Friday, September 19, 2003

Quiet night at home last night - haven't seen BS for a week. Spoke to Peter on the phone last night who said B still in great deal of discomfort.

Ring Singers rehearsal on Wed went off well; a couple of pieces will have gamba accompaniment (DD's partner). I don't think I'll stay after these concerts, though, as I need a bit of time.

Gombert in the morning, followed by shopping with PR in the afternoon. MSO concert tonight.

AC's 30th birthday on Sunday -- haven't sent him anything. Must do a quick email before I leave today.

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Well, that holiday just flashed past. Did a few long walks (including one from Glenferrie Rd, Glenferrie), rode the bike once, got my hair cut, bought some clothes and shoes and took in a couple of films. "A mighty wind" from the "Spinal Tap" crew was fun, gentle perhaps and with more to offer to one of my age, who lived through the folk era; some amusing record cover mock-ups and pastiche songs. (4/5) "28 days later" a horror film which after being fairly predictable for the first half, took a few turns and kept my interest. (3/5)

Also had lunch with Margaret G and Deborah F -- was great to see D; it's been years.

This week has got very full with Gloriana on Monday and Sunday, Gombert Tuesday and Saturday and Ring Singers tonight. Plus I'm off to hear the MSO under Mackerras on Friday ("Taras Bulba").

BS is in a great deal of discomort at the moment. Thank goodness this week is his last of radio- and chemo-therapy. I hope it doesn't take too long for his mouth to heal up, etc. The worst part is that you feel so helpless; there's nothing you can do but provide support.

Got back to work on Monday and hit the ground running -- thank goodness we've got a couple of extra people. They'll be casual/contract for an indefinite period - mainly to replace MC who is devoting herself to the sesquicentennial.

Saturday, September 06, 2003

Much too long.

I'm on leave for a couple of weeks - half way through. Last Monday I went to my appointment for the Health Victoria 2000 survey - they took blood, measured my waist and hips (too big) and weighed me (much too big); then I was talked through a questionnaire about a range of things: activity levels, how much time I spent sitting (too much), etc. Got the results of the tests in the mail - blood pressure marginally too high, as was my blood sugar levels. According to the BMI I am officially obese. Have decided this time to do something about it.

Accordingly I've had a good walk each day since - at least an hour each time. Am also finally being a bit more selective about what I eat. Let's see if I can keep it up.

Wednesday evening Barbara N and I went to hear Donald McIntyre in conversation with David Kram at the VCA - interspersed with performances from students of the VCA Opera School (none stood out). DK is a funny little person, DMcI was interesting, but no natural raconteur. Worth going too, though.

Bruce S's therapy continues; he's getting pretty tired I think and his mouth doesn't let him eat much that isn't very smooth. But he's completed five of seven weeks now, so there's an end in sight.

Last night sang in a concert at St Mary's North Melbourne (Anglican) under Jonathan Wallis. Went off much better than I thought it would. Program included Josquin's Ave Maria and Praeter rerum seriem, Palestrina Stabat mater, Britten Hymn to the virgin, Bruckner Ave Maria, Brahms Marianlieder and a couple of Marian carols. Not a huge audience, but appreciative. Barbara N and Unity A were there, but UA left before I got a chance to speak to her.