Blog for Monday 13th October 2025

Oops! Today, of all days, I overslept! I had planned to get up extra early to start to big cleanup. W-e-l-l. that did not happen! I was obviously really tired as we have been on the go long before leaving for this weekend.

No matter! We - Robert, Mich' and I worked hard and got everything cleaned and packed. Robert left early to return the tables and chairs and the urn they had hired from the Red Shed n Wauchope. Unfortunately, he had forgotten the sheet they had hired too but we dropped that off on our way home. Easy-peasy!

On getting back to Port Macquarie, Robert then took Josh' and Paulina to the airport as they were on their way to shoot another large wedding in Italy. I am so touched that Josh' flew all the way back to Australia for my party - jet lagged and all!

Yesterday, in the late afternoon Ethan left us for a week training in Taree before he works in Coffs Harbour hospital getting hands on training - he is studying physio' and this is part of his degree's practical experience. He will enjoy this experience, I am sure.

Mich' and I attacked (and that is the correct word to use here!) kitchen area and created some law and order there, washing, cleaning, sorting, sweeping, mopping and packing. Ken carried out the bags and Robert carried all the heavy stuff and rubbish out to the ute' earlier.

Soon we were packed and ready to roll and Mich' told us to go as Robert was still out dropping Josh' and Paulina at the airport and would be another fifteen minutes or more. They - that is, Mich' and Robert - planned to drop the holiday home keys off at the Real Estate place and go for a walk and a swim before heading back home to Avoca.

So off we went and stopped in Wauchope where Ken got out and returned the sheet to the Red Shed. Ken had to as I was wedged in the front seat, surround by stuff and almost unable to move a muscle!

It was good to get back home. There were Paddy and Matt' on the dam wall. battling to get the water troughs and pipes working properly again, but the pump was not playing nice. So, they will have to try sorting that out next time they are up at the farm.

Paddy and Matt' had put up the planks (the ones I had done some oiling on after Paddy had done several layers of oiling) at the ends of the tree laneway and they look so nice. It will look stunning once the trees are planted.

Paddy had also repotted the azalea that Sandra gave me a few weeks ago and it is looking so happy in a bigger pot.

Paddy and Matt' left not long after we got back as Paddy was off to go and help the vets in the Emergency Clinic, as they were fighting a losing battle. At this time of the year, they are inundated by parasite tick problems and snake bites. These vets work ridiculous hours to help save animals, and I am only aware of that because Paddy is a vet.

Ken crashed and slept not long after we got back home, so he did not get to say "'Bye!" to Paddy or Matt' as he was fast asleep and Paddy had to rush back to help the other vets deal with all the emergency cases they were battling with.

This afternoon I had a wonderful time setting up my new laptop and will get Mich' to check that I have done everything correctly when I see her later this week. The two of us are off for a week of rest, relaxation, reading, studying and creativity at Fishermans Bay, near or in Port Stephens. I am so looking forward to that.

Tonight, I have all the things ready to go - sliced cooked steak, cheese slices, salad, wraps and several different mayonnaises - for our supper as it is just too hot to have a hot meal. Ken opted for toast and Bovril instead.

I am trying hard to slap a smile on my dial after swanning around like a princess for the whole weekend! It is very difficult people!

With lesson did I learn today? All good things come to an end Gail Morgan - the motto being 'Enjoy them while they are there!'

What am I grateful for today? For the magical time I have had over the last few days celebrating my eightieth.

My saying for today is ...