Blog for Thursday 3rd September 2026

I was up and out of bed early this morning even though I battled to go to sleep last night. I think it was just knowing that we had to leave on our trip to the farm in the morning.

I was out of bed just before four o’clock – had my Quiet Time, uploaded my blog and checked emails.

Then I vacuumed (use the robot) and swept and mopped the floors through out our little home.

I had packed my stuff last night so it was just the makeup, toothpaste and toothbrush, hairdryer and blah blah fish paste things that had to be packed this morning.

Ken had packed the empty containers for me into my car and then once I had put all the luggage to go with us out by the front door Ken packed it all in – what a squeeze!

First, this morning Mr and Mrs Quack came up for some bread and then just before we left the two young drakes pulled in for a bite to eat before we let for the farm.

Our trip was uneventful with Ken on his phone and me driving, but … just after halfway I was haring down a hill passing four cars on my left when I glanced down and I was doing 120 so I braked and that is when I saw them – two guys sitting in a white small car on the opposite side of the Freeway, high up on a hill and the next thing I was being followed by a car flashing red and blue lights and I had to pull over.

Rats! My very first speeding fine in Australia. We have lived here for twenty-seven years and I have never had even a parking fine - I could have cried I was so disappointed, as you can ask Ken (and please note, that I did not pay him to agree with me) that I was so particular in sticking to the speed limits … anyway, it is what it is and I have to wait to get the fine in the post. The police officer had to rush off as a motorist almost took him out when he came to give me my license back. So, he and his partner leapt back into their car and chased that guy down for dangerous driving. I honestly do not know how the motorist missed him – scary stuff!

I was not amused and wanted to kick myself – paying a fine is such a waste of money, especially when I had been so particular on sticking to the speed limits.

We only stopped once in Coolongolook where I had a beef pie, and a coke – (as you can tell, madly into healthy foods!) and Ken just had his favorite – iced coffee.

We eventually caught up with Paddy on the road – near the farm turnoff. Once we got down to the river we unpacked my car and loaded the ute up and then I drove across the river with Ken in the ute’ with me in the cab and poor Paddy clinging to the back of the ute that was chock-a-block full with a ton of bull nuts and all our luggage!

It is strange walking into the shed without our old furniture here but oh the welcome I received from Raafie down at the river was iconic. I heard him letting out a funny groaning sound as he ran towards me – very cute. Paddy had taken him with h im in the ute’ so he was right there when we arrived.

Later we were welcomed by the other three dogs, and we were surrounded by guinea fowl and one rooster with attitude!

It was lovely to be on the farm again and Paddy has done a sterling job here – especially doing it all on his own. Quite incredible.

Paddy will leave us tomorrow to spend some time with his family, and I am so excited as Tayla (their eldest) her husband Malcolm and Zara their little baby girl are moving back to the Central Coast from Melbourne. They have managed to sell their home in record time I may add, so will be moving soon. Yahee!

For our supper here on the farm we had roast chicken, mashed potato and I also made a tossed salad – just something light and then tomorrow I will be more creative.

Tomorrow I am also going to visit the children and the Long Flat School where I taught for ten years. I am really looking forward to that.

What lesson did I learn today? To watch my speed ALL THE TIME!

What am I grateful for today? Seeing Paddy and Raafie, plus the other three dogs – Thogo, Thandi and Jabu again.

My saying for today is …