Silence from OZ

[Keith Tindell]

At the risk of being told to mind my own business , our shipmate Roger Dyer has not posted for some time,. Hope all is well with him down under, KT

[Captain Kong]

He was fit and healthy when I was with him four weeks ago, and then he drove me a 100 miles or so to Wollongong from Sydney. Thank you Roger.
Cheers
Brian.

[Keith Tindell]

thanks for that Brian, probably too busy sunbathing out there!!! KT

[Ivan Cloherty]

Think he said a short while ago that he was going to be absent for some weeks as he had other committents which must take precedence, so not to worry about him.

[Doc Vernon]

As said
Roger is well I am sure,but I do know that he has other things of importance to attend to!
He will be back!
Cheers

[Roger Dyer]

Hello Keith, Brian and Ivan

Many thanks for your interest in my welfare (how nice to know that someone cares).

I shall not burden you with the unexpurgated version of events, but suffice it to say that, thus far, like many in England, 2014 has not been particularly joyous for Mr and Mrs Dyer. It started with us both having health problems to contend with, mine being the sort of thing that many of us expect and take in our stride as we get older. For Pauline (my wife), diagnosis of a cardiac problem was of far greater concern, coming at a time when surgery for a much needed knee replacement was pending. January was spent in hospital waiting-rooms and making endless visits to doctors and specialists for a series of treatments, including nuclear medicine ( which momentarily brought to mind visions of Nagasaki, 1945). After several weeks of this it all became a bit depressing, especially for Pauline, until finally it was decided that her scheduled operation could proceed in late February.

It was during this time that 'Doc' and |I met up with Brian (Kong) and his good lady, Anne, whilst they were visiting Sydney. For me, it came as a welcome change and it was, indeed, nice to see them all again.

A few days later, as if on cue, Pauline and I had to contend with a broken relationship within our family which left our two youngest grandsons (aged 8 and 7) unhappy and bewildered - at times like this it's always the kids that suffer most, isn't
it ? Part of the fall-out from this has seen our home (which is not large) become a temporary refuge for two little boys in need of all the reassurance their Nan and Grandad can give them.

Now that my lovely has had her operation and is rehabilitating at home, life has become rather hectic for us all. For nearly 52 years, Pauline, has been looking after me. Now, following a role reversal, it's made me realise the responsibility of providing full time care for someone else can be very demanding. To her credit, she hasn't once complained about my cooking, and what's more, the two boys think Grandad's shepherd's pie and Yorkshire puddings 'are to die for' ( their words, not mine). Such unsolicited praise has now given this land-locked scullion delusional visions of making wondrous advances in the world of culinary science (I doubt it will last for long).

It is distractions such as those I describe that have caused my lack of activity on this site, however, I don't intend for my absence to be a permanent arrangement and hope to be back to annoy you all in the near future (that should disappoint a few said he with tongue in cheek). I might also point out that, during my absence, my inquisitive nature compelled me to 'log in' on most days, if only for a few minutes. Clearly, I've noticed an increased level of activity in recent weeks which bodes well for the future progress of this site.....long may it continue.

Again, Keith, thank you for your concern, it was much appreciated, mate.


.....Roger



P.S. Brian(Kong), I'm sorry if I shatter any misplaced illusions you may have about me.....obviously you haven't
received the bill I sent you. Be advised that the cost of a hire car mit chauffeur don't come cheap here in Oz. Your
travel insurance might cover it...but I think it unlikely. Never mind, ay. It was good to see you both, give Anne a hug for me. Rowja.

[John Callon]

Keep your chin up Roger, I am sure everything will turn out well in the end. I know what you mean regarding health problems. My partner, Catherine, was discharged from hospital two weeks ago after having a pacemaker fitted, something neither of us anticipated. She has now been told that she needs a hip replacement after complaining of a pain in that area. To make matters worse I do not drive, my choice entirely. I never had the urge the learn, so Catherine is the driver, which makes it rather difficult when she is out of action so to speak.
But enough of my problems, there is ample public transport available. Take care and be positive - hope your good lady Pauline has a speedy recovery. Best wishes to you both.
Regards
John

[Captain Kong]

Hi Roger.
Many thanks again for the good turn you did for Anne and me taking us to Wollongong, We enjoyed your company all the way there, A cheque is in the Post for the hire car, Chaufeur and petrol, less $4 for the cup of coffee I bought you.
I knew of your problems but didnt want to air them on here, I do hope they are sorted out soon, we have an idea what it is like to have those problems. Please give our best wishes for a speedy recovery to your Pauline and hope she is back on her feet soon without too much pain. As you know Ben had the same operation but was whinging all the time we were there, and all our thoughts are with your two grandsons. I wish them a better future.
Once again Roger it was a great pleasure to have met you again. I hope I can do the same for you one day.
Many Thanks
PS I was going to telephone you but lost the paper with your phone number on. I did email Vernon to see if he had it but I may have the wrong email address for him.
Cheers
Brian and Anne.

[Chris Allman]

Roger may I wish you and Pauline the very best of luck for the future. The health obstacles and the family obstacles which seem to accompany old age are certainly a challenge, of which me and my beloved are very familiar with. We are currently in the process of weathering a storm containing both health and family issues which is proving to be quite formidable however the love which has kept us together for 44 great years is proving its worth and we look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. I am sure that the calm will come and that peace will prevail however I cant help wishing that it will be sooner rather than later as at our age, waking up is an achievement

[Lou Barron]

To you Roger I hope that thing get better for you and your wife gets a lot better .Also to you John I hope that wife to gets on the road to better take care all of you