Mango smoothies and motorbikes on Monday

Hi followers of the Bryan Flyan Flemming blog site,

It is Rebecca here blogging for this week. Dad has been having a lot of adventures in his power chair over the last week. He is excited now that he can get out and explore the outskirts of the hospital.

Uncle Jeff made a surprise trip over from China this weekend for Pop's birthday, which is today. Dad didn't know he was coming over, so was a little shocked to see his brother standing outside the dining hall after lunch on Friday. Dad and Uncle Jeff went down to the Norman for a feed, Dad leading the way in the vroom vroom chair.

Mum and I spent the weekend down in Surfers Paradise for our annual girls weekend away with the touch footy girls. We returned to Brisbane on Sunday for Pop's birthday lunch with Dad, Nan, Unlce Jeff, Aunty Chris and Aunty Ros. Then we watched the end of bathurst in the spinal ward lounge room with big screen TV. Dad's cousin Ray also came to visit on Sunday afternoon.

It was my day with Dad yesterday as usual and we had a really good day. I arrived at the hospital very early and he hadn't even had a shower yet! Once Bryan was up we sat on the balcony in the sun to warm up a little as it was very cold here yesterday morning. Dad now has a moblie phone holder that he can hook to his hand and lift up to his ear to use his phone. He has his mobile phone on him and can answer it and even send a text message!

I bought some soy milk for Dad to make a smoothie in OT. He was given 2 mangoes and we decided that we should use them in a smoothie. Mark and Stacey turned up just in time to join in the fun!

Dad cut up the mangoes, poured in the milk, got the milo tin open and spooned it in, opened the honey jar and poured some in. He then took the blender over to the other bench, put in on its base and blended in up.

He then poured himself, Emily, Mark, Stacey and I a glass of Mango Milo smoothie each. A very weird combo of flavours but it tasted alright. We decided next time we will need some ice cream!

Mark, Stacey, Dad and I then went across the road to a little cafe for a yummy lunch and some fresh air.

Physio time at 2pm and Dad was keen to push himself hard. He did some long and short sitting, ranging and then practised rolling over, propping and sliding his bum across the bed. As I watch Dad struggling to move himself across the bed I find myself trying to do the movements for him. It doesn't help much so I give him as much verbal encouragment as I can. He is builing up his arms very fast and he finds they really burn after a day in the chair and the gym. At the end of todays session Dad's physio helped him do an assisted transfer from the bed into his chair. It is hopeful that when Bryan builds up enough strength he will be able to do this himself!

During physio Dad's friend Geoff Udy arrived on his yellow Can-Am Spyder Roadster. Dad and Geoff spent a while checking out this awesome piece of transport. Then moved to Starbucks for coffee and cake.

It was then time to say goodbye for another week. Back to uni for me and back to recovery for Dad.

Until next time!

Love Becca and family xx