Winds of Change

I feel like fainting. Getting up this morning, I decided to pop two houses down to Romano and Philomena's for Turkish coffee, a shot of grappa and a quick catch-up since returning home from Gundy. The latest news?  Our beloved neighbours and friends of twenty five years have sold their house.

They've been trying to sell for a couple of years, but have been in two minds really as to what the best outcome is for their future. To stay or to go. Back to Croatia, with roots in France and Ukraine too. As Philomena would say 'God has answered'. If they don't change their mind during the cooling off period, in one weeks time, then done deal.

I feel like my world is changing. They moved up here on the Gold Coast the same time we did. We built our houses together, we lived like gypsies in caravans, we helped one another.  When I went to hospital to give birth to Mitch, Philomena looked after my gorgeous blonde little Issy who was two years old at the time. She was in Philomena's very capable hands and we still laugh and talk about that week when the only thing Larissa would eat was "sausage". Philomena cooked and processed all kinds of veggies to feed her, but Issy snubbed her nose at everything and only wanted "thauthage". Just one little story that comes to mind. There's a million others just like it.

Oh dear. As we stand at the gate chatting, Hubby drives by in Larissa's car. He pulls up and we tell him the news. He turns off the engine and steps out. Monsterous news he says. The next minute a car drives into our place. He races back. Tree loppers in the area wanting to know if we needed any trees taken out. They'd been working next door for the old bat that everyone in the street despises. They tell him she is selling up and needed the trees cleared. 

Wow. She's lived here for twenty five years too! What is going on; although I don't mind hearing that bit of news.  While we try and work out what to do for Christmas, Philomena tells me they'll be going to Moreton Island for their last christmas in Australia.  Oh no. Then Hubby pipes up that he received an email where he might have to commission some machines in the Ukraine from the 24th December and not be here for Christmas.

As I waddle into my drive I'm thinking 'gee it's a windy day and lovely to get all the sheets done'. I wipe away my tears. Honestly wind, I don't need anymore knocking about. This morning has thrown me way too many upheavals.

Forget breakfast. Some chocolate cake and strong coffee (again) to help me settle as I look through my kitchen window and am reminded that nothing every really stays the same.