12/12/2025 more morning tea and the Ryken-Rapps.

Today we were supposed to be visiting Fremantle Markets but to be honest I was dreading it. The forecast was for the high 30’s and I can think of nothing worse than being surrounded by people. With the amount of rage I’ve got bubbling beneath the surface someone would have ended up the victim of a crutch related injury, and trust me, it wouldn’t have been me

Imagine my delight when I had a message off mamma saying she’d pick me up at 0945 and we were meeting Huw and Brian at Hilary’s. Julie and I instantly thought she and Brian were staging an intervention over Carol, but her name never came up in the conversation, Mama Kay had been awake all night because she was so irritated by her! Bless her. 

The florentine was on point as expected and the company spot on. Brian was interested to hear about the Terracotta Warriors as he’d missed out so I showed him the photos I’d taken. He’s going to go another day now he knows it’s worth visiting. Morning tea lasted two and half hours and after saying our goodbyes Mamma and I made our way to the food hall for some lunch. To be perfectly frank the amount of food I’ve consumed since landing in Australia I wasn’t really that hungry so just had a fruit smoothie while mamma had some chips and her favourite spearmint thick shake. We took our time as there was no rush and it’s just nice to sit and watch the world go by sometimes. The chairs were surprisingly comfortable so butt discomfort didn’t drive us from there. Eventually though we were ready to leave the blissfully cool air conditioned Mall and head outside to find the car. I had taken a photograph of where we’d parked it this time so we wouldn’t lose it again and have to spend an hour in boiling hot sunshine on larva tarmac looking for it. 

The next part of the day was to head down to Carey’s and get in her pool which is currently passing itself off as a hot bath. I was so pleased to sink into it and take the weight off my aching body. I stayed in til I was so wrinkled I looked like I was 209 years old. But my god it was soooo good floating on my back with brilliant sunshine on my face. 

Carey and Ray's grandson Koda was dropped off for a sleepover and oh my goodness I could eat that kid he’s so cute. Ari and Clarissa are out at  Christmas events so Keckles and grandad are babysitting, and I get to have loads of cuddles and kisses. Eli, Chrissy, their 2 year old little princess River and 6 week old Kyah arrived just after 5 and the noise level increased a couple of hundred decibels, by the time Katelyn and Stevie arrived it was sheer bedlam kids and dogs everywhere and simply perfect. Kids are a wonderful distraction. And the Ryken-Rapps are just fantastic families. I’ve known Katelyn, Ari and Eli since they were little kids and they’ve turned out to be great human beings and just the best parents. I found out today I have been known since forever to Ari as bandana girl. When I came over when Erin and Morgan were little, I had a red Bandana that Ari took a liking to. When I left I gave it to him and he wore it constantly and the name bandana girl has been mine ever since. I love this.

Dinner was the usual boisterous affair with Carey and Ray in their absolute element, most of their babies and grandbabies gathered around the table laughing and joking around as they looked on with love and pride.  I had sooooo many baby cuddles and kisses,  played games with Koda and River which Si would have thoroughly enjoyed and has missed out on, but it was incredible being surrounded by so much love. The babies were out on their feet by 2100 and starting to get tearful so everyone started making a move for home. Another perfectly lovely lazy day with some of the best people.

Julie had her work Christmas lunch today at a winery not too far away. A nice wine sampling session before hand and then a three course meal which she said was incredible. Obviously she bought wine whilst she was there ! I had the “and what time do you call this to be coming home young lady” when we got back which amused me no end!  I had a glass of wine with her and then went to bed. 

There have been a couple of nasty fires not far from where Julie’s fiancée Lawrie lives, but luckily for him the wind has blown it away from him. A lot of roads are closed and he has to take his Mum to hospital today and he said driving along the highway one side is green and the other side is smouldering ash. The fires were started deliberately but luckily no one has been hurt , it must be just devastating to have lost absolutely everything particularly, this close to Christmas. 

Due to the current high temperatures everyone is 

On high alert and taking extra precautions as it’s so dry. 

Had phone call from Dylan tonight, he’s been for his uniform fitting and got his photo done for his warrant card so is very excited for his start date in January. His new Magnum work boots have arrived and his number one dress shoes so I think he’s all set. Initial training is for 16 weeks and his passing out parade will be at the end of it. He’s hoping that he can invite me and June to that so I better start thinking about a return flight! Obviously he wanted Si there for it but me and Nanna are the next best thing apparently after his mum and dad.  That boy is  such an awesome kid. Si would be so bloody proud of him and would have been giving him endless words of wisdom and advice and everyone would have been hearing about Dylan’s progress. Pretty much like they are now I guess, but in stereo. 

Much love

Mrs Leonard

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