2024 15th Jan.

Time for another trip around this amazing country. We have been home based since February last year. Although we spent 10 lovely days in the Cook Islands and 3mths at Cootamundra. Did lots of gardening, as well as spending time with family and friends…just how we had planned…so the year went that away..

So 2024 let’s go…

We left home just as it started to rain, and rain it did, all the way to Coffs Harbour .We had planned to have dinner with Peter, but the rain was torrential, so we decided to stay in his office till it stopped, but it didn’t, we were stuck there for over an hour . I’ve never been in such weather, certainly not with the van in tow. Made a dash to the car and got out of there! We travelled as far as Urunga, the rain eased and we pulled off the road in a gravelled area for the night, what a start to our trip!

WE stayed at Gail and Noel’s for 3 nights, before heading south again, a cuppa in a park beside the river, Stopping to sitesee overcrowded coastal towns. Down through Crescent Head and on to Port Macquarie.

We only just made it , the car started making some really bad noises. It’s getting worse! So we limped into Mitsubishi. The service guys there were great . Took a look, fixed the problem and sent us on our way. No charge.! Nothing frightens a triton, but the triton sure frightened me, the thought of cancelling our Tassy trip was running through my mind.


It was time for a break, I rang a school friend from Bomaderry, who lives in Port, she came out and met us at a sports ground . What a lovely catch up, a simple cup of tea on the edge of the road. Doesn’t need to be fancy, when old friends meet the years just melt away. Thanks Jan x.

Back on the road again, we looked for a place to stay overnight. We found a nice area behind the Laurieton boat club. Parked up and settled in for the night

This morning we watched the rowers on the lake and went up to a book sale at the club, Laurieton seems like a nice community minded town in a peaceful setting.


Today (Saturday), we are a bit further down the coast, a couple of stops, before pulling into a parking area at Tomago boat ramp on the river. Thankful for river parks with this hot weather. We head through Sydney tomorrow. More in a couple of days….

February 3rd 2023

It’s about time I finished off the blog on our 10 mth trip. We need to get the oil leak in the triton looked at as soon as possible. So we’re homeward bound.

We headed out through Gunnedah and Barraba, stopping for a break there to see some street art.

We had decided to have a few days on the river at Bingara, one of our favourite places to sit back and relax.

The floods have done a lot of damage around the camping area, and the banks are washed away. However we had a nice spot to sit back, surrounded by the birds and the resident horses.

Amazing how high the water was that came through the area in the recent floods. They were still letting water out daily from the dam, so the river was flowing fast and rose quite a bit over the few days we were there.

All to soon, it was time to pack up for the last time and go home, with mixed feelings, we have had such a great trip, we don’t want it to end, but then we are missing our family and friends at home.

While we were away Casino’s water tower has had artwork painted on it, so what better way to finish this blog then, is with some photos of it.

So thats it, home for awhile, catching up with family, friends, and of course lots of gardening. And… plan our next trip.

January 18th

After a couple of 40° plus days, a storm threatened, but all we got was wind and a not so good sun set. However the change of colours on the lake within a few hours was interesting.

The next morning we packed up, and drove the hour or so into Broken Hill. We have been through here a couple of times but never taken the time to stop and look around.




We drove up to the lookout, where they have constructed a new viewing platform and memorial to those that have lost their lives to the mining industry.  Starting from the 1800s to the last in 2019.




Still being constructed, is no doubt what will be, a modern glass restaurant and visitors centre .Think it will be popular when finished. The views over the city and mining area are good from up here.







It appears they are doing walkways to show the old mining machinery as well.

Next it was back down the hill for a cold strawberry malted milk shake, in a 50s milk bar.

The building is now into it’s 3rd generation, and the home is set up with 50s furnishings, including photos of the original owners and family




You can take your purchases into any of the rooms to sit, and go back in time. This is the first time I have seen the rainbow Venetian blinds, since a child, not even in a museum. These look original.




Loved this place, and the milkshake was just like the ones I used to buy for 1/3p. From there we drove out to the living desert sculptures. Walked around the pathways, some were well done and some were only like a big rock to me. Guess I’m not into modern art, all that much. Would of cost a small fortune, as they brought in nine sculptors from around the world to carve them.







OK, been there, done that. Next we were in Wilcannia, another place we have never stopped in, doesn’t have a good reputation, but with the Darling river in flood, we stopped for a look.



We stood on the old bridge and watched the locals having fun jumping off the bridge, into the flooded river. Others on jet skis and boats.




So much in flood out around these parts, this next little bridge was over a creek, and the water had spread for miles.


For a change of scenery we drove through a storm, before pulling off the road to stop for the night. A lot of nice birds and a lovely sunset to end the day.




A beautiful sunrise the next morning as we drove into Cobar, going to be another hot day.


There is a working gold mine in Cobar, we were able to veiw the mine from a lookout . As well as being an open cut mine there is some sort of underground tunnel. Not sure whats happening in there.




The next stop was in Nyngan, on the Bogan River. We pulled up for a cuppa and this is where Chris found that the Trusty Triton, had sprung an oil leak, not so trusty after all ! Just letting you all know, that it’s not always smooth going as our blog seems. We made phone calls, and changed our plans for the rest of our trip. Wont be going through Sydney now, heading home by next Wednesday as we have booked the TT into Casino, to get the oil seal fixed.



A pic of the painted water tower in Warren then on to Galarambone caravan park for the night, we needed electricity to run the air con and cool off !!. The park has one of the best camp kitchens we had seen. And the owner made us very welcome with a 5 o’clock beer and chat, just what Chris needed.





We had a look around town this morning at all the artwork. Hopefully it will bring more tourist, and get the town on it’s feet again after Covid.







Bit cute this one!












I think they have done a lot since we were here last. The parks and town all clean and brightened up. From there we drove through the Warrumbungle National Park.


Also stopped to a short bush walk to the White Gums lookout , not the best time of year to do it, however I did manage to find a few flowers still out. The view was a bit hazy, due to the heat, but still nice.






When we got back to the car, Chris noticed a bulge in one of the caravan tyres. Oh well, shit does happen!

He Changed the tyre, then we drove on to Coonabarabran, we have organized to have new tyres fitted there in the morning . Had a cuppa and talked to the ducks in a park, before checking into a nice shady caravan park for the night.

Thats it for tonight, lets see what tomorrow brings. XX

January 14th

Leaving the salt lakes area of Port Augusta we had decided it was best to go North as the South could be a bit tricky with all the flood waters downstream after the recent rains. So we headed into the hills and soon arrived at Wilmington, nothing was open, couldn’t even get a coffee, as we wandered the main street.

This toy museum looked interesting, we knocked on the door, no answer, the goat at the rear of the building ,in a jeep, was the only one interested in seeing us.


Hoping the town would come to life soon, we filled in time taking photos and looking at all the old cars. They all still go, even this little digger, tthat has had an oil change, on the foot path. !!





We had a cuppa in the van then walked back and rang the door bell of the puppet museum, we were in luck and welcomed in by the owner, a puppeteer. Wow what an amazing time we had in there. A guided tour and history of his amazing puppet collection, from all over the world.










This Chinese puppet is over 200 years old .


A very talented man, he did a number of puppet shows for us as well. He and his wife also hand made a lot of puppets for his shows, as well as for sale. His specialty is making Pinocchio, so Chris bought a Pinocchio and I got some other hand made things, no made in China here!

If you scroll in, no doubt you will see some of the much loved characters from your childhood.



As we were leaving he told us to ring the bell again at the toy place, as the owner would be there and had a great collection of toys. He and his wife also gave me a couple of small hand made gifts, I think they appreciated how much we enjoyed the place.

Off we went rang the bell and then found ourselves in the most complete collection of toys. Again from all over the world. And from every era, brought back so many memories of toys we had in the 30s -50s.


As well as collecting old cars, especially jeeps, this owner has rebuilt and remodeled lots of the cars on display.







Oh and these boats actually worked on the water. And the model ships made out of paper, my brother had quite a few of these precious toys. It didn’t matter what toy I asked about, and yes, he had one, and more than likely, a whole set.




Well that took up most of the day, so we drove on to Peterborough, had a look around town, then stopped at the oval for the night.






Chris was able to master the art of puppetry, well sort of!! I was happy to try and get some photos of the hares running around nearby. They were huge !!


The next morning we drove through a couple of old towns, that are all but deserted, but used to be thriving years ago. They were built along the railway line between Broken Hill NSW and Peterborough SA.


That night we stayed in Coburn caravan park, in Cockburn, just us and a lovely sunset, the last of South Australia behind us.

Next morning we crossed the border into New South Wales. And arrived in Broken Hill. We got some information on Menindee Lakes, and weather the flood water was as bad as the media were saying.




Told it was ok, but some roads would be shut. So we rang ahead to a caravan park and booked in, unhooked the van and went for a look, see, whats going on. Lots of SES vehicles running around. We went out to the weir, where the water flows are being controlled, and doing a good job of keeping the heights in Menindee below the 1976 flood level. It is now being reduced by 10cms per day.

Millions of carp (fish) trying to get back through the gates to head back upstream.




However the Darling River, is still creeping into the outskirts of town, and driving around is a sight to see just how much water there is being channeled through the area.






The lakes around Menindee are full to capacity, hard to believe that they can almost dry out in drought.


Where we are staying is on one of the smaller lakes, between two larger ones, that flow into it. Its popular for boating, and great for me to cool off, on a 44° day like yesterday.


Today we went for another drive into town, a few more road closures and peoples yards swamped. Very few houses have water in them from what we can see. However I think the water will be laying around for some time to come.




I spent most of today in the water, keeping cool, but now there is a storm brewing, so I’ll just relax here while Chris has a snack. Hopefully it won’t be a bad one.!

January 10th

After Norseman we started going across the Bight, we had a head on, south/east wind all day . The fuel guage was dropping fast, so we pulled into the scrub and made camp for the night, near Caiguna. As desolate as this area is, we both love this drive across, and I can always find something that I think, is worth taking a pic of. So the sun went down on another day and an almost full moon came up . And not a soul around.😴


Nothing new the next day, a very early start, before the wind started, but within a few hours, we called it a day and found shade under some trees, near Mundrabilla where us and the Triton stayed, until another early start the next day.

We crossed into South Australia, early next day, and the wind is still strong!!

Wind or no wind, we always have to have at least one night on the Bight. Not very spectacular at the moment, with that southerly weather hanging around.





Just being here makes you realize how insignificant humans are compared to mother nature. JUST ONE STEP !!


The next morning the view wasn’t any better from the van, but Chris did go to the limit to get this great shot!

S.A. has lots of long… straights, but good road, and nothing to stop for. We were able to do a few miles before stopping for the night at the old school site in Cohen.


All that remains is part of the original building and in recent times someone has built a small replica of the school.



With the cross country done, we took a right and went down to Smoky Bay, certainly not beach weather. We had lunch and walked out on the Jetty. There is an enclosed swim area off the Jetty, would of been nice to have a swim. Oh well 😞




A dozen (each), Smoky Bay, oysters Kilpatrick for dinner that night, made the stop worthwhile . We had travelled North again and were at Wadinna overnight for our over indulging meal.

Today we passed the halfway across Australia point at Kimba, stopped for fuel, before going on to Iron Knob..



We had a bit of a break there, so hot today. 40 ish!! This would have to be the worst town,.. nothing but a rubbish tip for old cars and derelict buildings, save by a few fadeing murels.




There is still a mining museum, which is now free. Oh and a new murel on the bowling club, but it wasn’t open.


On to Port Augusta this afternoon, did some much needed Woolworths shopping and are now staying at the RV site in town. Still blowing a gale. Think thats enough complaints for today . Night for now,xx


January 5th 2023

We had intended to leave Perth and head back East on New Year’s day, but heard on the grapevine that one of my cousins was flying in from Sydney to visit his brother, soooo whats a day when it meant I could see both of them for a short time. Lots of photos and catching up. Great way to start the New Year.



So we left Perth on the 2nd, heading South East, through the southern wheatbelt, stopping for a break at Newdegate.


A very strong south easterly wind was blowing so we pulled into the little town of Varley for the night. Well done to the town of 40 residents who provide the Chicken Ranch campsite for travellers. There is also a rabbit cemetery there, for the rabbits that lost their lives to the rabbit proof fence🤣(look up rabbit proof fence, if you havnt heard of it). Well maintained BBQs and amenities .


I even cooked a cake in the chicken coop! It had electricity, a microwave and even a small washing machine. Well worth a donation to keep this fun stop open.


It’s been awhile since we did rock climbing, so we tested out our fitness and the Triton. Nothing frightens the Triton, but my legs ached that night.


The rocks are actually called dams, they have walls around the base that channel the water run off into storage tanks, that provide water for the small towns. Built many years ago by the first settlers, one of these is still being used today.



Driving on the next day, we past many salt lakes and wandered around more rocks, it fascinates me that the growth on the rocks looks completely dried up and dead, but springs to life again after rain.






Farmers over west have a great sense of humor, came across this on the way to Lake King.







Also a tractor museum with DIY tractors. Quirky but interesting.






The grain silos at Ravensthorpe, yes they look abstract, but true to the bushland that is covered in banksia bushes around this sandy area. It’s lovely to see some bush flowers still out as we travel.



Oh, did I mention that Ravensthorpe has a yummy lolly shop. Hmmm, a must to visit.

We arrived in Hopetoun, and the wind was blowing a gale, so we nestled in behind the sand dunes for an overnight stay. We would’ve stayed longer, but its not beach weather. Very choppy when we arrived and overcast and quite cool this morning.



We left early this morning and headed North again towards Norseman. We stopped along the way so I could do a walk amongst these beautiful treess that are in full bloom at the moment, also some wildflowers and banksias at different stages of bloom.










Hopefully it won’t be the last time I get to wander through the wildflowers of WA. Now out of the Mallee country, we are overnight in Norseman before heading across the Nullabor over the next few days. Hopefully the wind will drop, or get behind us. Guess thats it, from WA for this trip.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2022

We drove into Perth City in the afternoon ,after having lunch with my niece at Lakeside Jundulup shopping centre. Nice to have a catch up and spend an hour or so with her.


The sun was just starting to go down as we parked the car and walked across the Matagarup footbridge to the East side of the river. Found a spot on the bank and settled in for the 8 Pm fireworks. They were great viewing with the sunset as a backdrop.













With that finished it was time to fill in nearly 4 hours till midnight. Easy for me with camera . We walked over, under and all around the bridge area and parks. My love of rainbows means I enjoy the ever changing colours on the bridge and reflections on the water.




4 years ago I had thoughts of doing the bridge climb, when here next. But looking up tonight I have given that idea away. Chris did some people watching, I won’t repeat what his thoughts were. By tnen there were party’s on river boats and the final night of 2022 was in full swing.



We went for a drive to fill in some time, then decided to watch the next display from the other side of the river in front of Gloucester Park raceway. We had the advantage of watching their fireworks as well. Wasn’t sure where to point the camera next. We had a magnificent night, and look forward to 2023. We personally have had a great year of travelling and hope we can continue this year. Happy 2023 everyone.






















December 30th


Here we are about to leave Gracetown and Bec, Steve and kids. We had a lovely time together. They will be flying back East for New Year’s, while we have booked into York for the week over Christmas.



Goodbyes done and Chris and I headed North .Our first stop was in the cute town of Cowaramup. Life size models of cows were all around the town.





The weather is being so good to us. Brilliant sunshine, as we walked around the town. We decided to camp out at Stockton Lake for the night.


The water is a pretty color of blue. Apparently it is an old coal mine site, very deep, but ok to swim in .So many campers here, but we managed to get a spot on the lake edge and go for a dip. Good way to end the day.



The next day we called into Collie, we had been told the paintings on the wall dam, were worth seeing.

We took a walk across a swinging bridge, before going out to the dam.



I was disappointed that the murels are done in pastel colors, also it was early morning and the suns glare made it hard to get photos. Would’ve been better with the afternoon sun on them.




Anyhow it is what it is. A fair drive for little reward. On our way again, passing paddocks of brown straw, where the grain has been harvested, before getting into York for Christmas.

York is supposed to be the oldest town in WA. Lots of old buildings in the main street have been well preserved and so draw plenty of tourists. The caravan park in York is old, but has clean amenities and in a bush setting. So we booked in for 4 nights.


Christmas day we had lunch at Settlers, one of the heritage buildings, its a B and B as well as function centre and popular pub.

When we arrived we were given complementary drinks and shown to our table in one of the rooms that was nicely decorated for Christmas.


It’s a beautiful old pub with polished timber floors and furniture throughout.


For the first-time ever we sat down to Christmas Lunch out. Yes it felt different, but was enjoyable and no cleaning up afterwards. Haha.





Big feed, time for a big sleep. So that was our Christmas day.

Another of the beautiful buildings we had lunch at, with friends Steve and Mary, was the Casle Hotel. Another old pub thats refurbished nicely.



The Avon River runs through town and has a suspension walk bridge spanning it

I really liked the bright paintings on this fence in town. Worth a few pics, and the detail was well done.






The town hall clock has stopped, I Took this photo as we left town early on Wednesday morning. We are now staying closer to Perth, for the next 4 nights, at Advent park. We have stayed here before and find it reasonably priced, as well as a nice setting, just half an hour or so from Perth.

As the year comes to an end I look back on our trip from East to West over 9mths . Down through NSW

Then Victoria and Kangaroo Island.

Across SA, doing the southern peninsulas, before crossing the Nullabor

and into WA. What a trip its been over 24,431 kilometres, and enjoyed every minute of it. I haven’t added shopping trips, when stopped for a few days. We also caught up with Chris’s previous boss, Daniel Burrows and family from Kalari days in Port Hedland WA/ Springsure Qld .Was great! From East to West always nice to spend the time and catch up with friends.

We spent yesterday in Fremantle, walking around seeing all the old buildings and meeting up with Guy and Annie for lunch at Grill’d.



Lots of lights hanging in the streets and on buildings, would be nice to have seen at night.

I think this place is different, with how the trees are growing out from the building

It appears Santa is running a few days late, or he’s had some sleep overs, escaping out of the top floor by ladder. 🤔😂


The Fremantle railway station.





A beautiful day out and about. And how about the rainbow containers down on the river bank area.


Tomorrow we will probably rest up, and intend going into Perth for the fireworks on the Swan River. To all our Friends and family and others who follow our blog, we both wish you a better 2023. This year has been tough for so many. Lets make it a happier year. Remember to live our life to the fullest, and after the rainbows , the sun will shine. Keep safe and well next year, love from Chris and Merelyn.

Dec 22nd

It’s sad to say another farewell to this family.

To the fun girl days out with Mary and long cuppas while the boys are working. I enjoyed every minute of our stay in Kalannie.

What a team, Steve, Mary, Chris and Jodie, fun and hard working, we will miss you all.




Hope you all have a good break now the harvest is done. Merry Christmas to you all and best wishes for the coming year.

After a long days drive Chris and I arrived at Gracetown caravan park. We intended to surprise the family after we set up, but…who should pull up to check in at the same time we did, Bec, Steve and kids. The excitement on Becs face said it all. Well worth keeping it quiet till we got there.

Gracetown is a surfers paradise, and so its nothing to walk 5 or 6 klms through the hills to get to a favorite surf spot. Doing this once was enough for me, however the sunset was worth the effort.






Rosie and Creed enjoyed a last surf for the day and I took some photos on a walk along the so called beach. Rough going in these parts.










Time to call it a day. Just had to do the long track back to the cars in almost darkness.

Back at camp our evenings are all about cards, kookaburras and feeding Creed. He is a bottomless pit.



The next few days we repeated it all again, but added in a couple of tourist stops as well.



A stop in to the Margaret River Chocolate factory is a must.

Chris was like a kid in a lolly shop, and I tried their waffle and ice cream.


Poppy wins a round of minni golf, Rosie and I tied last, so that’s ok.

More surfing spots, and a memorial to 9 people who were crushed when the cliffs gave way, and they were burried in rubble.




Time goes fast when you’re having fun. The weather has been beautiful, sunny days and mild nights.



More beach time together as our time draws to a close with the kids.


I enjoyed being like a beached 🐳 for a few hours.


Then we tracked back through the hills to Gracetown, had some lunch and drove back to camp for our afternoon siesta.



Last night we had dinner at the local club, which was a nice way to end our stay .


Thats it for now . Chris and I would like to wish all of our families, friends and their families, a joyous Christmas and a happy new year. Let it be a time for peace, laughter and good health in the year ahead. We are blessed to have you all in our life, and thank you for your interest in what we do. Much love and Merry Christmas.😘🥳💖💐🌲🌲 🌲

December 15th

Well, it’s been awhile, life sure is busy when you’re having fun.

We left Wongan Hills and arrived in Kalannie at the beginning of November and in time to help out friends, Steve, Mary and Chris, with the carting of the great harvest the wheat belt is having this year. The wildflowers around the area are almost finished blooming, but I still managed a few pics along the way. Recent rain has also filled the lakes and dams. The small towns are busy and the farmers are friendly and talking of the big harvest ahead. But they need drivers, so put on your work clothes Chris !!



We parked the van in the Caravan Park, opposite the grain storage facility in town, Power,water and satellite tv, I was all good to sit back and do some crocheting, while Chris does extra long days. Also a good spot to see the eclipse of the moon, and some unusual sunsets.





Oh, we also brought Covid to town, must havè picked it up a few days befoe we arrived. Yes Chris gave it to Steve as they tried to work, Mary, Jodie and I, all ended up with it as well. I’m not sure what long Covid is, but I’m not completely over it after 6 weeks !! It is what it is, so just carry on, but sure knocked me around.

With all the men working, Mary, her daughter Jodie, and I, share cuppas and lovely girl days out in Perth or surrounds. They have two beautiful human dogs, Cody the lab, brings me gifts, each time I visit. They are both such characters.

Rosie poseing with Jodie.

The grain storage bins start off empty, but soon start to fill up as the trucks roll in. They are then covered with plastic.





Roses in Dalwallinu. And nice old pub in Northam


The tin dog in Dowerin

Mary and I had a day in Toodyay. The 365 Christmas shop is a must to visit.





After our fun morning we had a late lunch of butter chicken at the Indian restaurant, it was the best ! Then drove up to the lookout over the cute town nestled in the hills.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Some of the crocheting I’ve done while doing this trip. I’ve gathered remnants of wool from little towns from East to West.




Chris has sundays off so we usually go for a drive. Lots of lakes around and this green one is quite pretty.

It’s nice to be out just wandering around . It will be sad to leave here again, but it will also be good to be heading out ater new year. And…..we both are missing our family as its been 9 mths now. This will probably be our last extended trip. Maybe just 6 mths at a time in the future.





Some of the huge rocks were used to channel the rain into a dam, for the town water supply. We have seen so many of these in our travels.

The dried out flowers and wheat are still a sight to see.






Mary, Jodie and I went to the Dalwallinu Christmas street party, where all the kids had a great time getting wet and running a muck. And Santa brought them all a present. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in these little towns.


Last week, us girls ,went for a day in the field, we dropped lunch to Steve, before heading out to their daughters family farm. Love this photo, Steve has such an infectious smile.

We drove on out to the farm, and watched some of the harvesting and loading before, climbing into the headers for a round or two of the paddock.








We caught up with Gary and I had an interesting time, as he explained everything about the process, then as an added bonus he read me some of his poetry, he has written some great work.




Natasha, was driving the chaser bin and does a great job of keeping up with the headers, taking the grain back to the bins at the end of the paddock.


While Natasha is away the bin behind the cab keeps filling up as the header keeps going. It’s none stop, a race against the weather to get the crop in before the summer storms start.

We met up with Millsey and had a family photo shoot. They are great supporters of Dolly’s Dream a Anti-bullying foundation, using their workshirts, which are a conversation starter.



Natasha and Jodie dropped in so a few more photos. We are so lucky to have met this beautiful family 4 years ago. And be back spending time with them again.




Marry and her Daughter’s

Back in Kalannie the bins are almost full now, as well as a stash of pods filled with barley.


The days now are mostly windy, but the wind drops in the evening, so last night I went for a walk and took some photos of the grain storage across the road, all lit up. The trucks come and go till late. Chris is doing 15 /16 hrs a day, as is everyone around here, 6 days a week. They are all hoping to be finished harvesting by Christmas.





As for Christmas for us, something different this year. We haved booked into a caravan park in York, not far from Perth, for a week. We are dining out for Christmas lunch at ” The Settlers ” one of the popular historic, venues there. Then for New Year’s eve, we hope to attend the fireworks on the Swan river.We did this 4 years ago and it was a spectacular way to bring in a new year. Then we plan to leave Perth on New Year’s Day and be back on the East Coast at the end of January .So thats it for now, we wish all our family, friends and followers a lovely Christmas and happy New Year. Keep well, safe and enjoy each day. Even the challenges. We love this life.😍

Girls responding to Chris’s breakdown. It’s all in a days work. Where would they be without us Mary,? haha 😂