I know that you know I’m decluttering, downsizing, clearing out. You are probably tired of hearing about it but not as tired as I am of doing it. I’m trying to keep myself motivated though and relieved to have as much time as I need to do it.

There are many things to be learned from this process. Sentiments must be addressed, decisions made and strategic plans designed. And all the while we are trying to keep as a top priority our health and medical treatments. Don began his androgen reduction treatment a few weeks ago and has had varying symptoms which he has stoically tolerated. I feel for him. Many women experience similar symptoms with monthly periods—bloating, headaches, general unease and discomfort with one’s body, but we usually grow into it. For a person receiving treatment it hits all at once in a couple of weeks. He continues to be very productive with his work commitments and exercise, so keeping his mind and body in good working order. He has managed to maintain most of his golf, and walking to and from his desk at the Uni for exercise, even on days when he’s not feeling the best. Losing one’s fitness in these circumstances can contribute to a downward spiral instead of full recovery. Fitness is a priority for both of us, but we are not gym-goers or runners or anything so ambitious. We do what we do and what seems to serve us, walking, stretches, activity and taking breaks that make sense as well.

Last weekend was our 40th wedding anniversary. An occasion deserving a break from medical and downsizing activities. Anniversaries are not something we do a lot of hoopla over, dinner out or a glass of champagne and that’s usually it. Not because we don’t value it, but we realise it’s all the days between anniversaries that make a marriage and we focus on those. So, in keeping with the idea that experiences are more important than things, we (and good friends Jim and Julie) gave ourselves a day trip to Palm Valley. It is inaccessible except by four wheel drive for the last 20 kilometres, and when I say that, I mean it. It was the roughest road I’ve traveled in the 40 years I’ve been here. Our friends have a well equipped vehicle and we prevailed upon them to take us, which they were happy to do–and even brought the champagne!

Palm Valley is a sandstone valley that supports greenery when other areas around cannot. The sandstone holds water and so when you see cycads and trees growing out of its cracks, that is why. The area is well known for the cycads and red cabbage palms that have survived their ancestors from a hundred million years before. You can picture dinosaurs walking the valley, nibbling on the tops of trees. It is a land for giants. It was the monumental and perfect place to spend our anniversary.

The challenge for me was my feet. It had been 10 weeks since surgery. Both have improved steadily, the right one returned to about 95% a couple of weeks previous but the left foot isn’t quite there yet. Same surgeon, same body, different healing path. I was unsure how I would do on the uneven ground we walked. Turns out a bit of ‘tough love’ might have been good for that left foot as it has been improved ever since!

So June 25th was our anniversary, but mid-July is the 40th anniversary of my arrival in Australia. It was a huge leap of faith to leave everything and move here, never having visited prior. But it was without doubt a great decision. I’m thinking this koala who came along for the views might agree, a great decision!