Brexit II

So...it turns out that they were having problems with their computer but did eventually find me on the Electoral Register and at my old address in Penrith.It was too late to sort out a postal vote so I have to do a Proxy Vote. I was sent the Proxy Vote form so filled it in online and emailed it back but no...it is not as simple as that.I have to print the form out, fill it in and sign it, then scan it and then email it back but they also want you to send the one you scanned back by post!I did all of the above and popped the original in an envelope and headed to Ballandean Post Office. Ballandean is not a big place so I did not know what to expect. The Post Office there is open from 9.00 until 5.00 pm every week day which is pretty amazing given the size of the place.The Post Office is basically a wooden shed and looks like it was built by Captain Cook. A sign outside said "Get your potatoes and pumpkins here!" I was just hoping they sold stamps.I walked in across the wooden floor to the counter. No one was about but I heard someone stirring out the back. I half expected them to walk out in crinolines and a bonnet but they didn't.It was an elderly lady but doubted they would allow one of the first convicts to run a Post Office."I'd like to send this to the UK please" I said sliding my envelope across the counter."That will be $2.75" she said."Can I send it express?" I asked."Oh," she said looking around a bit perplexed, "I think you'll have to send it in this." She held up a huge A3 sized envelope with 'International Express' written on it."That will be $46.""$46?" I said."They just changed everything in April. I used to have all sorts of sizes of envelopes and now there is only this one. Let me just check. She tapped away at a computer...Yes! They had internet!"Yes," she said " I think that's it. It won't go until 3.00 pm Monday anyway.""Should I go to the Post Office in Stanthorpe?" I asked."Yes," she said "Pop in there and see what they say."I should have gone to Stanthorpe first anyway I thought.Stanthorpe Post Office is very grand with its tall clock tower."I want to send this to the UK please."The woman tapped away on her computer and said,"$2.75 will take 8 days and $46 will take 4 days."Captain Cook's mother was right!I couldn't believe that the two options were $2.75 and $46!$46?!....What? Does it travel in the lap of a Princess?I sent it for $2.75.