Finally, fell asleep. Raynah curled in the hook of my legs still trying to calm herself.

I had nodded off on the couch watching an episode of Jessica Jones with Raynah snoring away on her bed.

She suddenly woke and was looking towards the window with low heavy ruff.

She then came close and checked on me. I realised then she was sensing some sort of danger. She continued to step away and check the surroundings and come back and stand in front of me in a protective way, engaging every now and again to check on me.

I moved around the house with Raynah right beside me, but she was tense listening to every sound I could here but also something I couldn't.

I turned all the lights on outside and in, we where a glowing beacon. I pressed the maps button on the phone re-familiarising as to where I was, ready to dial 000.

Raynah really wanted to go out the front, with lights blazing bright all around, I opened the wooden door peering beyond the light. Opening the screen door Raynah stepped out slowly, sniffing as she went. As she stepped just beyond the wall of the garage door her tail end curled under her she let out a fearful bark as her body shaked.

I called her with a desperate voice and she came running, locking the screen door as soon as she was back in. Pressed against me every bit of her alert to everything around us.

With both of us now on high alert our breathing rapid we paced around the house checking all windows and doors. Raynah stepping away, sniffing in the air, head cocked to the side listening, coming back to check on me.

Fighting sleep I lay down on the bed trying to stay awake. Raynah positioned herself next to me sitting alert to everything. Slowly she would lay down calming herself but to only become alert again, her breathing still rapid. As her body started to relax, her breathing calm she curled in as close as she could get, both of us succumbed to the pull of sleep.

Waking in the morning I found Raynah asleep on her bed. I remember that at some point she had rolled out of bed and slept on the floor for awhile, lucky the bed is low to the floor. What was it that had caused her to be scared and show me her innate protective side. The realisation that she had stepped up and changed from obedient dog to full on protective dog, the connection that was there, I will never forget.

Loving my stay in Lake Macdonald Queensland. A beautiful area. Where I am is lovely and quiet with birds singing, toads screaming at night, Raynah the gorgeous dog snoring away. Haha No truly is a magical spot and the toads only scream for a short while and only a couple of evenings an animal must be after them. Had the most wonderful day last weekend catching up with cousin Kevin at the amazing Eumundi Market. We chatted for several hours about all sorts of things. Discovered Magnesium spray this stuff is the best, definitely helping with some stubborn sore places. Raynah the Rotti is an absolute delight we go for short wanders, have lots of cuddles, laze about together with spurts of fluffy toy play.

Over 22 hrs of driving, passing the sign welcoming me to Queensland, passing the red border crossing marker arriving at Eagleby. Oh and wow what a wonderful place that is my home for a few weeks.

Marie the homeowner welcomed me as a true friend and introduced me to all her friends. Her two beautiful miniature poodles to look after. After several days of a very warm welcome, Marie headed off on her cruise and I have settled in. Though the night before she retouched the colour in her hair and had a little left over. Cheekily she said to tell the ladies that I had woken up after going to the tavern with her and look what she had done. I have met some wonderful people here and making lifetime friends. The home is a lovely newish 2br home in a gated lifestyle resort. The facilities include a dog park, 2 dining/community areas, 3 pools with spas, bowling, cinema and so many activities. A wonderful community. Anyone interested there are homes for sale here.

Crazy weather though temperatures low 19 top of 35 averaging thus every day with electrical storms at night, lightning striking a jacaranda tree splitting it in two. Looking forward to some slightly cooler days.

The doggies here are two miniature poodles. One a young boy with a huge full-on personality the other an older boy who has been blind most of his life and is amazing.

I caught up with my cousin Terri, who I haven’t seen for way too long, we had a wonderful chat about family and what we have been doing.

Lottie and Ruby lined up to say good bye. Lots of cuddles. Had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends. Very hard to say goodbye this time but also looking forward to the adventures travelling and house sitting. Back next December about 10 mths travelling. First stop get gear out of CC the van and find her a new home. Have had a lot of interest see what happens tomorrow. Will be sad to say good bye to her had some great adventures in her. Then on to Brisbane for several months.

Well back at home base for just over two weeks. My sisters birthday, my girlfriends birthday, Christmas and New Year, all wonderful.

I am currently house and pet sitting a few blocks away from family so will make the most of catching up as often as possible before I head off again at the beginning of the next month.

My current companions are two very well behaved dogs who are very happy to lounge around in your presence getting lots of pats and cuddles and one mischievous kitten.

Molly the kitten certainly has kept me entertained and its when things go quiet you go looking. I have learned to put the lid down on the toilet to prevent a wet cat. On one of her crazy cat, mad 'race around the house sprints', she raced into the bathroom up on the window sill down the cistern and 'splat' into the toilet.

One night she climbed the door frame and turned the light on as she came down. A moth in the house means she jumps three-quarters of the way up the wall in an attempt to capture. The day before the very hot day, 44 degrees, she flew through the air after a moth and landed on the curtain that blocks the afternoon sun. Curtain, bracket and all came down on top of her. Molly left stunned for a moment before madly looking for that elusive moth.

Yesterday she spent hours playing with a wooden box with round holes where rolling toys are placed for her to hit around or remove, as long as I kept putting them back in for her.

Oh, don't move your foot when there is only a sheet between you and her.

After putting food in the microwave I turned and very happily sitting, was Molly on top of the toaster. She is very quick to come and help me with making the bed.

My adventure in Yarrahapinni is nearly over. It has been amazing. Looking after 2 beautiful horses on a picturesque property staying in a unique home and cottage built by a previous owner with his unique vision. I even used the ride on mower. Ok yes it is still a novelty. Oh and I cannot forget the geese who have been inherited from owner to owner, squawking for their breakfast.

The owners welcomed me into their home as part of the family, introduced me to their friends whom I joined the tradition of meeting up for dinner once a week. They are wonderful people who have become great friends.

CC(my van) and her Crazy Cat have led me on a few adventures and Mount Yarrahapinni was definitely up there.

Nic my dear friend visited and we had a couple of wonderful days exploring the area or sitting by the pool.

A visit to the Buffalo Cheese Farm at Eungai was special, these gorgeous creatures, the baby calves so cute, the food delicious.

Ok there are several ways to get into where I am and my plan was to go the easiest way but my memory failed me and CC my van experienced Macquarie Pass. At least it was downhill she handled it pretty well though the hairpin bend was a little scary without power steering. And came across a car crash people where directing us around it. Absolutely amazing views wish could take photos. Would I do it again knowingly probably not. Well now parked for the night at an amazing caravan park with beach front. See pictures of my view and Leo in the gallery.

I highly recommend Kendalls Beach Caravan Park, it is smallish, on a gorgeous beach, the amenities are new and well looked after.

I stayed here two nights, first night getting a seafood basket from a fish and chip shop in walking distance, second night cooking a nice piece of steak on the barbecue in the camp kitchen at the park. The van was cosy even with a strong wind rocking it about.

Today I had breakfast down at a local cafe before heading to my house sit. Arrived where I will be for two weeks and wow what a beautiful place. I met Karen, her husband and Leo the dog. Karen showed me around the house, then they headed off and it was just Leo and me. The unit has 2 balconies and 2 courtyards and the decor is just gorgeous. This is one place I would be happy to stay forever. I will enjoy my stay very much and it definitely will not be long enough.

Leo woke me by jumping up and down on me just before the sun rose and wow I am so glad he did. After enjoying the sun rise we set off to have an explore of the wetland area close by. There are pathways through the wetland area, a beautiful area to go walking through. On returning Leo enjoyed a brush and cuddle.

The rest of the day was enjoyed with a beautiful lunch at a local cafe with a friend and then sitting down at the waters edge and chatting.

Today Leo tried waking me early but I resisted and woke slowly and the sun was already shining, I got up much to Leo's delight, I was thinking it was much later than the actual 6.30am aaaggghh, looks like Leo is a morning person so looks like I am going to be a morning person for my stay. Off exploring more of the wetlands with Leo. We found a wooden seat at a frog pond and sat and just reflected listening to the frogs and birds.

Ok it happened all very fast a house sit came up that fitted in just before the one I already have booked and I decided to let fate take over. Within a few hours I had confirmed the house sit, I messaged my girlfriend who was wanting to visit down south at this time to see if she would like to visit me on the Illawarra coast, she said "oh yes please" I then let family, friends and work know, madly did the final preparations to the van and my belongings I was storing.

The adventure really begins!

First night last night in the van. Was cosy and warm. Well ok the van was in the garage. The plan is to head off on Wednesday with a couple of stops before my next house sit starts on Saturday. Only have my suitcase to pack into the van.

One of the boys friends moved in just before I left so the rent etc will be covered.

CC my van and I said 'see you soon' to family, hugged the boys and headed off. She travelled very well not missing a beat. We stopped off on the way to visit my girlfriend who is going to join me, then headed off again towards my destination.

How exciting I have confirmed my first house sit away from my home area.

Heading off at the end of September with the house sit starting early October.

I will be looking after a gorgeous little dog and two cats in the Illawarra region.

So looking forward to this.

So the adventure begins.

My time with Minty.

Dropped James to his first day of his motorbike licence.

Then headed to Minty's place spent the day with Minty learning the ropes.

Fairly relaxing day, which was needed with the long days leading up to now.

In the afternoon scanning facebook a post came up for the sale of a vehicle which I shared with George.

The owner brought the car out for George to test drive.

Took Minty for a walk then went to work.

After work picked James up from his 2nd day of his motorbike licence.

He passed.

Got to the boys house and Nan with Pa drove us to Bachus Marsh to pick up George's new car we drove back to the boys house and I then drove back to Minty's

Day at work. Finished on time and got home just before dark. The days are getting colder and shorter.

Fran had made a yummy vegetable lasagne for dinner.

Fran & John headed off

Spent the day cuddling with Minty

Another day just spent zoning out. Lots of cuddles with Minty.

We were out on our morning walk, got a couple of pats from passer bys, suddenly Minty sat and looked at me then looked across the road, then looked back at me, and across the road, wagging his tail and body and giving a low deep whine. "What's up Minty" I looked over the road and saw what had caught his eye. A "newspaper" explaining to Minty that this was someone else's newspaper, he wasn't convinced at first but reluctantly accepted it with a final look back and a hummpff.

After our walk today I went out to the boys and spent a few hours sorting through a few more things and a lady came to take some of the plants.

Went for our walk today and just as we got to the turn to do the "short" walk it started to rain lightly. I said to Minty we will do the short walk today and started to turn in that direction. Minty proceeded to sit then lay down and looked up at me, looks like its the long walk. Lucky it didn't rain for very long and we proceeded to enjoy the longer walk.

I put minty out for the day and locked up and put alarm on and went to work. I got home and put alarm off well thought I was but it actually put it on and let Minty in. I found out he had got in and set the alarm off during the day and friends of Fran and John had come around to check everything was ok.

I went to work and came home at lunchtime to check on Minty, I let minty in for the afternoon. Thai for dinner.

Day started slow. Minty let me sleep in until 8.15am. Wow! I got up and put my dressing gown on and stumbled down the path to let him through the gate to get the paper. Being Saturday it was a bigger paper and it tried to get away from him.

He dropped the paper on his bed and waited for his morning treat.

Not quiet awake this morning I crawled back into bed for a bit. Minty lay down beside the bed, my hand draping over the edge of the bed and running my fingers over his soft coat. After a shower I headed down to the Rotary Sausage Sizzle and grabbed a bacon egg sandwich for brunch.

Back at home I got started into some domestic chores and then went out into the garden. Picked some rhubarb to cook later and some lemons for hot lemon and apple cider vinegar drink. A mudlark was splashing and bathing in the bird bath.

Had just finished watering the chillies in the hot house when I noticed Minty on the lawn coughing up some grass. I watched him and he disappeared around the side of the house. I followed to find him laying on the concrete convulsing. I had been warned that he had had an epileptic fit on one other occasion and what to do.

So I remained calm and kept his head off the concrete with my hand whilst trying to reassure him with the other and with a calming voice. I was nervous as I had never seen an animal have a fit before but tried to remain calm. He slowly started to recover and got to his feet. He then paced for some time around in the house and outside. He is now laying quietly at my feet.

Minty let me sleep in until 8.15. I have a warm furry thing that woke me at about 8ish to get his paper. much to his distaste I went back to bed . He curled up on the floor beside me. Freshly picked and squeezed lemon juice, shower , breaky and then, sssshhhhhh, a walk.

Today is a public holiday. We went for our walk and just veged for the day and binged on Grimm episodes all day. I am sure Minty was riveted by the monsters, especially when there was a real scary one and his eyebrow raised just a little.

After several hours of a consulting job I came home took my shoes off and raced to the loo hugging Minty as I went. Emerging from the loo I was greeted with Minty and one of my shoes firmly wedged in his mouth. I am sure he is saying "I am just going to take this, I am sure you wont mind, just so as you cannot go anywhere for a bit"

Laying in bed I can hear the noise of cars on a wet road. I have not seen Minty as yet. Slowly I slide out of bed, Minty looks at me without moving from his warm bed. Giving him a hug I head into the kitchen and squeeze some fresh limes, lemons and oranges and top it up with hot water, with a dash of apple cider vinegar, yummm.

Minty ventures into the kitchen, ever hopeful of any leftovers of food.

Opening the back door he heads to get his morning paper.

Long day at work

Another long day at work.

Was up early to do a work shift. Let Minty out to get his paper and then gave him lots of hugs and hid a couple of treats for him to find whilst I was away.

Back home after my shift Minty and I went for a walk then just spent close time watching some tv, which was needed after several early starts.

Woke up with a awful headache. Took something and hopped back into bed for a bit.

Minty nudged my hand to wake me and I crawled out of bed to let him out to get the paper. Once done I crawled back into bed, much to Minty's distaste. I said to him I was not feeling well and he snuggled down beside my bed. When I got up I put the kettle on and then remembered the electricity was off for most of the day due to works they where doing out in the street. Got showered and dressed and headed out for our walk. Minty must have sensed I was not feeling 100% and we just walked slowly, Minty examining every smell along the way, it was nice out so was a great day for a leisurely stroll.

Woke up, not sure what the time was, Minty was in bed still, quick toilet stop and back to bed, Minty snuggled down next to my bed and we both fell back to sleep.

When I woke, Minty was sound asleep next to my bed, I looked at the time and went wow we both had slept until mid morning.

Time to get the day moving, up, Minty's paper run, shower and start the chores I had planned for today.

Minty came from my room with my woollen hat and looked at me, wagging his whole body, I knew what that meant, it was time for our walk. Putting on my jacket he stepped up the excitement, putting on the shoes he just couldn't hold it anymore, he was super excited this morning for his walk.

Still even with his super excitement he sat calmly as I put the lead on and opened the door. But once out on the sidewalk he was off and I was almost sprinting. Today he was barely stopping to smell the scents. I said to him "slow down a bit" he looked back at me with a quick glance but kept going at a pace. When we got to the area where he has some off the lead time he took off running around and rolling. What ever it was he got it out of his system and sat calmly to have his lead put back on and we briskly, but not as fast as we were, walked back home.

A beautiful day. Both of us eagerly headed off on our walk today, the sun shining.

Minty stopped and sat and waited for his treat before crossing the road. I patted him on the head and said good boy. Looking across the road I had to laugh. An elderly gentleman, holding his wife's hand, ready to cross the road as well in our direction, promptly patted her on the head, and said good girl, she looked at him with a grin and said "where is my treat".

Back home I got the washing out on the line. Changed the cover on Minty's bed. Opened up the doors to let the warm breeze in. Watered the plants that needed a water and Minty and I settled in to enjoy the sunshine.

Very different day to yesterday overcast and cold. It got colder as the day went on.

When Minty went to get the paper this morning he was gone longer than normal so on investigating he was at the gate with his nose poking under, the paper just out of reach. As I approached the gate I heard the sound of high heels on the pavement and as a lady walked past she said oh poor puppy cannot reach his paper and she threw it over much to Minty's delight.

After our walk today we both settled into a restful day. Minty snoring away on the chair. Me trying to get my head into doing some study.

Minty and I lingered in bed, I knew what we had to do but didn't want to start it as today was my last day spending time with Minty and looking after his home. After getting the newspaper we got stuck into tidying up, vacuuming, and packing my gear. Minty knew there was something up.

After everything was done we headed off for our walk. We took it slowly, enjoying the day. Back home we had lots of cuddles.

Fran and John arrived home and Minty was super excited to see them.