Tuesday 28th February 2012. A night with the turtles.

We drove to Bundaberg for a late, long lunch and some time in a park by the river. We went on to meet with some old friends for dinner now living in Bundaberg.

The main reason we went to Bundy though, was to see some turtles! On dusk, we headed about 20 minutes down the road to Mon Repos Beach and turtle rookery. After a short info session we sat and waited for the ranger to say there was some action on the beach (as they cannot guarantee it every night). After only a short while we were led down the beach in the dark to where about 130 little loggerhead hatchlings were ready to hit the waves after only coming out of their nest minutes before!

They were amazing to watch, touch and hold! After the ranger spoke we were able to take a quick photo and then stand in a line while the little tackers were led by torchlight to the ocean. What an awesome experience! Watching this endangered species get such a great start to life! We were also extra blessed in being able to get a quick glimpse of a mother loggerhead turtle laying a nest of eggs unusually late in the season! Creation never ceases to amaze me!

Saturday 25th February, 2012. Lamplight Bazaar.

We had the opportunity last night to go to the Maryborough Lamplight Bazaar which included a look through Gatagers Art Space with local art displays and dinner at the Post Office Hotel (which proudly displays Jasines Uncle's oil painting in the dining room).

We then took a 'Night in the Museum Tour' where there where live, dressed up characters telling stories and enactments of the past.  It was a fantastic engaging learning experience for the kids (and us)! We followed that with a slightly less factual but fun 'Haunts Tour' by lantern light around some of the old buildings. A fantastic night.

For Ma.

In my mind I always knew,
This time would come to pass,
But knowing it and living it,
Has come and gone so fast.

Goodbye is very hard to say,
It hurts so very much,
Though you've not gone, your spirit remains,
In the hearts and lives you've touched.

I will ever remember your courage Ma,
Your joy and your content,
That carried you through both your living and dying,
No matter what challenges were met.

You were so considerate of all above yourself,
Until the very end,
And accepted all for who they were,
A true, forgiving friend.

I thank God for the precious time we had,
Memories that will in my heart forever remain,
My beautiful Ma, be free now and dance,
Until one day, we meet again.

I love you and miss you,
Jasine xx

Our final Goodbye to our beautiful Ma

Today, the 23rd February 2012 we celebrated the life of our Ma, Mrs Gloria Shooter. Ma passed away at home on Thursday the 16th February, just 2 weeks before her 86th birthday. A lovely service with all she wanted including the release of 20 butterflies to close.

Ma was a beautiful Ma, Mum, sister and friend to many and we will miss her. It was such a special 6 weeks caring for such a couragous, joyful, contented lady and I thank God for the opportunity and priveledge to share her final weeks with her and her loved ones.

We have had special times with extended family, at the beach Ma loved so much, Hervey Bay, and discovering more about the local town Maryborough. We will soon set of on the next leg of our journey, but will never forget the very special time we have had here.