The weather had closed in and Jean was suffering from a sore shoulder so we opted to go directly to Brisbane without passing go or collecting 200 pounds.
On the way into Brisbane, we stopped at the Ginger Factory at Yandina to buy gingerbread men for Kelly and Ross. This place is usually described as a must-see place. We were expecting something unusual and we found a 100% pure vanilla tourist trap. The only saving grace was the Mango and Ginger jam.
We booked into the caravan park at Aspley for a week.
We now know why so many people go into north Queensland for the winter. We find that we have been spoiled for weather up to now in Queensland. The rain and the low temperatures - less than 20 degC (68 degF) - are not very welcome.
The good news is - Spring is just around the corner.
Monday was shopping day and we visited the grandchildren in the afternoon. We have been away almost five months but the kids remembered us and seemed glad to see us.
Tuesday was laundry day and we were lucky to be able to use Sarah's machines. Charlie Marrett arrived for a visit in the evening so we spent some time catching up.
Wednesday was Mazda service day. Jean went to Sarah's by taxi while I waited around in Aspley. I took the opportunity to get my skin checked out. The GP assured me I'd survive until our next visit to Sydney when I will see my usual dermatologist. I also bought a reversing camera which now needs to be fitted. This will be task 4 as I have still to complete task 1 - heavy duty copper, task 2 - digital meter for battery voltage measurement, and task 3 - current shunts for inverter load and charging current measurement.
Thursday we went on a picnic to Scarborough Beach with all the grandchildren, all the parents and all the grandparents. Tea was served on a silver tray - well stainless steel actually. The children ate too many biscuits. We found hundreds of hermit crabs ranging in size from 3 mm (1/8 in) to 50 mm (2 in) and pondered on the apparently infinite web of life. We all had a wonderful time.
Friday it rained.
Saturday we had dinner with Barb and Ron at Sarah's house. It was good to catch up with them gain. Ron still hasn't installed Linux - some people are their own worst enemies.
Sunday it rained. - Spring is coming.
Monday it rained. I took the Mac to hospital for minor surgery to fix the unreliable trackpad button and screen.
With no computer I haven't been able to capture our activity for ten days.
We spent most of the time with the Marretts.
Sarah asked for my opinion on some cracks in the slates on the stair landing. I removed one slate and found that *all* the wood underneath had rotted away. We put up the childproof gate and jury-rigged a spare door over the hole. The builder man did a temporary repair the next day.
Sunday was Fathers Day. Miss Lily had organised a Celebration of Fathers for her Dad, Ross, and all the family. We went to a little mediterranean cafe in New Farm. Everyone was there (except the Ormeshers who were out of town). We had a great time with six fathers and two birthdays to celebrate.
On Wednesday we had dinner with Ross, Maree and Lily in the "new" house. The locals call it the Cottage. It's and old three roomed house completely made over with much extra floor space added. The most impressive thing about it is that it has a most remarkable feeling of permanence, quality and solidity. All the floors, doors and windows are superb new Australian timber all in perfect harmony with the fully refurbished old house. The "living room" opens out through wide folding doors to a verandah which overlooks the back garden. This will eventually be bordered with trees to provide complete privacy. It's a fine place to live.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were spent in the Motley trying to get over some kind of flu.
Sunday was laundry day and Broome Noodle day at Ferny Hills.