Blog | frasergo.orghttps://www.frasergo.org/blog/2010-08-13T06:42:42+00:00BlogNews update, Japan trip and some photos2010-08-13T06:42:42+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2010/08/news-update-japan-trip-and-some-photos/<p>Some brief news updates after a long hiatus:</p>
<ul>
<li>Charis had an eye operation in July to correct a squint. She was very brave and the operation was successful! We're grateful. She still wears <a href="/photos/2010-08-anni-visit/299/img_0164/">very cute glasses</a></li>
<li>David's off to Japan on a work trip for 10 days. He will be in Tokyo for a week working with partners and clients there, and in Nagoya for a few days seeing friends and sorting out company business.</li>
<li>James is heading towards the end of his 3-year maintenance chemo treatment at the end of the year, and starting primary school (at Grove) next year.</li>
<li>Charis has been enjoying a playgroup four mornings a week and is going to the same wonderful preschool that James has been at next year.</li>
<li>I've posted <a href="/photos/2010-08-anni-visit/">some photos from David's sister Anni's visit last weekend</a></li>
</ul>
<br class="clear" />Last few months2009-09-10T10:03:32+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/09/last-few-months/<p>Since our holiday it's been the flu season in Cape Town - swine flu, other flu, and serious pneumonia going around. We've all been sick in turns and James has spent quite a while off school - two weeks a few weeks ago, and then the first three days this week. He could have gone back earlier the first time but we didn't want to risk him getting a more serious infection. He's back to school today. Tomorrow is their dress-up-as-a-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterland">Letterland</a>-character day which he's really excited about (yes, he's going to be Jumping Jim).</p>
<p>We had lots of fun celebrating Charis's birthday although she was sick around it. One of the highlights was that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International Space Station">International Space Station</a> was <a href="http://www.heavens-above.com/gtrack.asp?date=40055.7046875&lat=-33.98579&lng=18.48441&alt=0&loc=Kenilworth&TZ=SAST&satid=35811">flying directly over Cape Town</a> <a href="http://www.heavens-above.com/PassDetails.asp?lat=-33.98579&lng=18.48441&loc=Garfield+Road&alt=0&tz=SAST&satid=35811&date=40055.7046875">just around sunset</a> - Danielle and I spotted it the night before (when it came past a bit later) and then on the day we all went outside and saw this yellow "star" moving rapidly across the sky until it disappeared in the Earth's shadow. The next day I found out that the space shuttle <a href="http://www.heavens-above.com/PassDetails.asp?lat=-33.98579&lng=18.48441&loc=Garfield+Road&alt=0&tz=SAST&satid=35811&date=40055.7046875">came past 5 minutes later</a> and that night they <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/31/space-shuttle-station.html">docked</a>. It's fantastic thinking "there are people on that thing whizzing round way up there!"</p>
<p>I've put up some photos mostly from <a href="/photos/2009-06-joy/">Joy's visit in June</a> but also of <a href="/photos/2009-06-joy/252/p1220362/">us being silly</a> - hopefully more will follow soon.</p>
<br class="clear" />Back from holiday2009-07-21T05:49:11+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/07/back-from-holiday/<p>We got back on Saturday from a wonderful holiday in the Eastern Cape. We really benefited from having a concentrated chunk of time together as a family... and we got to see lots of animals, which we loved!</p>
<p>We had been praying particularly that James would be able to see some cheetah as they are his favourite animal ... one evening just before sunset we saw another family who said they had seen some cheetah nearby - we raced off to where they had seen them, and drove along the road but couldn't see them at all! I thought I should turn around to drive back and try find them again, and just as I was doing a U-turn they popped up over the horizon - really special. We also got to go to a <a href="http://www.daniellcheetahbreeding.co.za/">cheetah breeding farm</a> where we were all able to stroke a tame cheetah and play with some lion cubs! (Pictures to follow...) Charis's chest cleared up fairly well, but she was fairly distressed by seeing a half-eaten buffalo in Addo (<i>"I don't think it was very good for him..."</i>).</p>
<p>Yesterday James had his next bone marrow test (which he wasn't not looking forward to but went fine! results should be back next week some time) and amazingly his great-grandfather was in the same ward for a scheduled check-up at the same time, so we shared a room! Then he started school this morning, and also really enjoyed it - a great relief!</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Off to the Eastern Cape2009-07-09T11:21:46+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/07/off-to-the-eastern-cape/<p>We're just sitting at the airport about to go to PE for an amazing treat - a holiday in the Eastern Cape, going to the Mountain Zebra National Park and Addo Elephant National Park for 9 days!</p>
<p>The last few weeks have been busy in a good way with people and work. We're looking forward to a time of relaxing.</p>
<p>James has been enjoying having some time off school, and it's been nice for him and Charis to see each other more. We've all had colds the last few weeks and it seems like Charis may have asthma - she's started on a pump but we'll review it when we get back. Hoping we'll all be healthy while we're away...</p>
<br class="clear" />Time to recoup2009-05-25T21:41:19+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/05/time-to-recoup/<p>We've just come back from a wonderful four days in <a href="http://www.volmoed.co.za" title="An amazing Christian retreat center">Volmoed</a>, in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermanus" title="A small town two hours drive from Cape Town">Hermanus</a> (where we've <a href="http://frasergo.org/node/106">been before</a> a few times). We caught up on sleep (David has only struggled with sleep for one night out of the last two weeks!), had good time with God, praying and reading <a href="http://www.ivpbooks.com/9780851115535">Tested by Fire</a> by John Piper (available online as <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/2423_The_Hidden_Smile_Of_God/">The Hidden Smile of God</a>), which gave us fresh encouragement about God's sovereign purpose... cried, played with James and Charis, made spiders, went for walks, went for a family picnic at a beautiful waterfall, collected fir cones, made a braai and some roaring fires to keep us warm in the evenings, watched movies, looked at the stars (and Venus and Jupiter) and felt very very grateful! We've uploaded <a href="/photos/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/">some photos of the holiday</a>.</p>
<p>
<a href="/photos/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/226/p1220057/"><img alt="At the start of our adventure walk to the waterfall" src="/static/media/galeria/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/P1220057.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>At the start of our adventure walk to the waterfall</i><br />
<a href="/photos/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/219/p1220007/"><img alt="Peeking through the giraffe tree" src="/static/media/galeria/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/P1220007.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>Peeking through the giraffe tree</i><br />
<a href="/photos/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/223/p1220126/"><img alt="Content" src="/static/media/galeria/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/P1220126.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>Content</i><br />
(<a href="/photos/2009-05-holiday-volmoed/">more photos here</a>...)</p>
<p>On the way we were listening to a recording of the story of David and Goliath, which asked the question "David didn't want any armour to protect him. What was David trusting to protect him?" Charis answered "God", and then a few seconds later, "And maybe his monster suit". Both James and Charis have a wonderful sense of humour which really makes us laugh! (Although I think she was serious this time!) When we asked them what they enjoyed most about the holiday, James said "Playing with Charis" and Charis said "The tablecloth"...</p>
<p>James was nervous again going back to school, so we are trying to help him with this...</p>
<p>And we have even more to look forward to because this coming week Joy (Danielle's sister) is coming to visit, which is so exciting!</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Extra Bone Marrow Test for James tomorrow2009-05-04T22:35:57+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/05/extra-bone-marrow-test-for-james-tomorrow/<div class="image-attach-body" style="width: 75px;"><a href="http://frasergo.jackdaw.local/node/126"><img alt="Picture of James and Charis with Granny and Granddad and the boats he made" class="image thumbnail" height="100" src="http://frasergo.jackdaw.local/files/images/james_and_Charis_with_granny_granddad_and_boats.thumbnail.jpg" title="Picture of James and Charis with Granny and Granddad and the boats he made" width="75" /></a></div>
<p>Last week, James had a bone marrow biopsy, which he has every three months. The hospital called us last Friday to say that they had seen something funny in his bone marrow, from the biopsy and they would like to do more tests. So, on Tuesday he had tests on him for TB of the Bone Marrow, CMV virus and Glandular Fever. The tests have all come back negative and so the doctors have said that they want to do a bigger bone marrow biopsy than usual on James to see what is going on with him. It is tomorrow morning at 8am. We would love some prayer - for peace and grace and healing. We have been trying not to react too much until we know for sure what is going on.</p>
<p>Some other news...</p>
<p>James loved school last term but coming back after the Easter break he has been incredibly anxious about it. It hasn't helped to have lots of public holidays and some time off for medical things which have made it very stop-start and not given him a chance to get used to it again. We've found this very emotional - his teacher has been fantastically helpful.</p>
<p>We have had my parents here this week and we have had a lovely time together. It has been such a blessing to us (Grandad did his famous making of the boats for the kids! Charis is very proud of her pink boat!!) We all felt so sad dropping them off at the airport this evening!</p>
<br class="clear" />First day at school2009-01-22T20:06:33+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/01/first-day-at-school/<p>James had a fantastic first day at school today. A bit nervous (the butterflies in his tummy meant he didn't eat much breakfast), but when we went to fetch him he came running out saying "I love school!" It's the honeymoon phase but it's great to start off so well.</p>
<p>Charis had a fun time with Danielle at Rhodes Memorial while he was there which was great; before she left Mama Mavis got a fright from a gecko in the bathroom; Charis and I went to rescue it and in the end she caught it (by accident I think) in the bath mat and was very proud of herself.</p>
<p>We've uploaded <a href="/photos/2009-01-starting-school-etc/">photos from the first day</a> (as well as a few from saying goodbye to Andy and Louise and Mia at the airport)</p>
<p><a href="/photos/2009-01-starting-school-etc/214/p1200603/"><img alt="The world awaits" src="/static/media/galeria/2009-01-starting-school-etc/P1200603.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>The world awaits</i> (<a href="/photos/2009-01-starting-school-etc/">more photos here</a>...)</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Settling and School2009-01-21T20:46:09+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2009/01/settling-and-school/<p>It's been a month of refocusing and recovery...</p>
<p>Danielle and I have still felt lots of <b>residual stress</b> from November and December ... I've been <b>struggling to sleep</b> very often and we've both been tired ... Positively we feel like this whole period has pushed us to think through what's important in life and again, and actually <b>prioritize</b> what we need to like never before. Putting the <a href="http://www.kmol.online.pt/humor/200105/jarro_e.html">big stones</a> in first - for us that means <i style="color: #000050;">time with God</i> in prayer and the Bible and worship, <i style="color: #000050;">quality time</i> with each other and the kids, and having time set aside to <i style="color: #000050;">planning</i> and <i style="color: #000050;">decision making</i> and <i style="color: #000050;">sorting out finances</i> (the things we naturally avoid), as well as good time with friends and family. This has been an encouraging process - we're engaging with life in a new way, and we know that in the long term it'll make a great difference to how we live. One step at a time.</p>
<p><b>James</b> is <b>starting preschool</b> tomorrow - five mornings a week! It's a wonderful place run by an amazing woman - just 2 classes of 8 kids each, and she has a special place for children going through health issues so she has some understanding of the kinds of challenges he has been facing... He's a bit nervous but mostly excited (when we visited the school with him he was surprised that there were no desks to write exams - in his head school was school and he's heard about exams from our matric friends...) This is going to be a big adjustment to the <b>daily schedule</b>. One implication is that hopefully <b>Charis</b> will have good quality time with Danielle in the mornings - something she's lacked.</p>
<p><b>James's liver</b> has been a lot better over the last two weeks - there's still discussion about whether it was caused by his drugs or a virus - he's stayed off his anti-convulsant and they've adjusted his chemo slightly, and are investigating what they would need to do if it turns out to be the chemo that's the problem (this could be fairly serious if it developed).</p>
<p>It was also sad to say <b>goodbye</b> to Anni and Richard, Debbie and Jonny and Sammy (going back to Joburg and Bedford), and then Andy and Louise and Mia (moving to the UK). James and Charis really bonded with Sammy and love Mia (as well as the grownups!) so this was hard for them. (We're buying Andy and Louise's <b>car</b> through a deal with my work, which is great, but no compensation!)</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Joys and blows2008-12-26T07:23:10+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/12/joys-and-blows/<p>This last few weeks it's felt as though emotions ranging from joys to griefs have been running hand in hand...</p>
<p>We had a <b>week away with David's family</b> in Vic Bay. The first time we've all gone away together since we all got married... it was really special to all be together.</p>
<p>Unfortunately we all seemed to contract a <b>stomach bug</b> while we were away, one by one (with the except of Andy and Louise and Mia) - on the Friday night James was throwing up half the night, and again once on Saturday evening; Danielle had it on Sunday afternoon (very relieved that we all made the trip down OK); Charis threw up on Sunday night, and David and James's stomachs have both been out of order most of this week... (they finally seem back to normal now)</p>
<p>On the way back last Sunday we heard the <b>shocking news</b> that <b>Tori</b> (one of James's few fellow child patients at the hospital) had a massive cardiac arrest and <b>died</b>. It left us all reeling... she had an infection and was put in ICU but then seemed to be stabilising - this was totally unexpected and hard to understand.</p>
<p>James still seemed very lethargic after he was over the worst of the bug so Danielle took him back to the paediatrician - his blood tests showed that his <b>liver function is abnormal</b> again, and his white blood cell counts were low. So they've taken him off all his oral chemo for this week (to help his blood recover before his intravenous Vincristine due next week) and his anti-convulsant as well, which should help us see if the liver is being affected by either of those drugs.</p>
<p>James also had an <b>ultrasound</b> of his liver on Tuesday morning and it showed no structural problems which is good news. And Charis and Danielle both went for blood tests at the same time so it was a family outing!</p>
<p>In between all of this we were <b>celebrating Christmas</b>. We had a great time on Christmas morning with the kids reading through the story of how Jesus was born - right from the angel appearing to Elizabeth until John the Baptised baptised Jesus. Charis is convinced that <i>Jesus died on the cross for our fins</i> - you know, the things on a fish like a tail - although she is gradually admitting that that's a joke.</p>
<p>Danielle and I are both feeling quite <b>exhausted and stretched</b>. It's felt like there are months that are easier and harder and this last month or two has definitely been harder! We had some good talks while we were away about how to recharge in times of stress - both of us get our energy from keeping our eyes fixed on a big vision of God - but didn't expect to need that battle to intensify straight away! I've been reading <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/1593_Dont_Waste_Your_Life/">Don't Waste Your Life</a> by <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/AboutUs/JohnPiper/">John Piper</a> which has been a refreshing and challenging stimulus.</p>
<!--break-->
<br class="clear" />Livers and sisters2008-12-07T22:56:30+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/12/livers-and-sisters/<p>Over the last month James has been feeling nauseous a fair amount (he hasn't really struggled with this over the previous few months) - often retching at the sight of food and/or not wanting to eat, which has been quite stretching... it's been a little bit better the last week but still there. On Thursday they did some blood tests on him and his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver_enzyme">liver enzyme levels</a> were quite high, which could be a cause, so tomorrow we're taking him to see a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenterology">gastroenterologist</a> about it (they told us not to worry or panic! Nice reassuring people, these medical folks are :-))</p>
<p>In the mean time we've had Joy (Danielle's sister) staying with us for the last week which has been lovely for all of us. The next few weeks are fairly full of family and friends coming over - we're going away for a week with all of David's immediate family which will be really special (Andrew and Louise and Mia are about to move to England, Debbie and Jonny and Samuel are visiting from England, and Anni and Richard from Joburg - and his parents)</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Bone Marrow results2008-11-16T23:16:21+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/11/bone-marrow-results/<p>James had his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_biopsy">Bone Marrow Biopsy</a> (which happens routinely every 3 months) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumbar_puncture">Lumbar Puncture</a> (and monthly intravenous chemo!) last week. The operation went smoothly, although he felt a lot more queasy than usual and ended up throwing up all over the car. David had to go straight off to conduct an interview after dropping us at home ... so it made it interesting for him with the state of the car!!!!) We got the results on Tuesday, telling us that he is still clear from leukemia! The Prof (his doctor in charge of his treatment) explained to us that we are <i>exactly where you should be ... but you've got a long road left to walk!</i> These were honest, but sobering words for us and reminded us of the continued need for prayer in many dimensions! We thank God that He is our strong foundation, never shifting or 'wobbled' by events or difficult happenings!</p>
<p>This test marks 9 months of James's maintenance Chemotherapy which is a scheme that lasts for three years. The point is to try and avoid a relapse of the leukemia by giving a long period of chemo that will hopefully eliminate any lingering cancerous cells (the white blood cells permeate every organ in the body and if a few are left around they can start multiplying again). At the end of the three years they stop the chemotherapy to see if this has been successful. It takes a while to assess the results with children as they have young developing white blood cells that are more difficult to distinguish from the cancerous cells. It's great knowing that they use experts from different institutions to confirm what they are seeing.</p>
<p>Life is less intense than in the intense phase of chemotherapy! James hasn't had to go into hospital for infections if he gets a temperature as he used to, but we still have to watch them closely and he gets put straight onto antibiotics if he has one (he just spiked a temperature tonight so we gave him Panado and are in touch with the doctor...) ... we're still aware of the seriousness of the situation but not in as in-your-face manner as before.</p><br class="clear" />Spring visit and colds2008-10-19T15:05:05+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/10/spring-visit-and-colds/<p>Unfortunately we've all come down with colds this week. James woke up crying on Thursday night with a sore ear from an ear infection. He saw his paediatrician the next day with the nice side-benefit that she saw how he's been limping. So he's going to see a physio some time which may help. It's a nice relief to feel that we have some medical support on this.</p>
<p>Yesterday Danielle's parents arrived from Shetland to our great excitement. They're here for around two weeks which is lovely... It seems Cape Town has finally reached spring with at least half the days being nice and warm.</p>
<br class="clear" />UK Holiday 20082008-10-13T21:09:37+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/10/uk-holiday-2008/<p>For anyone who didn't see - we had a wonderful family holiday in the UK in July / August - there are <a href="/photos/">photos</a> of our time in <a href="/photos/2008-07-uk-holiday-london/">London</a> (including James's excitement at seeing <a href="/photos/2008-07-uk-holiday-london/91/p1160341/">Big Ben</a>), <a href="/photos/2008-07-uk-holiday-shetland/">Shetland</a> and <a href="/photos/2008-08-uk-holiday-bedford/">Bedford</a>).</p>
<p>Since then we've been back in Cape Town going on with the ups and downs of life...</p>
<br class="clear" />Holiday in Hermanus and neurologism2008-04-21T22:33:40+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/04/holiday-in-hermanus-and-neurologism/<p>We had a wonderful holiday at Volmoed in Hermanus. It's a most beautiful Christian retreat center in the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley that we've been to for church camps and also for holidays from time to time, so it was so lovely to go back there. We also had an afternoon at the beach which was just lovely for James and Charis...</p>
<p>Drama when I was coming back from a work meeting in Fish Hoek on Monday - Danielle was playing with the children on the field and making nests out of grass etc. They went across to another patch to collect some flowers when she noticed a massive snake sliding through the grass (probably about 8 meters away from them). She grabbed the children and took there things across to the other side of the road, but Charis then wriggled out of her arms twice to go and look (she thought it was a joke) and she had to grab her again. She called one of the men working on the farm and so him and a few others rushed to their aid, took one look at the snake, ran and grabbed a pole and dispatched of it. Turned out it was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitis_arietans">Puff Adder</a> so was actually very dangerous - I arrived 5 or 10 minutes later and was very relieved to find them all safe.</p>
<p>Had our ups and downs emotionally but was fantastic to have the space for that for all of us, to have good quality time together as a family, and especially for Danielle and I to have time out together in the evenings - we've had more chatting time than we have in ages, and of course we love that!</p>
<p>We came back leisurely on Friday, had breakfast together on the way, and then took James off to his appointment with the paediatric neurologist. She was absolutely brilliant - she asked detailed questions of us, was great with James, and picked up that there is indeed something a bit funny with his gait and his reflexes in his legs. She would like to seem him again when he has one of his periodic pain episodes in his legs to compare that to the base line examination she did with us, and the working hypothesis at the moment is that it could be partially a side-effect of one of the chemo drugs but may have some other complications. They're going to do tests on his nerves in his legs in a few weeks time to see if they can measure an underlying issue - if there is it probably isn't serious (especially in comparison with everything else he's gone through!) but physio etc may be the way to help it.</p>
<p>On Friday night we went out for yet another celebratory meal - we just feel so grateful to God for all he's done for us as a family and for each other, so we're not underdoing the celebration!</p>
<br class="clear" />A visit and a holiday2008-04-11T22:42:13+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/04/a-visit-and-a-holiday/<p>Danielle's parents have just been for two weeks and it was such a precious time - full of all kinds of activities from her dad making a model boat with James, to Danielle speaking on a students camp, to visiting penguins at the beach, to having a birthday party for James and Charis with both grandparents there for the first time. We just said goodbye to them and we're off tomorrow for a week to Hermanus to stay in a beautiful place in the mountains with lots of ducks! Very exciting...</p>
<br class="clear" />James's birthday2008-03-21T13:07:48+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/03/jamess-birthday-1/<p>We had a fantastic day on Wednesday celebrating James's birthday. His bedroom and the lounge got decorated the night before with streamers and balloons; he had breakfast in bed (and we all joined him); and I took the day off so we could all have fun together.<br />
We went to Aunty Elle for morning tea, then off to the <a href="http://www.scratchpatch.co.za/">Scratch Patch</a> at the Waterfront where we all had lots of fun collecting semi-precious stones.<br />
Fish and chips for lunch (although James didn't want any) and then James and Charis were both so tired they fell asleep in the car. We went to century city, put Charis in her pram and James in a trolley (with a blanket!) and let them both sleep while we had a drink together (a nice unexpected treat!)<br />
Then we went to the <a href="http://www.mtnsciencentre.org.za/">Science Center</a> which is basically a gigantic play area so that although little kids may not appreciate everything that's being taught through the activities they can certainly have fun!<br />
Visited the Loizides on the way home and then had Gramps and Granny round for pizza in the evening - and James even ordered it over the phone! (With some coaching from mum...)<br />
There's definitely something special about taking time out to celebrate!</p>
<br class="clear" />Living in a new mode - no more clickety-clack2008-03-15T19:56:45+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2008/03/living-in-a-new-mode-no-more-clickety-clack/<p>It's quite an adjustment... James being on maintenance means he's freer to do things with other people, eat more food, etc...<br />
Last weekend was amazing - going to church for the first time together as a family - not being able to go has been hard and it was amazing being there. We also went to the aquarium, visited a few friends, and went to one of his friend's birthday parties - quite a gear shift!</p>
<p>Yesterday James had his J-line removed which means once it's healed over he'll be able to swim etc... That means when he gets up in the night we'll no longer hear the soft click-clack of the lumens (the tubes coming out of the line to his heart) bouncing against each other as he walks along...</p>
<br class="clear" />Weekend away in Betty's Bay2007-05-14T08:14:57+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2007/05/weekend-away-in-bettys-bay/<p>We went away for the weekend with Ulrik and Andrea and stayed in Betty's Bay. Seems a bit crazy with only 11 days to go now before we leave and much to do - but it was actually brilliant to just have relaxed time with friends and I don't think we would have had that otherwise! James and Charis loved their little Staffy puppy called Mimi. We went for a walk to Disa Kloof and saw some baboons on the way back.</p>
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<a href="http://frasergo.org/node/91"><img alt="Disa Kloof waterfall" src="http://frasergo.org/files/images/DSCF0036.thumbnail.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://frasergo.org/node/92"><img alt="James with Mimi" src="http://frasergo.org/files/images/DSCF0039.thumbnail.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://frasergo.org/node/93"><img alt="Charis trying to eat her pink bunny" src="http://frasergo.org/files/images/DSCF0040.thumbnail.JPG" /></a>
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<p>Our visa application went in and they said everything was fine but they can only issue it a few days before we leave otherwise it will expire too soon (it expires 3 months after issue). We've been making progress getting everything else ready - a very special time, sad to leave here but can't wait to be in Japan</p>
<!--break--><br class="clear" />Nursery with animals2006-08-19T21:20:06+00:00david/blog/author/david/https://www.frasergo.org/blog/2006/08/nursery-with-animals/<p>Went to a local nursery today with James where they have pigs, ducks, rabbits, you name it. Some of the ducks are really ugly! It was lots of fun wandering around ... Have uploaded some photos which you can see in the image galleries or by clicking on the 19th of August on the right...</p>
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