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July 1999

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Absent Friends
Wednesday, 28 July 1999

Life has been so hectic (yeah, I know, I've said that before - but its just not getting any easier).

Leonie returned on Friday evening bearing gifts for us all. Isn't it funny how the travelling partner, especially when there is travel allowence to bolster the coffers, will bring back gifts from the far flung travelling destinations for those left behind. As if somehow, the gift will make up for the absence. But maybe I'm being a bit harsh - I'm sure she genuinely meant the gift giving in good faith.

Anyway, Kathryn received a new Baby Born doll, Thomas a brand new sponge duck for his bath and shower time, and I got some books on Thailand (beautiful photobooks), and a book called "Erotic Dots". I'll leave that one to the imagination ;^D

But it was nice to have her home again - even if just for a few days. She is now down in Perth for another conference. This time Thomas went too, since Leonie will be staying with her mother - Nanna would just love to spend time with her grandson.

I dunno whether maybe its just me - but there is often a little "settling-in" time whenever we have been apart and just get back together. Not sure how to explain it better than that. It's like even though we've been together all these years (just gone 10 years - sheesh time flys), its as if we have to find the connection with each other all over again. Its kinda nice, but also frustrating at times.

Of course, it could just be that one of us is just so tired, and just wants to sleep!

Other absent friends have checked in this week. Kirah, one of my students and a very good friend, is over in the US/Canada touring and visiting 'net friends. It was nice to catch up with her travels on line. And to tell her about the modules she needs to complete for her diploma when she returns! (grin) Also found out she and her family will be moving back to Perth when she returns - so another distance student to look after. Still I think I will miss having her cheery face around. It was alway so good having a friend like Kirah to talk things over with. I'll miss her.

Speaking of Diplomas, late last week I finally got confirmation that I have completed my Graduate Diploma in Education. So now I'm qualified to do what I do! Only thing is, withe the current probability of staff cuts at this Campus - I might not have a job after the end if this Semester 8^(

As they say "Such is life..."

Of 'Devils', Mountains, Convicts and Chocolate and
Mr. Mum
Wednesday, 21 July 1999

So, its been nearly a week since we got back from Tasmania, and this is the first ofpportunity I have had to sot down and have the luxury of a journal entry. Thomas is finally asleep, so I have a few moments.

The Tasmania trip went quite well - very busy and hardly a moment to relax, but I guess that was the whole point of this trip - to visit the family and pack as much into the week we had there as we could. I will do a proper write up just as soon as I can (yeah, I know, I havn't done the Thailand one yet), but for now a quick run down. (draws deep breath)

Arrived at Devonport on the Wednesday evening (7 July) after travelling all day via Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. Spent the Thursday just with Dad, did a bit of shopping, and went for a quick drive up behind Burnie, where Dad lives. Friday we were up early and stopped into the Wildlife Park near Mole Creek - cuddled koalas, patted wombats, and kept our hands well and truely away from Tasmanian Devils jaws!

On the way down to Hobart we stopped at the old colonial historic town of Ross for afternoon tea, then on the stay with my Auntie Margaret in Hobart.

Saturday was Salamanca Market day - and afterwards the kids saw some snow - the City Council had a promotion on in the Mall and had a pile of snow for playing in. We later drove up Mount Wellington and saw some of the real stuff.

Sunday was rather wet and miserable - the typical drizzly rain you get in Tasmania - but we went off to see the convict ruins, and other things at Port Arthur. It's a very bleak sobering place - and not just for the convict relics - you will probably recall that Port Arthur in the site of the tourist shooting a few years ago. There is a small memorial there now, but the guide didn't dwell on that aspect - I guess its still too raw for some people - and I can't say I blame them. And yet amongst all the bleakness and such - there is some quet beauty about the place.

Monday was Chocolate Day! - we toured the Cadbury's Chocolate factory in Hobart - and bought a heap of chocolate! Tuesday was a trip to see the very spectacular Cradle Mountain - we were lucky with the weather. On average, the place gets only 32 days a year clear weather - we struck one such day in mid-winter! Then is was back on the plane for a full day travelling back to Kalgoorlie.

This week has been a mad panic to try to get classes organised. Its been made doubly hard as I have had to care for the kids in between classes. Leonie has been away at a conference in Adelaide this week, so I have been Mr Mum. I can appreciate what single parents must go through.

Thomas has had a lingering chest cold since we returned from Thailand in April. Along with his teething, he has not been exactly a happy-chappy and fun to be with. But then he will have his other moments when he smiles so sweetly and just wants to be hugged. And who can resist such charm. Even if there is work to be done.

Holiday Time
Tuedsay, 6 July 1999

This time tomorrow we will be arriving in Tasmania on our first visit to my Island home State in just over five years. It was either us go there for a week, or have Dad come here for three! (*wink*) Still, it will be nice to see the old place again, and do a bit of travelling about.

Today was spent getting clothes washed and dried, what work I could in between watching kids, and catching up with friends also travelling (I am VERY envious of Kirah, who is off to the US for a month next week).

The other interesting thing was an email from my elder son, Rohan. He has just arrived in London on a working holiday to the UK and Europe before he settles back into academic pursuits. It seems so long since I had any contact with him - I last saw him two years ago when he came over to see his new nephew (my grandson, Jacob). There is so much I want to say to him, but there is time aplenty for that. For now it is nice just to be back in contact.

See ya all when I get back. Hopefully there will be some pictures - but I still have to write up the Thailand trip first.