Day 2 on the Ghan my chosen excursion was the ‘Alice Explorer’.

The first place we visited was the Alice Springs School of the Air. We watched some videos of children in the outback learning by air, Thank goodness for technology.

We then visited Anzac , a memorial site dedicated to armed services who served in World War 1.

After lunch we went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum and gift shop.

We also visited a Reptile Centre. We were educated at length about deadly snakes and of course recommended treatment. I tried to take some photos of reptiles but not very successful.

After a busy day exploring Alice Springs we went back to the train , had a rest and then headed out again by bus to the Telegraph Station to enjoy an Outback Dinner under the stars.

After a beautiful evening under the stars we were taken back to the train to rest up ready for another adventure on day 3.

I set off on my 73rd birthday on September 1st.  I knew the majority of my accommodation would be cramped so I had to travel light.

I needed to fly from Brisbane to Darwin. On my arrival in Darwin I booked into a hotel for one night.  In the evening I went on a Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise.

After a good night’s rest I boarded a bus which took me to the Ghan Journey Beyond Train.

I was booked into a Gold Class Single Cabin.

Each day we could choose an off train excursion to go on. My first excursion was the Katherine Outback Experience.

The Katherine Ourback Experience was interesting. I loved the country music sung by a legendary country singer Tim Curtain.

That’s the end of Day 1 on the Ghan .

My pc is out of action just now, needing a new keyboard so I am using my cell phone. Tomorrow I will post about two more excursions.

I regularly remind myself that I must have positive thinking in my life.

I mentioned in a previous post ‘Two Hundred’ that I have plenty of time to reminisce. I have nearly 73 years of life to reminisce about.

Life has been like a roller coaster, times of being on a high (no drugs), in the middle even keel and low times like being in a trough.

It’s really good to allow myself to indulge in the good times but not good to relive the bad times. If I allow myself to sink into the trough which I will admit does sometimes happen I am allowing the bad to control me again.

Many times in my life I have needed to run from evil. I am tired of running and now I am safe, content and blessed with my life. Thank goodness for the power of positive thinking.

On September 1st I am off on a mini holiday. I plan to take lots of photos to share with you.

Have a fantastic weekend, be safe and happy 😊 xo

I have tried several times to write this blog but keep getting mental blocks.

No I’m not two hundred,nor have I tried to write this blog two hundred times.  I will admit that I am almost 73 years of age,that will actually happen in September.

What’s the two hundred all about. I could write a book about it but that would take too long so I will cut to the chase.

1989 I needed to attend to a family crisis which meant I had leave New Zealand and move over to Brisbane Australia. My ex husband had left the country in 1987 with three of my children all under the age of 18. The children made the decision to go with him, there was a lot of bribery. (That’s another story).  A friend sent a letter to a Christian organisation and arranged for them to meet me on my arrival in Brisbane.

The budget way to travel was to fly from Auckland to Sydney and then travel on an overnight train to Brisbane . Unfortunately when I arrived in Brisbane there was no sign of anyone waiting to meet me.

I tried not to panic. There was an Information Centre at the Roma Street Station in Brisbane. The ladies were very helpful and found a room for me to stay in short term.

It was mid morning , I had a place to stay at Elizabeth Boarding House thank goodness. but needed to find work as soon as possible. Early next day I went to a job agency with a well prepared resume. I had completed my Registered Nurse training but was yet to resit and pass state finals. I found a place needing someone to manage a hostel that housed mental health residents and also provided accommodation on the premises.

Because I was a mature age woman and had previous experience I would have been an idea person to employ. Unfortunately that wasn’t that the case. Even though I said I was a Christian they needed someone who was affiliated with a local church.

I explained my situation, told them about my children who were crying out for help. I also explained that I was not able to get government assistance for at least 6 months.   Then I told the lady who interviewed me that I only had TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS.

The hostel was run and owned by three Malaysian Christian Business Men.  I didn’t get the job but I was offered a place to move into. I then went to view the accommodation. It was a place called Sussex Lodge in Kangaroo Point. My new accommodation would give me a comfortable furnished room, shared bathroom and laundry facilities, communal lounge and two meals day. I accepted it.

On the way to my new accommodation I saw a hospital. My new landlord told me it was a private catholic palliative care hospital. Before collecting my belongings from Elizabeth House I went into the hospital and asked to see the employment officer. I explained why I had moved to Australia , showed my resume and said I was desperate for work. The hospital agreed to employ me as an Assistant Nurse on a casual basis, and issued me with a uniform to loan. I started work two days later and after two weeks they gave me full time employment.

That all happened in May 1989. 3 months later I rented a flat and my children all came to live with me. It wasn’t an easy time .

I am thankful for the help given to me. I even got back to New Zealand sat the state finals and passed.

Two Hundred…Dollars. Where there’s will there’s a way.

Public Holiday here today in Brisbane. I have recently been reminiscing about my dear mother’s beautiful cooking. She used to make the best cheese scones, so today I made a small batch.

1 cup of Self Raising Flour, 1 cup of grated tasty cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, sprinkle of paprika, 2/3 cup of milk. Mix together , spoon onto tray, brush with milk and add more cheese if desired. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes.

PS: no rolling out required, it’s a sticky mixture.

I just spread curried egg and avocado to halved scones, so healthy and so yummy.

I recently mentioned that I had joined a writers group. It’s good to get out of the four walls at home and socialise with others. Homework for the last fortnight was to develop a character.

My 8 year grandson visited me yesterday. I decided to ask him and his parents questions about their pet and use the answers for my character.

Bear with me, here’s my short story.

Who Am I

Hello my name is Elliot . I am nearly two years ago. This is how my family describe me and what they really think about me.

Long fluffy tail and hairy feet. Long floppy ears that recently needed a trim. White stripe in the middle of my head, the rest of my body is red. I heard them say Ruby, but hey I’m not a girl.

They think I am very cheeky, and affectionate . Always love cuddles and quiet times. I like to sleep a lot.

The things I like best are going for walks, and playing catch with a ball. I like all food, even broccoli but please don’t give it to me more than two days in a row. I love ❤️ peanut butter.

I don’t like cats. I don’t like having a bath. When it’s been raining 🌧 I don’t like going outside to the loo because I don’t like getting my feet wet.

I don’t like being shut outside so I knock on the door and don’t give up until they let me in.

I am a King Charles Spaniel. I am happy my family chose me. I love them and I know they love me.

Hello friends I hope you are well and happy. Those of you who know me will remember I enjoy art and craft. Lately I have been reflecting on my life and thinking there are no guarantees and time waits for nobody. I have decided that I need to keep my mind and body active.

More than 12 months ago I was assessed and joined a Muscle Up Seniors Group. We have a weekly exercise group that is supervised by Exercise Physios. It’s a beneficial programe, it also let’s me socialise with others . Two weeks ago I joined a new writing group at the seniors community facility where I attend, so far so good.

I recently decided to stop being a complete lounge lizard 🦎 and do some craft. The picture I have posted is an attempt to add texture in a picture. I have a passion about birds 🐦 . I guess it’s a memorial picture of my beautiful little budgerigar Jake that passed on years ago. It’s a work in progress and needs more colour, maybe some bright yellow flowers 🏵.

My goal is to finish this picture within the next two weeks.

I never would have thought.

There are no guarantees in life.

My brother Donald has lived alone in a council flat for many years. His main health issues are Type 2 Diabetes and mobility impairment. Personal Carers would attend to Donald twice daily to put on his compression stockings in the morning and the remove them early evening. Donald did have reoccuring Cellulitis in his legs, when that happened a nurse would visit to apply dressings and bandages.

Even though Donald had health issues and was receiving services which also included weekly domestic help he was able to keep his independence. Donald would go out 2 – 3 times a week, walk to the bus stop with the aid of his wheelie walker , travel by bus to Westfield for medical appointments, groceries, lunch at a Cafe and sometimes a pint a the pub. Donald enjoyed good food and did his own cooking. Donald would enjoy going on solo holidays usually to celebrate his birthday.

December 2022 Donald then 71 years of age had a fall at home. He couldn’t stand up so he managed to drag himself along the floor to the other side of the room so he could activate his emergency alarm. The Ambulance came and so the Fire Brigade. Donald was transported to the local public hospital. Donald was admitted and remained in hospital for one month. X-rays and Ultrasounds were carried out. Donald has not been able to describe what his diagnosis is except to say he cannot stand and no surgery would happen. The Orthopaedic Team decided Donald could never return to his flat.

Six months ago Donald was admitted into a Rest Home and Hospital. The facility specialises in dementia. Our mother lived there for 5 years until she passed on.

Donald is permanently in the hospital in a single room. Donald seems to be settling in to his new environment. The carers use a hoist to transfer Donald from recliner to bath chair to wheelchair. At his flat Donald always slept in his recliner and chosen to do the same at the hospital.

Donald does not have dementia, may have mild cognitive impairment but that is questionable because he has always been nervous which consequently affects his delivery of speech.

Unfortunately I am not able to physically help Donald because I live in another country. I do plan to try and get there one day, meanwhile we do have regular phone contact. Donald’s younger brother Alistair helps out when he can, pushes Donald in the wheelchair to the local shops and also picks up some luxurious such as chips and cola.

Losing your independence is a traumatic thing to happen. Donald is doing his best to try and have some control of his life.

Sorry for this rather long post. I myself have been lacking energy and motivation since my two strokes. While I can I go to a Muscle Up Group for Seniors once a week. I have also joined a fortnightly writing group for Seniors.

Have a fantastic day my WordPress Friends.

Apart from special occasions I don’t do much baking. Today I made an Anzac Slice and Air fried Apple Slices.

ANZAC stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps. Tomorrow is ÀNZAC Day.

I didn’t have any chocolate chips so I compromised and used Turkish Delight Chocolate, chopped it up. I am not expecting any visitors until next June so my stash should last me a few days. I found the recipe on Mr Google.

PS: It was Cherry Ripe Chocolate I used not Turkish Delight 🙂.