Merle is Home.

Howdy Folks ~~ Well I am home after 9 days and 2600 milesof travel. I have enjoyed every minute of it, but I am tired, as no doubt John is too. He was terrific doing all the packing and shifting our luggage,various belongings, and his car fridge in and out of 8 nights on the road. Nothing was too much trouble and I thank him very much. He must have been well brought up !!!!

We spent one night on the way up at Goondiwindi which is just into Q’ld, then went on to Gladstone where Julie and family live. It was great to see her in particular, after the serious operation, and to find her doing very well. She is still having a lot of trouble sleeping and her body is taking time getting back to normal. I do hope she continues to recover fully.

Her son, Chris had a serios illness also early last year, as his appendix burst and he got peritonitis and had 2 operations, anda month in hospital. He scared the wits out of us, so was good to see him looking well, as he nears his 21^st birthday.

Samantha’s girls are delightful with huge beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes, inherited from their Dad. Tabatha and Gabby are my G-G-daughters. Great to meet up with them. Oh the tyrrany of distance!. About 1500 miles away.

Then we went on to Gympie to stay two nights with Peter. It was great to see him again and as usual he was very helpful, and a good host. He fed us well and we all enjoyed it. He and John have always got on very well. As do Peter and myself. We used to fight as kids, but especially after our mother died, we began to be very good friends.

Our next stop was just outside Brisbane, and 2 of John’s girls came to meet us at the cabin we stayed in. We all went out for a meal and Rebecca, who we call Bec stayed a night with us. Rachael came over again the next day. We chatted, took lots of photos and again shared a meal. Rachael is engaged and lives with her fiancee, and is almost 24 years old.

Bec used to be my right hand ~~ she lived with her Dad (John) and used to take me shopping, to doctors and to hospital onceor twice. She was amazing and so helpful, it is no wonder we miss her. She got a promotion in her job which involved a move to Queensland. Bec will be 26 in July.

Her other grandparents, her mother and both of her sisters all live there, so it was good for her. She has been gone from Shepparton for nearly 2 years, but has had 2 flying visits back since then. We did not get to see John’s eldest daughter Jackie, which was a big disappointment to me, and probably to her Dad too.

We only got home after lunch today, Thursday, and have been in touch with most of the rest of the family and friends, Unfortunately, John’s girlfriend’s son is in hospital for tests. Last year he had a brain tumour removed, but they do not know what the problem is yet. Ash if only fourteen years old, so hehas had a bad run also. I hope he will be OK.

Well that is about enough for tonight. I will aim for photos tomorrow. Thank you for all the good wishes and kind words. I will get around to answering you all in time.

I agree with some comments that I am rich ~ not in wealth, but in the close family and the love we all share. It is great to enjoy such blessings, and this goes to cousins and other relatives. I love them all, and I think they love me too.

I have missed my blogging friends and am glad to be back safely home. On my own, with no son or brother telling me what to write etc. My last efforts were a little disjointed. I will be back. Leaving with a little saying ~~~

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“Every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.”

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