15th to 21st Jan, 2023 Erica & Terry’s place, Bundaberg, Qld

15^th

I printed out the Christmas group photos and laminated them for Erica to have in her hospital room.

David & Amanda came up for a visit. Another misty rainy day but not as much rain as yesterday. David took photos of Erica with her photos and put them on the family FB chat page.

 

16^th

Jon rang as he was driving the drill rig from Lake Eyre to Alice Springs. He had flat tyres on the first section on the Oodnadatta Track which was a bit scary when it was the right front one but he is ok. Steve gave him tips if it should happen again - don’t touch the brakes just slowly slow down. He put a couple of photos on the family FB chat page.

 

 

17^th

More rain but nothing like what is falling around Mackay area. Callum is in town so we took him in to see Erica in hospital. They had a lovely time chatting about the family history.

Callum came over after dinner and Terry got out photo albums so they had a wonderful time chatting about family members and things that have happened over the years. He talked about all the in fighting that goes on with other members but we aren’t interested in any of that.

Jon rang to say he arrived safely in Alice Springs which is good to know after having the tyres blow out on the dirt.

 

18^th

Yeah the sun is out and the sky is blue. Put the washing on so Steve can pack clean clothes in his bag to head back to Mandurah tomorrow.

A big mushroom has appeared in the lawn. When we went for our walk this morning there were heaps of normal mushrooms beside the path. Terry asked if we picked any - no.

Steve decided the shed needed a bit more paint on the trims so finished it off today. He decided to put a strip on the door like the one on the roller door so that it matches. The grass is growing as we watch but still too wet for him to mow so that will be Brian’s job when he arrives for a few days on the 26^th.

Last visit for Steve to see him Mum, Erica before he flies back to WA tomorrow. A bit emotional!

 

19^th

Another month since Mum left us.

Up early to drop Steve to the train station for 5.15 train to Brisbane. Then he will catch the air train to the airport and leave Brisbane at 12.30 and arrive in Perth at 4pm their time. Bob & Margaret are going to pick him up which is lovely of them. He arrived there safe and sound.

20th and 21st 

Terry and I pottering around the house, repotting plants etc for Erica and visiting Erica in hospital. Two more radiation treatments next week. I have been doing lots of research to help them make good choices for their futures. A few spots of rain but mostly sunny now with lots of wind.

 

 

8th to 14th Jan, 2023 Erica & Terry’s place, Bundaberg, Qld

Another month since Dad moved on to a better place.

Muggy days with a few showers in between. Steve has nearly done all the fix-up jobs required so now filling in the days between visiting his Mum in hospital and reading books. We booked a flight for him back to WA and our ‘home’ so he can fix a few things up before I join him. He will leave here on the 19^th.

Last job - Steve had replaced the base of the patio post so now to repaint the post and the other three so they match all the handrails he has put into place around the house. He also touched up the stripes on the two roller doors. He loves painting so much - NOT!

Morning and afternoon tea is always entertaining with the visits from our feathered friends. We gave Erica & Terry the duck bird feeder many years ago and now it is being used by the birds.

 

1st to 7th Jan, 2023 Erica & Terry’s place, Bundaberg, Qld

Went for a walk to start the new year off with a good resolution that we carried out for the first day at least!

Day 2 another walk.

Sadly Erica went back into hospital after we visited her oncologist. Hopefully they will find what is causing her arm and leg to lose strength etc. Terry is well though we are all concerned for Erica.

Had an amazing lightning and thunder show. One flash and clap happened over our heads that we thought it hit the shed in the back yard! Received about 19mm of rain which was good. Steve had just mowed the lawn so now it will just grow back quicker!

Another cousin of Stephen’s from his father’s side, called in on their way back to Cairns. Marijke, Bart and Ryan have been having fun on their mountain bikes doing trails in Vic and NSW. When they arrived at the house Marijke spotted this lizard so Steve and Ryan got some photos of it.

After visiting with Terry I took them to the hospital to visit Erica then they headed off again towards Cairns after a photo with Erica.

Steve and I went for a drive then walk around Alexandria Zoo beside the Burnett River. We spotted the lizard the same as they one they found - an Eastern Bearded Dragon.

In the sand near the playground we spotted some old bones! What a great idea. Interesting to read the dates that these animals were wandering around with the Aborigines.

We drove across the old bridge which had a toll on it when it was built - one penny. Drove down the boat ramp area which is below it and found out we could fit the Getz in the support area under the bridge. I love the way things were built with pride back in the day so they are still a lovely thing to look at.