Day 89 Belombre 4

 We had a lazy morning, I did some research work, reading through a draft grant application for some medical research and providing feedback. This is something I have been getting more involved in as a consumer advocate and now researcher for both Griffith University and University of Queensland. It’s good to be able to help direct research to improve medical care and knowledge and hopefully change policies, and quality of care and ultimately improve outcomes and experiences for patients. Matt was being Mattgyver today and fixing a few things, like an electrical problem in one of Adam’s trucks, and in his Landcruiser, and fixing a new plate warmer, that failed after only a few uses. He helped shift a portaloo, and helped Adam sort out an email issue. I watered the pot plants throughout the garden, and somehow managed to end up giving all the dogs a good rub today. I was popular😜!

One casualty, my poor old cordless drill. Snapped in half  under its own power, even though I haven’t charged it in three months . You have served me well over the last 6-7 years.😢

There is also something about old corrugated iron, it really appeals to me. The imperfection and character. It’s lived in, and has experienced life. 

The Woolshed , yep more iron. 

Sheep yards behind the woolshed, yes there is a sheep sleeping under the trees, seems she’s been sleeping there for a week. We had to tie her to the Ute and drag her to the middle of a nearby paddock as she was a bit on the nose.  

We headed over to the farmstay to do a photo shoot for Fiona with Bridget posing with the buildings and views. A quick wash and wipe to get her less dirty, and Matt had fun with taking different perspectives and angle with the lighting.. I sat down by myself in the sun, and listened, trying again to be still and enjoying the no traffic noise, and listen to the various flocks of birds chirping as they flew home, as dusk was beginning. I was trying to enjoy being here in this beautiful place, because tomorrow we start to head home. 😢. Adam then came over to tell me he had just met one of the guests that had arrived, and it was the lady that had been organising the Outback Links placements all those years ago, and had connected us with Fiona and Adam back in 2013. How wonderful it was to go to her and tell her, that here we are, still coming back and enjoying the firm friendship and connection that we have with Fiona and Adam, and still able to share our time and selves to support and help them out. It was pretty special. Although this lady works in a different industry now, I’m sure it gave her joy to see the fruits of her work from all those years ago.

We were also able to spend time with Fiona’s niece and nephew, who we had met on our visits here and to hear where life has taken them, and see them all grown up and thriving. It was freezing tonight and even though we tried to stand around the fire to keep warm, we were glad to head into the dining room and into the warm and to share in the dinner with all the guests. It was nice to sit with complete strangers and hear their stories and about their trips. Our last night here, I know we will be back in the future, and will see Toogunna Plains Farmstay continue to grow and develop. We feel sad at having to say goodbye, but feel so blessed to be have been able to do this trip and to finish it off this way.