You know you're in the country when........

Stopped at Balranald for the night and went to the restaurant and ordered steak and veggies. A platter - not a plate - a platter came with half a cow and cabbage and roast potato and corn cob and carrot and peas and broccoli and cauliflower cheese and pumpkin and mashed potato. Now that's what I call steak and veggies.

Was up at 5.30 am to pack the car before the removalists got there. I helped carry 12 million (small) boxes so got quite a workout. They finally finished and took off and I was on the road just before noon. It was a brilliant day weather wise and also health wise. No fatigue at all - even with all the carrying of boxes. Managed 584 kms before it started to get dark. Quite good under the circumstances.

The drive itself was good - warm sunny day and  lovely countryside - especially a big lake at Tooleybuc

Totally pooped now so time to pump out some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's

Up and Down like a yoyo...!!

Well!! Tomorrow's the big day....the removalists are coming at 8.30 am and while they are packing the container I'll pack my car with the gear I am taking with me. The stuff in the container might not come for up to 3 weeks as it isn't a full load so I have to take a lot of essentials with me in the car. Hope there's room for me.!!!

I was naughty on Saturday and went out and bought a 50" LCD TV........I know it would have made more sense to buy it once I get to Brisbane but it was a good deal....and....and....and...I just wanted it.  Once I get to Brisbane and start paying full rent and utilities I won't be able to afford to do things like that so I thought...why not......an early Birthday present for myself. Gee...I'm good to me :)

My health has been all over the place this last week. Feeling quite good one minute then hit with debilitating fatigue the next. I thought I was getting over all that after 9 months of it but I guess the hernia operation may have caused a rebound.  The trip is 2040 kms so if it takes a week so be it....I'll just drive till I start getting tired and then book into a motel.....regardless of what time it is. It's no race.

The good news is I'm taking the dog, Jack, with me. The bad news is that he is cremated and in a little wooden chest. Now I call him Jack-in-the-box.  At least it will give me someone to talk to lol

I've grown extra fat this last couple of weeks - saying my good byes and eating lots of hotel meals. I'm looking forward to eating well again and getting some miles on my chubbier- day-by-day legs.

It goes without saying that I'm pretty excited at this point so I won't say it. hehehehe

During the USA trip I counted VW bugs and during the Adelaide - Melbourne - Sydney trip I counted road kill. Not sure what I'll count this time. Any ideas?

Another busy day...does it ever end?

• Gas and electricity  now connected at new flat
• Ironing done
• Farewell lunch at Brighton with Vicki
• Back to wash and clean car inside and out ready for packing with my gear- boy was it dirty!!
• An hour of my life lost filling insurance forms in for my "stuff" the removalist is taking
• Unpacking boxes - "stuff" wont be there for 2 - 3 weeks so I needed to retrieve essentials - toaster, kettle. frypan, iron etc etc. I will take these in the car. - need to find time to repack the other stuff again.

It's all getting just a little bit too hectic at the moment and the next four days are just as bad. Almost looking forward to hitting the road on Wednesday just for a rest lol

Good bye to Victor Harbor :(

Busy day. Drove an hour to Victor Harbor and sorted out some personal stuff. Got cheques off for bond on flat and first months rent YAY! YAY! Looking forward to having my own place - I've been living out of boxes and bags for 2 1/2 years now. Gonna be soooo gooood.

Picked Mum up from Goolwa  (85 years old) and took her out to a nice lunch at the Red Orchid in Victor Harbor.  All was going well till I took her home to her place and she burst into tears and said "This is the last time I'll ever see you". Well...that pushed me over the edge.   Very difficult but possibly true...although I will try to make sure that isn't the case. Realistically I will be over 2000 kms away so she may be right and it did hit home.

Had a blurry eyed drive home.

Queensland Bound - all going to plan

Since my last little trip to Brisbane the plan was hatched for me to relocate there. I must admit the warm climate and the chance to see more of Lee made it a no brainer .

Things are all falling into place - my things to do list went like this.....

• Have operation for triple hernia (result of the bug I caught  in New York) - done!
• Get a job - done!
• Get a flat - done!
• Organise removalists - done!

The removalists come next Wednesday 3 rd October and as soon as they load up I will start driving to Brisbane.  As I'm still technically recuperating from my surgery I'll allow 3 or 4 days to get to Brisbane - just over 2000 kms. 

I'm really excited about the move and the job and seeing my kid and being warm again - and before you ask - YES - I will have a guest room lol.

Watch this space.........................................................

Brisbane bound yayayay!!

15 August 2012 - Fly out tonight heading to Brisbane to visit daughter Lee. Haven't seen her since I returned from London in January so cannot wait  :)

Lee and friend Alistair (just returned from Afghanistan)

Encounter Bay South Australia

12 August 2012 - went for a long walk with sister Joey and friend Cheryl along the coastline of Encounter Bay. It really is glorious scenery and on a par with anything else I've seen in my travels.