FEBRUARY 2024 – IN REVIEW

Children Fall Over, Old People Have a Fall –

The first week of February was a typical week for me. A social calendar dominated by medical appointments. I had to have two fasting blood collections, which I hate. And, to cap things off nicely, just as I was about to enter the shower on Wednesday 7^th, my right knee suddenly and completely gave way, my leg went from under me, and, before you could blink, I was on the bathroom floor. It took Nam, multiple grab rails, a bathroom stool and a crane borrowed from a local construction site to get me on my feet again. I now hurt and ache in places that I didn’t know I had.

An Evening with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra –

Saturday, 10^th February, was billed as “Majesty”. It was not a royal watchers’ magazine, but the title of the ASO’s first Symphony Series Concert for 2024. Pianist, Alexander Gavrylyuk, was splendid as the soloist for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor. The audience kept calling him back afterwards until he gave an encore: a beautiful, light piece that showed what a wonderful touch Alexander has on the piano. We were also treated to Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor and the Australian premiere of “Rainbow” by Thea Musgrave. The ASO, under Douglas Boyd, delivered in spades, and complete strangers were excitedly exchanging praises as we left the Hall.

“Dad’s on the Dunny” –

Andrew Squire and I have been friends since Grade 4, and we're now in our mid-60s! Andrew has published a book of stories from his past, "Dad's on the Dunny," with an insight, humility, and humour that is very Andrew! Sunday, 11th February, was the official book launch. I was delighted to see Andrew's parents, John and Eileen, for the first time in years! I'm told there's Volume 2 being written and that I should be nervous! 😨

John and Eileen Squire

Valentine’s Day –

I found this on my placemat at lunchtime on Wednesday, 14^th February.

Someone knows I like long-stemmed red roses!