September 2016 | Page 14

planned to double back on our tracks this time, avoiding the dirt between Windorah and Bedourie. I don’t think it was any kind of premonition but as it turned out we wouldn’t have been able to get through on the dirt anyway, because of the state of the road following rain. With an early start we arrived at Boulia in good time. Over the next week staying some nights in there and some in Bedourie we were able to visit properties as well as catching up in town. In fact as it turned out we didn’t go to as many properties this year because our time in Bedourie coincided with a mini-school for the children enrolled at Mt. Isa. We were able to call in a smoko and have a yarn with the Mums. It was great to see you all as we travelled around, to meet those who have moved out there since our last trip and to hear some of your news! We were especially glad to be in town the night of Joyce Crombie’s farewell.You will be missed, Joyce. I hope we can catch up in Longreach before too long. Cath returned to the big city last Thursday. We covered a lot of territory in the two weeks. I know that she enjoyed her time and the opportunity to catch up with some of you. It’s a very different life in Sydney! Her many photos of a transformed country will be a reminder to her of the years she spent here and the reason that you choose (mostly!) to stay through the tough times. I am conscious though that some of you are hoping to sell/relocate in the coming months. I hope that the change goes well. New adventures ahead! Before I say goodbye for the moment, I want to assure those of you who have been through challenging times with health issues that you are in my prayers. May you be blessed with kind carers and inner peace. If predictions are correct there is more rain ahead. Hopefully this means gradual recovery from the last few years. May you soon recoup losses and feel joy and hope for the future whatever decisions you may need to make, whatever you may need to let go. Take care. Look after each other. People are so precious. May our loving God bless you Love and prayers Mary P.S. Don’t forget that you are welcome to call in if you are passing through Barcy! Mary’s personal email: Community email: Telephone: [email protected] [email protected] 4651 2939 (switched forward when away). If ever you are in Barcaldine and would like to call in for a cuppa, please feel welcome at 115 Gidyea Street, on the south east corner of Box and Gidyea, a white house, no fence, just along from Noel’s tyre repair place. RFDS (Longreach) Lifeline MensLine Australia 4652 5800 13 11 14 1300 78 99 78 Rural Financial Counsellor (Rachel Bock, Longreach) Kids Helpline Beyondblue info line Relationships Australia 1800 55 1800 1300 22 4636 1300 364 277 0427 583 096 On the eve of Spring, a couple of photos taken along the way out west! Love and prayers, Mary Desert Yarns  September 2016 13