We're back

And in the past few weeks have:

• Driven from Sydney to Melbourne via the coast
• Seen kangaroos up so close at Durras North
• Camped within two metres of a goanna and a black snake
• Bought beautiful pottery at Cobargo
• Found new relationships with family and friends
• Had a welcome reminder of 'home' with the story of Pelorus Jack retold at Eden whale museum
• Celebrated a birthday with a harbour cruise and extravagant meal in Merimbula
• Paddle-boated around the estuary at Lakes Entrance (and disobeyed the rules by going just outside the marker buoy
• Walked through bush, along beaches, and through amazing mazes
• Tasted and bought wine at Foxeys hangout
• Watched New Year fireworks in Melbourne (from a distance)
• Traveled home by train (2 1/2 hours late!)
• Packed away all the Christmas decorations
  
• Heard Shane Claiborn in person
  
• Swum on the Gold Coast
  
• And finished an academic paper for publication. worked hard on course books for the new year, started lecture notes (again for the new year), pulled a thigh muscle, moved into a new office (at same workplace), started the knitting of a warm winter jumper (sweater/ jersey) (for the Oklahoma-bound family member, loved, laughed, planned faith formation development day.
• Known joy