The Final Countdown

April 2017 

With the drama and fears of the impact of Cyclone Debbie over for us it was back to the stresses of the last few remaining weeks of clearing out, sorting and packing the last 30 years of our lives into boxes to place into storage. And, yes, you don't realise how much you have collected over the years, how little of it you actually need, yet how hard it is to part with so much of it. 

I advertised the little tractor and the sheep on gumtree and the local buy, swap, sell site and within 6 hours both were sold - we are happy that both appear to have gone to good homes!! The only big things remaining are the fridge and the washing machine - no point in keeping electrical appliances that will be outdated if we are gone for any length of time. It would cost us more to store than to replace anyway. 

You'd think after a near 5000km round trip to and from Townsville we wouldn't want to be getting back in the car for quids, but no, off to Adelaide this next weekend with some things for Phil and to spend time with him, Dolly and Lilly. We had great fun with them, going to the park, swinging on the swings, flying kites, just a lovely relaxing weekend but sadly it was over too soon and we waved goodbye and set off home again. 

Amy came up on Tuesday and on Wednesday we drove yet another load with her down to Melbourne - just a day trip. We will be seeing her again next week. 

Marnie finished up her job in Wangaratta and on Friday she and Jamie drove a truckload of her furniture to Melbourne for shipping on to Tennessee as she leaves on April 27th to rejoin Dylan who left in early January, and Benson (their cat) who flew there late January so they will all be together again at the end of April.  

Dinner out Friday night with Allan and Maree and Bridget and Tim, both families we have known now 20 years as we farmed nearby and our children grew up good friends. We have enjoyed almost weekly dinners with them and for the last couple of years have loved competing in the monthly trivia at the Numurkah Hotel both with or against them. Both of which activities we are going to miss. 

Saturday we declared as a day of rest!!! 

Jamie hit the golf course for a last round with Martin, his golfing buddy for the past four or five years - and to their great delight Martin won the competition for the day. I went and had morning tea with a girlfriend from work and Marnie spent the day with her old friend Claire. 

Sunday we finished filling the packing boxes, took stuff to the tip, cleaned windows, and exhaustedly fell into bed for the last time here at Melrose. Monday morning the removalist men arrived as promised at 8am and were gone by about 1130. We found them very efficient and funnily enough it was a relief to see everything go. We are storing all we wanted to keep for an indefinite period in their storage warehouse. 

So it was just the cleaning that remained and over the next two days, with Marnie and Amy's help - we vacuumed, washed walls, cleaned carpets, polished floors, every cupboard and surface inside the house was done. Jamie, Cal and Martin sorted the outside - mowing lawns, whippersnippering, pool cleaning and path sweeping so by the end of Tuesday all was complete and we could go and enjoy a yummy Indian meal with Marnie, Amy, Grace and Cal. 

Many thanks to Maree and Al who had us to stay for our last two nights once our furniture was gone, Maree even cooked us breakfast each morning!! And to Bridget who came, like a true New Zealander, and assisted in the cleaning process. And Martin who has spent many hours in the garden and on the lawnmower and who looked after the animals when we went boat-looking. We will miss the good and kind people we have come to know over the last 20 years, and Jamie will sure miss Martin's company on the golf course. 

So, Wednesday April 12th, we drove out the drive of 3547 Goulburn Valley Highway for the last time.

Last view of "Melrose" as we drove out the gate

Goodbye "Melrose" you have been a good home, you have witnessed an engagement, a wedding, a couple of fiftieth birthdays, been a great place for all four children, their partners and friends and entertained a small grandchild. Thank you. 


Now let the next chapter begin.