Post Christmas

Christmas has come and gone. I had a 'spaced out' celebration. It wasn't me who was spaced out but our events were. Because Greg and Nikki and Cooper and Mia were going away for Christmas, we had the Christmas tree for the kids a week earlier. With four kids and an over-indulgent Nana, there were plenty of gifts under the tree, and most of them were opened.

The children had already received some gifts from their parents' work parties and had decided the previous night which of those would be put under the Wishing Tree at the shopping centre. All four kids seem to accept that when they get extra toys and gifts, they should give some to children who don't have much. I am always proud of their attitude - modelled by their parents, of course, who donate to charity a percentage of what they spend on their own kids.

On Christmas Eve, we opened the last of the gifts under the tree - mainly for Krista and Umar and a couple of extras for Cory and Hudson. I didn't have any because I was too greedy the previous week and opened all mine then. Lord grant me patience - and give it to me now! On Christmas morning we found that Santa had been and the boys got all they wanted, and more. They each got a small tablet, and I got sole use of my iPad again.

My family in Mackay didn't come down but my gifts had arrived in time for Christmas, as did their gift for me. Coffee vouchers! How did they know? I don't think I will see them these holidays as Andrew is taking Timothy and Oscar fishing at the beach hut. Then next week they are both playing in a golf tournament at Yeppoon. Tim, at twelve, is now playing 18 holes while four year old Oscar plays three holes.  He is so little that he takes about 50 strokes to get around the course. He looks good but is exhausted at the end.

We joined any other of my siblings who weren't committed to grandkids for lunch at Keith's place. There were probably about 25 of us and we each brought a dish for lunch. My reputation as a cook is legendary so I am always asked to bring some sweet nibblies. (I think the reasoning is that if I muck them up, it won't matter because they are not part of the real meal.) However I did a TimTam slice and my famous rum balls. The rum balls are almost healthy as the main ingredient is Weetbix. The TimTam slice was very easy to make and very popular to eat. I could even remember the recipe when I was asked for it. Crush 3 packets of TimTams in a blender. Add a tin of condensed milk. Roll out into a log in coconut. Chill, then cut into narrow slices. It couldn't be simpler - or more calorie laden.

After the festivities I am regaining my strength ready for my next trip. I am sleeping late and having an afternoon nap under the air conditioner. An afternoon coffee shop trip doubles as exercise. I am careful not to overdo things as you never know when disaster will hit and I need to be refreshed and rested and able to face anything.

We are fortunate at the moment to face only afternoon storms, so far without hail. North and Central Queensland are flooded at the moment after days of deluges. It may soon be enough to break the drought but the damage will be extensive. Meanwhile, on Australia's south coast, bushfires are raging out of control and have totally destroyed about 120 homes in three coastal towns. This is the most unpredictable part of the year. Although I am disappointed not to be travelling at the moment, I know I am in the safest place here at home.

But ..... watch this space! I will be gone as soon as I can.

Home Just to Change Direction

I have been home for five busy days. It's amazing that I've arrived in time for Christmas parties! That's good. I'm also due for surgery. That's not so good. That probably won't happen. And that's not good  - as it was the main reason I came home.

A visit to my GP confirmed that COPD has extended into full blown asthma and I have probably had a recurrence of whooping cough. More medication! Before my 8.30am (!) appointment tomorrow with the surgeon, I have spent today in waiting rooms - blood tests, a chest xray, and a routine breast screening. I assume that the surgery will be postponed once again but hopefully on fairly soon so that I can resume my travels.

Christmas will be rather quiet this year. Andrew and the boys won't be down. Greg and Nikki and the two littlies are going visiting and may be camping. Krista and Umar and the boys and I will probably just do the Santa things and enjoy our airconditioned home. I imagine that any orphans will be welcomed at Keith's place where we have gathered the last few years. We now do the full family get together on the October long weekend and a cousins' reunion on the Sunday before Easter. As most of us have grandchildren now, we are committed to our 'down line' at Christmas.

I got inspired at the rallies to start writing poetry again and have added a blog to this one - silvergypsy1944rhymes.blogspot.com.  You can also click on at the top of my home page. I am having a ball writing these. Last night I had a call from someone selling funeral insurance. I got creative on the phone, explaining that my daughter was a taxidermist (well, she could have been!) and that I was going to stuffed as a museum specimen and then stored at home to look after the kids. I couldn't resist a poem called Get Stuffed. It was fun writing it and I got lots of feedback on my blog. With Toastmasters clubs all on a Christmas break, I imagine I'll use that blog for my creativity.

Gunnedah, steeped in history

Gunnedah claims Dorothea McKellar even though nobody is sure that she lived here. It is believed that she holidayed here and that this area inspired her most famous poem, My Country.
The best known verse goes like this (with apologies for any memory lapse)

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of drought and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me.

In Gunnedah I was impressed with the other acknowledgements of history. In the Pensioners' Hill Park there are a number of sandstone sculptures detailing the indigenous and the modern history of the town.

I followed the Poets' Walk around town. Copies of famous poems have been set up in appropriate places. 'Said Hanrahan" is in the grounds of the Catholic Church. 'The Bush School' is at the state school etc. I loved the concept but unfortunately they have not been maintained and are hard to find and equally hard to read.

Keeping Myself Amused

As I drove through Tenterfield today, I saw a sign painted on the road, saying 1501. I did a bit of maths and decided that it had nothing to do with the history of the Middle Ages. I thought about a time, one minute after three in the afternoon. That made no sense either. Fortunately within a couple of blocks I came across the same sign, not painted into a white box. It said simply 50 - and I was happy to go with the speed limit.

I entertained myself remembering signs I had seen along the way. A long term storage facility had a huge banner along the side saying 'Children Free'. I know a lot of parents who would be happy to put their kids into storage from time to time, even long term would be seriously considered. That would allow the cereal box header to come into play, 'Adults go free!' As someone who is experiencing the freedom of the road, I wish freedom for all adults.

Bundaberg soft drinks (like sarsaparilla and ginger beer) have a suggestion on the label, 'Invert bottle before opening'. I assume they want us to turn the bottle upside down to dislodge any sediment or to shake up the bubbles or for some other serious reason - and then turn it right way up before opening. Inverting and then opening would result in an empty bottle.

I've been to two Toastmaster meetings in the past two days. On Tuesday night I joined the Gunnedah Toastmasters for a Speechfest meeting. I was lucky enough to get on the program and did the final speech in the Speaking to Inform manual. I was a bit disappointed as I had a wonderful quote to finish with and forgot to read it. Because I have finally, after 35 years of Toastmasters, had the confidence to attempt my speeches without notes, I forgot I had the quotation written out and left on the lectern.

My evening ended on a high as Angela and Peter invited me to camp overnight at their farm. I had planned on free camping at the RV spot near the river but Angela insisted there was nobody there and I should come with them. Apparently there was thunder and lightning during the night but I slept through it all in the total quiet and dark of their property. I was a bit slow getting away as we talked for quite a while and I sorted out a few simple computer issues.

On Wednesday (last night) I went to the advanced club in Tamworth. Like most advanced clubs there were a lot of very experienced speakers and the agenda provided a good variety. I was involved in the warm up exercise and a Just a Minute segment.

I headed off north immediately after the meeting and stopped about half an hour along the road. I thought I had slept well but ended up having a short nap today at Armidale and another at Glen Innes. I was tempted at Tenterfield but continued to the Jennings Hotel which is a step over the border from Wangaratta. Tomorrow I'll be back in Queensland.

A Crappa and a Dunny

Enough said!

Emu Alley

Today seems to have been the day of the emu. It was almost like an outback version of the Teddy Bears' Picnic, there were so many family groups. I know the dad looks after the chicks and some of them looked quite hassled with a big brood to keep watch over. Perhaps it has been a good season. Most groups I've seen previously consist of three or four young ones. Today six to eight was common.

On Thursday night I stayed at a campsite just west of Broken Hill. Faith, whom I met at the Solos', was overnighting there as well. We talked from when I arrived until dark. I have so much enjoyed meeting up with friends along the way.

I spent a couple of hours in Broken Hill, then pushed on to Spring Hill rest area, only three other vans there but we still managed a happy hour. By the time I got moving this morning, those people had gone and the next campers were arriving. I hope someone finds and takes my step stool. It would have to be the good solid one I left, not the cheap plastic stool.

About an hour along the way, I stopped at Wilcannia. What a beautiful little town! The buildings are show pieces, many of them well over a century old. The police station, court house, post office are all lovely sandstone buildings with elegant proportions. Even some of the houses are the same stone. with wide verandahs. I stopped at Miss Bennett's for coffee. It is an older style cottage transformed into a comfortable coffee shop, with several rooms and outside areas all set up for hungry and thirsty visitors. The woman who owns it has one of the stone cottages - not really a cottage, a large rambling house.

These two trucks parked near me (you can see my van)
and I didn't hear either of them arrive.

Tonight I am at a truck stop at Cobar. I've just had a long hot shower and am sitting in the restaurant part of the roadhouse, checking mail and updating this blog.There are a few trucks coming and going but I've parked myself in a quiet spot. Once I get to sleep, I rarely hear the traffic.

Somewhere along the way, when I stopped for a snooze, I was talking to a couple of caravanners who say they never free camp because they have heard so many horror stories. I can't believe that. Free camping is a very convivial experience. There are almost always others around. The worst I have been aware of is the juvenile behaviour of some of the truckies who keep themselves entertained by blasting their horns as they go by camping areas. It doesn't work with me because it doesn't worry me if I am awake and I don't hear it if I am asleep. (And it serves them right if they come across sleep deprived drivers as a result of their fun.)

Along the Way

Nullarbor

York - lovely old buildings

Orroroo

As Changeable as the Weather

I left Ceduna, expecting to catch up with fellow traveller, Rae, in Streaky Bay for lunch or maybe Venus Bay for an overnight camp. She ended up in Tumby Bay and I spent the night in Minnipa. Once again there were only a couple of overnighters. I've already forgotten the next stop. (Maybe there wasn't another camp - I may have just lost a day!)

Last night I stayed at Iron Knob, a popular little camp with toilets and a cold shower for the cost of a donation. I was considering a mine tour but it was cancelled because of the heat.(Weather #1 for the day) Despite the heat, the wind picked up and also picked up my awning - just at the time that everyone I had spoken to was either out walking or out of earshot. (#2 ) I had great difficulty putting the awning down by myself with it flapping in every gust of wind. The previous night had been beautiful and, after a few board games with Helen and Bruno, I sat out enjoying the full moon and the balmy weather. Usually I don't leave the awning out as I have had several occasions where I had to take it in some time in the middle of the night, in a roaring wind.

After another scorching day, the roaring wind is back with a vengeance. (Weather #3) I am in Peterborough and had intended to stay in free camping but the lovely wooded site didn't feel so lovely in the wind. So, here I am in a caravan park. The wind is probably picking up constantly. The van is being buffeted by strong gusts. I think I will be rocked to sleep.

If I am to spend a couple of days ducking and weaving from the weather, Peterborough is a pleasant place to be. I went to the Information Centre/ Museum this afternoon and then spent quite a while at a great little display. A very creative couple with amazing attention to detail have recreated carriages and coaches and all types of horse and camel drawn vehicles - completely to scale and beautifully accessorised. As usual, I got a bit carried away with photos. I will try to restrict myself to just a few.

Depending on the weather (wind warnings and fire warnings) i will go the steam train museum tomorrow. It has been recommended as not just a train collection but a snapshot of industrialisation  in South Australia.

Ceduna

The eastbound trip has been very different from heading west. I am now wondering if the camping areas then were full of CMCA members heading for the rallies and working in a limited time frame.

The free camps have been almost deserted this week. I say 'almost deserted' with relief as I was pleased to have a few blokes around to help start my van  yesterday. I am not sure what was wrong but, after trying to jump start my battery which didn't need a jump start, some serious 'man talk' and a heavy foot on the accelerator did the job and I was underway. My rescuers escorted me for a couple of hours, one in front and one behind. I was careful to ask my neighbour last night to check that I got started. No problems, so hopefully all is well.

There is not much free camping around here so I am spending the night at a caravan park. I met up with a solo traveller (but not a Solo) and had dinner together at the bistro just around from the caravan park, and talked until we were the last in the dining room. As we are heading in the same direction, we may coordinate our travel tomorrow.

Racing a Fire

My neighbour at the caravan park this morning informed me that the road was open between Kalgoorlie and Norseman. It had never occurred to me that it would be closed. When I got around to the morning paper, I read about the devastation of bush fires north of Esperance resulting in the loss of four lives. Rather than spend another day in Kal (as it is fondly called), I decided I should skip dinner with Robin (thanks anyhow, Robin) and hit the road.

Like all sensible travellers, I checked with Main Roads and found that the fires were confined to the far south. I got to Norseman in a couple of hours and pushed on about 80km towards the east. By 3.30pm, I was set up in a shady free camping area having my afternoon nap and planning happy hour with my neighbours.

At about 5pm, Council workers arrived to inform us that the road was about to be closed because of fires. Those travelling west wouldn't have any problem as long as they left promptly. They suggested that, for those of us who were going east, getting beyond Balladonia would be a good idea. It was just over 100 km. That camp ground was deserted within ten minutes - and all those we passed in the next hour or so.

I travelled in tandem with Gaileen and Darren and their two little kids. The speed limit through most of WA is 110 and I was sure the police would rather see us safely out of the fire zone than worry too much about speed limits. Darren obviously thought the same and I zipped comfortably along behind him, occasionally getting close to 120. (Hey! I drive a Sprinter. It is designed to sprint.) There were no flames to be seen but a lot of smoke on all horizons. Once we get through that, we slowed to a more sedate pace and still got to Balladonia before dark.

Five kilometres past Balladonia is one of the usual roadside camps. By the time I arrived, there were several over-nighters. I had picked up coffee and a muffin at the roadhouse. That was enough for dinner. As usual, everything is quiet and dark. My light is the only one still shining and it is about to be turned off. I hope tomorrow is less eventful.

CMCA MSO AOK

I had my first Member Stop Over at the property of Doug and Anne at Stake Hill. MSO is a great concept. CMCA members who have space on their property make fellow members welcome. Anne and Doug are not travelling at the moment. They have a huge shaded yard capable of hosting at least six rigs. In fact they said they had six visitors at the same time only a few days before me.

I had planned just for an overnight there but it was so peaceful and quiet that I put out the awning, table and chair and didn't move for two days. Bliss! Curiosity almost kept me there for another night as there were two vans expected to arrive that next day. They had both been at the rally so I was keen to see if they were members I had met.

Having been at the two rallies, I am on the look out for familiar faces. I spent three days at Greenbushes in the free camping area. Rosemary arrived shortly after me and she was staying another day or so after I left. We had happy hour together, after (for me) some half-hearted sight seeing. The Discovery Centre is well worth a visit with far more variety than you would expect in such a small town. I went to a Toastmasters meeting of a club in formation - as much fun as ever!

In York, as I drove into the camping area, I saw his motorhome and knew that Ron was there (I think his motorhome is mis-named - he doesn't strike me as an old bull). We did a postmortem of the rallies. He is on his way back to Wagin with Glenyce to meet with members of the town council to provide and receive feedback on the rally. The York camping area is very generous, only a block away from the shops with a diner and cafes close. There is also power available for the first few who arrive. All this for no cost, although I hope everyone who free camped supported the town. Ron and I joined some others for dinner at the diner, I found a coffee shop the next day and did a substantial grocery shop at IGA. It is easy to spend $100, even without fuel which is a significant cost.

Travel and Talk

I talked today! Okay, so I talk every day! Today I visited a Toastmasters club in South Perth. (Also, very importantly, I had lunch in South Perth at the Secret Garden Cafe. The coffee was good, the food looked interesting and the setting was amazing. The small shop front with a couple of tables opened on to one space after another, most of them garden settings with lovely shade and cool breezes, very welcome in 35 degree heat. It was a very popular spot but masses of plants and quiet nooks made it feel quite intimate. If you live in Perth and haven't been there, give yourself a treat and meet friends for a relaxed meal.)

However, back to Toastmasters! The Sunday Sundowners meet at 4pm Sunday. The club is only about six months old but has some very experienced speakers and an enthusiastic group of novice speakers. There were four guests, which I found interesting on a Sunday afternoon. This was my third visit to WA clubs, having attended Greenbushes and Bunbury clubs as well.

One of the members was surprised when I said I had never seen a segment called Evaluation of the Evaluators, that this is done by the General Evaluator anywhere else. Then I started to question myself. I don't always get the answer I want when I do that. This time I was able to back track to clubs I have been in or visited in the eastern states and the clubs I joined in the UK, Canada and New Zealand. I definitely have not seen it outside WA. I am wondering whether this is part of the revitalised TM program introduced here in a newly established District or just a geographical anomaly. I'll watch out for it. It did occur to me that it could be a segment (perhaps evaluating one of the evaluators) to lead members into the full General Evaluator role.

I will probably visit Kalgoorlie club this week before heading further east.

No sooner thought than done. I have just come home from Touch of Gold TM in Kalgoorlie. It was a great meeting with about 15 attending. It is always good to see something just a bit different - and that really means every club. They all have their own cultures and quirks. One thing I enjoyed tonight was a presentation on Ignite. I have heard of it but never seen it in action. Robyn, who presented it is going to send me details. In effect, it is a 5 minute speech/ presentation consisting of 20 slides, each set for 15 seconds. The club is having an Ignite Night next meeting. I am keen to try it myself but I know that it will be a huge challenge for me to stick to 15 second commentaries.

I have had my Toastmaster fix for a while. As well as Sunday Sundowners and Kalgoorlie tonight, I visited Bunbury club and the club in formation at Greenbushes.

At the same time, I am in touch with my clubs at home. Area 8 Director Kris was pleased with his conference last week with Mark Hunter as a major draw card. Ajit was quick to share  his success winning the Interrnational for Healthy Chatterers, after winning the Humorous for Bunya. I had to remind Trinh to do as I say, not as I do when she went over time in the Impromptu. Dave and Allan and David L rounded out the successes for Peninsula.

I went fishing for compliments today when Alan sent out dates for the executive meetings. I told him I would be there for the January meeting "for what my presence is worth". What choice did he have than to assure me that my presence is treasured?

Jen posted details of her Division conference in March. I was quick to let her know how heartbroken I would be to miss it but I have already signed up for the Solos rally at Forbes. It does seem strange to miss a whole season of competition. I did get to some of the club contests but not the two Areas I am in and now I will miss the Division and District Conventions.

A Gazillion Gnomes

According to young Riley, there are a gazillion gnomes as Gnomesville. It is hard to believe that it started with a single gnome on the roundabout. It would take weeks to count them all as the number grows every day and extends further out into the 'suburbs'.

Alison took me there together with Mitchell and Alex. The kids loved it. It's the sort of place where they could go often and always see something different. Lots of people wandered around while we were there, including a busload of oldies.

I signed a gnome last week along with the other solos. Surprisingly (!) I couldn't find it among all the others. Of course, it is at a different gnome village and hasn't gone travelling yet!