Mon, 6 Aug - Elder Haley taught the seminary lesson this morning. Kerry Arthur is doing better but not fully recovered from the dental surgery - it was a bit rough on her. Elder Haley had to call the US and order a new temple recommend booklet for President Norman. We called Carlingford to verify when young missionaries would be coming back to Grafton. Stopped by Shellie Long to get her address and deliver a card from Relief Society. Then out to get with Joyce Wallbank and go looking for platypus one more time. We were able to see one swimming in the Nymboida river, but it was raining and not as comfy as 2 weeks before. But we still had a great time with Joyce. We are going to miss her.
Tue, 7 Aug - Sister Haley taught seminary this morning, so Elder Haley had a day off. After that we got home and then picked up Patricia Stiller and drove out to Yamba (1 hour) to visit with Fraser & Lydia Mathieson. We had lunch with them and were able to get Patricia introduced and develop a bit of a relationship with Lydia. Then home to deliver Patricia back to her shop for a 2 pm appointment. We started baking choc chip cookies before going to Mandi & Kevin Lynch's for dinner. After dinner we had musical pieces played for us by Joseph and Declan. When we got home, we finished the choc chip cookies and also Sards the collars of Elder Haley's white shirts so the sweat stains were removed.
Wed, 8 Aug - out final early morning seminary class 😪😫😭 with Arielle. We did deliver the Hanks, both during and after class 😀 Then a call to Elder Haley's mum via Skype. We made a mad dash back to Maclean to see Lavina (the Price's daughter) and be with Joan Hibberd one more time. She is a lovely lady and mentally sharp, despite having Parkinsons. We swung by the Price's to get a signature on a paper for Church. Then pulled into Church just in time for Primary activity (and choc chip cookies). Elder Haley met with Levera Cave and went over Primary and RS things with her. A quick bite at home and then back for FHC and YW. Leah (from primary activity) is now attending YW and that is great since she is of another faith - she is a lovely girl and enjoys our activities.
Thu, 9 Aug - Tom Jones stopped by around 0930 to pick up a dresser. He placed it on his Ute and I offered to help him unload it when we came out for dinner later tonight. We went over to FHC (10am - 12pm) and helped organise a new bookcase. Got lost doing something in the afernoon and then headed out to the Jones' for dinner at 6pm. Amanda & Arielle came out for dinner as well. We were given some nice Aussie gifts to remember them & OZ by. Elaine Jones fixed a superb dinner - like she always does.
Fri, 10 Aug - Did chores and errands in the morning. We picked up Shane and took him to his appointment at Headspace in the afternoon. While he was there we popped into the South Grafton nursing home and visited with his gran, Dorothy Ledwidge. It was a good thing we did because she was sure we had forgotten her and she was about to disinherit us 😊 We picked up Shane and took him home and rushed back home to fix dinner for our last dinner with Scott.
Sat, 11 Aug - Mike met President Norman at 0800 to bring beds & chairs from his shed for the young elders. We took our queen bed, dining table & chairs to the Leachs. They were very happy to receive them. President Norman headed home and Mike stayed at the Leachs to fix a few things and wait for Margaret to pick him up. Then we drove up to Lawrence to meet with Lorraine & Darrell Binskin (and Alpacas) for an hour or so, and to say "see you later". Then home and fix dinner to take over to the Normans (Dave, Beth Spencer & Emma). Then we tried to finish packing - what a joke, but thank goodness we have the car to stuff things into - now we will have to really pack in Sydney.
Sun, 12 Aug - Branch Presidency meeting at 0730. Branch Council at 0830. Normal Sunday meetings from 10am to 1pm. We helped with other things after Church and left around 4pm. We are staying the night with Kerry Arthur. She had Avocado boats (avocado filled with a salsa) ready for us for dinner. We visited until about 9pm and then we all headed for bed. Kerry is to teach seminary tomorrow morning and we have to pack the car and drive to Sydney. Kerry is sensitive to electromagnet fields and lights, so we ate by candle light and had minimal lighting. NO cell phones. It was different but it was wonderful to be able to share.
Part of the welcoming committee as we go for our second platypus viewing trip
Joyce Wallbank checking out a side pond for playtpus
The car is surrounded by the welcoming committee
Oops, we forgot to bring the feed for the committee dinner. Now we are in trouble.
Joyce & Mike checking out part of the Nymboida river for Platypus
no platypus, but we did find a python
Lunch is being served to the hungry platypus hunters
The chef - Joseph Lynch and our dinner
Joseph at the piano
Declan at the drums
Joseph, Rosie, Kevin, Mandi, Declan Lynch
our last day in Seminary with Arielle
Primary activity day. We are building something, but I am not sure what it is - but the boys do
Elder & Sister Haley with TJ Baker
Leah & Mason with the Haleys
The Young Women - Arielle, Beth & Emma, Willow, Shellie, Tia, Leah
Princess getting all dressed up for the wedding
The Family History Centre, Grafton Branch
Tom, Arielle, Amanda, Elaine Jones
Amanda & Arielle
Arielle, Elaine, Margaret, Mike, Tom Jones
Scott Howard & Haleys - our last dinner together at the flat
Alpaca herd at the Binskin's, Lawrence NSW
A close up of some of the Alpaca
Sarah & Rachel Rapmund
Vicki Carter, Joyce Price, Acacia
Marama Paewai holding Benson To'ia
Tui Paewai & Mandi Lynch
Tabitha Best & Peter Arnull
Rain Best with others in the background
Tevita & Tia To'ia
Beth Norman heading into the feed line
Margaret & Amanda Jones
The feed line for our last luncheon at the Grafton Branch
More of the feed line -Manahi, Tama, Tui Paewai, Mike, Joseph Lynch, Tom Jones, Pearce & Lucky Paewai, Peter Arnull
Some of the Grafton Branch in the feed line
Joyce Wallbank, Mike, Peter Arnull
Benson, Tabitha holding Emma
Willow Best, Arielle Keenes, Spencer Norman
Sarah & Rachel Rapmund
Pearl, Tabitha, Clive, Rain Best (missing are Willoe & Sage)
Haleys & Bests - Clive, Tabitha, Willow, Rain, Sage, Pearl
Primary boys (Spencer, Tama, Manahi, Sage, Rain) in their natural state, with Elder Haley
Stafford Paewai & Clive Best
Manahi Paewai
Elaine Jones & Margaret
Joseph & Declan Lynch with Haleys
Margaret & Patricia Stiller
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