I love you.
With all my heart.
Six years ago, we set out on our road trip.
Ready, Rubes?
- Yep.
One life ended and another began.
No firm plans, off into the great unknown.
- Bye! - See ya.
Bye!
Our much-loved green van
unfortunately didn't last the distance.
But we weren't about to stop.
Before we knew it, we'd been on the road for four years.
We'd move, settle for a bit,
back to Sydney for visits, head off again.
Life had a rhythm.
I spy, with my little eye, something beginning with..."F."
Lame, Mum.
It wasn't lame yesterday.
It's been lame for a long time.
It was "foliage."
"F" usually is.
- Whoa!
What's...
But it couldn't go on forever.
Or for "flat."
Who knows where we might have put down roots
if we hadn't blown that tire.
- I can do it. - It's too dangerous.
- Dave, it's on a slope. - It's fine.
- I'm not a kid, Dad. - Next time.
You said that last time. He did, right?
You'll have plenty of chances when you're older.
What if we stop moving?
Why don't you go and tell me what that sign says?
Yeah, good idea. Let's go check out where we are.
I'm not stupid. It's called a diversionary tactic.
It'd better be next time.
Come on.
Diversionary tactic?
Every family has its old soul.
Ruby is ours.
Maybe it's being a late-life baby.
Come on, grumpy.
Maybe the years on the road or maybe it's just her.
Buradeena.
Buradeena, Dave!
Buradeena!
Never heard of it!
- Dave! - Dad!
We changed a lot of tires along the way
but this was a broken axle.
Still, every cloud, as they say...
Our silver lining.
While we waited for repairs,
we fell in love with Buradeena.
Amazing.
There's, like, three ice cream places in this spot.
In the blink of an eye, we found our new home.
Oh!
I'm too old for this.
I was a bit lighter last time we did it.
We found peace here.
Quiet.
Sometimes.
Dave found motocross...
Whoo!
..a mate...
Whoo-bloody-hoo!
Ah, will you look at that?
..and we found a lodger.
Was the cake lady there?
No. But the broccoli boys were.
Haha! Your lucky day.
The perfect tenant for our garden flat
and the best apprentice Dave's ever had.
- Yuck.
I fluked a boss, next-door-neighbour and friend.
All in one.
The family come up as much as possible. I go down to see Dad.
Has anyone got a ten?
The kids are wonderful with him.
- Go fish! - That helps so much.
You do lose touch with people, though. It happens.
Time happens.
Buradeena happened.
And here we are, two years later.
And here I am.
Big day. You?
Busy afternoon. Country Women's girls are out in force.
Oh, stop it.
It's about the fifth one of those.
Hm?
New-agey things.
You looking for answers?
No. I'm just sick of novels.
That's the good thing about not reading. Can't get sick of it.
That's us. With our 35th anniversary approaching.
Dave settled.
But my first thought every morning
is that something's missing.
It was Ruby that put me on the road to an answer.
You sure you don't need a lift?
Stuff to do on the way.
- Lugging all of that? - I'm alright.
With a painting...
- I'll see you there. - Don't be late.
...and some poo.
Who says life's not strange?
Yappy!
Hi. Yappy.
Hi! Ay you.
Donation gratefully received.
Oh, hello, you.
Hi. Um...
From one small act, great change.
Yoo-hoo.
Ah! In here.
Is Ruby on a clean-up kick?
Hm?
She just grabbed Yappy's crap from the front yard.
- Oh. Dave? - Yeah!
Why would Ruby be grabbing dog poo from Tessa's yard?
Hey. Search me.
Paddo! Come on! You're dragging the chain.
Stress will kill you, mate.
Thanks, Mrs. R.
Cougar cool there, Tess.
Oh, I wish.
Move ya arse, big fella.
Boys will be boys.
Ah, second childhood. Hey, don't forget the art show.
I'll pick you up.
So... poo.
Uh... Ruby's Ruby.
Alright, come on. Paintings on the wall.
Place your sculptures carefully on the tables. Oi!
Nice work there, girls. Well done.
Oh, beautiful work there, Hugo. Well done.
Alright, come on, guys.
C'mon. I want you here straight after the final bell.
We're expecting a lot of parents.
Well done, Ruby. Come on, let's pop it up.
Uh... it's meant to be like that.
Why?
Ruby?
Otherwise they'll roll off.
Ruby...
Is there a problem?
Hello.
Oh, Mrs Spade.
What's she done now?
- Dave? - Yeah.
The school, they want to see us both.
Don't tell me - the poo.
How do you know?
Wild guess.
A primary school art show
is no place for faecal matter.
It's a health issue.
She's got a point, Rubes.
And "Stubborn Old Men?" A title designed to offend.
It's true, though. Climate-denying politicians.
After last summer, Ruby is worried about the future.
Global warming, pollution...
So she chooses some sound grab from the media as her title?
She's too young to even understand what she's saying.
Oh, I think a lot of our children understand these days.
Try debating her on it some time.
Actually...
Whatever I feel about her notions,
it's not a political rally.
I hear you.
Most art is political.
Not at Buradeena Primary end of term exhibition.
The issue, Mrs. Rafter, is doo-doo.
Doo-doo?
Doggie doo.
Or don't do.
Don't express the fears our children
have of inheriting a world too polluted to live in.
A world left to them by stubborn old men.
- The title fits. - Settle.
I think it's the one interesting statement in the room.
We did not ask for statements.
The title is unfortunate. The doo-doo unacceptable.
And without it?
A perfectly lovely abstract of the world from space.
Another title, preferably.
Right.
Mrs. Rafter...
Julie.
Lose the doo-doo, darling.
Oil. Not just for the car.
There we go.
No health issue there.
Oh, and new title - "Fossil Fools."
Says what you want to.
Loving it.
Ah, seems to fit the criteria. Do we have a deal?
She's her mother's daughter.
Legendary, Mum.
Yes, well, next time you get a bright idea,
make sure you run it by us first.
I knew you'd say no. You stuck up for me but you would have.
That's true.
How come?
Because not everyone appreciates nine going on 19.
Kids your age aren't meant to have political opinions.
That's so Buradeena.
No, I think you'd find that anywhere!
More likely here.
Hey.
We love Buradeena.
Dad loves Buradeena.
You love bits but all I'd miss would be Paddo.
Right. Well, like you say, your dad loves Buradeena
and we love your dad so...
And I think if you made a list
of the things you like about Buradeena,
it would be a lot longer than just Paddo.
Tessa - for a start.
OK, mwah.
Goodnight.
I bet if you made a "don't like" list
it'd be a lot longer than your "do likes."
Go to sleep.
Every small town needs an art scandal.
Buradeena now has theirs.
She put poo on the painting.
Seriously?
Absolutely 100% real poo.
Well, at least it's given business a boost.
They are dying to have a go at you.
Well, why don't they?
They like you enough not to say it to your face.
Take it as a compliment.
Someone's gotta be on our side.
Most – on climate change.
None on Ruby's.
That one over there.
"We don't need some uppity city kid
"telling us what we know, stinking up the school."
We've been here two years.
You've gotta be born country to be country.
The old power of persuasion.
Have I still got what it takes?
How flush are we?
Flush enough.
To allow you to take some time off?
I'm pretty booked.
I just thought we could get away for the school break.
Let the fuss die down.
The kids are coming for our anniversary.
Yeah, but the highway leads to them
as easily as it does to us. Can't we celebrate there?
Not like you to run.
Call it a tactical withdrawal.
I just think we could all do with some city. I know I could.
And Ruby never says no, so...
Paddo could hold the fort.
Thank you. Mwah!
But I... um...
Ah, yes.
It seems I do.
So the Poogate scandal had us heading off.
Oh, they've booked Shanghai Express. Awww.
That's where we had our 25th.
You weren't even a twinkle in my eye, Rubes.
Oh, gross, Dad.
Polar bears are invading towns they've never gone into before.
They're starving.
Rich white men, poor white bears.
Good title.
Don't come back? Bored country kids.
Another one for the "don't like" list.
A change of scene. Just what we needed.
Hello, petal.
You talking to me?
I would never call my boss petal.
I think you just did.
She did, right?
See? We both talk to flowers.
Hey, if they're left over tonight,
you should take them home for Cassie.
Good thinking.
Ben. Phone.
- Who? - Nathan.
Tell him I'll call him back.
Your brother sounds rather flustered.
Mate, this is a disaster.
So sorry. Total bummer. We'll fit you all in somehow.
What about my toys?
We'll get them when we can, little guy, OK?
Cassie will be fine with it. I'll catch you at mine.
It's an emergency, Donna. Reckon you could sub for me?
With 50 for dinner? This'd better be good.
How's Nathan's building's falling down?
He's out on the street.
Mum, Dad and Ruby are lobbing
and we'll have to fit seven people into a two-bedroom house.
Better than most excuses. What happened?
I don't know. One of those structural flaw thingys.
He rocked up home and cops and emergency were everywhere.
They won't let anyone in.
Go, yes. Poor Nathan. Tell your mum I can't wait to see her.
Yeah.
Quick sticks.
I have an air mattress.
Thank you.
We can blow it up later.
How are they?
Edward thinks it's a big adventure.
While Nathan's a little bit rattled.
Are you OK with this?
- Of course. - You sure?
We both are.
- Cute answer. - It's going to be a cute kid.
Donna said Mum and Dad can stay with her
if it gets too much.
It's their anniversary. No way.
It's not going to be for long.
How did I get so lucky?
You swiped right.
It was a hot photo. Had no choice.
Gotta love modern dating rituals.
Uncle Ben. Uncle Ben. Where are you?!
Better go check on them.
Attaboy, eh?
You tuck that side in, I'll do this one.
You might fall out of a little bed, Dad.
I certainly won't be able to spread out, that's for sure.
Lucky we didn't rush to set this up as a nursery.
We were just discussing the limitations of a single bed.
That'll take you back.
Oh, sure will.
Hey Eddie, please stop bouncing, alright? It's not our bed, mate.
Hey, Eddie. Auntie Cassie's got some cake if you're up for it.
- Yeah! - Yeah.
Your place won't fall down, will it, Uncle Ben?
No way. Go on.
He seems fine.
He's the glass half-full kid.
How are you?
Add mine to the list of defective apartment blocks.
They reckon the foundations have subsided.
Well... at least you're both safe.
It's probably worth about half of what I paid for it now.
Mum and Dad.
Yeah. Just let them settle first, hey? Yeah?
Oh, thanks.
You made good time!
"'Heavy on the Metal Dave" they call me.
- Hello, my darling. - Hello.
How's our embryonic darling?
Ben shouldn't have told you.
It's early, I know, but he's rapt.
Ruby!
Same name as last time you saw me.
Oi! What about us?
- Hey! - Granny!
- Granddad! - Hey, kiddo.
Looks like we've got the whole welcoming committee.
Hey. I guess you have.
Hi, Mum.
We're here 'cause our place is falling down.
What?
Thanks, Eddie.
Come on.
You're not lifting a finger while we're here.
I'm not an invalid.
No, but you're carrying our grandchild
and you got the Rafters roadshow
so you just sit there and catch me up on everything.
- Well, I'll just... - Ah! Sit!
OK!
Everything fine?
So far. It's gonna be. I just have to...
You're talking IVF. You are.
- Right? - We are.
It beats collapsing apartment blocks on loop.
How many ways can you say "This is screwed?"
Hey, language.
And we're pulling our weight, thank you.
I'll make sure the men know so they can do their share.
The men are sorting the sleeping arrangements.
Such a cliche division of labor.
She's either going to end up an anarchist or prime minister.
Buradeena's betting on the former.
Oh, and make up your own bed.
The couch, right?
Yes. Sheets and stuff are in the hallway.
How come she takes after the one sibling she's hardly seen.
Rachel?
Yeah, she gave good attitude at that age.
You all gave your fair share.
- What?
The mattress. It's like my life. It needs the air back in.
I mean, come on. Trust me to buy a lemon.
It mightn't be as bad as it seems.
Oh! Every other place it's happened has been.
I think the word you're looking for is "disaster!"
Anything you need. You know that. Whatever we can afford.
None of you are made of money. I'm not asking Rachel.
Well, she wouldn't mind. Just get her by herself.
If she does manage to make it.
She's trying.
She wouldn't leave deciding to the last minute if she was.
She is busy. New York's a long haul.
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah.
Goodnight.
Don't let the bed bugs bite.
Dad... Sleep tight!
Thank you all.
Whatever, whenever. Sweet dreams.
- Dave! - Gross, Dad.
It's not me. It's the mattress.
Sprung a leak.
Got a surprise.
Poor Nathan. What a shemozzle.
Hello, stranger.
Oh!
Cheese and nibbles.
And if seeing you isn't the best excuse for vino before noon,
I don't know what is.
Nathan's building falling down. Goodness. How is he?
Well, they're letting people back in today
but just to get essentials.
It's not sounding good.
If there's anything I can do to help.
Thanks.
Now, you, country life agrees with you.
Ah.
Either that, or you snuck off
for a nip and a tuck without telling me.
I miss you.
Well, you can visit whenever you want.
What, with this place to run? Work, work, work.
I'm sure I look a fright.
You look glowing.
35th anniversary.
Mmm-hmm.
Gorgeous.
I just wish we could throw the party here.
We're celebrating where we had our 25th.
Ben said.
- Yeah. - Lovely.
All the family?
Dad. Depends on this afternoon.
I'm sure he'll be fine. And that's worth drinking to.
It is.
And to the wicked girls' night we're having before you go back.
- To friendship. - To friendship.
That it? Yeah.
Yep. They're letting us back in tomorrow
if there's anything we forgot.
Big of them.
And that's it till they work out what's next.
Could be months, the guy reckons.
He had this look in his eye that said "maybe never."
- He probably didn't. - No, he did.
He did. The upside is it can't get much worse, right?
We visit dad once a month, at least.
He's going downhill. But slower than expected.
Ready?
I'll settle for a smile. Even if he doesn't recognise us.
I'll test the water.
Hey, Dad.
My little girl.
I was just saying to your mum this morning,
"It's been a while since Julie dropped by."
I said, "Get Julie something good for her anniversary."
We're off to Shanghai Express and kung pao chicken.
You remember!
A fella doesn't forget something like that.
Oh, Dad.
Remember we were out the front where we got the photo
taken and we ended up with S-E-X over our heads?
Sort of rings a bell.
Sex.
Where's your mum?
Um... she wasn't there that night, Dad.
Of course she was.
No, she'd passed away by then.
Don't be so bloody silly.
Settle, Dad.
Maybe you just thought she was.
I know what I know.
Don't get upset, Granddad.
She's talkin' rubbish!
You know what? Maybe I just got confused.
As if your mum wouldn't be there!
She loves you, your mum.
Yeah, I know.
We better go.
OK, well, we'll be back to pick
you up in three days time, Dad, OK?
At00.
I'll be ready.
No show without punch.
Yeah. See you then.
- See you, Ted. - Bye, Granddad.
Bye.
You sure it's worth taking the risk?
He was good just then.
And we managed when he wasn't.
One of his big turns could ruin the night.
It's not like it hasn't happened.
- I'll watch him. - Thank you, sweetheart.
Another option is we could all drop in here on the way. What?
Well, just saying.
Look, I understand but I'd rather be positive.
That was so lovely sharing the memories.
What say we share some more? Hm?
- Do you remember it? - Sort of. Not really.
It's almost 30 of our 35 years here.
Good times.
Wonderful.
All of us under the same roof.
Ben next door.
It was a special time.
Yeah, it was.
You want to knock on the door?
You know, I thought I did but no, I don't.
No.
No going back.
No. What's past is past.
Golden time.
Living the dream now, though.
Yasou koukla!
When your romance is starting to cool
and your chickadee is not giving you the honey
as much as you think she oughta,
this will get her every time.
Yasou koukla - hello, babydoll.
Not to be mistaken for "yasou katsika,"
which means, "hello, goat."
And definitely don't dress like that.
She'll likely tell you to get, get, get, get carbonated.
Next time, I'm gonna go skateboarding
around the Acropolis.
That's actually taken off?
Yeah. It makes people laugh. He still makes me laugh.
He really has over a million?
Yeah, and sponsors and other platforms.
Mate, we're in the wrong game.
Oh! Tell me about it.
Oh. I gotta return the van. Eddie?
Or I could do it?
No, no, no. You have done plenty.
Besides, little man here will enjoy some time by the river.
Hey! We gotta go.
I was just putting my stuff away.
No, it's alright, we'll finish it later. Come on, come on. Let's roll!
Retta must wonder sometimes.
She gets the joke.
What?
Nothing.
Oh, no.
Cassie?
Cass?
We're losing it, Ben.
You were right.
I shouldn't have said anything.
You OK?
You heard the doctor.
I'll be fine.
You sure you're up to covering?
I don't want to spoil their anniversary.
It's just for a few days.
We can try again.
I can't do it.
Keep practicing.
Pirates. Pirates!
En garde, ye scoundrel.
Ha hoo-ha!
- OK, everyone. Let's go. - Take that and that!
I thought you were teaching him!
Oh. Eddie's pirates game.
- Let's hit the frog-and-toad. - Don't invite them to dinner.
Oh, Ben, did you confirm the table?
It's Sunday night, the queue could be a mile long.
Onto it.
If we're a few minutes late, it 'll be because of Dad.
All aboard The Shanghai Express.
Ah! Eddie, please leave the lobster alone.
I wonder if everyone knows something we don't.
When was the last time you were here?
Ages ago.
Henry was talking of selling.
Well, I'd say he has.
Lazy Susan, Lazy Susan.
- That's lame, I know. - Actually not.
I say that we skip the prawns.
I want prawns!
Mate, trust me...
You listen to your dad, Nathan.
I'm Nathan, Grandad. This is Edward.
Kung pao chicken!
Mmm! That was dad's favourite when we used to come here.
I love it too, Ted. What's that Chinese lass doing here?
This is Cassie, Grandad, my wife. And she is Vietnamese.
Where's Mel? You're not Mel.
Mel died, Dad.
Oh. Well, you moved on fast enough.
- A long time ago. - Do you remember?
I like Mel. Yeah.
We all did.
You should've had kids. You got kiddies?
Um, no. No, I don't, Ted.
Ah, waste of a life, no kiddies.
Mel liked the Chinese.
Dad!
She wasn't a racist, our Mel.
- I'm so sorry. - Oh, no it's fine...
- Can we just order please? - Miss?
Excuse me.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Ben said.
Three days covering.
I've had my friend Anna to talk to.
So like you to put us first.
He's so desperate to hold his baby.
Would you think about yourself for a change?
Let us be there for you.
Just rest.
Let your body restore.
And when you're ready, maybe another try.
Four times?
I don't know if I can bear it again.
I told him before we got married
that I had problems in that area.
We were so in love.
What if he stops loving me?
Oh, Cassie. You are so loved.
By all of us. Never doubt that.
OK?
I will be.
Rachel.
Oh, go, go. I'll be fine.
OK.
You too.
You sure?
Yeah.
I just need a minute.
Here she is. Rachel, hi!
Hi.
Shanghai Express isn't what it used to be.
- No kung pao chicken. - Mum!
The ultimate sin.
Not according to your grandfather.
Hello. Hi, sweetheart. Look!
We set the laptop up with its own seat as if you were here.
I would be if I could. I did try.
Yes, we know you did.
She's wearing her pyjamas.
It's early morning here, Grandad.
- It's night! - I'm in New York.
We miss you.
I miss you all too.
So what's the news?
Nathan's apartment's screwed.
Language!
- Well, it is. - What?
You're a downer, Rube.
Yeah. Bad building practices.
I'll send you the news link.
It's happened to about five places.
Nath, what are you gonna do?
Stay with Benno for a bit. You know, forget about that.
Now that you're here and I've got the floor,
have you got a glass of something?
Opening the bottle now.
Solo drinking - careful. That's assuming you are solo.
O solo mio. You know me.
I would like to propose a toast
to the best parents in the world.
I'm glad they married,
if for no other reason than we were all born.
Such self-interest.
And because we love them.
- Oh! - Amen to that.
- Thank you. - Cassie, grab your glass.
And let's all raise them to the legendary Dave and Julie Rafter
as they celebrate 35 wonderful years.
To our father, mother, grandfather, grandmother,
son-in-law and daughter.
And our role models for happiness.
- That's quite a responsibility. - You're up to it.
To Mum and Dad.
To Mum and Dad!
Cheers!
- Oi! - Ay!
That's me. I've gotta go get ready for work.
Wait! Before you go - any news? Anything exciting?
Nothing that won't keep.
Oh. Did you run a marathon?
Ah, not this year.
But you always do.
I had other things going.
Oh, OK well, don't work too hard. We miss you.
- Love you. See ya. - Bye.
Love you.
Alright, everyone. Back to ours for kung pao chicken -
what do you say?
Yes. Let's do it.
Plenty of time to meet them once you're born, munchkin.
Kung pao chicken.
Like a life well lived, you marinate your feelings...
Make sure there is flavour.
Plenty of sizzle.
Make sure nothing sticks.
Add heat. Flesh. Spice.
And stir together.
Then garnish to individual taste.
And if you're very lucky, it's done with love.
Dinner is served.
Two, four, six, eight.
A good life.
Bog in, don't wait.
Aye!
Thank you.
Dave and I, kung pao chicken, with love.
But if it goes wrong, like Ben and Cassie,
you're missing an ingredient.
Chow down, Mum.
Well, hurry up.
If you going to serve me food, you gotta do it quick.
Or Ruby. There's too much sauce.
Kung pao chicken, Jules.
- That's Ruby, Grandad. - Who?
Dad, you forget the recipe.
Or Nathan. It just won't come together, somehow.
And it all gets out of whack.
Past your bedtime, Eddie.
PJs on, brush your teeth. Come on.
Come on, Ruby. Wait a second.
35 years, Mrs. Rafter.
Mmm-hmm.
- Come here. - Oh!
All the ups and downs, the ins and outs and here we still are.
It's quite an achievement in the modern age.
I reckon so.
I remember being nervous about my performance on our 25th.
But with this set up, there's no chance
of any performance to be nervous about.
Well, you could file it away under business pending.
It better not pend too long.
- You've still got it, you know? - Oh, stop it.
- Oh, you love it. - I do!
I'm just pulling my weight. Oh!
Oops.
Still life in the old folks yet.
It's way too much information, thank you, Dad.
Half your luck.
Oh, I worry about him.
It's been so long since there's been anyone.
Hard with a kid in tow.
Yeah, he must miss intimacy.
I miss intimacy.
- Oh! You get quite enough. - Well...
Here. You rinse, I'll stack.
- Romantic. - Practical.
I do worry. How we used to clean up after them.
Yeah, we still are.
No, I mean, you know,
when things went wrong in their lives,
we used to be there to help clean up.
They're adults now.
Yeah, well, they're still ours.
What brought this on?
Kung pao chicken.
What?
Metaphor overload.
And Dad's just so much more alert.
In his own funny way.
It just seems wrong going back with so much happening.
Ben and Cassie don't need this place stacked to the ceiling.
- Well, they're coping. - They need to heal.
Our life is back home.
Yes, and they're down here. And we could help them heal.
And Ruby could do with a longer break.
- A few days, sure. - No, longer!
We help Ben and Cassie,
we get Nathan back on his feet, we can see Dad more.
Ruby could go to Edward's school.
- How much longer? - Play it by ear. A while.
- And where are we in that? - We're parents.
Yeah, with our own life.
I have a business, you have a job.
Where would we live, for a start?
This set up is fine for a few days, tops.
I'm just not sure where you're coming from.
Look I just... I know is what we have to do or we're bad parents.
We're not bad parents.
The best way to help Nathan is to earn
the money he'll probably need to borrow.
And Ben and Cassie will be fine.
- I mean it, Dave. - So do I.
You said it yourself, outside the old place.
The past is the past.
We're not those parents now.
Always are.
Rubes is responsibility enough.
It's our time, Jules.
Let's sleep on it.
Poogate, a miscarriage, a crumbling building,
a crumbling mind, and something Rachel's not saying.
I've felt it for a long time.
Someone has to help clean up.
That's when it hit me.
I've been looking for an answer to a scary question.
I'm not the woman I was. So...
Who am I?
I wanna move back here.
For good.