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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Thankful Thursday



Here's what I am thankful for this week (well this month really):
  • visiting with family I hadn't seen in years
  • being able to celebrate Dad's life and learning new things about him that were a pleasant surprise
  • travelling home safely 
  • arriving home - there really is no place like it!
  • seeing my BFF Mish. It was so nice to see her last week. I hadn't realised how much I have missed her. I love her to pieces!! 
  • Brodie - he was my rock when we were in Adelaide. He helped me more than he realised
  • my bed Zzzzzz

What are you thankful for this week?


Fitbit Daily Summary for May 30, 2018

Total steps: 7065
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2582
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 4.49 kilometers


May 30, 2018
via Fitbit

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Overland Train

Brodie and I came home via The Overland.
That's 828 km (514.495 miles) of travel from Adelaide to Melbourne and around 11 hours of travel time. Which is equivalent to the length of time it takes to drive from where we were staying to our home.

It was nice to sit back and relax but Brodie kept questioning me about our choice of transport. He loved our flight over and wondered why we didn't fly back. To be honest I questioned my choice myself but price won out. It was so much cheaper via the train than the plane. Plus I got to sit, read and crochet.

Leaving Adelaide from Keswick
We left at 7:45 am ACST and arrived in Melbourne at 7:00 pm AEST
Then of course we had to travel from Melbourne to home and that was another 80 minutes or so on a vline train. It made for a very long day and sadly I wasn't feeling very well when we arrived in Melbourne.


I had forgotten how pretty the Adelaide hills were. It's a shame I didn't take the photo above a minute or so later because the next paddock was filled with kangaroos.


^^ Murray Bridge^^ was our first stop


Not that you can see it properly, but the photo above shows the River Murray. It's the longest river in Australia and spans three states. It's 2508 km (1558 miles).


The photo above is the train station at Bordertown. Our longest serving Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, was born here. The house named Hawke House is still standing and is currently being used as a Centrelink (Social security) office. 


Considering it is almost winter and we have had some rain, I just couldn't get over how brown everything still was. They could certainly use some rain in the Wimmera region.



 






I snoozed after we left Ararat.
The scenery was pretty much the same as in the above photos.

I really wanted to take photos of Geelong when we went through but it was dark outside by then and any photo that I would have taken from my phone would only reflect off the window. It did look very pretty with all of the lights but to be honest the train mostly went thorough the industrial area.

It certainly was a very long day. Brodie and I didn't get home until after 9:00 pm.
Even though we sat down for most of the journey I was exhausted and as I mentioned previously I was unwell. I was in bed early. Much earlier than I usually would be. I even managed to sleep for 9 hours so I guess I really needed. 

I know it sounds cliche but there really is no place like home!! 

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 29, 2018

Total steps: 4017
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2325
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.55 kilometers


May 29, 2018
via Fitbit

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Weekly Fitbit Stats: May 21 - May 27


Fitbit Daily Summary for May 28, 2018

Total steps: 4180
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2357
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.65 kilometers


May 28, 2018
via Fitbit

Monday, May 28, 2018

Dad's Farewell

We said farewell to Dad last Wednesday and celebrated his life.
We shared some wonderful stories, looked at some photographs and spent time with lots of cousins, aunties and uncle plus three of my siblings.

I believe that Dad (and Mum) would have been pleased with how everything turned out.

Uncle Bob looks just like Dad. Only shorter ♥

Lee-Anne & Uncle Bob

Lee-Anne & Allie

Melody & Lee-Anne

Allan, Vicki, Mark Jr, Allie & myself

I miss you Dad but I am glad you and Mum are together again ♥♥



Fitbit Daily Summary for May 27, 2018

Total steps: 5075
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2444
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.22 kilometers


May 27, 2018
via Fitbit

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Video: Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners | Masking Fluid Technique | Art Journal Thursday Ep. 42

Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners | Masking Fluid Technique | Art Journal Thursday Ep. 42

via YouTube https://youtu.be/O7lkqQLr9yI

Video: Full Batch Microwave Brownies - Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking

Full Batch Microwave Brownies - Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking

via YouTube https://youtu.be/9xW6R9k5iQw

Video: Home Free - Elvira (feat. The Oak Ridge Boys)

Home Free - Elvira (feat. The Oak Ridge Boys)

via YouTube https://youtu.be/Wgm9gZs1hYw

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 26, 2018

Total steps: 7000
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2551
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 4.44 kilometers


May 26, 2018
via Fitbit

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 25, 2018

Total steps: 4611
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2348
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.93 kilometers


May 25, 2018
via Fitbit

Friday, May 25, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 24, 2018

Total steps: 6263
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2521
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.98 kilometers


May 24, 2018
via Fitbit

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Video: No-Bake Strawberry Pie

No-Bake Strawberry Pie

via YouTube https://youtu.be/3p_4ciO5A1k

Video: Stargate SG-1 - Invisible O'Neill

Stargate SG-1 - Invisible O'Neill

via YouTube https://youtu.be/kQ6y4AQjWWo

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 23, 2018

Total steps: 3353
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2310
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.13 kilometers


May 23, 2018
via Fitbit

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 22, 2018

Total steps: 6529
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2541
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 4.15 kilometers


May 22, 2018
via Fitbit

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 21, 2018

Total steps: 5834
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2472
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.7 kilometers


May 21, 2018
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Monday, May 21, 2018

♫♪♫ I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane ♪♫♪

Things have been a bit hectic here over the past week or so. Well, ever since Dad passed away really.  To be honest I just want someone to tell me this was all a mistake and that I don't need to go.
Brodie and I head off to Adelaide tomorrow for Dad's funeral. Mark  & Angus are staying home.

This will be a real bittersweet trip. It will be nice to catch up with some family members that I haven't seen in years but it's for such a sad reason. But we are there to celebrate Dad's life.

Hopefully I will get some lovely photos of everyone while Brodie and I are there.



Fitbit Daily Summary for May 20, 2018

Total steps: 3453
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2251
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.19 kilometers


May 20, 2018
via Fitbit

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Video: Fake Watercolor Painting Techniques | 3 Ways How to Paint a Galaxy/Nebula

Fake Watercolor Painting Techniques | 3 Ways How to Paint a Galaxy/Nebula

via YouTube https://youtu.be/OrRRAVa4y1E

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 19, 2018

Total steps: 5842
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2477
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.71 kilometers


May 19, 2018
via Fitbit

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 18, 2018

Total steps: 4120
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2274
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.62 kilometers


May 18, 2018
via Fitbit

Friday, May 18, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 17, 2018

Total steps: 7008
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2590
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 4.45 kilometers


May 17, 2018
via Fitbit

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Video: Doctor Who DIY River Song's Diary | TARDIS Journal | Sea Lemon

Doctor Who DIY River Song's Diary | TARDIS Journal | Sea Lemon

via YouTube https://youtu.be/4QZKxVoIySQ

Video: DIY Back to School Pencil Case with Elastic Band | Sea Lemon

DIY Back to School Pencil Case with Elastic Band | Sea Lemon

via YouTube https://youtu.be/f45wBCeUM3s

Thankful Thursday

 photo ThankfulThursday.jpg

Here's what I am thankful for this week:
  • having friends in our Church that are willing to bend over backwards to help us out when we really need it
  • receiving a blessing and things just improve so much afterwards
  • having friends that care about your well being
  • being able to find the money you need to pay for plane and train tickets so you don't need to ask your sisters to help, although they did offer to.
  • for finding a place to stay in Adelaide so that Brodie and I can attend Dads funeral

What are you thankful for this week?

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 16, 2018

Total steps: 6331
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2522
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 4.02 kilometers


May 16, 2018
via Fitbit

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Weekly Fitbit Stats: May 7 to May 13


Fitbit Daily Summary for May 15, 2018

Total steps: 5710
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2432
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.63 kilometers


May 15, 2018
via Fitbit

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Funeral Stuff - Feeling Blessed

Brodie and I have finalised our travel arrangements for our trip over to Adelaide for Dads funeral next week. We have been helped with accommodation, which is a big relief. My sister, Vicki, was unable to let us stay with her. She gave her only spare bed to our other sister who lived an hour or so drive away from her. A missionary couple in our ward are from Adelaide. They have asked on of their daughters to help us out. We will be able to stay with her for the three nights we will be in town.

Last night, was the first time in a week, I was finally able to sleep through the night without waking up and worrying about whether we would be able to find somewhere to stay or not.

We have been able to get great prices for our plane and train tickets. Prices that have enabled us to remain within our budget. Total cost for our fares was around $145 each. I know it wouldn't cost that much to drive over but at least now we don't have to worry about traffic and we can sit back and relax. Although it will be first time Brodie has been on a plane.. I don't know how much relaxing he will do.

A friend of ours from Church will be taking us to the airport on Tuesday. My sister should be picking us up but I am not 100% sure yet although when I spoke with her she wasn't feeling very confident about collecting us. She doesn't even want to park the car because she hates the idea of paying any parking fees. She said that we would need to meet her outside so that she can just drive through the pick up area. In some ways I can understand that but WOW, we are family after all and it has been years since we have seen each other. If the shoe was on the other foot I wouldn't hesitate to do this for her. I am guessing our priorities are very different from one another.

The lovely young family we are going to stay with will be taking us to the train station early Friday morning so that we can catch the train back. I was also told by their Mum, the missionary sister, that the son in law can pick us up from the airport. It would probably be best of he did. Less stress all around is the best thing, right?

All we need to do is sort out our meds, clothes and whatever else we need to take over there. Keeping in mind that we should travel light.

The main hurdles have been sorted which is great. Now to just get there and celebrate Dads life.

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 14, 2018

Total steps: 4029
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2321
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.56 kilometers


May 14, 2018
via Fitbit

Monday, May 14, 2018

Gifts From My Boys

Angus cooked the most amazing roast pork dinner for us last night. It was absolutely delicious. He also made the most scrumptious ice cream made from frozen banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder and milk.
I was also fortunate enough to receive season seven of Call the Midwife. 


Brodie bought me some watercolour paints & paper. These paints are much nicer than the palette paint that I already had. In fact I must give the palette ones away.


I played around with the paints on Sunday afternoon.
I was practising my galaxy painting. I love how these turned out.



Fitbit Daily Summary for May 13, 2018

Total steps: 4737
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2410
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.02 kilometers


May 13, 2018
via Fitbit

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Happy Mothers' Day


Happy Mothers' Day to all the Mums celebrating today and also to all the Mums in heaven. 

I am missing you terribly today Mum. At least Dad is with you this year xoxo 

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 12, 2018

Total steps: 3935
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2313
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.5 kilometers


May 12, 2018
via Fitbit

Saturday, May 12, 2018

So Much For Families Sticking Together

I am having such a shit week. As I posted earlier my Dad passed away early Monday morning. We have finally found out when the funeral is. It's not for another couple of weeks but to when Dad's body can be released and the funeral home can collect him.

I asked one of my sisters if I was able to stay at her place. I got a resounding NO! My other sister, the one who actually lives an hour or so drive away from her, has been given her spare room. I asked if Brodie and I could sleep on the floor in her lounge room. I was also told NO to that request!! Hello .. I am travelling over 900 km to come to the funeral and this is what I have to face.

There are no other family members that I can stay with. I have been told that they don't have room either. So much for families sticking together. I am feeling so hurt by all of this.

Brodz and I have a flight over the day before the funeral and we have nowhere to stay. Our money is very tight at the moment due to my having to pay thousands of dollars to get my car repaired. All of this happened before Dad passed away. Had I known, but you never know when something like this would happen, I would have paid the mechanic off over a few weeks.

My sister in law lives on the other side of the country to us has offered to help us try and find someone to stay with. But honestly, who would want a couple of strangers stay with them for a few nights? I don't like my chances.
My Relief Society President is also trying to help. Friends and in-laws treat us better than family does.

I am going to talk with my Bishop from Church if I can get an appointment to see him & see what he may be able to help with.

For now I am hardly sleeping and I am up in the middle of the night unless I am totally exhausted and manage to sleep through. Can someone just wake me when May is over? .. if I manage to fall asleep that is..

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 11, 2018

Total steps: 6130
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2559
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.89 kilometers


May 11, 2018
via Fitbit

Friday, May 11, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 10, 2018

Total steps: 5269
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2391
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.35 kilometers


May 10, 2018
via Fitbit

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 9, 2018

Total steps: 5233
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2438
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.32 kilometers


May 9, 2018
via Fitbit

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

RIP Dad



I haven't felt like doing any blog posts these past few days but I am feeling a bit more like myself today & I was trying to keep busy with other things. You see my Dad passed away early Monday morning at the amazing age of 90. Which is such a great innings!

I'm not sharing this because I want any sympathy, although I do appreciate your thoughts and kindness. This is more because I want you, if your Mum and Dad are still around, to make sure that you give them a hug and tell them as often as you can that you love them because you just never know when it will be the last time.

I am very grateful that I remember my last phone call with Dad and telling him that I loved him and he told me he loved me too. I would do almost anything to hear him tell the same stories just one more time. I know I never spoke to him on the phone as much as I would have liked. His dementia made that all change and it was very difficult to talk to him on the phone but I do have some wonderful memories to cherish.



Dad, Mum has been waiting almost 18 years for you to be together again. 
 ❤️ I will love and miss you both always ❤️


Fitbit Daily Summary for May 8, 2018

Total steps: 5852
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2494
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.72 kilometers


May 8, 2018
via Fitbit

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 7, 2018

Total steps: 5990
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2512
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.8 kilometers


May 7, 2018
via Fitbit

Monday, May 07, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 6, 2018

Total steps: 4780
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2400
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.04 kilometers


May 6, 2018
via Fitbit

Sunday, May 06, 2018

Saturday, May 05, 2018

WIP - Crochet - Under The Sea Blanket - Clown Fish Applique


This clown fish looks a bit big to be Nemo so it must be Marlon his Dad.
The pattern for this applique can be found HERE on Ravelry

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 4, 2018

Total steps: 4090
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2316
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.6 kilometers


May 4, 2018
via Fitbit

Friday, May 04, 2018

Video: 3 No Bake Cookies - Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking

3 No Bake Cookies - Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking

via YouTube https://youtu.be/k9nH3PI8-C0

WIP - Crochet - Under The Sea Blanket

I've decided to start hooking again!
Although for some reason, I am not very enthusiastic about it. I need some motivation!


I at least managed to complete a fish for my first square, a blue tang.


I am hoping that by the time I complete a few more squares in I may feel a bit more enthusiastic about this project. 

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 3, 2018

Total steps: 4048
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2325
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.57 kilometers


May 3, 2018
via Fitbit

Thursday, May 03, 2018

Thankful Thursday



Here's what I am thankful for this week:
  • Loud smoke detectors, garden hoses, hubby & quick responding CFA (Country Fire Authority)
  • That there was no damage to my home from the fire next door
  • Getting my car back from the mechanic! Woohoo! I have my wheels back!!
  • Sunshine and clear skies
  • My flu shot - yes I know it's an odd thing to be thankful for but I am

What are you grateful for this week?


Fitbit Daily Summary for May 2, 2018

Total steps: 5411
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2440
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 3.44 kilometers


May 2, 2018
via Fitbit

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

Video: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel feat. Tim Foust!

Peter Hollens and Tim Foust did an amazing job with this song.
It's just brilliant!! 

Fitbit Daily Summary for May 1, 2018

Total steps: 4217
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2336
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.68 kilometers


May 1, 2018
via Fitbit

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

Fitbit Daily Summary for April 30, 2018

Total steps: 4330
Floors climbed: 0
Calories burned: 2376
Elevation gained: 0 meters
Traveled: 2.75 kilometers


April 30, 2018
via Fitbit