Finally Catching Our Breath - Part 1

 The Green, Tarragindi.

We signed the contract for the sale of our home on the 23 February. The buyers only wanted a 4 week contract. On notifying Tarragindi Green that settlement was the 25 March, they replied that we could move in a week early, on the 18 March. This was good/bad news. It gave us only 3 weeks to be ready to move, but also gave us a week to return and clean without furniture. I think that every day, until a few days ago, was LONG, even when we said we would take it easy. Again we have been blessed with the help and kindness of wonderful friends and new acquaintances.

The view a few days before we left No16 -a perfect sunny day. I will really miss this open view, as here, we face south into trees. Lovely, but limiting. I just have to give it time.

Looking left, then right from our balcony.

18 March, 7.30 am - the removalist gang arrived and we were told to amuse ourselves for the day.

2.20 pm we received the message to enter our new unit. What a surprise to open the door and be greeted by photos of Ben and Nora!

Elaine and her team, Tailored Transitions were brilliant in every way. Professional, efficient, caring giving us a stress free day, of what to us, was a mammoth task.

Flowers and a welcome pack from The Green.

X marks our south facing unit.

Spot Frank.

 Earl 19 March, saw us back at Robert Stanley Drive , to commence cleaning. Jocelyn appeared again.

Saturday 21 March - first day of sorting at The Green,

Elaine's workers had filled the kitchen cupboards, but it really needed a refit to make it user friendly. Joc to the rescue once again. Extra shelving was needed, and not only in the kitchen. Frank and I had numerous visits to Ikea to sort this problem out.

Wednesday 25 March - settlement day, but Frank and I were not required, It was also Hungry Hiker Day and as Jenny was turning 70 several days later, we had organised a day of surprises for her.

No 1 - Joc delivered Jenny to The Green where brunch was waiting, along with Laurel and Jayne. Both Leanne and Margot are travelling in Japan. The amazing Joc had popped over the previous afternnon with all the decorations. Folding chairs and camping tables had to suffice, as we await our new furniture deliveries. Some sooner than others.

Late morning, we set off to Tyalgum across the border. It was a lovely forest and country drive to treat Jenny to the most elegant and delicious HIgh Tea imaginable. We were greeted with glasses of bubbles topped with fairy floss and gold dust! 

Only Jenny and Joc returned to The Green at around 4 pm. Soon after our return, Frank and I received notification of the successful completion of our sale of No 16 and the purchase of our lovely unit here at The Green.

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The Birthday Cruise

 5th to 8th March - 3 days out of Brisbane.

Frank was our chaffeur to the Port of Brisbane.

The Hungry Hikers and friends had this shirt printed, with Jayne the party girl all over it.

We were only minutes on the boat and bumped into Jayne and her family.

I shared with Joc's sister, Marlene. Our balcony was hardly used as it was windy, and this left the deck chairs salt covered.

The weather was mostly overcast. A tropical low was headed south towards us, so the ship dipped and rolled most of the journey. Being an older boat, there were no stabilzers.

Sunrise after a shower of rain.

The second morning was sunny for a couple of hours.

Sunset from our position in the dining room.

Always windswept when we headed outside.

Our welcome bunny.

Early on the final morning, all the deckchairs around the pool were taken by the 'towel people'!

There was time for relaxing, reading inside or outside, a comedy show or two and one theatre event.

Pre dinner cocktail.

Party night for Jayne.

The crew performed in the dining room aisles each night. On our final night it was quite the event.

Some proof that we are not big drinkers. We enjoy a glass but rarely embibe to excess. We are holding the unopened bottles from our small wine package. They all came home.

A gloomy return to Brisbane.

River entrance. Our boat sailed past the mooring, headed for the cargo vessel. Seemingly at the last moment the azimuth lever was switched on and with the help of 2 tugs we successfully turned and docked.

 Bottom R - the backward thrust is in action.

Busy tugboat.

45 minutes has elapsed. We are now having breakfast in the dining room. The tug is all but finished the required manouevering.

8.30am and we are back on shore waiting for our chaffeur!

It is March Charge month. Each morning I was up early and walking the top deck circuit. My Stava GPS App was very kind. Within 20 mins, I had walked 7km! Seems it was clocking the ship's movement. I don't feel too guilty as we were constantly walking from end to end of the ship.

Big boat cruising isn't my thing. Why does the sound system have to be at full blast all the time?

It was however, lovely to celebrate with Jayne, family and friends.

Eight days to moving day. We are ready!

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