Visiting the Rally

With our caravan still up at Ohaupo and Robin’s recent knee operation meaning he was unable to drive, there was no way we would be attending the weekend rally at Rangiotu School.  So we did the next best thing and visited the rally for morning tea.  I was the nominated driver and we had a whoopsie on the trip up.  The only damage was to a pukeko who tried to cross the road in front of my little grey car – these birds have no road sense at all. 

It was a grey drizzly morning and we arrived at the school to be warmly welcomed by the rally family Russell and Maureen.    Morning tea was held in the kitchen/dining room and everyone soon arrived with their cuppas.  We had brought along some cream sponges to celebrate Robin’s recent birthday – no wonder everyone was pleased to see us.

Yes, he will be sharing that sponge cake

As we hadn't been to a rally for a while, as you can imagine, there was plenty of catching up to do.  We are so lucky at this school to have this room available to meet in, I imagine there wouldn't be much chance of sitting outside with the weather forecast promising a wet weekend.

The sponge cakes all got eaten

Originally we had planned to stay on for lunch, and I had packed a picnic lunch accordingly, but Robin’s knee was getting rather painful so we decided to head for home.  Many thanks to Geoff and Eileen who invited us in to their van for an extra chat before we departed, and to Russell and Maureen for suppling some Lemonade lemons to us all, I took a couple of these home to try.

Happy Campers

The drive home was uneventful, although the rain was setting in, and luckily no unwary pukekos ventured into the road in front of me.  These birds have been called “god dammed purple chickens” by USA visitors, we understand. 

Robin needed a little nap after our “at home picnic lunch”  - guess the morning had taken it out of him a bit.  After an easy evening meal we settled down to watch Jurassic Park, the very first film in the series.  It had been ages since this was released, and although I remembered bits and pieces as the film evolved, it was still very exciting and well worth watching.

It’s been a long week

The week started on Monday with RAT tests for both of us, plus blood tests for Robin.  His second knee replacement was happening on Tuesday, and a clear RAT test was required.  No trouble there, thank goodness.

All clear

The alarm clock was set on Tuesday morning for 5.00am, and we were out the door and driving at 6.00am to Palmy in the dark.  So many people were milling around the admissions desk when we arrived, we did wonder how far down the operating list Robin would be.  What we did find out was that there are four operating theatres in Crest Hospital, and Robin was first on his surgeon’s list that morning. 

Crest Hospital

Crest Hospital has contracts with the DHB to perform surgeries, which is helping to whittle down the public list, a great idea after Covid stopped elective surgery for some time.  Robin was shown to his room, extra forms filled in, the anesthetist came calling, and he was whisked away down the corridor just after 8.00am.  I departed for a coffee fix and to await the call that it was all over.  He was back in his room by midday, bright and perky.  Sadly it was a different story the next day, when he had a reaction to the pain pump, and was feeling rather seedy indeed.  But he still needed to get out of bed, move around a little, and get used to the crutches, once again. 

The menus at Crest are amazing, it was just a shame that he didn't feel well enough to enjoy his Filet Mignon when it was served.  He slowly came right and Friday was discharge day.  He managed to manoeuvre his leg into the small car and home we went.  All patients feel better at home, your own comfy chair and bed, Gemma there to check you out, maid service and home cooked meals, although Filet Mignon is not on the menu!

Home again, that didn't take long

There will be a stint of rehab needed to get that knee flexible again, a clearance to finally drive again, about 6-8 weeks we think, then life can get back to normal again.  In the meantime I will perform my duties as the nominated driver.