Day 49: Maddies silver circles

Coast Trek 1, March 2015

It was a treat to see my dear friend Maddie today (Day 21). We've been trying to catch up for weeks but as I'm finding with this regime, the days don't always work out as planned! We had a walk around Sydney Park which was lovely, though it was less vigorous than what we're used to.






In the past two years, Maddie, Lindsey, Cazy and I formed team 'Jura Girls' and took part in the Fred Hollows Foundation 55km Sydney Coast Trek to raise money to cure blindness throughout the world. For us, training for the walk was as important as the trek itself; it gave us four busy women time to properly catch up, get fit and explore parts of Sydney's magnificent coastline we'd never seen before. Trekking or training, we always made sure we had lots of home-baked treats along the way; as Cazy says, we're probably the only team that consumed more calories than we expended on those walks!








Speaking of home made treats - OMG - Maddie arrived today with a freshly baked ginger shortbread slice! Maddie is an amazing cook, but doesn't herself have a sweet tooth, so I don't think she appreciates just how ambrosian this slice is. It's the perfect combination for me right now. Lindy was fortunate to arrive just in time for morning tea!

Now for my pitch: The Hollows Foundation is a fantastic charity - ranked as one of Australia's best in terms of bang for your buck - where cataract surgery for $25 will give someone back their sight.  Coast Trek is happening again this Friday, and even though we're not walking this time round, it is possible to make a generic donation here to support this great cause.

Importantly, while I'm on the subject of donations, Cazy has alerted us to the plight of a beautiful 7 year old girl Carys, who is in my nephew's class. Carys has an inoperable brain tumour and her family is fundraising to be able to take her to the UK to participate in a new treatment trial. They have raised $250,000 of the the $350,000 they need in just 12 days, but time's running out to get the additional funds. You can read about her case and if you can, make a donation here.


Day 49 and I'm wearing another pair of earrings Maddie gave me as a birthday gift about 5 years ago - not that she remembered! It so funny when the purchaser, in this case Maddie, compliments you on your earrings completely forgetting they bought them for you! Cazy, Lindy and Maddie have all done this now. I love that they unconciously stand by their selection, but their forgetfulness intrigues me... You can't forget giving or receiving a pair of earrings.... can you?... or just perhaps I've taken this earring obsession a bit too far...

Jessie and Molly

I'm on an upswing, thank goodness. Tiredness and background queasiness remain, but I'm feeling much better than the past few low days. Seeing Maddie and Lindy was a highlight, as was watching these two dog friends, Molly and (Maddie's dog) Jessie skittle around the house having such fun playing together. Until Miss Molly came along I never really understood the simple joys that dogs bring.