Detox: Day 3, 26/04/13

A fitful night's sleep, and still sleepy now. A nice woman came in early and took what felt like a litre of blood, I presume for tests regarding my liver.

I really felt like a sleep after that, but was roused to walk down to the local park for a little exercise. It was well worth the the effort! One of the guys, Kevin, kicked the footy into the middle of the lake, and despite a gusty wind, it refused to come anywhere near shore.

He took off his shoes and rolled up his jeans, and waded in gently, the water just brushing his knees. The ducks scattered at his entrance, but he surged ahead boldly, until he just disappeared under the surface. Seems it was a little deeper than he thought.

If I had to guess, I'd say that lake was made up of 1 part rainwater, 2 parts duck shit and 1 part pollution.

After a bit of coercion, i.e., 'Don't be a fag', I joined in a kick to kick, and actually did very well. My brother would be proud.

We made our way back to the unit and made our own pizzas for lunch. First good meal I've had here.

***

Out on the back patio there is an exercise bike, a few tables and chairs, and a disused barbecue. Sitting here during the day, it's easy to relax and watch the builders at work, constructing the massive new addition to Box Hill hospital.

The graffiti out here is my favourite thing, however. Most of it is standard, with scrawls like 'Trev was 'ere July 2008' and 'Alina dried out here, Oct. 2010'. Some genius even wrote 'Brooks was here'.

But the odd ones out delight me.

'Day 2. Shat half my meds. 14/09/09'.

'Cam was here. Now it's just Cam'.

'Hot violent not silent you your pocket rocket.'

***

Tonight I played Scrabble against Anne, who is an alcoholic grandmother (and the oldest in the unit), and I only barely won! Floppy would have been proud of her, as she played 'Qi' on a triple word score.