Sis and Dave in Dongara

Well, it really was wonderful to finally have Cynthia and Dave stay with us. We walked, talked, ate and drank and simply enjoyed their company so much. Even on the days that were a little inclement, it felt good just to cosy up inside and watch a movie or read. They had already spent 4 days in Perth and were happy to chill.
Naturally we showed off some of our special places and as always the days went far to quickly....I miss them.....wonder who will come next????

Back to Qld for family fix

It was all about family as I flew back to Queensland for a 10 day visit. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Ella and Sienna who, gratefully, still remember their Oma. They are simply adorable and great fun. Naturally there were many family gatherings and I was so happy to see my dear Dad. What an inspiration he is! Still doing his daily walks, reading constantly to keep his mind active, and a just a joy to be around.
It was a bonus to be in Brisbane for State of origin footy. Johanna screen printed appropriate shirts for her man and I. It was a rowdy evening..on my part...but suffice to say the blues were beaten. Sadly Seamus' shirt will need adjustments.
Loved being with my sisters and brother, and my own children are happy and content.
Feeling very satisfied that all was well back east, I happily made my way back to Perth where my darling man was waiting patiently at the airport. After a romantic evening in Perth we drifted back to Dongara and "Fig Tee Cottage". Life is great!

Leaves comes to see Aunty

How lucky am I to have my lovely niece Talitha "Leaves" come to visit, before she left Aus for Canada! It was a brief 2 night stay but the weather was perfect and we made the most of every minute.
Tucked into a wholesome vege curry at night and pancakes were on the menu for brekky.
She has inherited my spirit for adventure and is footloose and fancy free...you go girl!

To Perth and around with Steve...finally!

OK, it's been awhile...
suffice to say we are settled into our home in Dongara and Steve is happily travelling back and forth to the mine site.
But we did take advantage of one 5 day break to drive to Perth/Fremantle...Steves first time in the big smoke. Couldn't wait to show him more stunning beaches. We were kindly offered accommodation with Steve's boss and his wife.....made sure I was on my best behaviour there! No, they were great hosts and Neil blew us away (literally), demonstrating his musical talent on the trombone.
We headed west to beautiful historic York, nestled beside the Avon River with its gorgeous Federation and Victorian style buildings. Then spoilt ourselves with a night in a beautiful B and B set in a vineyard and belonging to Carol and Gary, relatives of good friends back in Qld. They run a boutique winery as well as a restaurant/shop with an American Indian flavour. A fabulous cheese platter was delivered to our room along with a great bottle of wine and a walk at sunset made a perfect start to the evening.
Onward to Northam, enjoying the drive through the wheatbelt and finally into Toodjay to spend a night with new friends we met in Victoria who have restored a darling old house that they return to periodically...they are serial travellers! It is a small world as Larry has mining connections with other friends of ours from his time spent in Northern WA. He cooked up a storm and we reflected on our individual adventures...a great night!
We drifted home through New Norcia, a town owned and managed by monks. The magnificent Hotel exudes old world charm and has a central staircase that would be perfect as a setting for a hollywood movie. Gliding down the stairs I let my imagination go wild and suddenly I became Scarlet O'Hara from Gone with the wind. Dressed in my comfy jeans and warm skivvy I probably didn't quite fit the picture!