Diversions

We were in Sydney over the past three days hoping to provide a bit of a diversion. Pete was given a leave pass on Friday from the Mater so we were able to enjoy lunch together and a bit of a wobbly walk to the end of Ridge Street to admire the amazing view towards Cremorne and the beautiful harbour beyond.
 

If you have a hospital stay ahead of you can I recommend the Mater Hospital in North Sydney, just a short walk from this very pretty park and one of the best views in Sydney (and some good lunch spots).

Trying not to think too much about the day ahead for Pete we caught an early evening movie at Dendy Circular Quay (Le Weekend - which was a bit poignant actually) and then some wonderful views from the Opera House boardwalk. We thought it would be fun to have a drink at the bar but decided we felt too old to cope with the crowds, the noise and the music.

It was quite a magical evening really. The Diamond Princess, heading out from the international Terminal, linked the two Sydney icons rather beautifully.

We ended the night at The Spanish Fly at The Spot and walked back to the apartment quite late.

Pete was scheduled for 9.30 surgery on Saturday morning so we filled in some time with Ros at the Orange Grove Organic Markets at Lilyfield (really good markets) and a walk up Balmain Road in search of the wonderful Bellingen Gelato in Rozelle.  We got Ros back to the Mater in time to talk to the surgeon as he emerged from theatre and to see Pete in the ICU. The rest of the day was spent feeling thankful relief that all went well, and that it was all over.  Rob felt too tired after a big week of driving so he didn't join Ros and me at another night at the movies - The wonderful Nebraska at the Randwick Ritz.

We saw Pete this morning in the ICU all bright eyed and feisty despite the myriad tubes emanating from his body and the mammoth scar running down his middle. He's being a very brave boy and we're all wishing him easy weeks ahead (and for Ros) as he recovers from all this.