Lots to catch up on. We did catch our plane from Heathrow though the terminal was absolutely packed – lots of delayed flights due to snow. Fortunately our flight was only an hour or two late. We arrived back to a very hot South Australia – air coolers definitely needed. Greeted at the airport by very excited family. Managed to pack in quite a few presents from Europe – some malt whiskey from Scotland and Paddington Bears included. Lots of fun opening presents. After spending some time in both Adelaide and the Riverland with our children and grandchildren, we settled into our house sit in McLaren Vale, south of Adelaide. Friends Peter and Marie had asked if we could look after their house and animals – Charlie the dog and numerous sheep – while they were off seeing Australia in their caravan.
Now our 8 months home have been very full – some wonderful times and some very sad, unexpected times. Our little granddaughter Molly was born in May – what a joy. My brother Peter unexpectedly passed away at the end of March – devastating. I was so grateful we were back in Aussie and able to be with family. We’ve had some very enjoyable social times, starting with a french breakfast at our house sit home – now known as “Chateau McLaren Vale”. We tried to recreate our efforts in France – we were often on breakfast duty at Chateau Valcreuse. Not sure if we succeeded but we all had a good time! Also lots of family gatherings, wine and food appreciation nights, and meeting new friends at a pub church in Seaford Rise. Reg’s daughter graduated from university is is now a midwife. Another milestone. We also worked – I went back interviewing prisioners about drug and alcohol use and Reg got a little fitter with vintage and pruning work.
Peter and Marie’s house is lovely, very Australian with wide verandas and surrounded by gum trees. McLaren Vale is close to where we used to live before we headed off to Europe so we have lots of friends near by and know the area well. Again we’ve had some wonderful times while living here – a new lamb born called Lamington – and sad times with Lamington’s mum dying a few weeks after his birth. Charlie the dog also became ill and passed away – fortunately while Peter and Marie were home on a visit. Made it a bit easier to take.
Just writing it down makes me realize what an emotional time we have had! Well, just wanted to catch you up on our time in Aussie before we head off to our next house sit adventure in NZ.
Lots of love
Di and Reg
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