We
arrived in Sydney around 0700 on the 23rd December after a tedious
twenty six hour trip from London. A trip that needs no elaboration.
We
planned to pick up a car, spend a few days here then drive to Melbourne.
We
were staying at Chatswood and would be having Christmas with Peter’s sister,
Pam at their new home in St Ives.
They
have down-sized from their family home in Pymble to a very nice unit in this
lovely setting. Their son Michael surprised them, visiting from Melbourne and we
all enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner prepared by Pam and Fiona.
Our
time in Sydney seemed to go in a flash and we were off towards Victoria. A five
hour drive and we were in Wodonga where we would stay with Marg’s sister Jane
for a few more days.
While
here we visited some wineries around Rutherglen, namely Campbells and Andersons
where we stocked up on some of our favourites. One being Andersons Sparkling
Durif, a full bodied red, made by the champagne method.
It
was soon time for us to continue, our next stop was Euroa, once the home of
Marg’s family. Sister Judy and husband Geoff still live here. By coincidence our
friends Bill and Rhos originally from Perth have retired from Melbourne and
live here too.
We
stayed with Bill and Rhossie as Judy’s
Christmas and New Year schedule was tight. We all enjoyed a very pleasant
luncheon together in town.
Bill
took us on an outing to Healesville to sample the products of a new gin
distillery. Four Pillars Gin Distillery is
making a name for itself in Australia as the producer of a top quality product.
Our camera decided to have a flat battery so we must thank Bill for the use of
these pics.
Off
again, and we next spent a few days in Melbourne.
We
met up with some of Marg’s friends in the Botanical gardens. The four of them,
Marg, Jeannie – from Casterton High, Janet and Anna - from nurse training days, spent
time chatting. A pleasant afternoon.
One
memorable evening was spent with Aunty Peg at Sally and Di’s home. We enjoyed a
lovely meal after which Sal drove us home in her new Golf Convertible.
On
then, by train to Ararat where we were met by Helen and stayed overnight with
her. We all then went on to Liz and Paul’s property, Jallumba, outside Horsham.
We
spent an enjoyable few days there and were joined by Jane and John, Marg
relaxing with her sisters while Peter played at being a farmer under the
critical eye of Paul.
On
to Adelaide by bus and then a short flight to Perth - only 3 hours.
Once
again we stayed with the Humms while we tidied up our house. It had been let
and we were preparing to move back in. As usual, we ate extremely well. This
meal of blue manna crabs was foraged from the Swan river by Dave and Janet
earlier that day. Note the quality table cloth.
Another
enjoyable gathering with our friends at the Humms and yet another beautiful
meal.
Of
course we spent time with our family, we went with Emma early one morning to
her first swimming lesson in the ocean. Both she and Daniel swim in their small
home pool, but the sea is quite different and they enjoy it.
On
Robert’s suggestion we had brunch in Bassendean, the suburb where our boys grew
up. He wanted Peter to see the restored WAGR passenger coach now a dining room
at the Dome Café. This shopping centre is much changed since our time here.
Outside,
the children amused themselves among these wobbly mirrors.
We
had been out of France for almost two months, wandered around and have seen
new ground as well as old. We met up with friends where we could but now
realise that for various reasons, we missed seeing some. Sorry about that but
there will be another time.
We are returning to Matilda, so we will keep in touch.
Until next time.
Until next time.
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