Aubrey
Welsh
December 2024
Christmas lunch was had with my neighbours, the McGregors, and their extended family
December 2024
By this time, I had been living at 57 Kiwi Esplanade for six years - a very happy period of my life, indeed. Thanx D & D.
New Year's Eve 2024/5
I usually toast the NY in with some bubbly and watching television - this year was no exception.
1 January 2025
After Xmas, I slowly began my VSED which meant reducing food and liquid intake
January 2025
During the next four weeks, I mostly stayed home losing some 15 kg in weight but felt quite fine.
early February 2025
As many people had implored me to stop VSED I did so - against my own wishes.
15/16 February 2025
I was hospitalised for severe abdominal pain, diagnosed with colon cancer and operated on.
late February 2025
After 10 days in MIddlemore Hospital, I was discharged for several months recovery at home.
March 2025
On the one hand, I was happy to have more time with family and friends but on the other, was unsure of my future.
February 2025
Murray and Jeff came to visit me in hospital bringing me a number of copies of Forest & Bird magazine.
February 2025
Pam Resnick, a long-time colleague and friend sent me these beautiful flowers - I was so touched!
February 2025
Other visitors included Dianna and Maeve (above), Denne, Jane, Ken and Deon - thanks to all of you.
March - June 2025
During my recuperation period, I would take short, then longer, walks around my neighbourhood.
April 2025
On one walk, I photographed almost 40 Hibiscus blooms - all in the gardens of homes in Mangere Bridge.
April 2025
But life with "Stubby & Till" - my stoma and colostomy bag - was not all beauty and fragrance!
March - June 2025
This is what a stoma looks like - it is the end of the small intestine pulled through the tummy skin.
May 2025
But I did my best to remain positive and optimistic—even declining chemo and radiotherapy!
May 2025
Ken and Deon had me to stay over for a w'end after we were all invited to dinner Harold and Mershen's -Albany.
June 2025
My early lectures for my master's were held in delightful old villas like this one. Sadly, most have now gone.
June 2025
Uni of Auckland's Business School is an example of the modern new buildings across the campus. A great walk.
June 2025
But there are still magnificent corners of the campus - here a view of the Sky Tower in central Auckland.
3 June 2025
On my birthday, Denne and Dianna surprised me with a cake and a small celebration. Thank you neighbours!
June 2025
This rainbow wasn't on my birthday but it reminded what a wonderful world we live - we just need to 'see' it.
June 2025
Patricia and Boni Chan are long-time friends and they took me out for a catch-up brekkie.
27 June 2025
At an appointment with my surgical team, high BP, cholesterol and weight - all meant NO stoma reversal (yet).
July 2025
Candesartan and Amlodipine for lowering BP, Lorstat for cholesterol - will all help improve my health.
July 2025
I had to measure my BP every day so had to buy a home BP monitor - still using it in November 2025!
July 2025
My sleep patterns have been crazy but it meant I could catch some incredible sunrises during the winter.
July 2025
And some amazing cloud colours during the day - this was late one afternoon just after sunset.
July 2025
And of course the brilliantly flame-coloured sunset skies with the trees in silhouette.
August 2025
With my stoma reversal delayed, I decided to avail myself of some relief teaching - this at NZLC in Auckland
August 2025
Teaching made me get up early and as it was winter it was just getting light as I got off the bus in Queen Street.
August 2025
With teaching finishing at 2pm, I was able to catch up one some of the exciting 'happenings' in the city; tai chi
28 August 2025
Great excitement - Michelle Amado (middle) arrives to visit Jane and I - we were all colleagues at Durham Uni.
August 2025
On our first visit to Auckland City, had to take this photo of Michelle and some Maori she knew very well!
August 2025
With so many pics of Michelle in Auckland, Piha on the west coast was a definite must - a great visit.
September 2025
One of my favourite pics of Michelle and my shadows on the vast expanse of the volcanic (black) sand beach.
September 2025
I had to show off this interesting sculpture in the lobby's of one of our office skyscrapers.
September 2025
All too soon Michelle's trip was over but not before a scrumptious Italian dinner in Ponsonby to say farewell!
8 September 2925
This was a blood moon over Mangere Bridge suburb and Auckland city in the distant background.
8 September 2025
My iPhone doesn't take great night pictures but I tried to get a close up of the moon - a bit hazy.
8 September 2025
As I walked down the mountain, I looked back to see this view as the moon dropped in the night sky.
10 September 2025
Karen Rutherford is a long time friend - also an amazing referee for many of my job applications - thanks, Karen!
10 September 2025
On this day, it would have been my mother's 98th birthday. RIP Mom - we all still miss you very much.
13 September 2025
Karen also accompanied me to the Free Palestine March through central Auckland.
September 2025
Ambury Farm is a 10min walk from home and every now and then, new exotic animals show up e.g. llamas.
22 September 2025
Attended a funeral service for Jimmy, my landlady's father. We became friends over 7 years I knew him.
September 2025
The Akl council wanted to discontinue an express bus service into the city - I attended a 'protest' mtg - we 0.5 won!
5 October 2025
Over the past year, I have been attending monthly Death Cafe meetings at the Auckland Art Gallery.
5 October 2025
Attendees talk openly about life and death and it really is invigorating to share our stories together.
October 2025
Auckland has become a popular berthing point for international cruise ships - often 2 or 3 at a time!
Ex-Massey Coffee Club
For more than 5 years, the ex-Massey PaCE group have met for coffee and a catch-up at various North Shore cafes.
November 2025
These beautiful Pohutukawa blossoms are flourishing everywhere - it's beginning to look a lot like Xmas!
17 December 2025
This is the date I will have my stoma closure operation and I can get rid of the 'bag' after almost a year. Happy.