Thursday, April 27, 2006

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 21st 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 ~~~

<><><><>

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

<><><><>

18 comments:

Ava said...

> Wow! That's a lot of traveling!!! I'm glad that John was such a help.
>
> I'm so glad that you got to see your family and they're doing so well.
>
> I hope that things work out for John's girlfriend's son. That has to be
> scarey. I'll keep him in my prayers.
>
> I agree with you ... the love of family DOES make a person rich.
>
> Glad you're back!!
>
> Ava
>
> --

bornfool said...

Sounds like a marvelous time, Merle. I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures.
I'm glad you're back. I missed you. :)

Granny said...

Hope all goes well with your friends and the children of friends (or relatives?).

Waiting for pics. Glad you're back safely.

Anonymous said...

I know you had a wonderful time by the way you spoke. Glad your safely home.

Vickie said...

So glad you are home safe for you were missed. The love for your family shows in this post. Now the real vacation can begin. :)
I always say once I return from one I have to take one to recover so let yous begin.

kenju said...

I am glad to know that you and Peter quit fighting later in life. My girls have always fought like cats, but I have hope that they will one day be very good friends. I see signs of it now and then.

Peter said...

Hi Merle, you certainly crowded a lot into a short time, glad you enjoyed yourselves.
The people of Goondoowindi have asked me to thank you for the visit.

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

WOW...you really covered some ground, but it was well worth the traveling I'm sure to get to see family. There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time with family and it sounds like you had a wonderful time.

We missed your blogging, but understood that family comes first, but it's good to have you safely back home. We will be looking forward to seeing your pictures and reading your stories of your GREAT ADVENTURE.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Hey Merle ... welcome back. Sounds like you had a really wonderful time. Family are simply the best, don't you think. Looking forward to your photos.
Take care, Meow

Joy Des Jardins said...

Welcome back Merle....what a great trip. You packed a lot into those nine days. Glad you're back safe and sound.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Merle,

I'm looking forward to your photos, and I'm glad you had a good trip and have arrived back home safely.

You are rich in family.

Janice~

Jacqui said...

Hi Merle, welcome home and back to blogging land. It is wonderful to see and share good times with the family, to love them and know they love you too.

Glad you are enjoying my travels, luv jacqui

JunieRose2005 said...

Welcome back Merle!

So glad you had a safe and happy trip!

June

Kelvin said...

Kia Ora (hello) from that krazy blogger across the ditch in new Zealand. I just heard on the "bush telegraph" that you were home, so I thought I would drop in to say hello. You sure had a log trip - good to see you back again. I won't stop for a cuppa, maybe next time. You'll have to stock up your "side-bar" so we can help ourselves (hehe) Krazzzzy !!!

Karen said...

Welcome home, Merle!! Wow, that's a lot of traveling and it all sounds fun.

I love that last quote!

Have a great weekend!!

Anonymous said...

Hello from Merle's cousin Michelle.
I've missed her while she was away too. We do a super dooper crossword on a Saturday afternoon per phone and I had to scrounge up another cousin to fill in my words I couldn't get. Glad to see the photos of Julie looking good also that son who was also terribly ill last year. Love to all and big hello to Peter in Qld. aren't I brave Peter sending my first blog.
Love from Michelle

Merle said...

Wow Michelle ~~ What a surprise to hear
from you here. You are brave indeed.
I have had comments from Bec and Rachael before. Glad our crossword was easier this week, while I am sorting myself out. I am catching up a bit at last.Love, Merle.

Jacqui said...

i Merle, good that you are safely back home, I'm glad you like the travelouge, tonight it got very hairy, Marcus is here and I asked him a couple of things and before I knew what had happened we had lost tonights post, and the one from Seattle, well we managed to get tonight's but Seattle has totally vanished.
I hope it didn't have anything to do with the fact that Geelong lost & the Eagles won!!!!