grateful for

1. When your teething toddler eventually falls asleep when you need to drive 460km in one day.

2. Arriving safely at the house in Broken Hill where we will be staying for 3 months.  Awaiting us was fresh clean white sheets, the kitchen stocked with fresh milk, bread, breakfast cereals, good coffee and tea.    There is something to be said of modern homes.  Clean lines, loads of storage,  light and space.  I am usually drawn to old cottages but being here gets one thinking.

3. Starting a new job on Monday.  Feeling very nervous.  What if no one likes me and I let them down.  They have been saying how excitied they are that I have arrived.  Do you ever feel like a fraud?  Or is that a woman thing?  Anyway I am very lucky to be given such an opportunity and to be so looked after.

It has been a little while since an official grateful post.  Great to be linking in with Maxabella again today.

red dust and sheep

Late yesterday afternoon after a torturous drive with a screeching teething toddler who decided no longer to have a sleep on the 6 hour drive, with a final stretch being 149km of weathered dirt track, we arrived at our farmstay in Nimagee.  A sheep and cattle farm owned by very hospitable for Anita and Ken.  What great hosts they are.  Our hut is pretty basic but all things are catered for.  We are having  meals in the main homestead.  It is so beautiful and serene.  I love the feeling of peeling back the layers and feeling my true self.

A picture of our donga

Che has been in his element.  Digging up the dirt. Chasing the sheep.  Moo-ing at the cows.  Dan dog has had his swim in the dam.  Chester dog loves barking at the farm animals.  Everyone is pretty blissed.

Lots of great farm bit and pieces to keep the little one captivated for hours.  The sun has been glorious all day.  We are covered in red dust.  I have been wearing the same clothes all this trip.  A big wash is in order when we arrive in Broken Hill.  Now the sun is just going down over the hill and there is a chill just starting to descend on us.  We are just now repacking the car for an early start tomorrow and then a quick wash and we will then walk up to the house for another great country home cooked meal. 

I hope the little man will sleep a bit on this last leg of our journey.  Cross fingers.

It has been a great day.  Hope yours was just as happy.

xxx

on the road

The last few days before leaving we were in a bit of a scramble, trying to make sure all bases were covered.  There is a lot of detail in our modern day lives.  We drove out of our driveway midday on Sunday, as planned.  There are a few things we have  forgotten and left behind but that's ok.

We drove through Goulbourn towards Orange, through rolling pastures and mainly sheep country.  Still some Angus cattle here and there. Now staying in Millthorpe.  An old gold mining town that is experiencing a new glow.  But unfortunatley all the groovy places are closed on Sunday and Monday.  Mental note to come back through here in the latter half of the week. 

The gold mine in Millthorpe is running again and expanding.  But also there is a distinct new groovy vibe emerging in the main street with funky design shops, very cool coffee spot and interesting collectables.  I think there is a bit of money here now, as some of the shops have notices stating they are away in France doing their annual shop abroad and would be back soon with many delights.  So, could be a good thing to visit here  in a month or two.

I love the light out west.  The corrugated iron, the weathered hardwood, the wide open mainstreets. The abandoned toys in the exposed backyards and the hills hoist full of footy jumpers.   I love the old churches and visiting the graveyards out the back and reading the stones.  

Tomorrow we drive through Orange and Parkes and then on to Condoblin.  We are getting off the main track and taking a drive to a small town called Nimagee.  We have booked to stay on a farm there for couple of days.  The last day will be the longest hike through Cobar, Wilcannia and finally arriving in Broken Hill, late Thursday.  The long drives are a bit of a test for the little one. 

The little man does seem enthralled with all the new places to see, sheep, and new people to meet.  I think I was worrying too much about how he will take to the changes.

Wondering how everyone's week is unfolding.  Hope it is a good one.

Hope to see you in a couple of days

xxx

a whirlwind

It might be hard to see from this picture but it snowed at our house today.  The ground was all sodden and it all melted as it fell, but it was very pretty.  The sky is very grey and it is very very cold.  I have been trying to get paperwork organised, my tax done and sorting out certification whilst guarding against the whole house being pulled apart.

Then some sad news regarding a lovely woman from the practice who passed away last night.  I am about to speak with her loving family.  One beautiful life ends and another begins. Such sorrow and such joy.

I have been trying to complete some crafty projects to send as gifts.  The crotchet keeps being pulled apart by little fingers and I keep changing my pattern.  I think I will take a few balls of yarn and a few hooks with me, as they won't take up too much room.

My first ever sewing project has been these little feline softies.  Last Christmas the sewing machine was purchased in a garage sale and I have only now threaded it , made up bobbins and decided on a beginners project.  Now the machine is all ready for me to return in three and half months.

As you can see I am a bit all over the place with my packing.  We have to fit all of us into the X-Trail, Doggies included.  We decided on just taking stuff that we could fit onto the roof rack, rather than invest in a trailer and send  a few boxes down on the Greyhound coach to meet us there.  Our house is fully set up.  Pretty good really.  Even a cot.

I need to gather my tools of trade and important  documentation.  My current boss came into work on Saturday to say goodbye and taught me a few tricks.  I don't think I have mentioned I work with the alias of Dr Fruit Loop.  I do need to find my funny bone.  I am not naturally funny and often too serious.  I need to practice some of these tricks and work a little bit of magic.

A care package arrived this week from a very dear friend.  It has made our next move feel very special.

                     A little sample of our treats.

the year I finished school

The year I finished school 1983. Wrapped up my HSC and had the "world was my oyster".

Now a new adventure is on the horizon, and I really feel like I am walking on the moon.  As time draws closer I find my self in slow motion.

I apologise for my lack of visiting my bloggy friends but will try and go around the world to say hello this week.

Big hugs and sweet little kisses to you all.

xxx

ps. I had a huge crush on Stuart Copeland.

a simple tuesday

Today was like any other Tuesday.  You are already in my bed  when Dada leaves the house to catch the early morning train.  You are kicking and thrashing around, head butting me and keen to get going with the day.  You swivel your butt around so you go down legs first and then patter off into the house to greet the doggies good morning. You bring numerous objects to the bedside to encourage me to rise.  I moan a bit and roll over,  sit up and then  let the light in.  Our day begins.

I turn on Radio National, open up all the blinds, change your nappy, put on the kettle and peel you a banana.  I start the daily ritual of porridge, pot of tea, some peanut butter toast  and trying to distract you with your ongoing cheeky requests for "more booby?"  Books , books, books.  Then into the cupboards again.  Back to books and then on to brmm, brmms.

Already the house is half trashed as we sit down to our oats.  You are still really full on at the table.  Constant requests for food from my bowl, wanting my spoon instead, more milk.  It is hard keeping you on the job.  And yes food still goes everywhere.  You are gradually learning to wait and have a little patience. 

Then comes the big clean up.

I can now leave you playing so I can have a shower by myself.  Something to really savour.  I get myself ready quickly and then we decide what you will be wearing. But getting you pinned down and changed I understand the term 'baby wrangling'.  You have started protesting on certain clothes, a big scream tells me not this one today.

When you are dressed the dogs start getting excited.  They run back and forth with some mirth and you are hankering to get out the door.  I double check we have everything.  Today we needed lots of tissues as well as your nose is running like a tap.  Off we go, along the creek, trying to find the sunny spots as the icy wind is piercing.  You never want to stay in the pram.  So once across the road and into the safety of the park, you are released from your shackles and off you march.  Collecting sticks of all sizes for me to store on top of the stroller.  You wave hello to all passers by.  The excitement on your face when you see older boys wizz past on their scotters has me thinking of years to come, when that will be you my spunky boy.

After an hour we are home.  Playing outside.  I usually boil some eggs for a snack and also prepare an early lunch for you.  I check emails, blogs, do some swift comments, think about dinner and make some small preparations for. Unload the washing maching and dishwasher.  You help me hang the clothes on the line.  You are so  strong wanting to carry the basket on your own.  Before I know it you are eating again, food is  going everywhere,  you are getting whingy and asking for Booby now. A much treasured small breastfeed.  You really snuggle in, playing with my hair and  my shirt. Off to bed now, a book and then to  your midday sleep.

Finally I can have my daily cup of coffee.  I tune into the radio again.  Today I needed then to do some packing of boxes for our trip in one week.  Then I started on dinner.  Beef and vegetable casserole.  I  tell myself I really deserve this last piece of the chocolate cake I made on the weekend.  I explore new camera options on the net and check out a few more blog updates.  Phone calls and bills made.

You stir at 3pm.  We read  a book on dinosuars.  We play with building blocks.  You turned 19 months yesterday.  Your language ability is exploding.  Perhaps 5 new words every day.  You ask me "what's that?" constantly. You have started saying little sentences.  We gather up your dear softies and we cuddle on the lounge.  We listen to some of your music.  You are a crazy dancer.  Then you happily play alone for sometime as I finish more chores.

At 5pm the door bell rings.  Dogs and you run to the front door.  Invariably you are bowled over by Dan.

It is amazing how this day has just gone.  It was completely occupied by simple domestic chores, the essential dog walk and your sleep and your joyous play.


Today is the last Tuesday that we will have time like this together, just you me and the dogs for a wee little while.  I love you very much sweet Che.  I can't wait to have these simple Tuesdays again.  Only  3 and a bit more months my little man.

Maybe I will find this harder than you.  Dada will be there with you.  It will be me hurrying home to greet your shiny face at the door.

a question...

Today my trusty little compact camera's  LCD screen was found to be smashed.  I think it was actually my doing and not little babishki.  As we are heading inland to this big wide land I have been pondering should I just get another handy compact or invest in a digital SLR?

Wondering if anyone has thoughts on this most pressing question and if so what camera would they recommend?

being comfy

I worked this morning, but it was very quiet at the surgery.  The family are doing a day trip without me.  After closing the doors, I wondered into the local market, had yummy samosa and chai tea,  sat idle and did some  people watching.  It was icy cold but there was blue sky and out of the wind the sun tickled me around the edges.  I love watching families meet and look happy in their catching up.  There were lots of little babies bundled onto mother's chests with toddlers out front in their stroller.  Adventurous preschoolers running a muck.  Across the road at St Judes Church there were well dressed guests rolling out of the ailses and then a very beautiful bride and groom receiving sweet kisses all round.

I scurried home facing the headwind and started cleaning up the house.  Making chicken and vegie soup and chocolate cake. I am slowly regaining my blojo.  Feeling more positive again.

In two weeks we are drivng 1200 km to Broken Hill.  I am doing a locum in Indigenous Child Health and hoping to contirbute to the Healthy Start programme.  As time draws closer, getting those predicted jitters and wondering why am I upheaving my family to somewhere unknown when we are all comfy here?


My mother would often say I always choose the hard way to do things.

I have this obsession with making the home welcoming when we do return.  Organizing the home and making it pretty and cosy. A place where one could just walk in and start baking, sleeping and relaxing.  Maybe I am focussing too much on this?  Some friends are coming to stay while we are away.  I hope they like this space.

It is without doubt going to be a challenge with our little man.  Someone who thrives on knowing what is coming next and having a gentle rhythm to his day.  Even more will be the heartache in having to leave him every day for work.  He will be with his Dada and the dogs, so hopefully we can put some familar structure and they can get into a good routine but still be able to explore their new surrounds with fun and laughter.

Hope your weekend is filled with love and peace.


xxx

self care

Well this post has been going round and round in my head.  I came to a point of feeling so depleted and my tiredness worried me.   I have been anticipating our next move now with some trepidation.  We leave in 18 days.

I have made an effort to go through our things and our life in a systematic way.  Room by room, each cupboard, each shelf has been sorted through, contemplated, cleaned, rearranged and some has been re- gifted and passed on.  Even though we have been in this cottage for less than a year, still the clutter started to erode my brain.  I still have a bit to do.

Is it just that I am mid forty Mama that sometimes I feel it hard to keep up?  Very broken sleep of course does not help.  Little things do help though.  Like taking that afternoon nap when little one sleeps and not continue to do housework, clean, blog, paperwork.  Also those simple things like putting on some hand creme on to those aging hands, drink more water and less caffeine, maybe even washing my face with some nice cleanser before bedtime and putting on some divine night creme.

The other night I impulsively did an online clothes order.  I hope the sizing is right.  Felt a bit guilty but cannot wait till it arrives.  I quite liked sitting at the screen and co-ordinating my outfit in my own quiet time.

It is very icy and bleak outside with these gale force westerly winds.  The days are very short and it is nice to all huddle together as a family.

Off now to catch up with what all my friends have been up to.