Almost 4 months since that last entry so a few gaps to fill in. From Phuket to Singapore via Air Asia & on to Sydney in comfortable Qantas Business Class seats, thanks to Jeff. Train to Newcastle to Emma & David & Jacob & Oscar where Nick had his cardiology appointment (flying colours) & shoulder surgery, thanks to Dave. Another train trip to Kendall for a lovely few days with Pat & Terry that included a visit to Sonia & co. A week later when the surgeon was happy, we flew to Brisbane & I was straight in to the driver's seat (after 3 years ) for the drive to Hervey Bay. Overnighted with Michelle & Jeff & girls on the way.
Arriving in Hervey Bay, we decided to put the house on the market so it was a busy time as I packed up the house ready to move out, anticipating a quick sale due to the very low price we listed. Nick was still in his sling the only help he could offer was encouragement!
This was supposed to be just a four week visit but a couple of medical issues caused this time to be extended by six weeks. During that time we enjoyed many visits & visiting family & friends. There is never enough time & this trip was complicated by the house market, our house sitters needing to leave by August & then miraculously having Glenda & David fall in to our lap as willing sitters at the last minute!!! This meant that we could leave again & not have to worry about 169.
Nick was delighted when we scheduled our visit to Peta & Brennan, Daisy & Skagen as he then could drink his favourite beer, thanks to P & B. Watching Daisy compete in her dressage competition was a big thrill.
Spent time over the weekend at Chevallum where Netball takes centre stage then. Watched the three girls play & Master Coach Michelle take her team to first place in an all day carnival.
Back to Newcastle in the hire car for Nick to have his six week check with the surgeon after which he was given the all clear to drive again, so we shared the driving on the return trip. Saw Oscar in his rugby team, Wildfires, play a game. Awesome. They have since won the country champs. Doesn't seem fair but in the hundreds of miles I drove during this time, I was pinged by the NSW constabulary for doing 61 kph in a 50 zone.
Spent 5 days with Daisy & Skagen while P & B went to Melbourne for Good Beer Week. School lunches, horses & a dog too!!
Back to Hervey Bay, moved all our furniture in to the shed for storage, cleaned up & final goodbyes. Had a daylight flight Brisbane to Melbourne & direct then to Phuket which made it much easier as we carried along with our regular luggage, a 27 kg winch & a carton containing a fragile wind instrument. All went well until we were spotted by Customs in Phuket with our enormous trolley load. About an hour later & some swift & convincing talk, we were allowed to pass without paying any duty.
Our flight had been delayed on the tarmac in Melbourne for an hour as a door would not seal & then with the hour delay with customs, we were worried that our hire car may not have waited for us. Big relief to walk out & find a smiling Thai face holding up a "Nicholson" sign.
It was almost midnight, Thai time, (3.00 am in Qld), by the time we arrived at the house. Keys were waiting for us in the letter box , thanks to Graham & we fell into bed.