Arrived in Oz

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At Lesley's brother's house and Helios Nudist Club

(This one is by Lesley.)

You may be surprised that we are still in the Melbourne area in spite of plans to head to Tasmania after a week.

So are we.

Instead we are in the Dandenongs east of Melbourne at an almost deserted naturist site. We have several hectares of Native Bush to explore in the company of amazing birdlife and animals.

At night the wombat rocks the van as it scratches itself and stands at a distance during our 'call of nature'. He was still grazing next to the van at sunrise one morning so even Michael saw him.

The following morning, setting off for my early walk, I disturbed a small red kangaroo which bounded off into the trees. We are woken by the Kookaburras or Jackass family as they start the daily squabbles which they continue at intervals throughout the day.

We watch crimson rosellas (thought they were parrots!) and, as I type this, one has just arrived outside the window, iridescent blue wrens, peewees and so many others.

We have a large outdoor pool, barbecue area, lovely shower block and clubhouse at our disposal.

The few folk we have met have been incredibly welcoming and interesting. At the moment we are using the cabin of a woman originally from Cumbria but in Oz for over thirty years. She offered it to us as we have had the first two days of rain here as she is away until the weekend. A lovely and warm gesture which is much appreciated.

So why have we stayed so long?

Well it seems that my mind and body had other ideas for this time away. Perhaps unsurprisingly I became ill soon after getting to my brother's home in Melbourne. A recurrence of familiar symptoms beginning with failure to sleep started immediately. It has been a tough ride since.

Michael, as usual, has been supportive and even conceded at my lowest ebb that we could return home.

However things are working out.

With wise and loving support from our children, friends and family here in Oz, I now have a recovery programme in place and am feeling better by the day.

It will take time though. It is likely that I now have an understanding of how I arrived at this position and can begin to make lifestyle changes that will keep me well.

This has been a perfect place to start the process and we intend to take it one day at a time for now, enjoy the sun, our surroundings and one another.

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Comments

[Mark Hancock]

Hi
Nice to hear from you. I do hope you are feeling better. Sam has left for Ecuador, back in June!

[Sue Mullan]

Great to hear from you!
Hi both, Sorry to hear about the shaky start but glad to hear that things are coming together. The wild life will certainly help . Good news from back home to add to the feeling of well-being: the Art Sale is finally - and we hope and expect irrevocably - off. SCC has somehow managed to find the match-funding from mysterious 'other sources'! We await the outcome of the HLF funding bid with bated breath - due in April and will keep you posted. And Jill has finished her chemo and is looking and feeling much better - she manages to toddle down to the library on her own and last Wed we took her out to supper. Fingers crossed for the future! Le Club goes from strength to strength - we've been having 20 people turn up, so have had to rejig the format somewhat. Too soon to tell if it's going to work but we're hopeful. Obviously we miss you both and look forward to your return. Spring is on its way - it's gorgeous here today but probably not quite as gorgeous as where you are. Enjoy it and keep us posted on your progress. All the best, Sue

[chris baker]

Wishing you well
Lesley, Sorry to read that you have been unwell. I hope that you begin to recover very soon. As you say the sun, time and the love of those around you are great healers. Take care of yourself. Chris