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We also went to a local river where there was waterfalls and also rafts for the boys to have a play with.




The food in general was pretty good although we only tried a couple of local dishes (Phillipines is not famous for its food). Especially some of the seafood was really nice.



The way we got around the island was on these small tricycles. There are two types, the old ones pulled by a small moterbike and then the new ones which are all electric. The government wants to have all the old ones off the roads by 2024 which is very sensible both environmentally and economically as even the locals say that they make more money on the new ones.






The main road however is horrendous. In late 2018 the island was closed for 6 months to any visitors due to them sorting out a lot of issues with the sewage system. This means that they have dug up the entire road to install large pipes along with a road widening. A lot of this was still ongoing with the main road being full of holes, but given that it is such a small place it was alright to still get around.




10. October 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate

10. October 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This year the boys started doing Karate.It was something that I've always wanted do do with them, so
This year the boys started doing Karate.

It was something that I've always wanted do do with them, so we looked around for a place where initially they could join some kids classes and then along the way I'd join as well.

Initially they got their red and white stripe belts (automatically)


And then later they went up for grading to get their Red belts.


They love training with some of the equipment that we have at home for it.




Late in the year I joined as well once the sensei established some adult classes and I have now after 20 years (I did a bit of karate back in 1998) finally received my Red belt.







Even Kim has taken a couple of classes - maybe she will even grade on of these days.



1. October 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Aiden Holy Communion

1. October 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Aiden as part of his school had to do his holy communion.He looked very handsome in his little suit.
Aiden as part of his school had to do his holy communion.

He looked very handsome in his little suit.




10. September 2019 21:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Canoeing with family at Royal national Park

10. September 2019 21:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

One weekend we went to the Royal National Park (half an hour south) to go canoeing with the Family.I
One weekend we went to the Royal National Park (half an hour south) to go canoeing with the Family.

It was a fun day out and fortunately we can still fit the boys into a single canoe unlike Chong who had to get a rowing boat for his family - they are a lot harder work.











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22. August 2019 13:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Aiden - awards card

22. August 2019 13:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud
It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud.


10. August 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Camping - Barrington Tops

10. August 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydn
Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydney.

It is a very tall mountain range with some excellent walks, rivers etc.

We had a great weekend with friends sitting around the fire roasting marshmellows, walking and canoeing.

























8. July 2019 12:07
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate - Boys getting their red belts

8. July 2019 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.We thought it would be a good activity for them to bui
Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.

We thought it would be a good activity for them to build strength, motor skills and discipline.

Especially Aiden is really enjoying it and putting in the hard work at home practicing. He has become stronger throughout the classes which is great. Before we started he had almost no core strength and now he is able to do sit-ups and pushups.

This weekend both Aiden and Lucas were pulled up for their first proper graduation from the white belts to the red belts and they both passed.



17. June 2019 20:06
by Rene Pallesen
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Bali - 2018

17. June 2019 20:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.
Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.




































































































































































































































2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka aquarium

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middl
The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middle with two large whale sharks and which is also full of other sharks such as hammerheads.














2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Dontonburi Osaka

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese rest
Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese restaurant.

It is also full of actual restaurants and other oddities such as more exotic places. It has what is known as Osaka's best Ramen restaurant (the one with the long counter in the photos below) - and Yes, the Ramen was very good.

Here it is also possible to eat specialties such as the Puffa fish.








It was also one of the few places where I saw real Samurai swords for sale.





2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka tower

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.The area was once a very modern p
Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.

The area was once a very modern part of Osaka, and worth a visit during the night.




2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka Castle

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts w
Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts with several layers of defense.











2. April 2019 18:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Toei Film Studio Osaka

2. April 2019 18:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional
In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.

This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional Japanese movies and where they have all the old houses and also some theaters.

It is also used as a bit of an entertainment and cultural area to teach the Japanese about their culture. Surprisingly we seemed to be the only foreign tourists there and it was definitely worth the visit even though we didn't understand a word of what they were saying.
























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6. May 2022 22:05
by Rene Pallesen
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All brown belts

6. May 2022 22:05 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We just finished another grading as a family. This time the boys and Kim graded to their first brown
We just finished another grading as a family. This time the boys and Kim graded to their first brown belts and I graded to my third brown belt.

We were supposed to have graded about a month ago, but because of Kims dad's funeral we had to postpone it for a month.

It therefore turned out to be just a mini grading with just the four of us as a family.

Now it will be quite a while before any of us are grading again. The boys need to get a fair bit stronger before grading for the next belt based on the feedback. I will need to start working towards the black, so Kim will probably be the next one grading towards the end of the year.

\

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25. April 2022 20:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Camping Lake Lyell

25. April 2022 20:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

The boys putting up the tent.Our campground from across the lake.Teaching the boys to fish (only cau
The boys putting up the tent.





Our campground from across the lake.


Teaching the boys to fish (only caught seaweed).








The kids spent hours climbing up and down this little hill.


Lots of brains trying to put up a gazebo. Eventually we had to consult the instructions.


Sunset scenery


It was raining so we gathered under the canopy.



Lots of curious ducks (waiting to be fed).




Spotted a 2016 vintage from Coonawarra...had to try it.


Scenery from our camp ground.


Great selfie with Lucas and I.


More spectacular scenery.





Cuties in the hammock.


I have seen steam tractors in museums before, but this is the first time I have seen one that is still functioning. This one is from 1913.



One day we went mushroom picking. These ones you definitely can't eat.




And these ones you can.


First time I have seen a Leopard Slug.


A pretty good picking...



The kids found a bird skeleton. It could be a dead lyrebird, or maybe a dodo.




20. April 2022 14:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Various 2022

20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Here are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the
Here are some various photos from first part of 2022.

Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the Piano and Guitar.


At Cabramatta we sat down having an asian drink. It looked so much like one of the birds from Angry bird that I just had to get a photo. See the resemblance?



This is a Lego truck that Lucas built.



At karate Aiden is sometimes asked to teach the newbies. It is great to see how it gives him confidence.


Aiden went to a birthday party with a Virtual Reality experience...a bit scary for him.


The local corner shop was refitted for a TV show.


Easter egg loot.


What do the boys get up to in their room sometimes???



Family photo at QVB


Having desserts in the city





A seal resting on the rocks at the opera house.



20. April 2022 14:04
by Rene Pallesen
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National Park Walk

20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

While at Warilla Beach we one day did a walk at the Macquarie Pass National park. This was an easy w
While at Warilla Beach we one day did a walk at the Macquarie Pass National park. This was an easy walk with the reward of a waterfall at the end of the walk.








20. April 2022 13:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Nan Tien Temple

20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

One one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese Buddh
One one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.

It is a Chinese Buddhist temple that is worth a relaxing visit for anyone with some time.










20. April 2022 13:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Warilla Beach 2022

20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

During the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.W
During the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.



We discovered that the beach has pipies in the sand, so every day we made sure that we harvested a plate full of them for dinner.



We brought Aidens new guitar, so that he was able to practice his music while enjoying the scenery.






The kids also attended online drawing lessons.


It was a beautiful spot to sit on the balcony, enjoy the view and have some great food (including fresh pipies).






One day we also visited the Jambaroo Water park. This was a disappointment with long queues at every ride and Aiden was too scared to do any rides so it was a bit of a miserable day.



13. April 2022 10:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Ethans 21st Birthday

13. April 2022 10:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Last weekend it was Ethans 21st Birthday. He had a bit party with the whole family and his friends.T
Last weekend it was Ethans 21st Birthday. He had a bit party with the whole family and his friends.

They had arranged for catering with lots of Cambodian, Laotian and other asian foods.








5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Dad in Sydney 2022

5. April 2022 19:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

It has been three years since I last spent time with my dad. This is due to Australia closing its bo
It has been three years since I last spent time with my dad. This is due to Australia closing its borders for two years due to the Covid pandemic.

As soon as they announced opening the borders again in February my dad booked his ticket to come a visit.

It was really nice to have him here and different from when he has been here previously. For starters, he was here by himself which was a different dynamic and also Aiden and Lucas have grown older and really enjoyed bonding with 'Bedstefar'. Especially Aiden and my dad found that they had music in common and Aiden took great prise in being able to play some of the pieces on piano that my dad was able to sing.





I really enjoyed having a few beers (and other good stuff) with him while he was here.






A couple of years ago I bough a machine to transfer my dads and grandads old 8mm film to digital. Because of the pandemic I was never able to try it out. My dad brought one of his films to do a trial transfer. It worked really well and he'd now brought it back to Denmark with him to transfer the rest.



One afternoon dad and I went up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse. My dad is still able to do it although he is a bit slower and not as strong as he used to be.







5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Father in law passed away

5. April 2022 19:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Kims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grands
Kims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grandsons and friends.


It was a beautiful funeral following chinese traditions with wearing white clothes to celebrate a long life.

Aiden played a beautiful song on the piano in front of everyone and we had put together slides showing his life.









Day after we did the traditional cleaning of the tomb stone and also the burning of paper clothes and money (theory is that it will then go to the afterlife for him to wear).


I hope that the boys are old enough to remember their time with him.



Even though his old body was failing him, his mind was still sharp enough to play Mahjong and other games with us. These photos are from our last trip with him down to Bowral.





5. April 2022 15:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Lucas awesome checkmate award

5. April 2022 15:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas is part of the schools chess club.The other day he was very proud that he'd received this awar
Lucas is part of the schools chess club.

The other day he was very proud that he'd received this award.

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25. December 2009 10:24
by Rene Pallesen
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Expecting

25. December 2009 10:24 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

expecting


Good news everyone...we are expecting a baby and the stork should be delivering around mid June next year.

I guess most of you guys already know by now....for the rest of you...Surprise!!

It is not unexpected as we were trying.




Now there is a busy time ahead preparing for the baby. Kims wants the baby room painted (Even though in my opinion the baby doesn't care what colour it is).

We will also need to get hold of stuff like prams etc. If there are any baby items that you can spare (especielly items such as car baby seats, pram and changing table) then we would be very grateful.

We don't know if it is a boy or a girl yet (We should know by the end of January).

17. November 2009 08:46
by Rene Pallesen
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One year Anniversary

17. November 2009 08:46 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

one year anniversary


yesterday it was Kim and I's one year anniversary.

We actually celebrated it on Saturday with a visit to one of Sydney top restaurants called Bilson's.

Yesterday we instead planned to have a nice evening out watching a movie in the evening. Kim was apparently waiting for me to deliver something to her office (or so her colleague said) but after work I was waiting at the car with a bunch of flowers. Kim was so excited to go out in the evening that she forgot to get off the train at our station with the result that she by accident ended up in Parramatta (western Sydney)...it took her one and a half hours to make it to the car...but fortunately the flower still looked fresh.

When we got home I spend some time experimenting with some photos and some lighting of the flowers before we went out, and here are the results. The Macro photos are taking using a 35/50mm lens reversed. The light comes from a single strobe reflected of a mirror.

Click here for more photos


Click here for more photos


Click here for more photos Click here for more photos




Click here for more photos

The movie was really good and entertaining. We saw 2012...and it doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is.

2. November 2009 08:13
by Rene Pallesen
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Sculptures by the Sea

2. November 2009 08:13 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

sculptures by the sea


Every year in October & November there is an exhibition called Sculptures by the Sea. The city exhibits close to 200 sculptures on the stretch of coastline between Bondi and Tamarama. The public can go for a walk and have a look at the sculptures and vote for their favourits...if they are able to find parking that is.

Some of them are really good and some of them at just plain weird.

Here's some photos I took of my favourites.

Click here for more photos Click here for more photos

Click here for more photos Click here for more photos


Click here for more photos

Click here for more photos

12. October 2009 11:44
by Rene Pallesen
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An almost non-climbing event

12. October 2009 11:44 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

an almost non climbing event


It has been raining almost constantly for the past two weeks (since the dust storm really) and Andy and I had organised to go climbing in the Blue Mountains together with a friends of his (Dan) who's never been on on real rock before.

We looked a the forecast and it didn't look promising for the mountains so the night before we decided to go to plan B and go to Barrenjoey instead.

The quality of the climbing is more limited, but at least it is a shorter drive and walk-in in case you have to bail.

We arrived up at Palm Beach in the morning and the roads were still soaked in water from all the rain the night before. We therefore decided to stop at a cafe and have some breakfast and let the cliffs dry out a bit before walking in there.

While eating breakfast we were having a look at the latest radar pictures and we could see that it was pouring down in the mountains and we could see rain approaching the Sydney area.

After breakfast we were trying to decide whether we should bail or go climbing. After much procrastination we decided to climb and went to the carpark. Andy pulled out the insect repellent and started rubbing it into his genitals (or so it looked) saying that it would keep the chicks away (which I'm sure his wife appreciates)...or was it ticks.

Dan and Andy at Barrenjoey

For Dans benefit we started out on one of the easiest climbs around there called Jezebel. Andy did the first lead and as he finished we could feel the first rain drops. I then did the second climb and once I reached the top the rain became heavier. The plan was to have Dan follow me up so that he could try an absail from the top. Once he reached the top it really started pouring and all of us became drenched while setting up the absail and clearing the gear.

Dan made it down in good style (although nervous) and once I'd made it to the ground as well we quickly packed our gear and headed back home for a nice warm shower.

Mostly a non-climbing day really...but Andy did get his sugar-hit with the pancakes.

12. October 2009 11:37
by Rene Pallesen
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Wicked - How did the wicked witch become wicked?

12. October 2009 11:37 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

wicked


Saturday evening Kim and I went with a couple of friends to the Capitol Theatre to see the Broadway play called Wicked.

The play is about how the Wicked witch became wicked in 'The Wizard of Oz'.

Wicked

The play very cleverly provides the background for the Wizard of Oz.

This was Kims birthday present to me earlier in the year...satisfied the criteria for presents: Must be an experience or a consumable.

It was a really nice evening and the play was very funny...especially the Wizard of Goodness (a real blonde)


23. September 2009 04:35
by Rene Pallesen
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Freak weather and dust storms

23. September 2009 04:35 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

freak weather and dust storms


The last 24 hours has been the most freak weather I've (and anyone else) has experienced in Sydney.

Yesterday we had 30 degrees during the day and in the evening a huge thunderstorm descended upon Sydney with massive rainfalls and very high winds. Kim found that water was dripping through ceiling and my first though was "This ain't good" and rushed up to check if there was a hole in the roof tiles or in the plumbing (if you see one of the previous posts then you'll notice that we've installed Solar hot water and this system is positioned above that same bathroom).

I could clearly see where the water had come in, but it wasn't through any gaps and it seemed that the strong winds had pushed the water backwards and upwards under the tiles...whew...but I'll have another look next time it rains.

Then this morning I woke up and looked out the window and everything was covered in a bright red and yellow haze and it was blowing a gale. I had a look at the forecast and stuck my head outside the window and it turned out that all of NSW was encapsulated in a massive dust storm with fine red dust coming from the Australian outback.

Dust Storm

Everything outside is now covered in this fine dust, cars, windows...everything.

One of out friends too the following photo from his balcony:

Dust Storm

The area covered by the dust is huge and apparently it may even reach New Zealand.

NSW

14. September 2009 12:55
by Rene Pallesen
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BBQ

14. September 2009 12:55 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

bbq


This weekend we invited a group of my friends over for BBQ.

The official excuse was for my recovery after my Hernia surgery (which is still causing me some grief some days).

It was a beautiful spring day with 31 degrees in the shade and luckily I had put up a gazebo outside to cover the area and provide a bit of shade.

Most of the day I was attending the BBQ cooking Lamb Cutlets, Fish, Prawns, Vietnamese Sausages and Chicken skewers.

The last batch of chicken skewers I forgot on the BBQ with a very predictable result.

BBQ

In the evening we had Kim's family over for dinner/BBQ, so a repetition of the afternoon.

6. September 2009 10:44
by Rene Pallesen
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Sasha's and Mavis's wedding

6. September 2009 10:44 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

sasha s and mavis s wedding


This weekend we went to Sasha's and Mavis's wedding.

Click here for more photos


Family and friends were invited to attend the ceremony at Greenwich at 10am. The location they had chosen had a stunning view of Sydney Harvour and skyline.

When we arrived neither the groom or the bride were there. Approximately 20 minutes later the bride arrived, but still no groom, so she did another round in the car.

Finally at 10.30 Sasha arrived with his dad after having been stuck in traffic, shortly after Mavis arrived in her beautiful wedding dress and the ceremony could get under way.

Click here for more photos

It was a beautiful ceremony, beautiful location and beautiful weather.

After the ceremony it was photo time.

The reception was at a restaurant called Occilate Wildly in Newtown. The food was nice and at the end of the afternoon everyone went on their way.

Click here for more photos

Click here for more photos

27. August 2009 12:18
by Rene Pallesen
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Videos from our trip in Italy and Denmark

27. August 2009 12:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

videos from our trip


During the trip Kim took a number of videos using her compact camera. Here are the best ones (Click on the links to download the videos):

Denmark:


Knights Fighting
Firing Weapon

Italy:

Verona
Aida the Opera 1
Aida the Opera 2
Aida the Opera 3
Aida the Opera 4
San Gimignano
View of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre from the boat
Driving to Portofino
Portofino
View of Lake Como
Lake Como from the Boat
Driving on mountain roads
Cow (Dont kill the cow)
Switzerland


27. August 2009 10:27
by Rene Pallesen
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Hernia Surgery

27. August 2009 10:27 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

hernia


The week before we went away on holiday I experienced pain in the pelvic area. I quickly got it diagnosed with ultrasound to be a hernia. Furtunately it could wait until we came back from holiday to be fixed although it was giving me some problems along the way carrying suitcases etc.

As soon as we came back I went to see the specialist and he told he that it would have to be fixed with surgery and that he could schedule it for the following week.

In the morning of the surgery I had to be at the hospital at 6.30am in the morning. Surgery started at 9am and by 11am I was awake again released at 1pm.

So it terms of the surgery it was very smooth...but it was very painful afterwards. I had problems standing up and sitting down.


This photo was taken two days after the surgery:



The cut is 13cm long and at this point I am still very much in pain.


The feedback from the doctor was that this was an Indirect Inaugural hernia and apparently the type that can cause a lot of problems later on if not fixed.

Unfortunately part of hernia surgery is that they have to cut some of the nerves so that they don't get caught in the mesh they use to repair it with.


This means that now two and a half weeks after the surgery there is still a large area around the cut that has got no sensation to touch or pain and some areas are hyper sensitive with the result that even the lightest touch is painful.

I hope the eventually all the sensation returns to normal (apparently in 25% of the cases this doesn't happen). I also hope that the scar won't be too bad and will mostly disappear long term.
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30. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Christmas 2021

30. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This Christmas was almost normal with the Covid restrictions lifted.As usual we did our annual Chris
This Christmas was almost normal with the Covid restrictions lifted.

As usual we did our annual Christmas photo.


Kims dad is staying at Kims sisters place over Christmas after haing been in hospital. He is looking the best he has for years.



















29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Surfing 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas and Aiden got themselves a surfing lesson. Aiden was too scared to go, but Lucas had a great t
Lucas and Aiden got themselves a surfing lesson. Aiden was too scared to go, but Lucas had a great time.





Because he liked it so much we decided to get him (and Aiden) a surfboard for Christmas as well.




29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Various 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This are from various events of 2021Lucas Holy CommunionLunar EsclipseSwimming at Yarra Bay in the m
This are from various events of 2021

Lucas Holy Communion

Lunar Esclipse



Swimming at Yarra Bay in the middle of winter

Aidens Learning award

Empty Maroubra Beach during covid lockdown

Seafood dinner with family

Chillies harvested from the garden

Cooking lobster at home during lockdown

Spotted Herbie in our local area

Monkeys in a tree

Playing games at home during Covid lockdown

Enjoying a hot chocolate during Covid lockdown

Boys make a mess and have to clean the house


Dinner at home during Covid lockdown

Conference call with family during Covid lockdown

How many people can you fit into a dinghy?

Pho at the local cafe

Going for a walk after Covid restrictions lifted

On a conference call with Dalai Lama from home

Kim received a Hoodie to keep her warm in the cold winter evenings. I thought it was something else and wrote instructions on the packaging.

Aidens birthday was bowling with his friends and dinner with family

Kim dressed appropriately for walking 20 meters to the car

The boys learning to use a hammer.


Spending time at Yarra bay


Aiden still struggling, although him now having a piano seems to help him.

Lucas got some more awards at the Athletics carnival to add to his swimming awards.



29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Guinea Pigs

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We were looking after a couple of guinea pigs for a couple of weeks while one of Aiden friends was a
We were looking after a couple of guinea pigs for a couple of weeks while one of Aiden friends was away.

The boys had to do all the work cleaning and feeding them.





29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Again we did karate this whole year. This included a number of gradings followed by social events.I
Again we did karate this whole year. This included a number of gradings followed by social events.

I treated myself to a new gi (uniform) when I graduated to my 3rd Kyu.














29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Playing Chess

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas has joined the chess club at school, so for fun (and to give him practice) we sometimes play.
Lucas has joined the chess club at school, so for fun (and to give him practice) we sometimes play. I was very proud that I one day managed to checkmate him with just two pawns and my king.



29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Piano and Guitar

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Mid year I decided to get an electric piano. I've always wanted to learn and we wanted to boys to st
Mid year I decided to get an electric piano. I've always wanted to learn and we wanted to boys to start playing as well.

We have been using an online lesson system and it has been working really well for us. Especially Aiden seems to pick it up quickly.

Aiden has also been begging to get an electric guitar, so this Christmas we got him one. It is fortunate that the same online lesson subscription also covers guitar playing.






29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Kims 50th

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Kim had a big birthday this year. All the plans were ruined so it because a low key affair with just
Kim had a big birthday this year. All the plans were ruined so it because a low key affair with just a family dinner.

Plan:
A - Europe trip - Covid cancelled
B - New Zealand Ski trip (travel bubble was open) - Cancelled day before we were to leave
C - Staycation in Sydney - Locked down to local council
D - Staycation in same council - Restricted to 5 Km radius
E - Dinner at home




We did however make up for it later with some golf and spa while she wasn't working.







29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Hunter Valley

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We did another Hunter Valley Trip with Sasha and Richards families.Again we stocked up on a lot of w
We did another Hunter Valley Trip with Sasha and Richards families.

Again we stocked up on a lot of wine.







29. December 2021 16:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Basketball Game

29. December 2021 16:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

KA had some spare tickets for a basketball game between Sydney Kings and Melbourne Phoenix, so we to
KA had some spare tickets for a basketball game between Sydney Kings and Melbourne Phoenix, so we took the boys.