1st – After morning tea we headed up to Port Douglas in the truck to see Kerry and Malcolm. Malcolm’s sister was up too. They all had a nice air-B&B one street off the beach. We wandered into town for lunch at the Ironbar Salon. Very nice. Back to the unit for a cuppa then into our cars and around to the marina for a sunset cruise on a lovely big catamaran.
We took off our shoes – the Captain’s request, then collected our drinks and found a cosy spot at the front.
There was no wind and the sky was a perfect blue. A fabulous way for Kerry and Malcolm to finish off their northern break. The captain put up another sail then turned off the engine and we sailed out towards Low Island. Magical, I must say and very relaxing.
The sun started to descend behind the mountains.
Looking back to Port Douglas and the beautiful mountains that reach down to the ocean.
Zoomed in on Low Island and the lighthouse.
The sun disappears.
Very pretty view as we headed back into the marina. Steve pointed out John Farnham’s marlin boat.
Back to our cars. Said farewell to Malcolm, Kerry and Roz. Steve will drop them to the airport tomorrow morning when they come back to Cairns. We headed back to Cairns through the main street Port Douglas – looking pretty with all the lights.
2nd – I had posted up some more items for sale. One was a carpenter’s tool chest full of old tools we found downstairs. I think it was Dad’s cousin, Cedric Arnold’s, as he was a carpenter and Dad had lots of books from him and his sisters, Dawn and Moyra. Mum and Dad had a lot to do with them in their latter years. I didn’t know how much to put on it and got lots of enquiries. One chap, Bruce, said his father and grandfather were both carpenters and he had collected a lot of old tools. He was a mackerel fisherman and was very passionate about the tools so I was very happy to pass on the tools to him. We offered him an old boat compass too so he said he would drop in the mackerel for us too.
On Saturday Dan had fixed our steps and then he made the roof frame which will also be a support for the bed section of the camper. Steve got to work putting some carpet on the roof frame.
I had cleaned up Dad’s collection of chemistry items for the Science Dept at our high school. The head teacher was very excited to see it all and other staff came in and it was so pleasing to see them all so enthused about what I brought in. Dad will be very happy to know it will be helping more students to enjoy chemistry. I have kept a few bits and pieces too in my ‘Dad’ remembrance box.
After lunch I cleaned up Steve’s trophies and took a photo of his collection before putting them back in the box to take over to Jon’s.
After smoko we drove to Bunnings and bought two shelving sets like what we bought at Tuckshop. We took them up to Jon and Annalise’s and erected them in the garage to store all our boxes in. We had taken two boxes with us – one being Jon’s trophies! I will ferry the other boxes over as I finish packing them.
3rd – I headed up to Malanda early to meet Keith for lunch at the pub. We had a great time catching up. A lady from the Atherton BMX Club met me so I could give her Jon’s old trophies he didn’t want anymore. They can reuse them for novelty races etc which is better than putting them in the rubbish. I put all the plaques off them onto one trophy for him.
Around to Dad to take him to the local optometrist to have his eyelashes dealt with as they grew internally and cause his eyes to get mucky. Dad was ready for us waiting in a wheelchair which we wheeled into the awaiting van to take him into town. Unfortunately he had to get out of the wheelchair and onto the chair for the optometrist to look into his eyes with the magnifying machine. That is now a difficult feat as he doesn’t understand and struggles to stand. We managed it with Julie and I then got him back into the van and back to his room. We took him for a ride around the facility in the lovely sunshine. We even found a lovely ripe strawberry in the garden.
4th – I went shopping for some more vacuum seal bags to pack up the winter items etc to fit into the camper. Called in to Rebecca and Clive’s for a cuppa and to give them a rose painting of Mum’s that Rebecca loved.
Steve continued with his odd jobs on the camper. He put up the recovery treds on the left side of the door. The steps hang on the right side for when the camper is on the back of the truck – easy to get on and off too.
Bruce dropped in a slab of mackerel to thank us for the old marine compass we gave him. I invited Greg over for fish and chips and we played a few games of cards. He and Tracy are getting ready for their trip to Cape York next Monday.
5th – Work for me and Steve continued with jobs on the camper. He installed a 1500w invertor so we can use the washing machine without having to take a generator. Brian called in for a chat. I gave him one of Mum’s rose paintings that he always admired.
6th – Cool morning with beautiful blue sky but quite windy.
Work today but at sports centre as TBHS Tuckshop are providing the food for the interschool carnival today. We had a good day with two students helping us as the other ladies were still back at school doing the normal school day.
Clouds started coming over in the afternoon with lots of wind and quite cool. Steve worked on replacing the wheel bearings on the lazy axle as he noticed a leak.
7th – Pottered about vacuum sealing jumpers etc to save space in the camper. Misty rain in the morning.
Packed up the Tarago and Corolla with some of our storage boxes and took them over to Jon’s. Loaded them on our shelves in the carport then headed upstairs for a drink and take photos of Jon, Annalise and their friends. They are attending the Emergency Services Ball tonight at the Convention Centre. They all looked so lovely and it was like taking them all to the Grad again, but 10 years later.
I had put Steve’s favourite chicken wings and roast vegies in the oven before we headed over so we had a yummy anniversary dinner since he won’t be here for our 38th wedding anniversary on Friday – hopefully he will bring me back some gold to make up for it!
The rain got heavier in the evening.
Just before 9pm I got a call from a nurse at Ozcare to say Dad was not well. His temperature had dropped to 35.7 and they were struggling to get a blood pressure reading. He asked if it was ok to call an ambulance to take him to Atherton Hospital and went through Dad’s health directive with me to verify what measures to take.
I rang Julie and Greg to let them know then rang back later to check what was happening. The ambulance had been so I will hear from the doctor shortly.
Just before 11pm the doctor rang to say Dad had had a heart attack and they were making him comfortable. He felt Dad mightn’t be with us much longer. Steve said he would drive me up since it was raining but after ringing Greg we decided to go up together and Steve could stay home as he hadn’t had his flu shot in case they wouldn’t let him in. I put on warm clothes etc and drove over to Greg’s then we headed up the Gillies.
Julie was sitting with Dad in emergency – he was awake but just staring into space. Maybe looking at the white light ahead, waiting for Mum to come and get him.
After a while they moved Dad upstairs into a single room so we could all sit with him. We held Dad’s hand and chatted to him and each other throughout the night.
8th - The staff are lovely and they arranged a breakfast each for us. Sadly Dad isn’t eating. We sent of texts to family and friends letting them know Dad was in hospital.
We popped out for a walk when the nurses came to give Dad a wash. None of us had a phone charger so we drove around to buy one. When we returned we started getting texts about Cairns going into lockdown at 4pm this afternoon for 3 days because a taxi driver had Covid. I rang Steve to get him to bring up some clothes for me and Greg in case we are here for a few more days. If we went back to Cairns we won’t be allowed back up here.
We said our goodbyes to Dad with lots of hugs and kisses and told him to take Mum’s hand and enjoy their eternal life together. Just after midday he left us and joined Mum. They will both live on in our hearts and we have so many memories of our wonderful lives with them as our devoted parents.
Sadly Veronica arrived shortly after then Steve arrived. I rang the local crematorium to arrange for Dad to be cremated there. We decided to scatter his ashes in Millaa on Father’s Day, Sept 5th. Hopefully Ian (who bought the family home off Dad) will allow us to spread them where Dad’s sister Marcie is buried in the back yard. She was only 18 days old in 1926.
We said our final goodbye to Dad then thanked the staff for their kindness. They will look after Dad until he is moved over to the Crematorium.
We headed over to Ozcare in Malanda to clear out Dad’s belongings so they can clean the room ready for the next resident. As we were from Cairns we followed the correct Covid protocols and put on our masks and the staff made sure no residents were around so we quickly collected his things and loaded up the car. ‘Socks’ meowed as we walked into the room which was a bit upsetting so we turned him off.
Greg headed off with Steve back to Cairns. Greg and Tracy were heading up the Cape tomorrow but that is on hold now. I headed over to Steve’s aunt and uncle’s place in Yungaburra. They had come back up from Cairns before the lockdown as they had been looking after one of their grandsons. We are all hoping we haven’t been anywhere where this taxi driver has been otherwise we will have to go into 14 day quarantine.
I made some more phone calls and shed some more tears which is natural.
Had a nice afternoon chatting and relaxing with Maralyn and Greg. Steve got home about 5.30pm – he was starving as he didn’t get any lunch in the confusion other than a bit of dessert I kept for him.
Lovely dinner with a good glass of wine then shower and into bed as I hardly slept last night.
9th – I slept like a log. Still drizzling with rain outside and quite windy. Sent off replies to texts and rang a few people.
Maralyn made delicious scrambled eggs which was lovely as it is quite cool up here. Steve had brought up my laptop so I was able to sort bank accounts and update Facebook etc. Julie and Greg had already posted up some photos on Facebook so I chose a few for my page. These were from when Mum and Dad came to Tasmania for a holiday to see us and then they holidayed with John and Jocelyn in Hobart. We had a lot of fun exploring, eating and enjoying each other’s company. A special time I will always remember fondly.
Valerie rang to say she and Russell were in quarantine again as Russell had gone to Woolies at Raintrees at the same time as the taxi driver. Luckily it was 10 days ago so they only have to stay home for 4 days. Good news too that the taxi driver’s wife has tested negative so far so hopefully this one won’t spread fast and wide like it has in Sydney. I checked when I was at Woolies and it was a different day so I am in the clear.
Rang Greg to see how he was. He asked about the photo of Dad and his siblings. He thought it would be good to put up on Facebook too as Dad is the last of his family to pass on now. Only Jocelyn’s husband John is left of the older generation – he is doing well at 93 years of age. First one was taken in 1981 then the other two were in 2000 at the old Millaa house.
After lunch I headed to Atherton to meet Julie at the Crematorium. We put on our masks and signed in. The chap was lovely and we filled in the information for Dad’s death certificate. They will arrange to collect Dad and will let us know when Dad is ready to be cremated. He asked if we wanted Dad dressed in anything special. We had all his clothes in the car from Ozcare so we grabbed a pair of shorts and the t-shirt I bought him at Christmas and what he wore for his birthday – “At my age, I’ve seen it all, done it all, heard it all, I just can’t remember it all” as he would have thought that was funny.
Julie had spoken to Ian and he is happy to have us spread Dad’s ashes behind the old family home which is wonderful.
I headed home. As I went through Atherton I spotted the Covid testing site and pulled in to get a test – just in case. There was only one car there but I had to have an appointment – really! Oh well, lucky I don’t think I have it.
Back home to Steve for cuddles. I made a couple of phone calls and shed a few more tears. A neighbour, Quita, brought up her homemade chicken and vegetable soup which was delicious. She is a lovely caring neighbour.
10th - The morning started with blue sky but then the clouds came over. I turned ‘Socks’ back on and sat him on his chair – he meowed and purred happily.
I made some more phone calls letting friends know of Dad’s passing. A few more tears with some laughter as we recall nice memories.
Steve continued with his tidying up, hoping to still get up to the Palmer on the weekend. He will take the old water tank that Dad brought back from the Cowley Beach shack, up too with some steel etc for the chaps to use on their leases. He likes to help out as they are kind enough to allow him onto their leases.
I put in our applications to be volunteers at the delayed Bathurst, 4-7 Nov.
Jon and Annalise called in for a cuddle, chat and drink. They invited me over for dinner on Sat night since Steve will hopefully be up the Palmer.
Julie made up a booklet for Dad too.
11th – Beautiful clear blue sky today after the few days of clouds and drizzle. We both pottered about sorting things around the house. I went through Dad’s clothes that we brought back from Ozcare. I found his old hat and thought we will take that to Millaa to mark the spot of his ashes.
I asked Steve if he had turned ‘Socks’ off as I hadn’t heard him meow. When I checked he was on but only made a bit of a movement and no meow – maybe he has gone with Dad too. He needs a wash so when I do that I will check his batteries etc.
Had a look at the map and information about the Gibb River Road. I decided it was too hard to plan out so we will just meander like we usually do. Will just make sure we have enough food for a month or so as there is only one roadhouse that sometimes has food. Water and fuel isn’t a problem and we don’t have any time frame.
4pm, the 3 day Covid lockdown is over but we have to wear masks in public and work for a fortnight. Not looking forward to that tomorrow. Greg and Tracy headed off for their trip up Cape York. Hope they have a great time.
12th – Now that the Covid lockdown is over Rick and Steve will head off to the Palmer tomorrow. So glad he is having a break after all he has done for me and my parents, even if it is our wedding anniversary! As we are together every day the 13th is just another day in our long life together.
I headed off to work with a couple of masks. Emily’s mother had made us some so I chose that one as it fitted closer than the normal medical ones from the chemist. I only worked to 12 so I was glad to get home and not have to wear the mask!
Steve had finished packing up the truck with all the bits he had collected for Rob’s lease. As well as the water tank he has put on the filing cabinets, laundry cupboard, a big old chair and lots of bits of steel etc to be used up at the lease. Better than going to the dump.
Eileen, a lovely lady who nursed with Mum and was a dear friend of hers rang. She had been going through her photos to post down to us. There are some when she joined Mum in Sydney to look after the poultry farm so Nana and Pop could have a holiday in 1957 and lots of other ones over the years. Will be lovely to see them.
Alan called in to pass on his condolences again. Mum and Dad wanted him to have the Theodolite that Dad had restored when they had the Chrome-plating business. He had admired each time he visited. He was very pleased to take care of it for them.
Roz sent us a beautiful bouquet of flowers from all the Beal family. I messaged her back to say thanks then rang Uncle John. He is doing well – the last one of the older generation now (93 years old and still at home).
We ordered Chinese from our local shop to have has our wedding anniversary celebration – too painful to go out wearing masks etc. Steve informed the shop owners that Dad had passed – they were very sad to hear the news as Mum and Dad had been loyal customers of theirs for many years.
13th – 38 years married today. Time has flown so quickly but we have two wonderful sons (32 and 28 years old) so we have had a busy time. Looking forward to many more years travelling with my best friend, Stephen.
Said safe driving and good luck prospecting to Steve then headed off to work.
I burst into tears when I told Rochelle about the cremation at 8.30. So lovely to work with caring ladies who understood how I feel. At 8.30 I went into the office and shed a few more tears though I know his spirit is with Mum now but just the thought of it all is still upsetting. I certainly will never forget this wedding anniversary.
Good day at work and no more Covid cases so looks like Rochelle and Lindsay will be able to leave next week for Brisbane to see their eldest son get married on the 21st – fingers crossed all goes well. They can only have 20 at the ceremony but up to 35 at the reception as it is bigger place and numbers are worked out on square meterage of the venue. What a weird world we live in at the moment.
One disaster today thought – I was bagging up the chicken chippies and didn’t hear Rochelle comment about another tray still in the oven. With our face masks on everything is muffled. Any case an hour later while we were serving Emily smelt something burning and found the chippies looking very brown. Well it is Friday the 13th after all!
Did a few jobs then headed over to Rebecca and Clive’s for a cuppa. I took my home-made date slice.
Rang Kaylene and we decided to have an easy dinner at her place and watch a movie. I took over left-over Chinese and we chatted then watched a good movie.
14th – Didn’t look at Facebook till this morning and saw a lovely post from Debbie (who was my bridesmaid) and a photo from our wedding. A lovely thought and it brought a tear to my eye seeing Dad there beside me.
Put up a note on Facebook to all our family and friends in NSW and Victoria who are living in lockdown due to Covid at the moment. We have been so lucky up here.
Did some washing as the sun came out for a bit but the drizzle rain started again so I took it all down to the Laundromat to dry. Very easy in the big driers and only costs a couple of dollars. Good decision as more rain fell.
Worked on my blog and family history today listening to my CDs on Dad’s little CD player.
Greg texted from Loyalty Beach at the top of Cape York.
Kaylene picked me up and we headed over to Jon and Annalise’s for dinner. We had a lovely night chatting and eating a delicious salad and BBQ steak and gourmet sausages followed by home-made brownies and ice-cream. Watched the rain showers come and go across the Cairns skyline while we sat on their deck.
15th – Continued with the family tree. Pete called in for a cuppa and chat.
Headed over to Suzanne’s for lunch. Played a few games of Take 2 with lots of chatting in between then went for a walk along the boardwalk to the north end of Yorkey’s Knob. Very nice and lots of information plaques so I will have to go back and take photos. As we headed back a shower of rain blew in giving us a sprinkle as we headed back to her unit.
Mum’s cousin, Jim celebrated his 92nd birthday today. Sent him a message hoping he has a lovely day.
Quiet dinner at home.
16th – Up early and the sun was shining so I gave ‘Socks’ a wash and put him on a chair to dry outside.
Off to work for the morning. Julie messaged that she had arranged tables for lunch on Father’s Day at Millaa Hotel.
Gave ‘Socks’ a big brush and put new batteries in. He moves a bit but no meowing – brought tears to my eyes. He was such a wonderful gift for Dad and he loved him to bits and just loved to sit and pat him.
Rain showers on and off again today.
Rang Kerry & Brian who are in NSW lockdown but they can still get to Bunnings so they are building a shed in the back yard. I think Bunnings would be classed an essential service to keep everyone sane with the weeks they have all had to be confined to their homes etc. We are so lucky to be living up here.
Received a couple of lovely cards from the Rostrum group that Dad was a part of for many years.
Continued working on the family tree upload.
17th – Full day at work today.
Steve came home with a smile. He and Rick had a good time. The chaps with the lease were very happy with all the things Steve took up for them.
I tried Kerry’s French Onion Steak in the oven for dinner – it was so tender and delicious.
18th – Steve’s 62nd and Amanda’s 50th birthdays today. Sent a message off to Amanda – we will have a belated celebration at Christmas. Gave Steve a big kiss then headed off to work. He will do his washing and clean the truck etc – great birthday fun!
Erica and Terry rang Steve for his birthday.
After lunch we loaded up the camper and took it to two sign-writers to get quotes on some decorating the camper. We would like to Geckos too – Steve wants them carrying a swag!
Back home I put the cars out and we parked the camper in the driveway. Steve reckons we have done well not to have a tree fall on it up the back so it was time to move it and we can finish packing it.
Brian tried ringing Steve on his phone but couldn’t get through so tried mine. The old phone is starting to play up – just needs to last another month then we will only need one phone again.
Daniel, Fran and Jon called in for drinks to celebrate Steve’s birthday. We will have dinner on Sunday night.
19th – Back to work for me – busy week as Rochelle is away for their son Luke’s wedding in Brisbane. Steve pottered about at home.
Kaylene and Rick came over for a cuppa and chat.
Ray and Carol rang – not having any luck in Clermont. We decided Steve could take them up the Palmer next weekend for a week as we haven’t much on.
20th – Back to work for the morning. Last day of mask wearing as the restrictions finish at 4pm today. We are so lucky compared to NSW and Vic – they have had it for a long time already and will be under lock-down for another month.
Louis had rung yesterday to say an old Speedway mate was in town so Steve met them for lunch – so nice for Steve to get out and spend time with some old friends.
I did some shopping and picked up my online order for groceries. Much easier then wandering through the shops now and it doesn’t cost any more. Joined Rebecca and Clive for a cuppa.
Rang Erica to see how her latest results were but she doesn’t go til next week. Otherwise she is doing well.
21st – Steve fixed broken exhaust bracket that cracked from trip to Palmer. Good to have these ‘shake about’ trips to see if anything needs attention.
I worked on the family tree upload.
Fran sent a photo of Thelma – our old neighbour here (we called her Mumma Joice) when we were growing up. She cares for her at the Aged Care Home she works at. It was so lovely to see her as she is suffering with Parkinson Disease. She was a big part of our lives when we were kids.
I visited Judy and Kathy in the afternoon. It was lovely to catch up and hear their news.
Steve worked on changing the brakes on the truck ready for our touring.
We went for a lovely walk around the streets though the sky is grey and it is very windy it was nice to be out and walking.
22nd – Baked last batch of fudgy wudgy cookies for the boys. Did our baking and prepared for dinner tonight.
Lovely night with kids, Brian, Kaylene and Rick to celebrate Steve’s birthday. Played a wooden peg game on the grass that Jon and Annalise brought over. Everyone enjoyed my roast dinner then we played Tripoli (card game) – I laughed when kids asked about the 1 and 2 cent pieces that we use to pay the winner of each hand.
24th – Back to work.
Nice evening out with Valerie and Christine and I even had a win on pokies.
25th – Steve washed the camper yesterday and a flying fox flew across last night and ‘deposited’ all down the door, across the top and onto the top of the Corolla! He’s not happy!
Greg and Tracy home from their trip to Cape York. Had a great time. Will check out his photos when he gets sorted.
Ray and Carol arrived. Parked their van up the back as we now have the camper in the driveway. So lovely to see them both again. They haven’t been up the Palmer River Goldfields before so it is great to be able to take them up as they helped us a lot with places to detect in WA. I am working and need to finish off a few things so they will head up on Saturday for a week with Steve.
We had a lovely day chatting. Drove into the Esplanade in the afternoon for a wander as it has been years since they were last in Cairns. Home for drinks and dinner. Watch a few gold prospecting Utube shows.
26th – Work for me. Steve and the others pottered around.
After lunch we headed to the shops to get the food for their week away.
After dinner we took them for a drive up Lake Morris Road to the lookout to see Cairns twinkle. Very pretty.
27th – I went to work and Steve took the truck for its ‘tune-up’. He has been very happy with each modification, turbo then inter-cooler and now the last bit to get the best performance from the engine.
Steve back just in time to head up to Jon and Annalise’s for drinks with the neighbours. Steve is very happy with the extra ‘uumph’ the truck has now. Showed Ray and Carol Jon and Annalise’s house and joined the neighbours on the front deck for drinks. Annalise’s father, Miles, is back in Cairns from his mine job in WA. He is now starting a new job here in Cairns which will be good to have him around more often. Peter (a neighbour) who was a panel beater and used to sponsor and help Steve with his race cars was there so they had fun catching up. He has a few nice cars at his place too. One ute is the model after Steve’s ‘Henry’ so that brought back some memories.
Ray and Carol have hooked up the van and are ready to head off with Steve tomorrow morning. Steve loaded the last bits into the truck.
28th – Steve, Ray and Carol headed off at 8am – hope they have a great time and find a bit of Palmer gold.
I worked on my blog and then joined Kaylene, Rebecca and Wendy for lunch at Dundees on the Esplanade. Nice view but there was a strong ‘mud’ smell as the tide was out. We chatted away for over 3 hours. So nice to be able to sit and catch up and eat lovely food.
Greg posted up a couple of waterfall photos.
Quiet night working on my family history.
29th – Continued uploading the family history onto the Family Search website.
Graham and Sharon called in for a cuppa in the afternoon and drew us a mud-map of how to get to the Shack at Irvinebank next week. I invited them and Ian and Sue to join us to scatter Dad’s ashes too. We had found old piano music and books that Graham’s Mum, Betty, had given Mum so gave them back to them. Betty had taught us the piano when we were young.
Mum’s cousin, Jim, passed away today aged 92 in Sydney. He has joined his darling in Heaven and they will all be having a great time catching up with all the family. Chatted with his two daughters online as they are in Sydney. Jim was staying with Linda so he was with family which was lovely considering all the Covid lockdowns – sad for Judy and family though as they haven’t been able to see him due to the lockdowns.
30th – Back to work for me for the morning.
Cleaned the camper and made the beds ready for our 4 day jaunt over the weekend.
31st – Called into work this morning. Dreary grey day with rain showers.
Roald rang, he and Joan will be up here on Friday.
Rang Uncle John for a chat. He will have a glass of bubbly on Sunday in remembrance of Dad as we scatter his ashes. I told him Jon has made a homebrew using Dad’s equipment and he will sprinkle a bottle of it on the ashes too.
More rain in the evening.
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