Soldier On

It has been a struggle all week having been unwell as well as having asthma. However, much needed to be done to get our old home ready for rental and our new home ready to move into. After a crazy morning of running around, we were fortunate enough to have our private interior designer shop with us in the afternoon. A stop at a closing down store saw us grabbing bargains! Who could resist things at 70% off...We left with wedding presents, goose down pillows, doona, and that was followed by a purchase of a custom made bed, a mattress, and mattress protector. Mr sweet talk managed to snare us some extra pillows on top of the commercial price. Just thought I'd share that the name of the pillow is...Bambi. Awesome!

Testing out mattresses, I was ready to stay there and not move...

By mid afternoon, we finally stopped to have some lunch at Harry's Cafe De Wheels. I was really struggling by this stage so stopped, picked up the children and organised our week in a new area with totally new routines. Wish us luck!

The Move Part 1

Goodbye house

After eight wonderful years, we farewelled our first built home. Unfortunately, timing was not the best as our new home will not be ready for another 3 weeks! Nevertheless, after much throwing, selling and giving away, our belongings were packed up and squeezed into the storage area and garage of our new home awaiting the next move when they can occupy their intended long term placement. I, for one, would be reluctant to play Tetris against the removalists.

I wish I could have said that the move was completely smooth...For the most part it was, the things that got moved were done with efficiency and care. Unfortunately, due to a slight miscommunication, the washing machine was left behind! The piano will also move at a later date because the new concrete floors requires another seal. So look out for The Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and perhaps Part 5...

Also due to slight miscalculations (don't ask for details...) Malcolm and I were left nomadic. So the Pymble Hotel it was. However, I have a feeling that I was made to live like a princess. I was so distressed that I didn't take any photos. Enough said.

Things you find when everything in the house is gone!

It doesn't look like we have much but there are many, many boxes behind that half closed doorway...

A Mini Break

We took the opportunity upon a beautiful Sydney winter's day to take a small break. Much has happened in the past few weeks with building stresses and illness within the family. We left all that behind and drove south towards the Illawarra Fly to take a walk amongst the canopy in the Southern Highlands. It was also a chance to show Maria around.

The 40 minute walk turned out to be a big challenge for a few members of the family. The height caused much anxiety. Despite the hiccup, the family had a wonderful day out together. A brief stop at Robertson to sample local produce and browse for curios could have been longer if we had not been rejected for lunch! We moved on to the bigger and busier town of Bowral for good fashioned pub food before starting our drive home. A practice at the driving range en route towards a dinner of Malaysian cuisine was a great way to end the day.

The children with Maria, our Italian au pair

A brief stop after driving through the winding roads within the National Park

Our destination

Walking towards the canopy. Everyone is smiling and in good spirits.

Our first challenge, walking towards the cantilever. We lost our first 2 members here...

The central viewing tower, where we lost our 3rd...

Three made it to the top although two were terrified and one frozen to the spot

Waving to the camera for a photo on the way down.

Beautiful walkways over the canopy

...allowing beautiful views towards the Tasman Sea

The fourth member finally called it quits so its back to the car we went.

Proof of exercise for the day...

Stopped at Robertson looking for lunch

and hoped to find something unusual for the house

Got rejected for lunch at the Cheese Room because there were "not enough chairs" despite there being several empty tables!

Oh well let's try some free olives instead

and don't forget the cheese

Pub food  for lunch at Bowral 

Jonah at the driving range

Paparich for dinner

Toast with kaya and a milk tea a great way to end the day