Post One - heading off in 37C

My balcony pot plants are sitting in plastic bins of water, the curtains are drawn against the heat and I began this at Adelaide airport, suitcase checked through, hand luggage in tow and cool drink in front of me. As I wrote this I realised I forgot at least two things. I did not pack my spiky ball as my physio instructed, and I didn't empty the last of the milk from the fridge.

I tried to finish the Zenbroidery design I was working on before I left home, but didn't quite make it. I have a few tiny bits to finish - but not enough to bring it with me. I had a new one to start on the plane.

I have now arrived in Perth. I made a start on the new Zenbroidery, in between the three-course meal - duck salad, a big bowl of pumpkin soup and a Maggie Beare icecream. I limited myself to a glass and a half of Sauvignon Blanc. 

I do not intend to keep writing about food. I have a Protestant streak which finds writing about and photographing food barely distinguishable from playing with one's food.  I have, however,  promised to take some photos on the Dreamliner and post about it - not my usual habit, but a couple of friends are very curious. They have specific questions about the drink-holders and layout. I'm  rolling  my eyes, but I don't often get requests so will comply.  I suspect there will be more food as soon as we take off from Perth, so this is by way of explanation of why I will not be eating much. I am also resisting the chicken kebabs being distributed in the Qantas club as I write this.

I must say that the transition from domestic flight to international here in Perth was the easiest I have experienced anywhere. We also left Adelaide half an hour late and arrived only 10 minutes after our scheduled time. It is a very short walk and a most efficient security and customs check. lots of helpful people. My new passport works! It took a few minutes in Adelaide for the Qantas computer to recognise it and the check-in officer was worried. It has, however, worked nicely since.

I also managed to download the remaining Bruce Beckham DI Skelgill books to my Kindle before I left. They are set in the Lakes District and I read 5 of them last year on the Spring Retreat. I have made o good start on No. 6!

This is by way of a test blog - just to let you ( and me!) know it is working. For those who get it by email, I will be two thirds of the way to London when it arrives in your inbox.