Our last day in Vale Park – our Adelaide house sit – was all about friends and family. We looked after Molly in the morning, then caught the bus into the city to meet a friend – Damon – for lunch. It was yummy – my first real Japanese restaurant experience. It was great to catch up on Damon’s latest news. We made wine with him many years ago – Brackenwood Vineyard – and we’ve kept in touch. After lunch we shopped for Will and Molly’s birthday presents – both their birthdays were on the horizon. There was more food and wine with family that night. Will and Molly opened their early birthday presents – always exciting! Will is an avid reader so it was new books for him and Molly loves pretty things so it was a new very fluffy cushion for her. I’m sure it looks lovely sitting on her bed. Later that night Ron and Carolyn – house sit home owners – arrived back from the UK. After a 30 hour transit/flight time they were feeling a bit on the tired side but very happy to be home. Raz and Sasha were very excited to see them again!! It was sad to leave Raz and Sasha the next morning – they are lovely dogs and we enjoyed looking after them heaps.
So we’re in the Riverland again – staying in the back rooms of Ross’ office in Berri. Our usual home when visiting this area. We’ve been keeping up our morning walk routine – mainly along the Berri riverfront walkway. Great views of the river. Several exercise machines on route so the “mini” workouts are also still happening. I must admit they are “very mini” at the moment! We tend to follow the walkway away from the main part of town towards the local caravan park and a newly developed marina. There’s a very interesting monument to an Aboriginal tracker – Jimmy James – on the way. He helped the police for over thirty years – mainly finding escaped prisioners and the odd child who’d wandered off into the bush. He was the best of the best and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1987 for his service to the community. My favourite place on the walkway is a lovely little lagoon right on the bend of the river – near the Jimmy James monument. Lots of bird life. I’ve been trying to make friends with a local pelican but can only get so close. I hid behind a tree this morning and then shuffled at snail pace across the grass towards the lagoon – hoping to move like one of those stealth bombers – under the radar! Didn’t work. He took off flying low across the river and perched himself in a gum tree on the opposite bank. I’m sure he was looking back at me with a smile.
We have quite a social life at the moment. Ross is here during the week for work, and one of his friends – Ron – is setting up a ceramic workshop in the back shed. They both get regular visitors so the kettle is always on for morning tea and the table at lunch time is often full. I like it! We’ve also been helping with some maintenance work. The yard has been given a spruce up and Ross and I have been sanding down the window frames for a new coat of paint. Add to that catching up with friends and family in the area and we’ve been kept pretty busy. We also take regular meals over to Reg’s Mum. She has cancelled “Meals on Wheels” – a government run service that provides meals for the elderly. We’ve become her new service – jokingly called “Treats on Feets!” We can often be seen of an evening walking over to her unit, plate in hand. We ran out of gas the other day so had to pack everything up and walk over to her house to finish cooking. I have included a photo of Reg walking the streets with a tray of saucepans. A bit of a chuckle!
Love as always
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Australia, House Sits, Vale Park, Adelaide
I love the Jimmy James memorial – really clever concept.
Yes – it’s really impressive xx
Hi Di and Reg
Just looking at your blog. I see you are still busy and enjoying yourselves while helping out where needed.
Wanted to thank you again for looking after our dogs. They are both in fine form and you did a great job. I didn’t mention how good the house was too.
I was lucky to get back when I did as my Mum died on 29May, so I had some time with her. It was a release for her from a greatly diminished quality of life and that helps with acceptance.
Best wishes, Carolyn
Thanks for the update Carolyn. Glad you got to spend those last few weeks with your Mum. A real blessing. Give both Raz and Sasha a big pat from us xx