There and back again ------ AGAIN!

Hi Everyone,

Just back from yet another enforced holiday (courtesy of Immigration - the holiday, not the cost of it!!)  This time in Melbourne, and just in case you haven't realised that Xmas will soon be upon us, the first photo is of the Santa mail box.  Oh no, I forgot to post MY letter!  Hopefully, this is the last time I will HAVE to leave the country as I have a case worker!  Yippee!  The residency application is going through the preliminary assessment so I am waiting for contact.  Fingers crossed that all goes smoothly (and quickly).

My other good news is that the Earthquake Commission have, at last, inspected my house for damage and it is mainly cosmetic.  New tiles, a complete re-decoration and doors and windows adjusted.  Now when this will be completed is anyone's guess.  My immediate neighbour is not so lucky as her house has to be demolished and re-built!

Melbourne was nice as I met a friend, Wynn, who I knew in England and we visited one of the parks where the following photo was taken.  It is of Captain Cook's (parent's) cottage - bet you didn't even know that it had been moved from England, did you?  It was brought over to Australia and reassembled, brick by brick, in 1934.  Apparently it came from Marton in Yorkshire, now a suburb of Middlesbrough.  That is the end of today's history lesson!

While I was in Melbourne I visited a wildlife sanctuary where the next photo was taken.  I love koalas - they look so cuddly!  These were very sweet - and awake!

You really have to be aware of the next animals!  Very dangerous!

There are many of these about and they are very noisy.  Melbourne has about 4 million inhabitants and hundreds of buses and trams trundling about.  I began to wonder what was wrong with me as whenever I stopped walking the ground shook - just like Christchurch!  When I was near the tram-lines I knew what it was but it took a while to realise that there was an underground railway as well!!  That explained the shaking ground.

So, I am very glad to be home again.  The family is well, apart from the persistent coughs that we all seem to have.  Baby Elliot is 6 months old today - how time flies.  He is delightful (and no, I am in no way biased!)  Much!  The other children are looking forward to the summer holidays - only 3 weeks left of school after the end of this one.  In case I do not get around to sending Xmas greetings in time, I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Lots of love, Carol xx

New Beginnings!

 Hi Everyone,

Just a very quick blog before I head off AGAIN to foreign climes - Melbourne this time.  Yet another enforced holiday!!!!  by courtesy of Immigration (not, of course, that they are paying for it)  Perish the thought!

I went by bus (first time since March!) to the newly opened part of the city centre.  Much of it is still fenced off with many buildings demolished or waiting for the wrecking ball.  It was quite emotional initially.  Cashel Mall was more or less destroyed in February and the first retail outlets have opened, housed in shipping containers.  They are so bright and cheerful, especially in the sunshine, that it was easy to feel more positive.

The city still has a long way to go but this is a start. They have begun bus trips around the red zone today - not sure I am ready for that.  There are so few reference points to recognise - just empty spaces.

It was Olive's 4th birthday this week and she has her party tomorrow.  November 5th today so I may just take a stroll to the beach this evening to see the fireworks.  It won't be properly dark until 9pm.  Sarah and Matts' house building has begun and they hope to be in some time in February!  This week is our equivalent of the Suffolk Show and I am going on Thursday with school.  Hope it is fine.

More news when I get back from Australia.  Until then, take car.
With love Carol xxx