Sunday 24 September

After both services were finished, the Parish put on a 'wish you well' brunch for us. Plenty of food and good wishes, it was a fun time.

A talented handful of singers, under the direction of our equally talented Director of Music, Barbara, did a skit, well, sang an original piece Barb had written...to the tune....'Stand by your Man'.....to new words...."Stand by your Dean"!!! Very funny, performed with gusto and very moving. The esteem that Phillip is held was evident and I was so proud. It was a wonderful gathering and we appreciated it enormously.

I, the "time-keeper", ensured we left the hall at 12.30, having final things to do at home, mainly, final packing and ensuring all Olly's needs were met....gee, I am going to miss him. Judy Dau, our friend, on the other hand has the privilege of being his prime carer. I say, "prime" because our Olly is the joy of our immediate neighbours. However, I have made a bargain with Judy, in return of being blessed to spend 10 weeks with Olly, she should fill-in vacant times as "guide" in the Cathedral, which she agreed to do...win, win really.

Getting to airport...my initial plan was to hire a car from Goulburn, and drive to hotel, unpack luggage, drop the car at airport and shuttle over to the hotel, then collect hire car on our return, drive us home and return the car at Goulburn...however, that changed last Thursday. Phillip conducted a funeral inconjunction with our friends RJ Sidney funeral directors, and John Crooks and Phil were talking "holidays". John mentioned a airport transfer service recently started in Goulburn. I phoned them for details and it turned out to be cheaper than hire cars. I cancelled our hire services and booked Dean from Goulburn Tours & Transfers. A great decision.

Dean arrived at the Deanery 1.50pm, loaded all our luggage into his immaculate black Skoda with white leather interior. Very spacious, air conditioned, bottle water provided and we sat back for the 2 hour trip direct to our hotel. It was the best decision and Dean (or his associate) will be at the airport on our arrival back into Sydney, despite the late hour arrival. If we are weary, then we can sleep and he will deliver us to the door.

The photo is the lobby of Rydges at Sydney airport, literally 100 metre walk to the departure terminal. We had a lovely evening, the suite was spacious and we had a delightful dinner in their restaurant. Retired reasonably early ready for our big day......We are on our way!