May 12th - Mother's Day

Today is the last Sunday I'll be celebrating Mass at St. Benedict's for a while. The community made last week's Mass all about me. Jay gave a wonderful speech which I recorded and will listen to again as it was an emotional morning.

The community gave me a beautiful printed T-shirt with the church on the front and a lovely card which I am yet to sit down and read through - but more on that later.

To the many people who under take the tasks, no tasks or jobs is not the right word for this, I would like to say a special thank you. I hope that you get as much enjoyment out of doing them as I have in serving the Community and the Parish.

A final trip to Michel's house with the trailer full of the balance of the garden tools and things for Alister as well. The trailer will now live at Michael's house until it is needed for it's next assignment.

May 5th to May 11th

Time to start cleaning. This week we had new timber laminate floors laid and new carpets in all bedrooms. A new range hood and stove also went in. The house was sprayed for pests and also windows, showers and floors cleaned by a professional cleaner. Paths water blasted as were gutters, steps and the back patio. The house looks better than when we first bought back in 2003 as there was nothing new in it at that point in time and with fresh painting in every room it's certainly looking fantastic. Sad to leave in a way, but who knows where this journey will lead us.

May 4th

The St. Benedict's community very kindly organised a farewell lunch for Gai and I. It was lovely that so many people attended and there were many others that could not be there for various reasons. I wanted to just quietly go off into the sunset, but this was not to be.

This was kindly held at the Merrimac Tavern which is just in front of our house so walking distance for Gai and as always the food was great and everyone had a wonderful meal. A special thank you to those who organised this and also to Fr. Saji for attending.

May 1st

The removalists have arrived. 4 hours later the 20' container is bout 7/8th full and is leaving. Hopefully the next time we see our stuff will be when we re-settle in Hervey Bay, as this is our planned new living location.

TV, table and chairs packed.	Boxes in the pool room.	Our bedroom.	.
.	.	.	Even in the garage.
The orchid was in full bloom.	.	.	Gai prepares for cold weather.
Clive and the new floor.	Gai's turn.	.	.

Removalists have arrived.	bear hiding in the van.	.	Clive enjoys a beer.
.	Gai's shoe place.	Carpet is up Floor to be laid.	Waterproof membrane then underlay.
They make it look easy.	.	.	.
.	.	Corridor nearly done.	Dining room.
.	Skirting trim.	Front door view.	.
.	.	.	New cook top and range hood.
Underlay for carpets.	.	Water blasting time.	Gai in our bedroom.
.	.	.	.
Front grden mulched and replanted.	Curry tree all trimmed.	.	Bear looking scientific.
Gnomes get new homes.	.	.	.
.	.	Gai under the verandah reading.	My T-shirt from the church.
Gai checking the house.