Menordinaire. Maybe.

As I settle back into the 'ordinary' of the Hutch, such as bills and housework, there is still the stable influence of blogging to keep me focused each day. As you are well aware, despite being back in the Bonny Land, the blog is still lingering Down Under...

Now then, any idea what you are looking at in the image above? Well, you'll recall that after the fiasco of Telopea Train Rooms, I took to the air again and headed North. All the way to Hervey Bay, in fact.

This is where my ex-neighbours and jolly good sorts, Trish and Neil (T&N) are now residing in their retirement. Salt of the earth, these peeps. Just as well, as I was darn-well close to collapse by the time I got off that jet. The early morning train trip from Telopea to the Sydney airport was smooth enough, with two changes required, but services are very regular. I was a whole hour earlier than needed to be, but better that than t'other. At the HB end, I just fell into Trish's open arms and shed a few tears of relief, exhaustion, pain... but mostly relief.

The next full day was spent nattering and catching up and being shown the main marina from which all the whale-watching is done. Sadly, I was a month too early for that. Live whales anyway. There were a few little artisan wares to be found round here and goodness gracious me, didn't Tucker the Turtle decide he wanted to come home with me. He and Soffee made firm friends straight away.

My joints and spine were giving me hell, but Trish had a heat pack for me and a firm bed, so that was welcome. Sadly, the second morning with them I had a rather sudden and very copious vomiting session in the car. We had gone for a morning cuppa with a pal of theirs and - thankfully - were on our way home. Have no idea what caused it beyond the likelihood it was a delayed reaction to all the stress of the previous few days. I slept for pretty much the rest of that day.

Thursday morning, though, was significantly better. The 'purge' seemed to ease some of the back strain too, which is weird. That morning we went on a little tour of the local retirement village, which - as these places go - was very interesting. We all agreed though, that it wouldn't suit any of us quite yet!  In the afternoon, Trish and I took a walk around their neighbourhood, which has plenty of ponds and lagoons and therefore, plenty water birds. There is even a nesting osprey, with one chick.

Friday it rained, pretty heavy too. We spent the day inside, sharing time. It was relaxing and fun. At dinner time each day, Neil brought out the ancient Trivial Pursuit cards and we had giggles and gasps at how badly we could do. Then Trish wanted to learn crochet. Neil is a keen cyclist, so we watched the California Tour and we also watched F1:Drive to Survive, which was brilliant. (Not all on that day - but managed to see it all before I left!)

...tbc... on Thursday!