Happily sad

Happiness comes with suffering, or maybe sadness to some extent. I have been so looking forward to this day, when I sit behind the steering wheel of the Phantom to leave Sydney. But at the same time  my heart is aching, not just leaving my Mum behind, but leaving her in a huge lifechanging situation.

Thanks to the staff at Shangri-La nursing home, they have been so helpful and encouraging. I don't know how other people do it, but for me it has been weakening and hurtful and at the same time totally loving and mentally strengthening the love and connection between my mum and I. The reason why we've been in Sydney, I won't say has been accomplished, but at least we've reached some ground, and I hope my Mum will come to terms with it and will understand why.

When we begin life, everyone takes it with happiness and joy, and throughout our life we are often happy. And like I told Mum today, we should also embrace old age happily. You might be wheelchair bound, but we still enjoy the taste of peaches and the colours of the rainbow. All is not that bad. We've just got to accept the situation, adjust to our conditions, and enjoy what we can. And when death comes upon us we should embrace it happily, after all life was given to us unconditionally, free, with no rules, and all that the majority ask from you is to be a good person. I love my Mum but I have to leave her, and we shall meet again. Hopefully in good health, and we both can have a peach together.

Thank you Sydney, its been great. Nearly three months there, not by choice but conscience on my behalf, and a real big thanks goes to my best friend and love of my life, my wife, for putting up with me during this some what stressful time. Also to my friends that came around for kava and getting our kids to meet up, thank you.

- D -

Great stay for a day (or three)

Due to the front wheel problem we've had lately, we stopped to check the oil level in the front hub on the side of the road at Brighton-le-sands. Plenty of clearance even for a big rig to park safely, and out of the way from residences - or so we thought. An anxious resident from the other side of the road (which is six lanes wide, mind you) expressed his disapproval of us stopping there, and in his words, "blocking the view from my waterfront unit". Although we knew we hadn't done anything wrong, it still left us with an uneasy feeling. This was soon to change when we got a visit from a police officer responding to a complaint, when she confirmed we were legally parked there, and as far as the police or council are concerned, there's no problem with us stopping there. "And what a beautiful spot it is", she said before wishing us a great day.  

We know how hard it is to park near beaches in a bus sometimes, but it was so easy to pull over here and let the kids go for a swim. There's showers and public toilets close by too, so we ended up staying for the day (or three). As long as you are self contained and discreet, even with five kids and a dog who says hello to everyone, I don't think big rigs would have a problem stopping at the Grand Parade to enjoy the beautiful Brighton-le-sands. Traffic noise can be a problem, and it goes on all day until about midnight. Our bus has double glazed windows thus giving us the comfort while parking on busy roads. After all, we're in the phantom.

- D -

Easy access to the beach

                                      

View from upstairs window

Friendly visit from officer confirmed we were parked just right.

And fishing we went

They say change is as good as a holiday, and in our case change of scenery IS a holiday! For my husband going fishing is a holiday, and since our children all seem to take after him, even the least likely fisherwoman (me) had to agree to this marvellous idea. Besides, when the kids are busy - whether it's fishing, swimming or playing in the park - us big people get some rest too. I spent my quiet moment reading a newspaper while the rest of the family caught us some dinner, and by the time they were all satisfied with their catch, it was already bedtime: some more quiet time. This is what I would call a win-win situation. 

- M -

The keenest fishermen kept going until it was dark.

When there's water, there's always a chance to swim. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is non-negotiable. 

Even these pelicans couldn't stop us from catching some fish.