October 2025

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1st - the great clean up continued as the house was prepared for sale Removalists had been and the rooms scrubbed up well. . .
. Even the garage that Stephen and Brother Chris built in for storage was sparkling. Paulie farewelled Rosie the cat's grave and Stephen checked on Rusty Dog's resting place. And it was done.
2nd - after final touches it was farewell to the family home of 20+ years. The sale settled on October 10th. 3rd - The duo was kindly welcomed into the St Lucia Atherton's home for a couple of nights after removalists emptied the house. Weary Stephen took time out It was time to go after saying goodbye to Chris and Louise. Stephen and Paulie started their drive to Adelaide. Lunch stop in Ulmarra in New South Wales
. 4th - In Adelaide Olivia was busy socially in between her training for the upcoming Melbourne marathon Meanwhile the guys were on the Hume Highway near Canberra after having stayed the previous night in Port Macquarie. Arriving for the night in Yass
Olivia and Pal after a post run coffee in Unley 5th - A driving break at Jugiong before the final run to visit Jon and Margaret. They arrived in the evening and enjoyed a lovely meal with Margaret whilst Jon was out hunting feral deer. 6th - The duo woke up to a lovely day in Victoria's Yandoit Hills to see the Outridges .
An inspection of their vineyard A spin to Anderson's Mill in Smeaton . Canola fields brought colour to the region
Back down the road near Jon and Margaret's are Paulie's Scottish friends ... Highland cattle Jon's vineyard and vigneron skills created his own red honouring the Italian settler who built the house. Rather nice. But before we could enjoy the red, a trip to nearby paddocks was in order .
. Given Stephen's rural attire, he was asked to do a wee country jig to earn his glass of 2025 Chateau Bergamo Time to chill .
The reward was well received 7th - back on the road Time to head into South Australia 2455 km drive completed
7th - Arriving at Olivia's in Adelaide's Renown Park where the duo stayed for three nights The garden was alive with spring activity. The poppies were crowded with bees 10th - time to relocate to St Peters in Adelaide to housesit and care for pets. Time to meet Louis and feline pal Zelda on one of the Avenues in St Peters.
The guys are soon reminded that Labradors have one thing on their mind. Food. Louis liked to take Stephen on walks. Mostly to look for food scaps . Stephen lectured Louis on the need for a balanced diet and exercise. Soon morning runs would be on the agenda
Zelda, on the other hand, was too old to start an exercise programme. 11th - Olivia and Adelaide pals were in Melbourne for the marathon. With her number and runner geotags, the duo were ready to follow her progress remotely. 12th - Olivia completed the 42 km run and lived to tell the tale! Into the MCG and marathon completed in 4 hours 19
Well deserved medal and rest . Not the only family member in town - Pete (niece Shari's husband) also finished the challenge
Not a marathon, but also out and about - time to explore the avenues and walk to the River Torrens 16th - Michael arrived from France and stayed at a nearby hotel to see his sister Liz who was in care and in poor health. 18th - a rather furry morning greeitng! Having shaken off dog fur (Louis' winter coat was malting and fur was everywhere) , the trio headed to Stirling for lunch
then to Ashton Hills for a wine tasting . And back to dogsitting routines VIDEO- Paulie caught the lads out for a "run"
Often Paulie joined the lads on her bicycle as they went to the St Peters Billabong and the river . Louise fetched a book when Paulie was ready for a read after cycling. However, her notebook was not her preferred reading material This was
Zelda came in from the cold to rest with the team . But soon returned to the sun And a brush when she fed
28th - The guys headed out for a longer cycle. . VIDEO - the Torrens cycle path ran beside the O-Bahn Busway used by buses to guide and speed them along away from streets when possible Louis believed that cleaning the pavers outside was play time
Exhausting play 31st- Birthday boy Stephen turned 66 so a small dinner at Cafè di Roma was in order. Party time was planned at a joint birthday gathering in the Adelaide Hill the week after (Paulie's birthday is November 7).