What a Difference a Year Can Make

The other day, while on Facebook, a 'memory' popped up. It was a photo taken of us parked at the Balmoral Reserve, a year ago. This got Bernie and I chatting about the different path our life has taken in the last 12 months.

This time last year we were living on the road in our fifth wheel, we'd camped overnight at Balmoral. I remember that evening well, the unusual cloud formations and the gorgeous sunset.

Last year certainly brought along some changes ...

We headed home because Paddy (our big, fur-baby) became really ill, and it was easier for us to manage him back at home. Moving from place to place meant changing vets and we wanted to stay with the same vet and keep to the same treatment plan. When Paddy became too ill to travel far, we parked the rig and truck up and settled into the Nelson lifestyle again. It was impractical having the rig sitting around not being used - the sensible thing to do, was to sell it.

It didn't take long for the fifth wheeler & truck to be sold. We have many memories of our time on the road. It was an amazing chapter of our lives, full of adventures, meeting new people and discovering new places. And of course, at times, there were a few hiccups but they only added to the experience. 

After the rig went, we were still keen to have a motorhome. And after a few months of looking around, we bought a Toyota Coaster bus. Being only 7metres, it meant I could drive it on a car licence. And because it's small we're able to park it up our drive and zip away for day trips (when Paddy was well enough).

And then, sadly, we lost our beautiful Paddy. He fought so hard to stay with us and we fought hard alongside him. We did all we could to keep him. But it wasn't to be.

So our little fur-family went from three to two.

It wasn't long after we arrived home, that we found jobs. Bernie operated a digger in a quarry. And, I went back teaching. However, even on the job front, there were to be changes ahead. At the start of this year (2019), we decided it was time to try different jobs. So, next week Bernie begins work as a Night Porter and I start as a Team Leader supporting people with disabilities.

And half way through the year, another change in direction popped up. We bought a block of native bush in Westland. A perfect spot to visit in the bus. And, eventually Bernie will build a little bach there.

While there have been lots of positives aspects about being back home, the biggest one has been to be back near family. My daughter, Becs, got engaged while we were on the road and I felt bad to be away when she was celebrating such a special event. Being back home, meant being on hand to be part of the wedding planning and organising. 

Last weekend, Becs and Hamish got married!  And we were there to enjoy the lead up and every minute of their 'Big Day'.

After such a busy year, full of new directions I thought this year might be more laid back. But it's not panning out to be ...
I'm absolutely over the moon and fizzing with excitement about my first grand baby arriving in June!!! Such a blessing.

The proud & happy parents-to-be.

So, a lot can happen in 12 months and as the title of this blog post says, 'What a difference a year can make'.