Settling back into Darwin lifestyle

Extremely happy to see our house was left clean and tidy by our tenants.  Cleared our Mail Box, picked up the house keys from Real Estate Office and had lunch at the Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston.  Had ladies on Roller Skates and a person dressed up as a Crocodile celebrating the opening up of pubs, stores, hairdressers etc.  There is a certain amount of social distancing however most of the time life is as normal in the NT.  Very hard to stop the hand shaking when greeting people.

Our first Croc spotted since arriving back in Darwin, at the Gateway shopping centre.

For the next few days we were busy buying second hand Fridge, Washing Machine via Buy/Sell/Swap, entertainment unit and coffee table from a lad who was returning to WA.  Darwin is still a transient place so people are always buying and selling anything.  Weather is still a bit humid (around 25 degrees at night) so had air conditioning on in the van until we went to bed which was also good as van was shut up so no midgies came in (previous nights we had been inundated with them). Found a second hand outdoor setting and hinted to Helen that I need a ute so I can transport it to our house.  Helen's idea of a ute to take palm fronds to the dump and transport furniture etc around was very different to what I had in mind.  She thought an old farm ute would be perfect however when I purchased a red SS Holden Ute she just shook her head! She believes I am going through a phase in my life - I'm just enjoying driving "Bluey" (Helen chose the name) and it has certainly come in handy with picking up furniture etc.

After 7 years back in the house!!

"Bluey" loaded for a dump run

Fronds unloaded

Purchased new QS bed and mattress, couch and dining table so were ready to move into the house. Took everything out of the van and packed into the house - can't believe what we had in the van!!  Felt a bit sad when we finally left the van - will store at Charlies as he has no other clients until the border opens on the 17th July and will have to re-asses after that.

Both had a good first night sleep in the house although Helen prefers the Vans mattress as it is a bit softer than our new one.  Finding it hard getting used to suburbia living as our neighbours are very close and we can hear conversations when out on the back patio.  It feels like we are the only people in our suburb without a dog!  The Dry weather has set in now and are enjoying the cooler nights - actually got down to 19 degrees which is cold for Darwin!  I am bike riding in the morning although the bike is a little worse for wear as it has been travelling with us for 4 years!!  Helen and I have been going for a walk around the lake late afternoon, which has been nice.

Spent a few days painting the inside to freshen up.

Territory Day on 1st July was extremely quiet as no fireworks celebrations this year due to COVID-19.

Helen has done a lot of cleaning up of the garden and was impressed with how much fitted in the ute for taking to the dump.  I took it as a thumbs up for my decision to purchase "Bluey". I have completed painting the inside of the house so we have both been kept busy.  Appointed Cate Killiner Real Estate to put the house on the Market and have just had photos taken in readiness to advertise.

Evening walks around Santcuary Lake

Early morning bike ride to Howard Springs.

We have been busy getting the house ready that have not ventured out and about much yet.  We are enjoying the weather as night time temp is around 21 degrees so nice for sleeping.  Now the wait begins and hopefully someone will buy the house and we will move onto our next adventure, whatever that will be.  Unfortunately travel is not the same at the moment and there is no telling when the 'normal' living will return. We are certainly experiencing some lovely warm weather and enjoying the Territory lifestyle.  We will remain in the house until it is sold so there is no time limits - could be months or a year, so our posts may be limited until we get back on the road again.