Time to make the donuts...

Today I drove Rob to the airport and he took off to Hobart in order to have his first shift at Calvary Hospital tomorrow.  We didn't exactly plan it this way.  Our intention was for the both of us to be in Melbourne while Maggie served her quarantine sentence and we had hoped we'd see more of the mainland while we holidayed here during April.  We did accomplish many goals in the past two weeks and we feel more established in the land of OZ.  I guess going back to work is just another way of feeling right at home.

Rob neatly packed his bike box with all his clothing.  We'll bring his freshly assembled bike by ferry to Hobart

Now, I understand that Rob needs to start work and how its better for me to stay in Melbourne to check on Maggie and provide her a ton of treats.  But this city suddenly feels bigger without my favorite companion.  Rob and I are getting married in June and if this traveling experience has taught me anything thus far, it is that Rob is the man for me.  I literally thank God for his love and friendship and cannot imagine life without him by my side.  I'm the lucky one.  Ok, I'll stop being sappy.

After dropping Rob off, I "wandered" over to the mall to dampen my sorrow and lighten my wallet.   Believe it or not, it was a successful shopping excursion.  There are up sides to being in Melbourne by myself.  I had left- overs for dinner tonight and with the TV remote, completely under my finger tips, I watched the shows: "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding", "Everyone Loves Raymond" and the movie, "What to Expect when Your Expecting".  Note: I am not expecting, I repeat, I am not expecting- its just a chick flick with a lot of popular actors.  It was a very cute movie.

Born to shop

As Rob goes back to work, my plans are to catch up on emails, wedding plans, reading for leisure, people watching, cafe/bakery visits and Facetime appts.  I may venture out to a few tourist attractions in Melbourne on my own but only if I can fit it into my schedule :)  As usual, I'll update the blog with anything of interest.  Rob will fly back late Friday night for the weekend then return to Hobart for one more week before the three of us are completely reunited. We have booked Maggie and I's flight out to Hobart on May 12th.  Freedom day.

Maggie enjoying a meat pie during our last visit. She hated it.

Pause the ball throwing for some petting

I welcome any suggestions for what I should do here in Melbourne during my solo time.  And by the way, Maggie continues to do well in Spotswood.  During our last visit, we met a woman who was blurry eyed from tears and appeared upset, much like myself, two weeks ago.  She just moved from Canada and her dog has not been eating and appears very distressed to her. We related our experience with Maggie and shared the news about the possible shortened quarantine period from 30 to 10 days.  She stood there, snot nosed and exasperated, "how does that help us now!"  At that point, I wanted to throw my arm around her shoulder and say, "oh, honey- it doesn't help us a bit but at least we are not the only ones who think this is too long".  Instead we continued talking about our dogs and how they seem to adjust over time. I hope she sees some positive changes in her dog soon.

A view of downtown Melbourne through the docks in St. Kilda.
 I went for a walk several days ago and snapped this pic.