I would have thought that suddenly becoming rather deaf would be blissful for at least some of the time. A chance to switch off, to opt out of conversations or the taking of phone calls.
Not so. My current deafness is accompanied by lound ringing in one ear (if that is Tinnitus, I feel for you Buck) and a noise like crashing waves in the other.
But life goes on. And this hard-of-hearing grandma had to concentrate well at the weekend when two very active offspring came to visit. Miss Two talks rather a lot, but not all of it is understandable. Her older brother doesn't say as much, but he does require immediate and intelligent answers to his questions.
So it was a busy couple of days. 
We spent time in the garden ...
... and at the park
... where there is a fantastic pirate ship to climb on ...
and there were no less than four kids' birthday parties being held at the same time.
There was much excitement when Master Six discovered a BABY SNAKE in his bedroom. All of three inches long. 
We caught it in a glass and on closer examination found two sets of tiny legs. Lizards aren't nearly as scary as snakes.
We let him go outside without being sure of exactly what he was. Identification will have to come later, when I have the time.
Then there were swims and walks, a trip to the library and the shops, and collecting tomatoes from the garden...
We watched DVDs ... and read stories ...
... and modelled things out of play-doh.
Then finally it was Sunday afternoon and time for the kids to return home.
Utter bliss at our place. Even with the crashing waves!
Mr six looks very serious!
Posted by: elsewhere | April 04, 2006 at 09:36 AM
One of those 'snakes' ran over my bare foot one day when I was at kindy. I understand the excitement they can cause.
Posted by: Tjilpi | April 04, 2006 at 02:19 PM
Sounds like a wonderful day, and the little ones look happy and content.
Posted by: pablo | April 04, 2006 at 09:05 PM
Hi, i was just browsing gardening blogs and came across your site. As i am in the UK working I was looking for Aussie sites as I will be returning to my garden (cedarvale near Jimboomba) soon. Have not seen it for 8 months. Looking forward to the warmth. Like you I have this horrible ringing happening. Have had a soft noise in left ear for some years, then suddenly on Sunday (home sitting quietly) it intensified to an unbearable level in both ears. It's only been 3 days and It's driving me up the wall. Been to Dr. given nasal spray and told well it's amazing what you can adapt to. If you are over 50 here they are not that interested. Hope yours is improving.
Posted by: Kerrin | April 06, 2006 at 04:30 AM
Wow, Kerrin, that's a whole lot worse than my complaint. Sounds like true tinnitus. I hope you get some help soon. My ears are still clogged and crackling, but seem a little better.
Posted by: Jude | April 06, 2006 at 11:41 AM