Bugga its hot and the house is hard work!

Blog_10_Bugga it hot and the house is hard work!

26th November 2006-11-26
Well its Sunday and another week has passed! It has flown by with another week of tradesmen and quotes and work!

Monday the internet man was meant to be coming around again to sort out the internet, he should have phoned Sunday night to confirm when he would be with us but did not L

So Monday did not start too well as we thought we would be connected up to the internet and be able to chat to family and friends with out having to go to the library and sign up for a session. The day passed and Tim got more and more rattled until we eventually went to sirrus shop to find out what was happening, they sorted and said the boss would phone with it all sorted for us. So we left knowing that the owner of the store was good to his word!

Well perhaps not on his day off! It dragged on and Tim said he would go in to see them tomorrow.

We ended up in library to see if there were any emails about jobs, Tim went on to sirrus web site to get phone number and he went and rang them to try and sort it out. The only reason we are persisting with it is that they are the cheapest and give a great rate for phone calls to the UK!

Lots of tree trimming and hedge cutting as the lumberjacks are coming on Wednesday to cut down seven trees !! Put in loads of plants and sorted out lots of little things in the house. The demolition guys are coming Tuesday to knock down the old asbestos garage which was almost falling down anyway! Strangelty the guy who sold us the house told us it would only cost $300 to get it taken down! Needless to say it cost 5 times as much!

Had a phone call at 7.30am to say they would not be there until dinner because of another job for a load of bikers in a commune out at the airport, he said they were big fat hairy bikers with tattoos so he just did the job! One poor guy cycled to our house ready for demolition, as I was planting and watering the garden I was able to tell him that the others were not coming until dinner (or lunch as we know it!) So poor guy had to cycle back home, know wonder he was so skinny! Later the boss turned up to tell the worker they would not be starting until later, as the guy did not have a mobile! Started to worry that they were a bunch of cowboys! But turned up at dinner and got such a shift on it was incredible to see, they worked so hard and the foreman was a guy from Pompy! But had been here 15 years and loved it said he would never go back home!

All the roofing was off and then they went to twon on the asbestos, taking it all off they were only being good and wetting it down when I went to look otherwise they weren’t bothering, but they did have on masks and suits to protect them, apart from the guy knocking all the panels out who was only wearing shorts and tee shirt!

By 5pm there was only a shell and the garden looked huge! It was amazing how much space there was once you could see through the walls. We surveyed the garden and turned the pumps on in the pool to make sure all the muck was taken out.

Wednesday and the boys were back and in full pelt as they tore down the timber frame of the garage, wish I had taken pics but completely forgot as I went to pharmacy to get some drugs as I was suffering with sweaty places sores!! (blush!!) Look I have never sweated from those places and my body was in shock! Can you melt fat that way!!?? Ummm! Now there’s a thought! Shame I have to drink so much to stop myself from fainting! J

Tim was on a mission with the internet people and managed to give Sirrus an ear full telling them how unprofessional they were etc etc etc……………. So 10 minutes later the guy phones back who was erecting the aerial and says he is coming around to try again as he had the right equipment and he could do it now. Well he had no idea how to do it, how the box was mounted or how it worked to be frank! Then the power supply was not working so he gave up and went home saying that as soon as he got the right power supply he would be back to sort it ! I don’t hold out much hope to be on the internet in the next few weeks or even before xmas …………….. we shall see! I always thought that ozzy workmen were 100x more reliable than the Brits but not so in this case! He said it all when he said that he was only paid by piece work not how long it takes to install! So that is why he could not be bothered as he could install more simple systems in the time it took to install this one!

The garage was down and they had levelled it off with a digging machine, it looked great and the garden huge! Well impressed with these guys even though it did cost 5x as much as we thought! Got a call from the lumberjacks they were free at lunch so they would be around in the afternoon to start on the trees !!! Blimey so different from the internet man!

We got back from shops and they had nearly taken down all the trees apart from the huge one in the front garden! I was in shock! The house looked so different and there was so much more light in the house it was nice, not sure if the neighbours liked it as the old man next door was just standing out side watching them, I am sure he was watching to see if they would cut down his mango tree! (No way, we are going midnight scrumping when they are big enough!)

Well no sign of the internet yet, the garden looks huge and we still need to get some fence put up now that the garage has gone, we also need to sort out a drive way as it is all dirt.

Hitting the high life! We went out for dinner at the RSL which was a bit of a let down there are only a couple of things I can eat on the menu in the main restaurant so if find it hard. It was nice to go out and not have to drive as the bus picked us up from the house and dropped us back again. We took advantage of the bus and bought some beer, brandy and a local type of baileys, ready for xmas visitors, if any of you make it out here!!
It looks like xmas will be 45 degrees and most of it spent in the pool! With salad if I can be asked and meat cooked on the BBQ as I am not going anywhere near heat!
Did some more garage sales and bought a swing double chair only after me sulking that I wanted one as Tim would not let me have it L Well I had to leave behind my old one in my house as Tim did not want it in his. We bought some mozzie nets which do not fit as I did not realise that they come in single bed and double bed size, so I will have to keep being bitten until we sort something out, I look like I have the plague on my legs L Not sure why its just me and they leave Tim alone!

Exciting day today as we bought a wormery (something I have always wanted, sad isn’t it, but so exciting to give my veggie waste to worms and get out liquid fertilizer J for free! (well not quite coz we had to buy the wormery and the worms!) Tim got a rain butt and was well into sorting out using all the new tools he had collected over the last few weeks, strangely every time we went to do a job there was something else he needed, strange world that men live in! Every time we went to Bunnings (B&Q equivalent) his eyes lit up and he would be drawn to the tools and get excited about drill bits and cutting things, along with plastic things……………… very strange world!

I went out on my own this week! Woo hoo! And played squash with Nerida from the cabins, we had a great game and it was nice to get out and do something different apart from the house!

Me I just bought a sun hat at Koala market today as it has now reached 34.8 and that was at 7am ish! And my head was burning!

Tried to do things in house today, not a good day for me, stripped all the silicone out of shower and kitchen as it was mouldy, they always say mould free silicon but it never seems to be! Then after picking out all old pubic hairs yuk! Gag! (I always get the shitty jobs!) I cleaned it all up and tried to silicon it all again! The shower went well apart from the mozzie who kept following me around so I lit some citronella candles and that got rid of him! Then I went on to the kitchen and the sealant was drying before I could smooth it out L kept going lumpy so I got fed up and just striped it all out again and left it to do tomorrow!

Gave up and tried to get on with the removal of a built in wardrobe in a room that we are going to turn into the dinning room, Tim had already started so I thought I would just get on with it! It was not easy as there were a million nails holding everything in, in such an order it was hard to get the wood out and keep it in good condition.

Tim came in to supervise and tell me what bits I should pull out next with the crow bar! After a lot of pulling and bits coming out I went into the kitchen for some water and realised that the flimsy plaster board between the kitchen and room where I was taking out the cupboard was all cracked and split! L. So not a good day, but we knew it was going to be difficult as there was only the plasterboard at the back of the wardrobe! The last guy called himself a handyman!!! Bodge job man I think more like!

So now we have to leave it as we are not sure that one of the wooden beams is not supporting the wall!! ?? So it will be a call around to Carl for some advice and help tomorrow! No more garden, it will be concentrate on house now, as we want to get as much done before we get jobs so we can just relax when we get back from work!

Watered all the plants in the garden which takes forever and then swim in the pool which has heated up really nicely today and then beer/rum and coke o’clock!

Just to let dad know, we have in the garden………… (Wanting to make him jealous as he keeps on about curry we cant get, and make him want to come visit!)

2 Macadamia nut trees
1 orange tree
1 mandarin tree
1 Cashew nut tree
1 paw paw tree
1 mango tree
spinach
coriander
broccoli
chillies
aubergine
Butternut squash
basil
rosemary
thyme
aloe vera
strawberries
tarragon
rocket
spring onions

But I will let you know if we manage to kill them all before you visit!

Sitting on porch drinking writing this and its still warm so I will have to go inside in a mo and change in to my pj shorts!

The dog and I are sort of in sync as we both run for the same bit of shade and when I go in the pool she runs in with me waiting for the lightest of splash to fall on her to keep her cool, and if you don’t splash she will bark at you until you get her wet!

Serious job hunting this coming week!!

Big hugs to all

Love Y&T

Feels like forever!

Blog_9_ Feels like forever

Sunday 5^th November 8 days left

Up early to head to Nikenbah markets, took dog with us as you’re not meant to leave them in the cabins unattended! So I drove! J Tim’s letting me drive now! The air con has packed up (well freezes up if we keep it on! What is the good of having air con if you cant use it the whole time you’re in the car) so windows went down and a nice breezy ride to the market which is not far.

When we got there it was heaving at 7am ish! The market was full of plants, fruit, veg and loads of household stuff! The dog was very good as she was crowded in with people and quite a few dogs! But then being hot makes us all a bit soporific! And sometimes grumpy when its too hot and we have forgotten the water again (which we are trying to get better at remembering) but you don’t really need much in the UK just beer!

Tried to sort out more stuff for the house, bought some kitchen stools and found a sofa we like, but not sure so will think about the sofa.

Got back and had a swim to cool off, Tim started messing around with bike and strimmer so I went out in the car on my own! In search of the squash club, sadly I could not find L so had a nice drive around and back to the cabin.

Tim decided that he would come with me and see if we could find squash club, I am glad it took a lot of finding otherwise I would have felt silly! The road maps here show roads joining up but often they don’t and there are so many new roads being put in that it gets very confusing as they are not on your map!

We are having the most beautiful sunsets at the moment it will be a shame when we move to house as we will have to walk at least 8 mins to see it!

Found all the paperwork for a workshop on sonar acoustics that Doug Cato is giving which I was invited to when I saw him for work, so thinking of going if I can get flight and booked in

Monday 6^th November 7days left

Up early to sort out all the stuff to go to Canberra!

Sorted out loads of stuff for house, picked up stools, dropped Tim off to have his feet done and then went to internet to look for flights and hotel etc.

Found good prices but did not book as I thought would go to travel agent to see what they could do. Stopped for petrol and then back to pick up Tim. He come out all bandaged up and his foot looking rather sorry for itself (if feet can look sorry for themselves?).

Went to travel agent on way back and booked flight to Canberra and bus to Brissy airport. All I had to do now was find hotel! To phone box with a pocket full of coins, tried the hotel they had given me and they were fully booked apart from a suit! Phoned at least 7 hotels and all fully booked, so back to first hotel and booked suit! Lets hope I get some work out of this!

Back to cabin and sorting out suit case for early morning start! I think Tim would have liked to come but we had no one to look after dog. L

Early bed with loads of thoughts flying through my head!

Tuesday 7^th November 6 days left

Up at 6am to get bus out of HB to Brissy and plane to Canberra!

Excited, nervous and worried!

Bus journey was rickety and no air con with only 22 seats and no toilet!

We stopped somewhere in between for a loo stop and food, it was not like the service stations on the motorways in the UK!

There were a number of outlets and some with really healthy food, the view was on to a lake with black swans and loads of water birds it was a peaceful respite from the rickety journey.

Arrived at Brissy domestic and did a self service check in and did not send my bag which was great!

Long wait for flight, filled with coffee, reading and loo stops.

Finally on plane, and off to Canberra, 1hr and 20mins later we landed and I hit the ground running, into taxi and arrived at ADFA. I was guided to conference room and got there just in time for pre conference first talk by Doug Cato.

Spoke to Tim and confirmed I had arrived safe.

Finished, I met up with Dave Paton and he took me back to his house to see family and dinner, sue his wife was not well so went out to dinner to leave her in peace. It was Melbourne cup day and people had been drinking since early hours.

We had a nice meal and then it was rounded off watching a group of youngsters beating the shite out of each other! It tumbled out into the road and across to us! One guy hit the glass door and left blood dripping down it! Needless to say I did not finish my meal. The riot police arrived when it was all finished! A peaceful walk back to car and dropped off to bed.

Spoke to Tim.

Could not sleep in strange bed L stayed awake most of night

Wednesday 8^th November 5 days to go

Met up with Michelle for brekkie and then headed to conference, it was great to see a bit of Canberra on the way to the Defence academy, it was a lot quieter than Sydney and hardly any cars!

The day went quick and met up with loads of people, made good contacts and hopeful to get some work with someone!?

The drinks after the conference workshop I was meant to meet up with someone to try and get some work L they did not turn up…………… too busy with other work!

We all went out to dinner to Italian next to hotel and had a nice time.

After a few glasses of wine I did sleep !

Thursday 9^th November 4 days until loads of painting and decorating

Early rise again as all talks start at 8.30am felt a bit stuffed in the nose, feels like a cold coming on L

Talks were good and more talking to contacts and making of a few friends!

Finished and back to room with a friend in tow as the room they were in, in the backpackers was horrible and we were both catching the same flight to brissy! So we will share a cab in the morning, and it means I won’t sleep in as the flight leaves at 6.25am!!

We are (those who are left) out for dinner tonight which will be good as the hard networkers have left which gives us all a chance to chat to those people who are left!

Feeling tired already, hope I can stay awake for dinner, looking forward to getting back to Hervey Bay as it is cold here, 21 degrees and I did not bring any jackets or cardies!

We all went out to the local town centre where I had been the first night and went into a really lovely restaurant on the corner of the street which was very well occupied and had a really nice menu. After a very strange dinner with the gang due to Adrian making very strange statements which threw everyone. Back to bed and pack for morning.

Friday 10^th November 3 days until more packing!

Up with an early wake up call and taxi arrived on time! Off to airport at 5.30am! Will be glad to get back to Hervey Bay as Tim says its hot, even though they had had thunder and lightening storms. Apparently Roxy was really scared as the thunder and lightening was loud!

Dived in for a strong coffee at the Airport with Craig and then on to flight and up and away to Brissy had a great chat with Craig and looks like I might get some work from his dad if possible!!?? I need some work as I am going stir crazy doing nothing! Not good at this sitting around lark! Flight went really quick and just hoping bus will be on time! Said goodbyes as Craig was flying on to Townsville which was 32 degrees!! I had to wait for bus 4 hours of sitting around at airport bored out of my head, and very sleepy!

Got on bus and met up with two people at the back Carol and Greg, Carol a sassy dark haired Ozzy from Gin Gin who was on an internet dating frenzy to find a man to give her luxury and keep her and Greg from Gimpie, who was rather large (in fact very large!) hairy, full long beard, tattooed and wearing a singlet and shorts, who was on hit way to Thailand to see his bird who had just had an abortion and who was asking for more money to sort out complications!!?? It was the shortest 4 and ½ hour ride back I think I will ever have! Greg was trying his hardest to chat up Carol but she just showed me a stream of pics of all these internet dating guys!

When Greg got off the last hour and a ½ seemed to go slow as Carol spent it deliberating over which guy she wanted to be with, they all had something nice about them but not one had it all!! Lucky her to have so many to choose from!

Got off and Tim was waiting, said goodbye to Carol exchanging numbers and she gave me the dating site to give to Tims mum so she can have a try !!!! J

Back to Cabin and feeling shattered collapsed in a heap getting pizza in and early night.

Sat & Sunday 11^th 12^th To much to think about!

Up early to go to more garage sales! Tim is obsessed and would not stop, it was really very hot and all I wanted was a swim in the pool. But Tim can’t get in as he must keep his foot dry!

We managed to get a bed for us which Tim was going to pick up on Monday once we were in the house.

Sorted out delivery of garden furniture and veranda furniture! More stuff to build.

So Monday we have got the TV, washing machine, hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner, the sofa and chairs, and the entire garden stuff arriving! It’s going to be very busy day!

We packed a few things up ready for the morning, and went to bed excited!

Monday 13^th November

Moving in day!

We had breakfast and packed all our stuff up, got it all ready to go. Then we went to library as we were waiting until 11.30 am until we got the keys. So we did not want to just sit around and wait. We then went for milk shake near solicitors to sort out keys and stuff. Popped in to find out what was going on and were told money had not come through yet, then she checked and it had just arrived, so she promised that we would have the keys by midday! Bit tight as we have all the deliveries coming after noon! Gulp! Bit tight! As normal not smooth and solicitor had not sorted, we were waiting at estate agents for keys. Eventually got it all sorted after Tim had had a hissy fit which I was on phone to solicitors. As I was finishing the call the estate agent came out to get me as it had all gone through and we could have the keys!

Back to cabin to ship dog first and a number of other stuff including me, as I would have to wait for all the deliveries as it was after 12. Tim loaded up all the stuff from the cabin and he was getting it too us, as the new place was only 5 mins away!

Found out all the nastys as normal in new house, shower had cracked tray, cooker was filthy and grill was still caked in grease and dried on meaty bits! Yuk! He had even taken the extension lead to work the filter for the swimming pool! And the cupboards were full of cockroach poo!! Ewwww!

What is it about moving, the guys want to unpack and build all the new stuff and the girls end up doing all the cleaning!! L After living on my own for more years than I like to remember it is hard, as I have been so used to sorting out all the stuff myself and have found it hard to not want to build stuff and do the nice bits apart from all the cleaning!

For years you want someone to do all those jobs around the house and then when it comes you find out you are so independent. Its strange as I now know how frustrated dad feels that he cant do all the jobs he wants to do, and how mum feels doing all the jobs she is not used to doing which I have done for years not having a man around. Strange balance!? Perhaps best to go away and get someone else to do it all and just move in to a new sorted house!

After a long hard day finally passed out exhausted with back aches!

The Rest of Week! Until Friday 17^th November

The week has been an array of tradesmen, quotes, building furniture, staining decking and furniture. Cleaning, unpacking boxes, bags, and more and more stuff!

Tiring week as the dog has been a bit stressed out and waking at 5am most mornings for a wee as she is drinking so much water with the heat!

We have done gardening, sorted out the pool and have cut back a house load of shrubs, trees and other stuff! There is now a zen garden in the front with water feature and coloured stones. The internet people were trying to sort out internet for us but did not manage today L not sure if they can. I was hoping that we could up load the long long blog and then collect emails and chat to friends and family ……….. but not yet! They are coming back Monday so we shall see if we can get it sorted.

We have used the cooker, the new BBQ, and the pool J Tim has his own bath room which he is excited about and we have used the new washing machine that does not pummel your clothes into a munched up heap!

Last night it was so cold that we had to shut all the windows and the front door and went to bed fully dressed! And Still woke cold, even the dog was trying to get warm, so we had to get her, her blanket from the car! Strangely we did not have one so while she was warm we were not!

So Today (Friday) Tim went shopping for doona cover, to keep us warm!

At 7.30am we got up and there was a knock on the door from a guy quoting for rubbish removal! Went out into garden and realised it was warmer outside than in, the house does the job of keeping cool in the hot weather but it takes longer to warm up! So we sat out by the pool to have a warm up and some orange juice!

Tim cooked scrambled eggs for breakfast!

Tim went on an array of shopping to his favourite store, Bunnings (B&Q equivalent!) to get some more stuff for the zen garden. He then picked up our dinning table and chairs and then came back to help me finish digging out loads of soil in front garden. While he was out I sorted out all our clothes in to cupboards, washed up breakfast things, painted the head board for the spare bedroom, rubbed down garden furniture and moved it all to front porch, finished the chemical additions to the pool, and fed the dog.

We swapped roles which I quite enjoyed, and Tim hated! As shopping is not one of his favourites!

My week has not been so good have been bitten to death by mozzies, bitten by sand flies, bitten by horse fly and today bitten by a spider which was less then the size of my little fingernail, and as I am still ok it must not have been one of the deadly ones!

It seems very strange that in this fantastic hot weather people are shopping for Xmas pressies and father Xmas is coming to the shops this weekend! Not sure what we will do this year, as Tim still hates Xmas (as he always does) and does not want to celebrate which makes it hard for me as I love it and get excited about it all (it feels horrible when you wake up alone which I have done for years, only the joys of Luke coming into my room to see what Santa has bought brings pleasure, even when you are in the company of loads of family its hard not to feel alone when they all have partners)

While I am typing this he is fast asleep in the recliner chair! Bless! And he wants to go to more garage sales in the morning!

Blog_7 The long long winding road!

Tuesday 24^th October, 3 years together today

Started the journey to Sydney, early start for first stop at Tin Can Bay. Arrived just after seven, a few people were already there along with a number of pelicans. Had brekkie drinks while waiting for the dolphin to show up. Mr N.D.O Pacific arrived just before 8 o’clock to the awaiting crowds (40 or so). Fairly well managed and nice to see a smile on Yvonne’s face.

Next stop was Rainbow beach for a bladder and breakfast stop. Got stuck into the journey and reached our designated first stop Ballina by about 16:00. Decided to head on while we had some daylight. Probably not the best idea since it was dark when we attempting to find somewhere to sleep. Eventually found a campsite, then headed to the nearest town for some dinner. Back to the campsite where it proved impossible to get the seats into the advertised bed position so Y slept on the second seats and T was into the passenger seat.

Wednesday 25^th October

Up early, grabbed a shower and headed off. Basically got to Sydney, the last section of roads through the hills was stunning. Arrived at the Uni around 15:30, found somewhere to park and met Emma at the Uni. Checked emails and drove to Emmas house. Got changed and headed into the city on the train. Had dinner near the Opera house, then stuffed ourselves on ice cream before getting the wrong train home! Got off the train and onto a bus which dropped us in the general vicinity of Dulwich Hill. A short walk later we had reached the train station and Emma’s abode. Slept on bed which was great after all the travelling in car. Met Irene and her cat. Stayed up chatting to Emma.

Thursday 26^th October

A day in Sydney. Woke up what seemed early but turned out to be about 9 o’clock. Got the train to Circle Quay. Eventually found somewhere to have breaklunch, popped into Dymocks and bought a bird ID guide then Y checked email in the most expensive internet café in the world - $3 for 3 minutes. If you are in Sydney, avoid it – you can find it across the road from Dymocks. Took a stroll around the Opera House and botanic gardens. Avoided most of the Japanese! Y had a meeting concerning potential marine mammal work in Oz which left T to visit the aquarium. Met up about 3 hours later to have beer and headed back to Dulwich Hill. Had dinner at a local pizza place, good pizzas, thick staff but entertaining. Back Emmas where I fell asleep on bed and Emma and Y stayed up chatting and drinking wine and hot chocolate.

Friday 27^th October

We woke at Emmas and got showered and packed ready to go pick dog up! Emma woke and she made us fabulous fruit platter for breakfast we had a good chat and then set out to pick up dog. Tim decided that we should go and see his cousin first as she was only 5mins away from Emma. So off we went and found it we did with the help of the good old sat nav! Strange for Tim as he had not seen his cousin since he was little!

Their son Daniel who was in the terrible two stage, was having a little tantrum when we arrived, he looked so grumpy, but was soon placated as Dad put on the computer which he has soon divided into 4 or 5 screens each running something different, which was all done without knowing just by clicking the mouse and swirling it around! Perhaps he could teach me a thing or two!!?

We spent time chatting and then the time had creped up on us and we had to leave to get the dog. We wanted to take them for lunch somewhere as a thank you but we were caught up in this time schedule to get the dog by 12pm as if we did not get her in time that day we would be charged more.

By this time Daniel had got used to us and then wanted to play ball which we did for a while, his aim is as good as mine! We left with Daniel in tears, not because we were leaving but because he had tripped up on the way to the road to wave goodbye! L

Everything seems so quick there is no time to think linger and take it all in, it just seems rush rush rush, I hope we get out of this, all I know is that Tim hates Sydney as it reminded him of London.

We found the quarantine station only just as it was not easy, but we had missed the 12pm deadline! L So we had to wait. After a drink and a quick sandwich from the garage we got in to collect the dog!

After completing all the paperwork and paying the bill they went to get her. She was on a lead outside and did not notice us at first. She was just excited to say high to all the attendants and be out of her kennel! Then she spotted us and she got very excited and was all over the place it was great to see her and she looked a lot healthier than when we last saw her. Her teenage spots had cleared up, her pads were spot free and she had a nice shiny coat and eyes, much like me! ;0)

We took her out to car and then realised in the excitement we had forgotten her crate, so Tim went back to organise it and Roxy went under car in shade. Strangely she new which car was ours she just went straight too it, we must smell bad!

Tim came along in a new electric cart with the crate on the back and we shoved it in the car with the dog and off we went!

It was not long before we stopped to let her have a run and a pee!

We decided that we needed to find a camp site before it got dark, so we stopped in a village to get some stuff for dinner and Tim found a tourist information place and got the name of a place that would take dogs so off we went in search of it as it was only a bit up the road.

Well we found the sign and headed down the dirt track road, on and on and on! Where was it!? Had we gone wrong? Finally found sign for it and then we saw it, the roads had been up and down hills, close to the edge of vertical drops (my side!!) and Tim wanting to do it as quickly as he could and frighten me at the same time!

Gosh we were lucky! They only had one room left and yes we could have the dog with us! We had to order dinner if we wanted it as the chef was busy preparing for a wedding the next day. Daylight was fast disappearing so we let the dog run free for the first time in Oz she went mad running in circles like she did at mum and dads round and round and round!

We went for a walk around and decided that it was time to get to dinner as we would be late. The dog was allowed to come with us and she sat by the table outside on the veranda of the restaurant. She was very well behaved and just laid down all meal. The food was fantastic !! Which was a real surprise as it was just a campers place. It was the second best meal we have had since we have been here. We even had pudding which was warm chocolate pudding with a soft melting centre served with thick cream and strawberries, and the dog chose ice-cream from the doggy menu!! Which was served with a wafer in a plastic blue bowl, which Tim had to test and he said the ice-cream was fantastic so much so he was having second thoughts of giving it to dog!

She promptly licked it all up and was chilling out J

Off to bed with a stroll by pond to watch the dog twitch and turn her head at every croak the frogs were making, she got so confused as there was so many, we had to get her to bed before he head fell off from all the jerking.

As we were trying to sleep three little boys decided they were going to try and open the bedroom door, which got the dog barking and us a bit mad! After a jump out at them when they tried it again, they were so scared even the dad jumped back and apologised J

Finally sleep in a bunk bed!

Saturday 28^th October

Woke with and early morning pee call from the dog!

Went for a nice long walk and Roxy had a run around with the campsite dog, which was surprising as he cam out of no where and just enticed her to chase him, so she did until they were so puffed they could do no more.

Back to room to make breakfast and rolls for journey.

Off we set again after a couple of purchases at the gift shop on the campsite for Tim and Roxy.

Sunday 29^th October

Left the horrid camping site with trailer trash behind as quickly as we could! When I walked Roxy one guy was eying her up and started to follow us! When I went for shower there was a young girl in there with her baby who was screaming, not many babies like having showers! But the more it screamed the louder she shouted shut up and the harder she smacked it! L It was really upsetting, so much so that it distracted me from the cockroaches and fleas that were showering with me!

Even the dog jumped into the back of the car quick!

Off we set for a long and hot journey back to hopefully hervey bay tonight! We stopped in a town to get some cold drinks and ice-cream and I nearly had a punch up at the check out!! Tim put the basket down at the end of the checkout as you do in the UK after unpacking the shopping on the belt. The woman behind just threw it across the next till which I took to be very aggressive. So I explained to the check out girl and her that we thought that was where you put them! The check out girl just smiled and shrugged at us and then the other woman started shouting at me. So I told her politely that the fact she threw the basket at the other till, I took to be a sign of aggression and did not know what was wrong. The poor check out girl had gone bright red by this time and Tim was telling me to calm down (strangely I was) but the woman went into one again spouting on about how she had 4 kids to cope with! We took our things and left quickly, it would not be a town we would visit again, it was a bit like Trickets cross (for those who know the area!)

On the way to the car we laughed about it and made some rude comments between ourselves about learning to say the word NO J

Tim then decided later into our journey to stop at a winery to taste and buy some wine, it was again in the middle of no where but the road was very twisty turny and Tim enjoyed the difference from the long straight highway.

We found the winery and went for a short tasting session and purchased a couple of bottles of red one that Tim liked and one I liked, the dog had a pee stop at the winery (not on the vines!) and off we went again, down the twisty turny road until we got on the highway again.

We stopped for cheese rolls I had made and then onward!

Finally stopping at Hervey Bay in time to unpack, walk dog and fall asleep watching motor GP and getting upset that Rossi fell off his bike and lost the whole final L

Monday 30^th October

Bad start to day! Roxy woke early and was pinning for the out doors, we thought for wee, which she did then it was to be sick, so Tim took her out for walk while I tried to get back to sleep as it was only 5am!

The day did not improve we were asked to move cabins, for what reason I do not know but 4 of us had to move, it was like musical cabins, but not very practical or fun! As we have started to buy bits and pieces for the house. So everything that we had sorted out and knew where it was had to be moved again!

But first we had to go and register the dog and licence her! Well that was expensive as she has all her bits! If she was de-sexed it would be less than half the price! We had not managed to grab breakfast as we were so late up so Tim whimpered on about the Bayorama café for a thick milk shake and something to eat. We managed to join the Bayorama club which lets you have a free coffee every time you visit; knowing that the other person will buy something else is quite a good idea! One to remember!!??

We then headed back to cabin as we were asked to move as soon as we could!

I was a little upset as she said the cabin was bigger, well it would have been apart from the bunk beds! It had a separate shower and toilet which meant I would have to get dressed in the middle of the night if I needed a wee! And the added thought of those yukky cockroaches roaming around free!

The kitchen equipment in this cabin was one sauce pan, one electric fryer, one microwave and 2 spoons! Needless to say the thought of living on crap food for another two weeks was not very inspiring or pleasing!

There were no drawers for clothes or places to put my books there was less of everything even though the room was bigger, I was not a happy bunny L

Everything was a mess again and we had to lift Tims BBQ which weighs 48k across, needles to say I have put my back out as it is so weak!

After we had tidied up and sorted things out as best we could, even the fridge and freezer was smaller so that there was not much room to get our stuff in! Tim even had to sacrifice not having any beers in fridge!!

We then went to try the library as it had been a while since we had looked at emails and sorted out all matter of stuff! Internet was booked solid! So booked for tomorrow morning and Tim got a book on how to fix bicycles as he needs to straighten the spokes on the spare bike we have.

Then we had to go get some food shoping! Our hate, but before that we went looking for pans and cooking equipment as Tim too said that he did not want to live off nuked food for the next 2 weeks! Shopping in the heat is not much fun! Even less when you have no idea where the cooking equipment shops are! So both ratty and fed up we went on the hunt for cooing pots, found some that were price like gold or should I say le cruset (think that’s how you spell it or should it be crusty? J ) Finally we found a shop and got the stuff, Tim went back to the car with the Dog and I went to find some cushions for the garden seats so we could sit on the veranda and eat and drink beer (and wine!) J

While getting the cushions some blind bat of a woman tried to reverse park into a car space next to use and smashed into the back of the car! Now to tell you there was around 50-100 free spaces would be no word of a lie, but she chose to park right next to us and could not manage to do it! Grrr! What a day! Mind you Tim said the poor woman was close to tears, so it was not a good day for her too!

Tim thought she had just scrapped the moulded bumper and side bar but on closer inspection she had also done the whole back of the car bumper which has buckled, she must have been reversing back at a fare pace as the pajero is a meaty vehicle!

Then we went on to get food shopping which was limited due to size of fridge and freezer, the thought of having to shop every couple of days was not inspiring of nice thoughts and fighting to get through a till! They are not like the UK at all they only have one maybe two tills open and the quick checkout will allow you to take 15 items through!? (not such a short que!) Then they also never check the date codes on the food and some is out of date before you have even bought it! Other food items will be mouldy and they will still be selling it !! So shopping becomes a lengthy process as you have to check everything!

Through the checkout and we hear from Dom and Sam they want to know if we want to join them for new years eve in Sydney, which is what we wanted to do! See our first new year in, in style and watch the fireworks on Sydney H Bridge. Our only problem now is the Dog! We now have to find someone to look after her and try and then get some flights to Sydney as we do not want to drive that far so quick again!

Back to cabin to unpack food and sort out dog with walk food etc, but first a beer, nice and ice cold from the drive through bottle shop!! Yes! Mad is it not!? You drive through order what you want the guy carries it to the car loads it in and takes your money! How lazy is that!!

So beer, walk dog at the end of the road (the beachJ ) back to cabin, cook dinner eat in new dishes, more beer (bundy rum and coke for me!) relax, read driving theory test book for me, and sleep……………………..

Well so we thought! My mobile rings at midnight or something close, Tim leaps out of bed to answer it and misses the call, a message is left and it was Luke to say he had got the CDs I had sent him of all the pics we have taken so far and he wanted to speak and say he missed us…………. Bless J

Tuesday 31^st October

The dog woke us again at 5am wanting a wee then a puke! She is coming into season which we were hoping she would have at the kennels, which always makes her puke for a little first thing in the morning!

Then went back to bed to wake at 8.45 !! and we were booked into the library internet at 9am! Rush rush rush and we got there by 9.15 which was not bad going! I rushed onto internet and started sorting out emails only to be questioned at 9.30 and asked to get off, I explained I had booked and paid for it the day before and so the hassle went on eventually after a telling off by the librarian for going on the wrong PC I was left in peace to finish emails. But ran out of time as woman behind me was hovering!

So out of library and in search of dog food that the kennels were feeding Roxy as she looks so well on it! Found it and then headed back to cabin, as we both needed water and some breakfast, will today be as bad as yesterday!!??

Tim is booked in for 2pm at library on internet as we have to finalise the winning of our free flight! Think it is to Sydney or somewhere close!?

Back at cabin and Tim is fixing bike by tuning in the spokes sounds like weird musical which has sent the dog to sleep and out for the count buy the looks of it! I am writing the blog and then will read emails I managed to save and will then take dog down road to each for swim J

Dog had quick walk and we shot off to library Tim went in for internet and I went to take my drivers theory test……….gulp! I managed to pass finally! And Tim met me outside with dog. We then went to sally Ann to get blanket for Roxy in her crate and a towel to dry her after the beach and shower!

Went to look in cook shop and found some where that sells all cake making stuff so will be ok once we get a cooker, to make some cakes!

Went for celebratory milk shake! Went to cake shop to have a look.

Came back and took dog for walk on beach, she found a crab and was very excited and was jumping all about the place but never touched she was so gentle, and did not even bark at it ……………bless !! Her first live crab, as in Poole they are always dead.

Wednesday 1^st November

Dog woke early again! We are going to have to keep her awake until we sleep, worse than a child! Tim got up and sorted out an application for a job.

Took dog for walk and saw a family of 5 Roo’s in the bush near us, Tim took pics and we then went to phone his mum to sort out some insurance stuff.

We then headed off to solicitor about house bits, bank, post office and then the library.

Headed back to cabin after to chillout and do some reading!

Then went to house to see if post had arrived for us, got all what we needed and the guy showed us how to keep pool clean! Not sure that either of us will remember!

Got estimate on car and looked into motor bike shop, then went and had a look at a kayak and made appointment for Tim to have his feet fixed.

Back to cabin chat to neighbours as they lost cat and are now moving into new home. Took dog for swim, and she decided to go in deep as the water was all warm! I went in but it was too cold for Tim!

Dinner took forever to cook on electric ring!