so long...farewell...auf Wiedersehen..good night

The remaining Darwin mob say goodbye.

Goodbye Matt and Tracey. After a very long and prolonged farewell period Matt, Tracey and the kids have finally dragged their sorry Queensland lovin' asses up up and away. Although they are only two people (well - 3 and a half if you include the kiddikins) the gaping hole they have left is a void not easy to fill. Who now will drop in for a glass (or bottle) of wine after yoga classes on a tuesday afternoon? Who will tell us stories about the newest mosquito plague to hit far remote arnhem land? Where the hell am I going to host my next Australia Day hottest 100 extravaganza if not in M&T's backyard? Obviously it goes without saying but I must add - who can I share the karaoke loving joy of belting out Spandeau Ballet hit GOLD at top volume? These examples are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how much I miss them. This clan were not just great friends, we had become a form of family - like they say - friends are the family that you choose.

Fare thee well also to Kym and Brett - more deserters (of a sinking ship? not sure yet...)

As generations before them have done , Brett and Kym have gone west in search of gold and glory .

Well not really - but Brett did have a great opportunity to take over the family business and I think they both wanted a bit of a change. Change however , is NOT what I wanted.

Kym and I have been friends for over 15 years. We have had some really big ups and downs, but just the knowledge that she was close and always there, was something so comforting that I took it for granted. Now that she has gone it has affected me alot more dramatically than I thought it would - I am hyper aware that I can't just go and visit if I need to - I can't email her and invite her over at a moments notice and she certainly won't be dropping in every thursday this year to watch Lost with me.

I had the great honour of being bridesmaid at Brett and Kym's beautiful wedding last year and I am so glad I got to share that process with this awesome couple - made all the more poignant due to their departure.

So now it's just us.

I was sad - but now others are returning from the end of year southern hiatus and things are slowly returning to normal. I know there is always change - the ebb and flow of social circles. The upside is I have more reason to go on holiday now and more people with which to stay.

I love and miss you mob!