Day 49 COOMALIE

4 AUGUST 2021

We have settled into the Coomalie rhythm of life now. I could get very used to living in this lovely place. Although it does get hot, I think I am slowly acclimatising. James has lent us a spare generator to run our air conditioner at night, which makes sleeping a breeze.

The local ant community has been rather more invasive than we would prefer. Little swarms of tiny red Darwin Ants have been turning up in drawers, behind cupboards, and most inconveniently tried to share our bed the other night. They are so tiny but when they bite, they sting, and the area (in my case anyway) swells up and is most uncomfortable. With advice from our friends, we have set up a counter attack to the invasion and I think we might be reaching victory against the ants. Norm discovered the last point of entry today – the water pipe. Here’s hoping that battle is won.

Coomalie Farm is an amazing place – not only is it the site of an old WWII Air field; where Norm’s Dad served during WWII with the air field construction units; it’s the site of old pre war market gardens; a place where modern young Australian Airforce and Army cadets come to bivouac for a few days; a place where, at any time, a small plane might land on the runway and the pilot will pause for morning tea before taking off again; it is a place where a couple might come to marry in the chapel; it’s a site for serious orienteering competitions called Rogaining 9 and so much more. Did I mention the Marina?

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There is a feeling of vibrancy, community and life here, as well as the sense of history and the echos of footsteps of all the people who have lived here before. I feel so very blessed to be welcomed into this place with the open arms of Richard, Denise and James.

Yesterday, 3 August was James’ birthday, so Norm and I cooked up a roast leg of lamb, with hasselback potatoes, peas, carrots, cauliflower au gratin and gravy (by Denise). That was followed by bread and butter custard and good cheer.

It was also the evening before James was booked in to hospital for heart surgery, so there was a quiet, pensive atmosphere to our party celebrations.

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This morning, after receiving instructions for the minding of Conan, Chinner, Carli and the birds; and also lots of hugs and best wishes, we farewelled James and Denise on their journey up to Darwin.

Finally after a long day wondering how he was going, Denise rang with the great news that the operation was over, and James was well enough to ring her. They should be back home with us tomorrow. Modern medicine is SO amazing,