End of our 2nd Week

Diane and I are still enjoying our walks along the beach every afternoon. We have also started having early morning swims at the beach. Today (Monday) was the earliest as we left for the beach before seven. The weather is lovely that time of day – no wind, a fairly calm sea and not too hot to walk back afterwards. Travis loves our mornings on the beach and can’t get enough of the sea. We have built a sandcastle which he had fun destroying.

The public transport system is excellent – we have used both trains and buses. We had a trip to Freemantle where we wandered through the Shipwreck Museum. It was fascinating and the amount of wrecks found off the Oz coast is unbelievable.

On Saturday evening we had a picnic supper at Emerald Park where we watched an open air concert. The music was a tribute to Cliff Richard and the Rolling Stones. The music was excellent, the company was good and the atmosphere was fantastic. We danced to the music and had a great time.

On Sunday we took Sylvia for a lunch at the Indian Ocean in Mindarie Keys. It was her Hen Party and she really enjoyed herself. The food was excellent and the afternoon passed in a flash.

Diane and I had a good long walk along the beach afterwards to walk off the effects of our weekend. We were out for an hour and a half but it didn’t feel like exercise at all as the area is so scenic.

We have started to get a tan now and fitter with all our walks so we are feeling pretty good!

Cheers. Have a good week.

End of our first week in Oz

Well we have come to the end of our first week in Oz. We have seen our first kangaroo – of all places – on the golf course down the road. Of course we didn’t go to close as we would have hated to be in a boxing match with an angry or annoyed kangaroo. We have walked along the beach. The beach sand is different to S.A. It is finer and softer and where the waves wash over it, it becomes like clay. Strange!

We have wandered around the shops, seeing many weird and wonderful sights in fashion and hair styles. Tattoos are very fashionable here with most people having one. Walking is the national sport and footpaths are along every street. Perth is the Windy City – just like Port Elizabeth.

Today (Sunday) we visited a Chocolate Factory. As you walk in the counter has bowls of chocolate chips which are for tasting. There is dark, milk and white to try. My favourite was the dark. The choice of chocolate for sale was unbelievable. From truffles with every filling imaginable to plain bars. It is such a pity the Rand is so low compared to the Dollar. After that visit we went off to the winery (Lancaster) where they had a really good variety of delicious wines. I enjoyed the Shiraz the most. The winery and wines are as good as the Cape just no mountains around for scenery. We ended the day chilling around the pool before having another walk along the beach – we really needed it after all the chocolate and wine.

We are all enjoying our time in Oz and looking forward to the rest of our time here. We will keep you updated with our impressions and experiences here.

Cheers and have a good week.

Hi from Oz

We left on Sunday at six for the airport. Once we arrived we queued to book in after which we went for something to eat at the Mugg & Bean. We ate our meal and said goodbye to Geno who had dropped us off. The time was now after nine so we made our way to the boarding gate which was A14 and right near the end, giving us a good walk. There was a queue there and everyone’s hand luggage was being checked. Hubby and Ali went to the left and we went to the right. Ali and Hubby were waved through as they had Travis but Diane’s and mine was thoroughly checked. I lost my cleanser and toner as they were too big. Diane nearly lost all her toiletries as they were not in plastic but luckily a woman next to us had spare bags and gave us one for the things. We then made our way to the plane where we had been put together in row 63. The staff on board were really friendly and said as soon as everyone had boarded they would see what spares seats there were for Ali and Travis to spread across to sleep. We were pleased when they came back and said we could move across as the plane was quite empty. Diane and Hubby sat either side of us in a two seat space on their own while Ali and I sat at each end of the row. Drinks were offered ( I had my glass of wine) and supper was brought around – a choice of chicken or beef. The meal was good with a salad, a roll, the main course, a brownie and cheese and biscuits. I was only able to eat the main course with some salad. Next was coffee and tea, after which we settled for the night. It was now about twelve. Behind Diane were two empty seats so I moved there to try and sleep. We had given Travis some Stilpain and he had gone to sleep with a bottle before we even levelled out.
Diane watched movies all night while the rest of us tried to sleep but as you all know plane seats are not made for comfort. Also I was still annoyed about losing my things so that kept me awake too. After much tossing and turning the lights were put on at six for breakfast to be dished out. The girls and I chose the continental breakfast which was really good but too much for us to eat all of it. Hubby chose omelette which he said was awful. Travis woke as we finished eating and Ali gave him the vanilla custard the hostess had given for him. He didn’t seem very hungry but we persevered(Dumb thing to do) as he suddenly brought it all up. We cleaned him and the seat as best we could managing to finish in time for the descent. We landed at ten to seven which was good time as we had taken off at about ten thirty.
After going through customs we came out to a great welcome from Sylv and all. It was great to see Sammy and Wayne (unbelievable how much they have grown). It was lunchtime Oz time but none of us could have managed another bite. We drove to Sylv and Bob’s place being shown some places of interest on the way. To us the place seems similar to Cape Town just flatter. After off loading we had something to drink and headed to the shops for some essentials. After getting back Ali saw to Travis and put him to bed. Hubby and Bob went Fish and Chip shopping. The meal was really enjoyable which we had with wine. By now we could hardly keep our eyes open and went off to bed at nine thirty( only three thirty our time). I set my watch to Oz time before going to sleep.
On Tuesday morning we surfaced at six and enjoyed a coffee outside on the patio together before having bacon sarmies. Hubby had forgotten his Injections in the fridge at home so Sylv took us to the Dr for a prescription. We tried three chemists but none had them in stock so we ordered them. Bob was off to work so the rest of us with Wayne ( poor Sammy was at school) went off to Hilary’s for a walk through the centre and a spot of lunch. The meal was delicious. After that we walked along the beachfront walkway until the beach. Travis couldn’t believe all the sand and just wanted to play in it. We took him into the water which he just loved. He played around for nearly an hour before we left the beach. We headed home for supper and to put Travis to bed. He was really tired after his play. After supper Ali, Diane and Wayne went out for a drive around. They returned about eleven after which we all went to sleep.
I couldn’t believe it when I woke this morning(Wednesday) and saw that it was after nine. We got up for our coffee which we had inside as it was very windy and overcast. We had some rain during the morning which apparently is unusual for this time of year. Bob went off to work after showing us on the map several places in the area to go to. Sylv had left before eight to go to work.

After looking at the map we decided to head for Joondalup which seemed to have a nature reserve. With me behind the wheel we set off. Travis fell asleep immediately. It started raining again so anything outside was out of the question. We drove around for a while and then looked for a shopping centre to have lunch at. We found our way to the same centre we had been to on Monday afternoon which luckily had underground parking. After wandering around we stopped at the food court. We must have been obvious tourists as we went through the whole section looking at what was on offer before deciding on what to have. Price played a large role in the decision as typically we converted to Rands with everything. This Oz sure is expensive when you come from South Africa. I must say lunch was good – Turkish Bread toasted sarmies and a wrap for Diane. After lunch we shopped around and found a little souvenir shop where we stocked up on a few things to take back.

It was now nearly four so we made our way back to Sylv. Hubby was navigator and I must admit not a very good one. He blamed the map book of course. We found a way fairly easily though and arrived back as Sylv arrived from work.

We have had supper, chatted and watched some TV. Everyone has gone to bed which is where I will be going to shortly once my blog is finished. I am enjoying Perth which is what Rhodesia was like when it was Rhodesia. The place is much smaller and not nearly as bustling as Joburg. The shopping centres are much smaller but then the population is far less. It was easier driving around though nerve – racking as the traffic laws are strictly enforced and I worried in case of doing something wrong through ignorance.

BUT I have survived my first excursion on our own And we found our way back.

Cheers until the next blog.

Final Countdown

Saturday
Chilled outside with a quick morning coffee before doing my blog. Fed the dogs and then started my statements. Gino arrived about ten to sort out the roof leak above the lounge. He went up on the roof and discovered that the hail yesterday had cracked a tile in half. Luckily we had a few spare ones and he was able to replace it. While I carried on with my statements Diane faxed what gets sent from the computer. Hubby went to town and came back with Rotis for lunch. We ate and I finished my statements. Before going into Alberton to fax the rest from the land line we started cleaning the bedrooms and did some washing. We left for Alberton just before three stopping at Nampak with our paper for recycling. I dropped Diane off at Julie with her goldfish and carried on to the workshop to send faxes. The faxing went well and I was able to send off everything. So all my November work is done now – what a relief. I went back for Diane and we had coffee with Julie and Zack who wished us a good holiday. We left for home dropping off the vat return and getting dog food before arriving home at six.
We carried on cleaning and I did all my filing. There was no time for TV today as we wanted to finish as much as possible before going to bed. Nearly all is done so thankfully tomorrow can be a more relaxing day. There have been plenty of calls today wishing us all a wonderful holiday. I have felt much more relaxed today even though it has been so busy. Being busy is better than being stressed. I can vouch for that.
Sunday
Up to chill outside with a cup of coffee. Hubby joined me and then made breakfast which we ate outside. When I went to bed I put on a load of washing which I hung out. I started the last clean of the bathroom and put a second load of washing on. I noticed the water was running very slowly but didn’t worry as that often happens out here. When I cleaned the sink the water out the cold tap was hot and then when I went outside the outside tap was hot. Can you believe it! We now have a problem with one of the geysers and are waiting for Gino to come check which one has a faulty valve. These things are sent to try us. We REALLY need this holiday now! Trevor arrived from up the road to fetch a set of keys for here so they can also keep an eye on the place. He saw them working on the pipes up the road so goodness how long they will be. This was supposed to be a stress free day spent getting ready to leave. Can’t even have something hot to drink as there is no water at all.The water finally came on at about one. What a relief! I have finished cleaning, have done my hair and showered. All that’s left is to pack toiletries, get ready and go.I will do the next blog from Oz. Cheers

End of a Stressfull week

Thursday

Up to a lovely day. Had my coffee outside listening to the birds and trying to relax. Had not slept well as I kept thinking about the visas. Hubby joined me for my second cup. After breakfast I went into the bedroom to fetch his tray and noticed a funny smell. I asked him if it was his toe and he said it was the dog which must have rolled in something. A little later he changed the dressing on his toe (he felt too lazy last night) and realized it was his toe. After he left I noticed it still smelt in the bedroom so I stripped the bed and washed everything from the duvet inner to the under blanket. Thank goodness it was such a hot day because everything was dry by two.I tried phoning the High Commission but got no reply and the tracking site had no updates. Stress levels can’t get much higher than this! I got stuck into the kitchen to keep myself busy. Having a ceiling fan in a kitchen is not a good idea when it comes to trying to clean it. Ali and Travis came back from their Top Tots Class and he immediately went to sleep. We checked e-mails and the tracking site – nothing! Travis woke about one and Ali fed him. She was going for a wax at two and wanted me to look after Travis while she was there. I decided to phone the High Commission at half one to see if anything was happening. The lady who answered checked for me and said that the visas had been approved on Wednesday afternoon. When I told her that there was nothing on the tracking site she replied that they probably hadn’t left the building yet and they would be in Rosebank on Friday morning. W e were all absolutely thrilled and jumped around with excitement. Oz here we come. I let Sylv know and she said she will believe it when they are in my `hot little hand’. Ali left and Diane and I decided to go and buy milk at the local garage so we could have something hot to drink. We also got ourselves some chocolate toffees. Travis was really happy to be with Granny. When we got home I started supper and then we sat outside with a coffee while Travis played around the garden. The weather was lovely and sunny still. Ali got back and brought black clouds with her. Within five minutes the sky was overcast and a chill wind was blowing. We decided to go to the supermarket for things needed before the rain started.We got back just as the rain started – perfect timing. I finished supper and then Diane and I had our usual dose of CSI and Milo. I did the blog while having a Chai tea and now Diane and I are off to bed. We have a busy day ahead tomorrow.

Friday

Up to a chill under the trees with Hubby. Another gorgeous day outside – can see its going to be a stinker. After breakfast I sorted out a few queries and then took Travis while Ali did her cleaning as she has clients at nine. I pushed him around on his car while I did my chores. He really loves his car and is quite content to sit on it as long as he is being pushed.
Diane and I left after Ali’s clients had gone at about ten. First stop was the workshop to sort out unpaid invoices. Next was off to the bank to deposit cheques and send a fax. That was the workshop finished with so we could now get on with our tasks for Oz. We stopped at Eastgate to get our International driving licenses from the AA. Our luck they had moved premises to Park Meadows. We walked across as it was easier than going back for the car. Getting them didn’t take long but the walk there and back seemed to take forever. It was really hot outside and going was uphill all the way, plus the AA was right at the other end of the centre. We stopped to get a cold juice on the way back. Mine was finished before we got back to the car. The car was hot to get into as there is no shade in the parking area. We carried on to Rosebank for the visas and couldn’t believe our luck when within five minutes they were in `my grubby little paws’. First thing was to sms Sylv the good news then we stopped for a bite to eat and coffee. We left Rosebank at three in bright sunshine. Luckily the highway was fairly clear as it was too early for the afternoon rush home. As we passed Alberton we went into overcast weather and by the time we got home it was raining. Ali had started supper for us which was a nice surprise. The rest of the afternoon and evening it rained on and off. At about six the thunder and lightning was so bad I went outside and stayed in the braai area with the dogs as they were petrified. We had some hail but luckily it was over within minutes. The strong winds must have blown a roof tile loose as rain poured down the lounge wall right where Diane was sitting. Gino is coming Saturday to sort it out as Hubby can’t climb onto roofs anymore and I most certainly am not going up there. We had supper and watched TV as the weather was too bad to put the computer on. I did the blog quickly this morning before doing anything else.
Cheers and have a good weekend. One more blog on Sunday afternoon and then we are in Oz.

Stressed Out

Stressed out Tuesday
Up to a lovely bright day again. Had my usual coffee under the trees followed immediately by my second cup. I really needed my chill time today as I was already worrying about the visas. After breakfast Hubby left and I did some office work before phoning the High Commission. The recording said everybody was busy and phone later. I cleared a few more things before phoning again. This time I got through but the lady I had dealt with was busy and she would phone me later. Diane and I went into Meyerton to sort out a few things and then needed to go to Heidelberg. We got there only to find after an hour and a half that we had wasted our time so we dashed home to pick up things to do in Alberton. First stop was the license dept to pay due licenses. Before we left there I phoned the High Commission again. This time the lady was still busy and couldn’t come to the phone. I asked if the fax sent had been received (our computer said transmission successful) but was told it hadn’t but the lady was to busy and would only look at the forms on Wednesday. Frustration! Next we stopped at Tremontis as it was now after two and we hadn’t time for lunch. We relaxed slightly while having our favourite scoops again. Once we had finished there we stopped at SARS to drop off the forms for Dec as we get back from Oz too late for the deadline. Last stop was the workshop. From there we stopped at the supermarket to get milk and other necessities. We arrived home just after five and after unloading re-sent the forms to the High Commission. We chilled with a glass of wine. Hubby went off to a car club meeting and Diane and I had supper. We watched our usual on TV having our Milo. I really can’t relax as I’m very stressed about the visas. I hope they are looked at tomorrow and granted which will mean we will be able to pick them up Thursday or Friday.
Wednesday
Having my coffee outside under the trees today was not relaxing as I am too stressed out about these visas. I didn’t even notice the birds singing. All I could think about was visas.
Hubby left after breakfast for his Drs appointment and the insurance lady came to see me about a new medical aid. We sat under the trees drinking coffee and filling in forms but still my mind was full of visa, visa and visa. I just couldn’t settle to do anything constructive. I checked my email but apart from a successful delivery there was nothing from the High Commission – we put a request informing when the email is read and nothing yet. I tried to phone and the recording said they are too busy to answer. All that’s left to do was Hope and Pray. Phoned Hubby to get the latest update from the Dr. His operation for the gall bladder removal is scheduled for the 6th January as the Dr. will be away when we get back. Checked email again. Still nothing. Went into Meyerton to get lunch –Wacky Wednesday again. Got back and ate before checking email again. Still nothing – stress levels were now sky high. Ali wanted to go to Alberton to do shopping and asked me to go with so we left about two. We had a good shopping spree and managed to get all she wanted. Sylvia was in contact during the day in connection with the visas and managed to get through on the phone to the High Commission. She was told the file was out and to phone at three for an answer. When she phoned at three the place was closed and she was most annoyed and sent them an email. Shame she is also stressing now. I can’t believe how we are being messed around. Ali and I got home about half five and we had a glass of wine outside while she gave Travis his supper. He played around the garden until his bath time after which he went to bed. I made supper and then Ali and I packed her case (Trying to be positive). Diane and I watched our daily dose of CSI and NCIS. Diane is now making the Milo (such a sweet girl) while I finish the blog. We will be off to bed shortly and I hope I can sleep instead of lying awake worrying about visas. I only hope tomorrow will bring the news we want to hear. Three days and we fly!
Cheers

Monday Blues

Woken before six by thunder and lightning. As I got up to let the dogs out the heavens opened. They took one look and went back to bed. I chilled in the lounge with my coffee while watching the rain through the window. It was peaceful listening to the rain drumming down. The dogs were able to go out about half six when the rain stopped.
Hubby left after breakfast to go for his blood tests ready for his final check up on Wednesday. I carried on with cleaning our bedroom in-between doing office queries. While cleaning I picked up a box and took it to sort out. As I put it down I noticed what looked like an insect skeleton on my hand and flicked it off. It landed on the floor and as I looked down at it the thing moved and I realized it was a little scorpion. I was horrified and before I could react it had scuttled under the bed. Diane ran away and refused to come into the room for the rest of the day. Margie popped in for a cup of tea and to pick up a face cream she had ordered from Ali. When she arrived it was bright sunshine and blue sky. By the time she left it had clouded up, thunder was rumbling outside and a light rain started to fall.I went back to the bedroom and very gingerly pulled Hubby’s shoes from under the bed as well as a box he had there. I vacuumed and mopped under there watching for the scorpion but never spotted it at all. I hope it went up the vacuum cleaner and is not lurking in there somewhere.
At lunch time there was still no notification of the Oz visas so I phoned the High Commission in Pretoria, only to be informed they needed some information regarding Travis. I was most upset and annoyed as they had not let us know but waited until I phoned to query it. I sent the info through and hope it will be OK. This setback really upset me and I could hardly concentrate on anything for the rest of the day. Panic is starting to set in!Hubby came home about five and sorted out his magazines – his sorting out is putting it in a different place. He is unbelievable! When he buys a magazine he thinks it means keep it for the rest of your life. My magazines are recycled regularly; in fact I don’t bother buying so many now as I never seem to find the time to finish reading them.We have had supper, I have organized my desk with all I must do tomorrow and the blog is ready for posting. All that’s left to do is clean the kitchen and have our Milo.
Cheers