August and Albany

It is still in the thick of winter although the rains have lessened ,it is still bitterly cold.

As we were feeling a bit stressed with the house sale, we decided a few days in Albany would be appropriate. Scott & Jo & the kids looked after Mac and they and Vicki & Trav arranged their own babysitting for a couple of days. We mostly had good weather and the break was good for us. The first day there we headed for the Sandalwood fFactory and I really wish I could afford more of their stuff, but it was lovely. It is an Hour and 1/4 drive to the Lily but we decided on that for morning tea. After all where else but here do you find Dutch windmills? So disappointed because they don't do morning or afternoon teas or lunch any more except for their own guests. We had coffee at the bottom of Bluff Knoll instead.

The Lily

Not a great deal of change in Albany, one new shopping centre, the most beautiful hotel pulled down and a few new holiday resorts and houses. The country is still so gorgeous though, that it does not matter that progress has been slow. We went to the old whaling station, on the recommendation of grandchild , Zoe, and that is well done now. Rather unique is the fact that the huge oil tanks are now theaters and photo diplays,very impressive and the coffee was nice too. We came there via Albany Highway and called in to Many Waters at Arthur River and saw old friend Jean Morrell and sons Neil and Peter. That was nice.

On the way back we went via South West Highway, Denmark. Walpole and North through the forest and apple country. Just beautiful countryside. Always makes one wish one could live there but not possible with family in the city. Our house was open again on Saturday and it appears the people in NSW still want to buy our place and as they have had an offer, have offered for ours. But, let's hope that is it, we'll believe it when they have signed the lease of life contract.

Photos follow in the next blog entry.