It has been a hectic and stressful week this week. Settlement for the house we bought was on Friday and we moved in yesterday. But the most stressful part was when my father took a turn for the worse on Thursday night. He had an emergency heart bypass last Tuesday and seemed to be recovering well. However he suddenly deteriorated on Thursday and they had to operate again. They accidentally punctured one of his lungs during the first operation. This is apparently one of the risks of having a heart bypass but it’s not usually serious and the lung eventually returns to normal. However he was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe and eventually went into cardiac arrest. They had to give him adrenaline and CPR and in the process fractured one of his ribs which caused a laceration to his heart. This led to internal bleeding and the need to operate again to stop the bleeding.
My aunt was at the hospital at the time – it was the middle of the night in Brisbane – and relaying information to me over the phone. I could hear the fear in her voice. This is one those times when it’s hard living so far away from family. We were all extremely worried for a few hours there. By the time the surgeon arrived Dad was stable again but still critical. My aunt let me listen to what the surgeon was saying over Viber and after that I think we all felt a little bit reassured. Thank goodness for technology. The second operation went well and now Dad is back to complaining about the nurses which is a very good sign 🙂
The house move was fairly non-stressful as far as moving house goes. We didn’t move very far and because we were moving from a rental property into our own home, there’s no rush to get everything out in one day. Our lease doesn’t expire for another 10 days so there’s plenty of time to clean up.
We’ve bought what is known locally as a double-upper. It’s a Victorian house built over three levels. The bottom floor is a one-bedroom flat and the top two floors form a large family home. The top and bottom each have their own front door. There’s also a large backyard which, although shared, is divided so we have our own part and our part is particularly huge. The backyard is magnificent and one of the things which drew us to this place. I love gardening, I always have. The women in my family have all been keen gardeners going back for generations. My main worry now is that I won’t have the time to keep it looking so good but I’m going to try. Here are a couple of pics of our new garden:
For the first time ever we’ve also got an ensuite. Luxury! The toilet seat in the ensuite does not stay up. It must have been designed by a woman. Ben is not very impressed and nor is Daniel.
Time to go and do some cleaning at the old place now.
rachel.blog 
So glad to hear your Dad is back to complaining 🙂 The gardens do look lovely. I look forward to a virtual tour of the new place once you’re all settled in.
Thanks! We’re getting there. Still lots of boxes but there’s no rush to unpack everything.
Sounds like you made a good job of moving, just such a shame to hear about your dad. What bad luck – sounds like it was the lung that started it all off, but for that you would have been saved a lot of anxiety. I guess that’s just how things go – hope you are de-stressing now and your dad is fast on his way to recovery.
Beautiful gardens, what a great familial gift to have been given a talent with gardens.
Thanks! Dad is doing well and recovering nicely. The move was fine. I’m just glad it’s over with. We’re never moving again 🙂
I’m glad he’s OK. Sounds like a more thorough job.
Thanks! Dad is doing well so far this week and going from strength to strength.
that’s a fab looking garden – will be great for a Pimms on those long summer evenings when they come around again
Ooo yes, Pimms in the back garden sounds very civilised.
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Hope he is OK.
Your new garden looks wonderful. Never heard the term “double-upper”. Do you own both parts, and rent one out? Or, are they separately owned?
Dad is doing much better this week, thanks.
We just own the upper two floors. Someone else owns the downstairs part. They have separate front doors.
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s problems. It must be hard being so far away, but as you say. thank goodness for technology keeping you right up to date.
Your new house looks lovely and I’m sure you’ll have great fun in the garden. One thing I find in eg UK as oppose to a hotter country like SA, is that once you weed it stays weeded for much longer. And tho the plants may grow more slowly, so do all the weeds! I think you’ll mange fine 🙂 Enjoy!
Thanks! Dad is doing much better thank goodness.
You’re definitely right about weeds in the UK. It also means that over winter I’ll get a rest because nothing much grows then.
Glad to hear your Dad is improving 🙂
So glad your dad is doing better. Your house seems lovely, and those gardens are exquisite. Can’t wait to see you blogging about what you do there over the years.
Thanks! I’m looking forward to putting my stamp on the garden 🙂
Dear Rachel, it sounds like you’ve been to hell and back! What shocking and worrying news but such a relief that your Dad is now recovering after such dramatic setbacks.
On a much lighter note, your garden looks beautiful! So much to enjoy!
Dad is much better now. Thanks, Susie. He had us all very worried for a time there though.
Your garden looks amazing Rach! Glad you are finally in. Looking forward to visiting one day xxx
Thanks, Liv! You’re welcome anytime 🙂
Glad to know that your dad’s health improved. Hope this is the end of it.
Lovely garden. I look forward to your gardening blogs.
Thanks, Chait. He’s doing well now.
Good news all round thank goodness!! 🙂 Your new garden looks lovely.
Thanks! I hope you can come and see it one day.
Hoping your Dad’s health continues to improve. LOVE LOVE LOVE your garden. Congrats on the new home.
Thanks! Dad is improving everyday.
Is that a woman-shed I see in the background? 🙂
Haha, yes it is 🙂