Out of iso

Rob's day 6 PCR test was clear of Covid so we emerged from our mandated isolation last Wednesday morning. It felt a bit weird quite frankly, and our first walk outside (the 6 klm bridge to bridge) felt a bit of stretch for me after 8 days of being inside, not feeling great and getting no exercise. Rob is an out and out miracle man - we can't believe he didn't get Covid at all, especially after stewing in my germs all week!

We had our first "social day" on Friday - checking out Abi's lesson at Forest Park in the morning and then doing (outdoor) lunch with Jody and Ella afterwards at our local "The Pedlar".

Abi had the best week ever, at riding "camp" - all day, every day around her very favourite animals and some of her favourite people. Ginny is not the best tempered pony but Abi had a great week with her anyway.

Sassy was a great favourite with the "camp" girls too.

Saturday night we had dinner with the young ones and Joshy cooked us his famous Tomahawk steaks! He slow cooked them first in the oven and then finished them off over the bar-b-que grill, resulting in absolute meaty perfection, a real treat for us!

Ella made the perfect accompaniment - creamy French style mashed potatoes.....

No wonder these girls are growing so tall and strong (and sassy) with meals like this provided in abundance  ......

As always, the girls were in fine form over dinner with Abi enjoying taking these portraits as Ella regaled us with (long) stories about misguided boys, teachers and other school related gossip (so funny) ............

And as of this morning (ANZAC Day) I think we might be hitting peak Autumn colour out our north facing windows??

 

Our week with Covid

We have seen an awful lot of this view in the last week .............

In all its many moods - and times of the day ......

Yes, I tested positive to the dreaded COVID last Tuesday, so we have both been in strict isolation, as per ACT Health rules, since then. My symptoms started Monday afternoon and during Monday night I started to feel really crook - experiencing a real tightening in my throat and "swallowing razor blades", a croupy cough and no voice. I would say that for 48 hours my COVID situation caused me/us a few moments of concern - it's not a 48 hours I would like to repeat - ever!

Miraculously Rob tested negative on his PCR test last Tuesday and has remained symptom free and testing RAT negative ever since - a sterling performance from him! He has been amazing all week, staying cheerful, caring and nurturing even though his life has become incredibly small, in the company of a miserable COVID patient. He's kept his positivity throughout, even over this Easter long weekend, four days we were supposed to be sharing with Josh, Jody, Ella and Abi at beautiful Narrawallee Beach.

Our family, friends and neighbours at Saint Germain have been amazingly caring and supportive all week too. We've had groceries delivered with bunches of flowers (and chocolates) ......

Jody and the girls dropped off a delicious hamper of luxe goodies last Thursday - Abi's accompanying card has been cheering me up ever since .....

... as has Facetiming with the girls and hearing about their Easter plans (Abi had another shopping spree at Horseland).

Our lovely level four neighbours, dropped us off beer for Rob and (alcohol free) Prosecco for me, and a cheese plate, as an unexpected treat on Good Friday. (And there were gourmet hot cross buns and fresh strawberries delivered for us to enjoy this morning (Easter Sunday).)

They'd been to the Zierholz Brewery Pop Up in our Hassett Park on Good Friday - and they didn't want us to miss out!

Staying in touch with family and friends via the socials has helped keep us sane too (along with discovering the joys of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ and the new series "Julia" on Binge). Best of all has been seeing pics of the young ones carving up Narrawallee this long weekend in absolute perfect Autumn conditions.

Abi has even found the perfect lamp for her bedroom (the missing component of the birthday pack we presented her with last February) at the shops in Milton!.

We have another two full days of iso to go after this one. Rob has to have his 6th day PCR test tomorrow (although I don't?) and fingers crossed, all will be clear. So far it is looking like he might be some kind of Covid Superman.

We think my Covid source may have been Maddie, who we came in contact with Tuesday 5th April. Every one in her family has caught Covid too, as have Jenni and Wayne who were there with us that same Tuesday night. Maddie's Mum, Judy L, and me showed symptoms much later than anyone else in the group. Judy L. started showing symptoms 5 days after that Tuesday night, mine showed 6 days after (??) Rob is the ONLY one in the group who didn't catch it!!