It seems I might need to go back to work sooner than I had expected. One of the jobs crossed of today was for all of us to troop off to the dentist. Now while Mark is a very decent dentist and with Medibank on board I escaped from there only having to pay for maintenance to my wife, he did utter that word guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of any parent. And he did it not once but twice! Some of you already know where I’m headed – Orthodontist! I guess I shouldn’t complain about my wife’s lousy teeth courtesy of her Poppy because it is probably fair to say it is my genes getting the Ortho involved.
Dealt with the second car dealer as well today. You would have to say a rather improved experience with this one. After being taken aback when the offer to be dropped back home was to drive myself home in my car and then have a dealer guy take the car back – if I’d known that I would have arranged the morning rather differently, things did improve. The driver was an older guy, so I asked him how long he had been there and he said 26 years. That was a refreshing change since just about every previous contact I had with dealers involved a person not there last time nor next. I also was surprised when they looked for my details by name rather than registration number. Perhaps that means something. But best of all, they managed to fix my trim in two hours which is something the other dealer failed to do in 3 months before I gave up.
Also managed to squeeze in finishing my camping table today. Most excitingly I managed to do it without further damage to myself which has to be a good thing. Now that the car is repaired, cleaned, polished we can new start the final rundown to pack.
Had the first semester school instrumental music concert last night. Yet another late night that we are paying for today – never mind it will all be over soon. We were heavily involved as usual, but it was nice to know that we will be missed next term, as the principal made a brief but nonetheless sincere vote of thanks and wished us well in our travels. Makes you think we are going to Mars!
Is what we are contemplating that out there? Let me know what you think.
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ReplyDeleteHello to the Backstroms! Wow... Can't believe it's almost time to head off. I saw Elliot's fantastic travelling haircut. It looked pretty good Elliot! I've told Elliot that I will put a map up in our classroom and follow your travels. Your trip reminds me of some of my holidays when I was younger.. MUCH YOUNGER.. My father is a great believer in experiencing all types of learning and some of my opportuninites were; camping for two weeks during the (then) August school holidays on North West Island (out from Gladstone) to having our own family opal mine at Lightning Ridge. Dare I say that I learnt to drive our EH Holden in Lightning Ridge and I was in grade 7 at the time! OOOOOOPPPPS Hope I haven't given anyone ideas! These experiences are still wonderful memories today and I'm sure that your travels will be remembered for many years to come. Sorry about the other 'post' I needed to hopefully fix it!
ReplyDeleteHello Backstroms - I have had a laugh at times in reading each of your blogs so far. Cannot wait to read more once you are all on your way with all the ups and dare I say it, the downs as well. Your trip is exactly what Mark and I had planned to do, so I shall be watching/reading with envy. Harry and I made it to Longreach/Winton 2 yrs ago via a 24hr train trip (each way)on The Spirit of the Outback. We loved it (the country, the scenery,the people)and hopefully we will go further west and north. All the best - enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHello family. I don't think you need me to say too much about your intended travels. I think you have a fair idea on our thoughts. Days on end without showers and washing stops...endless hours cramped in one car that will feel smaller and smaller the longer you drive in it (especially if Daddy Backstrom continues to do what he did in the car last night!!!)... hmmm... not our idea of fun - but then you need to weigh it up against all the good things that will inevitably happen along the way, the experiences you will all have. We hope it is, on the whole, a safe and happy trip - and a learning experience (mentally and spiritually) for all... All our love and best wishes... The Hutchos
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