The Wedding

We had a bit of a lazy morning but we did walk to the little shopping centre next door and looked in the op shop. We got ready and Kim and Karen came here and picked us up and off we went to The Boathouse. We were a bit early so we had a drink while waiting and then just before 1pm we were put on to a little ferry and took a 40 minute ride up the river. It was a very nice ride and nibblies and drinks were in abundance. When we stopped we had a short walk to where the ceremony was to be held, just off the beach under the trees. It was so pretty and Tarran and Karen looked absolutely gorgeous. The Celebrant was so cool and her name was Gaye Lemon....lol....and that was really her birth name....she said her mother must have had a sense of humour and said no wonder she is gay. The weather was also perfect although it was really hot in the sun and one of the guests collapsed which was not good. After the ceremony it was back to the ferry for an hour ride  back to The Boathouse and more drinks were had. The reception was on the top level of the building which goes out over the water and the view was beautiful. It was very casual with lots of lovely finger foods and lots of great company. It was also great to catch up with some friends we haven't seen for a while. A few speeches were done which were really nice and I think there were a few tears shed around the room. We left about 10.30pm and got a cab home. I have to say it was one of the nicest ceremonies I have been to and we were really glad we were able to make it.
Night xo

Back to where we started

Well as great as our camp site was last night it was certainly not the quietest place to stay. It was up there with Balranald in the "really bloody noisy trucks going past ALL night" stakes. So needless to say I had a really awful sleep but Tanya as usual can sleep through a bomb going off, so had a normal sleep. We woke up before 6am and was hoping the nice truckie was going to leave soon so we could use his toilet....and as we got up to go in search of a toilet he came out & was leaving so we got to use his room for toilet, teeth and hair :) We packed up the tent very wet as there was a really heavy dew overnight, and off we went by 7.30am. As we were not in a hurry we thought we had better call in to the Ginger Factory in Yandina as we have driven past it soooo many times and said "we really should go there", so this time we did. We spent about an hour there just looking at the shops and stuff and then headed off again. We got to Jude's at 11.30, unpacked, chatted to Brendan & Jude on her lunch break and then Tanya and I went to Woolies to get dinner supplies (well I went to Woolies while Tanya went to visit her friend Gina.) Tanya dropped me back at Jude's and went back to Gina's, I hung out with Brendan and Jude's son Simon, who I haven't seen for 20 odd years. Simon (Jude's eldest son) came around and Tanya made Seafood Thai Red Curry for dinner which was just beautiful and we spent the night chatting in between watching the AFL & NRL. Time for bed reasonably early to be ready for the wedding at lunch time tomorrow.
Night xo

Heading for the Sunny Coast

We were up at 7.15am and packed up yet again, had breaky with dad and then said our goodbyes till next week. We headed off around 9am not really knowing where we were stopping for the night. We googled a few places that were close to Brissy and we finally settled on Aratula. Although when we were driving into the very small town it was spitting rain and there were a few black clouds around. So we decided that we would call into the Aratula Hotel to have a cider and make our decision as to whether we would camp or not. We checked the radar on line and spoke to a couple of locals and we decided that it wasn't going to rain so we would go to the caravan park for the night. But as we were leaving the pub the bar lady said we could camp at the pub if we liked....could use their showers and it was free. So we took her up on her offer and went & found a nice little grassy spot to put the tent up. We had a shower and then had a couple more bevvies while playing some pool with a nice truckie who was very friendly. We shared pork chops, salad and chips for dinner....watched a bit of tv and now we are ready for bed. There are also a few rooms here right next to where we are camped and another truckie came over to us and said that we were welcome to use his room when he leaves at 6.30 in the morning and would leave the door unlocked for us....what a nice man....there still are some nice people out there. What a great little place :)
Night xo

Back to the farm

We were up nice and early this morning as Kylie starts work at 7am so we wanted to have a cuppa with her before she left. So needless to say we were packed up and ready to go by 7.30am. So we said our good byes to Neil and the kids and off we went to Coona. We arrived at dad's just before 10am and he was heading into town so that gave us a chance to do some stuff. We unpacked the whole car and went through everything and decided what we needed for the rest of the trip. We have condensed it all down to fitting in the boot so we have taken the basket off the roof racks and put all our stuff in it and have left it over at Pa's house till we need it. Then came the task of washing the car as we have been very slack and not done it since we left Bundy....and omg it was filthy...but now it looks all sparkling again and ready to trip off again tomorrow. We didn't do much for the next couple of hours and then Serena & Luke came up for a catch up and bought there new little puppy Lottie....she is very cute and our puppies were very happy to meet her. When they left dinner was made which was Chicken and Cashews with rice and was delicious. A few wines have been consumed and it will be bed time for all very soon.
Night xo

Visiting Marie

We headed off at around 9am this morning to visit the POW Camp where the Cowra breakout occurred in 1944 which my Grandfather was involved in so it was really interesting to go and have a look at. We then headed off to visit Alvo’s mum in Mumbil. We stopped at a neat little cellar winery on the way and tasted some great ports and could not resist purchasing as usual. We did find a treat for Norm and opted for the flagon so he can indulge.....we were then back on our way to Marie’s. She greeted us at the gate with Wuffles (her dog) and the puppies were welcome in the house where we all sat in the lounge room and chatted, well I had a little nap due to taking sinus tablets for the consequences of being on the farm yesterday. We had her home made fried rice for lunch which was great and all the puppies got some to share. We then headed off on our way to Dubbo and arrived there to be greeted by the Kearton family...including their two dogs. An excellent afternoon of wines & catching up were had, Kylie made a beautiful Thai Roast Chicken with Rice and salad for dinner. A bit more chatting was done and a couple of little muscats were had but now it is time for bed.

Tanya

Work Day/Family Day

Today I needed to set an alarm as I ventured out to work with Jamie-Lee. It wasn't an overly early start, 7.30am, but I am very used to just waking up when I'm ready. Jamie took me out to a farm she works on one day a week and I got to drench sheep for the first time and watch her brilliant kelpies in action. We sprayed some burrs as well and were able to have an early knock off just after noon so she showed me how she starts the pups working and then we went for a ride on the horses to bring some sheep in so another first for the day. I had such a great time and it was an absolute pleasure working with Jamie and chatting to her, she and I are very much alike and would be able to work together very easily. She told me that I'm a natural and would employ me in an instant, it is always nice to hear things like that and I told her that I would work for her any day. Alvo stayed home at Sams place with Sam and Chloe for some family time and watched a movie and lazed about the house most of the day before meeting Jamie and I at Jamie's house for a drink and some nibblies after we finished with the sheep. Tonight is our last night here and it will be sad to leave, I love seeing all these guys. Brydon was cooking up a curry stew storm when we arrived home and it was very nice. Sam, Brydon and I stayed up late chatting which is always enjoyable. Seeing as though I haven't had a shower and got out of my stinky work clothes I am off now.
Tanya

Another Indian Cook Up

We woke up to a beautiful day but didn't do alot for the morning and I started the cooking at 11.30am. I made Beef Vindaloo, Kahari Lamb, Lamb Korma, Kofta Balls, Potato & Pea Curry, Pilau, Tomato & Onion Salad and Raita. It took 8 hours to make but was well worth it. All the family came and some nice wines were opened and it took about 15 minutes to demolish. Everyone really enjoyed it and having the absolutely delicious home made Mango Chutney (made by the lovely Louise), made it taste even better. So that was the extent of the day, everyone left after dinner and we all went to bed.
Night xo

Brydon's Birthday.

This morning we woke to a beautiful sunny day so the decision to go skiing at the dam was made. Jamie-Lee's boyfriend Sam has a ski boat so we set off for the day. I had made my mind up not to ski as the wind was like ice and the water did not look inviting at all so I stayed on the bank in jeans and my jacket. Some of the others braved the cold and Alvo even thought about skiing for a fleeting moment but that soon changed when the sun disappeared and the wind blew up. We returned home with a little wind burn and needed to get through showers as we are heading out to Lot 31 for Brydon's birthday dinner. The meals we had were huge and delicious, Alvo had the Crispy Pork Belly and I had the best Veggie Stack I have ever seen and it even had basil pesto and goats cheese....mmmmm. After dinner Brydon went home and some of us ventured over to the Imperial for a few bevvies. Fun was had by all. On our return home we decided that the pistachio nuts were calling us and I think we ate about a kilo of them. Jamie-Lee, Sam, myself and the other Sam stayed up having arm wrestles and laughing our heads off and when we had our fill we headed off to bed.
Tanya

The Japanese Gardens

Oh what a beautiful bed we are sleeping in...soooo soft and comfortable. We got up just before 8 and didn't do alot except washing and Sam buzzed around doing some cleaning. Jess came here and we all went to the Japanese Gardens which is just lovely. We had lunch there first and then spent about an hour walking around the extremely manicured gardens and feeding the huge Coy fish. The wind was very icy but the sun was beautiful when it was out. We went home & Tanya went with Jess to Target so they could buy a onesie (pjs with feet) and Sam and I went to Wollies to buy stuff for my Indian cook up on Sunday and then a quick browse in Vinnies on the way home. Chloe has come back in to spend the weekend here. I made a Mediterranean Orange cake and Sam made lamb chops, jacket potatoes, corn and salad for dinner which was really nice. When Sam & I were at Wollies today I picked up some diced steak that just said "Heart Smart Diced Steak" and I said...."I wonder what cut this is" so there was a young worker standing there so I said to him "Can you tell me what cut this is"....and he says...."Diced"....so I say..."no what sort of meat is it....and he says "Beef"....AGHHHH....and I'm like...."no I mean what is it, like rump or chuck"....and he finally says...."oh Sirloin"....LOL....OMG I didn't think it was a hard question....anyway it made our day and I thought I would share it with you all :)
Night xoxo

p.s. Tanya looks really hot in her bright striped onesie :)

The Hay Plains and beyond

OMG it was bloody freezing last night which made our sleep a bit uncomfortable and the park is right on the highway so the trucks were pretty noisy too....but it didn't rain so I was very happy. We packed up yet again and headed off at 9.30 with Cowra in our sights. Driving across the Hay Plains is very interesting but very boring and there was only one small stretch that still had water over the road although there was still alot of water in the paddocks....I reckon alot of farmers still can't get out of there driveways. We stopped in West Wylong and had lunch at a pub and then arrived at Cowra just before 5pm. We were greeted by my Niece Jessica and her 2 beautiful little girls, Annabelle & Charlotte and Sam's son Ben. Brydon (my sisters husband) was busy in the kitchen making nibblies and then Sam arrived home from work. We snacked on Brydon & Jess's lovely snacks and had some drinks and then Jamie (Sam's middle daughter) and my beautiful baby girl Chloe arrived and then finally Jess's boyfriend Julian came. It is so nice to be here as it has been a while since we've seen these guys. So lots of chatting and laughing was done and then we all called it a night at about 11.30.
Night xoxo

The long haul

So last night I decided that we should put everything away as it was forecast to rain & I didn't want to get up in the middle of the night & do it....great plan.....but as it was so windy before it rained I was woken up in the early hours of the morning anyway as I was wet...the fly had stretched & was stuck to the tent so it was leaking like a sieve.....and I was not a happy camper. So after re-pegging the fly (in the bloody rain) it was all good again. We awoke to a very clear, blue sky which was great to pack up in. We headed off at 9am with Balranald in our sights which is about a 6 hour drive. We got about an hour down the road and saw the Banrock Station sign so we thought we had better call in for a taste. They have many nice wines and as Tanya was driving I was able to taste alot....lol. There were a few we liked so we had to buy a few of course. And the lady there recommended that we called into Berri Estates as well she said they are the biggest winery in the Southern Hemisphere so we had to make a pit stop there as well....and of course a couple of bottles were bought and then we were on our way again. The rest of the drive was very uneventful although we got some beautiful sights of the Murray River, what a huge river it is. So we arrived in Balranald just before 6pm and set up and then took the puppies for a walk along the Murrumbidgee River which is just beautiful too. We have just had a beautiful dinner of rice, pea & mushroom curry, crispy fried salami (from Banrock Station) and a fried egg....it was so good. We are in the camp kitchen now and are actually getting to watch a bit of MKR but will be not long till we are in bed. I finally got confirmation tonight that we can get through Hay as the flood waters have gone down so we will be in Cowra tomorrow afternoon :)
Night xo

The Wineries

First things first.....we had a possum tear into our garbage bag last night and grab out the apple core we had discarded so Alvo was up taking photos of it, it was very cute. I phoned Seppeltsfield Winery this morning to inquire about their Centennial Tour, they were very helpful and although had a large group through this afternoon were able to accommodate us. We headed off with the intention of calling into a couple of wineries on the way to Seppeltsfield (we needed to be there at 11am) but found that most don't open until 10.30am so we headed straight there to sort the puppies out before our tour. Mal was our guide for the tour and was a lovely bloke with a lot of information. We started with a history of the winery which in itself is very interesting. Seppeltsfield has the biggest cellar in the world, it is three stories and mostly filled with fortified wine....mmmmmm. We headed for the trophy room for a rare tasting of some of the oldest fortifieds on offer at the winery and it was very special. From there we headed to the cellar which holds port from every year dating back to 1878....and yep you guessed it, my birth year was the first release a hundred years on as this is the tradition of the famous Seppeltsfield Tawny and I was feeling quite special by this time. There are rows of the beautiful liqueur and the walk to your birth year is a special one. On finding your year, Mal dips in and pulls out a tasting for you to wallow in and I must admit there was something very special about this for me and photos were taken to cement the memory. We then tasted the Centenary Port which of course is 100 years old and was very thick and toffee like in flavour but it wasn't all about that, the experience was the thing I was looking for and I got it times 10. When the tour was over we tasted some of the table wines and vintage ports and couldn't leave without purchasing a couple. We needed some lunch by this time so headed for the Barossa Valley Estate Winery for an Estate Platter which consisted of some meats, cheese, crackers, chutney and gluten free bread all washed down with a glass of their sparkling shiraz. Next stop was the Seppelt Family Mausoleum which is quite large and overlooks Seppeltsfield as that was the wishes of Joseph Seppelt (founder of Seppelt Wines). From there we called in at Two Hands Winery who do an extensive wine tasting called a flight and we decided that we would have some fun and do a blind tasting there. We guessed most of the types of wines but struggled a bit when Jonathon asked us to name the regions, it was great though and we left there with a lovely moscato. On arriving back to at the campsite it was time for a nanna nap and I woke up to more lovely weather and just in time to start dinner which is Lentil Dumpling Curry and Rice....mmmmm. Alvo is not that hungry tonight due to our big..ish lunch so we are satisfied with this and then by the time we finish it is time for a read before bed so....goodnight.
Tanya
p.s. We were a bit disappointed to discover that the couple of ciders we left in the communal fridge (in a bag with eggs & labeled) last night were pinched....I guess not every camper is a nice one :(

The Barossa Valley

There was no rest for the wicked this morning as we needed to pack the car again in readiness to head off to our next destination which is Tanunda. Nanna Pat had some workmen arrive at 8.30am to recover her kitchen floor so it was best we made a move. It was sad to leave her this morning and I hope we get back there soon to visit, it was great staying there. We didn’t drive too far today, just about an hour or so and stopped at the Gungellan Pub, where they filmed McLeods Daughters, on the way. It was cool there and we sat and had a cider of course. We made it to Tanunda by lunchtime so set up and took the puppies for a walk down the main street for some lunch. We sat at a nice little cafe diner and had a simple lunch before exploring the shops. There is a German Cafe here and plenty of wine tasting shops but we will be going on a wine adventure tomorrow so no tasting today. We headed to Foodworks to get ingredients for dinner and Alvo has conquered yet again with her choice of salmon....so crispy seared salmon for dinner it is. We wandered back to the campsite to relax for the afternoon and put some cider in the freezer for later. Relaxation was had and the weather is just beautiful with not a cloud in the sky. We sat and enjoyed cider as the breeze blew and then headed off to the camp kitchen to make our delicious dinner. Alvo cooked the salmon perfectly as usual and we enjoyed it with korma vegetables. We were sharing the kitchen with a German couple and their two daughters who would have been about 6 and 4, it was so strange to hear little children speak in a different language. The little one got upset and was crying and talking at the same time.....it sounded really strange. Back to the campsite for a sneaky muscat before retiring with a good book. Looking forward to visiting some wineries tomorrow.

Tanya

The Wedding

Well this morning was very lazy and we stayed in our pj's till lunch time. I painted my toe nails and that was about the extent of activities for me. We frocked up for the wedding and got a lift in with Nana Pat to the Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and the gardens are really lovely. The ceremony was very nice although I felt like we were being read a 5 year old story by the celebrant but apart from that it was great. Leah looked gorgeous and Mike didn't scrub up too bad either. There was a couple of hours to kill before the reception so we went to the Alma Hotel for a drink. It was really busy because it is the Adelaide Crows (AFL) home pub and as they had won some big game the night before they were all there celebrating. We made our way to the reception which was at The Stoneyfell Winery and it was just lovely. The food was gorgeous and there was so much of it and the drinks were very good as well :) We danced alot and had a really good time but being a Sunday night most people left early so by about 11.30pm we were among the last left and then we headed off as well. So a huge congratulations to the gorgeous couple and thank you for sharing your special day with us.
Night xo

Haircut & Dinner

A sleep in was had this morning due to the late night. Nanna Pat was already up pottering around of course and when we finally got up we all shared a cuppa. Soon after breakfast we got ready to head off to Grandad’s for a visit. He lives at the Lutheran Nursing Home in Fullarton which is not far. Nanna Pat went to Lisa’s hens day so the puppies were left at home alone today but they have been no trouble so there should be no problems at all. When we arrived at Grandad’s place he was having lunch so we waited for him in the lounge while he finished up. We got chatting as usual and I found out more about his involvement in the military which was very interesting. I love sitting and talking to him, the stories are fantastic and I miss him when I am away. A photo was taken and a tear was had during the goodbyes and we waved from the car as we drove away....leaving is hard, I love him heaps. We then headed down to Unley Road where the friend we met in Fiji works and called in there before having some lunch at the coolest pub, it was called The Boho. Inside it looks like a circus tent and it had cool barstools with ladies legs as the base and old armchairs and lounges that were just beautiful. They were doing half price lunches and I ordered a warm chicken salad while Alvo ordered the Porterhouse steak. It was delicious and just enough to fill the spot. We headed back to Gina’s workplace to pick her up as we are going to her place for haircuts this afternoon. She lives in a beautiful unit on the beach at Seacliff and she soon transformed her bathroom into a hair salon. She snipped and razored our hair and it is the best haircut both of us has ever had, she is a true talent. From now on I am going to visit a barber for a cut instead of a hairdresser......they seem to really know short hair. We had to cut our visit short unfortunately as Ruby wanted to take us out for dinner at North which is the restaurant at the Adelaide Casino. We told Gina that we would be back to visit her in the near future and she told us that she would come and visit us wherever we settle down. It was sad to leave so early.  On a bit of a schedule we headed back to Nanna Pat to pick her up for dinner before we headed to Ruby’s so we can swap cars and head to the Casino.....we took her car because she has valet parking. The restaurant was great and they had the biggest wine list I have ever seen. The dishes were amazing. Alvo had the crispy skinned salmon with squid ink and risotto, I had the crispy skinned snapper with rice cakes and cauliflower mash, Ruby had the rack of lamb and Nanna Pat had morten bay bug tails. The food was absolutely delicious and quite large servings which was great so dessert was not needed.....maybe wanted but not needed. We wandered around the casino for half an hour while we waited for the car to be bought out and made a small donation....lol. By this time it was 9.30pm and we were dog tired so headed back to Ruby’s place to pick the car up and head back to Nanna Pats. Showers and bed.....

Tanya

To the big smoke

It rained again through the night and was very bleak when we woke up so we thought we better hurry to pack up to try & beat the rain...but we weren’t quick enough and did cop a shower so we had to pack the tent up wet again. We left the park and went and found the Coffee Roasting House that we were told about and got a coffee to start our drive. The drive was pretty uneventful although we stopped at a few places to take some pics one of them being the “Big Lobster”. The weather was a bit rainy in places but was pretty clear as we drove into Adelaide. We arrived at Nanna Pats at about 2pm and had a cuppa and spent the arvo chatting. The dogs got a well needed bath and they have settled in here like they own the place. Showers were had as we need to be at Uncle Jims for dinner. When we arrived there Hayley and Clare (two of my cousins) were already there and it was so great to see them. Lisa (the third of the cousins) and Kenny (her fiancé) arrived not long after along with Uncle Jim and we were soon sipping on wine and having great conversation. Aunty Marie is preparing dinner which is chicken breast with vegetable salsa, potato bake, carrots and beans. She did a wonderful job as usual and many more drinks were shared and more stories told. We needed to leave Uncle Jims by 10pm as we are going to Ruby’s (my stepmother) so she can take us to the Reepham Hotel which is the place that my Dad used to go and do Karaoke each Friday night with the hosts Mickey and Steve. They were happy to see us when we arrived and it was so great to catch up with them again. It ended up a late night and we didn’t get home until around 2am......so......bed time.

Tanya

A wet & windy start......

Last night turned out to be a bit of a wild night weather wise....we had to abandon our camp site for cooking & go to the undercover bbq area & finish off & then make a run for it back to the tent just in time for it to turn into a mini cyclone (well that's what it felt like in a little tent) & then also realised our air mattress was going down. So we pumped it up again only to wake at midnight to being on the hard ground....So I decided that maybe when Tanya did the the bung up it was too tight or something so I undid it & pumped it up again hoping that we were not waking the whole park up with the noisy pump. Also at this stage the tent was leaking a fair bit too so needless to say I was less than impressed but the mattress did stay inflated...yay for that. So when we woke up at 7.30 it was still raining on & off so we had to plan our packing up in between the down pours....and let me tell you....packing up a tent in the rain is not very fun. But we did it...without killing each other and we were on the road to Robe at 9.30. As we drove along the weather became clearer which we were very happy about. We stopped at Mount Gambier to get some meat for tea and petrol and then headed off again to arrive in Robe at noon, SA time. We found the caravan park that we had been recommended and found ourselves a nice little spot to set up. We headed down to the town to see what we could find for lunch and found a nice little Pizzaria that made Gluten Free pizzas so that is what we had. We also called into a very cool old pub to have a cider and had a bit of a browse in some of the shops. We found a little cellar door and of course had to go in for a taste and bought a nice bottle of Shiraz. Back to camp for a bit of a rest and showers and it has just started to rain again :( So we are in the tent now and will go to the very neat camp kitchen soon to cook dinner as the weather is not going to let us do it on our cooker. Hopefully it will be clear in the morning :)
Night xo