Last time we flew to Sydney and drove out to Wellington we got lost leaving the airport, so this time we took 'B.....ing Betty' our Navman to guide us.....she guided us up back streets and lanes so we missed the traffic lights and traffic. Once we get on Parramatta Road we know our way, however I decided to leave Betty on to remind Bill every time he went over the speed limit! To cut the story short......get to Bathurst and Betty guides us past our normal turn, we thought great she knows a short cut back to the Highway.........after 46km of bitumen road, it became gravel, the gravel became a pioneer track, thru the disused gold mines of Ophir......finally there was a sign to Mullion Creek which I knew was on the 'locals short cut from Wellington to Orange' and we detoured from Bettys instructions and let me tell you Betty got quite upset!! Went straight to visit Mum at Maranatha - unfortunately there was not a glimmer of recognition and it even took a lot of effort to get her to remember the names of her three children, Saturday morning she was a little brighter. Dementia is a terrible illness, so much harder on the family than the patient - I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful care of the staff at Maranatha. Saturday we drove back to Sydney. Took the light rail to the Casino - we love the buffet meal there.
Sunday after wandering around we had a late breakfast then walked to the SCG to the football, quite a steep walk but good for the heart and soul!! I'd purchased our tickets thru the Western Bulldogs so we were seated with the cheer squad and supporters - what a fabulous atmosphere and I wore my jacket and scarf with pride - I'm still a little hoarse today from chanting and singing - we caught up with some friends from the Gold Coast and we went back to the after match meet the players function at Paddo RSL - they had a raffle, the winner of which had the choice of either a Bulldog jumper or football autographed by all the players. Rocket Rodney Eade drew out the tickets and the first winner chose the jumper, the next two tickets drawn the people weren't there so couldn't win, on the third redraw you guessed it YES it was me.....I'd had two champagnes so I was pretty happy, I got a kiss from Rodney and was able to say hello and congratulations to two of my favourite players Brad Johnson & Robert Murphy.......the football is now sitting pride of place on top of the wall unit in the lounge out of the way of little fingers.......I could be in possession of a football signed by the 2008 premiers. Yesterday we went to the Queen Victoria Building - had another late breakfast, watched the clock do its thing at 11am, then took the train to Circular Quay. While waiting for the Ferry to Watsons Bay we saw a couple of Bulldog supporters and got talking and ended up sitting with them while we ate our seafood basket from Doyles..........can understand why everyone in Sydney raves about Doyles. Arrived home around 9pm - wanted to fall into bed straight away as I've come back with a head cold - however our waterbed had sprung another leak while we were away, so it was into the spare bed. Today we had Mr Waterbed come and fit a new bladder!
Only two more sleeps and my 'little men' arrive.....yes H I'm looking forward to seeing you too!!!
