The Shootist

We stayed up late watching Grimm last night, so I had a lovely sleep in this morning and then went for an extra long walk in the beautiful warm sun enjoying the blue blue sky.

I ran some last minute errands with Terri and Bec.....I hesitate to confess I bought more souvenirs- I had to get something for the dogs, didn't I?!!

I had a pastie with Stephen's homemade sauce and a passion fruit drink for lunch.

I packed my third bag, slept some more, quizzed Kelsey on her legal studies, and enjoyed my last day of doing nothing and not having to be anywhere or make any decisions and just hanging out with my dear friends.

Bec booked us all in for tea at a local Pub...I had a steak, salad and chips. Not the most well-done of well-done steaks...probably the most pink I've ever eaten...but it was fun to be there all together.

I had my favorite white chocolate drink and a shortbread bikkie when we got home.

It was a very nice last day of vacation.

This trip has been a lovely break from reality and a lovely visit to Australia. I've seen wallabies, kangaroo, koala bears, galas, cockatoos, and rosellas. I've seen beautiful rolling hills and the blue-green ocean. I've experienced humid hot days, rainy cool days and everything in between. I've had fun, seen the sites, been lazy, read books, slept whenever I wanted, eaten my favorite Australian foods, and spent wonderful days with friends.

I would love to stay in this lovely place with these people I love, but I miss my family, I miss being in my homeland, I miss my mountains, and I am sure, I would eventually miss earning my keep...so I am homeward bound.

See you all in 30-something hours. Xoxo

Rooster Cogburn

Did more packing- its a rather tricky business when you're me.

Had a lovely walk in the lovely warm sunshine.

Went shopping with Terri and bought a little HONEY of a new bag - the beautiful black item below: R.M. Williams, Australian black leather, best bag I've ever owned; and I bought some HONEYcomb.

Terri made me a mango and passion fruit shake for lunch and I had a lemon squash.

I had a lovely lie down and then did laundry.

Hung out with Terri and Rhiannon while my laundry was processing.

Went to the market with Bec and picked up groceries for tea.

Stephen and Bec made me a beautiful meal - lemon chicken and herbs with pasta, veggies and cheese. Yum!

Xoxo

The Cowboys

Went to church...great lesson in Relief Society on integrity - referenced A Man For All Seasons and Sir Thomas Moore.

Went for a drive to see Stevie and Bec's new house - tried to catch a few rays in the process.

Had a relaxing afternoon and a delicious tea - chicken and salads and sticky date pudding. We MUST make this. Absolutely amazing!!

Started the rest of my packing. Crazy shopper girl. But you will be glad I did.

Xoxo

McClintock

The title must be pronounced "tock" NOT "tick" or further reading is not allowed. Hahaha

Today was lovely too.

Slept in.

Went for my walk.

Went to Kelsey's New Beginnings.

Had a girls outing (Terri, Bec, Rhiannon, Kelsey and me):

-Went to an open air market in Castlemaine - 20 minutes away except we didn't really know where it was so it took a bit longer. Had a pork bun and bought more souvenirs. I've gone a bit out of control.

-Went to the Bendigo art gallery - wonderful gallery - really amazing collection of multiple periods of art and some very Australian works. I bought more souvvies.

-Went to some charming little shops across the street....I only bought one thing. I HAD to. :)

Went home to hot scones (the Australian kind) with raspberry jam and clotted cream made by Stephen because he knew I wanted some. One of my most favorite things to eat here.

Had a nice chat with Kyal who was re-organizing his room.

Took a lovely nap.

Went to the market for groceries.

Drove past the home the Rechters lived in when I first met them...the infamous 4th discussion/law of chastity ordeal. :)

Had the Saturday Turkish for dinner- so yum! Chicken with barbecue sauce with a lovely salad with a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Hung out with friends and watched some Telly.

I now think I may have to mail clothes home AND pay for a third suitcase. Crazy girl.

McQ

What a lovely day.

Slept in.

Packed a suitcase full of souvenirs (slightly challenging since I need both suitcases for my clothes, etc. - I will have to mail my clothes home).

Went to visit my dear friend, Mina, who I taught 20 years ago as a missionary. She remembered that I loved her butter cake and made me one....and a lot of other things too. She had her two children and their spouses over to see me too. I had such a nice time with them - reminiscing and catching up. Mina showed me the photo book with the photos of when I was here as a missionary- wow have I aged. Unreal.

Sat in the sun for a couple minutes.

Went to see my old missionary flat and also saw the first street I ever tracted.

Took a nice nap.

Went shopping for more souvenirs. It was necessary- trust me, you all will be glad I am a freak shopper.

Went for a beautiful Japanese meal. Unreal. Six courses (salad, tempura veggies, shrimp, chicken and steak, veggies- bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, ham fried rice, pancakes). One of the most amazing meals I have ever had.

Such a nice day.

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon - Home Again

Thursday

Today I woke very early ( 5-something ), got ready, packed up and checked out and drove east to Lorne....stopping whenever and wherever I wished and looking at the ocean the whole time (and the road).

Lorne is absolutely gorgeous. I sat by the ocean eating my salad roll and drinking my mango and guava sparkling mineral water. Then I took a nap while listening to John Barry songs and the waves (in the car with the door locked- it was still cold despite the beautiful sun and blue sky), and watched surfing classes- they obviously hadn't seen North Shore- no duck diving.

And so the day passed- enjoying the ocean and singing along to my favorite playlists, and driving.  My last stop was Bells Beach.  The south side is the place where Bodie bit it.  The stairs look just like  in the movie.

I successfully navigated the whole driving experience- thanks to GPS, prayer, and concentration, and arrived back in Bendigo around 4. Stephen made sweet curry for dinnsies.

Nice to be back to my lovely bedroom and friendly faces.