

Happy Anniversary, may we have many more shared memories together!