WEDNESDAY IN AUSTRALIA

 

The first thing I am doing this morning is this:

ABOVE:  Inside those pieces of glad wrap is a lock of Lorraine's hair, and mine.

ABOVE: I have bought two identical soft toys, and I will be cutting them both open, just enough to slip in the lock of hair, then stitching them closed again.

They are a keepsake, one for Lorraine with my hair in it, and one for me, with Lorraine's hair in it.

I have a soft toy at home with a lock of my Mum's hair in it.  I look at it every day, as it's beside my bed.  I shall add my 'Lorraine Keepsake' there when I get home.

ABOVE:  Maxine (niece), redid her Mum's hair colour last night, and added some purple streaks.  It looks so lovely.  

I think they were going to cut her fringe (bangs) as well, but I didn't stay long enough to see that done.

After I  have done the 'keepsakes' I plan on walking to the shopping centre again.  I need the exercise.  I'll try and wear something lighter today, though I only brought warm clothes. Whoops.  I'll just have to tough it out till I go home.

The girls will be picking me up later on this morning, then we will be out and about again.

...

ABOVE:  7.38 am, and that little job is done.  I did it while sitting in bed sipping on a hot chocolate.  I put an 'L' on the bottom of Lorraine's, so I didn't give her the wrong one.

I found a light weight top in my bag, thank goodness!   I do have a t-shirt, but it's BLACK.  Not the best colour to be out walking in.

I will head off to the shopping centre soon, I need to grab more Diet Coke if nothing else.

DOGSTARS:  The particular shopping centre I walk to has predominantly supermarkets and food outlets.  NO clothing stores at all.

Lots going on today. I'm with my sister. Can't update much more than that. 

7.05 pm, Aussy time.

I'm spending the night with my sister, sorry no more info.... catch ya tomorrow. 

NITE NITE.

TUESDAY IN AUSTRALIA

 

It is going to be a slower day today.

I don't expect the girls to pick me up till much later on this morning.

So I shall just hang out here in the house until they do.

ABOVE:  Lorraine and I in a carpark building yesterday.  Rowena took some cheeky snaps before I even had a change to 'pose', lol.  At least Lorraine got time to smile. 😊

Today Stew is working from home for a while, so that he's there when the bathroom cupboard arrives.  He gets to put all the plasticware in it instead of me.  Yaa.

I forgot to say, yesterday was MUCH WARMER ... I wasn't cold at any point. It was wonderful after those first couple of freezing days.

Right, that's me for now.  I'll catch ya later.

...

Oh I forgot to say, I dyed my hair last night.  I had nothing better to do.  It came out... interesting.  Photo later.   I'd still like to get to the village hair salon, for my next colour.  She can't be any worse than me. 😂😅😆

ABOVE:  Well!  In the light of day it actually doesn't look too bad.

But, there's some serious purple patches.  I use purple shampoo as a toner, and I left it on a bit long last night.  Hence purple patches.  Luckily, with how I wear my hair 95% of the time, ya can't see the purple.

It is 9.03 in the morning.  Looking to be a lovely day out there. No freezing wind. 

10.38... and I'm  not getting picked up until after lunch, so I decided to walk to the closest shopping centre.

ABOVE: It wasn't far, just over 2kms, but OMG. I'm in a black, pure wool, polo necked, long sleeved top! And it's sunny with no wind.  Me face is bright red.

5.18 pm. Everything is fine. I've just been spending time with my sister.  I'll update later, once I'm back at the BnB.

6.37 pm, Aussy time.  I'm back at the BnB, just had some dinner and looking forward to a quiet night in.

I must try and put my legs up tonight, as my fluid retention has really upped it's game!  Too much sitting around, not enough exercise or feet up.

ABOVE: Tapu finally decided to like me... and pestered me on and off all afternoon to play, scratch his back etc.  I even got licks, which I'm going to call kisses.

I did a load of washing this morning before I left, so that's now hanging on the backs of the chairs.

Time to sign off... I've got dishes to do, then I shall get me silly legs up on a chair.

Catch ya tomorrow.

MONDAY IN AUSTRALIA

 

Today is the start of a busy week for the family here.

Lots of appointments, getting kids to and from school, new routines etc.

My niece Rowena and her two young children just moved into Lorraine's house, so lots of adjustments being made.  

I am being picked up mid morning today, to accompany family ... out and about.

I just hope it's not as cold today as it was  yesterday.  I might have to buy some thermals if it continues being damn cold as F*#k.

ABOVE: This was the meal the girls made last night, and delivered to my B'n'B!  It was enough to feed three people!  I am having left overs for my dinner this evening.  Leishy did damn well, it was a delicious meal.

Leishy lives on the same property as Lorraine (separate homes), and is like a daughter to Lorraine.

Right, I'm going to get up and start my day.  I might even go and watch the kangaroos for a while.

...

7.39 am, I've been awake and up for two hours already.  And now?

I have to twiddle my thumbs for three hours until the girls pick me up.

This trip has involved A LOT of twiddling my thumbs, on my own.  At least this time I am in a comfortable house, not standing outside in the freezing cold.

I might even go lie on the bed again, and try to get some more sleep.  I didn't sleep well last night at all.  Too many unfamiliar noises, and being on my own in this house is a bit scary.

But I just have to toughen up and accept this is  how it is.  It's not forever, hopefully only a week for now.

I'm tentatively thinking I'll go home next Sunday or Monday, depending on how things are here.

BUT... making no plans for the time being.

Phone calls this morning from home.

- The Village Nurse, checking up on us, as our Emergency Button was pressed yesterday.  Bless Miss Lily's  heart.  

- Mitre 10, who want to deliver our Bathroom Cupboard tomorrow.  I've referred them to Stew, he will have to deal with that.

And numerous PM's, family mostly.  I'm shelving most of those, as there is NOTHING I can do from here, to help with any of that shit.  Nor do I want to really.  I've enough to worry about here.

Coco has started limping again, so I'm a bit bothered by that.  But hopefully, it's just the same as last time.  She sleeps with her left front foot tucked under in an awkward way, so when she gets up, it must hurt. She always comes 'right' over time, so I'm trying not to worry.  Also bearing in mind she's a bloody hypochondriac! 

ABOVE:  I'm killing time, you get a view of the living area in this AirBnB.  It's really nice.  I'm rattling around in it, there's 4 bedrooms. 

ABOVE: The outside.  It feels warmer outside today.  

Another half an hour or so till pick up.  Meantime, I'm listening to some playlists of mine on YouTube.  I can't get the TV to work here.  Probably operator error.

ABOVE: MANY HOURS LATER..and back at my sister's home now. We went into the city for an appointment,  grabbed some lunch and came back here. 

At some point the girls will return me to the BnB.

4.35 pm:  And I'm back at the BnB, and shall have a quiet evening in.  I have my dinner sorted, and will watch something on the computer to while away the evening.

Catch ya tomorrow.

SUNDAY IN AUSTRALIA

 

I'm happy to report I slept like a log last night.

The road outside is really busy, but that didn't seem to bother me at all.

I think I must have been really tired.

Today I leave this lovely motel, and the girls are taking me to an Air BnB instead.  I shall be there for a week.

After that is still up in the air.

But for now, I am here and trying to spend as much time with Lorraine as possible.

ABOVE: Yesterday Stew got quite a few of the niggly little jobs done. Hanging that 'does not work clock' at our front door was one of them.

I'm hoping that today Steve goes over and puts up the TV bracket, then Stew can watch his sports programmes in the front room.  And I don't have to. (most importantly really) 😂😋😊

I did a little grocery shop yesterday afternoon, when I supposed to be having a nap.  Clearly, I didn't have the nap.

It was a good walk to the supermarket and back.  I just got some snacks, and some fresh pasta and sauce for meals over the next few days.

I expect one or other of my nieces to pick me up in a couple of hours, so I better get up, have a shower and pack me bags again.

...

9 am. I am up and just waiting for someone to come pick me up....

Sitting at my sister's home, freezing.  So my niece brings out a quilt and puts it around my shoulders.  Hmmmm... that looks familiar. 

ABOVE: It's a quilt I made. Nice one.

It is now 3.42 pm (Aussy Time), and I am at the AirBnB, it is gorgeous.

AND across the road is a paddock with Kangaroos in it!  I'm gunna have to wander over there soon and take a photo.

Talking of photos, I am respecting my sister's privacy.  I don't know if there will be any photos of her or not.

I've not asked, but might tomorrow.

ABOVE: Stew just sent me these photos of the front bedroom, with the TV on the wall, and the sofa bed out.   It's awesome, we now have a multi purpose room, for visitors and TV watching.

I might put a smaller throw/blanket on the blanket rack though, that one is too big.

ABOVE: This is Tapu, Lorraine's dog.  He's slowly warming up to me.  He even came right up to me and sniffed me, a big step for him.   

I have some 'down time' now.  The girls will pick me up in a couple of hours or so for dinner back at their house.  * edit:  Dinner is being delivered to me here, so Lorraine and the little children can go to bed on time.

As I wandered down the road, the lady right next door heard me comment on all her lovely succulents.  She came out of her garage and told me I was welcome to take some!  I had to politely refuse, as I can't bring them home on the plane.  What a lovely lady though.

ABOVE: Can you see the Joey?  So cute!

ABOVE: This AirBnB is right at the end of a suburban road, and I have native bush right beside me.  Rather neat.

I might not venture in there though, snakes/leeches/monster spiders, and god knows what else could get me!

7.55 pm:  Time to sign off for the day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

I'M GOING TO THROTTLE HER! (SATURDAY IN AUSTRALIA)

 

First and foremost, I'm safe.  I'm here and will be picked up by the kids (nieces) this morning.

But why a rant?

FIRST:  The travel agent in Hamilton told me I could walk from the International Airport to the Ibis Hotel over by the Domestic Airport in 5-7 minutes.

WRONG.  I had to get on a bus, and it took 15 minutes.

Then when I got to the Ibis by the airport, I went to book in, and the lovely lady told me NO.

I was booked into the IBIS BUDGET MOTEL, which was a 20 minute drive away.

So I had to get a taxi.  That was scary, I did not feel safe with that man at all.  He kept trying to get me to book him for today... insisted on giving me his phone number so I could ring him when I needed him.

He was CREEPY.

Anyway, we get to the IBIS BUDGET.  And it's a fucking DIVE.

It is filthy.  Dirty, sloppy reception person, and it feels like it's being used for nefarious purposes.  Might not be, but that's the vibe.

I get to my room.

It's an oversized fucking closet.

I need a piddle.

I go into the bathroom.

There is SHIT in the toilet.  Like, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?

The sink is filthy...

ABOVE:  I wiped PART of the sink!   

DISGUSTING.

ABOVE: The sink and wall behind it.

ABOVE: hard to show just how grotty it is! The floor is also dirty.  

I dared not get IN the bed!  I slept on top of it last night.  AND I kept my clothes on, cos I really didn't feel safe. And yeah, I'm wide awake at 4 in the morning. 

When I get home I am going to have some very angry words to say to 'B' at Flight Centre, The Base.

I paid almost $200 for the 'pleasure' of staying here last night!

I am fucking LIVID.

Now, moving on.  My SPARK roaming pack is NOT working here in Australia.  So I'll have to ring them soon.  I can do some things, but not all.

Most frustrating.

I hope the rest of today goes well, and the kids get me out of this hell hole fast!

Oh and I've not had a chance to get any Diet Coke, so I've already got a massive headache from caffeine withdrawal!

I'm drinking COFFEE, to avoid dehydration. 

4.29 am and the International Roaming for my phone just kicked in. Thank goodness,  I can now communicate fully again. Been texting Stew just now. I already miss him. He said it's -2 degrees there. Yeah no thanks. Lol

6.40 am : Well I just read the reviews on this motel (Ibis BUDGET Brisbane).... 100% wish the Travel Agent had before booking me in here.

I had less than 24 hours to organise this trip, I trusted the Travel Agent to know her stuff. Clearly not. I'm not going to bother leaving a review myself, it's all been said before by the look of it.  

I'm just killing time until I can leave....

ABOVE: Saved from death by dehydration... there's a vending machine here!  Aahhhhhh...

ABOVE: Looking at that! This shit hole has a pancake machine!  Must say they were rather yum after not eating anything since on the plane yesterday. 

The young people working here are AMAZINGLY rude. I'm really gobsmacked at their attitudes. 

But... the pancakes are lovely. 😂🤣😅

I just heard from my niece... I will be rescued in an hour or so. Thank goodness.

9 am. I was tempted to say something derogatory to the young man at reception when I left, but decided to just be kind.

Just as well cos I'd left my phone charger in the room and had to go back to get it.

That young man was really lovely and even gave me a smile.  I thanked him again and wished him a nice day. 

My nieces should be here very soon, though it's lovely sitting in the sun.

2.40 pm:  And I have been picked up, and taken to visit my sister.  She is looking quite good, better than I expected in fact.

Her dog, Tapu, does not like me.  But he's warming up to me.  I bet by the time I leave he will love me.  Well, I hope so.

My niece, Rowena, just took me to my motel.  I am going to have a nana nap, and so is my sister back at her home.   I will be picked up again in a couple of hours, and get to spend the evening with my sister.

We stopped in at a supermarket on our way to my sister's this morning.  I only bought ONE thing.

NO prizes for guessing it was Diet Coke.  8 BIG bottles of it.  I should be OK now.  😂😊 

ABOVE:  My niece, Rowena has booked me into a motel for tonight, and tomorrow I go to a B n B house.

This motel is LOVEY.  Super clean, a really good size, immaculate bathroom etc.  Such a difference from last night's accommodation. 

I  walked down the road to COLES, and did a little grocery shop, then got bored.

ABOVE: So I pulled some weeds out of that pebble garden.  It was satisfying.  Shish, don't tell Stew!   

Though, we don't have to do any weeding at our new home, one of the big bonuses of living in the Village.

Now I'm just sitting here, looking out the door, and listening to some really noisy birds.  I think they are crows.  

5.30 pm... Aussy time. I'm absolutely freezing! Totally shocked at how cold it is here.

I'm back at my sister's home, we are going to spend the evening together. 

Signing off early.

Catch ya tomorrow. 

FLYING OUT

 

Well I was supposed to be getting my hair done down in the Village Salon this morning.  But I ain't now.

Seems I'm doing this:

ABOVE:  I'm flying to Brisbane this afternoon.

Without going into details, I'm going to see my sister, who is very unwell.

I do not know how long I will be away, possibly a week or two.

Stew is going to stay home for now, as he's got too many commitments next week to fly out right now.  But he might join me towards the end of next week.

It is amazing how quickly I managed to get everything sorted out yesterday afternoon!  I got flights and accommodation booked and paid for,  cancelled me hair appointment, moved the fitting for my new glasses to a later date, got international roaming for me phone, did the washing, packed me bags and BOOM.

READY TO FLY.

As you can imagine, my posts may be a bit light on it for the next little while, but I'll do me best to keep ya up to date.  Internet coverage where my sister lives is PATCHY at the best of times, so just know I'll do me best.

...

1.32 pm  safely at the airport.

My bag is checked in and I have my boarding pass.  So all ticking along well.

Now getting a late lunch  before killing time until my flight.

Nervous.

I hate flying.

Lots of people here. 

Last time I was here in 2020 this place was utterly DESERTED. It feels so different, but also not. 

I had a lovely lunch.  McDonald's Tower burger. Was yum.

ABOVE:  On the plane. Takeoff in 14 minutes approx. STILL NERVOUS. 

ABOVE: Half way there. Smooth trip so far. 

9.34  KIWI TIME:  I'm at my motel.  I'm going to be sleeping on top of the bed.

And getting out of here as fast as possible tomorrow.

Right now, I'm too tired to explain.  It's been a long day.

Catch ya tomorrow.  Be prepared for a bloody rant!