Blog for Friday 16th October 2026

My day began in the small hours of today when I had my Quiet Time, uploaded my blog and read emails.

I am so happy to report that Paddy is doing well and is back on the farm, but is very tired after the total lack of sleep in the hospital. That is one of the many lovely things about the farm – it is a lovely place to rest when you need it.

This morning, I did the last wash, tumble-dried that clothing and then ironed it before I began packing my suitcase.

Ken said he did not mind my packing on the bed while he snored on, so I got all my packing done and dusted chop-chop.

I swept, dusted, oiled, mopped and tidied our home to within an inch of its life as I want to come home to a clean and neat little home when we return after the cruise.

In the early morning, I went online to complete our “Health Check” – which I was informed would only be available today, but when I went online it said to wait until noon.

So, I did.

I sort of kicked my heels whilst I waited and once I was able to, I completed the forms and hey-ho, Ken and I are now officially “on board” the Celebrity Edge cruise to New Zealand! How exciting is that!

I am praying my back teeth out as this is the first time that I have done everything on my own, so if you hear of an old couple stranded on an island – it could be us!

At noon I suggested to Ken that we go over to the Japanese Gardens and have lunch there at the restaurant as it would save time for me, plus no pots, pans or dishes to wash and put away blah blah fish paste. Ken agreed.

So, at about one o’clock we went down and Ken ordered one of those all-day-breakfasts, and I had potato wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.

From there I drove us to Coles as we needed a small power board to be able to charge all our hoo-hahs on board. Plus, I managed to get some of my favorite chocolate éclair lollies for our trip. Whoo-hoo!

Once back home, I helped Ken pack his suitcase and the cruise-powers-that-be suggested taking a small bag with any medicines needed, and a change of clothes in case the wait for our suitcases to get to our cabins is a little longer than we would like.

That small bag will be used again when we disembark - for our ‘jamas and toiletries as our suitcases will be taken the night before as we dock at 6.30am in Sydney.

But … ah-ha! I booked us an “Internet package with Perks” – and that included our luggage being handled first! Heh-heh! Bravo for that little perk!

For me it was early to bed tonight as I was whacked and I knew I would probably toss and turn during the night – worried that I may wake up late tomorrow!

What a silly to worry as I have an alarm clock and an i-phone alarm, plus I normally wake early - so the chance of me oversleeping is pretty much nil!

What lesson did I learn today? To try to think clearly and logically so that I am organized for our cruise.

What am I grateful for today? That I have everything packed and what is not packed will remain un-packed and at home

My saying for today is ...