Joans jottings

A treat for Jake. A day pass to Jamberoo Recreation Park with Paul and me. The other 3 grandkids had activities on so couldn’t go but that didn’t detract from Jake’s excitement. He and Paul had some quality time together and it was an enjoyable day.

I heard from a reliable source that bikes were a probable theme this Christmas so I found my trusty bike tucked away in the garage in need of some TLC and set about bringing it up to it’s shinny best.

It could be very handy as it folds up making it easy to put in the car.

I bought the ham and turkey for Christmas dinner today. That was always Chris’s job as it was a special catch up time with Michael our butcher/friend who provided us with good quality meat each year. Chris’s first outing after discharge from hospital was to collect the meat order. It was quite an occasion.

A special moment, Michael dressed up for the occasion.

I’ve decided not to send out cards this year as it’s just too hard to omit Chris’s name when signing. Maybe that’s silly but I can’t do it. Suffice to say I do wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Well, I’m back home after spending a restorative week away at Lynda and Ethel’s country retreat. Having been thoroughly spoiled and reikied out I’m ready to handle come what may.

The Friday prior to leaving was a special night out with fellow tuckshop ladies. We met when our children began Primary School and continued our tuckshop career through high school years. Between us we had 16 children so on these occasions, lots to catch up on.

Saturday was an early start as I needed to be at Bensville by 8:45 for the AGM for Days for Girls Australia. I met our leaders, Dorothy and Paul B at the venue. It was a lovely drive. I hadn’t been to Gosford or surrounds for a long time.

The day was amazing. I learnt more about DfG and couldn’t be more impressed by the people involved. The organisation is impressive with the level of professionalism and enthusiasm. The hospitality of the hosting group also very welcoming. The catering was first class.

I left there to continue the drive to Lynda’s hoping to arrive before dark.

The last time I had been to Lynda’s was with Chris on our return from our big trip in July 2017. Again it’s strange with him not being here. I took the MUX for probably it’s last long run before I sell it. I was glad of it’s 4wd capabilities as the last 13ks were on a dirt road shared by logging trucks. The light was rapidly fading as I took in the most beautiful pink sunset through the rural valleys into the mountain range. High beam though was needed for the narrow winding dirt road lined with tall forest trees. Very isolated and out of phone range, not that I wanted to think about that. It would have concerned me more if it was my daughter’s travelling by themselves!

Arrived at Lynda’s about 7:45pm. The evening had become cool. So good to be there with their good company, food and crackling wood fire, bliss.

My birthday was on the Monday. It was nice to spend it there. Lynda made me one of her special carrot cakes which was delicious. I was given some reiki sessions leaving me more relaxed. The pace of life also made it a restful stay. A lot was done in the garden. Many of mums plants we had saved from her house were planted out. We had a day in Port Macquarie. There was planned bridge work next day which would close access for 10 days so supplies were needed. The alternate route was the way I had come in and a bit longer for them. We had some more exploring around the area on country dirt roads. Lynda took me and the chain saw to show me her source of wood for the 2 wood fires they have. She got a permit to go into the local forest to access the felled timber they leave. We came back with as much as we could fit in her SUV.

We came back to find Ethel finishing off the mowing. The mower was a recent replacement purchase necessary to keep the 2 acre block in order. How could I refuse the offer of a go on it…… Not as easy as it looks but a lot of fun.

They had visitors from Dubbo on the Thursday, Ashley, his wife and 2 daughter’s.

Ashley is a pilot with RFDS and they were heading to the coast for a holiday. It’s 2 years since Lynda retired as flight nurse so they had some catching up to do. The girls excitedly recounted their meeting with the royals when they visited the base. Not only Harry but also Meghan. Mum could verify everything with photos & video from her phone.

It was time to return home. Lynda made me a Christmas cake to bring back. I had taken potted plants there and had some to bring back for my garden. Also 2 large bags of mulch, better value than Bunnings. My birthday present, a serious rain gauge ( now I can exchange accurate rainfall information with Lynda). Sad to leave but I had a wonderful break and was ready to come home.I left at 8am and planned to call in to see Pat and John (Chris’s sister ) in Asquith on the way through. I let them know that my ETA would be 1 pm. That all changed when I got caught in traffic for 2hrs due to a truck accident a few hours before which had closed the road. Finally reached Pat’s at 3pm. It was good see them. I enjoyed a cuppa and carrot cake, I hadn’t had carrot cake for such a long time and now twice in one week.

I left them at 5pm and after a visit to the supermarket for milk etc I reached home at 8pm. I unpacked and had a late tea. Made some sandwiches for an early start tomorrow.

All polished up and looking resplendent.

Paul had a spot for me in his truck which was one of the 10 vehicles Brailey’s Transport was entering into Convoy. He had originally hoped that Chris would accompany him but that wasn’t to be. The local radio station started the idea of Convoy to raise funds for CANTEEN 7 years ago. It was for kids with cancer and their families but because over the years it has grown to an humungous level it covers all kids /families doing it tough with serious/terminal health issues. This year they had 1000 motor bikes leading, followed by 750 trucks/prime movers. We met the Braileys group at 3am and travelled up Mt Ousley together in the rain to a position off Madden’s Plains at the head of a long line of trucks.

We settled in for a long wait. Coffee Van did a good business.

The lead group assembled at Appin colliery and we joined them on the motorway at the visitors centre forming a long line. It was quite a sight. Spirits were high and a lot of effort had been put into the prep if each vehicle. Each looking resplendent. I was exposed to a lot of UHF trucky vocabulary which I’m sure was toned down a little.

We left at 8:45am with police on traffic duty for the run. The route went down Mt Ousley off the expressway at Masters Road through Warrawong, Shellharbour and out to Albion Park Airport where celebrations continued for the day.

The atmosphere was amazing. People took up vantage points along the whole route. Some starting very early, groups had picnic set ups and were cooking food. Others had chairs out. The trucks air horns were getting a work out, the kids loved it. Lots of waving.

We arrived at the airport at 12MD with masses of people and parked trucks. Paul was tired and so was I so we decided to head home rather than stay.

We had some lunch at Pauls. He took the truck back to the yard. Ian drove Pauls vehicle to follow and bring him back home. I took Van the dog with me. She had spent the week with the boys and Muddy while I was away. A long rest awaited.

Addit;

My week away also coinsided with the annual Australian Open golf event in Sydney. Chris had, over many years (13) organized for volunteers (up to 84 one year) from Wollongong Golf Club to man allocated holes for the four days of the event. It was something he and many others enjoyed, especially on the Monday which was reserved for the volunteers to play the course in appreciation for their services/time. This year, I was told, as a mark of respect for Chris, all the WGC volunteers wore a black arm band.

I didn’t see any of the TV coverage this year. Such an amazing gesture. More tears….