It was all planned – leave Allansfield at the end of July – relocate to Berri to support Reg’s mum – stay as long as needed. How things change! Reg’s beautiful mum Shirley passed away in her sleep on the 8th of July. Aged 95. A happy content person full of love for her family and others.
The Allansfield committee decided to release us early so we could head back to South Australia to help organize the funeral etc. And not have to return to complete our time at Allansfield. Very grateful for their understanding and love. We left Phillip Island on the morning of the 12th, skirted Melbourne and headed north. Not long till we left the green rolling hills behind: dry, flat farmland as far as the eye could see. Stayed in a cute cabin at the Lake Boga caravan park – green lawns on the lake shore – beautiful sunset. Crossed the border into South Australia the next morning and headed to Berri – Reg’s home town. The funeral details fell into place and the day was a wonderful time of family, friends and shared memories. A fitting goodbye to a wonderful lady.
After the funeral we received a text from the South Australian Health Department asking about our movements before we crossed the border. There’d been a visitor to Phillip Island on the afternoon of the 12th who had later tested positive for COVID. We were identified as a possible risk – even though we had left hours before any possible contact. Now the problems began! We couldn’t stay at Reg’s brother’s office as planned as he was there working during the day – and we had no where else to isolate. Phone calls were flying between us and government contacts! It was eventually decided we would be moved to a quarantine hotel in Adelaide – 3 hours away. A police escort arrived the next morning and off we went – never a dull moment!
So here we are – staying at the Pullman Hotel in the center of Adelaide. Can’t really complain. Flash hotel, food delivered to the door, balcony, internet. And we’d packed some wine in our case! We’ve kept busy – washing to do, bicycle tours on TV, jigsaws, some regular exercise. Of course we can’t leave our room at all, have to put on a mask when opening our door – usually to get COVID tested by nurses in full gear. I do spy on the corridor occasionally through the “spy hole” but hardly exciting. We have regular inquiries about COVID symptoms etc, daily phone calls from police making sure we are behaving ourselves, the odd phone call about our mental health – no comments please! But best of all we have each other and we’ve had years of working, studying and travelling together. The only difference is the security cameras everywhere, security gates at the front entrance of the hotel and wire fences around the immediate area. Lots of guards on duty – especially when new “guests” are arriving. There is a nice view of the city from our balcony and we’ve had a variety of weather conditions to make it interesting – pouring rain, soft winter sunshine, grey dark days. Also nice to see the late afternoon amber glow on neighboring buildings and the pretty city lights at night. We stand out on the balcony at every opportunity. Even when it’s freezing cold or raining we open the glass sliding doors – really appreciating fresh air. So that’s the story! Here till Tuesday 27th – depending of course on another negative test. Back to Berri and having to cook for ourselves again. A small price to pay to be able to walk out your front door without fear of arrest!
Love Di and Reg
PS Will miss my biggest blogging fan – Shirl the girl. Love you and miss you xxx
This entry was posted in Australia
As difficult as things are, I’m amazed at how seriously Australia is dealing with the virus. Hope all works out for you. Cheers.
cheers in return x
So difficult for you both! So sorry to hear about Shirley a little while back. A beautiful lady. I remember her playing the organ at Berri U C.
Enjoy your freedom from 27th!
Love and blessings Helen and Bruce xxx
Thanks for your love and thoughtfulness xxx
Hi Reg and Dianne
We were thinking of you today as we are venturing away on our first trip since Covid has kept us home for nearly 3 years.
We no longer have Razz, sadly we lost him at the end of 2019. Such a sad loss but happy that we gave a stray from the Animal Welfare League a pretty good life. Sasha is still with us, she is a bit of an old lady now but still full of life. We also have a beautiful kelpie/border collie cross called Bridie who is also a rescue. She is nearly 5.
We have booked our trip from 23 January to 10 March and have put our ad up on Mindahome. As I did this I thought of you and wondered what you were doing now.
I have just read about your adventure to deliver the fur babies to WA.
I remembered that you have family nearby and wondered if you would like to be near them for a while.
Please let me know if you would be interested to be our house sitters again. We would be very happy with that if it suits your current living arrangements.
Regards Carolyn
Hi Carolyn….lovely to hear from you. So sorry that Razz is no longer with you but happy that Sasha is going well and that you have another fur baby Bridie. We are a bit unsure of our movements next year so not able to commit to your house sit – hope you find the perfect people. Wonderful that you are back travelling! Best Wishes Di and Reg