People in my neighbourhood.

A guy I met this morning asked me why all these kids aren't at school? They are at school, I replied, the school of life! Fair enough he said, I was worried but I guess they were better behaved than some of the adults around here last night.

This morning we met a couple with two kids, a nine year old boy and a seven year old girl. Both were born on the same date two years apart. November 15th. Our Indi's birthday too.

This morning we met an Irish guy on a one year working visa working at a bar in the middle of nowhere for twelve weeks. He really enjoyed the work and said the bosses treated the staff very well.

Another guy we met this morning was filling up a big, plastic tub with soapy water. He was going to chuck the family's dirty laundry in and let the agitation of the drive to the next caravan park wash it clean for them. I love this simple idea and probably should consider doing the same, but the convenience of three dollars for a washing machine at the next caravan park wins every time.

This morning two guys on camping chairs sat outside their caravan and watched as Bren reversed our van into it's spot. Occasionally they yelled out comments at us. About three hours later we sat on our camping chairs outside our caravan eating sandwiches and watching a guy reverse his caravan into it's spot. It was hard at times, but we didn't call out any comments at all.

This afternoon we met a couple who had poured talcum powder on every part of their caravan that touched the ground so the ants don't climb up inside. I wonder if it'll work.

This afternoon, I heard a woman tell her husband off over and over and over for how he was parenting their children. I'm certain that after a while he stopped listening to her, the same way she accused him of saying the same thing over and over and the kids not listening to him. Get in the car! Get in the car! Stop repeating yourself! Stop repeating yourself!

This afternoon a man in a cap walked past the spot where I was giving Farmer Bren a number two haircut. I offered to cut his hair next but he said he'd been done too recently.

This afternoon we saw a couple fishing in a water hole where there was a sign that read No Fishing! So not cool. Indi was most upset and really wanted to tell them off, but I thought it was safer to leave.

This evening the girls met and danced with a little girl called Jamie Lea. Jamie Lea lives here in Mataranka and goes to the local primary school. She showed us her t'shirt with the school name on it to prove it. She gets to swim in the thermal springs sometimes, but not all the time. My girls thought it was a bit odd that Jamie Lea lives where they are on holidays. I guess they don't remember that it happens all the time in reverse in their town in Daylesford.

I think if you had met me today you would probably think I was a happy, present, attentive, interested Mother. Except for that bit when I got cross with my middle child for constantly complaining about everything.

All pics in this post were taken at The Devils Marbles, NT.

The last pic was taken just after two enormous road trains drove up to the peaceful scene. The drivers jumped out and marched towards us. I was certain they were going to tell us we had to leave so they could do road works or something, but instead they got out their cameras and started snapping photos of the amazing view. You can see them there on top of one of the trucks getting a better view.

And finally, a HUGE thank you for all your kind and helpful comments on my last post. I needed to write that post to get it out and I needed to read your words of wisdom. I am having internet issues so visiting and commenting and emailing have been difficult but I read and considered and loved every one.

I do hope everything is sunshiney in your world.

Bye. xx