Change one letter at a time to make a new word ----- BLOG, FLOG, FLOP.
In future, I'll have to flog my blog so that it won't flop! The irritating fact of the matter is that I was so unwell during our time away that I didn't have the energy to do anything, much less to keep up a blog. Oh well...... We figured that I might as well feel bad near the pools, as at home.
The poor old truck nearly didn't make the distance home. An hour from Moree, the clutch broke with a loud thwack! The gears were working, so we continued on our way. We tried not to stop anywhere, but when we did, Steve got us going again with the truck in gear, then a kangaroo hop! He was able to change gears as we travelled by matching the revs to the gears. Very smooth indeed!
We stayed for one night at the Gilgandra caravan park and then stopped only for petrol and gas for the rest of the distance, kangaroo hopping at each start. It was important to get smoothly across each intersection and roundabout and not stop at traffic lights. We went around the small towns with lights and created a miracle at all other intersections. Each time, we let traffic pass us, slowed down and looked ahead and by some amazing phenomenon, there was no traffic when we wanted to go through.
Of course, on the outback roads, there aren't many intersections but it was too amazing for words that nothing caused us to stop. With one exception. A violent storm erupted and as we slowly turned the corner at Conargo, blinded by rain, the truck came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. Another miracle ........ there was a slope off to the parking area of the famous Conargo Pub, so we rolled down, out of harm's way. We sat in silence, brains ticking over, until Steve muttered, "So near and yet so far." We had always known that the RACV would get us home but they wouldn't tow the van or truck. So we sat planning what to do next. Without hope, Steve idly turned the key and vrooom, vrooom --- away we went and didn't stop until we pulled up in our driveway.
We have continued to sleep in the van as the weather has been cool and the van is warmer than the house. Plus, we can cuddle up easier than in twin king singles! Alas, the double living is becoming a bit difficult, with articles not where we want them, so the move back inside is imminent.
Next move is to catch up with the family, who we've missed very much.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Visitor
A visitor arrived in with Steve this evening. A lovely, bright green frog. He hopped into the kitchen and just sat there, being admired. The frogs have been very vocal since the rain. Some have extremely LOUD voices and some seem to have raspy sore throats.
I'm afraid that the frog chorus at home might not exist, now that there's no water in the channel.
I'm afraid that the frog chorus at home might not exist, now that there's no water in the channel.
Wheat Harvest
After 3" total rain last weekend, everything was fresh and green. We looked at the "parking lot" of trucks, headers and other machinery opposite the caravan park in the morning and saw that another vehicle could not have fitted in. No one was working. By the next day, they were moving out and the following day they were all gone. It was work as usual, apparently. The crops up here hadn't been damaged and the crops further south were at a stage where they welcomed the rain. We can see the trucks lining up to deliver the grain to the silos and the trains continue running into the night, to take it away. We even see many headers travelling north on the road, so clearly, there is much more grain to collect. There are no vacant cabins available in the park now --- they are all taken up by workmen.
Above: Grain trucks parked all along the road outside the caravan park. Below: Road trains and semis parked on the land opposite the park. It is always boggy after the rain. The drivers occupy cabins and caravans in the park.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday
Today being the first Sunday of the month, we went to the market.
During the week, Emily and Carissa had asked if we would take them to the town pool. They had heard of some piece of blow-up play equipment that was going to placed in the pool for a couple of hours on Sunday. They knew that we couldn't fit them in the truck, so they organised with their parents for us to have their car. There wasn't much for us to decide!!
The market was good and we all enjoyed it and found some bargains. The girls felt that they had got the biggest bargains ever! They each bought a boxed set of watch, pendant and earrings for $10. The label on each box said RRP $199. When that was pointed out to me, I managed a casual, "How wonderful". Not so Steve. In my absence, he delivered a lecture on how this works. When I returned, they appealed to me, while Steve kicked me under the table and hissed out what he had said. I said again that they had got great bargains and Steve kept quiet! The girls were happy.
It was a different story when we arrived at the pool. The toy wasn't there, because the Council said it was too windy and might rain. They soon got over their disappointment when they met up with friends and started swimming. I had a great time going from the 39.8 pool, to the 26C olympic pool. The hot pool has 3 large jets of water and I hammered some particularly sore spots.
There are events on next weekend too so it's already mostly organised that we get the car again. One event is the Cotton and Harvest Festival. Emily pointed out that it was "tradition" for us to take them to that. We've taken them to the fair and parade for the past 2 years. No doubt the pool will be on the agenda again. I also want to go to a Craft Fair, so there might have to be some juggling going on!
During the week, Emily and Carissa had asked if we would take them to the town pool. They had heard of some piece of blow-up play equipment that was going to placed in the pool for a couple of hours on Sunday. They knew that we couldn't fit them in the truck, so they organised with their parents for us to have their car. There wasn't much for us to decide!!
The market was good and we all enjoyed it and found some bargains. The girls felt that they had got the biggest bargains ever! They each bought a boxed set of watch, pendant and earrings for $10. The label on each box said RRP $199. When that was pointed out to me, I managed a casual, "How wonderful". Not so Steve. In my absence, he delivered a lecture on how this works. When I returned, they appealed to me, while Steve kicked me under the table and hissed out what he had said. I said again that they had got great bargains and Steve kept quiet! The girls were happy.
It was a different story when we arrived at the pool. The toy wasn't there, because the Council said it was too windy and might rain. They soon got over their disappointment when they met up with friends and started swimming. I had a great time going from the 39.8 pool, to the 26C olympic pool. The hot pool has 3 large jets of water and I hammered some particularly sore spots.
There are events on next weekend too so it's already mostly organised that we get the car again. One event is the Cotton and Harvest Festival. Emily pointed out that it was "tradition" for us to take them to that. We've taken them to the fair and parade for the past 2 years. No doubt the pool will be on the agenda again. I also want to go to a Craft Fair, so there might have to be some juggling going on!
RAIN
There have been bumper wheat crops up here this year. We can see some of the silos from the van and the trucks are emptying out day and night. Long, long trains have been picking up the wheat from the silos for the last 10 days. The park is housing many of the workers.
Now suddenly tonight, it has begun to rain heavily, in bursts. So far, we have had an inch and it's still going. What is this going to do to the wheat??????
There's a vacant lot opposite to the entrance of the caravan park and the wheat trucks park there when they are not in use. It's crowded at present. If we see them leave in the morning, we will know that some outlying farms have been spared the rain.
I can't begin to think how heartbreaking it would be to rejoice in a bumper crop, only to have it ruined by the rain ----- the rain that was responsible for growing it so well. Mother Nature is so fickle.
Why isn't this rain falling at home? Farmers there didn't have a great hay growing season and would probably welcome this deluge.
Now suddenly tonight, it has begun to rain heavily, in bursts. So far, we have had an inch and it's still going. What is this going to do to the wheat??????
There's a vacant lot opposite to the entrance of the caravan park and the wheat trucks park there when they are not in use. It's crowded at present. If we see them leave in the morning, we will know that some outlying farms have been spared the rain.
I can't begin to think how heartbreaking it would be to rejoice in a bumper crop, only to have it ruined by the rain ----- the rain that was responsible for growing it so well. Mother Nature is so fickle.
Why isn't this rain falling at home? Farmers there didn't have a great hay growing season and would probably welcome this deluge.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Weekend
The 37C pool has been changed to a cool pool. The hottest one, 39C, still remains but the other two pools have gone to 35 and 36. I'm so happy! I love wearing a track between the hottest and coldest pools. I walk a few laps in each then plunge into the other one. So exhilarating!
The days have been quite hot so it's good to have a cool pool to swim in. The hottest one is still well used, mainly by the Europeans. The spas in their countries must be very hot.
Top temp today was 36. It remained at 20 last night. The aircon has struggled but it keeps the bedroom perfect for sleeping. We bought a fan to push the cold air down to the lounge end.
Tomorrow (Sat), there's an Art and Craft Fair which I want to see. On Sunday, we've been persuaded to take Emily and Carissa out for the day. First, it's to the market. We'll have lunch there and then go to the town pool. There's going to be some blow up play thing in the cool pool for a couple of hours during the weekends. The girls are very excited about this. I hope it lives up to their expectations. We'll take Nev and Lindy's car so as to fit everyone in.
We had pleasant visitors last week. Bernie, from Steve's caravan group, and his wife Lesley, called in on their way down to Sydney. We were happily surprised to find that 4 people could sit comfortably in the lounge.
Although we have tables and chairs in the nook near the door, we still aren't certain that this is what we want. This caravan might remain a work in progress for a very long time!
The days have been quite hot so it's good to have a cool pool to swim in. The hottest one is still well used, mainly by the Europeans. The spas in their countries must be very hot.
Top temp today was 36. It remained at 20 last night. The aircon has struggled but it keeps the bedroom perfect for sleeping. We bought a fan to push the cold air down to the lounge end.
Tomorrow (Sat), there's an Art and Craft Fair which I want to see. On Sunday, we've been persuaded to take Emily and Carissa out for the day. First, it's to the market. We'll have lunch there and then go to the town pool. There's going to be some blow up play thing in the cool pool for a couple of hours during the weekends. The girls are very excited about this. I hope it lives up to their expectations. We'll take Nev and Lindy's car so as to fit everyone in.
We had pleasant visitors last week. Bernie, from Steve's caravan group, and his wife Lesley, called in on their way down to Sydney. We were happily surprised to find that 4 people could sit comfortably in the lounge.
Although we have tables and chairs in the nook near the door, we still aren't certain that this is what we want. This caravan might remain a work in progress for a very long time!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Browsing
Today I went browsing. In all the years we've been coming here, I've never seen many of the shops. Steve valiantly dismantled the scooter and took it into town on the back of the truck so that I could wander around by myself. Like most men, he HATES window shopping!! We each had a two way radio so that we could arrange to meet up. I had a fabulous time!
The scooter's previous trip into town had been along the footpath as far as Woolworth's, on the outskirts. I'll repeat that trip next week, stopping off at the antique shop on the way.
As I meandered along the footpath, a young woman came up to me and introduced herself as from the Moree Champion. She asked me what I thought of the cancellation of the southern section of the new bypass, wrote down what I said and took my photo. I explained to her that I wasn't a resident but I did have an opinion about the town bypass. Every week, the newspaper has a poll on an issue and publishes the photos of 4 or 5 people and their comments. Big mouth!! This bypass is desperately needed, as the B Doubles and the Roadtrains have to drive through the main shopping centre. They are bumper to bumper for most of the day.
A BIG wind sprang up late this afternoon. We hurried home, expecting to see a caravan without an annexe. The caravan was safe but the annexe was flailing madly, like a bloated kite. Last week we looked out of the window and saw a willy willy headed our way. A conical shape, thick with leaves, danced across the road and lifted the annexe in the air, while Steve battled to hold it down. It was all over in a minute and was an entertainment for our neighbours who were unaffected by it. That annexe must have 9 lives!
The scooter's previous trip into town had been along the footpath as far as Woolworth's, on the outskirts. I'll repeat that trip next week, stopping off at the antique shop on the way.
As I meandered along the footpath, a young woman came up to me and introduced herself as from the Moree Champion. She asked me what I thought of the cancellation of the southern section of the new bypass, wrote down what I said and took my photo. I explained to her that I wasn't a resident but I did have an opinion about the town bypass. Every week, the newspaper has a poll on an issue and publishes the photos of 4 or 5 people and their comments. Big mouth!! This bypass is desperately needed, as the B Doubles and the Roadtrains have to drive through the main shopping centre. They are bumper to bumper for most of the day.
A BIG wind sprang up late this afternoon. We hurried home, expecting to see a caravan without an annexe. The caravan was safe but the annexe was flailing madly, like a bloated kite. Last week we looked out of the window and saw a willy willy headed our way. A conical shape, thick with leaves, danced across the road and lifted the annexe in the air, while Steve battled to hold it down. It was all over in a minute and was an entertainment for our neighbours who were unaffected by it. That annexe must have 9 lives!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Secret Garden
There must always be a play. Emily and Carissa, now 12 and 11, discuss the plot, very vaguely, and invent more as the play proceeds. Arguments are a necessary part of each performance! The little shelter at the back of our van is the venue. This play had an interesting plot, which we didn't see coming. Two little princesses, whose Mother had died at their birth, were raised by their stern and unloving father, the King. One day, the lonely girls found a secret garden. They visited it every day and found all sorts of interesting treasures. One day, they found a letter that was written by their Mother. In it, she said that the king had been very cruel to her and she had run away, reluctantly leaving her daughters behind, but she always planned to return for them. The princesses were overcome with joy to learn that their Mother was alive. They packed their bags and hid them in the secret garden, in preparation to flee when their Mother came for them. As there was no third actress, Mother was a mystical, soft voice, urging them to follow her. And they all lived happily ever after.
Tourism Award
The Chamber of Commerce awarded the Tourism prize to the Gwydir Carapark. Angela McDonald accepted the award. She is the manager of the park and her father- in-law Wal, is the owner.
Moree Makes History
Moree has won the Best Dressed Town Crier's award in the National Competition.It is the first uniform to move away from the traditional English clothing and the first to portray a town.
The uniform is a distinctly Aussie Driza-Bone.
The Moree Quilters spent countless hours depicting the landscape, crops, produce, flora and fauna and of course the famous artesian waters.
The tie and the inside of the coat represent the Kamilaroi people. Probably the most famous Kamilaroi is Jason Gillespie, the Aussie International cricketer.To read the newspaper article, you will need to increase the size with your browser.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Life's Longing For Itself
It amazes me that we settle down here so quickly. Six weeks have passed and it feels like months. I know that we will return home and settle back there equally as quickly. It's wonderful to have two places where we feel comfortable. The major difference here, is being so far away from family and missing them very much. Thank goodness for technology!
The other thing I miss is my house ---- although we love caravanning, the very size of the house seems to add solidity to my life. Just before we left home, my son made a joke about collecting the insurance on the house. When I thought about it, I realised how much the house has grown on me. Despite its rather derelict condition, it has a good feel about it. It's so large that you need to take a picnic lunch to go to the toilet. During winter, we shut up one half of the house and live in the other half, which conserves firewood. In summer, I will be happy to open it all up again and spend time in each room. At present, these rooms consist of: a lounge room, with music equipment, and walls of photos covering the peeling paint ; a room with exercise equipment, sewing machine and craft activities for the kids; the spare room, which has one double, two singles and easy enough room for more beds; and the last room is in the late stages of transforming from a junk room to a "museum"! I love having my collections of old books, comics, patterns and personal memorabilia where I can rummage through it. This last can't be done in a caravan!
Due to a couple of downpours of rain, over 2" in total, the land has become green again. The bulbs have come up and even though they are late and quite stunted, they have bloomed. Gibran calls that "Life's longing for itself", (according to my loose interpretation.) I've always admired that about plants --- it seems such an "honest", basic thing to do. We human beings often have to huddle down in the deep and conserve our strength, ready for the big battle to raise our heads. So what, if we're a little stunted and battered when we emerge--- we still show our true beauty.
A collage of the flowers that have bloomed.
The other thing I miss is my house ---- although we love caravanning, the very size of the house seems to add solidity to my life. Just before we left home, my son made a joke about collecting the insurance on the house. When I thought about it, I realised how much the house has grown on me. Despite its rather derelict condition, it has a good feel about it. It's so large that you need to take a picnic lunch to go to the toilet. During winter, we shut up one half of the house and live in the other half, which conserves firewood. In summer, I will be happy to open it all up again and spend time in each room. At present, these rooms consist of: a lounge room, with music equipment, and walls of photos covering the peeling paint ; a room with exercise equipment, sewing machine and craft activities for the kids; the spare room, which has one double, two singles and easy enough room for more beds; and the last room is in the late stages of transforming from a junk room to a "museum"! I love having my collections of old books, comics, patterns and personal memorabilia where I can rummage through it. This last can't be done in a caravan!
Due to a couple of downpours of rain, over 2" in total, the land has become green again. The bulbs have come up and even though they are late and quite stunted, they have bloomed. Gibran calls that "Life's longing for itself", (according to my loose interpretation.) I've always admired that about plants --- it seems such an "honest", basic thing to do. We human beings often have to huddle down in the deep and conserve our strength, ready for the big battle to raise our heads. So what, if we're a little stunted and battered when we emerge--- we still show our true beauty.
A collage of the flowers that have bloomed.
Can anyone identify this very low growing shrub, with white flowers, shiny leaves and red seed pods???
After sending Peace cards and receiving answers, I was very disappointed to find that no one could tell of celebrations for International Peace Day on September 21st, anywhere in the world. Given the number of conflicts throughout the world and the number of countries and personnel involved, wouldn't you think that there would be celebrations happening somewhere??? My friend Rosemary, from the USA, wrote, "Only one little article appeared in our paper about today's soldiers were to hold up on firing to observe the day of peace."
I'm going to write to the United Nations and ask them why they think this day is a "global holiday". In my opinion, this should be the biggest day of the year, religious or non-religious. Peace involves love and love is a basic concept of any religious or human belief. Anyone care to join me in trying to promote International Peace Day for next year?????
I'm going to write to the United Nations and ask them why they think this day is a "global holiday". In my opinion, this should be the biggest day of the year, religious or non-religious. Peace involves love and love is a basic concept of any religious or human belief. Anyone care to join me in trying to promote International Peace Day for next year?????
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Apologies
It occurs to me that I should change the heading of this blog .......... "Travel the Australian countryside and unravel my eccentric mind."
There's little travelling in it, especially as I slept all the way on the drive up here. Although I'm still happily eccentric, nothing much shows through at present. I haven't got enough energy for eccentricity. My sleep pattern is all over the place --- I've been awake for 36 hours on a few occasions and haven't had more than 6 hours of sleep at any one stretch. I've slept more in my chair than I have in my bed. I think this is due to the chair arms supporting my painful arms and shoulders.
I can't complain though. My good friends Carole (USA) and Carla (Holland) are fighting secondary cancers. I think about them so much and feel as if I'm fighting with them. They are both inspirational!
There's little travelling in it, especially as I slept all the way on the drive up here. Although I'm still happily eccentric, nothing much shows through at present. I haven't got enough energy for eccentricity. My sleep pattern is all over the place --- I've been awake for 36 hours on a few occasions and haven't had more than 6 hours of sleep at any one stretch. I've slept more in my chair than I have in my bed. I think this is due to the chair arms supporting my painful arms and shoulders.
I can't complain though. My good friends Carole (USA) and Carla (Holland) are fighting secondary cancers. I think about them so much and feel as if I'm fighting with them. They are both inspirational!
Book Week, old cars and reminiscing
A mini cyclone blew through the door last Monday. It was the girls' first day back at school after being off sick for a week. They were hit with the news that the next day was Book Parade day and they had to choose a doctor in a story, give a speech to the class and dress up. Emily said she had chosen hers, although I never did understand who it was. Carissa needed a doctor. Without being able to read a book, it was easier to choose a real doctor, so we looked up info about Patch Adams, the clown doctor. They had seen the Robin Williams movie, so it was easy.
Bright and early next morning, Lindy had them up here in their costumes. I still didn't find out who Emily represented but predictably, beneath her warm jacket, her costume was skimpy!
We've had 2" of glorious rain and everything is much greener. The crop dusters have been busy at the airport beside us but we don't know what it is they are spraying.
The monthly market was on yesterday and we spent a lovely morning browsing. It seems that the Council would like to remove this market from the park because they are trying to charge the stallholders $55 a month each, for insurance.
The vintage car display was excellent and I chose a nice old Rolls Royce! We spoke to an older couple who were pleased to tell us about their elegant old car, a 1928 Packard. They drive it everywhere, with a similar or better fuel economy to modern cars. The lady loved the features like the tasselled side curtains and the brass rail that holds a rug in the back seat. They said that all of their children and grandchildren want it left to them. As they can't work it out fairly, they plan to leave it to no one in particular and "let them fight it out for themselves."
Steve jabbered on happily about cars he had owned and disposed of before he was 15 ......... A '26 A Model Ford and a '48 Mercury with a V8 and "big as the side of a house, iridescent black". I could have cheerfully clobbered him!! Where are these cars now when he would really have appreciated them!!! He and his mates, who all had cars too, used them to go to each others' houses, through the bush. Long before they were licensed to drive, they learnt how to manoeuvre their cars in difficult circumstances and to do basic repairs. This is an opportunity I would love for our grandkids.
After we got home, I discovered that his A model Ford had no body; it was just a chassis on wheels; his mate Greg built a wooden tray for the back so that they could transport the tent and other camping gear, as the group of 7 or 8 often went camping and fishing. What an idyllic childhood! What smart parents they had! Another tale that came to mind concerned Graeme Bruns, the older brother of Neville Bruns, who used to play for Geelong. Graeme told the gang that his parents were going to Bendigo with another family, for the races, so the bunch of them wagged school and Graeme "borrowed" the family car for a day out in the bush. Unfortunately, the car got scratched and Graeme was found out. Pity! Graeme didn't hang out much with that group of boys because he was a big footy star in the making and was frequently at practice. Sadly, Graeme came down on his head at a footy match when he was a teenager and ended up with brain damage.
We went out for a beautiful dinner last night, courtesy of Dom and Mandy, as a Fathers' Day present. I don't think we should eat for a week. What a pity it doesn't work that way!
Off now for a massage with Tom. I haven't been swimming at the main pool, where he is located. The two hot pools there are 39.8 and 41.8, too hot for me. The cool pool is 28C, too cool at present but not for much longer.
Love to my family and friends,
Laurie
Monday, September 1, 2008
Lovely Spring Weather
Happy Spring to the Aussies!
We have had to put the air conditioner on to cool down on a couple of days. Yeeeehaaa!!! I feel the heat quickly but Steve is slow to warm up. This can be a little difficult in a caravan, where we can't split up and go to different rooms, where we can adjust the temperatures to suit. Most days are around 26C at present. As soon as the frosts finished, green leaves shot up from the ground that Neville had raked over. They were helped along by an inch of rain over the weekend. The jonquils and freesias threaten to be quite stunted but the lilies and gladioli look as if they will grow normally.
Emily and Carissa haven't returned to finish the jigsaw because they became very sick. Carissa was in hospital for 3 days. When we went up to see her, she and another girl from her school were in beds side by side. Apparently some mystery virus was rampaging throughout the school.
Steve is enjoying not having to work frantically on the caravan every day. He had become quite sore from lying on concrete and working above his head or climbing up to the roof and down a few dozen times a day. He announced today, while he was soaking in the pool, that his aches and pains had disappeared. He is slowly getting bits and pieces done. The pantry was completed before we left home but we forgot to latch it on the trip and the slide broke. He bought more from the Internet and has it repaired now. I do love that pantry!! These pictures show it closed and open. You can see Steve's computer terminal at the bottom. A door matching the pantry goes over it but this isn't on yet. It holds a great deal and it is easy to see in and reach everything.
Steve has made the bedside drawers. They are big and deep and slide smoothly. It's a relief to be able to have clothes close at hand. Nothing is painted yet. I keep offering but Steve keeps refusing (wisely.) I'm not known for my tidy painting skills.
We've set up an eating area near the door, with folding chairs and temporary tables and are experimenting with different positions. When we are satisfied, we'll replace the folding tables with a wooden one that folds down from the wall. As we are usually eating when my favourite "Something In the Air" comes on TV, we swing the television around.
We have had to put the air conditioner on to cool down on a couple of days. Yeeeehaaa!!! I feel the heat quickly but Steve is slow to warm up. This can be a little difficult in a caravan, where we can't split up and go to different rooms, where we can adjust the temperatures to suit. Most days are around 26C at present. As soon as the frosts finished, green leaves shot up from the ground that Neville had raked over. They were helped along by an inch of rain over the weekend. The jonquils and freesias threaten to be quite stunted but the lilies and gladioli look as if they will grow normally.
Emily and Carissa haven't returned to finish the jigsaw because they became very sick. Carissa was in hospital for 3 days. When we went up to see her, she and another girl from her school were in beds side by side. Apparently some mystery virus was rampaging throughout the school.
Steve is enjoying not having to work frantically on the caravan every day. He had become quite sore from lying on concrete and working above his head or climbing up to the roof and down a few dozen times a day. He announced today, while he was soaking in the pool, that his aches and pains had disappeared. He is slowly getting bits and pieces done. The pantry was completed before we left home but we forgot to latch it on the trip and the slide broke. He bought more from the Internet and has it repaired now. I do love that pantry!! These pictures show it closed and open. You can see Steve's computer terminal at the bottom. A door matching the pantry goes over it but this isn't on yet. It holds a great deal and it is easy to see in and reach everything.
I bought a glass cutting board which pleases me very much. It has the "right" colors and the high shine makes the picture look 3D from some angles.
Steve has made the bedside drawers. They are big and deep and slide smoothly. It's a relief to be able to have clothes close at hand. Nothing is painted yet. I keep offering but Steve keeps refusing (wisely.) I'm not known for my tidy painting skills.
We've set up an eating area near the door, with folding chairs and temporary tables and are experimenting with different positions. When we are satisfied, we'll replace the folding tables with a wooden one that folds down from the wall. As we are usually eating when my favourite "Something In the Air" comes on TV, we swing the television around.
Sam has starred as Mowgli in a musical, The Jungle Book. It was disappointing that we couldn't be there to see him. We shouted Talitha, Maddy and Josh the tickets and they attended in our absence. They were full of praise for Sam's performance.
Madeleine starts secondary school next year and is enrolled at Box Hill High School. I looked it up and was quite impressed with what they offer.
Madeleine starts secondary school next year and is enrolled at Box Hill High School. I looked it up and was quite impressed with what they offer.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
No news is good news
Monday ....... we went to the town pool and I was delighted to find that Tom is still massaging there. His English hasn't improved but he leaves no doubt as to what he means. I was given 2 kisses on each cheek and Steve got a double hand shake.
Tuesday ...... must have been advertised as Open Day because many visitors turned up to look at the van. I can't imagine strangers going to look at a neighbour's house; this is a caravan park thing. It's a big community, where anything new must be shared, examined and discussed.
Wednesday ..... Lindy came and picked us up for a tour of the big new house that she and Neville have had built. It was always the plan to rent it out but Lindy says it feels like adopting out her own child.
Steve put up the annexe. It came with the first caravan we bought 10 years ago (which is now "our townhouse" in Melbourne) and we never used it. It's not a perfect fit for this big van but it's in excellent condition and will provide shade in summer.
Carissa and Emily came after school and behaved well. They brought with them a big jigsaw and expected that I would be delighted. I didn't dare tell them that I hated jigsaws and Steve loved them, otherwise they would have badgered Steve. They set themselves up with table and chairs and were satisfied to do their jigsaw, as long as I talked to them while they did it. Fine by me --- just don't expect me to find missing pieces!
It didn't occur to me that the jigsaw wouldn't be finished in one sitting, so it has remained behind, in one corner of the van. It has actually done us a favour ---- it shows that a table and chairs will fit nicely in that corner. That area was destined to be the wardrobe but the day before we left home, Dominic suggested that the area would make a good eating place. We continued to think about that and have decided that the shower will become the wardrobe. If we need a shower in later travels, we'll have an outside one.
Thursday Tatum's 18th birthday. When I spoke to her this evening, she told me all about the parties that had been held for her at school during the day. She has been quite sick for the past few weeks, sore throat and sleeping a great deal. No prizes for guessing that the test results showed glandular fever. It will be a miracle if her good friends don't get it, as they share everything.
Hannah was cremated today..... no service, no family or friends present. I went to the newspaper office yesterday to put a notice in the paper, from park friends, but I was shocked to find that it must be on the letterhead of the funeral director.
Warmer weather has come at last! Neville demolished a lot of the garden after we left last year but some faithful bulbs are popping up their heads. Marion and Gwen will be disappointed to hear that the beautiful roses and the May bush have gone.
Tuesday ...... must have been advertised as Open Day because many visitors turned up to look at the van. I can't imagine strangers going to look at a neighbour's house; this is a caravan park thing. It's a big community, where anything new must be shared, examined and discussed.
Wednesday ..... Lindy came and picked us up for a tour of the big new house that she and Neville have had built. It was always the plan to rent it out but Lindy says it feels like adopting out her own child.
Steve put up the annexe. It came with the first caravan we bought 10 years ago (which is now "our townhouse" in Melbourne) and we never used it. It's not a perfect fit for this big van but it's in excellent condition and will provide shade in summer.
Carissa and Emily came after school and behaved well. They brought with them a big jigsaw and expected that I would be delighted. I didn't dare tell them that I hated jigsaws and Steve loved them, otherwise they would have badgered Steve. They set themselves up with table and chairs and were satisfied to do their jigsaw, as long as I talked to them while they did it. Fine by me --- just don't expect me to find missing pieces!
It didn't occur to me that the jigsaw wouldn't be finished in one sitting, so it has remained behind, in one corner of the van. It has actually done us a favour ---- it shows that a table and chairs will fit nicely in that corner. That area was destined to be the wardrobe but the day before we left home, Dominic suggested that the area would make a good eating place. We continued to think about that and have decided that the shower will become the wardrobe. If we need a shower in later travels, we'll have an outside one.
Thursday Tatum's 18th birthday. When I spoke to her this evening, she told me all about the parties that had been held for her at school during the day. She has been quite sick for the past few weeks, sore throat and sleeping a great deal. No prizes for guessing that the test results showed glandular fever. It will be a miracle if her good friends don't get it, as they share everything.
Hannah was cremated today..... no service, no family or friends present. I went to the newspaper office yesterday to put a notice in the paper, from park friends, but I was shocked to find that it must be on the letterhead of the funeral director.
Warmer weather has come at last! Neville demolished a lot of the garden after we left last year but some faithful bulbs are popping up their heads. Marion and Gwen will be disappointed to hear that the beautiful roses and the May bush have gone.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
HANNAH
Hannah embarked on her final journey at 8am today.
No family by her side and no funeral service to commemorate her life ---- I feel sad and hollow. Everyone deserves a farewell, at least, but this is how Hannah wanted it, for her own reasons.
Goodbye Hannah. I enjoyed knowing you. Rest in Peace.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Lazy Days
We're just ambling along lazily, not aiming to achieve too much just yet.
We've been to the Library and borrowed books and were pleased to find that our old friends are all still there.
This photo shows the arrival, around 5pm. I'm very happy to see the orange bougainvillea that I rescued last year.
The washing machine that we bought in Werribee is now located in one of the sheds and has already been put to good use. I figure that it will have paid for itself in about 7 weeks, (by not having to put coins in slots at the park laundry.) There's a clothes line right beside us so it's all very convenient. The rotary line was erected by Eric, the original tenant on this site. When Eric died, his sheds, line, garden, greenhouse and many bits and pieces were all left behind when a removalist came and towed away his caravan. The man in the site beside us is a great know-all and told us that Eric didn't pay his rent and was kicked out of the park. Steve said mildly that Eric had died, but the neighbour loudly contradicted this! We always meet several noisy, know-alls up here!
You might like to picture us as I write ------ The lounge is at the back end of the van. I have a recliner chair, a "granny chucker", with a massage insert and Steve has an office chair. We had planned to buy matching chairs but this can wait. I have purple throws over both chairs to make them match a little. We both have a window beside us; mine looks out over the airfield, the highway and the railway line and Steve has a view of the park. I have my laptop and Steve faces the side wall of the slide out pantry, which houses his terminal. His monitor is in a frame on the wall and he has a ledge above it for his bits and pieces. We're both connected to the Internet via the satellite. Steve built a ledge on the wall beside me, this morning. Later it will have a magazine
rack built below it. Sounds comfortable, huh??
We've met many previous fellow travellers in the pools. We were particularly pleased to see Marco and Rosa, with whom we've shared many happy times. Everyone is late coming this year because of the cold weather.
Today's weather :- -1.4 to 16C but next week is forecast to climb to 21C. Now that's more like it!
Love to all family and friends,
Laurie
We've been to the Library and borrowed books and were pleased to find that our old friends are all still there.
This photo shows the arrival, around 5pm. I'm very happy to see the orange bougainvillea that I rescued last year.
You might like to picture us as I write ------ The lounge is at the back end of the van. I have a recliner chair, a "granny chucker", with a massage insert and Steve has an office chair. We had planned to buy matching chairs but this can wait. I have purple throws over both chairs to make them match a little. We both have a window beside us; mine looks out over the airfield, the highway and the railway line and Steve has a view of the park. I have my laptop and Steve faces the side wall of the slide out pantry, which houses his terminal. His monitor is in a frame on the wall and he has a ledge above it for his bits and pieces. We're both connected to the Internet via the satellite. Steve built a ledge on the wall beside me, this morning. Later it will have a magazine
rack built below it. Sounds comfortable, huh??
We've met many previous fellow travellers in the pools. We were particularly pleased to see Marco and Rosa, with whom we've shared many happy times. Everyone is late coming this year because of the cold weather.
Today's weather :- -1.4 to 16C but next week is forecast to climb to 21C. Now that's more like it!
Love to all family and friends,
Laurie
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Our Neighbour
Those of you who travelled with me last year, might remember Hannah, our neighbour in Moree.
Two months ago, I received an email from Keith, who lives opposite Hannah, telling me that the poor dear had fallen and had broken a leg, ribs and ankle. She fell at Bingo, which she loves and played every day.
Despite surgery at Armidale and Moree hospitals, she made no progress and is now in the Moree nursing home. Unfortunately, the Armidale hospital lost her glass eye and it wasn't replaced. I'm sure that this hurt Hannah a lot, as she was very particular about her appearance.
Everyone keeps telling me that she refuses to eat and doesn't like the hospital food. I guess that no one mentioned to her doc that she eats only pickled herrings, whole beetroot and an occasional egg.
She hasn't recognised her partner, Bernie, for the last couple of weeks but knew her son whom she hasn't seen for a long time. Hannah had a lot of skeletons in her closet and told me about some of them last year. I think she would be very sad that her 2 daughters didn't come to see her.
I was going to see her today but Bernie said it might be better not to go. He told us that she is now unconscious and he has been interviewed by the staff about funeral arrangements.
I have great difficulty thinking about these arrangements. He says that Hannah wanted no service, no funeral, just a cremation. When she dies, her body will be sent straight from the hospital to the crematorium, which will go ahead without family or friends present. It seems such a lonely way to leave this earth, after nearly 80 years. Bernie is taking Hannah's son back to Victoria at the weekend. I do hope that Hannah can wait until his return.
Two months ago, I received an email from Keith, who lives opposite Hannah, telling me that the poor dear had fallen and had broken a leg, ribs and ankle. She fell at Bingo, which she loves and played every day.
Despite surgery at Armidale and Moree hospitals, she made no progress and is now in the Moree nursing home. Unfortunately, the Armidale hospital lost her glass eye and it wasn't replaced. I'm sure that this hurt Hannah a lot, as she was very particular about her appearance.
Everyone keeps telling me that she refuses to eat and doesn't like the hospital food. I guess that no one mentioned to her doc that she eats only pickled herrings, whole beetroot and an occasional egg.
She hasn't recognised her partner, Bernie, for the last couple of weeks but knew her son whom she hasn't seen for a long time. Hannah had a lot of skeletons in her closet and told me about some of them last year. I think she would be very sad that her 2 daughters didn't come to see her.
I was going to see her today but Bernie said it might be better not to go. He told us that she is now unconscious and he has been interviewed by the staff about funeral arrangements.
I have great difficulty thinking about these arrangements. He says that Hannah wanted no service, no funeral, just a cremation. When she dies, her body will be sent straight from the hospital to the crematorium, which will go ahead without family or friends present. It seems such a lonely way to leave this earth, after nearly 80 years. Bernie is taking Hannah's son back to Victoria at the weekend. I do hope that Hannah can wait until his return.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Moree -- at last
Saturday August 9
From home to Jerilderie, the Ned Kelly town. Models of Ned, the Bushranger/hero, depending on which side of the fence you sit, decorate roof tops, shop windows and footpaths. When I was a child, Mum cautioned me about taking sides. She had friends in Glenrowan who were related to Ned and they hailed him as a champion of the poor.
Sunday Aug 10
Jerilderie to Peak Hill. I slept, so Steve kept on driving. 430 kms. We were greeted by the always enthusiastic Lleyton at Peak Hill Caravan Park, with the traditional scones, jam and cream. That was quite amazing, as his wife Pauline, the scone cooker, was away. (I suspect she froze them before leaving but I didn't want to risk insulting him by asking!)
Monday Aug 11
Peak Hill to Moree, arriving 5pm. I slept, so Steve kept on driving!!! 450 kms ---- normally, we don't travel so far with a caravan. After a few necessary jobs were done, we headed straight to the pool. It was a freezing night but the pools were wonderful. I, (attired in bathrobe, beanie and scarf) rode the Panther, while Steve trotted along beside. We were greeted with, "Oh, here's the lady who jumped out of the aeroplane last year." I do hope that there weren't any strangers who added the scooter plus jumping out of a plane and came to the wrong conclusion!!
Tuesday Aug 12
I was up early, with great plans for today. Instead, I slept!!!! Steve had a number of inquisitive visitors during the day --- some even crawled under the van! Emily and Carissa burst in after school, waking me up from my day long sleep in the recliner. They were impressed with the size of the van but scathing about its unfinished state. I hoped that by now, the girls might have learnt to modify their spontaneous outbursts. One of my pet hates has always been kids publicly coming out with statements like, " That old man looks dirty." etc. In our family, we went by the Thumper principle (Bambi) ---- If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."
Tomorrow is another day (am I mixing my movie metaphors?) and I hope to be awake!
From home to Jerilderie, the Ned Kelly town. Models of Ned, the Bushranger/hero, depending on which side of the fence you sit, decorate roof tops, shop windows and footpaths. When I was a child, Mum cautioned me about taking sides. She had friends in Glenrowan who were related to Ned and they hailed him as a champion of the poor.
Sunday Aug 10
Jerilderie to Peak Hill. I slept, so Steve kept on driving. 430 kms. We were greeted by the always enthusiastic Lleyton at Peak Hill Caravan Park, with the traditional scones, jam and cream. That was quite amazing, as his wife Pauline, the scone cooker, was away. (I suspect she froze them before leaving but I didn't want to risk insulting him by asking!)
Monday Aug 11
Peak Hill to Moree, arriving 5pm. I slept, so Steve kept on driving!!! 450 kms ---- normally, we don't travel so far with a caravan. After a few necessary jobs were done, we headed straight to the pool. It was a freezing night but the pools were wonderful. I, (attired in bathrobe, beanie and scarf) rode the Panther, while Steve trotted along beside. We were greeted with, "Oh, here's the lady who jumped out of the aeroplane last year." I do hope that there weren't any strangers who added the scooter plus jumping out of a plane and came to the wrong conclusion!!
Tuesday Aug 12
I was up early, with great plans for today. Instead, I slept!!!! Steve had a number of inquisitive visitors during the day --- some even crawled under the van! Emily and Carissa burst in after school, waking me up from my day long sleep in the recliner. They were impressed with the size of the van but scathing about its unfinished state. I hoped that by now, the girls might have learnt to modify their spontaneous outbursts. One of my pet hates has always been kids publicly coming out with statements like, " That old man looks dirty." etc. In our family, we went by the Thumper principle (Bambi) ---- If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."
Tomorrow is another day (am I mixing my movie metaphors?) and I hope to be awake!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Scooter
We picked up the Panther in Swan Hill yesterday. Many thanks to Carol, Mandy, Janette and PB for making it all happen so fast. I know that the scooter is going to be very useful to me and give me a lot of independence ...... BUT ....... I wish that my Seattle friend Carole, had it. Carole has Leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and isn't getting around too well.
After Steve charged the batteries, he pronounced it kaput! Later, he realised that the brake has to be on to start the motor. Now we're in business.
I've been on the phone a lot today, getting insurance for the scooter, re-arranging vehicle insurance and desperately trying to get the 5th wheeler insured. $700 a year seems an awful lot to me!
After Steve charged the batteries, he pronounced it kaput! Later, he realised that the brake has to be on to start the motor. Now we're in business.
I've been on the phone a lot today, getting insurance for the scooter, re-arranging vehicle insurance and desperately trying to get the 5th wheeler insured. $700 a year seems an awful lot to me!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Using the Delay
The delay in leaving has meant that Steve is able to continue with tasks that were going to be done in Moree. The pull-out pantry is almost finished. I love this space saving feature. The side wall of the pantry faces the lounge and it's on this wall that Steve will have his "computer desk". The tower is hidden in the bottom part of the pantry, which doesn't slide out.
The carpet and vinyl went down on Thursday and I'm thrilled with the overall effect. A friend of Steve's helped with this ; Trevor is a professional carpet layer turned dairy farmer. I'm not publishing photos of the interior until the tools are cleared away.
The building and packing were put on hold for 12 frustrating hours. My hearing aids went missing. I looked for about 2 hours before Steve joined in and then we searched together for another 3 hours. We reached the point of stupidity ----- looking in the fridge and freezer, and re-tracing each other's footsteps. Normally, the hearing aids are either in my ears or within hand's reach, in their box. By the time I went to bed, after searching until the wee small hours, I was in tears. I was woken by Steve after only a few hours sleep. He had continued the hunt for the hiding hearing helpers ---- AND FOUND THEM!! They were in such an obvious place! How could I have missed them? They were in a plastic bag of paper rubbish hanging on a cupboard door in the kitchen! Isn't that where everyone keeps their hearing aids??? I have no explanation.
The carpet and vinyl went down on Thursday and I'm thrilled with the overall effect. A friend of Steve's helped with this ; Trevor is a professional carpet layer turned dairy farmer. I'm not publishing photos of the interior until the tools are cleared away.
The building and packing were put on hold for 12 frustrating hours. My hearing aids went missing. I looked for about 2 hours before Steve joined in and then we searched together for another 3 hours. We reached the point of stupidity ----- looking in the fridge and freezer, and re-tracing each other's footsteps. Normally, the hearing aids are either in my ears or within hand's reach, in their box. By the time I went to bed, after searching until the wee small hours, I was in tears. I was woken by Steve after only a few hours sleep. He had continued the hunt for the hiding hearing helpers ---- AND FOUND THEM!! They were in such an obvious place! How could I have missed them? They were in a plastic bag of paper rubbish hanging on a cupboard door in the kitchen! Isn't that where everyone keeps their hearing aids??? I have no explanation.
Delay
| We have a delay. Yesterday, I received forms to fill in to receive an electric scooter. I've had the 3 hour assessment, need has been established, doctor's recommendation has been given and the scooter is at Swan Hill. These forms are just the final "handing over" process. We don't anticipate that this will take very long but things can happen ---- forms can go astray, people can go on leave etc. The scooter has a range of 32 kms, which is way more than I need to ride into Moree and back. Should I be let loose alone in the shops???? Steve is trembling!!! Ha! It can take me to the pool on "bad" days. I'll need to exert plenty of willpower, so that I still make myself get there with the walker on most occasions.  The scooter model is Panther. Good name --- for years on the CB radio, I was the Pink Panther. It's a delightful irony that 30+ years later, I can get the Panther title back. Pity I can't get my youth with it!! |
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Weight
The 5th wheeler went over the weighbridge today and came in at a tare weight of 2.5 tonnes. Steve had guessed about 3 tonnes and was pleasantly surprised.
Registration is tomorrow --- fingers crossed that all regulations have been covered.
Work has to be done on the truck before we can leave ----- only because I don't fancy bouncing 1200 kms on a bench seat. We have 2 bucket seats that Steve plans to put in it.
Registration is tomorrow --- fingers crossed that all regulations have been covered.
Work has to be done on the truck before we can leave ----- only because I don't fancy bouncing 1200 kms on a bench seat. We have 2 bucket seats that Steve plans to put in it.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Bed
We have slept in the van for the last 2 nights. I wanted to get accustomed to the mattress. It has coil springs with 4" of latex on top. I'm accustomed to sleeping on a totally latex bed that goes up and down and vibrates ----- (and makes coffee, posts letters and puts out the dog at night:-). The bed was comfortable, the van was warm and I slept there soundly this morning after Steve had got up and was using the angle grinder right underneath me.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
First ride
Today, Friday, I had my first ride in the truck towing the 5th wheeler. The van had stayed overnight at the plumbers, getting the gas fitted and we towed it home. It rode very smoothly, in fact it was smoother than just riding in the truck. Poor Steve had withdrawal symptoms while the van was away!
On Monday it will be weighed and the compliance plate made up with all the details.
It's time for me to sew some curtains ---- just two --- one for the bedroom and one for the door. It's not a big job and I'll be OK once I get started. For me, the hardest part is making that first cut in the material. That's do or die! The material is a deep, rich purple (of course.)
I've started packing at last.
We intend to leave without doors to cupboards and wardrobe. Steve will complete these while we are in Moree. Our site has two large sheds and a workbench and he figures that if he makes one cupboard a day, he should finish in a month.
I'm sorting out what to take and trying to put everything in plastic boxes, in some sort of logical order. I think I can safely guarantee that I'll never find what I want, when I want it!
I completely forgot that I had left many things in the old caravan. Steve brought all of these in today. Now I know where all of my towels went!!
I'm sorting out what to take and trying to put everything in plastic boxes, in some sort of logical order. I think I can safely guarantee that I'll never find what I want, when I want it!
I completely forgot that I had left many things in the old caravan. Steve brought all of these in today. Now I know where all of my towels went!!
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