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Published: March 18th 2012
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Well I am ensconced on the couch after a lovely weekend of Bon Voyages.... beginning on Friday night and ending on Sunday afternoon . Half eaten dips now in fridge, last night's washing up all cleared away..some pics up on FB..... and now a cuppa, grapes and a banana and 'do the Blog' .
Feeling very warm and fuzzy ( yes - all my life ar ar ) after a get together firstly with my 'work family' at Diane's on Friday - where the numbers of folk were not quite what we expected , quite a few last minute cancellations - hence the TONS of food left over lol Luckily some of Diane's family ( and a couple of client's from our ward) were also there and thank goodness for that as the only pics taken (3) were by Karen - D's sister ... we had lovely food it was a pleasant chatty night, that became cool enough to allow us to wear our furs !
Saturday night was a gathering at home of old schoolfriends.... some we hadnt seen at all last year - which is unusual as we normally manage a couple of times a year at
least . It is so lovely to be still connected and emotionally close to people who knew me, and I them , from both Primary and High Schools .... we have a lot of past in common which must be I'm sure VERY dull and boring for anyone who doesnt have that shared history ( Apologies Charles :-/ ) and I always feel blessed by the fact that DESPITE months and months passed since seeing these folk , the ease and warmth and humour and comfort and fondness remains the same ... I had made a Persian Love Cake that I then decorated with the Santiago Cross ( Cross of St James - which actually looks like a dagger ) ...... There was a rousing chorus of 'For She's a Jolly Good Fellow' which was kind of embarassing and makes me laugh to think of - a Jolly good fellow is Santa, or Old King Cole isnt it? ..... and I said a few words ... Can't actually remember what I said.. I hadnt prepared anything and I'm not too good at thinking on my feet ! I received a beautiful card and gift from Sherie & Rob .... included
was a lightweight microfibre travel towel, two lovely little bracelets of 'semi-precious gemstones' One of Amethyst ( calming, comforting, protective, radiating divine love) and one of Gold Tiger Eye - which is perfect description of the colour of the stones -(linked to understanding and insight and used to attract compassion and friendship ) YES PLEASE - I'll welcome all those ...and honestly the thought that these two old friends of mine shopped and really thought about the gift to give me makes the bracelets AND towel not just 'semi-precious' but VERY PRECIOUS to me ! But WAIT THERE IS MORE - also included in the gift is a little matchbox sized emergency kit which when slid open says inside ' There are moments in which you need a peaceful vibe, a touch of good luck, and someone to tell your worries to. Use this emergency kit to balance those tough moments. An Angel for peaceful thoughts, a Lucky Bean and a Worry Doll.' ........... So sweet and thoughful and so LIGHT to carry lol .
I went way overboard taking lots of pics last night ( ie ME with everyone individually lol) but won't post them all here -
they are on my FB page ! And the sweetest gift I was also given was the loveliest tightest squeezing hugs and kisses and best wishes for safety and enjoyment of my journey whispered intently into my ear from each person . Really I am so lucky to be surrounded by peaceful, loving goodwill. Makes me feel kind of protected really .
After that lovely, heart warming evening i didnt get to bed until about 3-15 am though admittedly I think i fell asleep on the couch at about 2-30.
Up again the next day after a lazy read in bed - at about 10-30 to get ready to head off to Carol and Sals for the Family Bon Voyage ....
And THERE- cooked by the Culinary Wizard Sal was the most SPECTACULAR looking Paella and its tasted also as good as it looked, accompanied by a Vegetable/Chickpea Tajine.... lovely lovely Spanish themed food.... The questions flew thick and fast over where/when/how exactly my journey will take form... and I answered those I could... I have been reading a great deal about The Camino De Santiago - but details of the various myths/traditions etc etc I dont
retain so well ! lol I agree with Homer ( Simpson - not the classical scholar! ) that 'Every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain.'
I was honoured to have a poem read out by my Mum, Dad spoke a few words and crowned me with a hat he'd made - a top hat with a TV Aerial on - so I can be found at all times - and handy things written ON the hat eg my blood group 'British' lol ( I AM a naturalised Aussie Dad!- but I guess the blood remains the same eh ?) , phone no of the Aussie consulate - made up I assume - i havent checked, the 'Poison Information - El Pronto' phone number, 'If in need of Rescue - call Dad - or S.A S ' and an assurance that the 'Satellite Tracking Device ' would work underwater or Avalanche ( and a wish that Dad had it when I was 16) . So funny, so sweet .........My magnificent daughter Loulou and husb Simon gave me a beautiful handmade book for journalling.... and Carol had a piece of modelling clay which
she was handing around for everyone to imprint with best wishes for a safe journey, loving thoughts, their fingerprints etc - Little did I know Carol had also brought along the clay last night - so many of my friends ALSO have imbued it with love and positive thoughts and energies for me ..... such a lovely thoughtful gift for Carol to do.... She will now dry it and fashion it into a sort of medallion thingy I can either wear around my neck or carry in my pocket/pack. Another highlight of the day was the presence of Ben and Nichola and son Oliver who is just a bundle of delight and smiles and charm.... much like his parents really !
So THAT was my weekend - Not a walk in sight but filled with love and warmth and good wishes and blessings for a safe happy journey.....
After tonight it is down to 10 days until we leave Adelaide and I have quite a few things to fit around the 8 days rostered on also - specifically ( does everyone find it as irksome as I when people say 'pacifically' ? takes all my good manners to
My Bedpans by candlelight
I know - I didnt mention them in the blog..... but I like the pic not correct them lol ) but yes
specifically I need to
Get a new pair of gaiters - the ones I bought last yr from Ebay are perished in the folds
Re-dubbin my boots- a number of times !
make lists of what to pack for REST of Europe - poss buy a new pair pants
make list of what paperwork need to ensure properly done - eg ticket printing for flights etc etc
Re- pack and reduce backpack contents
WALK ??? will I have time ??
I think I need to NOT allow myself to be online after midnight even if I am doing a late the next day - and get enough sleep to get up earlier each day! Discipline- Jacqui - THAT'S what you need ....
Have just added a FEW pics... but I cant add one of Diane and I in our VERY glamfur coats 'cos the pic is cropped too small - apparently nothing below 400x400 is acceptable on the blog here... Good to know I guess.
That's it for the moment - has been a fabulous weekend filled with loving goodwishes and squeezy hugs -
I am blessed and grateful for the love surrounding me .
I MAY get another blog in before we leave - but if not..... that's ok too.
Buen Camino ! xxx
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anonymous
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All the best for Jaqui and Di! Shall bethinking of you - especially when I am doing that darn roster!