Geraldton......our last leg of this work stop is nearly over!

Living in Geraldton has been tire some, not just due to working and juggling school drop offs and the like, but having to put up with the howling wind is taking its toll!  The noise alone is annoying lead alone the extra noise from the flapping awning at night.  We have lovely warmish days with the sun out shining, then come mid afternoon the southerly winds pick up and howl until early morning.  Marty continually states that he wants to pack up and head off, but we only have another few months left before packing up and setting off on our adventures again.

Over the last six months life has become a bit monotonous.  Marty has just been laid off work from his regular gig FIFO one week on one week off, now just picking up shutdowns irregularly.   Was good while it lasted, has allowed us to save a lot of money that we didn't think possible and get all the repairs and maintenance done on the Nissan too.  So due to that l have now had to try pick up more work at the prison, which has lead to a very tired mummy.  The days are 11 hours long, starting at 7am and finishing at 1830hrs.  No time to do anything else when l'm working, but occasionally l would be silly and go to the gym for a quick run before heading to work, in which case would make for a more tired mummy (aka grumpy).  Marty was great in getting all the washing done and cooking the meals, getting the girls to and from school, but somehow l was left with the bloody grocery shop every week on my very few days off!! Some things never change hey.....

He even became desperate for a shutdown at a lead mine that he shaved his beard off!!! First time l've seen no hair on his face for at least 15 years!!!

We are still having some great times on our days off with the Woods and Cronan's.  The 'Monster Trucks' came to town in which case all the big boys were very excited.  We headed out to the speedway one Saturday night to check it out.  Marty picked me up after work and we headed off to brave the coldness at the speedway.  When l got there all the kids were lined up on the fence and screaming with excitement as a monster truck was driving over a bunch of cars lined up.  The noise from the huge motors was deafening, so cool.  The night was filled with grunt, excitement and family fun.  We filled up on junk from the canteen, meat pies and hot chips to be exact.  We warmed up under blankets, cuddling each other and huddled on our chairs.  Amanda soon got bored and went back to the car to read a book, can you believe it?!?!?  We all had a giggle.  Meg wore herself out and fell asleep on the chair, snoring nearly as loudly as the bloody monster trucks! Lol...  Overall was a great night out, better than being stuck in the caravan doing the same old thing...

Another day out was when Marty was on a work stint.  The Woods and us girls decided to head out and check out the wind-farm and this local swimming hole out of town called Allendale Pool.  Was starting to heat up in the days now, hitting 30oC plus which was fabulous.  The nights were still cool and windy but at least we got a bit of heat during the days to be able to have a swim.  We packed some afternoon snacks and headed out.  Stopping off to the wind farm lookout to be swarmed by masses of bloody flies.  Needless to say, we got back in the car very quickly before swallowing one!! The drive was about 40 mins out of town, and took us down a dirt road to the natural pool.  It was quite a pretty little place, with surrounding tall cliffs on the other side of the water.  Apparently, its not advised to swim here if the temperature of the water exceeds 24oC due to algae contaminating the water and may cause extreme sickness! Amanda was hesitant and cautious as always, l on the other hand, just told the girls not to swallow the bloody water! We had a nice dip, me and the girls swinging off the tree rope in the water on the other side, all holding our noses to not get any water up them.... Some locals came turned up and headed across to the cliffs which they proceeded to climb up and then jump off into the water.  I cringed thinking of all the spinal injuries l had looked after in my career from people landing in shallow waters.  I just prayed no one would get hurt.  We enjoyed our swim and could see why so many locals loved this place, just missed not having Marty here once again to enjoy some fun family time.  Will get him out here before leaving Gero!!

Mark and the girls trying to lift or hold the blade up?!?!?

The gang out for the day... Cronans, Woods and us minus Marty :(

We met some more awesome travelling families that were scooting thru.  This awesome couple Alison and Muzza with their two blonde girls that were calling thru thinking of a work stop.  Then Paul and Amy (who was half way thru being pregnant with their third) and their two kids Cruze and Diaz.  They were travelling around, originally from QLD and lived on a houseboat usually, so the caravaning gig wasn't too much of a shock.  They stayed for a two week stint of work.  We had some awesome laughs and great times with them.  One weekend the H.M.A.S 'Townsville' Navy ship anchored into the port and opened itself up for the town to check it out.  We waited in the heat with the Woods and Cronan's for what felt like an eternity.  We were sweating and sweltering, finally boarding a bus that drove us to the ship.  The kids thought the helicopter on board was pretty cool and they were fascinated with the guns that were on show.  A few of the navy officers were there to show the kids around the guns, l however, preferred to check out the officers. One in particular was making my imagination run wild and l totally had visions of what to do with a sailor!!!

Probably not the best photo to publish!!!

After the ship tour, l needed some cooling down with refreshments so we had arranged to meet Amy and Paul and the kids with the Woods and Cronan's at what was becoming our 'local', "The Gero".  Was the place to be to chill out for a $10 burger feed on a Sunday and they even had a live acoustic local band strumming their stuff.  Had a great arvo chilling out and getting slightly tipsy.  Mark had gone a bit further than that and everyone decided it was time to continue the party back at the caravan park, plus the kids were whinging for a swim. So we got some roadies and headed back to the pool where Mark proceeded in getting more than tipsy.  Was quite hilarious really.  He ended up going a bit far when he decided to take a leak on the outside of the pool fence in broad daylight! The caravan managers aren't really accommodating to fun at the best of time, so this would nearly get us kicked out l reckon.  A few moments later we decided to wrap it up and get Mark back to the caravan.  As soon as we got back, poor Mark sat down and requested a bucket.  Next the rainbow river flowed from the poor bloke, good old 'Chucky' had arrived!!! While l took some embarrassing pics for him to remember this perfect time, everyone continued to have a chuckle at the poor buggers expense.  Totally great day!!!

Poor "Chuck" Norris!!!

Marty was pretty happy too!!!

Just before Christmas we were delighted to have Boof, Nik and baby Ella come for a visit for Ella's first birthday celebrations.  They stayed for five nights in a cabin at the caravan park.  We were all so excited when they arrived.  The girls just smothered Ella with kisses and cuddles, totally loved having their uncle, aunty and cousin around.  Sadly, the weather decided to be the worst it had been in a long time with the wind not letting up.  Meant time at the beach was out or long walks along the foreshore.  Instead, we did some sight seeing from the car and chilled out at the van a bit.  Was great that Boof and Nik got to meet our travelling mates, the Woods and Cronans.  They had heard many stories about them, so good for them to put a face to the name.  The girls had a blast with their Uncle Boofa and Aunty Ninny.  Boof being the fun uncle and playing with them on the jumping pillow or shouting them an ice cream.  Ninny playing minnie chefs with them to help decorate Ella's birthday cupcakes.  Boo and Meg just followed Ella around dotingly following her and keeping her out of harms way, she had just begun walking so their was no stopping the little one now.  Funny how you forget how hard it is to keep a little one clean when they are half walking and crawling, especially around a caravan park!   The girls always enjoy their time with them, makes us miss them heaps when their around, knowing we wont see them for a long period in between.  So grateful that they made the flight over to see us, feeling very privileged to be able to be with Ella on her first birthday.  On her birthday, we headed down to the foreshore for an afternoon party.  We had purchased some coffee's from the Dome, which l had now fallen in love with, and as we had placed them on the table to set up, the bloody wind then proceeded to blow mine straight off the table.  Needless to say, it was bloody windy! To the extent that Ella struggled to walk against it, looked like she was using all her strength, so funny to watch really!  Still, we had a nice little intimate party on the foreshore, a walk around to the Marina and then headed up to the playground for the kids to have a play.  Girls loved entertaining Ella, and was so funny to see how head strong and clever she was.  Always intrigued with the girls and grabbing one of their hands to lead her to what she wanted.  We had a fabulous few days with them, was just what we needed at the time.  We were starting to really miss our mates and family back home, loved having familiarity around.  Think it will get us thru now, and after having to say goodbye to them, within a week l had booked flights to head back east early next year to have a visit to everyone.

Girls cant get enough of their little cousin "Baby Ella"...

Finally get to play fun Aunty!!

Uncle Boofa helping with the finishing touches to the Chrissy Tree...

Meg loving having a splash in Pages Beach..

Meg even lost her front tooth when Boof, Nik and Ella visited!!

Bath time always playful..

Nik and the girls decorating Ella's 1st b'day muffins for the party....

Present time!!!!  Ella's first birthday begins...

Beeson tradition of pancakes for birthday breaky.

Lovin that cake!!

Gotta love that grin....

Cool off after the party....

Treat out for milkshakes and coffee....

Gotta get every little bit!!!!

Farewell pic of Boof and me

As Christmas was approaching and school was wrapping up, time was passing quickly.  The girls got great school reports, absolutely chuffed with the way they integrated into the school community and excelled with their work.  We had their school concert which was fabulous.  Great for the girls to experience it.  Boo did a cultural Botswana dance with her class, all of them dressing up in traditional dress.  She stood centre stage in front so confident and sang and danced, lead the class well.  Meg and her class had a cowgirl/cowboy themed dance, was so cute seeing all these little kids dressed up and boot scooting on stage.  Meg was partnered with Kayden and they looked so sweet together, absolutely great friends.  Meg even got an end of year award, which she was so proud of, from Mrs Salisbury.  She treasures the Whale book she got as the award.  Was such a great night, couldn't have wished for a better school experience for the girls.

Boo and Meg very excited for their first EVER school concert!!

Teachers starting the night off....kids all had a giggle.

Meg and Kayden having way too much fun...

Meg receiving her award from Mrs Salisbury...one little excited girl and proud parents....

Add caption

Boo ready for her Botswana dance...

Meg and Marty enjoying Boo's dance....

Love this pic.

Seeing Christmas was approaching, it was time for my work to have their party.  The Woods had offered to look after the girls for us so Marty and l could have a treat out by ourselves.  We totally took advantage of the moment, cant remember the last time Marty and l had gone out just by ourselves.  We had a great meal at the local Thai restaurant, then headed over to 'The Gero' for a few quite drinks were Joe, Yvonne and Lyn called it a night.  So with the night still young, Teaghan, Jemma, Aleisha, Marty and l walk down to the 'Camel Bar' where l proceeded to dance up a storm on the wooden floorboards.  I even tried to re-enact the Michael Fox floorboard slide which l felt take a few skin cells with them!!! Marty looked on with amusement whilst l entertained not only Jemma and Teaghan but the entire Camel Bar l think!!! We ended up leaving and heading to the local nightclub for a dance, l was now feeling the grog have affect, Marty on the other hand enjoyed the free 'Jack' promotional drinks being handed out on entry to the club. After a little 'doof doof' dancing, Marty and l called it a night and caught a lift home with 'Mumma Sutts' thanks to Teaghan....Was such a great night, being able to let our hair down, l even think Marty had a great night.  So awesome to have met awesome girls from work, Teaghan and Jemma, that l know will be friends for life!

Christmas time in Geraldton seemed to be on the dull side, with no major decorations up around the town or events to celebrate.  Along with the Woods and Cronans, we decided to check out the local Christmas Carols.  It was a bit of a disappointment compared to past Chrissy Carols in Adelaide and even home in Shepparton.  The locals thought it was fantastic, but it was obvious that they hadn't seen other Chrissy Carols in action.  It had no songs to engage the kids, all old slow religious ones, not even 'Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer'!!! Girls thought it was good still, the adults nearly fell asleep.....

All the kids are pumped for the carols!!!

Nik, Amanda and me....not very often the gals have been together to get a selfie taken!

Mark obviously trying to amuse himself

Sadly, school was over which meant that it was time for the Cronans to leave.  Things were a bit funny between us since the Woods had arrived, so our goodbyes were a bit stiff.  Bit sad that's it an end to an era, we had been with these guys for so long, since starting to travel with them from Coober Pedy!! Will miss Nik, Matt, Hazza, Wil and Em but hopefully it wont be the last we see of them.  They are heading off down south to wait it out before heading to Bali for a family holiday! So excited for them all, they have had some rough times whilst in Gero with some family grief so am glad they will have this awesome family holiday to look forward to before continuing their travels up north to head home to QLD.  Have learnt so much from these guys about travelling cheaper on the road and also had some great laughs.  Hoping time will head wounds, sure we will remain friends and catch up along the way some day..... It was also a time to say a short goodbye to the Woods who were heading home for 5 weeks for Christmas with their family.  We are sort of looking forward to having a break as we have been living under each others skin for a while and will be good to have some family time just by ourselves.  However, will be weird to be by ourselves for a while, haven't had this for such a long time.  Thinking about it, we haven't been by ourselves since leaving Alice Springs twelve months ago!!! Wow how time flies.....

With Christmas approaching, Marty was left to do the preparations of pressies and groceries as l worked heaps out at the prison.  Prison work had taken its toll, as did Alice Springs, with all the devastation of peoples lives affected from drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and culture.  I had worked thru things in my head and decided not to take on their crimes, but just look after their presenting problems.  Like Alice Springs, l wasn't going to change things or people.  Work was flat out with some of the regular staff leaving and on holidays, so was great for our bank balance, but l really missed the girls and Marty..... One night just before Christmas Day after l had finished work we decided to take a drive around town to check out the Chrissy lights.  Some families had made a real effort and one house had lights that was choreographed to music, the girls loved this one!!!

Very impressive!!!

Finally Christmas had arrived and the girls woke with excitement to find their gifts from Santa. Boo was so lucky to get her very own notebook computer and Meg got a new bike.  Christmas Day ended up being great to my surprise.  The girls had gotten roller skates from us so most of the day was spent trying to teach the girls how to stay upright.  Poor Boo fell hard on her butt a few times, tears were shed, but to her credit she kept getting up and trying.  Meg was a natural and got the gliding part of skating but was funny watching her moving stiffly, afraid of falling.  I tried Boo's skates on and cant believe it, but they fit.  I had loved skating when l was a kid and remember it being so easy.  Boy was l wrong.  I crapped my pants as l took off down the road, fear inside, realising that l forgot how to stop.  So l stepped over the lip of the path and finally stopped on the grass.  On the way back, with my arms flying around everywhere trying to balance myself, l slammed into the Nissan to come to a halt. The girls and l had so much fun whilst Marty had a good laugh.  Marty spent most of the arvo walking around the park trying to find his treasure with his gift, a metal detector.  I got a heart rate monitor for the gym, cant wait to use it.  We sat down for a roast lunch outside under the trees and chilled out for the rest of the day.  Was such an easy going day with great family times, which is what Christmas is all about.....

Pressie unwrapping time!!!

One spoilt girl!

Daddy's turn.....

Lovin the new wheels....

Skates are a hit!

Chrissy lunch the Aussie way.....

No treasures found

Tuckered out but still loving Christmas.....

Do you think they loved Chrissy this year?

New Years Eve was so quiet, the quietest in all our lives.  I worked NYE and was due to work the following day, so couldn't have that big of a drink.  Arrived home from work with Marty and the girls already underway with party celebrations.  The music was blaring, girls were dancing and Marty had a beer in hand, already a bit tipsy.  Geraldton didn't believe in celebrating NYE with fireworks, can you believe it???  They put all their money into Australia Day celebrations.  So with no fireworks and no one around to have a drink with, we had a small short party of our own full of sparklers, glow sticks, a couple of wines and a little music.  The girls had a fabulous time with us eventually getting them to bed around 9:30pm after watching the Sydney fireworks on t.v.  Marty and l weren't too far behind them, such a sorry excuse for NYE!!!

Marty's reaction to the lunatics above....

So that has been the summary of our highlights for the last 6 months.  Its been full of fun times, work and farewells.  Only another 3 and a bit months to go and we set off again on the open road to continue our adventures around Oz.  It feels so far away, but at least the gap is closing......

Bell Xxx