Muttaburra-Isisford

Back in Isisford! mostly driving again today. Michelle and Andrew both competed early. I heard Andrews run while I was still getting out of bed, he did quite well and was happy with it. And I watched Michelle's just before I headed to the shower, and she also did well, since she hasn't competed much before.
By the time I got back to the truck, we were all packed up and ready to go, so I said goodbye to the neighbours. Andrew and Michelle wanted to have a look at a truck for sale, so I waited in the car and gave my Aunty Sandra in Alice Springs a call. I will be travelling to Birdsville Races with her, and needed to find out when we had to leave, so I didn't miss my ride. Both of us being Browns however, that two minute call turned into almost an hour. Which didn't matter, because that was how long the others were looking at the truck. Also, that water bird-turned-bush turkey I saw a couple of days ago.. Turns out I know even less about birds than I thought (Which wasn't much). Upon further discussion with Sandra, we decided it may be a Bustard. Google has confirmed this. The waterbird/bush turkey is definitely a Bustard! 

waterbird-bush turkey-BUSTARD

After the truck and a couple of laps around Muttaburra, we stopped at the shop (I was amazed it was open Sunday) to fill up their truck, and to try and get a post card for Hayden, but I couldn't find one. I also went and had a look at the Muttaburrasaurus display across the road.

Muttaburrasaurus

Basically the sign says that the best fossil skeleton of a dinosaur found no where else in the world was found two miles for Muttaburra, Western QLD in 1965(I think). The huge creature lived 100million years ago and the replica is based on the found skeleton skeleton is now returned to Muttaburra and the land it once roamed. Now I use my little brother Hayden as an excuse, 'Oh I'm taking a photo for my little brother' but I actually love dinosaurs. My cousin Anthony and I spent the first 8 years of our lives pretty much inseparable, and one of the things he got me interested in was dinosaurs. And Goosebumps books and vampires(before they were 'cool'), but that's irrelevant. So I have always had this fascination with them. In 2006 we went to Winton, where they have preserved footprints from a dinosaur stampede- I will be going there again this week because it is so cool!
I did have a rather frustrating start to the morning when I found a reed mark on my bum. Now this may seem odd, but I'm telling you for a reason. One of the things paras (and quads) have to be constantly aware of, is their skin. You can tell if something is sore, or doesn't feel right, but we don't have that luxury. If we aren't constantly checking our skin, we could have a sore, (from sitting still too long, from sitting on something hot or sharp, or any number of reason) and if we don't look after it because we don't realise anything is wrong, it can easily turn into an ulcer that takes months of bed rest to heal. So you can understand my concern. I already have three too many holes to contend with. Fortunately ts not on my tailbone, so it should be ok, but I'll have to keep a close eye on it. I'm actually surprised it didn't send me over the edge... Normally that would have been enough to send me into crying mess, so I'm not sure if it's because I'm learning to deal with it better, or if it's because I'm so far from home (and Mum's overseas) and I have to deal with it myself. Either way, I was rather impressed with myself!
One thing about all this driving, I have a lot of thinking time to myself. It did occur to me on the way home that I have had a lot to drink these past few days. I mean only 1-2, but for me to drink three days in a row is a lot. I was thinking back to the Easter run (a series of four rodeos in four days throughout Victoria over the Easter weekend) when the boys all went off to get tattoos, and how they all bled because they had been drinking. I was wondering if alcohol would help increase blood flow to my feet... I'm joking Mum!!!!
Now anyone who knows me, knows I'm a country music fan. I have a song on my ipod by Eric Church, an American artist, called I Thank God I Ain't (What I Almost Was). I think I handle my lot in life pretty well, but that song always reminds me of what I have lost. It doesn't make me sad as such, but it puts me in a rather somber and thoughtful mood. I find it very thought provoking. You should listen to it (youtube) and maybe you'll find something you're thankful you're not.
Well I got back to the house ok, but when I sent Andrew a text from Ilfracomb, they were pulled upon the side of the road, because something in the gooseneck was broken. I found that a bit funny, because we had only been talking about Stephie's ute this morning, how that was likely to break down at any moment, then they broke down. Twisted sense of humour I know, how do you think I have survived the last four and a half years????
So I got back and got myself inside (I have to get out of my chair onto the veranda, lift my chair up, then get back in) and sat down for a chat with Maggie, Michelle's mum. She is a little peculiar, but reminds me of Laura, one of the ladies who I was in rehab with. They both make me think of the word 'gumtion'. One of the cats was under my chair yesterday and she told me they would never learn to move out of the way. I told her they would if they got run over enough times. Now I would never run over anyone on purpose, so I was rather taken aback when she told me 'if that's the case, I won't be sorry to see you leave'. Well. But I do like her, I suspect she was rather like me when she was younger....
The four of use all sat down to watch a movie after tea (Maggie's poached eggs), Shutter Island I think it was. A strange movie. I still don't know if I liked it..

Well, that pretty much sums up my day, hope yours wasn't too dull in comparison hehe