Life in the fast lane

Life continues on, in the fast lane, with plenty of action.   And some hard work at times.

Interestingly I no longer have to think about which side of the road to drive on.   Thank goodness, no surprises for other motorists.   The confusion is due to always making sure that I drive on the other side of the road in Europe, therefore the brain registers that leaving Britain means changing to the right side of road.   But of course it is not always the case with all countries.  But my brain does not always think logically.   

And riding a bicycle can cause more problems, because we have only used our bikes in Europe during the past eight years.    So I have to make a major effort to keep to the correct side of the road.   And helmets are compulsory here as well.   So it is 'put the helmet on, and think about which side of the road I am meant to be riding on', and then it is give way to everything; people, cars, buses etc.   But more about that later.   

We are starting to make contact with our friends here, and it has been lovely to meet and catch up with news.    

We are also getting our heads around the health system, Walter with his Gold Card which entitles him to free health care, glasses and hearing aids, plus goodness knows what else, and me on a basic cover with a health fund.   And Piper's on a medium level of pet insurance too.   I have not had the need to see a doctor but the vets at our local veterinary practice are truly lovely.   I have always maintained that I will visit a vet if I am ill.   So caring and unfailingly friendly.

I am still trying to sort out taxation problems.   Bureaucracy!   And we still do not know what our income will be in the future, but I am sure that will work out okay at some stage.   Best not to worry.  And to top it off I received an email from a debt collecting agency in Britain, reminding me that I had not paid my last mobile phone bill.    I had cancelled the direct debit too early.   Oh dear.   Not good for the credit rating, but then that is not needed here, I hope.    

But ever onwards with the photographs.

Walter and Jackson sitting outside our favourite cafe, Lucia's, at the Central Market.   We went into Adelaide to collect our numbers for the City to Bay event on the following Sunday, and took the opportunity to show Jackson around the market.   I do not think he was impressed by Angelikis Bros, with their huge display of fish and meat products.    Not to his liking at all. 

We celebrated Isabel's birthday earlier in the month.     And here is a photograph of her making a swiss roll for the occasion.  It was delicious.

Isabel's birthday barbeque, beautifully cooked by Emma and Steve, but the evening was extremely cold.    And judging by the photograph below, where we sat, with rugs around our knees, in the last rays of sunshine, it was cold.

Happy birthday, Isabel.

Our new gas heater was very much appreciated on the night. 

But on a brighter note.    The weather on the following day was sunny and warm, once the early morning chill disappeared.    We had a large contingent who took part in the City to Bay event.  Donna, Steve and Emma caught the tram very early in the morning, in order to start the 12 kilometre run.

Jackson, Isabel, Andreena, Lucy, Kailen and I drove to Kurralta Park, as we were taking part in the 6 kilometre walk.    It was quite an easy walk, on a very flat road, and I was disappointed to find that I had only done 7,500 steps, due I think, to Andreena and I striding it out.    I believe that Lucy, Kailen and Jackson may have run some of the way too. 

There were thousands of people taking part in the event, with many options; a very long run (not sure if it was a marathon or half marathon), a 12 kilometre run or walk, a 6 kilometre run or walk, and a 3 kilometre family walk, which included walking with a dog.    Fantastic atmosphere too.

Unfortunately I did not look the part, due to realising that I did not have any sporty clothes, when I got dressed in the morning.   Too late to go to the shops, so I had to make do with a pair of skinny stretch jeans and a tee shirt.   

All ready to go on the 6 kilometre walk.

Andreena and me, looking very happy. 

The line up at the end, with everyone feeling happy and relaxed.    The runners managed the run easily too.

The medal and number just to prove I did take part in the event.

Emma and Steve now have a new car, a Mitsubishi Outlander.    A really lovely vehicle to drive, and it has heaps of passenger room inside it.

A walk on the beach, or in Piper's case an excited run.    Notice that I am carrying a black bag of poo, just to prove that I am a responsible dog walker.   The council provide plastic bags and bins.   

I managed to catch Piper being still for a moment.   

My new Sketchers!   Chewed by Piper.    However I still wear them, with a chewed heel.    The trademark of a puppy owner.!

Jackson and Isabel have painted the inside of the 'Man Cave'.    It is now a white cave rather than a black cave, and no longer a 'man cave'.     It will now be the cinema room, with new carpet and comfortable chairs.

Jackson and Isabel dressed in their painting gear.    I am not sure if they look like professional painters or part of a forensic team.   Definitely sinister, I think.