The second half

Even though we are only just into the second half of winter, the wattle flowers are starting to bloom. 

I knew they were out before I found them, because the annual sneezing has started. Every year either the wattle or the pine tree pollen set off a mild allergic reaction and I sneeze unbidden - and satisfyingly loudly - throughout the day.

The sight of the flowers is particularly precious this July. This winter is proving to be the most challenging yet thanks to my back problem, and the very slow improvement. Chances are this is an ailment I will need to take care of for the rest of my life, which means I must start thinking seriously about adapting my lifestyle a bit to protect it.

I have begun to write down things I would normally do around the property which I now know hurt my back. And at the same time I am developing work-arounds. Where there isn't an obvious alternative way to do something, I'm red-starring it so that I can come back to it later.  

Of course my back will definitely continue to improve, possibly until I can't feel it at all most of the time. From what Nicola has explained though it is always likely to be a weakness; easily aggravated. So taking positive and creative steps to allow me to carry on with this wonderful life for as long as possible is possibly the most sensible thing I've done for months.

And I feel fortunate to have the time to plan ahead. It has cheered me up no end. Almost as much as the sight of the wattle flowers.