Up and off to the gym as hopefully it will be my last experience exercising with a large plaster club on my hand.
At 1040 we left the apartment to go to the health centre; we left prepared for a day out, hopefully shopping and a walk along the shore path to one of the bays would follow my appointment.
Almost on the dot of 1100 ( my appointment time) I was collected by the nurse who took me to a small A& E type area where she snipped my plaster off. What a relief to have my skin exposed to the air and be able to wash it! I was however shocked to see how swollen and bruised my finger, knuckles and the fingers either side of the broken one were. Without its plaster jacket on it felt, and still feels, very vulnerable. After about 10 minutes Bruce,the doctor,came in and examined my hand and agreed the next plan was to try and get it moving so the nurse buddy strapped it with my middle finger to give it support. After paying my $105 for the treatment ( and some extra tape and padding) we left. As we go to Stewart island at the end of the week we decided to buy some more tape and padding so next stop was the chemists. I did everything gingerly and although it's good to have my index finger free things are not as easy as I thought they would be - time to reassess! Anyway I consoled myself by returning to the shop where I had seen the merino and possum cardigan that I wanted - on second examination it was still the best I have seen - I also bought a versatile wrap which will be coming to Stewart island with me where it is supposed to be colder. We were now feeling a bit peckish so went to Patagonia to try the churros we saw on our last visit - long doughnut type edibles with an Argentinan caramel sauce - topped off with two coffees we were well set up for our walk around the river. We set off and walked past all the ducks who seem to regularly congregate on the park - they were a mix of grey and mallards, to Damper Bay - a round trip of 16km or 10 miles - great views and lots of birds - we saw an Australasian falcon perched on a fence ( tomorrow's photo) several Californian quail ( today's photo) and their broods of young (we also saw a family in the garden of our apartment when we got back) together with silvereye, yellowheads and others who were too quick to identify. Another highlight of the walk were strategically placed water barrels inviting walkers, with time, to give the plants a Christmas drink - novel - so we did stop at one and oblige! It was a lovely walk even though the skies were grey and beginning to look threatening. We had a few odds and ends to buy at New World when we got back - not least smaller plastic bags to cover my smaller dressing in the shower!! Before heading there we had a welcome cup of tea and a chelsea bun which did the trick and re-energized us.