One can only take so much excitement as one ages. It all started so well too. First was my nephew Grant Berridge and his sweetheart Rita Stone’s wedding. They were married on January 16th at Judge’s Bay, the same place Kerryn and Haydn did their nuptial vows six years ago. (Is it really that long? Feels like last year.)
Three Little Bridesmaids From School
It was a sunny day, lovely setting and the bride looked beautiful. A violinist entertained us and champagne handed round while we waited for the bride to arrive.
The Bride and her Father
The service was well conducted with readings from the Bride’s father and the Groom’s mother. Unfortunately helicopters flew overhead at intervals and those of us at the back had difficulty hearing. One of the drawbacks of an outdoor venue I suppose. At least those that mattered heard everything which needed to be said.
I do! I do! I do!
Photographs with different groups were taken, then we proceeded down the hill and across the road to Mikano Restaurant where the Reception was to be held. Great setting on the waterfront next to where the Police helicopters are stationed. A cruise ship sailed past on her way out of the harbour just as we arrived.
Now is the Hour!
The Reception went well. Great food, quality wines and some very entertaining speeches. Rita comes from an artistic family (she is a drama teacher) and they certainly know how to make the most of their time in the spotlight. But Grant’s best man was the pick of the bunch. He sang his speech, accompanying himself on guitar.
There was dancing till 1am, but we didn’t hang around that long. We had the picnic at Western Springs park to look forward to the next day. Another sunny day and a rather subdued affair. Just chilling out I think it’s called. We mixed and talked, took photos, ate and drank a little.
Oscar Marten and Lee Dubber
The only downside was the fact that the park is next to Auckland Zoo and Motat plus there was a rock concert on in one corner (well away from our picnic) and, it still being school holidays, it meant parking spaces were at a premium. I managed to squeeze into a space which was the length of my car plus 2ft. I was hoping one of the cars either side would have left before we did, but they hadn’t.
On the Tuesday I had my right ear operated on. I had a bit of skin cancer which needed to be cut out. The plastic surgeon said he had to go deep then pull the skin up over the hole and sew it all together. I had a light general anaesthetic which made me drowsy but aware of the surroundings. I also had a local on my ear. The operation went well and the surgeon was pleased with his work.
I had to hang around for half an hour, sitting in a Lazy Boy chair and being offered all sorts of refreshments, before being allowed home. Jenny was there the whole time and she drove me home. I did take a photograph of the ear and intended to put it in this blog, but it’s really gruesome and it could put you off your lunch. I’m told it will improve by the time the stitches have to come out.
That evening we went to Mick and John’s to babysit Oscar. It was Greg and Nadine’s last night before they flew back to Holland and the four of them were going out to dinner. I was feeling a little tired but ok.
The next morning everything turned to custard. Jenny had an appointment in Howick and as she was told not to leave me on my own for 24 hours I had to tag along. While Jenny was getting ready I rang Fred as he’d rung the previous night while we were out to see how my operation went. I was talking to him when I started to feel very hot and claustrophobic. I cut him short and went outside for fresh air and sat on the patio bench. My breathing became more laboured and I was sweating.
I must have passed out as the next thing I remember is Jenny telling me to open my eyes and look at her. She and the guy from next door (Alex) were standing over me. I couldn’t get comfortable and wanted to lie down and my eyes kept closing. I was still strugging to breathe. Alex said he could hear the ambulance coming and went out to wait for them.
I was given an oxygen mask and taken to Middlemore Hospital. My breathing became easier but I was still extremely hot. The paramedic in the ambulance wanted to put things on my chest but had great difficulty getting my t-shirt off as it was stuck to my body. He thought he might have to cut it off me. No, it’s a new one Mark bought me in Hawaii, I wanted to say but couldn’t. Anyway, he finally did get it off me.
By the time I reached the hospital I was beginning to feel a little better. I was in the emergency department for a few hours being poked and prodded and wired up to machines. I was seen by differnt doctors and nurses and they all asked me the same questions. Don’t these people talk to each other?
My sister Ann dropped in to see how I was. Bad news travels fast. Jenny rang Pam and got her to come and pick her up. Ann accompanied me as I was taken to a bed in the cardiac ward.
I look really sick, don’t I?
To cut a long drama short, I stayed in overnight, wired up to a computer which kept beeping and sending wavy lines across the screen. My blood pressure was taken about 20 times, my pulse checked and blood samples taken so often I have the arms of a junkie, plus the endless questions from nurses and doctors.
I was allowed home the next afternoon. There had been no damage to my heart and my blood pressure was good. “Take it easy for the next couple of days and if it happens again come staight back” the head doctor told me. According to my discharge papers I had (they think) a vasovagal episode
Jenny is looking after me well. Don’t know how long it will last.
