Author: joansjottingscom

Up early for the 6 hour trip to Mumbil. The first long drive for Flo and she drove like a dream. As she is being run in it probably took a bit longer and I’m also still getting used to a different vehicle.

It was good to meet familiar as well as new faces over the weekend. Planning continues for the 4 week journey to Exmouth. Lots of talking and sharing of experiences. Our shared meal on Saturday night was an amazing assortment of dishes and too much food. Sitting around the huge open fire kept us warm on a very cold evening. I slept really well in the van. Woke to -4°

On the way home, as I travelled over the Blue Mountains, 3 of the ladies in their vans caught up with me and we became a mini tagalong for about 15ks. They were travelling faster then me so they soon disappeared ahead. I made good time and was home by 17:00

I did some unpacking and was going to pick up Van from Paul’s house. Ian rang and said that he would bring her over which he did.

The next trip was to Comboyne to spend the weekend with Lynda and Ethel. Sharon came with me, she managed to get the Monday off work. So another early start. I picked her up and she guided me through to the Harbour Bridge entry through the CBD. I thought I would use my newly acquired ETag but no, it doesn’t register on the way over.

We settled in for the long drive. Still windy weather. Some of the gusts caught us, the van having a bigger surface area. Finally arrived about 15:00 to a warm house and stayed near the fire most of the weekend.

We left Comboyne 09:30. Sharon had a drive on the way back. We picked a good time to travel as the traffic was relatively light. The wind wasn’t as bad either. We took an alternate route back through Sydney and I didn’t get to use the ETag after all.

I dropped Sharon off at her place 17:00. Unloaded her lemons, bags etc. and forgot her avocados!!!

I got home about 18:10. Ian had brought Van home.

Unpacked, tea, shower and an early night. Slept well.

Flo has done 1997.3Ks now. Very, very happy with my purchase. Good times ahead.

Yesterday we changed our regular venue for a picnic lunch at a local park. Reason being it was an opportunity to introduce Flo and I also wanted to show her off to my friends who had heard so much about her. They have been very supportive of my plans to continue travelling albeit, solo.

The day began with overcast and windy weather then developed into a sunny but cool afternoon. I picked Denise C up at her house, Torbs gave Flo his approval. We gathered at the park and set up tables for an amazing spread of food. Hot tea and coffee plus a modest toast of some aged bubbles to celebrate Flo’s arrival.

I was touched by “yet another ” generous care/gift basket from these ladies. A thoughtful collection of hand made and useful travelling essentials. Where would I be without such good friends and friendships?

It’s finally happened, Flo is now in my possession. Now I’m the owner of a well fitted out campervan so let the adventures begin.

Picking her up was an adventure in itself. Ian plus the grandchildren drove me down to Albion Park on what I told them was a surprise destination. When they realised what we were doing they were excited too. They stayed a short time and left us to get the official handover. Jai who has shown the most interest, was given the special treat of being my first passenger.

I’m very happy with the vehicle. It handles well and the hi top was worth the wait. I can’t believe I now have the ability to continue travelling and that I did it all myself. In the past I was more than happy for Chris to handle the paperwork, which he did well.
I’m looking forward to lunch on Tuesday with my amazing Tuesday lunch ladies . We are going to have a picnic lunch near the beach to show off Flo.

Not long now, Flo will be ready for pickup next Friday. Happy days.I can finally set up for future travels. I don’t need much as we have all the essentials but it is exciting putting my personal touches on things.

I have been preparing for the Rolling Solo SITMEX (stuck in the middle of Exmouth) event in October. It’s shaping up to be an amazing week. I’ve been purchasing tickets and booking spots on many of the activities on offer.

Our second planning weekend for the NSW tagalong group travelling to Exmouth is on August 2nd in Mumbil so that will be Flo’s shakedown trip.

The solicitors have been in touch and soon will have the legal work finalised. Hard to think a year has almost passed.

Second week of school holidays and it’s been windy days for the most. Everyone is surviving, kids are growing before my eyes. Won’t be long and they will be taller than me. Paul’s baby is having her 6th Birthday on Wednesday.

This month we have an extra sewing day for DfGs so there’s plenty to do.

I’ve just returned from a planning weekend for our NSW tagalong group travelling to Exmouth WA, for a gathering of 500 Rollers for a week in September. Six of us gathered at the leaders property at Mumbil.

Flo was not ready so for this trip I took the MUX on it’s last journey. It also doubled for my accommodation for 2 nights.

It was good to meet some of the other women making up the group for the month long trip. Others will join along the way.

Next meeting is in August. This will be a shakedown trip for Flo who is being fitted out as I write. So exciting…….

Meanwhile school holidays are looming. Paul has been called in a couple of times for work this week. He is happy to keep up the contact.

I had the pleasure of taking Paul’s eldest daughter to join her classmates from Kemblawarra Primary School in the mall last Thursday evening. The choir sang the national anthem in English and Dharawal language. They were part of the welcoming smoking ceremony. Aunty Robyn came to hear the choir before staring work.

Paul had an appointment with the lawyer for an arranged teleconference in which the Family Court judge was to give his decision on custody of the children for the interim. Uncle Ian was looking after the other three.

Paul continues to have the children in his care. Next mention is in October. Final 4 day Court date is in August 2020.

Recently I was treated to an overnight stay at the Swissotel Sydney, Robyn and I shared a room (thanks Sharon). Included was a “70 minute uplifting aroma massage with nourishing scalp and Orana foot treatment”. Now I’m a new woman. Robyn opted for the “35 minute back, neck and shoulder massage and a 35 minute gentle facial treatment with soothing facial massage or nourishing mask”. Very nice she said glowingly. Also included a day pass to Spa and Sports amenities. We had our warming drink of tea and a glass of sparkling wine. After our pampering we met up with Sharon for a five course meal at Barangaroo. (thankyou Robyn) I was reaquained with Vermouth in a rather exotic cocktail. We sat back and watched the VIVID entertainment around us and took in the atmosphere.

Well and truely sated it was time for a wander around Barangaroo, the Rocks and the Quay. So much going on and lots of people about. It was a cool night with an almost full moon. We walked back to the hotel and Sharon checked out our accommodation before heading off home.

After a good sleep it was time for shopping before returning home on the afternoon train. Robyn got tickets for the Shopper Hopper boat/service that took us from Circular Quay to Birkinhead Point and returned us to Darling Harbour.

Picked up luggage from hotel. Robyn staying and I headed to the station. Topped up the Opal card and settled back in the quiet carrage to enjoy the ride home. I hadn’t been around the CBD for 2 years so caught up on some changes, mainly George Street light rail infrastructure in progress.

Taxi home by 4pm. Then time to pick up Van from Paul’s house. She had roughed it outside for her overnight stay.

Lots going on, as my mother-in-law used to say “I haven’t had time to bless myself”.

It’s all happening with Flo (my new vehicle). Currently at the campervan workshop awaiting transformation. Yesterday I took her for a drive. Very, very happy. She should be ready mid July. Selected suitable uhf radio and a dashcam that will be fitted before pickup. The hitop was worth the wait.

Only 45Ks on the clock, will have to change that ………

No decision has been made from last Mondays Court appearance. It is looking as though it may be transferred to Sydney. Meanwhile Paul has custody of the children.

Winter has hit and we are having very cold weather. The rain we had was welcome.

I have one very bored dog that is set on destroying my cushions, Chris didn’t like them either!

Looking forward to a pamper session in Sydney with/curtisy of my daughters. Then overnight stay, dinner at Barangaroo and taking in Vivid.

Waiting in the dealerships holding area.

Finally things are happening.

Last Saturday was the Wollongong Hospital trained nurses reunion held at Kembla Grange Golf Club. Therese and I car pooled with Toni expecting parking to be limited. It was a great afternoon and so good to catch up with friends, work mates and teachers from an important part of our past. The reality of us all ageing makes time together precious. Lots of good memories although with the passage of time stories are somewhat embellished but that doesn’t matter.

Monday was a Family Court day or rather a morning with the children’s lawyer for her to have time with the children before 3rd June which is the Court date. We arrived for 10:00 appointment and left 13:15. I would love to know her take on the situation and what the kids said but we are not to ask or be privy to such information. Their mother had come earlier with her caseworker to be interviewed , the kids were allowed to have some time with her. Jake told me that she was going to get him his own black and white dog and Tamika said that she was getting a bunny!Paul was also interviewed.Free parking at ALDIs as none of the ticket machines were working.

Jake had his follow up at the fracture clinic and it appears that his arm wasn’t broken but badly sprained. He is now minus the sling and his arm is getting better.

Generally though, I’m almost over a miserable cold that took hold for about 10 days. I haven’t sucumbed to any illness for almost 2 years so wasn’t much company for the dog who also was sneezing a lot. The weather hasn’t helped as the wind and cold is upon us.

Still waiting on word about the campervan. May have to have a change of plan. Lynda has been looking out for me and found a good private sale on the central coast. It wasn’t what I was after but she couldn’t resist so is now the proud owner of a Ford transit Campervan.