Time to say goodbye

We sadly said our goodbye's to Lilly this week.  Our little border collie had been unwell for quite a few days and we knew her time had come.  We spent lots of time with her and letting her know how much we loved her being a part of our lives.  We don't know how old she was but we think around about 14 so she had a good innings.  Philip's mum used to say to us that if she was a dog, this is the place she would want to be.  It really is a wonderful place for a dog.  So, goodbye Lilly.  My guess is that you are now in doggy heaven bossing everyone around....

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted and we have have been quite the social butterflies.  Dinner in Palm Cove with friends where we enjoyed seafood at Neptunes and a pot luck dinner with friends at Trinity Bay.  These are the best times when you can sit with friends and just shoot the breeze.  I am so grateful for the friends we are so lucky to have in our lives.

It is just a week now until we start our seven week holiday.  I have laid out the clothes that I want to take and I am pleased that my suitcase comes in under 20kg.  I will also have a carry-on bag for my laptop and camera and a spare set of clothes.  It has happened to us before when we have arrived at our destination but our suitcase has not!

A couple of years ago I downloaded the app called Stylebook and went through the tedious task of documenting my "closet".  Once that is done it is then a simple process of adding items of clothing as I purchase them.  I usually download a photo straight from the website that I purchase from or alternatively take a photo of my new item. I then put together "looks" including shoes and accessories. When I need to pack I simply select a look and it automatically adds items to my packing list!  Although it was a time consuming task initially, it now makes packing a breeze!  I highly recommend it if you are an over-packer.  

Who has been watching MKR on Channel 7?  I usually enjoy the show but this year it has been a bit Blahhh.  These ridiculous team rivalries are just annoying.  However, I do enjoy cooking some of the recipes from the different contestants and this week I made Milly and Karolina's poached duck.  Wow.  It was so delicious.  I couldn't buy duck breast in my local Coles so I had to use a whole duck but I'm actually pleased I did because the leftovers made some very tasty Duck Spring Rolls for our lunch yesterday.  

This week I also learnt how to make pitta bread.  I have avoided eating pitta for so long because bread gives me a very bloated belly but since I have been able to buy Low Fodmap Flour at Coles it has been a game changer.  I now enjoy making my own bread that does now give me a pain in the belly and the pitta bread is much tastier than the store bought ones and quite effortless to make.

On a different note, my daughter in law has started a new business making and selling organic cleaning products for home and personal use.  Suzie initially included some of her products in our christmas hamper and I was very impressed so I ordered the washing powder, dishwasher tablets, kitchen spray, kitchen detergent, sleep drops and hand and foot balm.  I am very pleased with the products and feel just a little bit chuffed that I am doing my bit for the environment.

The rain is still with us and even more so in the past week but certainly not the huge falls that we have seen over the past couple of months.  Although it is now autumn it doesn't feel like it one little bit.  What we have been getting though is some magnificent sunrises....

Well that's a wrap.  I hope to get in one more post before we leave but if I don't, I promise I will update the blog while we are away.  We have lots of days at sea that is the perfect time to keep you all up to date with our travels.

Judi xx