A drive around Lake Mulwala

G'day All.

I hope your all well and the weather is being kind to you were ever you maybe, .

its been very cold here getting down to -2c during the night and today had a high of 12c . Bbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrr. bring on summer.

Carol's been here for the last few days, and she drove me to one of my medical appointments for tests. And is now giving Pauline and Myself some much needed lessons on Facebook mainly on applications and Farm town..

On returning home from holiday's We found the Lake had been drained to try kill of the green weed with the frost. at this stage we have hardly had a decent frost. so time will tell if its been a success. So with camera in hand went for a drive over the bridge and along Mulwala . side taking a few photo's then back into Yarrawonga for a few more photo's . Its been a very big tourist attraction as its only the second time ive seen it empty in 20 years..

Now on with some photo's of Lake Mulwala .

Well everybody ill be around visiting you all in the next few days.

Please click to enlarge all photo's for a better look.

Standing on the boat ramp on the New South Wales side of the lake

Would you Ski in this after seeing the lake empty
Take a closer look its a large green bin covered in weed

Traffic bridge between Victoria and New south wales

Crossing the bridge into Victoria

Emily took the next couple of photo's while I was driving on the bridge

Paradise Queen left high and dry
Rylie and Maddi walking over the swimming section of the lake

A closer look of the Paradise queen

Boat ramp well out of the water on the Victorian side

The yacht launching ramp

A little further around near the Yacht club

Ending with a beautiful winter sunset over the empty lake .

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Part 8

Gday all
Put on your walking shoes and come join me in a stroll through Swan Hill pioneer village. I must warn you it will take a few hrs.

Once again click on any or all to enlarge pics.
Pauline outside the Swan Hill pioneer settlement.

The first thing we see is Mum feeding her Joey.

Then this gentleman on his Penny Farthing cycle, now this looks like hard exercise.

The old car was carrying a lot of school kids
waving and having fun.

We went for a very uncomfortable ride in this carriage around the settlement.

Along the main street.A very uncomfortable looking invalid bed inside the Chemist.

Potions line the shelves inside the Chemist.
Lower Murray Inn, pub.

The kegs on the counter inside the pub.

An Old wine press outside (looks like they made their own wine).

Click image to enlarge

As we went past here the lady asked us to come in and play dressup and of cause we did with lots of fun and laughter

I've been pinned in to my outfit and Paulines getting pinned into her outfit. We all look like we have put on weight But alas! we all have our winter clothes on Hence why were getting pinned into the outfits.

Carol and Pauline being quite the ladies.

The three of us all dressed up.

Hahaha we had fun getting dressed up in these costumes.

A one room cottage

Mud brick kitchen,

Click Image to read description.

This home must have belonged to a wealthy owner.

See the dinning room Below

they even owned a washing machine out the back

and a cellar out the back
inside the cellar

This Shelter made from malley roots was being used as a shelter for the horse

as we walked through the streets
We come past this open shed that housed quite a few carriages I have only posted a few.

this one is called the sociable

inside post office.

look at that switchboard

the Traveling school
A horse drawn caravan and the bath outside.

It was to dark to take a photo inside.I couldn't see a stove to cook on but it had a chimney..

I hope you all enjoyed your stroll around the settlement.

these are only a few of the photo's I took.

Next stop Home sweet Home .

MY YOUNGEST "JOANNE" TURNS 40

Joanne's Birthday cake

SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

Joanne shed a tear of happiness when Colin pesented her with his gifts before he placed this beautiful pendant around her neck .(She thought she was getting a new laptop).
One side of the Pendant,their children Timothy 10, Kara7 and Liam 5.
and a pair of Diamond earings,

on the other side Laura Jane 5.4.1998~~13.4.1998

Joanne and Colin having fun

Joanne, Megan Kara. Timothy and Liam.

Joanne and Megan have been best friends for 36 years .

Megan Flew in from Darwin And surprised Joanne on her arrival

Mum and Joanne having a birthday hug

Hehehe. Kissing cousins ~Joanne and Geoff

Geoff flew in for Queenland for the party.

.
Carol (Cazz) and a friend Bi

Party time

Sisters. Donna, D.I.L Christine, and Jenny

Ouchhhh

My 4 beautiful Grown up kids,

L:R; Joanne, Donna. Carol and Gary .

Marc and Jen .
Serayha in background

having fun

The Car My beautiful Grandaughter Serayha,
4 more beautiful Grandchildren.

LR: Maddison, Rylie,Emily and Nathan

I think Alan telling Megan a joke and Carols Hubby Ian listening in

Gary with his two Beautiful daughters Alyce and Emily and their boyfriends

A few of the 80 + party goers

Awwwwww what happened here

All the ladies having a chat.

Speeches: Colin,Liam.Joanne,Kara and Timothy

3 of my neices

Joanne cutting the cake with Liam waiting for a little piece.

OOOpppsI forgot the camera when she was opening her gifts the following morning.

lots of jewellery, gifts for the new house and enough money to buy her own laptop if she wishes to do so.

THATS ALL FOLK I WILL GET AROUND TO VISITING YOU ALL AFTER I HAVE HAD A REST

NEXT STOP BACK TO SWAN HILL

Swan hill

Gday All. I hope your all well. and not too hot or too cold in your part of the world.Were in the grip of winter and its been very chilly, last night we had a low of -2c and today a high of 16c and sunny, but I didnt see much sun as I was Playing pennant indoor carpet bowls our Team won 23shots to 11 so was a good win.

Well folk im off to Melbourne friday afternoon for the weekend A flying visit as its my Youngest Daughter Joanne's 40th birthday Saturday 20th So Party time (Grease Theme)
, and for me a big catch up with family, relatives, and friends. IM sure a lot of fun and laughter will be had by all..

Now on with a few more photo's once again click on any to enlarge..

As we were driving towards Swan Hill Carol spied these Kangaroo's and Emu's behind a fence so pulled over so I could get a few photo's ,among many others that were also taking photo's

Night view of Carriages Resaurant

Daylight

As you walk up the front steps its like walking onto a well cared railway platform

On the platform We enter here for dinner

the pressed metal ceiling

Looking along the carriage restaurant

Pauline studing the menu

Relaxing with Crown Lager before dinner

Dinner served. unfortunatly Carol wasn.t feeling very well and stayed back in the motel

Dinner: White fish.scollops, prawns. camilari,chips and salad.
was so Yummmy.

Daylight

Night view of the old red rattler.I took this as we left the restaurant and walked back to Motel for a good nights rest .

Next stop we head to Swan hill pioneer settlement

Adelaide Trip. ,Wentworth Jail PT 8

Gday All. Hope alls well in your part of the world, Im very well, Thursday played Pennant We our Team won by 4 shots. Ohh boy was it cold traveling in the small bus I think the temp only got to 9c all day, Friday, Saturday I spent most of the day indoors keeping warm,was rather cool and Cloudy a high of 13C. Today the sun was shining and was to nice to be indoors all day sunny top temp 15.6c so spent a few hours rehanging and putting my plants back in the fernery. then Emily and I went for a drive around the lake Its empty and walk along the foreshore. Took a few photo's but thats another blog.. Thats my weekend. NOW ON WITH A FEW MORE PHOTO"S FROM MY HOLIDAY.
Once again please enlarge any for a better look..

Front of Wentworth Prison
1879-- 1927

The Governors House attached to the prison .

, You have to go through the Governors house and pay a small entrance fee before entering the prison

Carol leading the way. Male Cells

The Male Cells

I wonder what the girls are looking at

This! The harsh conditions in the Prisoners cell No bed just a thin mattress on a concrete floor
Ohhhh my. dont try this you will go around the bend

The Knocker
laundry mangle

laundry copper and mangle
The womens section I wonder if the the broken fence is were the men tryed to get in or the women out...( just joking)
Female cell

Let me out! ,Let me out! im innocent

I just had to take a photo of this to show you

The Back door

whipping rack

In the yard . enlarge to be able to read

How would you like to be chained and left in the baking sun or pelting rain

This sign on the wall behind the tree stump

barren yard

A lonely tree can you see the old water pump
with the fire bucket full in readyness of fire .

Next Stop Swan Hill for Dinner and overnight stay a look around before we head for home..

Big Lizzie Part 7

Gday All. Nothing to report its toooooo cold to be doing any outside activities..

.Today had a high of 11c and a very icy breeze blowing . Tonight expecting low of -2c high 9c tomorrow. and Ive had a call to play indoor pennant thursday Bus leaves for Wangaratta at 8.30am..BRRRR will need the thick woollies for traveling.. .

Well now on with a few more holiday photo's.

Please click to enlarge all photo's

On our way to Orange world. we see this sign so had to turn left and go see Big lizzie
Please enlarge to be able to read

Pauline standing in front of big Lizzie.

Hahaha. I bet you all were expecting to see a big Lizard as we were when we saw the sign.

Big Lizzie

Pauline going to read the sign

enlarge to read

A close of the machinary in the park.

Orange world

All aboard

Brian our driver and his Family run and operate this 50acre working property Brian tells A couple of jokes then we all sing Waltzing Matilda before we start a very informative tour. After our tour we were given a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and tasting of fresh orange blossom honey it was so yummy we all purchased a jar of honey , bottle of orange juice and a few souviners.

The Big Orange
the start of the tour

This is a variety of the Shaddock below.

The blood orange has crimson, colored flesh.

This fruit has no pulp or juice
Its peel is loaded with fragrant oils , the zest has many uses, can be used on fish, in alcoholic drinks, or in cooking.

A large sweet Valencia orange

The Shaddock is the largest orange in the world, and is ancient ancester of the grapefruit mainly used for making marmalaide (Jam). They range from cantaloupe to small watermelon in size and have a very thick rind and the flesh ranges from pink to rose in colour.

Pauline having a rest

its been a long day

Back at the car Carol tasting one of her purchases while waiting to squeezzzzze our purchases in between the suitcases and the wine.

Next Stop Wentworth

Midura Part 6

Gday All.

Not a lot to report, I went back to bowls Thusday played 2 games our team won 1 lost 1..

I have the local handy man in at the moment Painting, repairing and replacing all my shade mesh on the fernery and extending for a new project,Will show this when completed. Also one of the large sails over back patio has been taken down and away getting repaired and cleaned one of the seams has warn and come adrift ,when that one is returned they will take the smaller one down and get that cleaned and check all the seams. so they should look like new once again. The weathers turned quite chilly, Todays forecast showers and top temp of 14c . Its only 11c =about 51f Brrrr at the moment and NO rain it wont get any warmer today. well I suppose it is winter, but cant complain the country side is starting to green up as is my back Lawn/

Now a few more photo's of my trip.

Please click to enlarge all Pics.

The Melbourne click this link to read more about it.

Carol just about to go on aboard Pauline in the door way

Above and Below: The huge Steam engines

Pauline and Carol soaking up the sun

Jeanette and Pauline in the Wheelhouse

Going into the Loch

Water is rising

Gates starting to open

On our way
A private paddle steamer Moored near the owners property

Mildura weir click to read about the weir

Close up of a beautiful old Red Gum

A very peaceful Scene

One of many Holiday house boats that use the river

A few of the lovely old Gum trees that line the banks

Coats on even though the sun was shining all day. as evening was fast approaching it got quite cool as we alighted at the end of the cruise.

Leaving the wharf to tie up for the Evening

Sailing into the Sunset.

Cheerio for now

Next stop, Big Lizzie & Orange world.

Anguston Part5

Gday All.
Im very happy to report that all went extremely well with my yearly Colonoscopy. YIPPEEEE! I dont have to have another for 3 years , My specialist said ive made 5 years since being diagnosed with Cancer, and seeing all went well im going to live to be an old lady LOL but will still have to have ongoing blood tests forever and a day.
Ill be around to visiting you all soon as I can as I have Carol here watching over me , to make sure I follow Doctors orders and get plenty of rest for the next few days..

Now on with a few more photo's of my trip.

A walk though the farmers Market.

were all produce is locally grown and sold by Farmers

Yummy Home made chocolates from contented cows

Carol tasting some home made dryed and cured meats

home made sponges .honey . ETC.

A walk through the park To see Peter

The bronze Statue of Peter

Above and below: Peters Plaque's
please\ click to enlarge
To be able to read

Angus Park well known for their dryed fruit , nut, and yummy chocolates
Pic below

Yulumba winery Tununda

Heading up the path
can we make it up the path

We made it

Look who is at the bar
Having a small taste
Very happy with my purchase

Just resting

In the garden

Just a few of my Yummy purchases

Heading home next stop Mildura

Barossa Valley PT4

Gday all.
I Hope you are all keeping well and healthy, and the weathers kind to you where ever you maybe.We have had some lovely sunny days , last night we got some much needed rain,a couple of very heavy down pours enough to water the garden, No sign of rain today but the weather is much cooler today and central heating on ..
Iwent to Drs and had my Pre admission today, go into hospital Thursday for my procedure Friday.Also got good results from Blood Tests.
Now on with a few more Photo's of my trip..We went to quiet a few wineries in the Barossa but im only posting a couple of my favorites.

The House of grape liqueurs,wine,antiques & roses

Inside The Foyer

Above: One of the glass cabinets

A few Photo's of the Antiques in the grand ballroom.The collection from Early 18th and 19th century and has been collected from all over the world By Mr Thumm. The porcelain is mainly from France & Germany.

Please Click to enlarge all pics for a better view.

one of the many cabinets
A few glass cabinets aroung the room
this one is dated 1785
Just a few of antiques in glass cabinets
Pauline admiring one of the tables from the time of Louis xvi

this piece is from the Baroque period

A couple more cabinets full of beautiful Dinner services

As you all can see the 3 of us made purchases here including a bottle of grape syrup each, if the wines not sweet enough for your taste you add a very small drop to sweeten or add to ice cream or a milk drink.. just a few uses for the grape syrup. Now out the back and into the rose garden

Alpine sunset Uk 1973

Coronation Gold

Amadeus red

Golden Years Yellow Harkness UK

WE Stopped here to stretch our legs and get a bite to eat for lunch .Carol headed to the bakery were she purchased a nice hot cup of potato and leek soup, Pauline and I went next door for A feed of fish and chips before hitting the road again.

While driving along we noticed a sign to the KEG factory, and of course we had to go have a look

A chair made from a Keg,(Barrel)
It was comfy but would think if filled with ice and drinks would be very cold on the rear end.

A few assorted kegs for sale.

Here one of the friendly staff was explaining the best way to use the small Keg.

The window you see is for viewing work in progress,Unfortunetly the workers had finished for the day.and couldn't see any in production

We were told at the visitors centre this was a must see To taste the Meads unique to this area, as we driving though this area of course we stopped to sample the Meads.Ports and wines that were on offer, I must say was well worth the stop . After tasting the warm Meads , ports and wines, we all come away feeling quite warm inside and very happy with our Purchases.I purchased Scarlet Mead (Chocolate and Cinnaman)Ohh so nice
,a white port and a couple of bottles of
Sweet red late harvest Cabernet Sauvigon.
Not a lot of photo's here I was tooooo busy tasting and forgot the about the camera in my pocket.

Their Motto is.




WE GROW THE GRAPE.. MAKE THE WINE...BOTTLE IT., SELL IT TO YOU
.,AND YES!! WE DO DRINK IT..

I took these Photo's of the Murals on the vats depicting the history of wine making, I only took a few as there was quite a line of them

Now its time to find our Motel and get a good nights rest before we hit the road again .A few more days before we make it home.. Pt5 to follow..

Cheers \_/ \_/

Hahndorf Part 3

Gday All,
I hope your keeping well wherever you maybe. I feeling very well had Drs check up today all went well, its time for my annual tests.. Had my blood tests today . Now I just have to make appointments for Ulta sound and Mammagram, and I have a Colonoscopy next week Ohhh Yuk!!! not looking forward to taking the dreaded fleet I shudder at the thought of it .

Now on with my holiday.

We decided to have extra day in Adelaide and go for a drive into Hahndorf One of the Adelaide Hills's most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlements. There's still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the smallgood outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street.
.
Please click to enlarge all pics.

Top: Driving into Hahndorf .
Lets stroll along the main street in all its Autumm glory..

this needs no caption
Pioneer Gardens You can see the bust of Captain hahn
Capt, Hahn

click to enlarge

Carol in the Puppet Shop

German Arms
The next two are on the pavement outside the leather shop

the lolly shop
above and below : inside the Lolly shop ;

one of the bakery's 1839 above the shop
Cafe'

The craft shop

Above & below: a group of shops

The name explains the shop

Lovely old souvenir shop

I took this one as we got back to the car, the Autumm leaves and a little lady painting her fence.

Cheerio for now I hope you all continue to enjoy my trip..

Next stop Barossa Valley