June 2019 Trip to Auz for Flora's Birth

Looking back on Spring 2019, Chris and I made a major decision about our Motorhome, CC and plan to put her up for sale allowing us to spend more time in Australia during the Canadian winters.  We and Dixie have had an incredible eight years living full time in our RV and exploring huge chunks of Canada and the US over a few winters.  Returning from our trip south in mid-March, we enjoyed a snowy Spring and Dixie had a great time romping and rolling in her favourite "white stuff"

                                                                            May 

                         I had to make a couple of matching shirts for Finn and his new sister.

                                                                                                                  

                                                          Our baby turns fourteen

             
                                                                        JUNE

      Chris had ongoing back and sciatic pain and waited to hear from the surgeon about
      his MRI's and neurologist's recommendations.  Suffering with physical misery and
      immobility, Chris had to cancel his trip to Australia and I headed off alone.

                                              Baby girl's area of the bedroom is ready!

             Fun and games go on for a week and one-half while we wait for baby sister to arrive.

Those days with Finn are etched in my memory forever; 

his imaginative play, his sense of wonder, his cute expressions, his endless energy 

and his special cuddles are tattooed on my heart.

                                                 Finn loves to help out in the kitchen.

        Living so far away from family is difficult but thanks to social media, we stay close.
        Nothing can replace an actual visit, especially waiting to welcome a new grand daughter
        into the family.  It was difficult having Chris stay back in Canada while I experienced a
        wonderful month in Australia with Dani, Al, Finn, Salty and Pretzel..
        And then.......

Early morning June 14, Dani and Al set out for the hospital two hours away.  Four hours later
I was looking at a photo of Dani and baby Flora Mae McEachern!  The following day Al, Finn
and I set out to meet the new arrival.

                      Finn missed his Mumma very much and was overjoyed to be reunited
                      and meet baby sister Flora. (Fwowa)

                        Dadda shows Finn the finesse of changing and bundling his new sister.

  McEachern family of four (6 with the dogs) settle in at home.

                    Finn adores Flora and loves to cuddle her and report any crying to Mumma.

                                                          "Sunflower family" of four.

                                   Rain clouds are always welcome any time in Australia!

                         Nana and Pop meet little Flora Mae and play with big brother Finn.

                                                Flora explains the life of a newborn.

           First day trip with the family was to the Hunter Valley Zoo.  On a perfect sunny day,
           we explored the many pens and displays of birds, mammals and reptiles.  Zoo staff
           explained and exhibited a variety of species where folks could have hands-on
           experiences.  Dani had prepared a wonderful picnic lunch for our grand day out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                              It's been EMUsing seeing all you visitors here at the zoo today!

                              Beautiful drive home through the great countryside that is Australia.

                                                                   Back in Scone.

                                                Zoo zonked out Mumma and the kids!

                        Unfortunately, the time fly by and it was soon time for me to fly home.

                                          It is always a heart-wrenching goodbye.
                                          I waved to Dani and Flora as my train left for Sydney.

            Thanks again for putting me up, putting up with me and showing me so much love!

                                                                          JULY

The summer and fall of 2019 were relaxed and lazy.  I kept up with the gardens, enjoying friends and families for bar-b-ques and picnics by the lake.  Chris's pain kept him form being as active as he would have liked but we were able to go out on the bikes almost every day.  He was able, with the help of friends, to install a fifty foot tower and antenna for his Ham Radio.  Lake Huron and the surrounding agricultural lands here provide inspiring views and memories all seasons.

                            Dixie is slowing down a lot but still loves lounging in "her yard".

                                                      An update of the family in Auz.

                                                            Dixie, fresh from the spa!

                                    I began making the Christmas gifts for Flora and Finn.

                           With all the rain and sunshine, the gardens are doing very well.

                Terry the toad used Dixie's ramp to hop up on the porch whenever it rained, smart!

                            With all the extra moisture, it was "the summer of mushrooms".

I am feeling sheepish as I admit that I may have lost all my pictures from July, August, and a special fall trip to Algonquin in October.  I will sign off now and will hopefully be back blogging soon when I recover my photos from the bowels of my computer. Fingers and eyes crossed!