AND ONCE AGAIN IT IS THANKFUL THURSDAY.

The days move quickly and there are those where I think I have achieved much and there are others when I am certain not much has been achieved in my little corner of the world.

This morning is one of those times where I am looking at what I am doing and what I am achieving - and I really don't know.

I really enjoy writing these blogs and it gives my days a focus and I feel a generous spirit to share my life with others and I will go on doing it (and I hope you will keep reading.)    This blog started off as a way of updating on my own personal health issues and has grown somewhat into including a sharing of my life and what's happening for me.

There are days when not much happens and I wonder what on earth I can write about, but the day hasn't arrived when I have nothing to share, which pleases me.

John's visit to the specialist yesterday was a very positive experience - we met with a wonderful specialist (A Rheumatologist) who spent an hour with us discussing John's condition, pain, prognosis and treatment.  A very special man who shared his knowledge with us and eased our fears - a delightful hour that just flew by.

The conclusion is that - yes it is Osteoarthritis and no there is nothing that can be done but we can manage the pain.  He gave John permission to juggle medication and find out what works for him - a nice thing to do because it puts John back in control of his condition.  There was lots of literature to collect and read and lots of helpful addresses and people to contact should we need to.

The blessing of that visit is that we now know that there is nothing sinister going on.  A review appointment has been made for May.

Young Henry had a dental appointment and managed a filling without medication - he was a star - Well done Henry. Once again they have gone home to resume life on the farm.   Life is going well for them - they had a good crop and have had rain and a lot of flooding around their farm but they had no damage apart from a fence down.

I am still reading lots of books and loving it.  Melinda sent a book for me "Changing Channels" by Tricia Stringer - a book written by a South Australian about life in South Australian country areas.  I shall enjoy that.

I have two books on my desk at the moment on the "TBR" List (to be read):

"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold and "The Senator's Wife" by Sue Miller.  And of course "Changing Channels" over on the table - there are books everywhere and I love it.

In a group on line we have started a book exchange - I will receive a package of five books from which I choose those to keep and then place a different set of books in the package and forward it to someone else.  Sounds fun to me and a great way to share books all over the country.

There just aren't enough hours in the day to do what I have to do and what I want to do - life is busy for me - in a quiet way, but it keeps me occupied.  My life has changed in so many ways - all part of the pattern.   We are all in the hands of the weaver and the pattern is shown day by day.

So back to "Thankful Thursday" and these are some of the many things for which I am thankful this Thursday:

For the continued improvement in Bert Johnston post transplant last Saturday.

For a good diagnosis and meeting with a wonderful doctor.

For firefighters and volunteers who have brought some relief to Western Australia.

For the technology that blows me away but allows me to be in touch with the world.

For my family who allow me to be me.

For my health and for my Donor Family - my Donor's wife who is struggling with her loss.  Each excellent milestone for me is a milestone of a different kind for her.

For the fact that Tropical Cyclone Yasi has finally run out of puff and is now just a ghastly memory and a trail of destruction.,

For the ongoing work in devastated areas of Australia - the kindly word, the touch of a hand - so much kindness and generosity.

So now I will move on with my day and the lovely things I can do and places I can be - I love the freedom I have to give passion to the things I believe in.

I am a woman and I am proud to be able to witness the advances made in politics/governments etc. which sees strong, educated and smart women taking their place in the Halls of Government and learning.

Here in Australia we have a woman Prime Minister and a woman Governor General - I am glad I live in days to see this and be proud.

This is our Governor General - Quentin Bryce

and our Prime Minister - Julia Gillard

Bye for now - back soon with another musing from my heart.

Love and hugs,