Where has the year gone????????

 Welll.....

It appears that the year has flown by.  With Covid-19 impacting everyone.

When I was really ill in August 2019, the decision was made that we would begin the process of looking for a new homebase.  We began looking in earnest in about November of 2019m and found a lovely place in January 2020.  We were given notification in late February that the owner had agreed to our offer and he had completed some items that the Solicitors wanted completed before the sale could go ahead.

In February, I travelled to Dubbo to begin my Wiradjuri Language Course.  The week there was wonderful and I really enjoyed my time.  The block in March was cancelled due to Covid-19 so we decided to visit family instead.

In March we were in Wagga Wagga visiting family when Covid-19 was going wild and the states were saying they were going to close their borders.  We had been out with our sister-in-law Wendy for a great day up near Tumut, and that night the Prime Minister was saying that we were going into restrictions and Queensland and New South Wales were going to close their borders.  We decided that we would travel back to Queensland, to actually be in the state on the date we were to get the keys to our new home.

So we arrived back in Queensland 6 hours before NSW was due to close their borders and nearly 24 hours before the Queensland borders closed.  We double checked with the health authorities in Goondiwindi before we went any further.  We then made our way to Pittsworth and set up camp in their caravan park.  We were on a large site and well away from everyone and were able to 'isolate' ourselves for the 10 days that we were there.  We got the keys on the 1st April and moved the van to the house yard on 3rd April.

On the 2nd April we travelled to the storage locker in Loganholme to unlock it for the removalists.  They then told us to head back to the house and they would sweep out the locker before they left.  They arrived at the house and put all our belongings in the double garage and off they went.

We then lived in the van beside the house whilst we got the electricity etc double checked and we painted the inside of the house.  It is a 1910 chamfer-board cottage with 10 foot VJ walls inside.  A cute cottage and big enough for us.  Over the past months we have been getting the house and yard as we would like it.  There has been no rush as we haven't been able to travel anywhere because of restrictions.

In late April, I began to do an on-line course in the Wiradjuri Language, which I am enjoying thoroughly.  I am hoping that we will be able to go back to face-to-face blocks again next year.

In July I joined the Pittsworth Crafty Quilters group.  A wonderful set of ladies and we have been changing attendance as per the restrictions on gatherings imposed by the Government.  

All our children and grand-children now live in Toowoomba, so we are only about 1/2 hour from them.

We catch up frequently when we go to Toowoomba.  We are also keeping in touch with our close friends in the area and attempt to meet up when we can.

Darryl has re-joined the RSL and has been attending the Men's shed also.  It is great seeing him getting out and chatting with other men.

We are hoping to go away for a short trip in the van soon, but it will all depend on our commitments with the weaving group, quilting group and Men's shed.  

That doesn't seem like much for the past 7 months but it is all at this time.

We are settling into the home and the community and loving the country community.

a very eventful year!!!!

Hello everyone,
So sorry for not being a regular writer even when we have been in internet reception.
We have been very busy and caring for our friends properties during January to July.
It has been a difficult year weather wise [just like everywhere else in Australia] and we all DESPERATELY need good quenching rains.  Not just 20 or 50 ml, but about 100mm [4 inches] and then followup rains also.
It was a pleasure to care for our friends home whilst they travelled Tasmania in Feb to May, and then again in June when they travelled to Mexico for their sons wedding.  We also looked after our friends farm out near Crows Nest whilst they were away visiting the ancestral property out near Barcaldine.
In May, Darryl and I travelled to Barcaldine to be part of the AMLC [Australian Motorhomes Lions Club] GWR [Guinness World Record] attempt at 2 world records.  The first was the longest line of LED lights.  the World record was 660metres.  When the lights were measured at Barcaldine it was just over 5,900 metres. 
There were over 930 vehicles registered to participated in the longest line of rolling RV's.  On the Saturday afternoon and evening all the RV's had to drive out to the Barcaldine/Isisford Road and park up along the edge of the road, and be no more than 1 metre between you and the one in front.  This line of vehicles measured nearly 11kms.  We were vehicle 671 in the line.  On Sunday morning we were to be ready by 8am to begin the parading part of the record, but before we could start we had to wait for a helicopter to come flying over as it was recording the line of vehicles parked up.  At the same time the official distance recorder was marking a 3 1/2km stretch of road with lines at each kilometre.  There were video cameras and still cameras at each km and again at the 3 1/2 km mark, recording it all.
Darryl and I started rolling at 10am and reached Barcaldine (7km away) at 12.30pm.  We had a quick lunch and then had to head back to Toowoomba as I had to be there for Tuesday to teach weaving at the state [primary] school.
It took quite a few months for the data and videos and everything to be collated and went to Guinness World records office to be validated.  In October we were informed that the 'longest line of LED lights was NOT accepted as the line did not form and image.  I can recall that we were told it had to be the longest line, not that it had to form an image!  We found out in November that the Australian Records Office HAS recognised it as an Australian Record.
In Mid November we were informed that the GWR office had approved the longest line of parading RV's and will be recorded in the GWR data as having 868 vehicles [the previous record was 630 vehicles in Italy].
At the end of April Barb had a fall and damaged the thumb on her left hand.  Originally she was told that there was a small piece of bone chipped off it, BUT no one has been able to find it on x-ray since.  In late August she was informed that the joint is full of arthritis and she now has to wear a brace to keep the thumb bone in its correct position.
Throughout first semester Barb was teaching weaving to the students of the state school one day a week.  She thoroughly enjoyed this, and at the same time was attempting to teach the students some Wiradjuri language with the assistance of the Wiradjuri dictionary.  She had applied to do the language course through TAFE and was accepted to start in August 2019.
During May the doctors at the medical practice in Toowoomba changed Barb's medication to a newer form of her diabetic medications.
Towards the end of July, Barb was experiencing Meniere's symptoms and was treating it as per her usual regimen.  It didn't really improve and Barb was experiencing breathlessness on top of all her other symptoms [vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting] and then she started vomiting incessantly.
This progressed to where she was experiencing chest pain.  Darryl made the decision to take her the 45mins into the ED [Emergency department] at Toowoomba Hospital.  We arrived there at nearly 4 am and Barb was still vomiting and unable to walk more than about 4 metres at a time, before needing to rest and catch her breath.  She was taken through into ED proper and placed on a trolley.  Barb was quite dehydrated but the staff managed to get a sample of blood and then there was a room full of people and we were informed that Barb was in a DKA [Diabetic Keto Acidosis] episode and  we were very lucky to have taken her in when we did.
She was in ED for most of the 24 hours, before being taken to CCU/ICU [Critical Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit] where more procedures were attended and more IV lines inserted to try and get her glucose levels down and her other electrolytes within normal limits.  She was in CCU/ICU for 24 hours before being transferred to the medical unit.  It was here that she was informed that the new diabetic medications that were started in May, had been mimicking her Meniere's, and because she was treating the Meniere's symptoms, the diabetes was getting way out of control.  She is now very well aware that she must double check her diabetes BEFORE thinking it is Meniere's.
Barb was unable to walk as she was very unsteady on her feet and was instructed that she would need a physio review before being able to get out of bed.  After 4 days, she was reviewed and permitted to walk using a wheelie-walker with assistance.  Ummmmm - well, using a wheelie-walker anyway.
Because she was still having a lot of difficulty trying to drink and eat and still experiencing lots of burning in the oesophagus, she was taken to theatre for a gastroscopy, and informed that she had severe ulceration and oesophagitis.  She was commenced on anti-reflux medications via IV and oral.  She was reviewed the next day and instructed that she could go home with oral medications and a repeat gastroscopy in 6 weeks.
Barb stayed with Beckie and family for nearly a week, as she was unable to lie flat due to reflux, and she could sleep sitting up at the house.  After a week, Barb and Darryl moved to their friends home in Glenvale and awaited a review at the hospital.  After the review they travelled to Beachmere [near Bribie Island] for three weeks R+R.  Darryl did some fishing and Barb rested and began learning how to regulate her new medications.
We returned to Toowoomba for the repeat gastroscopy - and given a clear result. 
We then travelled to Wallerawang to spend time with Karen and Trevor.  During this time Barb travelled to Sydney to attend her Post-Grads luncheon at Parliament House and then a mini reunion with several of her fellow trainees.  It was a great time and she managed to spend two days with Gloria and 3 days with Sue.  She also caught up with Sheila (who had travelled out from England), Mary, Celia, Helen and Jenny.
Barb returned to Wallerawang, after catching up with Nicole in Penrith. 
We then spent a week with Karen and Trevor, before heading to Wagga Wagga and staying with Ian, Wendy and Holly.  Whilst here we caught up with Jenny and Family, Lyn and family, Barry and Raylene, Sharon and Stacey and then children, Di and Darryl and many others,  Sorry if I have missed anyone!
Barb also spent time with the Hands On Weavers [HOW] and also visited the Family History Centre to research different branches of the family.
We left Wagga Wagga and headed back towards Toowoomba.  We also stopped for the morning at 'The Dish' at Parkes.  What a fantastic morning we had, albeit with the flies.
We arrived back in Toowoomba and spent some time with Beckie and the grandchildren prior to travelling to Crows Nest to spend time with our branch of the Australian Caravan Club.  We had a great time catching up with old friends.  Hopefully over the next 12 months we will be able to catch up more often.
In November, Beckie purchased a small cottage in Toowoomba and she and the children have moved into their HOME.  No more rentals!
We are now in Logan Reserve spending time with dear friends [who happens to be our mechanic] and catching up with Sue and Gloria whilst we are here.
We are returning to Toowoomba for Christmas with family members before doing a farm sit for our friends Sandra and Tom.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Safe New Year.

Trip to South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales #1

Hi everyone,

Trip to South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales 2018

On the 30^th Aug Darryl and I took the caravan down to the Gold Coast to our Caravan Repair Guys and they replaced the door handle on the van.  It had become very loose and flapping in the slightest breeze and the door was difficult to secure of a night time.  So, a new handle as installed.  We then made our way to North Maclean (about 5km from Jimboomba) and set up in the free camp at Tully Recreation park.  This is not a bad camp if you need it.  You have access to toilets by the river and, also, a set of toilets up by the sports ground.  The traffic noise is not too bad either.

31^stAug saw us move into Jimboomba and park behind Woolies.  We then did our stock up of supplies before heading to the doctors for our Self-managed Health Care Plans and our Doctors check-up.  Once we had our new scripts and new blood forms issued we made our way to the van and started on our journey SOUTH.  We were heading west but plans changed on Wednesday with the news that a dear friend from Wagga, Elsie Fulmer, had passed away.  We altered our plans so that we could get to Wagga and support the family during their very sad time. 

On this day we managed to get to the Gladfield Rest Area and Driver Reviver, just north of Warwick.  The wind had picked up and there was a dust storm coming in from the west and rain was predicted, AND it was about 5.30pm, so we pulled over for the night.  The wind really picked up and was rocking the van considerably when the rain started.  We had steady rain for most of the night and were up at 6.30 next morning to keep travelling.

1^st September we left Gladfield at 6.30 and continued until we reached Goondiwindi. We had quite a thick dust haze travelling. We got fuel and a coffee here before continuing our journey southward, amd we lost the dust haze after Bellata NSW.  We knew we could take our time, but we wanted to get to Wagga as quickly as practicable.  So, we stopped for fuel at Narrabri and continued our way.  It was getting dark and the kangaroos were starting to get close to the road (about 3 metres of the asphalt) and we started looking for a rest area.  We found one that was close-ish to the road but long and we knew that the trucks would probably stop during the night.  The signage said it was a REST AREA, no mention of TRUCKS ONLY, so we walked the rest area and decided to back the van out of the way as much as possible – allowing trucks to enter and leave without us impeding their passage.   

We heard some trucks enter during the night, but it was not until we got up at 6.30 a.m. that we found we had 6 trucks in the rest area.  We had our breakfast and quietly left the area to continue our journey!

2^nd September.  We got to Tomingley, just north of Peak Hill NSW where we stopped for fuel.  The little alarm in the car told us we only had 30km before our tank would be empty, so decided it was best to fill up with Diesel.

We continued to make our way south and filled with fuel again at Wyalong before turning towards Wagga.  Lots of road patching along this road with lots of 60kmph areas.  We were doing the signed speed but were overtaken by so many vehicles completely ignoring the signs.

We arrived in Wagga, at Ian’s, at about 3pm.

3^rd September we slept late :D  Ian was beginning to wonder if we were getting up.  We did the washing and then sorted out what we were doing over the next couple of days.  We went to dinner that night with Ian, Wendy, Holly and Kurt.

4^th September.  Went and did some shopping and got supplies for tonight’s dinner.  Darryl cooked off the main part of it and then we had the veggies there ready to go.  Caught up with Kayla and Peter during the afternoon and then Jenny got home and asked if I could go and help her up at Elsie’s unit.  We sent a message to Ian about what needed to be done for their dinner and then we had dinner with the family before going to Elsie’s.  Jenny took me back to Ian and Wendy’s home about 9.30pm and we had a cuppa before she went back home.

5^th September.  Went and visited my friend Gail and my cousin Pam before going to the train station to collect cousin Sharon.  Trying to catch up with Lyn but that will happen tomorrow now.

6^th September. We spent the morning reminiscing about Elsie and then made our way to the funeral home for the Funeral.  It was a lovely service with great memories.  We then all went to the Wake.  It was great remembering a lovely lady and she will be sadly missed.

7^th September. Up this morning and washing and tidying.  We then took Sharon to the Train station to farewell her back to Lake Illawarra.  Her train departed ½ an hour late, BUT she got back to her home on time.  Kayla and Ash were heading back to Melbourne – their train left on time but was delayed by 1 ½ hours due to signal faults.

Darryl and I did some grocery shopping to ensure we had food for the rest of our journey.

17th August 2016 uploaded 25th August :C

Well time has flown, yet again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is so hard to believe that two months have flown by since our last update.  I was having issues trying to get in last month but that has all been sorted .  My issue today is that we do not have great reception (even with the aerial up in the caravan) so will have to upload this (hopefully tomorrow) when we are in better reception.  I must admit that it still amazes me that there are some towns that have really crappy internet reception – with all the propaganda that we get told that the companies are supplying the best and fastest – only to find 2 coast-side towns with crap all service. 

Any way that has been my whinge for the day   I am sitting out the side of the van, under the awning enjoying the beautiful sunshine, cool breeze and looking at a house that is up for sale for a cool - $1,100,000.00!!!  Just a little over our budget but would have great views of the sea!  – now to let you know what we have been up to since our last update…….

We had been due to go to visit our friends Elaine and Rob in Temora on the 20^th June BUT the weather on the day was shocking and the wind was blowing.  We contacted the police to see if there had been any reports of roads closed along our journey – none to report.  We contacted Elaine and Rob to find the rain had become torrential at their end and a road nearby had just been closed – so we decided to leave it until our return journey from Wagga the following week.

On the 22^nd we managed to get some sunshine at 2pm – which only lasted about an hour – but it was lovely to see.

 sun trying to come through

I continued to go to the Weaving Together group at Condobolin and have met some very lovely people whilst we have been temporary residents.

24^th June we headed to Wagga and passed through a weather front on the way.  More rain.  We could see where the road had had water over it in about 6 section before we even got to West Wyalong – so we wouldn’t have got through earlier in the week.

 We were here this weekend to join in with the joint birthday celebrations of brother-in-law Peter and his friend Jo.  What a great night we had at the ‘Thirsty Crow’ and the birthday cakes, made by niece Pauline, were divine.

 Jo and Peter

On Sunday 26^th our niece Kayla, drove Jenny, Lyn and I out to the Lawn Cemetery and we sat and had a coffee with Mum, until the wind picked up and the sun disappeared and we felt the full brunt of the Maximum 4degree day :D

On the 27^th we headed back to Condobolin going via Temora and seeing our friends Elaine and Rob.  What a great visit – and as usual – the time passed way too fast.  Next time we will have to organise to come and stay in their back yard for a few days so our visit doesn’t seem as rushed.

Managed to get most of the cleaning done on Tuesday (whilst it rained) for the travellers return tomorrow.  During our 6 ½ weeks caring for Wendy and Ian’s home in Condobolin we had 250ml of rain.  The place was very wet for their return from Europe on the 29^th June.  We left Condobolin at 10am to be at the airport in plenty of time for their flight, and also to catch up with our friend Jenny.  We did this at the café at the airport so we weren’t stressing about not being there when the travellers landed.  Their flight actually got in 15 minutes EARLY which was a bonus.  Once we collected their bags it was back to Condobolin – a 2 hour 15-minute drive.  Miss Rosey really loved the extra cuddles and snuggles that were given.

  Ian in his Lederhosen

Thursday I headed into town for my final weaving session with the ladies and we were joined by a group of student Physiotherapists – who had been doing a tour of the outer communities and joined us for some relaxation and learning basic weaving from the group.

Saturday 2 July we headed into Condobolin to do the compulsory voting – Well – Ian and Wendy did, Darryl and I had sent in our postal votes about 1 ½ weeks ago!!! :D  We then did a little shopping and everyone was wanting to catch up on Ian and Wendy’s Travels and then we went to a great exhibit called – Waste 2 Art at the community centre.  What great artistic minds some people have and are able to change WASTE into art works.  A wonderful exhibit and whilst we were there we met some friends at the Art Class and chatted to the ladies who were doing the crochet work.  Wonderful work indeed. Our last day in Condobolin was spent with fantastic company and then we had a great roast dinner to end our sojourn of caring for Wendy and Ian’s home.

On Sunday we headed into Wagga with the van in tow, as we had an appointment on Monday to get two new tyres for the car before heading south to Geelong in Victoria.

Tuesday we headed toward Melbourne, stopping for the day at Seymour – a day of changing weather and ending with pouring rain :C

Wednesday we arrived at Torquay going down through Bacchus Marsh and fog so thick you could barely see 100metres in front to come out at the bottom to an overcast but ‘sunny’ day.

 I contacted Bronwyn Razem (who I was to spend 4 days with learning weaving using local grasses) and she invited me to go with her tomorrow to the Melbourne Museum and learn how to make bush toys.  So Thursday morning Bronwyn and her grand-daughter Aliyah, collected me from the van park and into Melbourne we went.  We spent until 3pm showing adults and child alike, how to make toys using straw/hay and wool.  An exhaustive day considering I only learnt that morning :D

On Friday Darryl and I went and had Lunch with Bronwyn and then Darryl went back to the van.  Bronwyn and I couldn’t go ‘bush’ as had been planned due to someone burning out her motorhome, so we stayed in her unit and wove using raffia.  Saturday we went to the local Aboriginal Corporation Centre – Narana – and had a lovely lunch, before heading back to do more weaving.

Sunday we headed into Melbourne to Southbank and the ABC Radio studio – where Bronwyn was to be interview for the ‘Sunday Sesh’ and somehow I ended up being interviewed as well.  It was a very interesting experience.

Monday we headed to the ‘Saltwater Community Centre at Point Cook’ where we spent the day covering nylon rope with natural raffia, so that we could wrap it around a wooden frame to form a tree.  This tree will branch out and have leaves attached to it and a Gugaa (Goanna) climbing it.

Tuesday Darryl arrived to collect me at about 2pm and we headed back to the van.  Darryl stating that the AC in the van could not keep the heat up to the ARCTIC BLAST that was bashing the coast at that time.  When we got back to the van it was to find that he had all the top hatches open and the Windows in ensuite, kitchen and bedroom were opened about 20cm.  Once they were closed it was amazing how warm the van became.  [Silly bugger].

Thursday we met up with Darryl’s cousin Christine and her daughter Erin at Highton.  Another blustery cold day but at least the sun was trying REALLY hard to get through the clouds.  We enjoyed an hour and half walk along the river front as well.

Friday 15^th we left Torquay at 10am and arrived back in Wagga at about 4.30pm.  Darryl has somehow kinked his back over the past couple of days and it is causing him some real grief.  So out comes the TENS machine and the Fisiocreme and rest.  It will be great to spend some more time with sisters Jenny and Lyn and their families.

Sunday I spent a couple of hours with my dear friend Gail, showing her what I had done over the past week and also sitting and yarning about life and what I want to get out of my weaving.  This was a wonderful time for me.

Monday we headed off to have our pathology needs attended for our Dr’s appointments once we get back to Qld.  We also visited cousins and met the new twins.

Thursday 21^st we headed to Condobolin again, to collect my woven FISH and to see Ian again.  Wendy was on her way to Melbourne for her sister’s – Eva Stimson-Clark – exhibition of art in Fitzroy.

We left Condo on Sunday and headed north toward Queensland and arrived at Jimboomba on Tuesday 26^th – just in time for BEN’s birthday.  Our BABY turned 34 – makes us feel really old :D.  We had a great evening with all the Grandchildren and Ben.

Wednesday night we met with friends Karyn and Peter for a nice dinner at the Park Ridge Hotel.  Was so good to catch up with them.

Thursday 28^th July – WHOA!!!!

Today we had arranged to go and see our dear friend Sue Pockson at Brown’s Plains. All was going to plan UNTIL -----  I was ready and Darryl was cleaning his teeth so I thought I would go and start the car to warm it up.  We had had a 1-degree night and a heavy frost and the car was parked where it was in the shade so I thought it would be good to warm it up.  I went down three steps from the top lawn and the next thing I knew was that I was sprawled on the gravel with grazed palms, right knee and a left ankle that felt like I had done something truly serious to it. :C :C  I called out to Darryl as I could not stand and he came out and said “What the hell are you doing down there?” He managed to get me up and after a couple of minutes I was able to put weight on my ankle.  I got back up to the van and treated the grazes and could move the ankle – so off we went to meet Sue.

We had a lovely morning catching up and we also had Beckie and her friend Ev, join us.

Afterwards we went to the Plaza with Sue and as we were heading back to the car my left ankle REALLY started to pain.  So we called into the chemist and got a brace for it and put it on and continued on our way.  When we got back to Beckie’s though – I could barely put weight on it.  So inside and RICE was applied and swelling was becoming quite evident.

The next morning the swelling made my left ankle and calf look quite crooked.  So rested as much as possible as we were going out with Ben for a birthday dinner…

That night we headed out with me hobbling – dramatically – as it really had increased in pain.  We went to cousin Julie’s house at Belbowrie for a fun filled night with the family and she gave me some Arnica gel to massage into my ankle – which was done a few times during the night and the next morning it didn’t SEEM as painful.  Beckie and us two left the next afternoon (allowing Ben to party on with his Cousins) as we needed to get back to feed the pets.  We continued with the regular Arnica gel massages, elevation and wrapping.

Tuesday we had an appointment with the doctor and because most of the pain and some good bruising, was going up the out part of my leg, he thought that maybe I had given myself a spiral fracture of the Fibia :C.  So off to the local radiology for an x-ray to rule that out.  Finally, we got the word – NO fracture BUT the bruising was a concern.  So we continued with the Arnica gel massages and wrapping but now we were concentrating on the ankle and shin rather than ankle and foot.  I found a supplier in Australia for Arnica Gel and ordered some online along with some pilules to treat it from the inside…….

Thursday (a week after the twist) was a Sports day at the school for Gemma – so off we toddled with a chair and a leg support for me to watch but by lunch time it was time for me to go as the leg was throbbing and I needed to lie down :C.  Gemma did well in her events and then on Friday it was Max’s turn.  He came home with two thirds and a first.  Well done to both the Grandchildren.

Sunday I was booked into a ‘Twined Mat weaving’ day at the Botanical Gardens on Mount Coot-tha and I was so glad that Darryl agreed to drive me there and back.  Without his support it would have been impossible.  I had a wonderful day with about 20 other women and young girls learning this wonderful craft and using pandanus fibres dyed with natural dyes in Arnhem Land.  A big Thank You to Rene Bahloo for sharing her story with us at the gardens.

Tuesday Darryl drove me into Capalaba so that I could meet up with the Jajari Jimbaljin Women’s group and yarn and show them my weaving projects.  What a great day I had and it was so lovely to see the women again.  Tuesday was also CENSUS night – so Bradley came for Dinner and we filled in the census with us all there.  We had a lovely night with home-made Pizza’s for all and the company was great.

Wednesday we headed out again – this time we went south to Pottsville North Caravan Park.  We wanted to stay at Kingscliff BUT the first park with a vacancy was Pottsville north.  We had four wonderful nights there and Darryl managed to do some fishing and I completed my pandanus dilly bag.  I then started weaving a basket.

Sunday 14^th we headed further south and arrived at Brooms Head for a couple of nights BUT this turned into 4 and we are heading northward again tomorrow.  Brooms Head is a lovely council run caravan park that goes right along the beach front and the beach is so lovely to walk along between the tides.  Firm compacted sand made for a good amble for my leg.

We are now 3 weeks post initial injury – the bruising has settled but the tenderness on the outer part of my leg can still take me unawares.  I KNOW!!!! It will be another few weeks before it is anywhere near 100%.  We have so much crammed into the calendar over the next few months BUT promise to take care of it :D

Take care everyone.

15.6.2016

15^th June 2016

We have been having a great time here in Condobolin.

We have committed to travel to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania on the 28^th January and will return in late May or Early June.  So we have had days where we have been planning our route and things to see and do.

On 26^th May Darryl and I went into Condobolin RSL Club for the launch of a documentary called “Little Towns, Big Voices” which is all about domestic violence in the rural and small town community BUT can be related to all places.  This documentary was made locally (and our niece Holly is in it at the beginning) and Peter Garrett MA is one of the main speakers.  This documentary is going to be reproduced and distributed to all schools with a workbook for the students.  Was a very thought provoking half hour documentary and those local people who tell their stories – are very brave people.  Meeting Peter Garrett was a pleasure and he is very proactive against Domestic Violence.

After the launch I was invited to join the local “Weaving Together” women the next day, and they said that they would help me complete my FISH with fins and eyes. 

   

  I was shown a lot of their work and have been invited back next week. :D  We then travelled to Wagga Wagga for the weekend – arriving at 6.30pm.  We had a great weekend meeting up with family and a great BBQ on Sunday.  Unfortunately I was having a wobbly day on Sunday and ended up in bed for 4 hours that afternoon with a terrible brain fog afterwards.

We travelled back to Condobolin on Monday and on Tuesday we found Ian’s lamb ‘Blondie’ not well in the paddock.  We got help from the research station and they gave ‘Blondie’ some calcium (as it seemed that he had an upset belly) and they came and gave him another dose before they went home.  Unfortunately he did not make it through the night L  We were in contact with Ian and Wendy and on his suggestion we asked the staff to move the other lamb ‘Two’ in with the other ewes and lambs so that she had company. They did this on the Thursday.

I had had another Meniere’s episode on Tuesday afternoon which continued to a full day on the Wednesday which was a complete wipe-out and ‘Rosey’ the dog kept me company and my balance didn’t get anywhere near normal until early Thursday.  I managed to get into Weaving and have been invited back to help the group weave sections for the ‘Gertie Gugaa (Goanna)’ that the ladies are making on Monday.

  

Saturday was a rainy day and I did some sewing and then did some more planning for the trip to Tasmania.  Sunday was a dry day but we then had misty rain on Monday and Tuesday

Monday I helped the ladies sew sections onto the frame of Gertie and then bought some panels home to weave for them.

Thursday was Miss Gemma’s Birthday.  She turned 10 years old.  And Nanna did a silly thing :D  We had got her birthday present in May and THOUGHT that we had left it in Beckie’s wardrobe – well Beckie couldn’t find it.  Low-and-behold it turned out to be in the caravan L So Nanna had to put it into an Express Bag and post it off.  [Luckily she received it on Monday]

  Lovely dress for the summer for Miss G

Our dear friends Jenny and Doug Peisley came to camp for the long weekend – arriving at 9pm (after Doug finished work at 5pm).  We had had small rain squalls on Friday so were hoping it would clear up a bit so that we could have a campfire on Saturday night.  Saturday dawned cloudy, windy and cool.  It was also our grandson BRADLEY’s 17^th birthday, but he was working until midday at his apprenticeship.  So we rang him later that afternoon.   Darryl and Doug went fishing down at the creek and Jenny and I drove to Lake Cargelligo to attend the ‘Blue Waters’ Art and Craft Exhibition.  This was an hours drive and we enjoyed wandering looking at all the beautiful quilts and the art work. 

       this one has my Sister-in-law's (Wendy) painting of the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland in it.

 We then had a bit of trouble finding somewhere to have a nice cup of coffee – but finally found it in the ‘Fisho’s Bakery’.  We then drove back to Condobolin.  The men returned (as the wind was too cold) and they had caught two good size fish BUT one was a protected species and had to be returned to the water and the other was a carp.

We had a lovely campfire that night with Roast pork and veggies cooked in the camp oven and then Gluten Free Bread and Butter pudding.  Both great meals and being able to sit around the campfire with good friends.

  Roast cooking :D enjoying the ambience

   

Sunday we had a lazy day where we drove out to ‘Utes in the Paddock’ at Ootha where there are 20 Holden utes that have been painted and altered making them sculptures, with explanation signs for them.  Some of them are below

We then drove to Gumbend Lake at Condobolin which is a man-made lake and a free (donation welcome) camping area.  There is a walking track around the lake and also a path into the town if you wish to exercise.

Monday morning it was clear and sunny and Jenny and Doug left for home at about 12md. We then did the housework and then I did some more weaving on a basket using a stitch from North America and using some of the techniques that I have learnt whilst here.

  bottom

  side view

  side and top

Tuesday was Darryl’s birthday and he had a lazy day just pottering around and then we went into town for dinner.  We wanted to have Thai – but it was closed on Tuesdays – so we then went to the Royal Hotel and he had a nice Mixed Grill for his birthday dinner. 

 Ready to tuck into his birthday dinner

 We then returned to the house and had cake and ice-cream for dessert.

Also on this day -----  Master Bradley was successful in getting his P Plates

  The shirt really does NOT do him justice - 

Wednesday – Yesterday – I did not had a good day.  Woke up ok but then when I went to get out of bed the world began to spin……..  Darryl gave me a bucket, my Meniere’s medications and I hung on to the cupboard to prevent being thrown out --- that is what it felt like at the time…..

November 17th 2015

My goodness me,
Time has flown by over the past few months and it comes as a shock to realize it has been 4 months since my last post.  My humblest apologies to all.
So what has been happening????  At the beginning of August Darryl and I travelled to Taree to see his family.  On the way we met up with Jenny and Peter and their friends at Kew.  They were all travelling north for their yearly break together.  We spent a lovely hour or so in their company before heading the rest of the way to Taree. From Taree we headed down to Wallerawang and had a short stay with Trevor and Karen.  Whilst there the Sydney City2Surf was on and Trev, Karen, Andrew, Julie, Ian and Holly were all taking part.  We stayed at Wallerawang and did a trip to Orange to visit our dear friend Sandie Smith and her lovely family Jenny and William.  What a lovely day we had.  It was great hearing their plans for moving closer to Sydney later this year.
The 'runners' arrived home on Sunday and some were a little wearier then others but in all they said that they had a great time.  It is always a pleasure to visit and very sad when we leave.
When we left we traveled to Wagga through Cowra and Cootamundra, Junee and on to Wagga.  We had not been that way for a few years and it was lovely.  We arrived in Wagga on the 11th August.  And it was great to wish Miss Pauline a very Happy Birthday.  Jenny and Peter arrived home the following afternoon and during the next couple of weeks we got to spend time with family and do some weaving with my lovely friend Gail.

 A Coolamon

 a big basket with the handle on the inside

 on left a fruit bowl using inflorescence from a palm tree and then a basket with the handle on the outside

It was lovely seeing my Uncle Jack and seeing him so well and happy.
We left Wagga for Condobolin and spent a few days with Wendy, Ian and Holly.  A very Lovely weekend with the family and sad to leave.
Because we did not have as long with the family in Taree as what we had originally planned - we left Condobolin and headed across through Parkes to Maitland and up to Taree again.  We spent another 5 nights there before leaving to head home.  We even managed to get Neville out of the house and down to the van park for a full day of fishing.

 Nev with a  dolphin in the background

 dolphin in the water

 Darryl and Shirley fishing

 It was great to have a pod of Dolphins and calves go up the river whilst all were fishing.  I also found the Cundletown Bakery does gluten free bread.  So ordered the minimum amount (3 loaves) and it was LOVELY.  Very soft and light and so enjoyable.
We left Taree and headed to Gumma Reserve at Macksville.

 the creek at  Gumma Reserve

 arty-farty Old Man in the tree

A great low-cost camp and we had two very enjoyable nights there before heading up to Evans Head where we had two more nights before  getting home.
My next week at Ladies Group was BUSY as there was the postponed NAIDOC day celebrations for Wynnum coming up the following Wednesday so we were busy making sure that we had plenty of craft items ready.

 part of the stall at Wynnum

The day dawned with some quite dark clouds and quite wintry, but in the end it was a lovely day and all the grandchildren had a ball.

 The grandchildren with their version of face-painting

We had the grandchildren for almost three weeks and returned them to their dad just before school went back from the holidays.  We then went home and prepared our van for a week long camp at Beaudesert with the Australian Caravan Club for their National Muster.  240 vans descended on Beaudesert and injected about $200,000.00 into the community for the week that we were all there.

 There were visits to the Robotic Dairy, some wineries, Tamborine Mountain, Kerry, Rathdowney and Boonah.  On the Wednesday I held a weaving workshop using material

There was a members market on the Thursday morning and that was also a lovely day, where I managed to sell some of my basket weaving.  I now have a couple of orders that I am working on. On the Friday night we were invited to Beaudesert High School for a Mocktails night where Bradley was doing some of the cooking.

 Darryl, Brad and I at the end of the night

 some of the vans at the Showground

We were no sooner home from our week at Beaudesert when we travelled to Coolum for a X-RAAF Catering reunion.

 Darryl with Wayne Vollmost and Adrian Gard

Apparently this is held every two years and I was glad that I managed to talk Darryl into going.  He had a great time catching up with some of his old service friends and I met a distant cousin.

Myself and my cousin

Apparently there is to be another reunion next year but in ----- WAGGA.  Will be interesting to find out the dates of that one :D
We were only home three nights when we travelled to Benarkin State Forest up near Blackbutt out from Caboolture for a memorial weekend for a friend who was killed in August.  It was a great weekend with  lots of friends reminiscing for an absent friend.  We had four storms roll through on Friday afternoon and some showers on Sunday, but it was a wonderful time.

part of the road into Benarkin

On our way home we dropped the van off for a service and to get some work done on our water tanks - which hopefully have now been fixed.   We will try it out soon.
This coming weekend I am participating in a Garage Sale for the Jajari Jimbaljin Women's group and hopefully we will make some money for the Women's group to make more craft for their stalls.
We have a trip to Grafton in the first part of December for a memorial weekend for my dear friend Valerie Mawhinney - on what would have been her 60th birthday.  Darryl and I are looking forward to catching up with Val's family that weekend.
We have been working in the shed these past two days and it is amazing the amount of stuff that we have got.  So we will be having a garage sale or two to get some of it to new homes.
So that is all for now.