D Day

and that would translate to Departure Day.

We all knew it was coming; we have been planning for it for nearly three months and then all of a sudden it has snuck right onto my shoulders and gripped me around the neck without a fanfare or some kind of emotional warning bell.

At this very moment as I write this, I am still pretty calm.  Mind you, don't know how that feeling will transpire at 6 p.m. as I pull out of the drive at Franmaree Road and head towards the boat in Devonport.

I think that I would have been a lot more excited about the actual trip if Chris had not been laid up since he got home mid December with a bad back. That has put a dampener on everything, I gotta say. 

But I still feel optimistic and I still feel blessed and hopeful.  I am also very, very thankful. As the regular readers amongst you can corroborate, it has been a struggle at times. I am just so grateful that my wonderful family and friends have pitched in and supported me in any way they could.  What on earth would I have done without you all;  giving me your blessings and encouragement.  Making me laugh when all I really wanted to do was bawl and then letting me bawl when I really needed to. 

I can't really imagine what it will be like to leave and realise that it will be for quite a long time.  I know that we are coming back for Emily and Farooq's wedding, but it will be different  - it won't be our home anymore. And I don't think that it ever will be again.

We have lived here for 10 years - the longest I have EVER lived anywhere apart from Mum and Dad's farm at Boat Harbour.  So to say I am attached to this house is an understatement. I have so many happy memories here and so many sad times as well.  But even the bad wasn't that bad; the good was bloody fantastic though!

Life is a queer old bird, isn't she? The triumphs and tribulations, the sickness and health (that we take for granted, most of the time) and the joy that we experience just in the everyday mundaneness of  the daily grind. The funny little things that make us laugh till we pee ourselves and our sides ache - or in my case, wheeze uncontrollably till I need Ventolin!  Once I start my Precious Pup impersonation, it just makes the kids laugh more :)

But as Danika says, " I Love Us!" I really do.  I love the way we stick by each other, I love the way that we know each other so well and can read each other so well. We know what we need before anything is said.  I also love that we still learn things about each other all the time. I love them all so much and what is particularly beautiful is I KNOW they love me back.  Really what more can one middle aged rotund little lady need??

One of the most influential books that I have ever read was by A.B. Facey, "A Fortunate Life".  It resounds so well in my heart because that's exactly how I think of my life.  So very, very fortunate; so full and so lucky. 

I will do my best to keep you up to date with what is happening along the way, but as internet connection may or may not be sketchy, bear with me :)

So as Chris and I depart our beloved Tassie soil and make our way West, I just want to thank Jonathan, Danika, Emily, Shaun, Farooq, Kerry, Debbie, Terry, Angela, Di and Dad, plus my lovely nieces Alarna, Claire and Emma - for your love, for your help, for your advice and caring and for the hugs and kisses that have held me together. 

Famille - mon amour, ma vie 

A Quieter House

The house got a lot quieter this morning.  Emily, Farooq and their cat Harriette left to return to Sydney.  Come Friday they will pack their cars up and head to the Nations Capital - Canberra - to begin their new life there. 

The house seems a bit empty.  Although we still have Danika here, her fiance is away also this week so it is just the four of us - plus three dogs! 

Chris' back is still giving him bucket loads of curry.  He still cannot sleep in a bed and is very tired all the time.  9 times out of ten, when I look over at him, his head is down to his chest and he is out to it. I am really hoping and praying for a miracle by next Monday, sooner would be even better of course. 

This week will be chocka block with last minute appointments and a trip down the coast to see Dad before I leave. Dental, podiatry, hair etc - all have to be seen to before I get on that boat on Monday night. When I think about it all, I get a nervy tummy and the butterflies turn into antelopes galloping about.  Everyone assures me that it will all be fine but I am truly at the stage now, that I just want to go and get to Karratha and start our new life there. 

I have minimal packing left, mostly clothes and the last few things that kick around for a final grab.  The lists are still with me, taunting me when I walk past the bench - in a "Don't Forget Me!" kinda way.  At least the packing station aka The Dining Table is in it's unextended state, which is a plus I think.  The last thing to be disconnected and packed will be the  stereo. I cannot live without my music.

I have gone over the box allocation so will need to talk to the removalist about that when he arrives. Hope he is amiable to a few more. Not much but at least two extra boxes. I have a small and tidy pile sitting down in the garage waiting to be squeezed into the car along with the cases etc.  Thank Goodness in a way, that we  aren't taking Dizzy. That will make packing the car a much more tolerable task.

Today I am going to move all our stuff out of our bedroom and put it in the spare bedroom so that Danika can continue to unpack her gear and actually have room to put it somewhere.  In some ways it is a lot easier having them move in but in another it presents other difficulties that need to be accommodated  - working around each others boxes etc.  But then we have had the pleasure of being here together at the same time, so that part was fun. 

So between the care giving to the patient and the waving goodbye; unpacking; cleaning; washing - and there is a small mountain of that ~ it has been an exhausting day.  A wonderful respite comes this afternoon in the form of a hair appointment -bliss - a whole hour or so of nothing! Can't wait.

Goodbye 2013

Wow 2013 is nearly over! What a year of change it has been; adventures and new experiences.  I can hardly wait to see what 2014 will bring.  More change for one thing and more adventures. 

This is going to be my new motto for 2014.  I have to admit that I am anxious about saying goodbye.  If I could whisk us both to Karratha over night and be settled, moved in and steady, I would be really thrilled.

The downside to that though, of course, is that I would not get the chance to say goodbye. So it's a no win/no win situation.  I would like to save myself the upset of saying goodbye but I don't want to miss out on saying goodbye.  Make sense??  No, not to me either.

Back to 2013, before it is too late and it is 2014.

We had a great year which included travelling through France and the UK for 7 weeks; getting to know Chris' new little grand daughter, Scarlett (who is a delight) and having some lovely visits from the kids.  In 2013 Chris got a new job;  I had some wonderful hours spent in the playroom making all sorts of lovely bits and bobs. We had a couple of mini breaks, Freycinet, Hobart and Melbourne.  I read a few wonderful books and a couple of shite ones and saw some great movies.

Some friends moved away; some moved closer; we made some new friends and lost some as well. All in all we have been blessed, looked after, loved and most importantly, cherished in 2013.  We have been sick, had aches and pains and a couple of infections between us but still lucky enough to say that we are in good health. 

In 2014 we are facing one of our biggest years of change yet.  It will be adventurous, challenging, unsettling and uplifting. As long as we are together, I am OK with that.

I am looking forward to a new job, making new friends, seeing new places and experiencing new fun things to do. Through it all, I trust that I have the faith to remember that we are in the place that we are meant to be, doing what we are meant to be doing at a time that is just right for us.

So as we draw the blinds on 2013 and open the cupboard to let the New Year out, I want to wish you all the very best.  Here's to a new year of good health, loads of happy times and the best of life that friends, family and love can bring to you all.

Thanks for reading my thoughts and ramblings over the last couple of months and I hope that I can hold your attention again in 2014 for a few minutes every now  and then.

Mini Meltdown

Today is a most glorious day.  The weather is sublime and the ticks on the list are growing.  The fly today (as you know there is always a fly)  is that I am tired and stressed, more than usual.

The phone rang last night, late, with exciting news to impart! Fabulous good news, but I got too excited so hardly slept, even though at 2 a.m. I wandered around the house and got into another bed. So not nearly enough sleep when you wake up at 5.20 a.m.

Back to the melt down :( I am trying to get quotes for the personal effects, kitchen equipment, books, linen etc etc that we need to take to Karratha.  I need the quote to give to Chris' company to ensure their approval for costs.  Trouble is I can't get a quote until I know exactly what we are taking. Trouble is I can't tell them how much we are taking until I know that someone is going to pay for it !  See my quandary.

After four very frustrating phone calls and absolutely no joy, I went up to the local mover who I have been buying my boxes and bubble wrap from. Lovely fella named Dean, gave me a ball park figure, so at least I can kinda budget around that.  Thank you Dean, he obviously didn't want to see a grown lady crying in the office of the removalists.

So at least I can now say to Chris, "Well this is what it might look like." Talking to Chris did not help with the melting experience. He bore the brunt of that unfortunately.  I hope he knows that I don't actually mean to take it out on him;  the swearing might have helped with the stress in the short term.

I like to think that I am a realist; I think I know which way the cookie crumbles and I do know that this may be the first of the mini melt downs before January 13th (undoubtedly there will be major ones after that !).  However I just need to step aside for a minute and not keep pushing myself too hard; Or I will break not bend.
I have, after all, another two weeks before the kids come home and I should get it all done by then.

I think that I will pack up a couple more boxes and then reward myself with a movie and some quiet knitting. I still have a sleeve and the bands to do on Farooq's Christmas present, so gotta pay attention to that as well :)

I hope the neighbours like Bernard Fanning, cos that's what we are all listening to LOL!!

Karratha Home

Another day, another room to pack and organise.  Actually I am into The Playroom, aka the sewing room, today and that will take much longer than a day! Never the less, a start is as good as an icy pole on a hot day!!    (- no relation I know but it is early still here and that's the best I can come up with  :)

Okay the photos:

The front, the verandah has drop down shade blinds on all sides

The Main Bedroom 

The slightly untidy kitchen

Looking from entry hallway through to back door and family living area

Spare Room number 1

Spare Room Number 2

Spare Room Number 3

Outdoor dining

So that's just a couple of shots for you. I think we are going to be very happy there, the best part is plenty of room for guests and air cond. in every room :)

Lazy Sunday

Today we have had a lovely lazy day doing not very much at all.  Chris has been assembling a new barbeque, I gave him a haircut and we did the house work.  I vaccummed and Chris mopped the floors.  We did that early this morning though, as it is a bit hot to being doing house work later in the day.  But that's OK, it's just about learning new routines. 

The rest of the time, I have been watching Mad Men Series 6 in between cricket.  Emily and Farooq bought  it for me just prior to leaving Tassie.  Such a thoughtful gift to while away some time.  Plus I had better fess up, I did get my head on the pillow for a little snooze :

Chris and I have been discussing how best to get my car here; I know I keep dancing around this issue but now we have a new idea.  Our latest rumination involves leaving the car in Tassie until after Emily and Farooq's wedding in April.  We are, after all, going to need a car for the 2 or three weeks we are home and then maybe selling it after that.

In Karratha there is a vacant lot on the highway into town called Dreamers Corner. What happens is that anyone who has a car, boat, caravan, or bike to sell, take it to Dreamers Corner with the details on the window and if you are interested you get their details and follow up.  The Shire regulate the activity and you need a permit to park your sale item there. But is seems very popular, there are plenty of people stopping by to peruse the wares.

 Chris and I went to check it out to see if there was a car there for me, or something that would be suitable for me. I'm thinking just a decent sized 4 cylinder with low kms.  I only need something reliable to get me to work.  It is just another idea.  Watch this space because I am sure there will be another option up for discussion soon.

We are also making lists of things that we need to buy for the house here.  While it is fully furnished, there are just the odd little thing that the owner has not thought of.  Things like shelving in the bathroom, walk in robe and more bedroom furniture, tall boy and some outdoor easy chairs etc. The furniture is very modern and retro, 60s styled low studded couches etc. They look really good but are not very comfortable. Well I just can't get comfortable on them.

Luckily, Sherry, at Chris' work, has given him another hot tip. There is a Facebook page that is by request membership only, called Karratha Buy, Swap or Sell. It is for Karratha residents only and is a free site to acquire or dispose of what you need to.  We are awaiting membership so that we can check out lounge suites and shelf units.
Apparently it is a Karratha institution and everyone uses it but you have to be a resident.

Another place to find stuff is fhe local paper, The Pilbara News. So I will get Chris to get a copy of that. There is a Harvey Norman here and a hardware shop but not a lot of choice in either.





Out the front of the house is a huge verandah which has drop down shade blinds; it looks to be a lovely spot for an evening drink but nothing to sit on yet. I am not expecting everything straight away, but we can keep our eyes and ears open.

The saucepan set that is in the house is very cheap and flimsy, so we bought a new fry pan, a Cuisinart; good buy as it cooks beautifully without burning everything to a crisp or teflon coating your meat. :)

So little bit by little bit we are turning this house into our new home where we will be comfortable and have a place that is welcoming to our visitors!!  It's all part of the adventure and we are enjoying it together.

I'm Here

Oh my goodness, so much has happened since I last wrote.  I have ben experiencing computer probs again, so that took me a while to figure out, othwise I would have written sooner.  More than one way to skin a cat....not that I would skin a cat, Emily, honestly it's just a saying.

Well I have arrived in Karratha and from the little I have seen, I reckon we will be pretty well set here.

The house is really big and well set out, brand new with four big bedrooms.  Most things that we will need are here, but I wil be bringing up a few of my wants. Like  decent frying pan.  I cooked Chris bacon and eggs for breakfast and the coating on the tiny fry pan came off onto to the bacon. Added protein, I think not. 
Small thing but if I have it at home, why not here? I can bring our good stuff up here.

The town of Karratha is undergoing a big spruce up.  There are major works in progress in the town centre to open it up and increase the roads and parking.  They have recently opened a huge, big leisure centre which has pools, netball courts, volleyball courts etc. We are going up there for a look later today.

Everything that we need shopping wise is here, banks, Target, The Mart, Woolies, Coles and lots of little specialty shops. I was amused the other night, we called into the bottleo to get a couple of  coldies and it is a drive thru in the true sense of the words.  The young lady comes up to the car, you dont even have to get out of the car!!  I made my first friend, as we left she said "Bye Girl."

People here are very friendly and welcoming.

Of course the fact that I have already scored a job, makes it even more attractive.  I will start work the week after we come back in January, being the relief administration person at the Nickol Bay Hospital. So every time someone makes a crack about the weather, I will just smile and think of the money. The financial advantage of working in Karratha is very appealing.

The weather cracks, I must say, are really starting to annoy Chris. After all, you do get weather everywhere and it seems to be the thing that all folk moan about no matter where they live. Too hot, too cold; too dry, too wet etc etc. And it's one of the few things in this world that you can do naught about :)

As the lady said to me yesterday, who conducted my job interview, the summer here is like the winter in the south. In winter, you stay in by the fire, dont go outside unless you need to and pretty much hibernate. Well that's what we will do in summer.  In winter we will go camping, have lots of BBQs and get out and about. It's all to do with adapting and learning to go with the flow.

We have both done it before and I am confident we can do it again.  I will get off here now and go spend time with Christopher, after all that's what I'm here for ;)